ASX-listed developer Cedar Woods is progressing its plans for its Southbank arts precinct site.&nbsp;

The developer has filed plans, which are now with the&nbsp;Department of Transport and Planning, for a new 20-level tower at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/141-151-sturt-street-southbank-vic-3006">141–151 Sturt Street</a>, a 2,718 sqm block opposite the Habitat Filter sculpture.

The proposal seeks to demolish the two-level&nbsp;commercial building, including a small supermarket and medical tenancies, and create a new building with 180 apartments and a focus on an&nbsp;active public realm and arts integration.

&nbsp;

<img alt="Southbank site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="76a72db6-91ef-43ae-827d-a9cfa72893d2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Site.png?VersionId=DZgtB4K6BswVh0QtCs3iLjXaLp0CbcEb" />

&nbsp;

There will be a full mix of apartment configurations, including 28 studio apartments, 16 one-bedroom, 104 two-bedroom, and 32 three-bedroom units.

Retail, creative arts, and residential amenity functions are integrated across the lower levels. A food and drink tenancy is planned to front Dodds Street, while a retail tenancy fronting Sturt Street will be accessed via an elevated walkway. The first floor includes a substantial 734 sqm creative arts space, envisioned to support Melbourne’s growing cultural and digital industries.

Architecture firm <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> has put together the plans. In their&nbsp;Urban Design Report they highlighted the project’s ambition to embed itself within Southbank’s evolving cultural fabric.

A central feature of the design is a through-block link connecting Sturt and Dodds Streets, landscaped with native plantings and embedded with universal access ramps.

“The ramp has been thoughtfully integrated as the primary access point, ensuring universal accessibility for all users,” the report noted, with the link offering “a direct response to the urban planning scheme of creating more green spaces within our communities”.

<img alt="Southbank podium" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4d24b1b2-d69c-4a11-a11d-ec6df432221c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/podium.png?VersionId=geWoJyZDmPSLODZ_.PNJ0LvpOmyyCdpo" />

The building’s podium form responds to the mandatory height limits along Dodds Street and maintains a fine-grain interface to adjoining developments. Above the podium, the tower is articulated with recessed balconies and a focus on views toward the CBD and surrounding arts institutions. A communal rooftop recreation deck and indoor lounge are positioned on level four, adjoining seven apartments and providing over 900 sqm of resident amenity space.

Vehicle access and loading will be provided via Dodds Street, with 155 resident car spaces located across two basement levels and the first three above-ground floors. Bicycle storage is more generous, with 226 spaces distributed across resident, staff and visitor needs.

Rothelowman describes the architecture as “humanist,” with ground-level interfaces designed to encourage social interaction and provide a dignified entry for both residents and passers-by. “All street interfaces are crafted to invite and nurture human connections,” the design report states. “The façade transitions to a human scale, providing an approachable and engaging streetscape”.

Cedar Woods, while well-known for its large communities it develops outside of Australia's capital cities, they have recently developed in Melbourne's inner-ring before. They are approaching completion at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/88-leveson-north-melbourne-88-leveson-street-north-melbourne-vic-3051">88 Leveson</a>, just 15 townhouses in the heart of North Melbourne.

Joel Robinson

Cedar Woods progresses with new apartment plans in Southbank arts precinct

Brisbane developers Core Property Partners and Vector Property Australia has teamed up for Brisbane's newest apartment development.

The duo identified <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/east-brisbane-qld-4169">East Brisbane</a> as their preferred suburb, on the fringe of the Gabba Precinct, where they've just revealed BANKSII, 72 apartments opposite Raymond Park.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136432 project_image_fid=5481]

The one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments will sit in a glass-wrapped building that will also feature a rooftop with an&nbsp;infinity-edge pool, a BBQ area and alfresco dining spaces, sun lounges, and a sauna, as well as a resident-only gym and a ground-floor cafe.

Rhett Williams, Director of Vector Property Australia, said the project will lift the quality of the East Brisbane community and set a new benchmark.

"In Brisbane’s current property landscape, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/banksii-east-brisbane-169-wellington-road-east-brisbane-qld-4169">BANKSII</a> stands out through its emphasis on lifestyle-oriented living, connectivity and sophisticated design," Williams says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136432 project_image_fid=5479]

The 10-level building has been designed by MAS Architecture. Their designs were inspired by the native Banksia flower, with the architecture and interiors reflecting the organic symmetry of its namesake flora. MAS has interpreted this throughout the building’s curved form, façade detailing and interior palette.&nbsp;

The building’s flowing geometry and natural tones are complemented by large balconies and floor-to-ceiling glazing, maximising cross-breezes, daylight and views over the city, parklands and river.

“Having a strong narrative for a building helps us architecturally,” MAS noted. "We can choose colours that come off that species of flowers. The trunk and the trees and the flower elements all are now visible in our joinery on the inside and in our architectural finishes on the outside."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136432 project_image_fid=5485]

Apartments will feature timber floors, soft porcelain tiles, brushed bronze fittings, and stone benchtops with warm veining.&nbsp;

Kitchens feature premium SMEG appliances and generous storage, while bathrooms have been designed as calming retreats with curved cabinetry and twin sinks in the master ensuites.

