<p>Around 400 additional homes could be built at Southwark Grounds on Port Road, lifting total site capacity from 1300 to around 1700 dwellings.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>“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.</p>

<p>Since the project officially launched in 2025, Mr Wingard said more than 12,000 enquiries had been received about living at Southwark Grounds.</p>

<p>“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.</p>

<p>The Southwark Grounds code amendment was launched in December last year, with community engagement undertaken over five weeks from January.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>One of the first developers delivering apartment sites have already finalised redesigns to increase the number of apartments following the code amendment.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>The developer is also exploring the potential for additional affordable housing outcomes.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>“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.”</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Southwark Grounds is a state government‑led urban renewal project now set to deliver around 1,700 homes over the next decade.</p>

<p>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.</p>


Joel Robinson

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

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>“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.</p>

<p>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.”</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>“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.</p>

<p>A major focus of the proposal is its five-level wellness and lifestyle offering, extending from the basement through to the rooftop.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>


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

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"Dwellings&nbsp;will benefit from excellent access to natural light, cross-ventilation opportunities and extensive communal space," the report noted.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>


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

<p>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.</p>

<p>The proposal will now proceed to a full council vote on June 2.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>Centre owner Patrick Lu said the milestone reflected months of detailed planning, technical assessment and ongoing communication with local residents, businesses, schools and stakeholders.</p>

<p>“We appreciate the time, consideration and care Council officers and the Planning Committee have given this proposal throughout the assessment process,” Lu said.</p>

<p>“We also sincerely thank the local community for engaging with us, sharing feedback and participating in the consultation process over many months.</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>“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.</p>

<p>“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.</p>

<p>“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.”</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>Lu said the proposal had evolved significantly through consultation and technical review, particularly around traffic, pedestrian and student safety and neighbourhood connectivity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>“This proposal represents the type of thoughtful, integrated growth that planning frameworks across South-East Queensland are encouraging,” Ms Griffin said.</p>

<p>“The project seeks to place housing, retail, healthcare and employment opportunities together in a highly accessible location close to schools, transport and existing services.</p>

<p>“Importantly, the process has involved significant technical assessment and community engagement to ensure local issues and feedback were properly considered throughout the planning pathway.”</p>


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

<p>Surfers Paradise is officially set for its first new residential development with a 45-storey skybridge connecting the two towers.</p>

<p>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>.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>“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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>“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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>The project will also introduce new food and beverage offerings along the Enderley Avenue and Oceanway frontages, contributing additional activation to the beachfront precinct.</p>


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

Planning applications

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<p>Long thought of as a site prime for high-density development, 830 Plenty Road is again subject to a planning application which would radically alter the local landscape should it gain approval. The 10,194sqm land parcel atop Reservoir's Summerhill Village currently sees a variety of vacant low-rise buildings languishing onsite, with all set to make way for 326 dwellings.</p>

<p>Project manager and development manager Ouson Group is behind the proposal which would see four separate apartment buildings delivered along with 17 townhouses under the moniker Reservoir Reflection.</p>

<h2>830 Plenty Road planning 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/image10_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial perspective of the intended development. Image courtesy Architeria Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="277" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image10_1.jpg?itok=Ez80YU9U" title="Aerial perspective of the intended development. Image courtesy Architeria Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial perspective of the intended development. Image courtesy Architeria Architects</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Application lodged 29th June with Darebin City Council</li>
	<li>Site area: 10,194sqm</li>
	<li>Four apartment buildings of up to 12 levels</li>
	<li>326 apartments: 73*1BR, 15*1BR+S, 194*2BR, 24*2BR+S, 20*3BR</li>
	<li>391 basement car park spaces &amp; 106 bicycle spaces</li>
	<li>Retail and recreational uses at ground level</li>
</ul>
<h2>Design impetus</h2>

<p>Urban.com.au spoke with project point Architeria Architects to gain an insight into Reservoir Reflection:</p>

<blockquote>
<p>Our response to the clients's brief to develop this site, situated next to a recently developed shopping precinct, was to exceed their expectations by designing a landmark apartment complex which includes over 320 apartments and townhouses along with over 1000 Sqm of retail and commercial space.</p>

<p>Communal areas such as a swimming pool, lush landscaped gardens, barbecue and play areas, all enrich the compound. Reservoir Reflection is aiming to introduce signature architecture to the rapidly growing and changing suburb of Reservoir in Melbourne. A rhapsody of architectural elements and materials create an exciting mix of twisted cubes, glass curtain walls, metal cladding and coloured concrete.</p>

<p>My vision was inspired by the movement of waves and their reflection. I pictured falling dices wrapping along Plenty Road, creating that landmark for Reservoir.</p>
<cite>Mel Gawi, Principal Architect, Architeria Architects</cite>
</blockquote>

<p>Key to the design is a reflective purple facade band which is designed to stand out as the signature element of the proposal. Loosely designed in a horseshoe configuration, the buildings surround an internal amenities area which are akin to resort facilities in their design and quality.</p>

<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/image11_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of the facade treatment. Image courtesy Architeria Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="321" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image11_2.jpg?itok=I4CeqFOm" title="Artist's impression of the facade treatment. Image courtesy Architeria Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of the facade treatment. Image courtesy Architeria Architects</figcaption></figure><h2>Second time lucky</h2>

<p>The site in question does have a planning history with approval in recent years for a Fender Katsalidis-designed dual tower scheme. Consisting of 294 dwellings and with the taller tower at 16 levels, the Fender Katsalidis design would have seen 273sqm or retails space and 424 car parking spaces included.</p>

<p>Both the initial Fender Katsalidis design and current Reservoir Reflection represent a marked change to the character and scale of the locality, although Reservoir Reflection's development team have held design meeting with Darebin City Council prior to it's submission in the hope of expediting the planning process.</p>

<p>With 326 dwellings included, Reservior Reflection shapes as one of suburban Melbourne's larger apartment projects, and one that would sit prominently atop the Summerhill Village precinct.</p>
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silvermb

Reservoir Reflection one of suburban Melbourne's largest proposals

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<p>There's nothing like a new levy to flush out a multitude of fresh planning applications, all seeking to avoid the financial imposition which came into effect on Wednesday of this week.</p>

<p>The Metropolitan Planning Levy sees all planning permit applications for developments in metropolitan Melbourne with an estimated development cost of over $1,000,000 attract a $1.30 levy for every $1,000 of the estimated cost of the development. A <a href="/news/the-napthine-governments-planning-tax-legacy">full description of the levy</a> was previously provided by James Lofting of HWL Ebsworth Lawyers.</p>

<p>In recent days there's been a rash of new applications throughout metropolitan Melbourne, with the most notable suburban project lodged this week found at 830 Plenty Road, Reservoir. Holding in excess of 300 apartments over four buildings, the project's submission prior to July 1st has saved developer Ouson Group in excess of $100,000 according to Principal Architect Mel Gawi of Architeria Architects.</p>

<p>While notable project submissions have been spotted throughout Melbourne this week, the real action occurred in close proximity to the big smoke with no less than 18 major planning applications lodged on either Monday or Tuesday of this week. Major applications in that they landed on the State planning register, inferring that aside from Fishermans Bend all the proposals are in excess of 25,000sqm GFA.</p>

<p><iframe height="480" src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=zqdl6A2iXb4Y.kgPXkAJEIE_o" width="640"></iframe></p>

<p>Seen above is a map marking the 18 major applications submitted earlier this week, with a distinct bias toward Normanby Road, South Melbourne. Seven projects line the Fishermans Bend thoroughfare, with the name Paul Little appearing on six of the seven applications. Planning &amp; Property Partners are handling the six applications at this point which if approved would add to the already popular pocket of Fishermans Bend.</p>

