<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/otium-parkdale-123-125-como-parade-east-parkdale-vic-3195">Otium Parkdale</a>, the 13-residence boutique development by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/huxtable-property">Huxtable Property</a>, has entered its final stages of delivery, with completion expected within the coming month and more than half of the residences sold.

The Como Parade East project is nearing the finish line at a time when opportunities to purchase new apartments in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parkdale-vic-3195">Parkdale</a> remain exceptionally limited. Fewer than 10 per cent of dwellings in the bayside suburb are apartments, making developments like Otium a relatively rare addition to a market traditionally dominated by detached housing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134974 project_image_fid=5427]

The three-level development comprises 13 residences, including ten two-bedroom apartments and three larger three-bedroom homes, all positioned above a secure basement car park.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/almeida-architects">Almeida Architects</a> with a strong connection to its coastal surroundings, Otium combines red brick, exposed concrete and dark metal detailing with integrated landscaping and greenery. Expansive glazing, generous balconies and terraces have been incorporated throughout the design to maximise natural light and reinforce indoor-outdoor living.

Inside, the residences feature engineered European oak flooring, natural and reconstituted stone benchtops, Bosch kitchen appliances, ducted heating and cooling, lift access and secure entry systems. The larger three-bedroom residences on the upper level have been designed with house-like proportions, while the two-bedroom apartments prioritise functionality, flexibility and low-maintenance living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134974 project_image_fid=5421]

The project is now in its final stages, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/labco">Labco</a> completing the remaining landscaping and external finishing works following the completion of the residences' interiors.

Otium's location within the heart of Parkdale continues to underpin its appeal. Residents will be just steps from local cafés, restaurants, shops and the newly elevated Parkdale Station, while the beach is less than a kilometre away.

With the project tracking ahead of schedule, buyers can currently secure a residence with a five per cent deposit and benefit from settlement terms of up to eight months. The advanced stage of construction also provides buyers with the opportunity to walk through the near-complete residences and experience the quality and finishes firsthand ahead of completion.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134974]

Joel Robinson

Otium Parkdale enters final month before completion as rare apartment opportunity nears sellout

A new boutique apartment development is entering the market in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chermside-qld-4032">Chermside</a>, with Brisbane-based developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ausdev">Ausdev</a> bringing 33 residences to a well-connected pocket of Brisbane's north.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/parkdrive-apartments-chermside-25-sammells-drive-chermside-qld-4032">Parkdrive Apartments</a>, at 25 Sammells Drive, will comprise a mix of one- and two-bedroom residences positioned within walking distance of Westfield Chermside, The Prince Charles Hospital, and Bradbury Park.

Established in 1989, Ausdev has a long-standing presence across both development and construction, with Parkdrive Apartments representing its latest residential project in Brisbane's northern suburbs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152125 project_image_fid=363778]

The development has been designed around open-plan living and natural light, with residences featuring stone benchtops, timber cabinetry, BOSCH appliances, and private balconies that extend the living areas outdoors.

Kitchens are positioned as the centrepiece of the homes, incorporating natural material palettes and integrated appliances, while bathrooms have been designed with a focus on functionality and understated finishes.

Residents will have access to a communal barbecue and entertaining area on Level 3, providing shared outdoor space within the development. Secure parking and lift access are also incorporated into the building.

The project will deliver a limited collection of 33 apartments, with one-bedroom residences priced from $749,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152125 project_image_fid=363782]

Beyond the building itself, the location places residents within easy reach of several of Chermside's key amenities. Bradbury Park is around 350 metres away, while Westfield Chermside is approximately 1.3 kilometres from the site. The Prince Charles Hospital is located within 750 metres, and the Chermside Bus Interchange is around 1.5 kilometres away, providing connections across Brisbane.

Parkdrive Apartments adds to the growing residential pipeline in Chermside, a suburb that continues to evolve as a major retail, healthcare, and transport hub for Brisbane's north.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152125]

Ausdev introduces boutique Parkdrive Apartments to Chermside's growing centre

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/skymark-group">Skymark</a>'s boutique Cronulla development Solis has secured a 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy through Resilience Insurance, providing buyers of the 16-residence building on Ewos Parade with structural and waterproofing protection that extends a decade beyond the building's completion.

