A long-awaited transformation of a former industrial site in Holroyd has been given the green light, with the NSW Government approving the $1.2 billion Crescent Parklands masterplan that will deliver more than 1,200 new homes just south of Parramatta.

The State Significant Development approval clears the way for a large-scale mixed-use precinct at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/1-crescent-street-holroyd-nsw-2142">1 Crescent Street</a>, replacing an underutilised site with a coordinated residential community anchored by new open space, retail, and commercial uses.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> for WA-based developer Tiberius, the approved scheme comprises seven buildings arranged across two precincts. In total, the development will deliver 1,227 apartments, including 201 allocated as affordable housing, alongside approximately 2,500 sqm of retail and 5,000 sqm of commercial space within a mixed-use podium.

<img alt="Tiberius’ Crescent Parklands to deliver 1,200+ homes in major Holroyd transformation" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1cc82dd2-8184-4b86-8665-90653147820d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Crescent%20buildings.png?VersionId=2ZmVDc_Rfc4AzQ6ShzZJlvdZnACLerVM" />

The project is structured as a masterplanned precinct rather than a standalone tower. Buildings 1 to 4 will rise from a shared podium with shop-top housing, while Buildings 5 to 7 are positioned closer to the northern park interface as residential flat buildings. The built form has been carefully modulated to balance density with amenity, with the design resolving building separation, solar access, and wind impacts at a precinct scale.

A significant focus of the design is the activation of Crescent Street and the integration of public domain. The submission notes that “individual townhouses [were] removed for community based functions to Crescent Street to increase activation and surveillance,” reinforcing a more urban and publicly engaged street edge. Retail, commercial tenancies, and resident amenity spaces are concentrated along this frontage and within the podium to support day-to-day activity.

The landscape strategy underpins the project’s identity, with a network of pedestrian connections, landscaped corridors, and open spaces linking the site internally and to its surroundings. The design prioritises permeability, delivering “increased uninterrupted flow between spaces for pedestrian access” and improved connections through to the adjoining parklands.

<img alt="Tiberius’ Crescent Parklands to deliver 1,200+ homes in major Holroyd transformation" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="19282454-ab2f-4e2c-866f-4b35cf4283d4" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Crescent%20masterplan.png?VersionId=JQdWGYI5B5R1lzmK4omYOp_8KLPkT4Bv" />

Buildings within the western precinct are oriented toward the park, shaping a residential offering defined by proximity to open space. The design describes this approach as creating apartments “immersed in nature with apartments facing the park,” positioning the landscape as a central organising element of the masterplan.

The broader architectural response addresses both infrastructure and context, with taller elements capturing long-range views toward Parramatta while setbacks and separation distances mitigate impacts on surrounding residential areas. Sustainability initiatives, including solar optimisation, cross-ventilation, and integrated landscape systems, are embedded across the scheme.

Located approximately one kilometre south of Parramatta CBD, the 3.6-hectare site is bounded by Crescent Street, Woodville Road, and Holroyd Sportsground. It benefits from strong access to public transport, including nearby bus routes and train stations, and sits within a rapidly evolving corridor earmarked for increased residential density. The design also strengthens connections between surrounding green spaces, including Holroyd Sportsground and Parramatta Parklands.

The approval follows several years of planning, including a rezoning process that enabled significant uplift in height and density across the site. With determination now secured, Crescent Parklands is positioned to play a major role in delivering new housing supply within Greater Parramatta’s growth area.

Joel Robinson

Tiberius’ Crescent Parklands to deliver over 1,200 homes in major Holroyd transformation

A new State Significant Development application has been lodged over land at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/33-43-marion-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">33–43 Marion Street</a>, Parramatta, proposing a high-rise mixed-use tower that leverages planning incentives to deliver a substantial pipeline of new housing, including a dedicated affordable component.

The scheme, currently on exhibition, combines a shop-top housing development with a concurrent rezoning, positioning the site for a significant uplift in density within Parramatta’s evolving southern CBD fringe.

The proposal, designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fuse-architecture-0">Fuse Architects</a> for CN Marion, would replace the existing buildings with a 37-storey mixed-use tower, delivering 296 apartments above a retail podium with six basement levels on the 2,376 sqm site.

The residential mix comprises 58 one-bedroom, 207 two-bedroom, and 31 three-bedroom apartments, with communal facilities located on the second level and the rooftop. Ground-level activation is driven by retail and food and beverage tenancies, alongside a publicly accessible through-site link designed to improve pedestrian permeability.