<p>Fishermans Bend aside the remaining projects are spread almost evenly between Melbourne's CBD, Southbank and Docklands.</p>

<h2>Already in the spotlight</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_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Sturt and Bourke. Images courtesy Hayball and Besgate"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="221" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image9_0.jpg?itok=JmmnZ7ZE" title="Sturt and Bourke. Images courtesy Hayball and Besgate" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Sturt and Bourke. Images courtesy Hayball and Besgate Group</figcaption></figure><p>The above images are by no means definitive, but give a fair indication as to what two of the eighteen planning applications will resemble. Currently located within 135 Sturt Street, architecture firm Hayball have conceived a residential tower to replace their offices at the Southbank address, while Apartments.com.au reported on Besgate Group's plans to deliver a <a href="/news/besgate-group-readies-their-surge-into-the-melbourne-apartment-market">sizeable tower at 640 Bourke Street</a> during May. Both sites respective planning permit applications were lodged on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Elsewhere Docklands News is <a href="http://www.docklandsnews.com.au/editions/article/new-towers-planned-for-harbour-town_11008">reporting</a> that Capital Alliance Investment Group is seeking approval for separate towers at 26-38 Pearl River Road and 3-43 Waterfront Way. With the group's current <a href="/buildings/m-docklands-679-la-trobe-street-docklands">M Docklands</a> build topped out, the South Wharf-based developer is seeking approval for a 36 level residential/hotel building and a 30 level residential apartment building close by. Both applications were also submitted on Tuesday.</p>

<p>One of Melbourne's most prolific developers, Central Equity have also sought to shore up its future residential stock with two new proposals on Southbank. 268-274 City Road and 71-87 City Road are set for redevelopment ,with the latter which is located directly behind Eureka Tower slated for a 67 level residential tower; the first such time Central Equity has sought to push beyond a tower of 200 metres in height.</p>

<p>Most notable of the remaining applications is 162-188 Turner Street Port Melbourne where six towers are seeking approval while AZX Australia has weighed into the CBD with a sizeable proposal at 183-189 A'Beckett Street Melbourne. This follows from the recent launch of their maiden Victorian project which sees 968 apartments earmarked within Footscray's Joseph Road Precinct under the moniker <a href="/buildings/riverina-22-hopkins-street-footscray">Riverina</a>.</p>

<p>In due course Apartments.com.au will endeavour to cover all the above projects in detail.</p>

<p><span style="font-size:10px;">Lead image courtesy stuffpoint.com.</span></p>
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New planning applications come flooding in

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<p>Samma Group may not be recognised instantaneously as an established Melbourne residential developer, but the Cremorne-based company has a number of subsidiaries under its umbrella which maintain a higher public profile. Chief amongst them is SPEC Property which continues to expand its portfolio of development sites throughout metropolitan Melbourne.</p>

<p>Hand in hand with SPEC sits in-house architecture, planning and design agency Inhabit Design which is responsible for the group's two most recent projects located in Fishermans Bend and Camberwell. Both projects shape as medium term development opportunities for the developer, which currently has a healthy workbook of residential developments.</p>

<h2>51-59 Thistlethwaite Street and 476-486 City Road, South Melbourne</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/image55_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="51-59 Thistlethwaite Street and 476-486 City Road, South Melbourne. Image courtesy Inhabit Design"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="328" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image55_1.jpg?itok=4gyvFQ_4" title="51-59 Thistlethwaite Street and 476-486 City Road, South Melbourne. Image courtesy Inhabit Design" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>51-59 Thistlethwaite Street and 476-486 City Road, South Melbourne. Image courtesy Inhabit Design</figcaption></figure><p>Lodged with City of Port Phillip during January 2015, the project has already moved to an appeal setting according to Council's online planning portal. Ranging between 4 and 16 levels, the development seeks the approval of 258 apartments split between one, two and three bedroom options, with retail and commercial tenancies and community facilities included.</p>

<p>As part of the application, Soho dwellings, a 40sqm toy library and a 93sqm tenancy for a start-up business would be present at ground level, while an enhanced public realm would see the creation of a pedestrian/bicycle access lane adjoining the site.</p>

<p>Even though City of Port Phillip failed to decide upon the merits of the application within the prescribed 60 day limit, they have indicated via online documents that they were hesitant to support the proposed development in its current form. Concerns with building height and setbacks, and inconsistencies with the Fishermans Bend Strategic Framework Plan Policy and Design Guidelines were cited as major issues.</p>

<h2>Prosper Apartments - 699 Burke Road, Camberwell</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/image80.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="699 Burke Road, Camberwell. Image courtesy Inhabit Design"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="350" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image80.jpg?itok=TNNyrxyp" title="699 Burke Road, Camberwell. Image courtesy Inhabit Design" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>699 Burke Road, Camberwell. Image courtesy Inhabit Design</figcaption></figure><p>Across town and 699 Burke Road has been dubbed Prosper Apartments according the SPEC's <a href="http://www.specproperty.com.my/">Malaysian website</a>. Purchased during mid 2014, the 836sqm site which is a stone's throw from Camberwell Junction is now subject to an Inhabit Design scheme seeking a 14 level apartment complex. 23 single bedroom and 42 dual bedroom dwellings constitute the apartment mix, which sit above a first floor dedicated to 635sqm of commercial office space.</p>

<p>Key to the tower's design is inclusion of a sizeable light well which abuts the adjoining Aerial apartment complex. With a depth in excess of 24 metres, the light well will utilise Aerial's boundary wall by transforming it into a heavily landscaped feature wall running upwards from a common outdoor area located on level 2.</p>

<p>The project was subject to a VCAT hearing earlier this month, with the result as yet unknown.</p>

<p>Other projects at planning under SPEC's guidance include <a href="/buildings/flagstaff-green-15-batman-street-west-melbourne">15-31 Batman Street West Melbourne</a> and <a href="/new-apartments/3-15-shiel-street-north-melbourne">3 Shiel Street North Melbourne</a> which if approved would produce approximately 300 dwellings for the developer. Wasting no time post approval via VCAT, the developer is poised to launch Trilby Smith Street at <a href="/buildings/trilby-466-smith-street-collingwood">466-482 Smith Street Collingwood</a>.</p>

<p>The work of Inhabit Design, Trilby is expected to feature 47 single bedroom, 20 single+study, 44 dual bedroom and six three bedroom dwellings over a 1,340sqm site.</p>

<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/image3inhabit.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Trilby apartments. Image courtesy Inhabit Design"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="297" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image3inhabit.jpg?itok=iiwv4aRZ" title="Trilby apartments. Image courtesy Inhabit Design" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Trilby apartments. Image courtesy Inhabit Design</figcaption></figure><p>Recently Samma Group formed two construction subsidiaries, namely BuildID and TriUrban Construction which undertake construction on behalf of SPEC Property. The two-pronged approach currently sees BuildID constructing <a href="/buildings/the-maybloom-7-riversdale-road-hawthorn">The Maybloom</a> and <a href="/buildings/billy-co-368-burnley-street-richmond">Billy &amp; Co</a> while TriUrban Construction are concerning themselves with the 111-apartment <a href="/buildings/helio-91-flemington-road-north-melbourne">Helio</a> on Flemington Road, which is due for completion come 2016.</p>
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Samma Group increases its residential development portfolio

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<p>Further light can now be shed on the proposed 'Queens Place' development which is expected to eventually consume a sizeable and underutilised CBD corner site. Developer 3L Alliance has found a new home within the existing 350 Queen Street office complex onsite, that will eventually be flanked by dual high-rise residential towers.</p>

