Melbourne developer Spacious Group has completed Voyage Altona, one of the closest new apartment developments to Altona Beach.

Off the plan purchasers have started moving into the 49-apartment project on Pier Street, with the remaining move-in-ready one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments starting from just over $500,000.

Display apartments have now been fitted out, allowing prospective buyers to inspect the completed residences by appointment.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112195 project_image_fid=372638]

The completed apartments feature open-plan living and dining areas which extend onto private balconies and terraces, while full-height glazing maximises natural light throughout the interiors.&nbsp;

Hybrid timber-look flooring, stone benchtops, Miele appliances, porcelain-tiled bathrooms and generous storage feature throughout the building which also features landscaped communal areas, expansive shared terraces, lift access and secure on-grade parking.

Drawing inspiration from its bayside setting, Voyage adopts a restrained palette of warm neutral tones and textured finishes. Many of the apartments take advantage of views across Port Phillip Bay, while the indoor-outdoor living spaces have been designed to make the most of the coastal outlook.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112195 project_image_fid=3286]

Voyage was developed to address what Spacious Group identified as an undersupply of higher-quality apartment product in Altona, with a focus on owner-occupiers looking to remain within the bayside community.

"Voyage responds to very strong local buyer demand for quality, owner-occupier-focused product," says Barry Plant Projects Director Jarrod Farey, who has handled sales since the project's launch.

"The project delivers an elevated lifestyle proposition, with its design and quality of finish far exceeding anything previously produced in the area, as well as its proximity to Pier Street Village and the beach."

The majority of purchasers have been local downsizers and owner-occupiers looking to stay within the Altona community but who previously had limited opportunities to buy a brand-new apartment.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112195]

Joel Robinson

Spacious Group completes Voyage Altona in Altona's beachside precinct

Homecorp has secured approval for a $360 million apartment development at Budds Beach, paving the way for one of the Gold Coast's most amenity-rich residential projects to launch later this year.

Gold Coast City Council has approved Lýon Residences, a 32-level tower that will deliver 178 two and three-bedroom apartments across a prominent corner site at 8-10 Acacia Avenue and 25-27 Oak Avenue.

The approval comes as developers continue to invest in premium lifestyle-driven apartment projects on the Gold Coast, where owner occupiers are increasingly prioritising amenity as much as apartment size and location.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/l-on-residences-25-27-oak-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Lýon Residences</a> has been designed around a resort-style wellness offering, headlined by a Moroccan-inspired spa precinct featuring treatment rooms, a Nordic sauna and steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, a soaking pool and a residents-only juice bar.

The rooftop will include a heated infinity pool and spa, residents' lounge with private kitchen and bar, gymnasium, yoga and Pilates studio, outdoor entertaining areas and barbecue facilities overlooking the Surfers Paradise skyline.

<img alt="Lyon" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d3e29af-8793-486e-a684-52cef862241f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-15%20at%204.32.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ayG2zpLf3SS6Zy8XmKDcQods4kVWb0gm" />

Homecorp Founder and CEO Ron Bakir said Budds Beach provided the ideal location for the company's latest luxury apartment project.

"Budds Beach represents one of the most unique and sought-after pockets of the Gold Coast, and Lýon Residences has been designed to reflect that sense of rarity and refinement," Bakir said.

The project arrives as wellness continues to become a defining feature of new residential developments both in Australia and internationally.

The latest Global Wellness Institute figures show wellness real estate remains the fastest-growing segment of the global wellness economy and is forecast to exceed $1.8 trillion by 2030. Australia continues to rank among the world's 15 largest wellness real estate markets, with developers increasingly integrating health, recreation and community facilities into apartment projects.

Queensland is also experiencing strong population growth, with the Gold Coast continuing to outperform many other Australian cities as demand for new housing remains elevated ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Bakir said the project had been designed to respond to that shift in buyer expectations.

"Strong population growth and sustained demand across the Gold Coast continue to highlight the need for well-designed new housing supply. Lýon Residences responds directly to this demand while setting a new benchmark for residential living," he said.

Each apartment has been designed to maximise views across the coastline, the Nerang River and the Gold Coast hinterland.

Located just minutes from Surfers Paradise beach and the Broadwater, the development also offers easy access to the light rail network, Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads.

Early site works are underway, with construction expected to commence later this year.

Homecorp approved for Budds Beach apartment tower, Lýon Residences

New apartment developments with uninterrupted, north-facing views over Perth's Swan River are exceptionally rare.

Recognising just how limited those opportunities are, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/edge-visionary-living">Edge Visionary Living</a>, one of Perth's most respected builder-developers, targeted <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/applecross-wa-6153">Applecross</a>, assembling an unrepeatable 6,342 sqm riverfront site on the corner of Moreau Mews and Canning Beach Road to create one of Perth's only new north-facing apartment developments directly overlooking the Swan River.

Today, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/riviere-residences-applecross-59-canning-beach-road-applecross-wa-6153">Rivière Residences</a> offers buyers a unique opportunity to choose between completed residences ready to move into now and off-the-plan homes in the final stage, Rivière West.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28384 project_image_fid=3823]

Across the completed East and Central buildings, residents are already enjoying the development's luxury amenity, while two of the precinct's hospitality venues are now open.

The completed component of the development gives buyers the advantage of experiencing the finished product firsthand, including its uninterrupted river views, while still having the opportunity to secure a residence in the final stage.

"People are wowed by the view and the quality of the apartments,"&nbsp;Edge Visionary Living Sales Executive, Holly McSweeney, says.

"They're looking for the convenience of lock-and-leave living, but they're not looking to downsize on quality."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28384 project_image_fid=3826]

The rarity of the development hasn't been lost on prospective buyers, McSweeney says.

For McSweeney, it all comes back to a location that is becoming increasingly difficult to replicate.