The building will feature a suite of rooftop and wellness amenities. Residents will have access to an infinity-edge pool, BBQ and alfresco dining areas, sun lounges and a rooftop sauna.&nbsp;

A residents-only gym will be located on the podium level, while a ground-floor café and landscaped laneway will further activate the site and improve neighbourhood connectivity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136432 project_image_fid=5488]

BANKSII will rise from a prime Wellington Road site, with the building oriented to overlook the adjacent Raymond Park and take in extensive city views. It is also on the doorstep of key&nbsp;lifestyle infrastructure, including the future Kangaroo Point Green Bridge, The Gabba stadium, and the planned Brisbane Live arena.&nbsp;

Public transport options, including ferry, bus and rail - including the future Cross River Rail Woolloongabba station - are all nearby, supporting a car-optional lifestyle just minutes from the CBD.

Williams said the team spent over a year searching for the ideal site before securing this location.

"We were attracted to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/east-brisbane-qld-4169">East Brisbane</a> as it is a vibrant and growing community that offers a perfect balance of urban convenience and natural beauty with the parklands and river on our doorstep.”

The project is part of the broader Woolloongabba Games precinct, which is undergoing significant investment in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. This urban renewal, coupled with infrastructure upgrades, is expected to enhance long-term liveability and capital growth in the area.

Given the wide max of configurations, BANKSII is expected to suit everyone from first home buyers and investors to families and downsizers.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=136432]

BANKSII sales launch in booming East Brisbane apartment market

The Minns Labor Government will deliver Sydney’s first new heavy rail station in more than a decade – enabling up to 10,000 new homes by rezoning land around Woollahra and Edgecliff stations, right next to the CBD, to tackle the housing crisis and rebalance growth across the city.

Recent reports by the NSW Productivity Commission have warned that Sydney is losing twice as many young people as it is gaining, while also finding that Woollahra is the most feasible Local Government Area (LGA) in New South Wales to build new housing.

Despite this, housing approvals in Woollahra consistently lag well behind other LGAs, and the population has declined by 11 per cent over the past 50 years while Greater Sydney as a whole has grown by 74 per cent.

The new station that will be an eight-minute trip from Sydney CBD, will be located on the Eastern Suburbs train line in Woollahra, where a station build was started in the 1970s but never completed.

To enable the delivery of new homes the NSW Government will lead a rezoning of Woollahra and Edgecliff stations similar to other state led rezonings to allow additional homes to be built around the stations.

Affordable housing will also make up a proportion of development on the site with the final amount of affordable housing required, to be determined as part of the rezoning process.

The area surrounding the new station is within walking distance of major green and recreational space including Cooper, Trumper, Rushcutters Bay and Centennial Parks.

The Eastern Suburbs train line between Bondi Junction and Sydney CBD also has the lowest passenger usage rates during the AM peak of any line on the Sydney network, with only 43 per cent of operating capacity during the AM peak currently being utilised by passengers.

Sydney Water and Infrastructure NSW have confirmed there is capacity in the water and wastewater systems to accommodate the proposed 10,000 dwellings without major upgrades.

The rezoning is expected to take around two years and will further support the Government’s housing targets that rebalance the delivery of new homes around existing infrastructure.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Next stop Woollahra train station - delivering up to 10,000 new homes in the heart of Sydney

<section data-element_type="section" data-id="b086848">
Fresh off completing its mixed-use Malvern project Malvern Collective, Kokoda Property Group has acquired a prime site on Richmond's Bridge Road.

They are planning a mid-rise residential development with&nbsp;integrated wellness amenities and a vibrant ground-floor retail and dining offering.

The site, at&nbsp;487–495 Bridge Road, spans&nbsp;1,650 sqm with 50 metres of dual frontage across Bridge Road and Palmer Street. It is currently leased to Adairs, and has a large retail building and 20 onsite car parks.
</section>

<section data-element_type="section" data-id="534a164">
Kokoda Property Group’s acquisition forms part of a broader phase of growth in Melbourne, building on momentum from the completion of Malvern Collective and the recent purchase of a Burnley Street site for the developer’s first commercial project.&nbsp;

Mark Stevens, Kokoda Property Group’s Founder and Managing Director, said that the company’s Bridge Road site acquisition signals confidence in a city that is re-accelerating.

“Melbourne is regaining momentum,"&nbsp;Stevens said.

"After a cautious period post-COVID, we’re seeing buyer sentiment stabilise and capital leaning back into well-located, quality projects. Victoria now benefits from deep builder capacity and competitive delivery pricing, creating a rare opportunity to bring design-led inner-city developments to market without compromising on craftsmanship.

“Richmond ticks all the boxes for us – connectivity, culture and everyday amenity – making Bridge Road the perfect address for an amenity-rich, multi-use development."

<img alt="Kokoda" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9a8de51d-8092-480a-8b7e-e081816692c2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-08-29%20at%208.54.27%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=VRHpV5.6beOu2cieKHWrw3ErMPuVOAuj" />

Envisioned as an “urban lantern” the building will bring a distinctive new presence to Bridge Road with a sculptural retail frontage, designed to honour the street’s heritage character while contributing to its renewal.

