Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> is the latest to jump into St Leonards booming Transport Oriented Development precinct.

The developer, which has previously delivered Sapphire by the Gardens apartment development in Melbourne, identified the Atchison Street site in 2023. It filed a Scoping Report around 12 months ago, and now has revealed the designs for the new&nbsp;40-storey mixed-use tower.

The State Significant Development Application covers <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/projects/14650/summary">20-22 Atchison Street</a>, a 1,374 sqm site positioned between St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the project would deliver 181 apartments, above a four-storey commercial podium, five basement levels, and new public domain works along Mitchell Street. The apartment mix comprises 35 one-bedroom apartments, 39 one-bedroom-plus-study apartments, 85 two-bedroom apartments, and 22 three-bedroom residences.

The proposal has been lodged as a shop-top housing development under the NSW Government’s TOD planning pathway, which allows increased density around key transport infrastructure. The site sits within the recently rezoned Crows Nest Accelerated TOD Precinct.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b799673d-48e2-46b0-801a-0e33a9330100" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20site.png?VersionId=dPh0UfwfaHpbFL1R7H1cbZNbIW0CHbCC" />

SP Setia acquired the Atchison Street site as part of its continued expansion into the Australian apartment market. In comments made to City &amp; Country (The Edge Malaysia) in 2023, SP Setia President and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai described the acquisition as “a strategic move” aligned with the group’s post-pandemic market recovery strategy.

“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.

The tower has been designed as a slender vertical form rising from a mixed-use podium, with COX Architecture positioning the development as a response to the evolving St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline.

“The purpose of the project is to facilitate the delivery of high-quality housing at a strategically located site and deliver a built tower outcome that is consistent with the desired future character of St Leonards and aligns with the TOD controls,” the design report stated.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a85eee-76f7-436c-a6da-73ba827b9b13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20entry.png?VersionId=dA9jHGPMcm.dDbwk4QfxqWiY5bfh3UVt" />

The podium would incorporate retail uses fronting Atchison Street, commercial tenancies, landscaped communal areas, and pedestrian improvements along Mitchell Street. Vehicle access and loading would be consolidated via Atchison Lane.

Residents would have access to more than 665 sqm of communal indoor and outdoor spaces, while the development proposes 96 parking spaces across five basement levels.

The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.

COX said the tower form responds directly to the emerging high-density character of the precinct while seeking to maximise solar access, cross ventilation, and outlook from apartments.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2163f85c-f63b-4be3-aafa-f8763976cec5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_5.png?VersionId=WiAmtIKJ6.ZQ41EtYEQ1fol7AeorKBlL" />

“The building is orientated towards north,” the Apartment Design Guide compliance report noted, adding that the tower’s slim form was driven by the constrained inner-urban site dimensions.

The design also incorporates landscaped setbacks and communal open space at podium level, intended to soften the interface with surrounding streets and improve pedestrian amenity.

The project adds to a growing wave of redevelopment proposals reshaping St Leonards and Crows Nest following the opening of the Sydney Metro City line and the NSW Government’s push for higher-density housing around major transport nodes.

Last week Stockland filed plans just down the road. They want to build a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">52-storey tower on Pacific Highway</a>.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower&nbsp;</a>

Joel Robinson

First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.

The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.

The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.

SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”

The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" />

The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.

A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.

Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" />

The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.

Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.

The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.

First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s latest tower at Wickham interchange

Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;

Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">premium site at 180 Macquarie Street</a> features uninterrupted river frontage in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held residential precincts.&nbsp;

The proposed development, currently under assessment with Brisbane City Council, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and will deliver a boutique collection of premium residences positioned specifically for owner occupiers and downsizers.&nbsp;

The residences are set to redefine luxury apartment living in the area, with a focus on architectural quality, refined finishes, landscape integration and elevated amenities including curated wellness facilities, resort-style pools and recreation spaces rarely seen in the local market.&nbsp;

Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;

Bottega House Managing Director Nick Malloch said the project reflects the group’s ambition to deliver a highly curated residential offering within one of Brisbane’s most tightly held precincts.&nbsp;

“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;

“Our vision from the outset was to create a boutique collection of residences that feel more like private homes than traditional apartments, with generous proportions, refined finishes and exceptional amenity throughout."

Malloch says there is a&nbsp;lack of premium owner-occupier stock of this quality in the market, particularly for downsizers wanting space, privacy and a true lifestyle offering without compromise.&nbsp;

"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.

“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]

Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]

Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.