"Location, location, location," she says. "We are nestled right on the front of the Swan River. You can never get built out, so wherever you are in Rivière Residences, you've got views of the river forever."

The unique waterfront position has resonated particularly strongly with local downsizers. McSweeney says many buyers are long-time Applecross residents looking to transition from large family homes into a luxury apartment without sacrificing space, quality or the lifestyle they've enjoyed for decades.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N_FowNW0wu8?si=vb25XFq1wZ-iufAW" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

A major focus for Edge in recent years has been resident amenity. Across its apartment portfolio, from beachfront developments in Scarborough to luxury towers in South Perth, the developer has increasingly invested in the spaces beyond the apartment itself.

The strategy has largely been shaped by downsizer demand. Many buyers are moving from large family homes with swimming pools and established gardens. While they're looking to leave the maintenance behind, they don't want to compromise on lifestyle.

At Rivière, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hillam-architects">Hillam Architects</a> designed the resident facilities as an extension of each apartment. A 25-metre heated swimming pool takes advantage of the north-facing river outlook, complemented by a large gym, sauna and steam rooms, private dining spaces, residents' lounges, a cinema, games room, and dedicated wine and whisky rooms.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28384 project_image_fid=372542]

The waterfront location has also proved to be a major drawcard. Residents are within walking distance of the Raffles Hotel, South of Perth Yacht Club, the Heathcote Cultural Precinct and the cafés, restaurants and boutiques along Ardross Street.

Beyond the location and amenity, McSweeney says many buyers take confidence from Edge's fully integrated development model.

Having delivered apartments across Perth for decades, Edge now designs, develops and constructs its projects in-house, giving the company greater control over quality, delivery and the finished product.

"What I love is when people walk through their apartment for the first time and say, 'This is better than what we imagined,'" McSweeney says. "We hear that all the time."

Completed apartments in the East and Central buildings are now available to inspect by appointment, while Rivière West, the final stage of the precinct, is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=28384]

North-facing Swan River views drive demand at Rivière Residences in Applecross

Nearly 60 per cent of apartments at McNab Group's $220 million The Tannery development in Brisbane's West End have sold ahead of the project's public launch, including a suburb-record $2.57 million sale for a two-bedroom apartment.

The early sales campaign has secured buyers for 50 of the project's 87 apartments, highlighting continued demand for larger owner-occupier apartments that combine generous floorplans with premium lifestyle amenities in one of Brisbane's most tightly held inner-city suburbs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374768]

McNab Group Executive Chairman Michael McNab said selling more than half the project before launch reflected changing buyer expectations.

"Selling more than half the project before public sales open tells us buyers are actively seeking apartments that offer something genuinely different," McNab said.

"Today's buyers are looking beyond four walls. They want homes that genuinely enhance the way they live, with spaces that support health, connection and everyday wellbeing."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374767]

A key point of difference for the project is the adaptive reuse of the heritage-listed Dixon's Tannery building, which will become The Retreat, a residents-only wellness precinct rather than being redeveloped into additional apartments.

The Retreat will feature a sauna and steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, a commercial-grade gym, Pilates studio, cinema, library, co-working spaces and private dining room. Rooftop amenities will include a swimming pool, landscaped gardens, outdoor entertaining areas and dog-friendly spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374760]

Designed by Cottee Parker Architects with interiors by Tom Mark Henry and landscape architecture by Aspect Studios, The Tannery comprises 87 two, three and four-bedroom apartments across 11 levels overlooking the Brisbane River.

Cottee Parker principal Dee Passenger said preserving the original tannery building had been central to the project's design.

"The easy option would have been to maximise the site's development potential with additional apartments. Instead, McNab has chosen to preserve the original tannery as a shared wellness retreat, ensuring this important piece of Brisbane's history remains at the heart of the community."

Passenger said sustainability also played a key role in the design, with materials from the original industrial site salvaged and repurposed throughout the development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374761]

Motiv CEO Carly Cottam said buyers had responded strongly to the combination of larger apartments, wellness facilities and the West End lifestyle.

"We are seeing more buyers looking for homes in the sky that provide the space and functionality of a traditional home, while benefiting from the convenience and lifestyle that apartment living brings," Cottam said.

She said purchasers included both owner occupiers and investors, with demand coming from local buyers as well as interstate purchasers.

Coinciding with the public launch, McNab also announced a partnership with Queensland Ballet, whose neighbouring Thomas Dixon Centre shares historical ties with the original Dixon family.

Located on a 4,465 sqm site at 439 Montague Road, The Tannery overlooks the Brisbane River and is around 10 minutes from the CBD.

Construction is underway, with completion expected in the second half of 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=143337]

More than half of residences sold before public sales as McNab announces significant partnership with Queensland Ballet

McNab's The Tannery nears 60 per cent sold before public release, sets two-bedroom West End record

Iwan Sunito's vision for a landmark mixed-use precinct in Sydney's Inner West has taken a major step forward, with approval granted for the $1.9 billion Five Dock development first unveiled earlier this year.

The approved scheme by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/one-global-capital">One Global Capital</a> will deliver an 80,500 sqm mixed-use precinct comprising 840 apartments, integrated hotel accommodation, commercial and retail space, alongside publicly accessible open space designed to create a new destination for the growing suburb.

"This is a significant milestone for One Global Capital and for the future of housing delivery in Sydney," Sunito said.

"The Housing Delivery Authority was established to identify major housing projects capable of delivering meaningful supply more efficiently, and we are delighted that Spencer Street has been recognised as one of those projects.”

He said the declaration reflected the rapid progress achieved since acquiring control of the site.

"In less than seven months we have progressed from taking control of the site to securing entry into one of the NSW Government's most important planning pathways. It reflects the experience of our team, the strength of our consultant group led by Urbis, and our long-term commitment to delivering transformational projects that contribute to Sydney's future."