<p>With a nominal value of $750 million, the project will see an expansive five level podium topped with two towers terminating at 246 metres in height. Having only purchased the site during late 2014, 3L Alliance instated Cox Architecture and Fender Katsalidis as joint project architects following a limited design competition.</p>

<p>The sheer size of the development will likely see the residential towers delivered over two stages, with the current planning application seeking approval for Towers 1 and 2, with Tower 2's building envelope subject to further detailed development plans which will be provided by the development team for assessment at a future point.</p>

<p>Aviation exclusion zones has seen a separate Stage 1 plan for a 206 metre tower included, although for all intents and purposes the planning application focuses almost exclusively upon the dual 246 metre design.</p>

<h2>350 Queen 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/image60a.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="350 Queen Street aspects. Image courtesy COX &amp; FKA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="398" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image60a.jpg?itok=YdSZwfYA" title="350 Queen Street aspects. Image courtesy COX &amp; FKA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>350 Queen Street aspects. Image courtesy COX &amp; FKA</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Planning application lodged April 2015</li>
	<li>Site area: 7,295sqm with existing 20L office complex retained, other structures to be demolished</li>
	<li>Application seeks full approval for Stage 1 and envelope approval for Stage 2</li>
	<li>Dual 79 level residential towers at 246.23 metres envisaged, with secondary Stage1 design of 206 metres included (non-OLS incursion)</li>
	<li>Total GFA sought: 176,217sqm</li>
	<li>554 car parking &amp; 603 bicycle spaces (154 bay commercial car park included within basement)</li>
	<li>1,925sqm of retail space and 120-space child care facility</li>
	<li>Strata offices suites between 174sqm and 647sqm</li>
	<li>Stage 1 apartment total: 864</li>
	<li>Amenities: Pools/spas, gym, saunas, home theatre, kitchen/lounge, yoga studio, karaoke area</li>
</ul>
<h2>COX and FK on 350 Queen Street</h2>

<blockquote>
<p>‘Queens Place’ is a compelling opportunity to re-engage the site at 350 Queen St into the precinct. Using a finer grain of public connections and amenity paired with taller elements of urbane city proportions; the site is redefined to offer Melbourne’s CBD an activated, connected and enlivened precinct.</p>

<p>The design process has given rise to a concept that enriches the ground plane with new connections and an enhanced public realm within the Queen Victoria Market Precinct. In the podium, a variety of uses such as retail, childcare and commercial suites provide activation to the critical ‘first 25m’.</p>

<p>Atop the podium are positioned two towers, shaped and sculpted by design drivers from within and around the site. They step as they ascend, forming a dynamic pairing on Melbourne’s continuously evolving skyline. At both the ground plane and in the sky, this development has real potential to enliven and enrich the liveability and character of Melbourne’s CBD.</p>
<cite>Cox Architecture and Fender Katsalidis, architectural report</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Overs and unders: OLS / PANS-OPS a consideration</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/image57_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="OLS Diagram. Image courtesy COX &amp; FKA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="303" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image57_2.jpg?itok=f5I03ufG" title="OLS Diagram. Image courtesy COX &amp; FKA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>OLS Diagram. Image courtesy COX &amp; FKA</figcaption></figure><p><a href="/news/aviation-impact-on-building-development-in-the-melbourne-cbd">Obstacle Limitation Surface</a> (OLS) exclusion zones have been taken into account within the 350 Queen Street planning documents. OLS is essentially a series of height limits for objects surrounding a particular aerodrome, with Essendon Airport the major consideration.</p>

<p>As the preferred 246 metre outcome would breach the OLS ceiling of 228.5 metres, an alternative scheme of 206 metres has been included within the planning documents for comparisons sake (and for approval should the 246 metre version fail). While various CBD towers already penetrate the OLS ceiling, including the nearby Aurora Melbourne Central, they do not penetrate the more rigid PAN-OPS ceiling.</p>

<p>350 Queen Street is no exception in this regard with the development team citing constructability and PAN-OPS limitations as halting their advance skyward.</p>

<h2>The first 25</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/image59_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression from Queen and A'Beckett. Image courtesy COX &amp; FKA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="266" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image59_0.jpg?itok=1hA3XQuO" title="Artist's impression from Queen and A'Beckett. Image courtesy COX &amp; FKA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression from Queen and A'Beckett. Image courtesy COX &amp; FKA</figcaption></figure><p>Numerous references have been made to 'The first 25 metres' within the planning documents, alluding to the weight placed upon creating a dynamic podium structure.</p>

<blockquote>
<p>The importance of the first 25m to the human experience at ground level and contribution to the City’s fabric is crucial. Queens Place makes a clear separation between tower and podium, providing a highly detailed vibrant base and a calm simple tower above.</p>

<p>Rather than treat the public space as the space left over from the development, the design team approached the task from the opposite direction, designing the public realm first responding to existing conditions, through site connections and solar access and then placed the buildings around this space.</p>
<cite>Cox Architecture and Fender Katsalidis, architectural report</cite>
</blockquote>

<p>The result is a highly articulated podium both externally and internally, with a large covered central plaza included at the heart of the project. Transparent glazing wraps ground level frontages while site entry points are discerned with distinctive bamboo plantings which supplements hanging greenery over the podium structure.</p>

<p>The curved podium is veiled with operable, contoured timber louvres which respond to prevailing weather conditions.</p>

<h2>Two towers</h2>

<p>Both Melbourne City Council and the The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning have been consulted with regard to the size and nature of the proposed development. Based upon the joint discussions a twin tower outcome was considered most appropriate for 350 Queen Street.</p>

<p>Setbacks and tower separation has been considered, with a distance of between 15 and 33 metres representing the void between both buildings while a boundary setback of at least 4.5 metres are present above the podium.</p>

<p>The towers present in a clean and simple form, and this has been continued over the plant levels atop each structure. Described as a 'visual flourish' within the architecture report, the crown of each tower has been integrated into the tower form and will be glazed in bronze finishes thus providing a focal point from many surrounding angles.</p>

<h2>350 Queen Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: 3L Alliance Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Architecture, Urban Context Report: Cox Architects and Fender Katsalidis Architects</li>
	<li>Planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>Project Manager: Gallagher Jeffs</li>
	<li>Aviation Report: Airport Consultancy Group Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Traffic Engineering: GTA Consultants</li>
	<li>Landscaping: Rush\Wright Associates</li>
	<li>Wind Assessment: Mel Consultants</li>
	<li>Heritage Assessment: prepared by Lovell Chen</li>
	<li>Sustainability, Lifts and Services: Aurecon</li>
	<li>Waste Management Plan: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Geotechnical Report: Golder Associates</li>
	<li>Building Surveyor: McKenzie Group</li>
	<li>Structural Report: WSP Group</li>
	<li>Land Surveyor: Bosco Johnson</li>
</ul>
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3L Alliance pushes for twin 246 metre towers at 350 Queen Street

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<p>After the best part of six months at planning the lid is being lifted on Sydney-based DEXUS Property Group's intentions for their prized 32-44 Flinders Street site. Superseding an earlier proposal of 56 levels, the current 65 level proposal represents another entry into the burgeoning list of 200 metre plus residential towers in Melbourne.</p>

<p>Constructed during 1998, DEXUS have seen it fit to replace the onsite multi-level car park with a residential development which holds four separate frontages. Key to the proposal is the provision of heightened amenity to the public realm which seeks to draw in street level activity; a far cry from the current dynamic which sees the immediate area somewhat lacklustre and isolated.</p>

<p>Should approval be granted, it provides DEXUS with an opportunity to diversify beyond its established office and industrial portfolio. Conversely selling the asset may be an option as outlined within this <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/business/property/capital-gain-dexus-submits-even-more-ambitious-skyscraper-proposal-20150206-136rnc">article</a>.</p>