Stevens said the acquisition reflects the developer’s commitment to design-led addresses in Melbourne’s inner city.

“Drawing on Richmond’s rich heritage and dynamic character, we’ve envisioned a contemporary building that respects the past while elevating the way people live today. With dual frontages, curated ground-floor spaces, and a focus on wellness, this project will contribute to the neighbourhood’s evolution, appealing to both downsizers and a new generation of professionals.”

Kokoda Property will now progress concept design ahead of a future planning process.
</section>

Mark Stevens, Kokoda Property Group’s Founder and Managing Director, said that the company’s Bridge Road site acquisition signals confidence in a city that is re-accelerating

First look: Kokoda secures Richmond site for new apartment development

Gold Coast developer Drew Group is fast approaching sell-out at its Main Beach apartment development, Lagoon Main Beach.

In the last nine months, Drew Group and sales partner Pezet Matheson have secured 31 sales totalling over $75 million, as the two-tower development advances towards completion under the expert eye of Hutchinson Builders.

“Today's buyers are more discerning than ever," Drew Group Managing Director Jon Drew says.

"It's essential to provide something truly unique that sets a development apart, and we believe Lagoon has achieved just that."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108747 project_image_fid=193023]

Just over 50 per cent of recent&nbsp;sales have been to local buyers, reflecting the deep trust and connection within the Gold Coast community that Drew Group has developed over the years.

Demand has been particularly robust at the top end, with two of the three exclusive penthouses already sold, alongside five sub-penthouses. Only seven apartments remain in Lagoon's Signature Series — one&nbsp;penthouse and six sub-penthouses.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108747 project_image_fid=284864]

Drew Group has also removed the much-maligned sunset clause from all contracts at Lagoon. The sunset clause — although rarely invoked, yet on occasion known to have been — allows developers to take back contracts on apartments should the building not be completed within the timeframe specified in the contract.

Pezet Matheson Co-Director Jayde Pezet says the fact Lagoon is&nbsp;within a year of completion, and has no sunset clause in contracts, provides certainty to buyers.

"This is paramount in the current market," Pezet says.

Drew Group has committed to providing the highest level of security inclusions — none more impressive than the Ubiquity Access Control System, a cutting-edge facial recognition technology that is one of the most state-of-the-art keyless entry systems on the market.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108747 project_image_fid=190743]

One of the biggest drawcards to Lagoon has been the size of the apartments.

"It is unlikely that any future new development in Main Beach will be able to offer such spacious living at this price point," Drew says.

"Today's buyers are more discerning than ever, carefully evaluating amenities like gyms, spas, workspaces, and beach lockers, along with quality finishes. It's essential to provide something truly unique that sets a development apart, and we believe Lagoon has achieved just that."

Lagoon is set to complete construction in mid-2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108747]

Lagoon Main Beach approaches sell-out as local buyers drive $75m in sales

Queen Street

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Quincy, the designer shoe store in Woollahra, is leaving its Woollahra Queen Street premises after nearly a decade.
They've been located at <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/%20https:/www.realcommercial.com.au/for-lease/property-76-queen-street-woollahra-nsw-2025-503386746" target="_blank">76 Queen Street</a> since 2010.
At the time, Quincy owner Kate McDiven told the Sydney Morning Herald that the street appealed because of its beauty and friendliness.
The commercial space with a current modern retail fitout includes, mirrors, floor to ceilign storage cupboards and white timber floors.
There's a kitchen and toilet at the back of the space, with rear lane access on the 125 sqm parcel.
Farquharsons Exec Rentals Double Bay agent Alana Sorensen is marketing the property.
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Quincy to vacate Woollahra's Queen Street after a decade

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A narrow commercial premises on Woollahra's pricey Queen Street has been listed for $4.6 million.
Last traded for $1.65 million in 2006, <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/for-sale/property-88-queen-street-woollahra-nsw-2025-503363674" target="_blank">88 Queen Street</a> is currently the home of Perryman Carpets by Design.
They are currently on a three x three year lease.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/10/88%20Queen%20Street%201.jpg" alt="">
The freehold two storey commercial building has previously been occupied by real estate agency Laing + Simmons Woollahra.
1st City agent John Knott is marketing the property.
He says the property offers one of the most secure long term, capital gain investments available.
It's been a busy year on Queen Street, regarded as one of Australia's most exclusive shopping strips.
Last month a <a href="/expert-insights/investing/premium-queen-street-woollahra-commercial-space-sells-for-15-1-million">premium commercial site</a> made up of three tenancies sold for $15.1 million.
A <a href="/expert-insights/investing/gutted-queen-street-woollahra-shop-listed-for-sale">gutted Queen Street commercial space</a> also sold last month to the same buyer of the adjoining property, formerly Japanese grill bar Izy Izakaya.
 
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Narrow Queen Street, Woollahra shop listed for $4.6 million

<html><body>
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.

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.

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.

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.

<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>
‘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.

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’.

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.
<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><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.

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.

350 Queen Street is no exception in this regard with the development team citing constructability and PAN-OPS limitations as halting their advance skyward.

<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>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.

<blockquote>
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.