The project includes 194 car spaces, five motorcycle spaces, and 348 bicycle spaces, reflecting a transit-oriented approach in a location directly adjacent to the rail corridor and within walking distance of Harris Park Station.

<img alt="First Look: Plans lodged for 37-storey mixed-use tower with affordable housing at 33–43 Marion Street, Parramatta" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3db873ea-62f0-437b-8a6a-eeda154d2dee" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Marion%20building.png?VersionId=YwzBv8OVHwyRnMLGX4slU7QyhTyMZeOX" />

The design adopts a podium-and-tower composition, with a three-storey street wall addressing Marion Street and a reduced two-storey interface responding to adjoining heritage cottages.

A key component of the proposal is the integration of affordable housing under the NSW Government’s in-fill affordable housing pathway, with units to be retained for a minimum of 15 years. This is paired with a broader public domain strategy that emphasises permeability, deep soil planting, and a landscaped through-site link.

“The strategy prioritises a permeable, well-activated public realm and supports a compact tower form to minimise the building’s footprint while enhancing the quality of the ground-level experience,” the design report states.

The proposal includes a central landscaped courtyard, rooftop communal areas, and planting strategies aligned with local environmental conditions and cultural narratives.

<img alt="First Look: Plans lodged for 37-storey mixed-use tower with affordable housing at 33–43 Marion Street, Parramatta" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f0e6c165-9967-4d20-9216-e5b8357c85ba" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Marion%20site.png?VersionId=SRod222LwgDmGZJmJY0wTbK39UrWZLSD" />

The site occupies a prominent corner of Marion and Station streets, roughly 100 metres from Harris Park Station, within a precinct earmarked for significant intensification. While the immediate context is characterised by low- to mid-rise buildings and heritage dwellings, planning controls and recent proposals point to a transition toward high-density development.

<section data-scroll-anchor="false" data-testid="conversation-turn-2" data-turn="assistant" data-turn-id="request-WEB:c78224e4-1dd1-48ac-afda-97fe23bac47e-0" dir="auto">
Parramatta has been starved of new apartment supply in recent years. Builder-developers Deicorp and Coronation are the only two currently progressing projects in the suburb. Coronation is nearing completion of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/8-phillip-street-2-10-phillip-street-parramatta">8 Phillip Street</a>, which will be the tallest building in Western Sydney once finished, while Deicorp is delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/cosmopolitan-by-deicorp-parramatta-34-hassall-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">Cosmopolitan</a>, a development comprising over 600 apartments.
</section>

First Look: Plans lodged for 37-storey mixed-use tower in Parramatta

A substantial uplift in height and density is being tested in Lane Cove, with a 225-apartment scheme at 300 Burns Bay Road now on public exhibition as a State Significant Development alongside a concurrent rezoning.

The proposal by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/level-33">Level 33</a> would see the demolition of an existing commercial building and associated structures, replaced by a residential development ranging from seven to 15 storeys.&nbsp;

The scheme delivers 225 apartments, including 34 designated as affordable housing, positioning it within the NSW Government’s accelerated Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

The development is arranged as three interconnected residential flat buildings, a response to the site’s long, narrow configuration and sloping topography.&nbsp;

<img alt="First look: 225-apartment Lane Cove tower proposal enters exhibition under State Significant pathway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c325d40c-ead5-45f4-9d77-5a446b23acc0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Lane%20Cove%20pers.png?VersionId=hsCJxT5hj.5kzA6AMInyan1x8mcHeRez" />

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/pbd-architects">PBD Architects</a>, the project’s designer, describe a built form that is “divided into three sections, each connected by intermediate infill slots which are recessed to establish greater setbacks and further articulate the development.”

Across the scheme, apartments are supported by communal amenity at ground and rooftop levels, including landscaped open space and a rooftop pool. Basement and lower ground levels accommodate parking, storage, and building services, while a new public park is proposed along the eastern edge of the site, replacing part of the existing built form.

The architectural response has been shaped by the site’s pronounced fall towards the Lane Cove River, with building heights stepping down from west to east to reduce visual bulk and respond to adjoining bushland.&nbsp;

The design report notes that “the development has been carefully designed to integrate with the existing topography with the placement of massing and floor levels adjusted respecting the site’s inherent characteristics.”

<img alt="First look: 225-apartment Lane Cove tower proposal enters exhibition under State Significant pathway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="31cc13a5-bc8b-4dc3-b9b1-07c6ec33a82b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Lane%20cove%20site.png?VersionId=NiyH3LimQwiHsE6Q7I5g4Grpr5fRdZaX" />

The project is being advanced through a concurrent rezoning process, seeking to increase the permissible height and floor space ratio beyond current Lane Cove LEP controls of 21 metres. Under the proposal, height would reach up to 54.5 metres, reflecting a shift toward higher-density outcomes in well-located urban areas.