<h2>32-44 Flinders 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/image13_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Preliminary perspectives of 32 Flinders Street. Image courtesy SJB Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="173" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image13_1.jpg?itok=5KaWzX6n" title="Preliminary perspectives of 32 Flinders Street. Image courtesy SJB Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Preliminary perspectives of 32 Flinders Street. Images courtesy SJB Architects</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Application lodged December 2014</li>
	<li>2,087sqm site</li>
	<li>Current use: 561-bay Wilson Car Park over 10 levels</li>
	<li>Seeking approval for two buildings with a combined 625 dwellings</li>
	<li>65 level tower @ 212.1 metres and 11 level building @ 44.05 metres</li>
	<li>​427 vehicle and 216 bicycle bays with four basement levels</li>
	<li>Frontage to Flinders Street, Flinders Lane, Spark Lane &amp; Sargood Lane</li>
	<li>Three separate amenities levels</li>
	<li>Three ground floor commercial tenancies: 194sqm total</li>
</ul>
<h2>Design intent</h2>

<blockquote>
<p>The configuration of the development is that of a podium and tower form that ensures that the street edge of the Hoddle Grid is strongly articulated and held. This development is envisioned as a catalyst for the rejuvenation of the urban realm in this portion of the CBD, providing a net community benefit.</p>

<p>The proposed development will provide key pedestrian network connections, activation visible from laneway entrances and increased amenity on Flinders Lane by way of the removal of car parking access to the site from this location and gifting the private portion of Spark Lane to MCC.</p>

<p>In addition, the 5 level car parking link bridge that spans the Spark Lane alignment on the site is to be removed to ensure that sunlight penetration is given to the laneway in this area as well as to articulate the two addresses as separate but related built form.</p>
<cite>SJB Architects, Planning Submission</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Shape and style</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/image34_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Intended Flinders Street frontage. Image courtesy SJB Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="218" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image34_2.jpg?itok=4lBKXnbB" title="Intended Flinders Street frontage. Image courtesy SJB Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Intended Flinders Street frontage. Image courtesy SJB Architects</figcaption></figure><p>The project's podium is designed in both scale and composition to slot into the existing landscape by employing a monolithic yet articulated finish. Dedicated for the most to car parking, the podium will feature an active edge to Flinders Street by way of three apartments per level masking the car parking facilities.<br><br>
Whilst the podium is strong and features a composite stone and concrete finish, the tower itself is describes as "An eye catching beacon on the edge of the CBD" within planning documents. This is both a reflection of the form and exterior finish employed where the tower is lobed and bifurcated in its shape.</p>

<blockquote>
<p>The form of the tower responds to all accepted setback conditions to the neighbouring buildings. Where there is close proximity to the Herald and Weekly Times tower to the west, the tower form minimises the amenity impact by curving away to open view corridors. This allows occupants of the adjacent tower tangential views away from the proposed tower face and allows residents of dwellings in the proposed tower excellent views to the south.</p>
<cite>SJB Architects, Planning Submission</cite>
</blockquote>

<p>Externally the tower's intended cladding begins with darker glazing over the lower levels which progressively morphs into a lighter crown defined by fins and metalic/fritted glazing, whilst a vertical bronze/burnt orange slither bisects the height of the tower.</p>

<h2>Activation down low and apartments up high</h2>

<p>Spark Lane and Sargood Lane stand to benefit from the redevelopment with the activation of their laneway edges expected. By creating separate podium structures, the subsequent additional public space is expected to bring new/additional activity to the enhanced laneway network by way of:</p>

<ul>
<li>Providing a new pedestrian connection from Flinders Lane to Sargood Lane</li>
	<li>Providing new retail activation &amp; interfaces</li>
	<li>Consolidating vehicular access at Flinders Street, away from the laneways</li>
	<li>Allowing Spark Lane to be optimised by removing the existing 5 level car parking link bridge above</li>
	<li>Providing a new lobby address to Spark Lane by gifting MCC with private land</li>
	<li>Allowing for greater passive surveillance throughout the area</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/image11_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ground level rebirth. Image courtesy SJB Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="170" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image11_1.jpg?itok=tdWsNIJA" title="Ground level rebirth. Image courtesy SJB Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ground level rebirth. Image courtesy SJB Architects</figcaption></figure><p>Seven basic dwelling types are included within the proposal, ranging from 1bed/1bath to 3bed/3bath. Single bedroom apartments constitute approximately 40% of the overall count of 625, whilst 250 dual bedroom options are also present.</p>

<p>The balance of dwellings are split between 97 three bedroom apartments and 30 triple bedroom SoHo options located within the 11 level building facing Flinders Lane. 117 triple bedroom options are held within 32-44 Flinders Street which accounts for near on 20% of overall dwelling numbers; a healthy figure relative to many other similar sized apartment developments.</p>

<h2>32-44 Flinders Street application team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: DEXUS Funds Management</li>
	<li>Architect &amp; Planning: SJB Architects</li>
	<li>Interior design: Bates Smart</li>
	<li>Project Manager: APP</li>
	<li>Town Planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>Structural Engineer: Webber Design</li>
	<li>Services Engineer: Wood and Grieve</li>
	<li>Engineer: ARUP</li>
	<li>Landscape Consultant: Tract</li>
	<li>Traffic Engineer: GTA consultants</li>
	<li>Waste: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Wind assessment: MEL Consultants</li>
</ul>
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DEXUS seeking a Nexus: 32-44 Flinders Street planning application

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<p>Wind back to mid last year and it was announced that The Uniting Church would team with Leighton Properties to deliver a new premium office tower opposite Wesley Church on Lonsdale Street, while also hoping to restore the church's place and identity in the heart of Melbourne. Referred to as the Wesley Upper Lonsdale Street site, a planning application for a premium office tower was submitted during January 2015, and is still under assessment.</p>

<blockquote>
<p>The Request for Proposal document made clear to prospective project partners that any development on the site needed to place a high emphasis on building relationships between people and to foster community relationships. It also outlined the need to restore and, where possible, enhance, the historic buildings while respecting the original custodians.</p>
<cite>Crosslight, Uniting Church</cite>
</blockquote>

<p>To that end Cox Architecture were engaged to create a development capable of fulfilling the above requirement, while also delivering a high-end office tower encompassing 55,000sqm of premium space.</p>

<h2>118-148 Lonsdale Street application highlights</h2>

<ul>
<li>Site area: 7,400sqm</li>
	<li>Stables, onsite factory and the Princess Mary Club to be demolished; other structures retained</li>
	<li>33 level commercial tower at 144.55 to its highest point</li>
	<li>55,000sqm of premium commercial space included</li>
	<li>Concave floor plates ranging between 1,700sqm and 2,100sqm</li>
	<li>End of trip facilities for 367 bicycle spaces included</li>
	<li>Level 3-4 car park accommodating 127 vehicles</li>
	<li>1,400sqm of retail and food/beverage space over nine ground floor tenancies</li>
	<li>Series of public realm spaces created around Wesley Place</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/image220_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of the new commercial building. Image courtesy Cox Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="1081" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image220_0.jpg?itok=ZlpsQCkY" title="Artist's impression of the new commercial building. Image courtesy Cox Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of the new commercial building. Image courtesy Cox Architecture</figcaption></figure><h2>The challenge at hand</h2>

<blockquote>
<p>While the heritage buildings appear to retain their overall integrity from a distance (with the exception of the very dilapidated Princess Mary Club) the situation is one of buildings much in need of maintenance. The site also provides a low level of amenity due to the car parking operations – the present-day setting for the Church is within a poorly arranged at-grade car park. This is inconsistent with the cultural heritage importance of the place.</p>

