Not all apartment amenities are immediately visible.

Swimming pools, gyms, rooftop terraces and residents' lounges have long featured on buyers' wishlists, but as the way Australians live has changed, so too have the features that make apartment living more convenient.

Increasingly, buyers are placing value on the practical aspects of day-to-day life. Fast internet, EV charging, secure bike storage, flexible workspaces and parcel management are becoming just as relevant as lifestyle amenities, reflecting changing habits and expectations.

Online shopping has been one of the biggest drivers of that shift.

Australians spent a record $82.6 billion shopping online in 2025, with almost one in every four retail dollars now spent digitally, making parcel deliveries a routine part of everyday life rather than an occasional convenience.

For apartment residents, however, receiving those deliveries isn't always straightforward.

Without someone home to accept a parcel, deliveries can be redirected to a nearby Post Office, left in building foyers or common areas, or require building management to temporarily store packages. As apartment living continues to grow across Australia's cities, parcel management has become an increasingly important consideration for both residents and developers.

Australia Post's Parcel Locker network is one response to that shift.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KPZ9j5FRdsQ?si=Qztc1dNP3ZvEIUhb" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Rather than relying on home delivery, eligible parcels can be directed to a nominated Parcel Locker, where they're securely stored until collected. Once a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS and can retrieve it using a one-time code or QR code at a time that suits them.

The network has expanded to more than 1,500 locations nationwide, with Parcel Lockers positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and, increasingly, within or alongside residential developments.

That growing presence reflects a broader change in how apartment buildings are being planned.

Developers are increasingly considering the operational side of apartment living alongside traditional lifestyle amenities. Just as secure mailrooms, bicycle storage and EV charging have become more common inclusions, parcel management is emerging as another feature that supports everyday convenience.

It also helps preserve the arrival experience within a building. Carefully designed lobbies and communal spaces can quickly become cluttered when deliveries accumulate, while secure parcel solutions reduce the likelihood of missed deliveries or parcels being left unattended.

For buyers comparing apartments, these everyday details are becoming part of the decision-making process.

Location, floorplans and finishes remain fundamental, but the features that simplify daily life are carrying greater weight than they once did. As online shopping continues to shape consumer behaviour, secure parcel delivery is increasingly becoming another amenity worth looking for.

Joel Robinson

Parcel delivery is joining the apartment amenity checklist

Inca Property Group has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for Dawn, a 53-apartment oceanfront development overlooking Mona Vale Beach.

The proposal, at 35-39 Darley Street East, would replace an existing 18-apartment strata building with a new owner-occupier-focused development comprising 53 two and three-bedroom apartments, including nine affordable built-to-rent residences delivered under the State's infill affordable housing scheme.

Positioned on a 2,679 sqm elevated site around 280 metres from Mona Vale Beach, the development has been designed to maximise panoramic ocean views while responding to the site's sloping topography.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/inca-property-group">Inca Property Group</a> Managing Director Josh Thompson said the State Significant pathway provided greater certainty for projects of this scale.

"This State Significant pathway gives the team real certainty to progress <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/dawn-35-39-darley-street-east-mona-vale-nsw-2103">Dawn</a> through to completion," Thompson said.

"It allows us to acquire a one-off site, design it carefully and deliver the right offering for the suburb, assessed by the NSW Government's planning department."

The project is one of the first developments in the area to be assessed under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy, with the site sitting on the edge of the policy's designated inner area.

The proposal includes three basement levels providing 124 car spaces, alongside a range of resident amenities including a swimming pool, gym, sauna, wellness facilities and private plunge pools for selected ground-floor and penthouse apartments.

<img alt="Dawn" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fc1a1daf-0ce4-4f12-9076-b1fa553c7a91" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-21%20at%208.42.11%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4GZ9h.gpNkTljbxyAET8Jfhv51XUamDm" />

Thompson said Dawn had been designed specifically for owner-occupiers and downsizers, a buyer profile that has driven demand across Inca's recent Upper North Shore developments.