The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]

More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.
</section>
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[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

Local Little Bay residents, along with buyers from premium postcodes across Sydney’s affluent Eastern Suburbs, have dominated purchases in developer-builder Urban Property Group’s first Eastern Suburbs apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a>.

The $250 million coastal project, one of the first new developments in the area in several years, has proven particularly popular with downsizers, especially those from Coogee and Bondi. One Double Bay downsizer paid $4.7 million for a four-bedroom penthouse, setting a new local apartment price record in the process.

Buyers have been attracted to the combination of coastal tranquillity, premium design and amenity-rich neighbourhood living. The walkable village setting, along with proximity to three of Sydney’s leading golf courses, New South Wales Golf Club, St Michael’s Golf Club and The Coast Golf Club, has also been a key drawcard.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352689]

Built across two low-rise buildings designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hill-thalis-architecture-urban-projects-pty-ltd">Hill Thalis</a> and set along a lush, landscaped green spine, designed by leading landscape architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>, ESTE Little Bay offers a collection of one, two, three and four-bedroom residences with interiors by Richards Stanisich.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> Sales Director, Tom McIvor said the response to ESTE has been "nothing short of extraordinary."

“Buyers have been quick to recognise ESTE as a rare opportunity to invest in a coastal sanctuary that offers both seclusion and connectivity to the heart of Sydney,” McIvor said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352687]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">SRM Residential</a> Senior Director, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">Clayton Ross</a> said the local market has responded incredibly well, driven by ESTE’s exceptional location and the rarity it offers.

“We’ve seen strong interest from a variety of buyer groups, all of whom are drawn to the exclusivity and quality of the build and construction by the 4.5-star iCIRT-rated builder / developer, Urban Property Group. There’s truly nothing else like it along Sydney’s coastline.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352690]

The project also includes robust buyer protections, including Resilience Insurance’s Latent Defects Insurance, providing 10 years of structural cover, and an independent iCIRT-rating of the developer.

“The iCIRT-rating adds another layer of confidence,” Ross added. “Buyers see it as a safeguard for their investment and their lifestyle.” A highlight of ESTE’s offering is its exclusive wellness amenities, including a heated rooftop infinity pool and outdoor heated spa, a state-of-the-art Technogym fitness centre, and a sauna.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a> is topped out and is on track to complete towards the end of 2026, with residents moving in before Christmas.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112343]

Eastern Suburbs buyers snap up ESTE Little Bay apartments

Probuild

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Late last week head contractor Probuild officially broke ground on ISPT's 271 Spring Street, a $150 million mixed-use tower in Melbourne’s CBD. The 16-storey building has been designed by John Wardle Architects (JWA) and will become the new headquarters for national health, wealth and living company Australian Unity, which has agreed to a 15-year term over the entire 15,600 sqm.

The development at 271 Spring Street completes ISPT and JWA's original vision for the Urban Workshop at 50 Lonsdale Street, which included a major new commercial office building and retail precinct "set around the historic buildings and street patterns of the area once known as the Little Lon district."

<blockquote>
The new office building incorporates a brick podium that is partly original and partly reimagined around historic elements including the Elms Hotel and the Mission Building. Overall, a streetscape of two storey brickwork makes for a scale and material appearance consistent with its neighbours along Little Lonsdale Street.

It is not overtly grand, but rather scaled for people and aims to create an engaging relationship with the passerby.

Separate from the brick podium is the office tower proper, its curtain walls incorporating sun shading to improve thermal performance. Expanding this texture further, the patterns of historic roofs hidden from view are writ large upon the inclined glass face of the tower above.

A new geometry for sun blades is drawn from the old roof patterns.
<cite>John Wardle Architects</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/271sp_jwa.png" rel="gallery-all" title="271 Spring Street, view of streetscape. Image: John Wardle Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="269" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/271sp_jwa.png?itok=H_9KL6Ut" title="271 Spring Street, view of streetscape. Image: John Wardle Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>271 Spring Street, view of streetscape. Image: John Wardle Architects</figcaption></figure>The breaking ground ceremony was preceded by a 'Welcome to Country' ceremony performed by Wurundjeri Elder Uncle Colin Hunter Jr. In attendance were representatives from ISPT, RCP, Probuild, JWA and Australian Unity, including ISPT CEO Daryl Browning, RCP Director Greg Naylor, Probuild's Victorian Managing Director Luke Stambolis and JWA Principal Bill Krotiris.