Located on a 7,595 sqm site, the development sits within an established high-density residential pocket characterised by mid-rise apartment buildings set within a bushland setting. The site is within close proximity to Burns Bay Reserve, the Lane Cove River, and an extensive network of open space, reinforcing its strategic positioning for increased housing supply.

Level 33 is doing through the Housing Delivery Authority to try and get its Homebush project of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/level-33-adds-to-2-000-unit-pipeline-with-new-two-tower-homebush-plans">more than 300 apartments approved</a>.

The developer has over 2,000 apartments in the pipeline, predominantly in Wollongong.

First look: Level 33 proposes 225-apartment Lane Cove tower

Following the completion of its debut Palm Beach apartment development EVA on Tenth, local Gold Coast developer Chippendale Group has launched its latest project in the in demand area.

Chippendale Group, led by fifth-generation Palm Beach local Daniel Chippendale, has kicked off sales at&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/elise-palm-beach-3-twenty-fifth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1775884443343000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2GyxnGQKU2XXwTzQ8_VHgi" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/elise-palm-beach-3-twenty-fifth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221" target="_blank">ELISE</a>, 68 coastal-infused apartments just 40 metres from the sand on Twenty Fifth Avenue.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150992 project_image_fid=366023]

Construction is already well underway, a signal of confidence to buyers, following the demolition of the two-storey walk-up and 1990s built house that sat on two sites that have been amalgamated to create a prime corner block.

There are a mix of two- and three-bedroom apartments on offer, starting from $1.4 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150992 project_image_fid=366024]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, Elise responds to its coastal setting through a horizontal architectural form with recessed glazing and layered landscaping. The design aims to balance light, shade and sea breezes while creating a defined presence along the streetscape.&nbsp;

Residences have been planned with an emphasis on outdoor living suited to the Gold Coast climate, including large balconies designed as usable outdoor rooms. Interiors will feature a selection of European appliances and natural materials, including New Zealand wool carpets.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150992 project_image_fid=366033]

Resident amenities are centred around a wellness-focused ground-level precinct. There will be private access to a heated swimming pool, sauna, cold plunge and gym, alongside a residents’ lounge with dining and entertaining space.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/elise-palm-beach-3-twenty-fifth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">ELISE</a> is located towards the northern end of Palm Beach, which puts it just a short walk to Tallebudgera and Currumbin Creeks. At the end of the street is the newly extended Oceanway, a 36-kilometre pathway that runs up and down the Gold Coast.

Chippendale is targeting a late 2027 completion date for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/elise-palm-beach-3-twenty-fifth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">ELISE</a>.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150992]

Chippendale Group launches Elise, 40 metres from the Palm Beach sand

Sydney developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/31-41-o-hara-street-marrickville-nsw-2204">Third.i</a>&nbsp;has announced a new transport-oriented development in one of Sydney Inner West’s most sought-after metropolitan locations, delivering much needed housing within steps of world-class public transport and vibrant village life.

Located at&nbsp;31-41 O’Hara St,&nbsp;Marrickville, the proposed mixed-use development will include around 300 apartments, with up to 17 per cent dedicated to affordable housing, reinforcing Third.i’s commitment to creating inclusive, well-connected communities that support a diverse mix of residents who keep Sydney’s neighbourhoods thriving.

Located just 100 metres from the new Metro station, the development places residents within minutes of the CBD while offering seamless access to the Inner West’s cafés, retail, and local services. Anchored within a thriving local centre, the project supports everyday living without reliance on cars, while also delivering new public open space for the local community, including a new park and landscaped green areas, alongside high-quality private resident amenities.

Florian Caillon, Head of Acquisitions for Third.i Group, said the project builds on the company’s ongoing work alongside the NSW Government to deliver housing and amenity alongside major transport infrastructure. Amenity includes an activated pedestrianise retail strip that connects Illawarra Road down to the pocket park, and health and wellness facilities.&nbsp;

“Delivering housing of this scale within an established village is a rare opportunity, and few companies have achieved residential outcomes of this size at a village centre," Caillon said.

"We are excited to set a new standard for urban living in the heart of Marrickville,” he said.&nbsp;

The inclusion of affordable housing has been welcomed by frontline workers.

“We are supportive of developments which will allow essential workers like nurses, midwives and carers, the opportunity to live in the communities they care for," said&nbsp;Michael Whaites, General Secretary of the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association..