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.
<cite>Cox Architecture and Fender Katsalidis, architectural report</cite>
</blockquote>

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.

The curved podium is veiled with operable, contoured timber louvres which respond to prevailing weather conditions.

<h2>Two towers</h2>

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.

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.

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.

<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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silvermb

3L Alliance pushes for twin 246 metre towers at 350 Queen Street

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A design can now be put to the news reported upon during late 2014 concerning Brady Group's latest intended Melbourne project. 280 Queen Street has been in and out of planning for the best part of four years, but with the news that Brady Group is the <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/business/brady-group-push-to-develop-80level-queen-street-tower-20141111-11k5jn">intended developer</a> of the mid-CBD site, the chances of the current scheme progressing beyond approval have increased dramatically.

Weighing in at over 250 metres in height and located in an elevated part of the CBD, 280 Queen Street may become one of the more prominent buildings to grace Melbourne's skyline in years to come. Or even sooner as according to the article linked above Brady Group intent to proceed with the project in a relatively short time-frame.

<h2>Application summary</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image18_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="280 Queen Street. Image © Peddle Thorp"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="314" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image18_1.jpg?itok=ouwGMcCJ" title="280 Queen Street. Image © Peddle Thorp" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>280 Queen Street. Image © Peddle Thorp</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Planning application submitted October 2014</li>
	<li>Current 1,290sqm site currently used as four and five storey office building</li>
	<li>Proposed 80 level mixed-use tower at 254.62 metres</li>
	<li>589 apartments - 242*1BR / 287 * 2BR / 36*3BR</li>
	<li>Included are 23 Penthouses and one custom design penthouse</li>
	<li>1,400.2sqm office space through podium</li>
	<li>322.4sqm retail space</li>
	<li>504sqm residential communal facilities</li>
	<li>130 basement car parking spaces</li>
</ul>
<h2>Apartments and penthouses</h2>

Dwellings within the project begin within the podium, fronting both Little Lonsdale to the north and Queen Street to the west. Beyond the podium a generic floor plan covers levels 9-35 and 37-63 where 9 apartments per floor is the norm, split between one and two bedroom options.

Sitting atop the penthouse floors is a split level custom designed penthouse located over levels 76/77. The lower floor contains 290.2sqm of internal space while the upper floor contains 265.6sqm, allowing a sizeable dwelling with unimpeded views given there are no towers of equal height either existing or planned nearby.

<h2>Finlay Lane retained</h2>

<blockquote>
There is an existing easement along the east boundary that joins with Finlay Lane, an ‘L’ shaped service lane, which connects to Queen Street. The existing easement and Finlay Lane provide rear access to the adjoining buildings. The lane is covered in registered street art. The proposed development seeks to maintain a predominately hard edge to this boundary with openings for vehicle access and loading. This will provide opportunities for future street art along the majority of these walls, maintaining the existing character of this lane.
<cite>Urbis - Town Planning Report</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Previous incarnations</h2>

Peddle Thorp have been active on the site in question for some years, initially devising a scheme for an office tower in excess of 200 metres, carrying a dappled facade. That particular scheme was superseded by another Peddle Thorp design which gained approval during 2013.

Championed by developers with little experience, the site lent itself to being onsold post approval resulting in the third and current version up for approval.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image17_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Early versions of 280 Queen Street. Image © Peddle Thorp"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="286" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image17_0.jpg?itok=R-VtlLYJ" title="Early versions of 280 Queen Street. Image © Peddle Thorp" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Early versions of 280 Queen Street. Image © Peddle Thorp</figcaption></figure>Also worthy of mention is that the current proposal for 280 Queen Street includes inactive precast panels to its eastern facade, reaching mid way up the tower. This is likely in response to the adjoining property at <a href="/buildings/399-little-lonsdale-street-melbourne">399 Little Lonsdale Street</a> which is also subject to a current 200 metre planning application.

399 Little Lonsdale Street's western-facing facade is also heavy with precast elements, albeit slightly activated with the sparse use of windows. Both proposals almost butt one another; the use of precast panels may go some way to mitigating concerns planning authorities may have about proximity.

<h2>Comment</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/image14_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impressions of the proposed development. Image © Peddle Thorp"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="440" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image14_0.jpg?itok=v7xEGKVR" title="Artist's impressions of the proposed development. Image © Peddle Thorp" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impressions of the proposed development. Image © Peddle Thorp</figcaption></figure>The tower element of the design receives two thumbs up. With a bowed northern aspect and slanted roof profile, it adds more to the skyline than merely another rectangular box. Viewed from east and west, the asymmetrical apex is a worthwhile design feature.

Conversely the podium as presented in the renders looks less than ideal. In a case of 'misconstrued' rendering what looks to be a large blank orange volume is actually timber screening over activated levels while the yellow protrusion above the main entry is gold metal cladding. Fair to say it's quite hard to conceptualise the qualities of the podium based on the render above.

On the face of it the podium doesn't slot seamlessly into its surrounds.

Regardless Peddle Thorp have made the immediate area their own with 280 Queen Street joining the completed Melbourne Star and Melbourne Sky apartment towers (both Brady Group projects), in addition to <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">278 Little Lonsdale</a> which is at planning. Add the under construction Vision and the Brady Group-Peddle Thorp alliance is defined by a handful of deep blue towers dominating the area.