Currently under construction and due for completion in late 2027, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/solis-cronulla-8-ewos-parade-cronulla-nsw-2230">Solis</a> is one of a small number of new developments in the Sutherland Shire to carry Resilience LDI coverage, a distinction that carries increasing weight as buyer confidence in the off-the-plan sector continues to be shaped by how developers stand behind their product.

Latent Defects Insurance, which entered the Australian market in 2022 when Resilience Insurance was approved to offer the cover, protects buyers against major structural or waterproofing defects for ten years post-completion. Unlike traditional statutory warranties, it operates as a first-resort policy, if a covered defect arises, the insurer responds directly, without the buyer needing to pursue the builder or developer through a lengthy claims process.

Resilience Insurance CEO Corey Nugent has noted that the product addresses something fundamental to the new apartment market.

"The overarching feedback from prospective buyers in the new development space is that they want more confidence and assurances around the quality of the build," Nugent says.

"Resilience Insurance Latent Defects Insurance not only gives them complete peace of mind for 10 years, but it shows the developer they are buying from is standing by their product."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370898]

For Solis, the Resilience LDI policy adds a meaningful layer of accountability to an already considered project. The development comprises nine two-bedroom and seven three-bedroom residences, including one dual-level three-bedroom apartment, across a five-storey building on Ewos Parade, positioned between Shelly Beach and South Cronulla.

Garden apartments connect directly to private landscaped courtyards, while upper-level homes capture beach views to the east from level four and above.&nbsp;

All 16 residences include at least one balcony or courtyard, and select apartments on the upper floors feature bar areas and secondary flexible living spaces.

Hiba Sander, Managing Director of Skymark, says Solis offers a rare balance, nestled between the quiet beauty of secluded beaches and the lively charm of South Cronulla's esplanade.

"It's a place to choose your pace and live gracefully, seaside'," Sander says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370900]

The architecture, designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ida-design-group">IDA Design Group</a>'s Michael Trinh, draws from the natural erosion patterns of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/cronulla-nsw-2230">Cronulla</a>'s sandstone headlands, translating the organic forms of the coastline into soft curves, pavilion-style massing, and a material palette chosen for longevity in a salt-tinged environment.&nbsp;

Textured natural stone, soft renders, and timber-look battens reference the tones of the surrounding cliffs, while the building has been oriented to maximise natural light and passive ventilation, with primary living spaces facing north and east to capture morning sun and sea breezes.

"At Solis, our aim was to create architecture that feels quietly confident, grounded in natural materials like stone and timber, and elevated by light and landscape," Trinh says.&nbsp;

"The buildings are designed to sit gently within their coastal surrounds, with expansive glazing and abundant greenery creating a seamless dialogue between inside and out."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370897]

Interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hot-black">Hot Black</a> carry the same material language through to every room. Kitchens feature integrated Gaggenau appliances, sculpted stone benchtops, and Lo &amp; Co joinery, while bathrooms feature natural stone, timber, and brushed metal finishes.&nbsp;

Hot Black Founder and Design Director Sophie Safrin describes the intent as one of considered restraint: "At Solis, every detail has been thoughtfully considered to create a timeless coastal retreat, calm, refined, and effortlessly liveable. From natural finishes to seamless indoor-outdoor flow, Solis offers a quiet elegance that's deeply connected to its surroundings.

The landscape, designed by Julian Brady of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/sitedesignstudios">Site Design Studios</a>, treats green space as an integral part of the resident experience rather than an afterthought.&nbsp;

"Gentle curves and layered native plantings mirror the ebb and flow of the ocean," Julian Brady says, "creating a serene connection between architecture and place."&nbsp;

Coco Republic has provided bespoke furniture packages tailored to the project's coastal palette.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370899]

Skymark has an established track record in the Sutherland Shire, with a portfolio spanning Cronulla, Woolooware and Burraneer that includes Isla, Sylva, Bask, Shells, Sula and Mist. Securing LDI on Solis reflects a broader shift in how the developer is positioning its buildings to buyers, at a time when Resilience Insurance expects the policy to become mandatory in New South Wales by 2028.