“Many healthcare workers tell us they would like to live closer to where they work, but are being priced out of the market, forcing them to move further away.&nbsp;

“Dedicated apartments for essential workers will support recruitment and retention in local hospitals and aged care facilities, helping to strengthen our health system.”

The project has been declared State Significant Development (SSD) by the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA).

Third.i to deliver 300 apartments in Marrickville TOD precinct

S P Setia

<html><body>Created by international leader in property development SP Setia, Uno Melbourne is poised to embody its tagline of “homes in the sky” once the high-rise is completed in 2022. Its floor-to-ceiling shimmering golden glass facade will reach 65 storeys and house 632 apartments.

Uno’s 632 one, two and three bedroom apartments feature key elements for every resident to feel comfortable and at home with, with generous open plan living floor plans and super high quality materials and finishes.

The kitchen area features natural stones, perforated metal to seamlessly blend with the breathable interior and Miele appliances to turn any resident into a culinary expert.

Bedrooms and storage blend effortlessly into walls to maximise the amount of space each apartment has with floor to ceiling windows bringing in a flood of natural light and warmth looking out over the great expanse of city and nature Melbourne has to offer.

UNO Melbourne Amenities:
Level 40 sky lounge
A library and music room
A games room
Cinema and dining area
Indoor heated pool
Hydrotherapy spas
Steam and sauna rooms
Wellness centre and gymnasium

The tower is within walking distance of Melbourne’s major shopping precinct with Melbourne Central, Emporium Shopping Centre and Bourke Street Mall all linked nearby with various thriving cafe and boutique laneways and arcades for the finest dining and shopping experiences.

Positioned between Flagstaff Gardens and Carlton Gardens, residents will not be without the pleasures of nature, walking and cycling with vast parklands, fountains and flower beds all on offer with the Royal Exhibition Building and Melbourne Museum closeby for cultural exhibits and events.

At 210 metres, the tower will feature sky high amenities for all residents to enjoy.

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You will find generous open plan living floor plans and super high quality materials and finishes at UNO Melbourne.

urban.com.au

SP Setia delivers spectacular “homes in the sky” at Uno Melbourne.

<html><body>
Over the course of the last week, Malaysian developer S P Setia has landed two telling blows in Melbourne's apartment market, further enhancing its stature locally.

Malaysian publication The Edge Markets has in recent days reported that the developer has secured 111-125 A’Beckett Street for a price of $61 million. Complete with permit for an Elenberg Fraser-designed apartment tower spanning 200 plus metres, the A'Beckett Street plot of 1,714sqm is the developer's sixth Melbourne foray.

CBRE City Sales recently ran an Expression of Interest campaign for the site which was initially controlled by Singaporean outfit Tong Eng Group. The scheme had been dubbed Myriad Melbourne prior to S P Setia's involvement.

The Edge Markets <a href="http://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/s-p-setia-acquires-sixth-parcel-land-melbourne-rm137-bil-project">reported</a> S P Setia's CEO and president, Datuk Khor Chap Jen as stating the following:

<blockquote>
We are truly pleased and happy with this fantastic news. This is another golden opportunity for S P Setia to deliver yet another development par excellence in Melbourne, the world's most livable city for the sixth year in a row.

The winning bid reaffirms Setia’s long-term commitment and confidence in the Australian real estate market. We remain optimistic on the property market in Australia and will continue to look out for more acquisition opportunities.
<cite>Datuk Khor Chap Jen, CEO, S P Setia</cite>
</blockquote>

In its currently approved form S P Setia can pursue 632 apartments within their new project.

According to The Edge Markets, 111-125 A'Beckett Street will be launched this year and will carry an estimated gross development value of $419 million.

<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/image5_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="111-125 A'Beckett Street. Image: CBRE City Sales"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="725" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image5_9.jpg?itok=rNGJcaLL" title="111-125 A'Beckett Street. Image: CBRE City Sales" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>111-125 A'Beckett Street. Image: CBRE City Sales</figcaption></figure>News of S P Setia's A'Beckett Street foray comes hot on the heels of <a href="/news/s-p-setias-308-exhibition-street-approved-shangri-la-hotels-resorts-confirmed-as-operator"> the developer launching Sapphire By The Gardens</a>, which includes dual towers in the 250 metre range.

While one tower has been dedicated to Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts to be operated under their premium Shangri-La banner, the other which includes 345 luxury apartments has seen a high level of sales made, according to offshore markets website The Edge. Located at 308 Exhibition Street, the Cox and Fender Katsalidis-designed development features a distinctive green podium.