<h2>Development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: 280 Queen Pty Ltd / Brady Group</li>
	<li>Urban context report: Peddle Thorp Architects</li>
	<li>Architectural plans: Peddle Thorp Architects</li>
	<li>Town planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>Traffic and Transport Assessment: Cardno</li>
	<li>ESD report: Sustainable Built Environments</li>
	<li>Wind Assessment: MEL Consultants</li>
	<li>Waste Management:y Leigh Design</li>
</ul>
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Planning Application: 280 Queen Street, Melbourne

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Height, overshadowing and heritage; the Holy Trinity of inner-city development concerns that's sure to garner mainstream media attention. This was indeed the case during 2014 when plans were revealed for the redevelopment of the Fletcher Jones site at 1-5 Queen Street which sits directly opposite the Banana Alley vaults.

Malaysian-backed Creative Wealth (Aust) Pty Ltd commissioned the project with CBD-based K2LD Architects conceiving the residential tower which at 25 levels and 90.75 metres would have made an instant impression upon its more modest in height neighbours.​

<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/1-5_queen.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artists' renders of the rejected development. Image © K2LD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="342" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1-5_queen.jpg?itok=Ql5SWl8J" title="Artists' renders of the rejected development. Image © K2LD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artists' renders of the rejected development. Image © K2LD</figcaption></figure>According to a <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/business/property/former-fletcher-jones-site-due-for-a-dressup-20121123-29yrg">Business Day</a> the 746sqm site was owned and occupied by retailer Fletcher Jones since 1955, until falling into private ownership post 1993. With the onsite Cobden Buildings structure originally dated 1872, groups such as <a href="http://melbourneheritage.org.au/2014/09/15/objection-facading-of-1872-fletcher-jones-building-add-your-voice/">Melbourne Heritage Action</a> considered the redevelopment as little more than facadism with the Flinders Street edifice the most notable feature retained within the proposed redevelopment.

Enter 2015 and City of Melbourne have elected to reject the proposal in its current form. Almost six months to the day after the initial planning application was lodged, the decision to rebuke 1-5 Queen Street was made public on January 13. According to Melbourne Heritage Action, City of Melbourne's refusal was based upon a number of factors with the tower's adverse affect upon the heritage listed existing building and its Queen Street neighbours at the forefront.

<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/queen_street_elevation_0.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Proposed Queen Street frontage. Image © K2LD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="338" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/queen_street_elevation_0.png?itok=La4Ptqug" title="Proposed Queen Street frontage. Image © K2LD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Proposed Queen Street frontage. Image © K2LD</figcaption></figure>Seen above was the intended Queen Street facade which was to have replaced the 1970's augmented frontage, which up until that point matched the Flinders Street frontage. A modern interpretation of what once was there, the facade would have employed stone and metal.

As with most developers Creative Wealth (Aust) Pty Ltd would now seemingly have two options at hand. A trip to VCAT may be on the cards as could be a new planning application that better addresses the concerns outlined by City of Melbourne.
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1-5 Queen Street rejected by City of Melbourne

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What began as a super-skinny office tower lodged for assessment during March 2014 recently progressed to a VCAT hearing in order to determine its worth. Designed to replace Queen Street's former Ironworkers Building, the commercial tower recently fell foul of City of Melbourne with notices of refusal posted both on September 17th and October 10th according to their online platform.

Last week Fairfax reported on the VCAT hearing in which City of Melbourne was shown to have concerns regarding the proposals lack of setbacks and excessive height.

<h2>Project 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/4512_7095163_5_1354687700.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="338-344 Queen Street as is. Image courtesy Mulcahy &amp; Co"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="433" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/4512_7095163_5_1354687700.jpg?itok=Cbphwmd7" title="338-344 Queen Street as is. Image courtesy Mulcahy &amp; Co" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>338-344 Queen Street as is. Image courtesy Mulcahy &amp; Co</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>338-344 Queen Street, Melbourne</li>
	<li>Current use: four level office building</li>
	<li>36L tower at 130 metres</li>
	<li>Developer: 338 Queen Street Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Architect: (understood to be) JAM Architects</li>
	<li>Value: approximately $100 million</li>
	<li>Site area: 290sqm</li>
	<li>11.000sqm office space</li>
	<li>Typical floor plate: approximately 220sqm</li>
	<li>VCAT decision pending</li>
</ul>
<h2>Slender does it</h2>

Given the tight dimensions of the tower floor plate, essential design requirements such as lift, stair and service core are located along the eastern boundary in order to maximise leasable/sellable space. Even so the tight dimensions suggest the tower if approved would be pitched toward strata owner/occupiers, as larger corporations have drifted toward larger open-plan office layouts in years gone by.

