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

Joel Robinson

Cedar Woods progresses with new apartment plans in Southbank arts precinct

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

BANKSII sales launch in booming East Brisbane apartment market

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

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

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

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

First look: Kokoda secures Richmond site for new apartment development

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

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

Schiavello

Clayton in Melbourne’s south-east is benefitting from Schiavello’s M-City project, which provides a sophisticated ‘mini-city’ within the suburb.

“M-City is the new gateway to Melbourne’s South East growth corridor,” the project marketing reads.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=528 project_image_fid=46031]

Located just 20 minutes from the Melbourne CBD, M-City rises from a prominent corner on Princes Highway and Blackburn Road and offers the largest lifestyle and retail destination outside of the CBD.

The mixed-use development delivers residents with a mix of apartments, retail and commercial offerings, creating its own vibrant community that has been carefully curated by leading urban planners.

Designed by&nbsp;Buchan Group, the spacious new residence features a mix of one, two and three-bedroom configurations, as well as resort-style facilities, premium office spaces and an international hotel.

<blockquote>
“M-City’s own International Hotel, emblazoned with a distinctive bronze façade, is set to become a new local landmark, providing understated yet luxurious accommodation for visitors.”
</blockquote>

The hotel provides residents with a range of function venues that offer spaces for memorable occasions, such as meeting rooms, a ballroom and a hotel bar.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=528 project_image_fid=46028]

Each apartment contains floor-to-ceiling glazing, spacious balconies and luxury amenities, including a heated pool, landscaped gardens, private tennis court barbeque areas.

According to the developers, M-City also offers everyday shopping, anchored by Woolworths and Kmart. The retail precinct delivers up to 60 speciality stores, including a butcher, pharmacy and bakery.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=528 project_image_fid=46030]

Just 700 metres from Monash’s Clayton campus, the community features a world-renowned education and science precinct on its doorstep.

The vibrant suburb, which has had an average annual growth of 12 per cent over the last three years, also boasts numerous grocery stores, restaurants, bars and more within walking distance from the home.

The first building, M1, sold out within 14 days, reflecting the attractive investment opportunities the residences present for first home buyers and seasoned investors alike.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=528 project_image_fid=46023]

About the developer

Schiavello has been creating and servicing world-class work and living environments for over 50 years.

Since 1966, Schiavello has worked with thousands of brands across a wide range of industries including office, hospitality, health, retail, residential and education.

&nbsp;

The mixed-use development delivers residents with a mix of apartments, retail and commercial offerings, creating its own vibrant community

max.kwok_55688

‘The pulse of Monash’: Inside Schiavello’s M-City in Clayton

<html><body>
Luxury and convenience collide at M-City, a sophisticated master planned ‘mini city’ that’s poised to make a statement on Dandenong Road in Clayton. You’ll have the world at your doorstep with grocery stores, bars, restaurants, and more amenities located within walking distance.

Comprising 460 residences spread across ten floors and four buildings, this project is the brainchild of architect Buchan Group and developer Saraceno Group. The buildings’ exteriors are sure to attract attention from passersby as residences have been designed with grand, linear forms with timber elements complementing the glass and soft grey metal facade. Access to residents private balconies have perforated screens and offer a smart design feature that allows residents to control the amount of sunlight flooding into the home.

Apartments come in one, two, and three-bedroom configurations, in which residents can choose between warm and smokey or neutral and subdued colour palettes as well as large floor plan townhouses.

Amenities for M-City residents include -

- A community childcare centre.

- A luxury outdoor pool.

- Landscaped gardens and lawns

- Children’s playground

- A tennis court

- BBQ facilities with an outdoor firepit

- A state of the art gymnasium

- On hand pharmacy

M-City isn’t just a residential precinct, it is one of the most exciting Schiavello mixed-use developments in Melbourne with an Office and 5 star International Hotel tower atop a new communal shopping centre anchored by Kmart, Woolworths and Village Cinemas. The new centre development will comprise 60 specialty retail stores and ground floor restaurant and cafe options with a medical centre.