When the project was revealed earlier this year, Sunito described the opportunity as one of the strongest development sites he had worked on.

"I probably hadn't appreciated the uniqueness of the site until more recently when putting together the concept plans," Sunito said.

"The proximity to the water, and the golf course opposite, is unlike any other part of Parramatta Road. We have a unique position and view corridors over the water that makes this one of the best sites I've worked on."

The development has evolved since its initial announcement, with the approved plans increasing the residential component from the originally proposed 750 apartments to 840 homes while retaining the project's focus on creating an integrated neighbourhood rather than a standalone residential development.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/a-city-within-a-city-iwan-sunito-flags-1-5-billion-mixed-use-precinct-in-five-dock">"A city within a city": Iwan Sunito flags $1.5 billion mixed-use precinct in Five Dock</a>

The precinct will combine apartments with hotel accommodation, commercial workplaces, retail offerings and public spaces, creating a mixed-use environment intended to serve both residents and the broader Five Dock community. The proposal also continues the collaboration between One Global Capital and internationally recognised architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/koichi-takada-architects">Koichi Takada</a>, whose previous work with Sunito includes Infinity, Arc and Skye North Sydney.

Takada previously said the design was driven by a philosophy of integrating nature into the built environment.

"The concept for this development is born from our design approach to naturalising architecture," Takada said.

"The public realm benefits from biophilic design that integrates generous landscaping, and the development is optimised for natural daylight, airflow and water views to foster wellbeing, sustainability and spaces that foster community interaction."

Sunito has consistently described the project as a "city within a city", with a strong emphasis on creating a destination that extends beyond housing.

"We want to create a development that's not only to be seen, but to be experienced by the whole local community," he said.

The approval comes as Five Dock continues its transformation ahead of the opening of the Sydney Metro West line, with the new Five Dock station set to significantly improve connections between the Inner West, Parramatta and the Sydney CBD.&nbsp;

The precinct will also benefit from its proximity to the Parramatta Road corridor, nearby waterfront parklands and established retail and dining offerings that have made Five Dock one of Sydney's most tightly held Inner West suburbs.

Iwan Sunito secures approval for $1.9 billion Five Dock mixed-use precinct

Retrospective

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Is Melbourne a boom city? Indeed, but this was also the case during 2005, when the CBD and surrounds well and truly shrugged of the doldrums of the late 1990s with a rash of high-profile projects under construction.

The CBD saw an influx of new commercial space while Southbank capably led by Eureka Tower came into its own for the first time. While dozens of notable residential and commercial builds were underway, important civic projects such as the MCG's Great Northern Stand and the rebirth of Spencer Street Station also aided in giving the Melbourne a renewed vigour.

Here is an overview of what was being built in Melbourne a decade ago.

<h2>Commercial in from the cold</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image146_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The commercial sector was at its peak during 2005"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="434" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image146_0.jpg?itok=dUJeffkq" title="The commercial sector was at its peak during 2005" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The commercial sector was at its peak during 2005</figcaption></figure>Following years of inactivity, the commercial sector finally roared back into life with a string of prestigious projects with premium anchor tenants to boot. 2005 delivered 11 Exhibition Street, PwC Australia at 2 Southbank Boulevard and the RACV Centre on Bourke Street.

In the CBD's eastern end Council House 2, Urban Workshop, Southern Cross Tower 1 and 8 Exhibition Street were midway through construction in a surge of commercial activity that has not been matched since. All in all beyond 300,000sqm of commercial space was under construction during 2005, as compared to today where major commercial builds are confined to Collins Quarter in Docklands and PwC Australia's new home at 2 Riverside Quay.

<h2>Residential living on the rise</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/image148.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Eureka, Freshwater Place, Victoria Point and Yve"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image148.jpg?itok=DtcV0c2z" title="Eureka, Freshwater Place, Victoria Point and Yve" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Eureka, Freshwater Place, Victoria Point and Yve</figcaption></figure>The list of residential towers under construction during 2005 was immense; the sheer number of residential projects truly cemented apartment living as a viable alternative to 'The Australian Dream' in Melbourne for the first time. Docklands and Southbank accounted for many residential projects, with the CBD's time in the sun some years away from fruition.

Premium projects that are considered landmarks today which were under construction during 2005 included Eureka Tower, its neighbour Feshwater Place and Yve on St Kilda Road; the latter would later win the Victorian Architecture Medal at the 2006 Royal Institute of Architects awards.

A notable mention also goes to Royal Domain Tower which not only became (and remains) St Kilda Road's tallest addition during 2005, but also remains one of the city's most exclusive apartment projects.

<h2>Tertiary projects</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/image144.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Brookes Gillsepie House, Monash Caulfield and Swinburne's Hawthorn expansion"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="385" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image144.jpg?itok=ZYq3Wotw" title="Brookes Gillsepie House, Monash Caulfield and Swinburne's Hawthorn expansion" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Brookes Gillsepie House, Monash Caulfield and Swinburne's Hawthorn expansion</figcaption></figure>Four notable projects were on the go over the course of 2005. Brookes Gillespie House and Melbourne University's Eastern Precinct created hundreds of new student apartments in Carlton, although the quality of architecture for both was more than debatable.

Swinburne created dual buildings, aptly named x_change @ Swinburne which would be precursors to multiple new builds at the Hawthorn campus in the proceeding years to come. Monash University's Caulfield campus also delivered two new builds during 2005, considered the first buildings within the 'Western Precinct' that has seen many proposals since, but little construction thereafter.

<h2>Ancillary builds</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/image147.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="MCG, health projects and Southern Cross Station"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="433" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image147.jpg?itok=cQxDaT79" title="MCG, health projects and Southern Cross Station" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>MCG, health projects and Southern Cross Station</figcaption></figure>Some other memorable projects are approaching their tenth anniversary. Southern Cross Station and the MCG's Northern Stand are the most recognisable; construction of both projects was stretched over a number of years in order to keep both facilities operating during their builds.