271 Spring Street is due for completion in mid 2019.

<blockquote>
We are excited to be breaking ground at 271 Spring Street, alongside ISPT and Australian Unity. The level of collaboration seen on this project from all parties has been impressive.

We’re working to retain complicated heritage facades and fabrics, a complex task Probuild teams are well-equipped to manage. We’ll be facing challenges undertaking construction directly above the Melbourne Underground Rail Loop Tunnels, but we’re used to operating and delivering in live environments.
<cite>Luke Stambolis, Victorian Managing Director, Probuild</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/271sp-ai01-707x1000.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="271 Spring Street Hero Perspective. Image: John Wardle Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="820" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/271sp-ai01-707x1000.jpg?itok=P4OG_H4J" title="271 Spring Street Hero Perspective. Image: John Wardle Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>271 Spring Street Hero Perspective. Image: John Wardle Architects</figcaption></figure>
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Laurence Dragomir

Probuild and ISPT Break Ground on Australian Unity's new Spring Street HQ

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Another of the squadron of tall residential towers dotting the CBD's northern expanses has topped out. Empire Melbourne is a predominantly precast monolith highlighted by vertical gold fins set at different angles.

Head contractor Probuild last week took Empire Melbourne to its high point, topping out the tower with the final level completed. The rapid work of Caelli in erecting the concrete structure coupled with the Probuild Construction Systems program has allowed the 62-storey tower to reach structural completion well ahead of schedule.

Empire Melbourne now stands on the south-east corner of A'Beckett and Elizabeth Streets, directly opposite MY80, which was the first collaboration between Probuild, Malaysian-based developer Mammoth Empire, PDS Group and architecture firm Hayball.

Combined, MY80 and Empire Melbourne have added 968 apartments to the intersection.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_9562.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Gold the order of the day, as seen from A'Beckett Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_9562.jpg?itok=Tg4DHk3n" title="Gold the order of the day, as seen from A'Beckett Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Gold the order of the day, as seen from A'Beckett Street</figcaption></figure>Delivered under a design and construct contract, Probuild's accelerated delivery of Empire Melbourne has the project on course to be delivered months ahead of its intended completion.

<blockquote>
The innovation at Empire has accelerated usual fitout timelines achieved with traditional building techniques. By implementing Probuild Construction Systems we’ve been able to make the most of every opportunity and exceed our client’s expectations.

I’m extremely proud of our people working at Empire. At Probuild we hire the industry’s best and they’ve delivered the best for our client, Mammoth Empire.
<cite>Probuild Managing Director Luke Stambolis</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
We’re delighted to have reached this milestone and thank our partners, particularly Probuild, for getting us to this stage 3 months ahead of schedule. Mammoth and PDS Group have partnered successfully in the past, with MY80 (across the road) finishing in 2014 and we look forward to Empire receiving its first residents later this year.

Mammoth and PDS Group wish to thank our partners for their innovation and hard work to date.
<cite>CEO of PDS Group, Andrew Fortey</cite>
</blockquote>

348 apartments with Empire Melbourne along with all common areas are scheduled to be handed over on 31 July 2017. Thereafter settlements will take place, with the balance of apartments nominated for a September 2017 handover; well in advance of the initially nominated completion date of December 2017.

In addition to the 487 apartments in total, Empire Melbourne also includes 2 retail spaces, 8 motorbike and 173 bicycle spaces. Project amenities include a gym, yoga/multi-purpose room, pool, sauna, lounge and dining spaces.

<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/image79_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Empire Melbourne. Image: Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="570" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image79_6.jpg?itok=xTbNmOTs" title="Empire Melbourne. Image: Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Empire Melbourne. Image: Ryan Seychell</figcaption></figure>Project specifics aside, Empire Melbourne joins a growing cast of towers along Elizabeth Street's eastern flank that present as vertical 'walls' from street level, with only token podiums and/or setbacks.

A product of previous planning laws, the flourish of tall towers in this stretch defined by their sheer vertical form has markedly changed the Elizabeth Street streetscape. Five of six substantial residential towers facing Elizabeth Street have either been or are close to completion.

In discussion with one of Melbourne's leading architects last week, comment was passed on this new stretch of towers along Elizabeth Street; "What will we make of these towers in 20 years time? What sort of legacy will they leave?"
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silvermb

Empire Melbourne tops out, but is it Melbourne's Empire rose?