"The majority of buyers in our recent North Shore projects have been downsizers, and we are learning exactly what this market is looking for. Beyond the location itself, we have included resort-style amenities to deliver a genuine lifestyle offering," Thompson said.

Located within walking distance of Mona Vale Beach, the town centre, Mona Vale Golf Club and the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Dawn represents Inca's first Northern Beaches project following the sell-out of Tara on Park in Waitara and Ellis Residences, currently under construction in St Ives.

Construction will be undertaken by Inca's in-house construction arm, GOP Constructions.

Dawn is the latest major apartment proposal for Mona Vale, with the suburb emerging as one of the key beneficiaries of the NSW Government's new Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy.

New developer One Living, led by industry veteran Joseph Scuderi, recently secured a site on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, where it is planning around 140 apartments.

IPM is also planning its third project in Mona Vale, significantly increasing the scale of its previous developments with an 82-apartment proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/159-167-darley-street-west-mona-vale-nsw-2103">159-167 Darley Street West</a>, opposite Bayview Golf Course and less than 800 metres from Mona Vale town centre.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/one-living-enters-sydneys-new-apartment-market-with-northern-beaches-site-acquisition">One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-ipm-plans-third-mona-vale-project">First look: IPM plans third Mona Vale project</a>

First look: Inca eyes Mona Vale with State Significant DA for Dawn apartments

Seasoned Victorian apartment developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/central-equity">Central Equity</a> has logged more than $400 million in sales in its luxury apartment project Palmera Residences at Northcliffe on the Gold Coast.&nbsp;

Central Equity Director Karl Kutner said the sales result reflected a combination of location, product quality and delivery certainty with the project already under construction by building powerhouse Multiplex.&nbsp;

"Surpassing $400 million in sales since launch is a significant milestone and an outstanding endorsement of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/palmera-residences-gold-coast-18-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Palmera Residences</a>,” he said.&nbsp;

"We believe one of the key reasons for this strong result is the confidence purchasers have in knowing the project is under construction with Multiplex. Buyers are increasingly looking for certainty. They want to know that the project they commit to today will be delivered by an experienced team with a proven track record."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365782]

Kutner said it was clear there was still high demand for luxury projects that offered certainty of delivery.&nbsp;

“We are in a market where many residential developments have faced delays due to rising construction costs, labour shortages and financing challenges,” said Kutner.&nbsp;

"But having construction underway has provided our buyers with resounding confidence backed by more than 40 years of development delivery by Central Equity combined with construction by one of Australia's most respected construction companies."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365785]

Central Equity is one of Australia's most experienced privately-owned property developers. Over more than four decades, the company has delivered in excess of 85 residential developments including 10,000 apartments and many thousands of stand alone homes.&nbsp;

Located on Garfield Terrace at Northcliffe, between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, Palmera Residences occupies one of the Gold Coast's most sought after beachside locations. The development has been designed to appeal to owner occupiers seeking premium residences that combine generous living spaces and resort style amenities.&nbsp;

Palmera Residences will feature an exceptional collection of resort style amenities, including two swimming pools: a generously sized family pool with safe shallow zones for relaxed recreation, and a 20 metre lap pool positioned to maximise all day sunlight.&nbsp;

Residents will also enjoy exclusive access to wellness and recreational facilities including a magnesium pool, sauna, yoga studio, expansive fitted gymnasium, resident lounge, outdoor BBQ’s&nbsp;and indoor and outdoor dining areas, together with a dedicated concierge and luxurious hotel inspired entrance foyer.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365767]

A unique feature at Palmera Residences has been designed to enhance the Gold Coast lifestyle which includes both indoor and outdoor gymnasium facilities, together with thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor dining and entertaining areas. A corner café has also been incorporated to provide residents with a destination for their everyday needs.&nbsp;

Kutner said buyer demand had been broad based with purchasers attracted from interstate as well as throughout South East Queensland.&nbsp;

"We're seeing strong interest from owner occupiers, lifestyle buyers and people relocating to the Gold Coast. Many purchasers have been searching for a premium beachside residence where quality, design and delivery are equally important."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365771]