Lesser heralded medical projects also features during 2005 with the massive Austin and Mercy Hospital in Heidelberg reaching completion under the guidance of then contractor Baulderstone Hornibrook. Closer to the CBD and Baulderstone Hornibrook also undertook construction of The Alfred Centre, with initial works commencing during 2005.

In years to come the famed Baulderstone Hornibrook name would disappear, yet their legacy remains as do the many builds of 2005, which in many ways are the precursor to the boom times in construction that Melbourne enjoys today.
</body></html>

silvermb

Melbourne under construction in 2005

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With the release of X-Men: Days of Future upon us we once again find ourselves delving deep into the Apartments.com.au archives, this time perusing the various incarnations of <a href="http://www.grocon.com/gallery/current/">Grocon's</a> <a href="http://www.swanstonsquare.com.au/">Swanston Square</a> project at the top end of Swanston Street. Like the film's impressive roll call of big name actors, the site is similarly playing host to an all-star cast of local architects.

<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/swanstonsquare_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Swanston Sqaure prior to the sale of Building 4. © Grocon"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="384" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/swanstonsquare_0.jpg?itok=e26YEvtK" title="Swanston Sqaure prior to the sale of Building 4. © Grocon" width="580"></a>

It's difficult to comprehend that 8 years have passed since Grocon first acquired the site (save for the south-east corner now housing the Design Hub) from RMIT back in late 2006. In that time only RMIT's Design Hub &amp; the Pixel building have been completed with the 30-storey Portrait on the cusp of topping out.

<h2>A brief 'recent' history</h2>

<ul>
<li>Grocon purchases site from RMIT for approximately $40 million during 2006.</li>
	<li>NH Architecture are appointed to oversee the master plan and urban design aspects of the former brewery with a brief that called for 120,000sq m of commercial space and 600 apartments, plus 150 underground parking spaces. Heritage fragments such as the old Malthouse building and bluestone facades fronting Bouverie Street are to be retained and incorporated into the new development while the Swanston Street vista towards the Shrine of Remembrance is to be preserved and extended into the site.</li>
	<li>A design ideas competition is run for each of the five buildings, encouraging a diversity of architecture. Ten architects are invited to submit proposals for the site based on the master plan developed by NH.</li>
	<li>The successful architectural firms are announced in mid-2007 - ARM, DCM, MCR, MVS &amp; NH.</li>
</ul>
<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/CUB_PLAN.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Carlton Brewery Development Plan."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="281" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/CUB_PLAN.jpg?itok=dnPnWXSD" title="Carlton Brewery Development Plan." width="580"></a>

Over a two part article we discuss the history of each land parcel of the former CUB Carlton site:

<h2>BUILDING #8 - Pixel - Studio 505 Pty Ltd</h2>

<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/PIXEL.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Pixel Building. © Studio 505"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="242" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/PIXEL.jpg?itok=lh0kDxEU" title="Pixel Building. © Studio 505" width="580"></a>

Completed in July 2010, the 1,100 sq.m Pixel building was the first building constructed on-site and was to act as Grocon's site office for the duration of the construction phase at The Brewery. It is most notable for being the first carbon neutral office building in Australia, generating its own power and water on-site. Most striking is its colourful facade comprising a random assortment of recycled panels of various shapes, sizes and colours which help shade the interior spaces and reduce glare.

<blockquote>
Pixel has achieved a perfect score of 100 under the Greenstar rating system, with 75 points the benchmark for 6 Star Greenstar. It gained an extra five points for innovation, equating to world leadership. Included in Pixel's five innovation points were points for carbon neutrality, a vacuum toilet system, the anaerobic digestion system and reduced car parking.

Pixel has also achieved a perfect 105 points under the US LEED rating scheme making it the highest rating building of any yet certified for LEED anywhere in the world. It is aiming to exceed the highest score yet achieved under the UK BREEAM rating systems. To put that into context, there are approximately 40,000 buildings registered worldwide under those three rating schemes, and Pixel would be at the forefront of all of them.
</blockquote>

For more info visit:<a href="http://www.pixelbuilding.com.au/"> http://www.pixelbuilding.com.au/</a>

<h2>RMIT Design Hub - Sean Godsell + Peddle Thorp</h2>

<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/Design%20Hub.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="RMIT Design Hub © Sean Godsell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="263" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Design%20Hub.jpg?itok=WlwTjELu" title="RMIT Design Hub © Sean Godsell" width="580"></a>

The 10-storey design, research and education facility on the corner of Victoria and Swanston Streets opened in late 2012. Comprising a series of large flexible indoor 'warehouse' style spaces running the length of the building, the complex is designed to promote collaborative learning and research amongst various disciplines. The Design Hub houses the Design Archives, a Virtual Reality Centre, a workshop, Multipurpose Room, Lecture Theatre, and four rooftop Pavilions with a cafe at lower ground level.

More than 1700 sq.m is dedicated to exhibition spaces with an exhibition corridor running the length of the building along Swanston Street. A cascading public forecourt links the Design Hub and the RMIT Design Archives.

<blockquote>
The purpose of the Design Hub is to provide accommodation in one building for a diverse range of design research and post graduate education. RMIT is a world leader in design research however post graduates are currently dissipated across various campuses and facilities. The Hub will provide a collegial research base where post graduates in fields such as fabric and fashion design will work alongside those involved in architecture, aeronautical engineering, industrial design, landscape architecture, urban design and so on.

Research groups have the ability to locate and fine tune their accommodation within ‘warehouses’ - open plan spaces where research teams can set up and tailor their work environment to suit their particular needs. Teams may stay for anywhere from six months to three years depending on the nature of and funding limits to their research and education programs. Research may include the need for workshops to make physical models to be located alongside computer studios, three dimensional printing, virtual reality modelling and so on.