<p>A key challenge for the site is that the current buildings, and their condition, do not allow for a viable ongoing use of the site. Whilst a number of the current buildings are being used by the Wesley Church, it is far from optimum and would not be able to continue long term. Also the current use cannot fund the prohibitively expensive repair and restoration work required for the existing buildings on site.</p>

<p>Two of the buildings on site have been identified as reaching the point where they cannot be occupied for safety reasons, being the Princess Mary Club and Wesley House.</p>

<p>The nature and condition of the current buildings, and the impact of the existing car park use on the site constrain the activities of the Wesley Church, and have resulted in the Wesley Mission having to move off site.</p>
<cite>118-148 Lonsdale Street planning report</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Wesley Place: new urban realm</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/image219.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Wesley Park. Image courtesy Cox Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="465" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image219.jpg?itok=hjA_zH71" title="Wesley Park. Image courtesy Cox Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Wesley Park. Image courtesy Cox Architecture</figcaption></figure><p>In line with The Uniting Church's wishes as outlined above, ground level activation plays a pronounced role in the redevelopment, in that the original structures and uses are to be melded with new facilities in order to increase public utilisation of the site.</p>

<p>In this regard the AECOM acting as landscape consultant have created three separate areas within the grounds which carry differing characteristics:</p>

<ul>
<li>The event and meeting place, addressing Lonsdale Street and forms the setting for the Church</li>
	<li>The Sanctuaries at either site of the Church building</li>
	<li>The city meeting place and retail food courtyard, featuring the cloister yard olive tree.</li>
</ul>
<p>The 'event and meeting place' will see the bulk of foot traffic access the site while the central 'sanctuary' will act as a subdued area either side of Wesley Church. The northern section of the site will be dedicated toward the 'city meeting place' with existing structures adapted into cafes with outdoor seating.</p>

<p>Running north south, Wesley Place will provide a link between Lonsdale and Little Lonsdale with 2,262sqm of the site dedicated to open space. Included in this figure is the 190sqm Wesley Park, 920sqm Northern Plaza and 770sqm Southern Church Forecourt area.</p>

<h2>Closer than ever?</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/image221.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Previous incarnations. Images courtesy studio505 and Leighton"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="247" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image221.jpg?itok=AthH-xNq" title="Previous incarnations. Images courtesy studio505 and Leighton" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Previous incarnations. Images courtesy studio505 and Leighton</figcaption></figure><p>The Wesley Church site has over previous decades been subject to differing development schemes, with a number of towers put forward with no great success.</p>

<p>One such scheme was conceived by studio505 who along with project partner Grocon submitted plans for a similarly sized office complex to that of the current design. Under the title ‘Wesley Village’, the development would have also seen the delivery of a new urban space separating new and old structures while also creating "Truly magnificent, sophisticated and elegant architecture that inspires."</p>

<p>While the studio505 design would have brought a visual focal point to Lonsdale Street via its streaky podium, the current Cox Architecture design has taken an opposing path by paring back its initial offering. In perhaps a more respectful nod to the existing church, gone is the diagonal white bracing and crumpled podium features, replaced by more subdued finishes.</p>

<p>With the swirl of speculation surrounding the <a href="http://www.afr.com/real-estate/relaunched-leighton-properties-sale-pays-dividends-20150318-1m1osl">sale of Leighton Properties</a> in recent months, it remains to be seen if and when the tie-up between Leighton Properties and The Uniting Church will lead to the delivery of this long sought after development.</p>

<h2>118-148 Lonsdale Street planning team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Leighton Properties</li>
	<li>Architect &amp; Urban Context: Cox Architecture</li>
	<li>Planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>Heritage Consultant: Lovell Chen</li>
	<li>Landscape, ESD &amp; Public Realm: AECOM</li>
	<li>​Traffic Engineer: Traffix Group</li>
	<li>Wind Assessment: Mel Consultants</li>
	<li>Waste: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Quantity Surveyor: RLB</li>
	<li>Building Surveyor: Gardiner Group</li>
</ul>
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Wesley Place seeks to bring new life to Lonsdale Street

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<p>Underpinning the continued popularity of <a href="/new-apartments/brunswick-vic-3056">Brunswick</a> and surrounds as an apartment hotspot, a host of planning applications are before Moreland City Council for assessment. Many sites in question continue the trend of apartment developments subsuming former industrial facilities, while the odd application such as <a href="/buildings/cannatella-625-sydney-road-brunswick">611-621 Sydney Road</a> provide a surprise reuse.</p>

<p>With many projects in the 3-5 level category, Apartments.com.au has chosen to highlight the larger projects currently at planning spread over Brunswick, the always in demand <a href="/new-apartments/brunswick-east-vic-3057">Brunswick East</a> and the emerging <a href="/new-apartments/brunswick-west-vic-3055">Brunswick West</a>. Notable applications include:</p>

<h2>611-621 Sydney Road, Brunswick</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/image182.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy Peter Brown Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="382" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image182.jpg?itok=2Hrtg66U" title="Image courtesy Peter Brown Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy Peter Brown Architects</figcaption></figure><p>The Courthouse Hotel looks set to be no more with an application seeking the delivery of an eight level apartment building. Received by Moreland City Council during April, Peter Brown Architects have conceived the design which will include a mixture of one and two bedroom apartments set behind a retained Sydney Road facade.</p>

<p>Ground level facilities see a bar/restaurant included, which will be located above a multi-level basement car park.</p>

<h2><a href="/new-apartments/mesh-apartments-8-florence-street-brunswick">8 Florence Street, Brunswick</a></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/image180_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy CHT Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="260" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image180_0.jpg?itok=FJN-dM84" title="Image courtesy CHT Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy CHT Architects</figcaption></figure><p>A departure from <a href="/architects/cht-architects">CHT Architects'</a> typical design approach, 8 Florence Street presents as an openable, perforated metal exterior. 16 single bedroom and 8 dual bedroom apartments are spread over five levels, with two restaurants at ground level likely to bring some much needed activation to the area.</p>

<p>Moreland Fencing are the client for the projects which finds itself directly opposite <a href="/new-apartments/brunswick-vic-3056">The Commons</a> building within Brunswick's Anstey Precinct.</p>

<h2><a href="/buildings/288-albert-street-brunswick">284-294 Albert Street, Brunswick</a></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/image181.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="334" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image181.jpg?itok=qPUp1Aft" title="Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN</figcaption></figure><p>Appearing to be a sister development to the adjoining <a href="/buildings/288-albert-street-brunswick">Brunswick Heart</a> project which is at sales on behalf of CBD Developments, 284-294 Albert Street Brunswick is a fellow <a href="/architects/rothelowman">ROTHELOWMAN</a> design. Spread over eight levels are 56 apartments with retail uses at ground level.</p>

<p>Also known as 343 Sydney Road, 284-294 Albert Street is now at advertising after lodgment with Moreland City council during late 2014.</p>

<h2><a href="/buildings/breese-street-204-206-albion-street-brunswick">204-206 Albion Street, Brunswick</a></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/image178.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy Taouk Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="301" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image178.jpg?itok=EjcsZf2j" title="Image courtesy Taouk Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy Taouk Architects</figcaption></figure><p>Royal Nut Company look set to leave their long term home with a recent planning application seeking to replace the low-rise facility with an eight level apartment building containing 63 residences and two retail outlets. 18 single, 44 dual and 1 triple constitute the apartment mix within the proposal while 68 car parking spaces are located within the basement.</p>

<p>As a nod to the site's history <a href="/architects/taouk-architects">Taouk Architects</a> have included a squirrel embossed upon a mesh screen/glazing background over the podium.</p>