Kutner said the sales milestone was an important achievement, but the focus remained firmly on delivering an exceptional development.&nbsp;

"While reaching $400 million in sales is an important milestone, our priority remains delivering a project that exceeds purchaser expectations,” he said.&nbsp;

"Palmera Residences has been designed to become one of the Gold Coast's landmark residential addresses, and we look forward to welcoming our purchasers to their new homes."&nbsp;

There are a limited number of residences remaining in selected configurations with pricing from $2,950,000 to $8,950,000. Palmera Residences is also crowned by expansive penthouses with wrap around views.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108274]

Construction certainty and strong buyer demand drive major sales result for luxury Gold Coast development

Palmera Residences fly out the door as sales pass $400 million

National property developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/goldfields-group">Goldfields</a> has appointed BINAH as its construction partner for Quartet, its new Brisbane apartment development in the undersupplied suburb of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/milton-qld-4064">Milton</a>.

Located just two kilometres from the Brisbane CBD and moments from key 2032 Olympic precincts, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/quartet-milton-33-manning-street-milton-qld-4064">Quartet</a> will deliver 131 one, two, three, and four-bedroom apartments priced from $1 million to $4.2 million, combining elevated design with a wellness-focused lifestyle offering.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=368000]

Goldfields’ Chief Executive Officer, Lachlan Thompson, said the appointment of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/binah-constructions">BINAH</a> marked an important milestone for the project.&nbsp;

“Bringing BINAH on board as our construction partner will allow us to bring our vision for Quartet forward with a team that has a proven track record of delivering high-quality residential projects,” Thompson said.&nbsp;

“We’ve taken a considered approach to progressing the site because we wanted to deliver the whole package. Buyers ultimately back great developers, great projects and great builders, and with Quartet, we’ve made sure all three line up.

“People want certainty, they want to know the project will be built, that the homes will be delivered as promised, and that the developer stands behind the quality of what they create. That’s something Goldfields has built its reputation on over many years.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=367993]

BINAH’s Managing Director, Khalil Hafza, said the company was proud to be partnering with Goldfields to deliver Quartet.&nbsp;

“Quartet is an exciting project to bring to life, particularly given the level of detail in the residences and the extensive rooftop amenity planned for the building,” Mr Hafza said.&nbsp;

“Our focus is on delivering a high-quality build that brings that design vision to life and creates homes residents will enjoy for many years.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=367999]

The facilities at Quartet have been feared towards the roof, with a&nbsp;25 metre lap pool, spa, sauna and cold plunge, and a communal barbecue area and alfresco.

Town planning was designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> and brought to life by Melbourne-based architecture firm Cera Stribley.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/cera-stribley">Cera Stribley</a> Co-Founder and Managing Principal, Dom Cerantonio, said the project responds to both its riverside setting and Brisbane’s evolving urban character.&nbsp;

“Quartet has been designed to sit comfortably within its riverside context, offering a refined take on urban living through well-planned, generously proportioned residences that will stand the test of time,” Mr Cerantonio said.&nbsp;

“An emphasis on natural light, natural textures and carefully selected finishes from timber and marble to premium appliances, creates calm, considered interiors designed for comfort and long-term liveability.”&nbsp;

Construction of Quartet will commence in July 2026, with completion anticipated in Q4 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108736]

Construction to commence on 131-residence tower designed around wellness-focused living

Goldfields appoints BINAH for Quartet apartments in Milton

The first partnership between national developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/fortis">Fortis</a> and Adelaide-based developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/otello">Otello</a> has made a strong start, with the pair securing $21 million in unconditional sales at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/one-four-four-hutt-adelaide-144-hutt-street-adelaide-sa-5000">One Four Four Hutt</a>&nbsp;on the edge of the Adelaide CBD.

Over a third of apartments have been snapped up in the boutique 44-apartment project on the corner of Hutt Stret and Wakefield Road. Local downsizers and owner-occupiers wanting to remain in Adelaide's tightly-held southeast quarter have been the most prominent purchasers.