Given the time frames associated with research projects all the warehouses require a high level of adaptability and flexibility. In that sense these spaces are designed to accommodate the organic nature of research - ever evolving, adapting, changing and growing.
<cite>Sean Godsell, Architect</cite>
</blockquote>

The Design Hub won the Victorian Architecture Medal and the William Wardell Award at the 2013 Victorian Architecture Awards.

<a href="http://www.designhub.rmit.edu.au/about/the-building">http://www.designhub.rmit.edu.au/about/the-building</a>

<h2>BUILDING #5 - Portrait - ARM Architecture</h2>

<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/Portrait%20progression.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Design Progression. © ARM"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="230" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Portrait%20progression.jpg?itok=NJjZhbQ0" title="Design Progression. © ARM" width="580"></a>

The one constant throughout various design proposals over the years is ARM, who first developed a winning scheme for a $300m development on the site in the 1995, but which was never built.

<blockquote>
ARM won an invited competition for a $300 million redevelopment of the former CUB site in 1995. This project included student housing, two towers, multimedia centre, residential apartments, commercial offices, a hotel, cinemas, retail and carparking. This scheme at the termination of the Shrine of Remembrance axis made a provocative urban and formal response by deflecting to create a spectacular anti-monumental void. This development did not go ahead, but the concept for this proposal informs the new scheme for the ARM designed office building in the current CUB master plan.
</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/ARM%20Brewery%201995_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="ARM proposal for $300m mixed-use development circa 1995. © ARM"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ARM%20Brewery%201995_0.jpg?itok=DwcV3UG7" title="ARM proposal for $300m mixed-use development circa 1995. © ARM" width="580"></a>

The office finally see one of their designs come to fruition in the form of the building formerly known as Portrait. Originally conceived as a 20-storey office building the development forms the first stage of the rebranded Swanston Square:

<blockquote>
This 20-storey office tower faces down the Swanston Street axis towards the Shrine of Remembrance in St Kilda Road. Architect Howard Raggatt said the building would be a new gateway to Melbourne, akin to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The Shrine of Remembrance was a "profoundly symbolic element" of Melbourne's city centre, Mr Raggatt said, and it was crucial a significant building at the other end of the city faced the Shrine.
</blockquote>

The design has since evolved into a literal interpretation of the building facing the shrine, in the form of William Barak's face across it's 32-storeys. Currently under construction, the face will be partly obscured by the Design Hub with only views from close proximity affording pedestrians a glimpse of it in full.

<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/jPcKH.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="715" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/jPcKH.jpg?itok=y_gRco9V" title="Image © Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

<a href="/news/days-of-future-past-cub-site-carlton-continued">In part two tomorrow</a>, we highlight those land parcels not yet constructed, including CEL Australia's 156-172 Victoria Street proposal at 253 metres.
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Laurence Dragomir

Days of Future Past: CUB Site Carlton

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This afternoon we delve into the Apartments.com.au archives and take a look back at the evolution of <a href="/new-apartments/docklands-vic-3008">Docklands</a>' Stadium Precinct over the better part of a decade. Through various newspaper clippings and renders, we ponder what may have been for the precinct that envelopes Etihad Stadium.

<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/Stadium%20village.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Stadium Village Article. © Herald Sun 14 November 2000."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="810" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Stadium%20village.jpg?itok=iwhjWPyb" title="Stadium Village Article. © Herald Sun 14 November 2000." width="580"></a>

It all began when I recently decided to trawl through old newspaper clippings I had accumulated over the course of 15 years. The above article appeared near 14 years ago at a time when Colonial Stadium was marking it's first full year of operation and <a href="/new-apartments/essendon-vic-3040">Essendon</a> had claimed a record equaling 16th flag. The strategy sought a hive of activity at the interface between city and harbour, at all hours of the day.

Remarkably (or depressingly) we are only beginning see the early framework for a precinct, which after a number of false starts is finally beginning to come together in a manner not too dissimilar to the image depicted above.

<h2>South-West Stadium Precinct (SWSP) / Victoria Point</h2>

<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/Victoria_Point_reduced.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Victoria Point Article. © Herald Sun "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="799" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Victoria_Point_reduced.jpg?itok=ykDw1DId" title="Victoria Point Article. © Herald Sun " width="580"></a>

Delivered by Devine, Victoria Point has stayed true to form, being built more-or-less as depicted in the articles above, with a further level of refinement. In addition to the 42-storey apartment tower the site also features Quest Serviced apartments along Bourke Street and a 9-storey office building along Harbour Esplanade that is home to Bendigo Bank.

<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/vic_point_8_fauxwindow.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Victoria Point. © Australian Aluminium Finishing"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="434" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/vic_point_8_fauxwindow.jpg?itok=4HVh9OA5" title="Victoria Point. © Australian Aluminium Finishing" width="580"></a>

<h2>South-East Stadium Precinct (SESP) / Bourke Junction / NAB @ 700 Bourke / Medibank @ 720 Bourke</h2>

<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://www.theage.com.au/news/Business/Outrigger-drops-anchor-at-Docklands/2005/04/06/1112489558726">Outrigger proposal circa 2005</a>:

<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/outrigger_combo.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Outrigger Docklands. Circa 2005."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="359" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/outrigger_combo.jpg?itok=Zw43jWJX" title="Outrigger Docklands. Circa 2005." width="580"></a>

Proposed to be 35-storeys and over 100m in height, Outrigger's first foray into Melbourne would have delivered a new 350 hotel rooms with 17 floors of apartments above. Conceived jointly between Outrigger and RIA Property Group, the <a href="/architects/peddle-thorp-architects">Peddle Thorp</a>-designed project fell through leading to Vic Urban running another Expressions of Interest campaign which resulted in...