A tree motif has been designed into the eastern facade which predominantly consists of concrete. The tall, thin perimeter boundary is not the first design to employ such a method in order to provide a degree interest to a non-active wall; Most recently <a href="http://www.bh-architects.com/projects/selected/24-168-lonsdale-street-melbourne">168 Lonsdale Street</a> and <a href="/buildings/swanston-square-551-swanston-street-carlton">Swanston Square</a> have received similar treatments to their 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/image40.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Images courtesy Approval Systems"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="498" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image40.jpg?itok=mvUGQdYs" title="Images courtesy Approval Systems" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Images courtesy Approval Systems</figcaption></figure><h2>Comment</h2>

Of most interest are the <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/cbd-office-towers-dont-have-to-be-as-attractive-as-residential-developments-tribunal-hears-20141028-11d0wk#ixzz3HQ5t9rEY">comments</a> reported on by The Age last week quoting David Lock Associates Principal Mark Sheppard during his presentation to VCAT. "This is an office building, not a residential building. I think it is really important that we don't expect it to look like the Republic Tower."

The clear inference of the article was suggesting that CBD office towers don't have to be as attractive as residential developments. Without being at the hearing it's hard to determine the exact context in which Mark Sheppard's comments were delivered, but it's hard to swallow these comments as they were presented in The Age.

When in doubt I assume the truth always lies in the middle: a highly experienced urban design expert using every trick to gain ascendancy on behalf of his client and a media outlet doing what they do best, maximising the most out of a non-issue to garner an emotional response.

Does anyone actually think 338 Queen Street is aesthetically a terrible design? The design carries enough articulation to place it on par with many other Melbourne office projects such as <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">405 Bourke Street</a>, 727 Collins Street and <a href="http://www.apngroup.com.au/apn/funds/WPF/150CollinsStreet.aspx">150 Collins Street</a>; or are we just conditioned to the office tower being a glass box?

If there is an issue it's not 338 Queen Street or Mark Sheppard's comments per se, but the overall quality of all office towers within the city centre. And just like residential towers there are varying degrees of what individuals consider to be poor, good or excellent design.

One person's Republic Tower is another's concrete jungle.
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The super-skinny 338 Queen Street 

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There has been a considerable amount of commentary recently revolving around tall towers, overshadowing and the subsequent impact on amenity in the public domain. With this in mind, Apartments.com.au takes a look at a proposed 25-storey mixed-use tower at 1-5 Queen Street.

Rising a height of 90.75 metres behind the retained facade of the 1872-dated Fletcher Jones building, the applicant is seeking a permit to overshadow Northbank between the hours of 11am and 2pm on the winter solstice. It is worth noting that unlike overshadowing of Southbank during that same time period, it is not strictly prohibited to overshadow Northbank.

The proposal also raises issues as how to best integrate a new architectural intervention with the fabric of a heritage structure. It can be argued that a number of recent high-rise proposals have failed to address this accordingly, with some very ordinary design responses being put forward.

<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/flinders_street_frontage.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Proposed Flinders Street frontage. © K2LD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/flinders_street_frontage.png?itok=WQu1Q9ee" title="Proposed Flinders Street frontage. © K2LD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Proposed Flinders Street frontage. Image © K2LD</figcaption></figure>Located on the corner of Queen Street and Flinders Street opposite the Banana Alley vaults, the existing building is covered by Heritage Overlay H01037. The existing building had initially being identified as a C-graded structure in a level 3 streetscape during the Central Activities District Conservation Study of 1984. This grading was confirmed in subsequent reviews and studies undertaken in 1993, 2002 and finally in the Central City Heritage Review of 2011 which resulted in the introduction of heritage controls.

The site heritage impact statement prepared by Lovell Chen goes on to describe why the Cobden Buildings are significant both historically and aesthetically to the Melbourne Capital City Zone:

<blockquote>
The Cobden Buildings are significant historically for their key role in early maritime commerce and governance of Melbourne's ports, with links via the James Jackson family ownership to the very beginnings of Melbourne town and Queens Wharf which once stood opposite these buildings.

Architecturally, although modified, the upper level Is a good and early Italianate Renaissance revival style as applied to an office building, then an uncommon building type in a City of warehouses, residences and shops.
<cite>Graeme Butler and Associates, Central City Heritage Review</cite>
</blockquote>

DD01-A2 (Active Street Frontages) also applies to the site with a particular focus to the Flinders Street frontage the intent of which is outlined below:

<blockquote>
The design objectives of this overlay are:

<ul>
<li>To ensure ground floor frontages are pedestrian oriented and add interest and vitality to city streets.</li>
	<li>To provide continuity of ground floor shops along streets and lanes within the retail core.</li>
	<li>To ensure ground floor frontages contribute to city safety by providing lighting and activity.</li>
</ul>
The requirements of this overlay are:

Buildings with ground-level street frontages to major pedestrian areas must present an attractive pedestrian oriented frontage to the satisfaction of the responsible authority, by providing:

<ul>
<li>At least 5 metres or 80% of the street frontage (whichever is the greater) as an entry or display window to a shop and/or a food and drink premises, or</li>
	<li>At least 5 metres or 80% of the street frontage (whichever is the greater) as other uses, customer service areas and activities, which provide pedestrian interest and interaction.</li>
	<li>Built scale appropriate to the street and pedestrians.</li>
	<li>Clear glazing (security grilles must be transparent).</li>
</ul>
<cite>Heritage Overlay H01037</cite>
</blockquote>

To this end the application attempts to address these considerations by providing a 207 square metre double height retail space which also acts as a buffer to the substation located at ground level. The main entrance for residents is via a new Queen Street lobby with a permeable lobby interface introduced.