The DKO-designed, mixed-use development is one of the few new apartment projects in the precinct, an area where new housing supply has remained limited despite continued demand from buyers wanting to stay close to the CBD, Victoria Park and Adelaide's established east-end amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151233 project_image_fid=375378]

Fortis Head of Development SA Arthur Dendrinos said the early sales reflected both the strength of the local owner-occupier market and confidence in the Hutt Street location.

"The level of early commitment reflects the confidence local buyers have in the Hutt Street precinct," Dendrinos said.

"Many purchasers are long-term east-end residents who love the area and want to stay connected to the neighbourhood. They recognise the value of a well-designed, well-located development.

"Our partnership with Otello has been central to this success, and the number of unconditional sales at this stage only strengthens our confidence in the South Australian market."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151233 project_image_fid=375379]

Otello Director Daniel Harris said the sales result also highlighted the lack of new apartment opportunities within the Hutt Street precinct.

"One Four Four Hutt has clearly resonated with buyers, with strong early sales reflecting both the appeal of the Hutt Street corridor and the lifestyle on offer," Harris said.

"The activated ground-floor retail has also been a key drawcard, with purchasers responding to the vision of a more vibrant and connected streetscape, not just the residences themselves."

One Four Four Hutt will deliver 44 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, alongside a collection of penthouses, above a ground-floor retail offering designed to further activate the Hutt Street precinct.

Construction is scheduled to commence in the third quarter of this year, with completion anticipated in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151233]

Fortis Head of Development SA Arthur Dendrinos said the early sales reflected both the strength of the local owner-occupier market and confidence in the Hutt Street location.

Fortis makes Adelaide debut with Otello as One Four Four Hutt records strong early sales

Port Melbourne

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A rare opportunity for the general public to have a 'touch and feel' session at one of Habitech Systems recently completed projects is presenting itself tomorrow.
Where the word 'prefabrication' conjures up images of temporary 1960s school buildings, the word in the 21st century realistically equates to architectural and construction innovation.
Sometimes innovation and prefabricated technologies are a bit unknown to the general public and this is the perfect opportunity to experience it in a real dwelling.
Quoting <a href="http://www.habitechsystems.com.au/about/" target="_blank">Habitech Systems</a> about page, Habitech have developed <q>a system of high-quality manufactured building components that are delivered to site in a flack-pack format which fit together to get a house to lock-up stage in weeks, not months</q>.
<img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="343" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/why-habitech1.jpg?itok=zAi0S78W" title="Image source: http://www.habitechsystems.com.au/why-habitech/" width="580">
<a href="http://www.habitechsystems.com.au/port-melbourne-open-day" target="_blank">The Port Melbourne House open day</a> will run from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 31st May at 388 Graham Street, Port Melbourne.
Lead image credit: <a href="http://www.habitechsystems.com.au/port-melbourne-house/" target="_blank">Habitech Systems</a>.
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Alastair Taylor

Habitech Systems Port Melbourne Open Day 

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A Port Melbourne retail property has fetched just under $1.2 million at auction. The property sold on a 5% yield and reflected a building rate per square metre of about $18,000 per square metres.
It is leased to hairdresser Strands by the Bay on a new 3+3+3+3 year lease, returning $60,000 per annum plus outgoings and GST.
Selling agent Andrew Hewett noted that there was strong demand from local and national buyers along Bay Street, Port Melbourne.
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kjiminez-eaYKfU7qd2

Port Melbourne retail property sells for $1.2 million under the hammer

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A 7,456 square metre industrial property situated within the Port Melbourne precinct, which currently undergoing urban renewal, has been listed for sale.
The 320 Plummer Street property is described as having a high profile position in the heart of the state government’s Fishermans Bend Urban Renewal Area Plan and offering a range of development opportunities.
The property features a high clearance warehouse totalling 3,110 square metres and an adjoining hardstand, which is in excess of 4,000 square metres in area, with the ability to be occupied immediately. It also has exposure and access to three street frontages. 
CBRE’s Harry Kalaitzis is marketing the property, in conjunction with colleague Dean Hunt.
The expressions of interest campaign closes on 21 May.
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Fishermans Bend, Port Melbourne industrial property listed