<h2><a href="/buildings/b-e-apartments-11-brunswick-road-brunswick-east">11-15 Brunswick Road, Brunswick East</a></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/image179.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy Interlandi Mantresso Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="242" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image179.jpg?itok=Fc9LEVMx" title="Image courtesy Interlandi Mantresso Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy Interlandi Mantresso Architects</figcaption></figure><p>Set to span ten levels above a three level basement, 11-15 Brunswick Road finds itself in an increasingly popular apartment pocket with a host of projects either completed or under construction in the vicinity. A single office space and 116 apartments constitute the Interlandi Mantesso-designed structure.</p>

<p>Currently on public display, the proposal was submitted to Moreland City Council during November 2014.</p>

<h2><a href="/new-apartments/brunswick-vic-3056">2-6 Duckett Street, Brunswick</a></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/image184.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy Idle Architecture Studio"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="255" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image184.jpg?itok=UKA1I0Jy" title="Image courtesy Idle Architecture Studio" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy Idle Architecture Studio</figcaption></figure><p><a href="/architects/idle-architecture-studio">Idle Architecture Studio</a> enter the fray with a six level proposal seeking approval for 36 apartments and two offices. The application was lodged on behalf of Mondrian Developments and is in close proximity to 11 West Street as highlighted below.</p>

<p>The 701sqm site is expected to hold 38 car parking spaces which will service the 11 single and 25 dual bedroom dwellings.</p>

<h2>350-364 Moreland Road, Brunswick West</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/image70_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy ClarkeHopkinsClarke"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="328" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image70_4.jpg?itok=n82ezx8Z" title="Image courtesy ClarkeHopkinsClarke" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy ClarkeHopkinsClarke</figcaption></figure><p>Unassuming it may appear from street level, but an application for 350-364 Moreland Road has recently been advertised showing 72 apartments within a five level building. Designed by <a href="/architects/clarke-hopkins-clarke-0">ClarkeHopkinsClarke</a>, the projects seeks approval for 40 single bedroom dwelling, 32 dual bedroom dwellings and a cafe tenancy at ground level.</p>

<p>Situated over a 2,082sqm site, the proposal is midway between Moreland Station and the 55 tram.</p>

<h2>2-8 Barry Street, Brunswick</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/image186_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy Architeria"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="163" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image186_0.jpg?itok=ng-VnMdN" title="Image courtesy Architeria" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy Architeria Architects</figcaption></figure><p>After a period of consultation with Moreland City Council's planning department, 2-8 Barry Street has gained approval. Designed by <a href="/architects/architeria-architects">Architeria Architects</a>, 2-8 Barry Street is set to accommodate 36 apartments over four levels plus three offices in a project for <a href="/developers/ouson-group">Ouson Group</a>.</p>

<p>The project is expected to advance to sales in the near future.</p>

<h2><a href="/buildings/the-grove-1-5-olive-york-way-brunswick-west">1-5 Olive York Way, Brunswick West</a></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_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy MAP Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="290" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image4_7.jpg?itok=AtCPiIhc" title="Image courtesy MAP Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy MAP Architecture</figcaption></figure><p>VCAT only last week ruled in favour of the multi-building proposal put forward by Equity Properties Pty Ltd. Lodged during mid 2013, the <a href="/architects/map-architecture">MAP Architecture</a>-designed project will carry in the vicinity of 350 apartments over the now vacant 5,297sqm site which abuts the Tullamarine Freeway.</p>

<p>1-5 Olive York Way joins the completed 2-6 Olive York Way with 140 apartments and R.Corporation's at sales <a href="/buildings/the-york-8-olive-york-way-brunswick-west">8 Olive York Way</a> in finding new purpose for a previously underutilised tract of land.</p>

<h2>11 West Street, Brunswick</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/image13_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy MOS Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="355" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image13_0.jpg?itok=PuFcg2MS" title="Image courtesy MOS Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy MOS Architects</figcaption></figure><p><a href="/news/giving-something-back-12-duckett-street-brunswick">Lauded on Urban.com.au</a> as a development with noteworthy urban realm contributions, 12 Duckett Street has been approved and is now known as 11 West Street, Brunswick. <a href="/architects/mos-architects">MOS Architects</a> have conceived the development which looks to activate a considerable area adjacent to the Upfield rail line.</p>

<p>The latest revision on Apartments.com.au's database includes 184 apartments within the development over 5-8 levels, although this may have been adjusted as the approved version consists of four buildings of up top six levels.</p>

<h2>808-818 Sydney Road, Brunswick</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_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy Fieldwork Projects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="352" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image187_0.jpg?itok=s66Eq77i" title="Image courtesy Fieldwork Projects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy Fieldwork Projects</figcaption></figure><p>Last but not least is 808-818 Sydney Road, Brunswick which found favour with VCAT earlier in the year. Wasting no time after gaining approval, the proponents for the prime Brunswick site have elected to sell the approved <a href="/architects/fieldwork">Fieldwork Projects</a> scheme.</p>

<p>Selling agent CBRE is in charge of the process which will likely see a new owner take control of the 2,032sqm site with 91 apartments and six retail tenancies totalling 478sqm allowed for.</p>
</body></html>

Brunswick bulks up with a wave of fresh planning applications

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<p>The wraps are off Toyota Australia's ambitious plans to capitalise upon Melbourne's insatiable desire for inner-city apartment and student accommodation. As had been reported earlier during 2015, the car manufacturer has turned its hand to converting a large majority of its Elizabeth Street site into a residential enclave capable of holding in excess of 1000 apartments.</p>

<p>Sydney-based property advisory firm LEFTA has been nominated as the developer within the planning documents, acting in effect as a proxy for Toyota Australia. Not recognised as a developer, Toyota Australia will wait upon a planning decision before revealing its intentions; a likely outcome being the sale of the expansive site to a recognised developer while maintaining its Melbourne showroom within the retained Melford Motors building onsite.</p>

<h2>611-681 Elizabeth 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/image89.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Development perspective from Elizabeth Street. Image courtesy SJB"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="404" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image89.jpg?itok=bvNyENk1" title="Development perspective from Elizabeth Street. Image courtesy SJB" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Development perspective from Elizabeth Street. Image courtesy SJB</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Application lodged December 2014</li>
	<li>Current use: Melbourne City Toyota</li>
	<li>Site area: 7,051sqm</li>
	<li>Proposed: 4 towers between 47-68 metres in height</li>
	<li>1,090 apartments split between two residential and two student accommodation towers</li>
	<li>Student studio apartments from 24sqm</li>
	<li>3,956.8sqm of commercial space</li>
	<li>367 car parking and 1,372 bicycle spaces</li>
	<li>Total GFA: 61,462.6sqm</li>
	<li>1,413sqm showroom (likely for Toyota)</li>
	<li>732sqm gym included as are communal areas and rooftop terraces</li>
</ul>
<h2>All in the family</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/image90_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Exterior of 'The Father'. Image courtesy SJB"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="301" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image90_0.jpg?itok=xFDMdpp7" title="Exterior of 'The Father'. Image courtesy SJB" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Exterior of 'The Father'. Image courtesy SJB</figcaption></figure><p>Project architect SJB has gone to unusual lengths to distinguish the quartet of towers envisaged as part of the development. Father, mother, son and daughter have been allocated to describe the towers, reflecting the differing design responses associated with each building. A summary description of each tower sees:</p>

<ul>
<li>The Mother - 200 apartments located within the site's southernmost tower, also referred to as Tower 1.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
<p>A clean and sophisticated feminine form that echoes the corner of the existing ‘Melford Motors’ building. The existing façade, which will be retained, has a curved and angular corner that is projected and set back to give the impression of a true extension of the heritage building.</p>