Sales at Solis are launching soon through Ray White Projects, with an official event scheduled for 11 June. Enquire for more information.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150499]

Skymark takes out 10-year Resilience Insurance LDI at Solis Cronulla

Investors may soon find themselves with fewer reasons to buy established property and more incentives to look towards the new apartment market.

Proposed changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax concessions would see new and off-the-plan apartments retain access to the tax benefits, while established properties would miss out, creating a clear advantage for buyers purchasing newly built housing.

The policy direction aligns with what many developers have been saying for several years. Australia needs more housing supply, and governments are increasingly looking for ways to encourage investment into new stock rather than existing homes.

The challenge for investors is that suitable product is becoming harder to find.

For much of the last decade, one-bedroom apartments were the cornerstone of investor demand. They offered a lower entry price, strong rental appeal, and were a common feature across most apartment developments.

Today, the development pipeline looks very different.

Across both New South Wales and South East Queensland, developers are increasingly targeting owner-occupiers and downsizers, delivering larger two, three and four-bedroom apartments in response to changing buyer preferences. While one-bedroom apartments still exist, they now form a much smaller portion of many new projects.

That shift has created a shortage of investor-friendly stock, particularly in well-located projects close to transport, employment hubs and lifestyle amenity.

At the same time, rising apartment prices have pushed many new developments beyond the reach of traditional investors. On the Gold Coast and across South East Queensland, it's becoming increasingly difficult to find new apartments priced around the $1 million mark, particularly those offering strong rental fundamentals and long-term growth prospects.

We've rounded up four new apartment developments where investors can still secure a foothold in the market for around $1 million or less.

<h2 data-end="1140" data-start="844">Flourish Soleira</h2>

<h2>Priced from: $1.07 million</h2>

Popular Palm Beach developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa</a> is soon to officially launch its newest local apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-1150-1154-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a>.

The one-bedroom apartments in the building were only offered to first home buyers rather than investors, and all of those have been snapped up. The two-bedroom apartments will start from $1.07 million, and the three-bedrooms, still a good investment given the popularity of Palm Beach for owner-occupiers, starting at $2,045,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370964]

Flourish Soliera will comprise 153 apartments across two buildings, connected by a skybridge, the first ever delivered in the suburb.

True to Sherpa's booming Flourish brand of apartment projects, Flourish Soleira will have extensive rooftop amenity across both buildings including a&nbsp;wellness centre with gym, work from home, yoga, pilates, a&nbsp;heated pool, private dining rooms, pizza oven and barbecues, basketball court, and golf simulator.

<h2>Corallo, Palm Beach</h2>

Priced from: $841,500

Nearby Flourish Soleira is Changfa Group's beachfront-inspired <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/corallo-palm-beach-5-palm-beach-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Corallo</a> development. They still have some one-bedroom apartments remaining, priced from $841,500.

The 105-apartment project on Palm Beach Avenue is otherwise dominated by larger two and three-bedroom residences, many of which are aimed at owner-occupiers and downsizers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112194 project_image_fid=808]

For investors, the appeal lies in Palm Beach's continued transformation from a laid-back beachside suburb into one of the Gold Coast's most sought-after residential markets. Residents at Corallo will be within walking distance of Palm Beach's surf beaches, the recreational amenity of Tallebudgera Creek, and the increasingly popular collection of cafes, restaurants and boutique retailers along the suburb's central dining precinct.

<h2>Corner House, Stones Corner</h2>

<h2>Priced from: $880,000</h2>

One of only two Brisbane apartment developments to make the list with prices under $1 million is DeMartini Fletcher's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/corner-house-stones-corner-18-stoneham-street-stones-corner-qld-4120">Corner House development</a> in Stones Corner.

One-bedroom apartments start from $880,000 within the 88-apartment development, providing investors with exposure to one of Brisbane's most established inner-south locations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149098 project_image_fid=330594]

Stones Corner has long been supported by strong tenant demand due to its proximity to major employment and education destinations. The suburb sits less than five kilometres from Brisbane's CBD and is within easy reach of the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Queensland Children's Hospital and several university campuses.