<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/queen_street_elevation.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Proposed Queen Street frontage. © K2LD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="338" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/queen_street_elevation.png?itok=D6B7s_K4" title="Proposed Queen Street frontage. © K2LD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Proposed Queen Street frontage. Image © K2LD</figcaption></figure>Included within the planning application is the intended construction of a new two-storey facade along Queen Street which will include angled metal framed glazing to the ground level, with the upper level divided into bays to match those on the Flinders Street elevation. Additionally the elevation will involve a combination of reconstruction, references to window forms and contemporary interpretations of some of the original elements such as parapets.

The modified two storey building will act as a base or 'plinth' for the tower which like other proposals dealing with historically sensitive buildings has employed the strategy of a reflective veil which acts to give the tower a recessive quality by reflecting the immediate context and sky. The intent seems to be to produce the effect of an invisible building with the visually dominant element being the existing 2-storey building.

The crystalline, sculpted form is encased in a transparent grey glazing that also features operable louvres which interrupt the otherwise smooth finish of the facade and provide natural ventilation to create winter garden spaces. The form is derived as a formal and metaphorical translation of the site's address at 1 Queen Street; "One Queen" evoking connotations of jewellery and in this specific instance a diamond form.

<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/1-5_queen_street.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Various montages of the proposed development. © K2LD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="423" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1-5_queen_street.png?itok=AmRs1MjB" title="Various montages of the proposed development. © K2LD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Various montages of the proposed development. Image © K2LD</figcaption></figure>In response to contextual analysis of nearby buildings and the historical base building, the architects have employed setbacks to all three street frontages ranging from between 3.5 to 6 metres from Queen Street, 3 to 5 metres from Flinders Street and 2.7 metres from Tavistock Place. These setbacks all gradually taper out to the property boundaries at the upper levels.

The tower takes advantage of its location in a relatively low-rise area of the city adjacent to the rail lines and river, offering primary views along an expansive east-west axis.

From a pedestrian amenity perspective (as was mentioned earlier) towers are not prohibited from overshadow Northbank. While a permit may be required to do so, the shadow analysis studiy below illustrates the impact that the proposal's shadow will have on the public domain between 11am &amp; 2pm on (curiously) the 22nd June. The winter solstice actually falls on the 21st June.

<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/shadow_studies_22_june_12pm.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Shadow analysis studies 11am-2pm June 22. © K2LD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="442" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/shadow_studies_22_june_12pm.png?itok=wkGIuJP_" title="Shadow analysis studies 11am-2pm June 22. © K2LD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Shadow analysis studies 11am-2pm June 22. Image © K2LD</figcaption></figure>From 11am onwards the shadows moves from Enterprize Park along the promenade adjacent to the Banana Alley vaults, which themselves are not the most inviting and pleasant of spaces. Should the Banana Alley vaults eventually receive significant improvements, 1-5 Queen Street may well have a detrimental effect on pedestrian comfort and amenity, although this is a moot point for now.

Arguably the most impact is caused just before 2pm when a shadow is cast over Sandridge Bridge which while not ideal, although the bridge is more of a transient space than a space someone would dwell in for any extended period of time. Having been lodged for consideration with City of Melbourne during early July, a final decision is some time off.

<h2>1-5 Queen Street Project Team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Creative Wealth (Aust) Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Design: K2LD Architects</li>
	<li>Planning consultant: Urbis</li>
	<li>Heritage consultant: Lovell Chen</li>
	<li>Traffic consultant: Cardno</li>
	<li>Wind consultant: MEL Consultants</li>
	<li>Waste consultant: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>ESD statement: WSP</li>
</ul>
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Laurence Dragomir

Jumping at Shadows > 1-5 Queen Street, Melbourne

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News is filtering through that CEL Australia's troubled <a href="/new-apartments/150-queen-street-melbourne">Tower Melbourne</a> project at 150 Queen Street may have moved closer to recommencing demolition and eventual construction following a recent Supreme Court sitting.

Displeased with perceived planning process improprieties involving 150 Queen Street (which holds Ministerial approval), owners of the adjoining 140 Queen Street had sought to challenge the Victorian Building Authority and independent statutory body the Building Appeals Board. For a detailed version of the fracas, The Age published <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/business/melbourne-skyscraper-wrangle-heads-for-the-courts-20140318-35075" target="_blank">this piece</a> recently.

Colonial Range Pty Ltd v Victorian Building Authority &amp; Colonial Range Pty Ltd v Building Appeals Board was slated for judgment on April 4th 2014 at the Supreme Court. It's understood Colonial Range was unsuccessful in its case, therefore removing a major obstacle in Tower Melbourne progressing. Whether this eliminates all legal impositions is unclear.