Released for sale only last weekend, The Edge Markets also <a href="http://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/s-p-setias-sapphire-gardens-70-taken-over-weekend-launch">reports</a> that more than 70% of apartments have been accounted for after the launch which was held simultaneously in Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Sydney and here in Melbourne. Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai and Singapore are reportedly to have their launch this weekend.

Construction of the mammoth project is slated to start later this year.

<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/image6_15.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Sapphire By The Gardens. Image: S P Setia"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image6_15.jpg?itok=QmcuMweq" title="Sapphire By The Gardens. Image: S P Setia" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Sapphire By The Gardens. Image: S P Setia</figcaption></figure>With Maison Carnegie at construction and A'Beckett Street poised to join Sapphire By The Gardens at sales over the course of 2017, S P Setia's only remaining Melbourne project which has yet to be launched is the more modest mid-rise 103-105 High Street in Prahran.
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silvermb

S P Setia lands 111-125 A'Beckett Street as offshore media reports Sapphire is all but sold out

<html><body>
S P Setia has announced that it has entered into a partnership with Shangri-La Hotels &amp; Resorts for its twin tower development at 308 Exhibition Street.

In attendance were representatives from both companies including S P Setia Chairman Tan Sri Dato' Seri Dr Wan Mohd Zahid and Shangri-La Asia CEO Mr. LIM Beng Chee in addition to dignitaries from Malaysia and members of the media, including Apartments.com.au.

<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/308_exhibition_st.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="308 Exibition Street set to rise opposite the Carlton Gardens. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="394" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/308_exhibition_st.jpg?itok=_YIOqGnM" title="308 Exibition Street set to rise opposite the Carlton Gardens. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>308 Exibition Street set to rise opposite the Carlton Gardens. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure>Located opposite Melbourne’s World Heritage-listed Carlton Gardens, the Cox and Fender Katsalidis-designed dual-tower development will accommodate the luxury five-star Shangri-La Hotel Melbourne featuring an estimated 500 guest rooms with three levels of amenities for guests in one tower and a second tower comprising 300 luxury residential apartments as well as office space.

A sky bridge will connect the two towers, while retail space will occupy the lower levels of the development.

During the function it was also announced that the development had received planning approval only half an hour earlier, paving the way for Melbourne's first Shangri-La hotel with display images suggesting the development will be branded as 'Sapphire by the Gardens.'

Sapphire by the Gardens will officially be launched later this year. The luxury residences will be aimed at owner occupiers, young families, young couples, downsizers and offshore residents that frequent Melbourne.

S P Setia anticipates construction to commence on the whole development by the end of the year following a competitive tender process during August, with an estimated completion date of 2022.

Existing structures on site are currently being demolished.

<h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
S P Setia is honoured to appoint Shangri-La, an iconic global brand that represents the highest standards of quality, as the hotel operator to this development. Through the design and construction phases and for many decades to come as a luxury residence, retail and hotel precinct, the economic benefits of this project will be significant for Melbourne and will help grow the hospitality industry locally.

This will be Melbourne's newest icon and will be a welcome addition to Melbourne's cityscape as we continue to embark on our expansion and grow our business here in Australia. We are very excited to be launching very soon!
<cite>Tan Sri Dato' Seri Dr Wan Mohd Zahid, Chairman, S P Setia</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
Shangri-La is privileged to be selected as the hotel operator for this world-class S P Setia development, which will be an architectural masterpiece and an iconic part of Melbourne’s skyline for decades to come and a symbol of this exciting partnership. We look forward to bringing Shangri-La’s hallmark ‘hospitality from the heart’ to Melbourne, a key global city and the world's most liveable in addition to Australia's event capital.
<cite>Mr. LIM Beng Chee, CEO, Shangri-La Asia</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
We all love Melbourne and we thought it couldn't get any better but this piece of stunning architecture will enrich all of the great assets Melbourne has to offer. The Shangri-La forms the pillar of this iconic development and features what we think will be the best ballroom in the world, hosting events for 1,000 people and boasting an amazing outlook to the historic Carlton Gardens. The design of the project has evolved through a collaborative approach between ourselves, Cox Architects, Urbis and planning authorities; the design responds to authorities' requirements for the site and I'm pleased to announced that we received our planning permit half an hour ago.
<cite>Karl Fender, Founding Director, Fender Katsalidis</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Details</h2>