<p>Soft curtain walls will allow the tower to reflect its context and compliment the Heritage building below.</p>
<cite>SJB Architects, Town planning presentation</cite>
</blockquote>

<ul>
<li>The Son - otherwise known as Tower 2, the tower will see matte, satin, gloss and metal finishes applied, allowing for a shadow play over the exterior. 288 studio apartments of generally 24sqm are found within Tower 2, as are 15 single bedroom apartments for an elevated student living experience.</li>
	<li>The Daughter - highest yielding in terms of dwelling numbers, Tower 3 will see 388 studio apartments, 24 single bedroom and 7 dual bedroom dwellings within the 19 level tower. Reflecting the design of 'The Mother', Tower 3 will feature flowing lines and a black/white exterior.</li>
	<li>The Father - the site's northernmost and tallest building at 22 levels features a masculine exterior "With larger expressed concrete frames that wrap the tower in a rigid exoskeleton arrangement." 218 one, two and three-bedroom apartments are within Tower 4</li>
</ul>
<h2>Street level overlead</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/image88_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Elizabeth Street looking down an internal laneway. Image courtesy SJB"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="303" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image88_1.jpg?itok=jJnCcfgD" title="Elizabeth Street looking down an internal laneway. Image courtesy SJB" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Elizabeth Street looking down an internal laneway. Image courtesy SJB</figcaption></figure><p>With three street frontages including 185 metres to Elizabeth Street and a site area in excess of 7,00sqm, the Inner City Toyota site lends itself to quite an extensive street level interface. Dual East West laneways will feature within 611-681 Elizabeth Street, connecting Elizabeth Street with O'Connell Street to the west.</p>

<p>All frontages are split between retail and residential activation, with only the existing Melford Motors building to be left as is. Lower Ground will feature a public gym, bike park, 589sqm supermarket, dual showrooms (likely for Toyota Australia) and four tenancies ranging between 81-149sqm.</p>

<p>Ground floor encompassing the northern portion of the site (owing to the site gradient) will see limited dwellings fronting O'Connell Street while a further seven tenancies of between 51-300sqm are located either side of an additional laneway/plaza.</p>

<h2>Comment</h2>

<p>611-681 Elizabeth Street's ground level plane looks particularly well resolved with masses of active frontage and solid site permeability. Should the project be realised it would bring a motherload of street level activity to the otherwise underutilised area on the CBD's doorstep.</p>

<p>The student living towers follow a well worm path in Melbourne of design repetition both internally and externally for tertiary accommodation, but what will be made of the 626 studio dwellings with only 24sqm of living space. As the current debate over apartment standards and sizes continues, are student living spaces simply disregarded as 'transient' dwellings and not included within the <a href="/news/better-apartments-a-step-forward">Better Apartments</a> debate?</p>

<p>Quite simply student dwellings are altogether different to residential apartments, but nonetheless it will be interesting to read the wider media commentary to this planning application if and when it gains approval.</p>

<h2>611-681 Elizabeth Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: LEFTA on behalf of Toyota Australia</li>
	<li>Architect and urban planning: SJB</li>
	<li>Town planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>Services and ESD: Simpson Kotzman Engineering</li>
	<li>Structural: Webber Design</li>
	<li>Building Surveyor: McKenzie Group</li>
	<li>Traffic: GTA Consultants</li>
	<li>Heritage: Lovell Chen</li>
	<li>Waste: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Wind: MEL Consultants</li>
</ul>
</body></html>

Oh what a feeling: 611-681 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne

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<p>The issue of air rights has been given heightened media attention in recent times, principally due to Yarra House within South Yarra's Forrest Hill Precinct where developer Michael Yates <a href="http://www.afr.com/real-estate/residential/yarra-house-to-rise-with-views-secured-20131015-jgwls">purchased apartments in the adjoining low-rise building</a>. This in turn secures the right to veto any future development, thus protecting Yarra House's views.</p>

<p>Air rights and appropriate development is also at the crux of a dispute headed to VCAT, where Albert Road-based Evolve Development is seeking to amend an already approved scheme for 25-27 Coventry Street, so as to expand the tower's built form above the neighbouring property. Having purchased the Southbank site with approval in place for a 22 level residential building, Evolve Development have subsequently secured air rights above the adjoining 21-23 Coventry Street.</p>

<blockquote>
<p>Our client has also purchased the air rights of the eastern adjoining property and a subdivision permit obtained to amalgamate this land. It is noted that the permit contained Condition 1 (f), which required the built form to be set back from the eastern boundary at least 4.5 metres from the eastern boundary at Level 5 and above. This requirement was due to Council's concerns in relation to the proposed development restricting the future development potential of the adjoining land, in particular any restrictions on east facing apartments in any future development of that land.</p>
<cite>SJB Planning document to VCAT excerpt, April 2015</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><p><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/image166.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Air right over part 21-23 Coventry Street. Image courtesy SJB"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="365" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image166.jpg?itok=i-1vNYzD" title="Air right over part 21-23 Coventry Street. Image courtesy SJB" width="580"></a></p>

<figcaption>Air right over part 21-23 Coventry Street. Image courtesy SJB</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
<p>The purchase of the air rights over 21-23 Coventry Street has resulted in an expansion of the built form to the east from Level 5 upwards. This has had consequential effects on the layout of apartments at these levels. Particularly, the apartments located in the south east quadrant of the building from Level 5 to Level 20 have been reoriented to ensure appropriate setbacks from the properties to the south and west and to ensure adequate daylight access to all habitable rooms.</p>

<p>Evolve No.21 Pty Ltd now seeks permission to pursue an amended development strategy which incorporates the air rights over 21-23 Coventry Street to the east and which better reflects current inner urban housing market trends.</p>
<cite>SJB Planning document to VCAT excerpt, April 2015</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>25-27 Coventry Street, Southbank amendment highlights</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/image168.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A comparison between approved and proposed. Images courtesy SJB"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="343" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image168.jpg?itok=8l3s_v4t" title="A comparison between approved and proposed. Images courtesy SJB" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A comparison between approved and proposed. Images courtesy SJB</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>21 level residential tower at 70 metres in height</li>
	<li>252 apartments - 99 * studio, 105 * 1BR, 48 * 2BR</li>
	<li>177 car parking spaces and 80 bicycle spaces within a three level basement</li>
	<li>279sqm commercial/restaurant space with 50 person capacity</li>
	<li>Meeting room and library included within the development</li>
	<li>1,147sqm site area</li>
</ul>
<p>The reworked SJB Architects design seeks to bump up apartments numbers by an additional 72 over the initial scheme which was given the nod via City of Melbourne during 2013. This is principally achieved by increasing studio dwellings from 8 to 99 within the amended proposal, at the cost of two bedroom dwellings which decrease by 20.</p>

<p>While the design still adheres to the DDO60 height limit, the external look has been drastically altered with the addition of balconies to the eastern facade. It's argued within the documents that the balconies which overhang the adjoining 21-23 Coventry street will aid in the retention of both on-site and off-site amenity.</p>

<p>Evolve Development currently have the project listed on their website as valued at $140 million and holding a completion date of 2017. It's fair to assume both these figures will change.</p>

<h2>North, south, east and west</h2>

<blockquote>
<p>The building form varies on each of its four elevations, relating to the immediate neighbouring conditions, whilst the use of varied colours and materiality presents a continuity and connection to the surroundings.</p>

<p>The north elevation presents an elegant tower on a setback podium with expressed columns that lightly anchor the elevation to the ground. Laneway access provided at the rear of the site along Wells Lane ensures flexibility and street activation of Coventry Street by way of tenancy and residential lobby interface. Street canopies, individually expressed between columns, break up the podium providing a human scale in the current streetscape rhythm while providing protection from the elements.</p>