Bourke Junction. Designed by <a href="/architects/hassell-studio">Hassell</a> and <a href="/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> for project partners <a href="/developers/cbus-property">CBUS Property</a>, <a href="/developers/ispt">ISPT</a> and EPC Partners the three tower complex would have become the new home for <a href="http://www.suncorp.com.au/">Suncorp Metway</a> and <a href="https://www.mebank.com.au/">ME Bank</a>, along with a Saville Hotel.

<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/Bourke%20Junction_HUN_reduced.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Bourke Junction. © Herald Sun 8 April 2008."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="685" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Bourke%20Junction_HUN_reduced.jpg?itok=UBOXlaKj" title="Bourke Junction. © Herald Sun 8 April 2008." width="580"></a>

<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/Bourke%20Junction_AGE_reduced.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Bourke Junction. © The Age 8 April 2008."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="464" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Bourke%20Junction_AGE_reduced.jpg?itok=u5VC4kv7" title="Bourke Junction. © The Age 8 April 2008." width="580"></a>

Following the Global Financial Crisis, the project was shelved and ISPT sold its share to CBUS. 720 Bourke was redesigned in an attempt to lure an anchor tenant but ultimately required further reconfiguring and refinement.

The project was eventually rebranded as 700 Bourke leading to a second Docklands address for NAB, whilst Medibank has since joined with their new HQ @ 720 Bourke Street - forming a dynamic duo of sorts.

<img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="185" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Bourke%20Junction%20%2B%20700%26%20720%20bourke.jpg?itok=eQw5Ym_Y" title="What was to be and what is there today." width="580">

<h2>North-East Stadium Precinct (NESP) / Lacrosse + M Docklands</h2>

At one stage NESP was to be the site of a 19-storey, $70m glazed office building. Not all that interesting except that each facade would act as a 40m x 40m screen for motion projections.

Proposed by Pan Urban there was once talk of the Bureau of Meteorology anchoring the development and projecting live feeds of the weather radar - handy for our southern capital.

<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/pan%20urban%2070mill%2019L%2040mx40m.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Pan Urban NESP proposal. © Pan Urban"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="227" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/pan%20urban%2070mill%2019L%2040mx40m.jpg?itok=ISHMrEZl" title="Pan Urban NESP proposal. © Pan Urban" width="580"></a>

The development would ultimately become the Elenberg Fraser designed Lacrosse (Stages 1 &amp; 2). To date only Stage 1 has been delivered (by Charter Hall) with Stage 2 now being developed by <a href="/developers/capital-alliance-investment-group">Capital Alliance</a> and known as <a href="/buildings/m-docklands-679-la-trobe-street-docklands">M Docklands</a>.

<img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="203" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Lacrosse%2BM%20Docklands.jpg?itok=somKnLgS" title="Lacrosse Docklands + M Docklands. © Elenberg Fraser" width="580">

<h2>North-West Stadium Precinct (NWSP) / Docklands Gateway / Channel 7 / Salta</h2>

Once owned entirely by Channel 7, the site save for C7's digital broadcast centre is now under the control of <a href="/developers/salta-properties">Salta</a> having seen a host of development proposals including:

<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/Channel%207_reduced.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Channel 7 HQ / Docklands Gateway."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="250" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Channel%207_reduced.jpg?itok=LKqImgxU" title="Channel 7 HQ / Docklands Gateway." width="580"></a>

Pacific Harbour's squat 12,000sqm campus proposal (below left) came and went, as did a Woods Bagot-designed office complex known as 360 Degrees. Salta currently have approval in place for a commercial development of this <a href="/architects/fk-australia">Fender Kataslidis</a> designed apartment building:

<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/Image76.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Images © Merchant Pacific and FK Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="308" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image76.jpg?itok=H-io71c-" title="Images © Merchant Pacific and FK Architects" width="580"></a>

<h2>North Stadium Precinct / 685 LaTrobe Street</h2>

Originally forming part of the NWSP parcel, this <a href="http://www.685latrobe.com.au/">37,000sqm proposal</a> by <a href="/architects/bates-smart">Bates Smart</a> is targeting a 5 star Green Star &amp; NABERS Energy rating. Joint venture partners Charter Hall and <a href="/developers/premier-capital-developments">Premier Capital Developments</a> are currently seeking a pre-commitment from an anchor tenant before commencing construction with <a href="/builders/watpac">Watpac</a> the preferred head contractor.

<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/685LExt_Hero.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="685 LaTrobe Street. © Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="487" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/685LExt_Hero.jpg?itok=tUHK4Bje" title="685 LaTrobe Street. © Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

15 years later, Stadium Precinct still marches on. Whether the end product is capable of becoming the hive of activity during all hours remains to be seen.
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Days of Future Past: Stadium Precinct

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How the face of Melbourne has changed over the last decade, and digital camera technology for that matter. Today will the first in a semi-regular look back at Melbourne's biggest and best projects which were under construction this month 10 years ago.

A selection of 2004's under construction projects that helped reshape Melbourne include:

<h2>Southbank hits the heights</h2>

The soon to be Melbourne's tallest had just reached its level 55 jump form reconfiguration, on the way to becoming the city's tallest residential tower and subsequently tallest building by year's end. Eureka was ably supported by Australand's Freshwater Place development next door which commenced with PwC's 2 Southbank Boulevard and Freshwater Tower.

Elsewhere Southbank Central was under construction, adding to Central Equity's incredible architectural repertoire... well at least it was a step in the right direction.