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A Port Melbourne development site, with building approval for a five storey building, has been sold for $2.45 million. 
The vacant 382 square metre site, at 77 Bay Street, is zoned mixed use and was sold with an existing plan and permit for a modern five-level building which incorporates a child care facility and ground floor retail.
Fitzroys agents Andrew Hewett, Michael Ryan and Charles Emmett negotiated the sale.
Mr. Ryan said the purchaser is an experienced child care centre and plans on occupying the property, with aims to commence construction later this year.
The site comprised 30 square metres of storage and is located in a "rapidly developing section of the popular Bay Street retail centre, opposite the Thomas Dux supermarket",  said the agents. 
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Port Melbourne development site bought by child care centre

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Somewhat sleepy and neglected for too long, Port Melbourne has over the last fifteen years transformed itself into one of Melbourne's premier suburbs.  The steady infiltration of apartment living kicked off with Beacon Cove and the likes of the converted Sandridge Bay Towers, and has shown few signs of abating ever since.  In close proximity the the CBD and holding waterfront views, the area seemed destined to become a high-end residential enclave. 

On the back of this a number of exceptionally designed apartment buildings call Port Melbourne home, even those of a lower ilk are still far superior to apartment developments found in other parts of Melbourne (hello Preston). To that end developers and architects alike clammer to make their mark in Port Melbourne as the freedom of architectural expression, and prices for that matter, are generally higher than elsewhere in Melbourne.

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Img_5587.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Port Melbourne as seen from Eureka Skydeck"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_5587.jpg?itok=Uk9UoNxS" title="Port Melbourne as seen from Eureka Skydeck" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

Purely the authors opinion but <a href="http://www.buxtongroup.com.au/cms-projects/armada.phps" target="_blank">Armada Port Melbourne</a> is the area's premier development for aesthetics. Seen below left, the apartment block was designed by Plus Architecture for developer Buxton Group. Completed during 2012, Buxton Group's website describes the development as being sympathetic to its surrounds; make of that what you will but it's just a well balanced, incredibly well designed building.

As for current developments, <a href="/buildings/aqueous-25-nott-street-port-melbourne" target="_blank">Aqueous Apartments</a> (below right) finds itself under construction. Concocted by Rothe Lowman for developer Prince Group the buildings will carry a unique facade upon completion and continue the evolving Port Melbourne style which generally encompasses 3 level podiums + tower / high-rise setback thereafter.  Housing affordability issues aside and focusing on the built form, if ever there were a real world example of how to fill in brownfields sites right across Melbourne's metropolitan area, Port Melbourne is the poster-child.

<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/Image1_32.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Armada &amp; Aqueous. Images © Buxton Group &amp; Rothe Lowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image1_32.jpg?itok=M9OSV11Q" title="Armada &amp; Aqueous. Images © Buxton Group &amp; Rothe Lowman" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

Overall the striking twin towers that are HMAS Port Melbourne are the area's tallest structures, comfortably rising above all others as the suburb's dominant landmark, yet what if Port Melbourne were to go truly highrise either past or future? Would its charm and liveability lessen as a result?  I can't answer that with any authority but I can say emphatically that the diversity of design and a near uniform building height suburb-wide as a result of maintaining relatively stringent height controls makes it a great place to meander on a sun drenched day; and the sight lines to the CBD's skyline aren't half bad either.

Port Melbourne like a number of other Melbourne suburbs does have immense liveability, amenity and heritage aspects to boot. Whereas some are blatantly against urban development I'd contend the Port Melbourne is the benchmark for urban apartment design.  Certain areas of Melbourne do lend themselves to highrise towers yet I see Port Melbourne the the clear cut leader in terms of urban development versus design quality versus public and resident amenity. That they've managed to achieve this with predominantly mid-rise apartment buildings is commendable.