<ul>
<li>Designed by Fender Katsalidis and COX Architects</li>
	<li>Residential tower of 300 apartments to be known as Sapphire by the Gardens and second hotel with 500 guest rooms to be branded Shangri-La Hotel Melbourne</li>
	<li>Total site area: 4,140sqm</li>
	<li>Approved 13th June 2017</li>
	<li>Office, retail and hospitality space to occupy the lower levels of the development</li>
	<li>Gym, Health and Recreation</li>
	<li>Grand Ballroom to host 1,000 guests and featuring digital information wall</li>
	<li>Sky Lounge and restaurant at level 46</li>
	<li>Horizon Club Lounge as part of Shangri-La</li>
	<li>Level Podium Carpark</li>
	<li>Terracing garden podium facade</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/20170613_161016.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Representatives from S P Setia and Shangri-La Hotels &amp; Resorts gather for a photo."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="580" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/20170613_161016.jpg?itok=GQJogotp" title="Representatives from S P Setia and Shangri-La Hotels &amp; Resorts gather for a photo." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Representatives from S P Setia and Shangri-La Hotels &amp; Resorts gather for a photo.</figcaption></figure>
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Laurence Dragomir

S P Setia's 308 Exhibition Street approved: Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts confirmed as operator

<html><body>
<h2>Comment</h2>

The humble podium can be a tough task to master.

There are plenty of misses, in both old and new builds, scattered around the inner city… as there are exemplary podium design outcomes. The latest project to put itself forward as a shining example of what an authentic, interactive and aesthetically excellent podium can be is 308 Exhibition Street.

<a href="/news/sp-setias-northern-statement-308-exhibition-street">Recently covered by Urban.com.au</a>, 308 Exhibition Street is the joint work of COX Architecture and Fender Katsalidis Architects for developer SP Setia. As interesting as the tower form is, the intended project's podium is worthy of individual praise.

It acts as the main conduit between the development and street level, and provides the opportunity to introduce a human scale to the site which for many years has been devoid of activity, given its use as an annex to one of Telstra's main Melbourne major data centres/telephone exchanges.

<blockquote>
At ground, the proposal integrates and strengthens the existing public realm and through site connections, maximizing opportunities to activate and enliven street edges and then inviting pedestrian movement into and through the heart of the site.

A verdant public forecourt extends the greenery of the gardens into the development; an urban sanctuary at the gateway of the CBD.
<cite>308 Exhibition Street urban context report</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image18_14.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="308 Exhibition Street's podium. Planning image: Cox/FKA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="393" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image18_14.jpg?itok=doRvdYgC" title="308 Exhibition Street's podium. Planning image: Cox/FKA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>308 Exhibition Street's podium. Planning image: COX/FKA</figcaption></figure>At street level, 308 Exhibition Street's podium is split between lower ground and ground levels, owing to the site's slope. A plaza, hotel lobby, bike share space and childcare lobby are the main activating areas across lower ground, whereas ground itself is a mixture of retails spaces, lobbies and an upper landscaped plaza.

In the true sense of a mixed-use project, 308 Exhibition Street's podium also encapsulates an indoor/outdoor childcare centre, bike station, apartments, hotel suites, a lounge and restaurant, sky lobby, pre-function spaces, a ballroom, terrace, various resident/hotel amenities and car parking shrouded by the podium structure itself.

Externally the podium is clad with pre-fabricated composite steel panels in a ceramic finish. The underside of the panels features strip LED lighting. Watertight removable planter boxes are most prominent over the podium, and diminish as the podium morphs into the towers proper; this is a nod to the Carlton Gardens directly opposite.

<blockquote>
The development of 308 Exhibition Street creates a unique opportunity to provide a high quality address to the northern entry to Melbourne’s CBD, link to the adjacent parkland precinct and add to the network of iconic streets and laneways throughout the CBD.

The proposal includes: a generous entry plaza, activated building edges, new laneway, animated landscapes comprising plantings, art and water elements as well as ‘greened’ buildings with extensive podium level landscapes.

The internal laneway is located on the southern boundary and links from Exhibition Street in an east west direction to Burton Street. This legible and generous link is animated by a dynamic digital screen to provide a themed and dynamic illuminated experience to the public and residents guests and visitors.
<cite>T.C.L Landscape Design</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image19_12.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Cutaway podium diagram. Planning image: COX/FKA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="346" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image19_12.jpg?itok=vZ4cP1Wl" title="Cutaway podium diagram. Planning image: COX/FKA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Cutaway podium diagram. Planning image: COX/FKA</figcaption></figure>308 Exhibition Street is not the only prospective podium of great merit in Melbourne at the moment.