<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/comp6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="PwC, Freshwater Place and Eureka Tower circa 2004"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/comp6.jpg?itok=MQLUc8wi" title="PwC, Freshwater Place and Eureka Tower circa 2004" width="580"></a>
<figcaption>PwC, Freshwater Place and Eureka Tower circa 2004</figcaption></figure><h2>One wasteland for another?</h2>

Depending upon who you ask that's what Docklands was in the process of becoming. Southern Cross Station's roof was taking shape while 700 Collins was found guilty for crimes against architecture even before completion. The Conder at Newquay was in its formative stages as was Victoria Point, with Lonsdale Street's chimney still in tact.

Lower left is Watergate Apartments, with V1 Docklands and Victoria Point either side for company. Watergate was arguably the first project to showcase Elenberg Fraser's flair, and of course their trademark bronze facade.

<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/comp4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Construction images of 2004"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="719" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/comp4.jpg?itok=EwF2Z0ov" title="Construction images of 2004" width="580"></a>
<figcaption>Construction images of 2004</figcaption></figure><h2>Into the burbs</h2>

Mondo Tower was soon to become the tallest tower outside the inner city at 17 levels, and was joined in construction by Foxtel Moonee Ponds... both would subsequently be found guilty of crimes against architecture.

The mammoth Austin and Mercy Heidelberg was still chugging along under Baulderstone's $270 million build contract while the 14 level Barrett Apartments in Hawthorn became that suburb's vanguard development... much would change.

<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/comp1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" style="font-size: 12px;" title="Construction images of 2004"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="474" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/comp1.jpg?itok=nW9LtM6T" title="Construction images of 2004" width="580"></a>
<figcaption>Construction images of 2004</figcaption></figure><h2>Inner city</h2>

The comparatively huge Royal Domain Tower had just broken the car park levels and was into the first floor of apartments while once of Melbourne's signature buildings, Yve, was little more than a twisted mess as site demolition progressed. Demolition was word of the week at the MCG as the world's biggest tower crane (Favelle Favco M2480D) worked above the Northern Stand.

Even in 2005 Hayball has a fascination with precast... some kids never grow up! And Mirvac was continuing with Beacon Cove in Port Melbourne... anyone found any retail in Beacon Cove as yet? Notable mentions to Gateway on Queens Road which at 20 levels was built without a tower crane and Bio21 on Flemington Road. Time has and will continue to be kind to this newly completed ripper from Designinc.

<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/comp5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Construction images of 2004"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="554" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/comp5.jpg?itok=hiUOtTO5" title="Construction images of 2004" width="580"></a>
<figcaption>Construction images of 2004</figcaption></figure><h2>Big city build</h2>

2004 in general was a massive year with a clear upswing in apartment living leading to a new rash of apartment projects such as QV, Mondriane, Concept Blue within the CBD along with many others. April 2004 also saw a group of commercial office towers under construction, the first such grouping since the boom and bust of the early 1990's.

380 La Trobe Street was receiving its final touches and Herald Weekly Times was beginning its transformation. 11 Exhibition, Southern Cross, RACV - 501 Bourke Street and Urban Workshop (all pictured below) would add a mass of office space upon completion, while all having sizeable tenant commitments - once bitten, twice shy!

<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/comp7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Best of the CBD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="755" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/comp7.jpg?itok=qUY92eQx" title="Best of the CBD" width="580"></a>
<figcaption>Best of the CBD</figcaption></figure>
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Melbourne under construction > April 2004

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Today's content comes directly from the vault; dusted off and ready for inspection. During the late 1990's the then Docklands Authority published an irregular newsletter that although now yellow, worn and stained gives a fair indication as to the expectations maintained by those in charge of delivering Melbourne's new waterfront during that time. Dated November 1998 the fold-out newsletter provides a fantastic glimpse of Melbourne prior to the new millennium.

What immediately stands out is the lack of infrastructure throughout the area. Traversing Docklands over the last twelve years with trusty camera in tow and having no recollection of Docklands prior to its current metamorphosis, it's truly disturbing and impressive that such a large area of land so close to a major metropolis was underutilised for so long. With the Bolte Bridge and La Trobe Street / Collins Street extensions not yet constructed, it truly resembled a wasteland.

Cast your view to the second image below and you'll see a very lonely Crown Casino dominating Southbank's panorama; how times have changed! For Docklands at least the land parcels had at this point been defined, although time would subsume the names Yarranova, Entertainment City and Commonwealth Technology Port, replaced by NewQuay, Waterfront City and Digital Harbour.

<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_0089.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Infrastructure works prior to Docklands commencing. Images © Docklands Authority"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_0089.jpg?itok=NHEcxjLT" title="Infrastructure works prior to Docklands commencing. Images © Docklands Authority" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

See below the official Docklands render of the day, a concept far more advanced than earlier ghastly visions which bore an uncanny resemblance to a Mulgrave office park. For the countless articles of diatribe against Docklands over the years, the precinct has managed to stay true to the render in certain respects. The general height, bulk and density of realised buildings is fairly similar to the image below. NewQuay and Yarra's Edge in particular have delivered to date basically what is seen below. Whilst the central precinct, Victoria Harbour, has in reality a denser built form, Batman's Hill was at the time the exception.

<a href="/news/grollo-tower-one-mans-vision-unrealised" target="_blank">Covered by Urban.com.au previously</a>, Bruno Grollo's then world's tallest Grollo Tower was one of two parties vying for the right to develop the Batman's Hill precinct. History shows that neither gained the right to develop the whole precinct, rather it was portioned off to separate developers with the last slice recently <a href="/news/batmans-hill-collins-street-the-missing-piece-of-the-docklands-jigsaw" target="_blank">granted to Lend Lease</a>, and now subject to further planning. Whilst many think that Docklands struggles on a micro level, it will never be known whether a better outcome could have been achieved by development plot by plot, rather than precinct by precinct.

Would the urban realm have been enhanced by each individual site being subject to a tender process? Docklands may have therefore followed a more organic growth, slowly expanding westwards whilst maintaining the feel of the CBD rather than a large master planned enclave. Gone would be the pockets of development surrounded by vast tracts of empty land which has only in recent years been corrected as the suburb continues its expansion.