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Img_689056.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy Herald Sun"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_689056.jpg?itok=WVX0YcFS" title="Image courtesy Herald Sun" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

Conversely readers may be interested to note the Kennett-led government of the day had drawn up plans to transform Port Melbourne into a satellite highrise suburb similar to Southbank's expansion plans for the time.  Taken from the Herald Sun and dated 3rd March 1999, the above graphic shows vast areas of Port Melbourne set aside for substantial change.  The Gateway to the Bay policy as it was dubbed would have led to Port Melbourne becoming an "International water-transport gateway with new piers and recreation facilities and a high-rise extension of the city and Southbank."

Which brings me to tomorrow's article; Blockhead makes a return with a concept design for sections of Port Melbourne's Station Pier. A design worthy for any city, 'The Dunes' complex intends to provoke thought and whilst utilising dead spaces, namely the at grade car park.  Regardless that's for tomorrow; as for today see below a catalogue of photos taken earlier this year highlighting the varying build form styles of Port Melbourne.

For those interested in following Port Melbourne's evolution in both detached and attached living, view this <a href="http://porthouses.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">blog</a>.
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silvermb

Port Melbourne style

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A lot has happened since my last concept article (<a href="/news/blockhead-concept-this-little-piggy-went-to-market-on-his-fixie">This Little Piggy went to Market (on his fixie)</a>): Kevin Rudd is now Prime Minister, Australia has lost The Ashes but is fighting for respect, The Maroons are State of Origin champions and Hawthorn lost to Geelong while Essendon has run out of steam yet again.

All the while I've been lying in bed at night thinking about Station Pier, Port Melbourne. This article forms part of a series of articles focusing on Port Melbourne's past, present and future. As the name suggests I'll be focusing on a possible future for at least part of the site.

I may revisit the pier itself for another article at some stage, however I have decided to focus on the area highlighted in red below, closest to Waterfront Place.

<figure><img alt="" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/pictures/article-images/Existing%20site%20plan.jpg"></figure>My concept for the site consists of seven parts as seen on the map below:

<figure><img alt="" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/pictures/article-images/site%20plan_edit-01_1.jpg"></figure><ol>
<li>A museum and visitor centre focusing on the history of the pier</li>
	<li>A raised sloping park with public parking underneath, replacing the current open air car park and nature strip</li>
	<li>New paved square</li>
	<li>Overpass and raised public concourse allowing for courier/truck access through and underneath the development</li>
	<li>8-storey apartment building with retail at ground and concourse levels + 2 rooftop gardens and pergola structure</li>
	<li>55-storey Hotel and apartments with retail and commercial space at ground and concourse levels + garden on rooftop</li>
	<li>65-storey apartment tower atop a 3-storey shared podium, retail at ground and concourse levels</li>
</ol>
While the height of the towers may be significantly beyond any other development in the area, they sit to the south of the existing residential area and west of the beach; overshadowing of the beach only really occurring late in the afternoon, which particularly in summer, might not be such a bad thing. As per previous concepts dreamt up for Apartments.com.au, I have tried to provide a reasonable balance between private and public spaces.

The idea is the development would act as a gateway for visitors arriving via sea (standing out from a distance) while also activating what is an otherwise series of 'dead' spaces. The concept won't appeal to all, but hopefully it serves its purpose in provoking thought for a complex that could be so much more.

Hope you enjoy the images below, click for them for a full screen view.
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Laurence Dragomir

Blockhead Concept - Pier-ing into the future

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The editor's picks from the project database: Planning Assessment status, July 2013. See our top five picks for Under Construction in <a href="/news/urban-com-aus-top-5-picks-under-construction-june-2013">June 2013</a>.