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A groundbreaking ceremony yesterday officially kicked off proceedings for works on <a href="/buildings/aurora-melbourne-central-224-la-trobe-street-melbourne">Aurora Melbourne Central</a> which will in time become the tallest building within the CBD. Developer <a href="/developers/uem-sunrise">UEM Sunrise's</a> CEO and COO Commercial were in attendance, as were representatives from the project's architects <a href="/architects/fraser-partners-0">Elenberg Fraser</a>, head contractor <a href="/builders/probuild">Probuild</a> and project manager PDS Group.

Hosted on level 5 of the soon to be demolished car park structure onsite, the event celebrated construction officially commencing on the 92 level tower with an associated upgrade to Melbourne Central train station attached.

The near sold out project will also rejuvenate the laneway running between La Trobe Street and Little La Trobe Street, with new retail spaces on the cards. A new station entrance will link Little La Trobe Street with Melbourne Central train station which is expected to see movements through the station grow to 21.5 million per annum by 2031 according to Public Transport Victoria.

<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/group_photo.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The official turning of the first sod, albeit in a car park"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="383" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/group_photo.jpg?itok=VOslly1s" title="The official turning of the first sod, albeit in a car park" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The official turning of the first sod, albeit in the car park</figcaption></figure><h2>UEM Sunrise delighted with their flagship project</h2>

<blockquote>
Today marks an important milestone for us as we are here to celebrate the official ground breaking for Aurora Melbourne Central. From the beginning our intention has always been to develop a premium project for Melbourne that will certainly make a statement.

As our flagship development in Melbourne we believe it will create a new focal point for the Central Business District with enhanced access and connectivity to Melbourne Central Station from La Trobe Street with new escalators and lifts creating a new direct underground connection.

We’re proud to have sold 941 apartments with 95% sales achieved worldwide within two months, making it our most successful development yet.
<cite>Anwar Syarhin Abdul Ajib, CEO and Managing Director, UEM Sunrise</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image10_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aurora's latest rendering depicting the giant tower in situ. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="521" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image10_3.jpg?itok=YL6ePOPT" title="Aurora's latest rendering depicting the giant tower in situ. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aurora's latest rendering depicting the giant tower in situ. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure><h2>Callum Fraser on Aurora's design</h2>

<blockquote>
1000 apartments that sit atop a train station represents a good model for high density urban development.

The tower’s design is based on the national flower of Malaysia – the hibiscus with the tower unfolding from the hibiscus’s organic form, imbuing and celebrating a cultural understanding in a design that is unashamedly modern. The curved geometry responds to its context by opening up views of the city and its stepped form creates a unique silhouette on Melbourne’s skyline.

The project seeks to activate and invigorate the north of the CBD, adding to its urban fabric and taking advantage of proximity to RMIT, the markets and the ability to connect directly to Melbourne Central as a shopping and transport hub. It wasn’t so long ago that the CBD used to stop at La Trobe Street.
<cite>Callum Fraser, Director, Elenberg Fraser</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Probuild: from the subway to the sky</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/21930478040_f50e06be90_b.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Onsite demolition works are underway. Image courtesy Oh Yes Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/21930478040_f50e06be90_b.jpg?itok=-OqT4PZJ" title="Onsite demolition works are underway. Image courtesy Oh Yes Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Onsite demolition works are underway. Image courtesy Oh Yes Melbourne</figcaption></figure>Probuild’s Group Managing Director Simon Gray was on hand, providing an overview of the pre-planning required to bring Aurora Melbourne Central to fruition. Months of detailed analysis and planning were required to merely arrive at this point given the complexities involved with building the tallest and most significant development within the CBD.

During Aurora Melbourne Central's 48 month construction program thousands workers will be employed on the project, with 500 on site during its peak. 3,600 concrete trucks will filter through the site over life of the build, while 20 lifts and a 1,487 step stair well will service the building upon completion.

The largest apartment tower build undertaken by Probuild to date, Aurora’s shape presents a “unique challenge.” Designed to sway up to 500mm in gusty conditions, the exterior will also feature 2.1 kilometres of coloured LED lighting.

Probuild will deliver the tower over stages; the first of which is due toward the end of 2017, with full completion expected in the third quarter of 2019.
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The CBD's tallest building officially begins construction

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It was revealed in Kuala Lumpur yesterday that prolific Malaysian-based developer UEM Sunrise has chosen Probuild to deliver the group's first Melbourne project: Aurora Melbourne Central. Near on 270 metres, the Elenberg Fraser-designed tower will be the biggest undertaken by Melbourne-based Probuild both in terms of height and apartments involved.