<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_0094_0.JPG" rel="gallery-all" title="The envisaged Docklands. Images © Docklands Authority"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/IMG_0094_0.JPG?itok=us5g6YZA" title="The envisaged Docklands. Images © Docklands Authority" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

In isolation the 1998 Docklands vision seemed to provide a fair balance between the practical expansion of Melbourne's CBD whilst taking into account the desire for open space, density and height considerations. The mind boggles at what would be proposed for the precinct if Docklands were a blank canvas today. Fifteen years ago Melbourne had yet to experience its shift toward apartment living, Southbank was yet to boom and Fishermans Bend, E-Gate and the CBD North/Arden Structure Plan were foreign concepts.

I'd suggest the 1998 vision provided a decent platform for Docklands to base itself upon. Consider now that the precinct is approximately 60% complete; it has been a long haul with many years to come and I can't help but think that one day into the distant future when Docklands is near ringed by far larger developments that public sentiment will shift more and more in favour of the precinct.
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The Docklands vision - circa 1998

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It's amazing to think Grollo Tower which was to be located in Melbourne's Docklands was proposed fifteen years ago this year. The dream of Bruno Grollo, son of an Italian migrant who settled in Australia during 1928 was remarkably close to being realised, only to be stymied at the last moment. Over their stretch "The Grollos have changed city skylines and revolutionised Australia’s construction industry, through innovative practices, project success and fair treatment of workers," according to the <a href="http://www.grocon.com/" target="_blank">Grocon Group</a>'s website.

Yet Grollo Tower at 560m was the one that got away. Bruno seen below describing the Grollo Tower model during a press conference, was representative of a time where there were more overt characters in Melbourne's property industry, not so much the clean cut business it is today. Seldom seen in a suit and with the recognisable bushy eyebrows and moustache, Bruno Grollo was a man who knew how to get it done, exerting a passion and enthusiasm when speaking in public about any one of his given projects, an enthusiasm that filtered down through the company.

<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_6237.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Bruno Grollo standing beside Grollo Tower, albeit a model"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_6237.jpg?itok=WdarSZXW" title="Bruno Grollo standing beside Grollo Tower, albeit a model" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
<figcaption>Bruno Grollo standing beside Grollo Tower, albeit a model</figcaption></figure>As seen below, the Denton Corker Marshall designed Grollo Tower would have contained up to eleven sub ground levels catering for car parking, retail/supermarket facilities plus a 500-seat auditorium/ballroom. A six month program placing 30m deep piles would have been required to support the tower's immense weight, and the hole catering for the car park would have been the largest excavated in Melbourne. The soft clays, sands and Coode Island silt that dominate Dockland's subterranean conditions would have had to have been displaced prior to reaching bedrock.

A mix of uses within the tower followed, consisting of 30 levels of commercial space, roughly 450 residential apartments and a hotel of 20 levels. A double-level foyer would have segregated Grollo Tower's commercial and living spaces which would have seen a grand lobby approximately 40 levels high catering for both residential and hotel guests where upon checked-in hotel guests would have taken to the elevators once more only to be greeted with an open full hotel length atrium when decamping the elevator.

As with a tower this size eight levels were seemingly set aside just below the towers pinnacle for hotel guests, the public and residents alike. At 450m above ground the tourist area would have included shops and restaurants, an enclosed observation deck, interactive displays and a variety of other tourist driven facilities. Grollo Tower's crowning glory was to be its 110m light pinnacle that would have shot a beam of light skyward which would have been visible from all parts of metropolitan Melbourne. For the adventurous few, an open air observation deck at the tower's summit would have provided views as far as Mornington Peninsula and beyond; Melbourne's fickle weather permitting of course.

<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_6240.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Cross section of Grollo Tower as appeared in the Herald Sun Dcember 8th 1998"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_6240.jpg?itok=2VPRP-qi" title="Cross section of Grollo Tower as appeared in the Herald Sun Dcember 8th 1998" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
<figcaption>Cross section of Grollo Tower as appeared in the Herald Sun Dcember 8th 1998</figcaption></figure>So where did Grollo Tower falter? The scheme first stumbled during April 1999 where, after negotiations with relevant bodies, Grocon failed to make a required payment of $30 million to the Docklands Authority. Parallel to this was community concern relating to the massive shadow the tower would cast. As seen below, shadows cast in the morning and evening would be cast an amazing 10 kilometres from the tower itself.

Coming back for another bite of the apple, Grocon tried once more to deliver the tower after expressions of interest for the Batmans Hill parcel was reopened during 2000. Although Grollo Tower held deposits from 200 potential apartment buyers after a registration of interest campaign (below right), the scheme was officially ruled out of contention for the parcel of Batmans Hill by the Docklands Authority during April 2001. Chief concerns reported through the media were funding issues and the fact that Grollo Tower would have covered the entire Batmans Hill precinct, seen as a less favourable outcome to separating the precinct into smaller development lots.

<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/Image952.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Expected shadow cast by Grollo Tower &amp; early sales campaign advert"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image952.jpg?itok=0M3cMmNb" title="Expected shadow cast by Grollo Tower &amp; early sales campaign advert" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
<figcaption>Expected shadow cast by Grollo Tower &amp; early sales campaign advert</figcaption></figure>It would have been fascinating to study Grollo Tower and its effects upon the still-young Melbourne apartment market at the time. Some news articles of the day suggested it would have put an impost upon Melbourne for years to come, yet others saw it as an economic/investment boon capable if luring further investment to Melbourne. Ultimately though Grollo Tower didn't proceed and in its place Grocon delivered Eureka Tower - Melbourne's current tallest skyscraper. Regardless Grollo Tower will forever remain one man's vision unrealised.
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