<h2>5. 204-210 Ballarat Road, Maidstone</h2>

Why do we like it? Maidstone/Braybrook/Sunshine is the possibly one of the last regions of Melbourne the average Joe would think apartments would have a place. But when you see a project like this pop up, you have to sit up and take notice. 5 levels and on a major road which has the capacity to be a major East-West Bus Rapid Transit route into and out of the Footscray CAD, 204-210 Ballarat Road is sure to set a precedent.

<a href="/new-apartments/amber-apartments-204-ballarat-road-maidstone"><img alt="" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/project-renders/Image8_0.jpg" style="width: 710px; height: 378px;"></a>

<h2>4. Packington Apartments - 44 Packington Street, St Kilda</h2>

Why do we like it? Excellent Public Transport links nearby, low-rise and epitomises the type of building which the <a href="/news/transforming-australian-cities-a-must-read">Transforming Australian Cities</a> strategy calls for in or near appropriate public transport corridors all over Melbourne.

<a href="/buildings/leroy-40-packington-street-st-kilda"><img alt="" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/project-renders/56_19-04-2013_1403.jpg?slideshow=true&amp;slideshowAuto=false&amp;slideshowSpeed=4000&amp;speed=350&amp;transition=fade" style="width: 710px; height: 377px;"></a>

<h2>3. 81 Argyle Street, Fitzroy</h2>

Why do we like it? Another perfect <a href="/news/transforming-australian-cities-a-must-read">TAC</a> example - low-rise, increases density, superb public transport links nearby on Nicholson and Johnston Streets. I'm calling it: it looks as if it will become a hidden gem - much like how it's possible stumble upon multiple interesting buildings in the CBD when you navigate labyrinth of laneways, 81 Argyle, positioned back from the main thoroughfares, will provide ample surprise factor for people who choose to go meandering in the back streets of Fitzroy. Wood facade? Yes please!

<a href="/buildings/bespoke-fitzroy-81-argyle-street-fitzroy"><img alt="" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/project-renders/81-argyle-st-fitzroy.jpg?slideshow=true&amp;slideshowAuto=false&amp;slideshowSpeed=4000&amp;speed=350&amp;transition=fade" style="width: 580px; height: 320px;"></a>

<h2>2. 150 Turner Street, Port Melbourne</h2>

Why do we like it? 150 Turner only popped up on the radar as early as this <a href="/news/lorimer-precinct-artisan-architects-lead-the-way">week</a>. Kudos to the architect for boldly going with a green facade - it's not a colour one would say has been executed all that well in Melbourne to date. Nevertheless, <a href="/news">looking at all angles</a> the building has many appealling features: no single facade will be the same, a unique podium facade will add to street-level interest and overall the height, bulk and general characteristics look to, on paper, agree with much of what the City of Port Phillip have outlined as part of the <a href="/news/port-phillips-montague-structure-plan">Montague Structure Plan</a> (albeit, this tower is proposed in the adjacent Lorimer precinct) - this is definitely one to watch.

<a href="/new-apartments/150-turner-street-port-melbourne"><img alt="" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/project-renders/flyer.jpg?slideshow=true&amp;slideshowAuto=false&amp;slideshowSpeed=4000&amp;speed=350&amp;transition=fade" style="width: 710px; height: 455px;"></a>

<h2>1. Queensbridge Tower - 1-23 Queensbridge Street, Southbank</h2>

Why do we like it? Bates Smart. The name commands respect - after all they are one of this country's oldest firms - of Royal Exhibition Building, ICI House and adjacent Freshwater Place (to name but a few) fame. Where certain soundbites will pan the height of new skyscraper developments almost universally, we say: Queensbridge Tower will add to the collection of towers on Southbank already as high and as diverse as the entire Perth CBD furthermore enhancing Southbank's own evolving hyper-density identity.

The urban tall is just as important as the urban small.

<a href="/new-apartments/one-queensbridge-street-1-23-queensbridge-street-southbank"><img alt="" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/project-renders/Image14.jpg?slideshow=true&amp;slideshowAuto=false&amp;slideshowSpeed=4000&amp;speed=350&amp;transition=fade" style="width: 641px; height: 453px;"></a>

Agree or disagree? Let us know!
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