Other noteworthy pending builds with inviting and aesthetically pleasing podiums include <a href="/buildings/queens-place-157-a-beckett-street-and-370-queen-street-melbourne">Queens Place</a>, <a href="/buildings/conservatory-9-23-mackenzie-street-melbourne">Conservatory</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/elysium-54-clarke-street-southbank">54 Clarke Street</a>, Box Hill's <a href="/new-apartments/sky-one-box-hill-545-563-station-street-box-hill">Sky One</a>, <a href="/buildings/capitol-grand-241-toorak-road-south-yarra">Capitol Grand</a> South Yarra and of course the freshly approved Jean Nouvel inspired <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">383 La Trobe Street</a> with its mesmerisingly multi-coloured arcade. Another podium of great design merit is Fridcorp's prospective <a href="/developments/south-yarra-vic-3141">627 Chapel Street</a> tower which is understood to be under appeal.

It could be argued that all of the above projects will create a demonstrably better public realm outcome/interface when they are realised.

Conversely, there are some podium failures in recent times, with the finger being pointed toward at clutch of towers lining the northern end of Elizabeth Street. With recent changes to planning laws enacted, the hope and expectation is that the above examples will become the norm, rather than the exception.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image79_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Podiums with intent: 54 Clarke Street, Queens Place and 383 La Trobe Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="374" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image79_3.jpg?itok=beBRcbmp" title="Podiums with intent: 54 Clarke Street, Queens Place and 383 La Trobe Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Podiums with intent: 54 Clarke Street, Queens Place and 383 La Trobe Street</figcaption></figure>
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When the podium works... it really works

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The wider public now has a chance to see what developer SP Setia has in store for its prime development site on the northern edge of the CBD fronting Carlton Gardens.

These are the first images made available of the proposed application that carries a nominal development cost of $250 million, with the total value of the project much higher. Having secured the site earlier in the year, SP Setia now hopes to gain approval for the twin towers which are greater in height than Rialto.

After teaming up to devise the similarly scaled <a href="/buildings/queens-place-157-a-beckett-street-and-370-queen-street-melbourne">Queens Place</a> development at 350 Queen Street, firms Cox Architecture and Fender Katsalidis have united once more to create the mixed-use scheme for the Exhibition Street plot which Telstra offloaded following the telco's decision to not develop the site.

<h2>308 Exhibition 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/image4_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of 308 Exhibition. Planning image: COX/FKA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="1267" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image4_11.jpg?itok=vohudetd" title="Artist's impression of 308 Exhibition. Planning image: COX/FKA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of 308 Exhibition. Planning image: COX/FKA</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site acquired by SP Setia for $101 million earlier in 2016</li>
	<li>Site area: 4,140sqm covering 288-308 Exhibition Street</li>
	<li>Planned 70 storeys towers measuring 254m from La Trobe Street</li>
	<li>504 hotel rooms and 16 hotel residences</li>
	<li>500 plus apartments</li>
	<li>330 vehicle bays and 254 bicycle bays</li>
	<li>3 retail tenancies combining for 437sqm</li>
	<li>Estimated cost of development: $250 million</li>
</ul>
Billed by CBRE City Sales during the site's marketing campaign as a "generational opportunity to activate and redefine a CBD precinct, offering the potential for a world-class mixed-use tower", SP Setia have lived up the hype surrounding the site.

Planned are dual towers set above a green podium; one tower containing 5-star hotel suites for an intended international hotel operator and the other private luxury apartments. Documents lodged for the development emphasise SP Setia's intent "to provide a development of the highest quality incorporating the best quality architecture, landscape design and environmental sustainability."

Lodged as a master plan permit application, the development team will provide a heightened degree of design detail as conditions to any permit, should the project receive the green light from the Planning Minister.

Across the development, a host of public and private facilities have been included. Retail spaces, a 1,370sqm child care centre, restaurants, lounge/bars, a 548sqm ballroom and 1,333sqm of pre-function and function space headline the project's lower level offerings.

Scattered across the tower are also a yoga studio, gym, pool and sauna, residents wine cellar, cigar lounge and library and outdoor garden spaces.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/map-excellence.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Home of SP Setia's development aspirations. Image: 308exhibition.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="229" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/map-excellence.jpg?itok=JHSu-bKJ" title="Home of SP Setia's development aspirations. Image: 308exhibition.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Home of SP Setia's development aspirations. Image: 308exhibition.com.au</figcaption></figure>Arguably the project's main design feature, a curving sky bridge will link the towers across levels 49 and 50, with the structure slated to include communal spaces among other features.