<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/2qta6au.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Tower Melbourne. Image © Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="302" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/2qta6au.jpg?itok=JpiLY4Gx" title="Tower Melbourne. Image © Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

With increased hopes that Tower Melbourne's state of flux will be broken, it may gain two neighbours within close proximity down the track. Colonial Range's 140 Queen Street development has been dormant for some time although a 27 level mixed-use proposal exists, which project architect <a href="http://www.kerstinthompson.com/" target="_blank">Kerstin Thompson</a> described as follows:

<blockquote>
This development occupies two sites in Melbourne’s CBD – one on Queen Street and the other on McKillop Street. Using air rights it bridges over Penfold Lane to link and consolidate them as a single development up to twenty seven floors. The proposed ambience of the design will build on the urban quality of Melbourne’s renown laneway precincts.

The tower and the podiums accommodate serviced apartments and office suites. The ground floors and level 1 of both podiums accommodate retail. The hotel lobby will occupy the western end of the McKillop Street podium and will open out to the newly created pedestrian lane at the corner of Penfold Lane. In support of the residential and hotel use the development also allows for meeting rooms and a gymnasium. It includes private and common landscape areas such as balconies and generous roof gardens.

The layout and detail of the building envelope provides many opportunities for passive environmental design including a good quality of natural light and ventilation to the residential/office suites. The design assumes operable windows which in combination with the balconies and breezeways will facilitate cross flow ventilation. The various facade treatments include shading, thermal and tinted glazing for improved thermal performance.
<cite>Kerstin Thompson, project architect</cite>
</blockquote>

<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/Image2queen.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="140 Queen Street and 405 Bourke. Images © Kerstin Thompson &amp; Brookfield"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="499" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image2queen.jpg?itok=-dk4DuN1" title="140 Queen Street and 405 Bourke. Images © Kerstin Thompson &amp; Brookfield" width="580"></a>

Abutting Tower Melbourne to the east is <a href="http://www.405bourkestreet.com.au/" target="_blank">405 Bourke Street</a> which stands at the ready to attract a large commercial tenant. The 160 metre tower has the capacity to supply Melbourne with over 61,000 sq.m of additional premium office space and near 4000 sq.m of additional retail space, adding to the existing Foundry retail centre onsite. Designed by Woods Bagot and developed/built by Brookfield Australia/Brookfield Multiplex, the development would also feature an all new Gills Alley.

There it is, three towers within a stones throw of one another. All or none may be built; that's the nature of the development game.
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Tower Melbourne moves ahead?

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It seemed implausible at the time and that has proven to be the case. Last year Apartments.com.au covered <a href="/news/272-queen-street-in-depth" target="_blank">in detail</a> the near pencil-thin office tower proposed at 272 Queen Street which ultimately gained approval, yet had not advanced beyond that point.

Implausible in that an office tower of 205 metres in height carried a typical floor plate of only 832 sqm. The commercial trend of recent years has drifted toward larger, more economically favourable open-plan floor plates with ANZ Docklands, 720 Bourke Street and 121 Exhibition Street prime examples. In this light it was speculated that 272 Queen Street would go back to project architect <a href="http://www.pta.com.au/" target="_blank">Peddle Thorp</a> for reworking.

<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/Image27272.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="272 Queen Street design progression. Images © Peddle Thorp"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="419" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image27272.jpg?itok=rZ-1mH2Z" title="272 Queen Street design progression. Images © Peddle Thorp" width="580"></a>

That has proven to be the case with the third and most recent site design (above right) now holding approval. The mixed-use site and permit which incidentally has been listed by <a href="http://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-melbourne-500975255" target="_blank">Paragon Real Estate</a> as for sale via an EOI campaign closing May 9th 2014, would now see a mixed-use development of 210 metres grace the 1288 square metre site. Somewhat odd given <a href="http://www.afr.com/p/business/property/chinese_developer_wins_huge_permit_qxFyYvPida8d1eNmcl6OdL" target="_blank">AFR</a> reported in December 2013 the site was purchased by a mainland Chinese developer for $23.9 million.

Nonetheless where previously 35,561 sqm of office space was available, that number has dropped to 10,000 sqm contained within the lower levels. Consequently 624 apartments have been added with total levels numbering 62, an increase of 12. Assuming there are 50 levels of residential use and floor plates remain at 832 sqm, average apartment size for the complex would equate to over 60sqm, likely indicating a healthy proportion of two bedroom dwellings.

Externally the tower maintains its feature faceted facade addressing Queen Street and Little Lonsdale Street. Gone is the blue facade and mid tower plant level, in their place a glazed, black curtain wall with recessed balconies running the height of the tower component.

<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/image2%20%281%29.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="399 Little Lonsdale approved scheme. Image © Peddle Thorp"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image2%20%281%29.jpg?itok=L9MhBLQm" title="399 Little Lonsdale approved scheme. Image © Peddle Thorp" width="580"></a>

272 Queen Street is not alone with the adjoining easterly property at 399 Little Lonsdale Street (above) also currently on the market with <a href="http://cbre.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-melbourne-500871539" target="_blank">CBRE</a>. Another Peddle Thorp design, the prospective tower of 39 levels would carry 219 apartments, although there is scope to increase both density and height.

It'll be interesting to see who purchases either site, particularly in the case of 272 Queen Street given its perceived level of stature in the eyes of potential overseas buyers. Early days yet but together these projects have the potential to deliver well over 1000 permanent residences to a generally placid part of Melbourne's CBD.
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