Located close to Monash University, M-City is situated in the lively and vibrant hub filled with some of the best minds in the country for medicine, engineering, the arts and business. Melbourne CBD is just a short 20 minute train ride away accessing the finest in boutique shopping, dining, entertainment and employment opportunities.
</body></html>

One, two and three bedroom apartments on offer at Schiavello’s M-City.

urban.com.au

Exciting mixed-use precinct, M-City reimagines Clayton

<html><body>
As part of Melbourne Design Week 2019, Communications Collective is hosting <a href="https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/program/collectivity-talks-human-centred-design/">'Collectivity Talks: Human-Centred Design'</a>, a panel discussion bringing together designers, data analysts and architects to debate what it means to place the user at the centre of every step of the problem-solving and design process. The event is currently sold out, pending the release of further tickets.

The panel includes a diverse group of industry leaders from Cantilever Interiors, NH Architecture, Schiavello and HIP V. HYPE as they explain how they execute and experiment with human-centred design. The panel will delve into the creation of value through design, the importance of design outcomes for users and the processes used to enhance products and the places we inhabit with a human-centred approach.

Communications Collective director Genevieve Brannigan says the panel will provide a fascinating insight into one of the key trends shaping design across digital, the built environment and product design.

<blockquote>
“Human-centred design is about empathy with the user’s needs, and it’s a critical strategy that informs good design today. For example, a workplace that is designed through user consultation will provide ongoing efficiency and, not least, create value and enjoyment.” 
</blockquote>

The event is being hosted at the NH Architecture office on Wednesday 20 March.

<h2>Details:</h2>

<ul>
<li>6:15-7:45pm Wednesday, 20 March 2019</li>
	<li>
	NH Architecture, Level 7 Cannons House, 12-20 Flinders Lane Melbourne
	</li>
</ul>
<h2>
Panellists:</h2>

<ul>
<li>
Martin Heide - Design lead at NH Architecture and studio leader at RMIT University. Heide has been working with his students on urban design projects looking at how people interact with our cities. 
	Heide says digital technologies and data have become a key tool for understanding how people use their built environment. </li>
	<li>
Samantha Simpson - Data Analyst from People &amp; Culture Consulting at Schiavello, applies human-centred design to workplace design, one of the other important areas for its use. Working with clients on workplace strategy and change management, Schiavello collects data that informs the “why” behind new ways of working.</li>
	<li>
Travis Dean - Director at Cantilever Interiors. The interaction between a tried-and-tested system and the individual needs of the user is paramount for Cantilever Interiors - a design-focused kitchen manufacturing company that applies a systematic approach to its products.</li>
	<li>
Liam Wallis - Founder at HIP V. HYPE.  Wallis describes human-centred design as a “first principles-based approach. HIP V. HYPE is a multi-disciplinary design led practice with expertise spread across four pillars: development, design, sustainability and research.</li>
</ul>
<h2>What they say... </h2>

<blockquote>
“We’ve got quite a bit of data now coming through, with beacons that allow us to track people by their mobile phones. You can track pedestrian movement, for example in big train stations, so we’re using that a lot for public projects.

The information we have from those programs and technologies now feeds into the design process but then there’s that point where you need to innovate, and innovation only happens if you challenge the results.”

- Martin Heide
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
“We focus on the people who are going to be using the space and think about the experiences they are going to have in the workplace.

We can identify trends in the workspace or perhaps some values might be uncovered. For example, we might reveal that a client’s employees are passionate about well-being and having a workspace that supports their well-being, is important.

In terms of making sure it’s a human-centred design, by taking that three-pronged approach you’re making sure that everyone’s voice is heard to then respond accordingly with a strategy that informs the design.” 

- Samantha Simpson
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
"What’s the need, who is the user and ultimately how can we curate a design team to best respond to that person’s requirements? 

In a project such as Nightingale 2, where sustainability will be highly important for residents, that means working out how to provide an apartment that is more comfortable, has cleaner fresher air, costs less to operate and is easy to use. 

We call this approach Low Impact Living. Designing with people in mind at every stage of project procurement is fundamental to our approach.” 

- Liam Wallis
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
“Our products are designed from client feedback and the loop that we have with our projects but the system is integral to the product. Through tailored site visits and meetings, we identify what the client’s key requirements are.