According to the lodged Urban Context Report, "The Client and the Design Team (FKA and Cox in association) have developed the preliminary concepts in close consultation with DELWP and MCC. Over a series of presentations and meetings the tower forms, setbacks, building separation and ground floor activation have been refined."

In further addressing potential development obstacles, an aviation statement has been included within the lodged documents. It outlines 308 Exhibition Street's incursion into the prescribed OLS area by 55.75m, whilst falling 35.75m short of the PANS‐OPS barrier.

OLS breaches have become somewhat common in recent times, and may not necessarily present an issue for the soaring application as its moves through the approvals process.

<h2>308 Exhibition Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Urban Context and Design Response: Cox Architecture &amp; Fender Katsalidis</li>
	<li>Landscape plans: TCL Landscape Architects</li>
	<li>Traffic and Transport Assessment: GTA Consultants</li>
	<li>Waste Management Plan: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Wind Statement: MEL Consultants</li>
	<li>Environmentally Sustainability Design Strategy: Aurecon</li>
	<li>Structural Engineering Statement: Irwinconsult Engineering Consultants</li>
	<li>Aviation Statement: Thompson GCS</li>
	<li>Heritage Advice: Lovell Chen Heritage Consultants</li>
</ul>
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SP Setia's northern statement: 308 Exhibition Street

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In excess of 100 guests gathered earlier this week at the Fulton Lane construction site to witness the project's topping out ceremony. In a sign of Malaysian-based developer SP Setia's propensity to be seen to be proactive, the sizeable crowd amassed for what is generally only a builders tradition which sees a juvenile tree placed atop of the newly completed concrete structure.

But on this occasion in a very public ceremony three separate trees of Australian, Malaysian and Greek origins were hoisted by tower crane to meet waiting key members of the developer/build team while guests were treated to a hawker-style market arrangement at ground level. The Australian eucalypt reflects Fulton Lane's location, while Malaysian and Greek trees provided a nod to the heritage of both developer and head contractor, Hickory Group.

<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_1573.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The obligatory cutting of the ribbon"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="437" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1573.jpg?itok=-p0t1iCn" title="The obligatory cutting of the ribbon" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The obligatory cutting of the ribbon</figcaption></figure>On show during the event was the rudimentary ground floor layout; while many finishes have yet to be applied the basic premise of the space was evident. Sitting at the base of the dual towers containing 816 residential apartments, retail will take centre stage once complete, encouraging activity to Franklin Street in particular which is best described as ancillary to Melbourne's streetscape at best.

Currently the largest residential project under construction in Melbourne and with a construction value of $221 million, the design is the work of architecture firm Fender Katsalidis. Perhaps Fulton Lane's highlight is the rapidly emerging exterior façade which is a contrast of black glazing accentuated by angular aluminium composite panel clad that changes colour from green to yellow to silver depending upon the viewer's angle.

Closer to street level podium to both residential towers are heavy with timber and a green arbor façades, providing a more engaging interface with the streetscape.

According to Hickory Group highlights of the Fulton Lane build include:

<ul>
<li>Extensive value management including reworking B3 basement size to reduce piling and excavation, two stage construction programme starting with public areas in Stage 1</li>
	<li>Environmental efficiencies to achieve a 4 star rating including energy efficient lighting, use of recycled materials, recycling rainwater for common toilets and irrigation</li>
	<li>At Level 41, one third of the floor plate is a ‘skydeck’ which will be exclusively available to residents as an interactive community area.</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_1536.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Fulton Lane as seen from QVM"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1536.jpg?itok=1lKm_V3r" title="Fulton Lane as seen from QVM" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Fulton Lane as seen from QVM</figcaption></figure>While Apartments.com.au hopes to tour Fulton Lane when complete - which is expected during June 2015 - SP Setia have just signed off on a construction contract for their latest Melbourne development titled Parque Melbourne at 555 St Kilda Road. Hickory Group have snared the build once more for the curvaceous tower which is also designed by Fender Katsalidis.

In complete contrast to Fulton Lane's angular design, the flowing lines of Parque signifies a step-up in presence for SP Setia in Melbourne, with the St. Kilda Road development billed as one of Melbourne most prestigious.

But as for SP Setia's entry project into Australia, no doubt the 1500 future residents of Fulton Lane will like what they see.

<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/image15.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ceremonial trees are hoisted and the exterior facade at its best angle"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="434" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image15.jpg?itok=fDJ6tXtE" title="Ceremonial trees are hoisted and the exterior facade at its best angle" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ceremonial trees are hoisted and the exterior facade at its best angle</figcaption></figure>
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