<p>The tower is expressed in distinctive elements to provide visual interest and articulation. A recessed floor plan is incorporated at level 5 to distinguish the podium from the tower above. This break in the facade is introduced to respond to the height of the parapet of 312 St Kilda Road to the east, and the fagade composition of 35-37 Coventry Street to the west. The western elevation incorporates an angled setback to individual apartments facing south-west to protect the amenity of existing residents to the south and future neighbours to the west.</p>

<p>The south elevation is set back in response to the proximity of the residential tower at 6-8 Dorcas Street to the south.</p>
<cite>SJB Planning</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Join the club</h2>

<p>25-27 Coventry Street would join Evolve Development's initial Southbank project, <a href="http://www.evolvedevelopment.com.au/completed-projects.php#guilfoyle">The Guilfoyle</a> at 39 Coventry Street. LU Simon Builders completed the $190 million tower during 2013, which holds 353 apartments spanning 21 levels. SJB Architects were also responsible for the design of The Guilfoyle.</p>

<p>Currently fellow developer VIMG have sold in excess of 70% of Coventry Haus located at 33 Coventry Street, which will see the project head to construction shortly. Designed by Jackson Clement Borrows, the tower began life considerably shorter but was expanded upon VIMG's purchase of the site to the maximum allowable height.</p>

<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/141029-33-coventry-photomontage-dusk-edit-3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Coventry Haus at 23 levels. Image courtesy JCB"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="899" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/141029-33-coventry-photomontage-dusk-edit-3.jpg?itok=2ZAoQ8ld" title="Coventry Haus at 23 levels. Image courtesy JCB" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Coventry Haus at 23 levels. Image courtesy JCB</figcaption></figure><p>The 'secondary' Southbank apartment market has proven popular in recent years with a string of apartment tower completions falling between Coventry and Dorcas, as witnessed by Sunday Apartments, Elm and the aforementioned Guilfoyle.</p>

<p>Waiting in the wings are the approved <a href="/buildings/kings-domain-southbank-68-dorcas-street-southbank">68-70 Dorcas Street</a>, <a href="/buildings/the-evermore-southbank-58-66-dorcas-street-southbank">58-66 Dorcas Street</a> and potentially 25-27 Coventry Street which between them would pump a further 1000 apartments into the tail end of Southbank.</p>
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Air rights, share rights: 25-27 Coventry Street, Southbank

<html><body>
<p>Haig Street continues to prove popular with developers, with the latest application in the area seeking permission for a substantial residential tower against the West Gate Freeway. Sunvale Development is behind the proposal which would see a 170 metre structure replace what is for the most an open air car park.</p>

<p>Perhaps in a sign that Sunvale Development intends to proceed with the project should planning approval be gained, construction firm Built has been nominated within the planning documents as an early project team member.</p>

<h2>65-71 Haig Street, 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/image119.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="65-71 Haig Street, Southbank. Image © Fender Katsalidis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="883" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image119.jpg?itok=fSYPkGAH" title="65-71 Haig Street, Southbank. Image © Fender Katsalidis" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>65-71 Haig Street, Southbank. Image © Fender Katsalidis</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Lodged October 2014, updated February 2015</li>
	<li>Current site use: double storey commercial building and vacant at grade car park</li>
	<li>Proposed 55 storey tower @ 169.2m</li>
	<li>361 apartments: 134*1BR, 227*2BR</li>
	<li>376sqm resident common area atop the podium</li>
	<li>118sqm retail space fronting Haig Street</li>
	<li>93 car park allocation via stackers plus 268 bicycle spaces</li>
	<li>GFA: 32,262.7sqm</li>
</ul>
<h2>On the design</h2>

<blockquote>
<p>The design of the proposed development has evolved through an iterative process and responds to the opportunities and constrains identified through investigation of site, urban context and planning context. The development supports and shares the objectives identified in the Southbank Structure Plan 2010 in shaping the suburb with attractive, connected and livable places.</p>

<p>The tower form has been sculpted to appear as a slender form - in particular when viewed from along the West Gate Freeway. The proposed tower height is set at 169.2 metres which is comparable to the heights of neighbouring proposed and approved buildings.</p>
<cite>Fender Katsalidis - Urban Context Report</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Apartment breakdown</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/image123.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Saddle back apartment layouts. Image © Fender Katsalidis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="290" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image123.jpg?itok=fl1pH3t_" title="Saddle back apartment layouts. Image © Fender Katsalidis" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Saddle back apartment layouts. Image © Fender Katsalidis</figcaption></figure><p>Split between one and two bedroom apartment options, 65-71 Haig Street's living areas begin within the podium where they provide an active frontage to Haig Street. Beyond the podium a mostly generic floor plan is employed which sees a typical floor carry 5 two bedroom and 2 one bedroom apartments, with balconies designed into a solitary two bedroom dwelling.</p>

<p>According to planning documents the 134 single bedroom apartments sum to 6,334.4sqm which equates to an average area of 47.3sqm per apartment. With a total of 14,917.6sqm between all dual bedroom dwellings, the average sees 65.7sqm allocated to each dual bedroom apartment within the proposal.</p>

<h2>Up against it</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/image122.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="65-71 Haig Street and surrounding developments. Image © Fender Katsalidis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="290" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image122.jpg?itok=6zMoFvo6" title="65-71 Haig Street and surrounding developments. Image © Fender Katsalidis" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>65-71 Haig Street and surrounding developments. Image © Fender Katsalidis</figcaption></figure><p>65-71 Haig Street is not alone in seeking a piece of the Southbank apartment sector with three projects in the immediate vicinity also yet to be realised. <a href="/news/334-344-city-road-revised-in-order-to-address-planning-concerns">334-344 City Road </a>at 190 metres is the tallest proposal in the Haig Street pocket and also fronts the West Gate Freeway, while <a href="/news/57-haig-street-seeks-extra-height">57 Haig Street</a> is also at planning. A forthcoming Meydan Group project, 57 Haig Street has been resubmitted in order to increase in height to 155 metres.</p>

<p>Yet to be seen is 61-63 Haig Street which in the Fender Katsalidis Urban Context Report is listed as approved. <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/business/property/southbank-site-sold-for-75m-20140624-3ar6q">Reportedly</a> bought by Melbourne-based Blue Earth Group during 2014, the only imagery for the 865sqm site looks to be <a href="http://chtarchitects.com.au/projects-3/multiresidential/haig-street-southbank/">CHT's proposal</a> for a Haig Street residential tower, although this is not a firm indicator of the project. Regardless a distance of 10 metres is shown to separate 61-63 Haig Street 65-71 Haig Street's apartments.</p>

<h2>Comment</h2>

<p>65-71 Haig Street conjures parallels to New York's United Nations Headquarters by way of sheer precast elements running the height of the tower. Some will consider this strong design while others will think it altogether very simple… or worse.</p>

<p>One can only assume Fender Katsalidis have designed the above proposal to meet the brief delivered by the developer; for a firm with such a rich history in producing exceptional design outcomes 65-71 Haig Street is run-of-the-mill.</p>

<h2>65-71 Haig Street, Southbank development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Sunvale Development</li>
	<li>Development manager: Loi Projects</li>
	<li>Architect: Fender Katsalidis Architects</li>
	<li>Early contractor: Built</li>
	<li>ESD &amp; Building Services: Cundall</li>
	<li>Planning: URBIS</li>
	<li>Structural Engineer: 4D Workshop</li>
	<li>Traffic Engineering: Traffix Group</li>
	<li>Waste Management: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Wind Assessment: MEL Consultants</li>
</ul>
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