Located on La Trobe Street opposite Melbourne Central, the project will include in excess of 120,000sqm of built area, a direct link to Melbourne Central Station, 941 residential apartments, approximately 250 serviced apartments plus retail and office space through the podium levels.

With the tower's apartments near on 100% sold, Probuild was been chosen as the preferred builder after edging out two fellow Australian tier-one builders based upon technical and commercial merits.

<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/aurora_view_04_ef.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aurora Melbourne Central. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="1122" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/aurora_view_04_ef.jpg?itok=owMDJM-o" title="Aurora Melbourne Central. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aurora Melbourne Central. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
For the next three months, there will be detailed contract negotiations with Probuild on design refinements, contract costs and contract details.

We would like to thank the purchasers of Aurora Melbourne Central for their support of our vision, and we are now set to deliver our promise in the construction of high-quality homes via the partnership with one of Australia’s most capable builders, Probuild.
<cite>UEM Sunrise Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr Anwar Syahrin Abdul Ajib</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
We are delighted we have been chosen by UEM Sunrise to be its delivery partner for its flagship project, Aurora Melbourne Central. We are thrilled by the opportunity to hit the ground running on this truly iconic project.
<cite>Probuild Managing Director Mr Simon Gray</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>One marquee project replaces another</h2>

While Aurora Melbourne Central prepares for construction, Probuild's high profile Swanston Square project has recently seen its distinctive facade unveiled, with protective sleeves removed to reveal the full William Barak portrait adorning the exterior.

<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/173_05-03-2015_7450.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The freshly completed Swanston Square. Image courtesy Probuild"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="415" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/173_05-03-2015_7450.jpg?itok=Ow__AVNo" title="The freshly completed Swanston Square. Image courtesy Probuild" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The freshly completed Swanston Square. Image courtesy Probuild</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The Swanston Square project, adorned with a one-of-a-kind 80 metre façade depicting the portrait of Barak, is four times the height of Mount Rushmore in the USA and was made possible through the use of a new and emerging building material. Probuild oversaw the manufacture and installation of 406 individual panels made from Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP), a resin-based composite used to create the face of Barak.

More commonly associated with the building of aircraft and super yachts, GRP was chosen because of its flexibility, allowing panels to be moulded into any shape; the ideal choice for what is more an artistic sculpture than functional facade.
<cite>Probuild website</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Far and wide</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/image38.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The newly erected Eporo tower crane along with Pacific Werribee. Image courtesy Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="288" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image38.jpg?itok=fQS81pd2" title="The newly erected Eporo tower crane along with Pacific Werribee. Image courtesy Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The newly erected Eporo tower crane along with Pacific Werribee. Image courtesy Ryan Seychell</figcaption></figure>While Aurora Melbourne Central will stand tall within Melbourne's CBD, Probuild's continual spread throughout greater Melbourne has coincided with its amalgamation with fellow builder Contexx during 2013. At present the likes of Victoria One, Eporo, Bouverie St. and Empire Melbourne headline their large-scale residential projects under construction.

On the flip side current retail projects include Chadstone Shopping Centre's expansion, Pacific Werribee and the roughly 40,000sqm expansion of Eastland Shopping Centre while South East Water's new Frankston headquarters ranks amongst their commercial pursuits.

As for Aurora Melbourne Central, site works are expected to begin during June with the tower to be delivered in stages; the last of which is due for completion in mid-2019.
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Probuild crown their workbook with Aurora Melbourne Central

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Hiap Hoe have reinforced the trend of Asian-based developers proposing large-scale mixed-use developments within the City of Melbourne. Having <a href="/news/hiap-hoe-lets-go" target="_blank">purchased 380 Lonsdale Street during 2013</a>, the developer has turned to the ubiquitous Elenberg Fraser to deliver a new scheme.

Superseding an approved single 47 storey tower design delivered by Spowers for the previous owner, Elenberg Fraser have increased height, apartment yield, included a hotel and maintained the initial designs width, albeit over two towers rather than one. It's the tremendous width of the proposal (running from Lonsdale to Little Lonsdale) which has enabled Elenberg Fraser to apply an architectural facade treatment which sees ripples emanating from a low slung nexus between towers and podium.