Those technological advances tie in with a human-centred design approach. It’s a conversation that puts the user at the centre as opposed to being told how to use something by someone else.”

- Travis Dean
</blockquote>
</body></html>

Collectivity Talks: Experts explore the power of human-centred design as part of Melbourne Design Week

<html><body>
The Village Belle Hotel, one of <a href="/new-apartments/st-kilda-vic-3182">St Kilda's</a> enduring landmarks, reopened its doors late last year following extensive renovations with the aim of becoming St Kilda’s destination pub. Beginning as a humble pub in 1895, the historic pub was restored and expanded by <a href="/architects/techne-architecture-interior-design">Technē Architecture + Interior Design</a> and <a href="/builders/schiavello-constructions">Schiavello Construction</a> to bring the <a href="/buildings/village-belle-202-barkly-street-st-kilda">'Belle'</a> into the 21st Century, while maintaining a sense of history. The synergy between old and new balances the Victorian-era heritage fabric with contemporary elements of concrete and glass.

<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/technevillagebelle_highres-10-lr.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The indoor/outdoor Bee Garden woth its retractable roof. Images: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="430" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/technevillagebelle_highres-10-lr.jpg?itok=BHAj6kmT" title="The indoor/outdoor Bee Garden woth its retractable roof. Images: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The contemporary indoor/outdoor Beer Garden with its retractable roof. Images: Supplied</figcaption></figure>The centrepiece of the revamp is the indoor/outdoor contemporary beer garden which sits between the original structure and Acland Street, enclosed in fully operable glazing and robust steel framing, providing patrons with a comfortable drinking environment across summer and winter. TILT Industrial Design collaborated with Technē Architecture + Design to produce the custom 200 sqm glass operable roof. The huge operable roof draws ample natural light into the beer garden, while enabling climate control throughout changing weather and seasons.

TILT’s design greatly increased the headroom clearance possible in large, open areas of the garden. This could only be achieved through custom design, by decreasing the roof’s pitch below that of an off-the-shelf product. The TILT team also worked closely with acoustic consultants to develop specific design features that would provide adequate noise reduction for the surrounding residential area. TILT and Technē have retained the heritage building’s character, meanwhile creating a contemporary addition with climatic control that ensures the comfort of patrons.

<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/technevillagebelle_highres-7-lr_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The retractable roof allows ample light into the Beer Garden. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/technevillagebelle_highres-7-lr_2.jpg?itok=uvYjyfVn" title="The retractable roof allows ample light into the Beer Garden. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The retractable roof allows ample light into the Beer Garden. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure>The Village Belle Hotel also includes 12 boutique apartments, though they are separate to and not connected to the pub, providing acoustic separation between the activities within the pub and the apartment residents.
</body></html>

Laurence Dragomir

TILT and Technē shed some light on  the Village Belle Hotel revamp

<html><body>
It's not every day an intended project can lay claim to being the largest mixed-use development outside of Melbourne's CBD.

Clayton will soon enough host <a href="/buildings/m-city-2107-dandenong-road-clayton">M-City</a>, a massive project on a 35,000sqm site located at 2107-2125 Dandenong Road. Controlled by local developer Nick Saraceno for the best part of 25 years, the long-dormant site's new launch as M-City comes after previously being referred to as the Nova Centre.

Having been in the works for a decade, the state planning minister of the day became the approving authority for the project during 2009, with the green light granted thereafter.

Schiavello have since been enlisted as joint developer alongside Saraceno Group for M-City, which at the time of approval carried a price tag of $600 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/image36mc.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of M-City's first stage. Image: CBRE"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="193" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image36mc.jpg?itok=1VTiv6PW" title="Artist's impression of M-City's first stage. Image: CBRE" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of M-City's first stage. Image: CBRE</figcaption></figure>Stage One of M-City sees 170 one, two and three bedroom apartments on offer, with apartment internals ranging between 46sqm and 102sqm. CBRE have been installed as the master sales agent.

