The residential transformation of St Kilda Road is set to continue into with more new apartment plans for the sought-after boulevard.

Wing Tai Asia has lodged plans for a major residential tower at 464-466 St Kilda Road, replacing the former VACC House with an 18-storey mixed-use development designed around a retained heritage podium and a sculpted contemporary tower.

The proposal, prepared under Victoria’s Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway, would deliver 325 apartments and ground-floor retail across the prominent 4,653 sqm boulevard site in Melbourne’s St Kilda Road North Precinct.

The project centres on the adaptive reuse of the site’s heritage-listed VACC Building, an eight-storey office designed by Bernard Evans that has occupied the address for decades. Planning documents state the development would involve “carefully dismantling and conserving off-site the original metal fabric of the podium visible from St Kilda Road,” before reinstating it as the defining frontage of the new scheme.

Above the restored podium, Wing Tai is proposing a curvilinear residential tower. The scheme includes 172 one-bedroom apartments, 63 two-bedroom apartments, 66 three-bedroom apartments, and 24 four-bedroom apartments, alongside two ground-floor food and beverage tenancies fronting St Kilda Road.

The tower has been designed with substantial articulation and variable setbacks to minimise perceived bulk and maintain view corridors along the boulevard. Urbis, which prepared the planning report, said the design “has been significantly articulated through a curvilinear design” with “an interplay with materials, façade expression and depth” to create visual separation and visual interest.

The proposal also includes 254 basement car spaces, landscaped pedestrian links connecting St Kilda Road and Queens Lane, and a biophilic landscape strategy featuring canopy trees, raised planters, cascading greenery and a glass oculus pool overlooking the eastern frontage.

Planning documents confirm the $270.1 million development will contribute 3 per cent of project costs to the Social Housing Growth Fund as part of the application process.

Wing Tai acquired the St Kilda Road property in 2018 alongside Abacus Property Group for $95.38 million, before later consolidating ownership of the site. The property previously served as the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce headquarters for around 60 years.

The transformation of the St Kilda Rd boulevard is already beginning to materialise, with a number of high-profile projects recently completed, launched, or approaching launch as developers continue to back the long-term appeal of the precinct.

Among the most notable recent completions is Louise by Samuel Property Group, just off the strip on Queens Lane, the same pocket Hirsch &amp; Faigen recently launched The Queensbury. Mirvac is too on the same street with The Albertine, which is approaching completion.

Dexus recently secured approval for its slice of St Kilda Road, while Gurner also has approved plans for the precinct.

Joel Robinson

Wing Tai unveils 325-apartment St Kilda Road tower on former VACC House site

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

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

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

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

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

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

<section data-scroll-anchor="false" data-testid="conversation-turn-6" data-turn="assistant" data-turn-id="request-WEB:84a2af5e-d7cf-4ddf-922a-f4d44d6c6caa-2" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:84a2af5e-d7cf-4ddf-922a-f4d44d6c6caa-2" dir="auto">
<section data-scroll-anchor="false" data-testid="conversation-turn-2" data-turn="assistant" data-turn-id="request-WEB:5a5ab36c-8dd3-454c-b456-c501f22f0eb4-0" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:5a5ab36c-8dd3-454c-b456-c501f22f0eb4-0" dir="auto">
The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.

“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]

Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]

Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.

The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]

More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.
</section>
</section>

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

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.

</body></html>

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.
</body></html>

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>
</body></html>

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>
</body></html>

When the podium works... it really works

<html><body>
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>
</body></html>

SP Setia's northern statement: 308 Exhibition Street

<html><body>
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>
</body></html>

S P Setia

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

S P Setia

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News