<blockquote>
The revised proposal represents a landmark building of high architectural quality located in a prominent site within the city. It has been designed in a manner to be respectful of the character of the area and surrounding properties while making a notable contribution to the urban renewal and evolving character of this part of the CBD and will also support the various roles of the City Centre.
<cite>Urbis Planning Permit Amendment Application</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>380 Lonsdale Street at a glance</h2>

<ul>
<li>Existing use: 6 storey commercial car park</li>
	<li>3,165sqm site</li>
	<li>South (Lonsdale) tower: 51 levels @ 166.5 metres</li>
	<li>North (Little Lonsdale) tower: 67 levels @ 217.5 metres</li>
	<li>728 apartments &amp; 312 suite hotel component: increased from initial 627 apartments</li>
	<li>Retail, function, office space and car parking through the 7-level podium</li>
	<li>Timothy Lane to become a connected arcade/thoroughfare</li>
	<li>Activation of adjoining Heape Court</li>
	<li>469 car parking spaces: reduced from 774</li>
	<li>822 bicycle spaces</li>
	<li>Total GFA: 109,448sqm</li>
</ul>
<a href="/news">&gt;&gt; See the revised 380 Lonsdale images within the dedicated forum thread</a>

<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/image5380.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The initial and revised 380 Lonsdale Street designs. Image © Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="512" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image5380.jpg?itok=1VmIBlpw" title="The initial and revised 380 Lonsdale Street designs. Image © Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Elenberg Fraser's initial and current 380 Lonsdale Street designs. Images © Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure><h2>Apartment divide</h2>

A graphic within the planning amendment application shows apartments have been categorised according to the dwellers status. 112 Residential Type 1 (owner occupier) apartments are located within the southern tower over levels 34-49 and are expected to consist of 64*1-Bed, 32*2-Bed and 16*2-Bed/2-Bath apartments.

Residential Type 2 (renter occupied) dwellings are limited to the taller northern tower with 616 apartments included. 224*1-Bed, 112*2-Bed and 280*2-Bed/2-Bath options constitute the apartment breakdown. Dividing the project into two towers categories by whether the occupant owns or rents the apartment isn't standard practice, although in this instance we assume the distinction is made due to the four star hotel within the southern tower and associated communal facilities use etc.

As part of the revised scheme no bedrooms will rely on borrowed light, improving upon the original design which town planner Urbis states would have been the case for many single bedroom apartments.

<h2>What's in a podium?</h2>

Elenberg Fraser have loosely maintained the form of the approved Spowers-designed podium structure, thus taking a step back from the unadorned uniform glass lines that have defined a number of their recent planning applications.

Two distinct volumes are kept in order to allow pedestrian access via a rejuvenated Timothy Lane, with a podium-top hotel swimming pool seemingly 'resting' across both built volumes. Transparent from beneath, the hotel pool will join mirrored cladding, pocket gardens, stone soffits, varied podium depths and active pedestrian frontages in bringing visual interest to the lower levels of the structure.

<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/image1380.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Images © Spowers &amp; Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="253" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image1380.jpg?itok=77cSuNn0" title="Images © Spowers &amp; Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Images © Spowers &amp; Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>As it stands Starwood Hotels &amp; Resorts have signed on to operate the southern Lonsdale tower hotel component under their Aloft brand, as was <a href="http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/property/starwood-hotels-in-deal-with-singapore-real-estate-group/story-fn9656lz-1226800998921" target="_blank">reported</a> earlier this year. With essentially three quarts of the Lonsdale tower dedicated to hotel use alongside a relatively light 112 private apartments, Hiap Hoe could advance the initial tower to construction briskly post approval.

In addition Hiap Hoe and Melbourne-based Probuild currently have a partnership in place whereby the the latter will undertake the builds on both Hiap Hoe's current Melbourne projects, the other being <a href="/buildings/marina-tower-6-pearl-river-road-docklands" target="_blank">Marina Tower.</a>

<h2>380 Lonsdale Street project team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Client: Meteorite Development (Lonsdale Street) P/L on behalf of Hiap Hoe Ltd</li>
	<li>Architect: Elenberg Fraser</li>
	<li>Project Manager: PDS Group</li>
	<li>Town Planner: Urbis</li>
	<li>Landscape Architect: Oculus</li>
	<li>ESD Consultant: ARK Resources</li>
	<li>Traffic Consultant: Cardno Gorgan Richards.</li>
	<li>Wind Consultant: MEL Consulting</li>
	<li>Waste Consultant: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Land Surveyor: Reeds Consulting</li>
	<li>Structural Consultant: Winward Group</li>
	<li>Services Consultant: Murchie Consulting</li>
	<li>Quantity Surveyor: Slattery Australia</li>
</ul>
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