Beyond the initial apartment release, three additional residential buildings are in the works, as is a 225-suite international hotel, 189 serviced apartments and a commercial office building. During planning the commercial aspect consisted of a seven-level office building containing approximately 13,000sqm of leasable space, although the final figure under the M-City banner is unclear.

Kmart and Woolworths have been earmarked as anchors for the sizeable retail portion of the mixed-use project, with a cinema complex also in the works.

Long serving project architects Buchan Group continue to oversee the project, tweaking the approved plans to create M-City. Amenities include the ubiquitous pool and gym, a landscaped rooftop garden, tennis facilities, open air games area and  BBQ space. M-City will also host a child care centre.

<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/image39_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of an M-City apartment interior. Image: CBRE"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="257" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image39_7.jpg?itok=-fVSMJTE" title="Artist's impression of an M-City apartment interior. Image: CBRE" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of an M-City apartment interior. Image: CBRE</figcaption></figure>Such a scale of M-City, it has been listed as a stand-alone future activity centre within the Monash National Employment and Innovation Cluster.

In the middle of the Victorian Planning Authority's freshly released <a href="https://vpa-web.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Monash-NEIC-framework-plan_March2017_WEB.pdf">Draft Framework Plan</a> for the Monash Cluster, M-City will be surrounded by the largest concentration of jobs outside of the Melbourne's CBD. An ongoing target for a number of large commercial and institutional developments, Monash Cluster includes Monash University's ongoing transformation and the Frasers-backed 60,000sqm commercial development at <a href="/news/a-commercial-mini-city-beckons-as-melbournes-southeast-flourishes">254-294 Wellington Road, Mulgrave</a>.

Construction on M-City's first phase is slated to begin later this year, with an approximate construction timeframe of 18 months expected.
</body></html>

silvermb

Melbourne's largest mixed-use development outside the CBD lands in Clayton

<html><body>
On Monday we learned Crown Resorts in conjunction with their joint venture partner Schiavello, had selected UK architecture firm WilkinsonEyre as the winner of a competition to redesign what has become known as Queensbridge Tower site on Southbank.

Long time Apartments.com.au readers may recall this project has grown since its original planning application in May 2013, initially limited to the old Queens Bridge Hotel site and neighbouring properties.

Over time the initial Bates Smart design was altered as more neighbouring properties were acquired, culminating in an enhanced design adding a greater distance between the proposed tower and 1 Freshwater Place. A pedestrian airbridge linking the site with Crown Casino was also included.

Usually with a marquee project such as this being unveiled, we would be quoting numbers from a planning application. Not so in this case, as plans for the new design have not yet been lodged.

It is with this in mind we remain cautious when talking about certain particulars of the project.

<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/qbh.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Queensbridge Tower from the Yarra's north bank"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="345" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/qbh.png?itok=BF37iOCv" title="Queensbridge Tower from the Yarra's north bank" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Queensbridge Tower from the Yarra's north bank</figcaption></figure>A source close to the project was understandably sensitive about producing information we would like to have - for instance, elevation diagrams which can confirm exact dimensions and components of the building - and reiterated a point broadcast on ABC Radio that the amended planning application would be lodged within four weeks.

When quizzed about the overall height, we were told to defer to figures outlined in the Herald Sun: 317 metres.

However there is a general caveat in all of this: news coverage generated yesterday came from a Media/ASX release, not a planning application, and the statistics which currently reside in our <a href="/new-apartments/one-queensbridge-street-1-23-queensbridge-street-southbank">listing of Queensbridge Tower</a> may change if the planning application ends up showing different numbers to what has been reported.

We have learned two things not contained in the media release:

<ol>
<li>Architectus were appointed executive architects to coordinate the ground work in Melbourne with WilkinsonEyre.</li>
	<li>The project will buck a notable trend in similar large-scale projects in Melbourne of late: marketing for the project will only begin once an outcome has been received from the Planning Minister.</li>
</ol>
</body></html>

Schiavello

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

The latest real estate & off the plan properties & news, delivered to your inbox.

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

The latest real estate & off the plan properties & news, delivered to your inbox.

Schiavello

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

The latest real estate & off the plan properties & news, delivered to your inbox.

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

The latest real estate & off the plan properties & news, delivered to your inbox.