The project's location within a walkable urban village environment, surrounded by retail, dining and public transport infrastructure, continues to attract both professionals and healthcare workers seeking accommodation close to work.

Parkdrive Apartments, Chermside

Priced from: $749,000

The most affordable apartments across Brisbane's new and off the plan market are in Chermside where developer AusDev is selling one-bedroom apartments from $749,000, and two-beds from $929,000, at its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/parkdrive-apartments-chermside-25-sammells-drive-chermside-qld-4032">recently launched Parkdrive development</a>.

The development is strategically positioned in one of Brisbane's largest employment and retail precincts, placing residents within easy walking distance of Westfield Chermside, The Prince Charles Hospital, St Vincent's Private Hospital Northside and the suburb's major bus interchange.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152125 project_image_fid=363782]

Already under construction and scheduled for completion in early 2028, Parkdrive benefits from Chermside's ongoing evolution into Brisbane's northern metropolitan centre. The suburb continues to attract significant public and private investment, supporting population growth and underpinning long-term rental demand.

For investors focused on yield and tenant depth, the combination of healthcare, retail and transport infrastructure within close proximity provides a strong foundation for occupancy and rental performance.

Investors to turn to new apartments after federal government changes spark hunt for Queensland's best $1 million apartments

A mix of Gold Coast locals, fly-in, fly-out purchasers from Sydney and Melbourne, and Brisbane-based families has driven early sales success at Broadbeach's newest apartment tower, Lumara.

The 26-level project, a joint venture between builder-developer 5Point Projects and Bourke Projects, comprises just 37 luxury residences and is attracting a buyer profile that is looking for exclusivity, above the most amenity-rich suburb on the Gold Coast.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150454 project_image_fid=364156]

Jamie Bourke, Director of Bourke Projects, says every buyer secured so far intends to use Lumara as a lock-up-and-leave residence, combining holiday use with the ability to work remotely when required.

“The size of the apartments, both half- and full-floor options, and the different zones within the floorplans, lends itself perfectly to dedicated home office setups and multi-generational family holidays,” Bourke says.

That flexibility has become a key drawcard for affluent buyers seeking a second residence on the Gold Coast without sacrificing the ability to conduct business away from their primary home base.

The absence of holiday letting within the building has also resonated strongly with purchasers.

“This type of buyer doesn't need to generate holiday rental income,” Bourke says. “They're paying for exclusivity, privacy and certainty around who their neighbours are.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150454 project_image_fid=366491]

The strong demand comes amid broader shifts in the high-end apartment market following the Federal Budget announcements in May.

“We were already seeing strong enquiry from high-net-worth buyers, but that has only accelerated since the policy changes,” Bourke says.

“A lot of those buyers are looking to place more capital into premium lifestyle assets rather than investment-grade stock that has been targeted by the Federal Government.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150454 project_image_fid=366486]

Designed by Cottee Parker, Lumara adopts a slender, sculpted form with an emphasis on natural materials suited to its beachfront setting. The architectural approach draws on coastal influences, with a palette of stone, timber and concrete selected for durability and the ability to weather over time.

Apartments are limited to three and four-bedroom configurations, with a maximum of two residences per floor through the mid-levels and a selection of full-floor and dual-level homes in the upper levels. All apartments are oriented to the north to maximise natural light, cross-ventilation and views across the ocean, city skyline and hinterland.

A two-level amenity offering is positioned high within the building on levels 20 and 21, conceived as a sky wellness retreat. Facilities include a magnesium pool, spa, sauna and steam rooms, alongside more social spaces such as a private dining room, resident lounge, workspaces and outdoor barbecue areas integrated with landscaped greenery.

The uppermost levels are reserved for larger-format residences, including several full-floor homes and a dual-level penthouse with its own private wellness features and recreational spaces.

&nbsp;

To give buyers confidence, 5Point and Bourke commenced construction ahead of the apartments launching to the market, a sure-fire way to prove they mean business, and the building will be delivered. They are targeting a 2028 completion date.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150454]

Locals, interstate holiday makers, drive early sales at Lumara, Broadbeach's newest luxury apartment tower

Skyscrapers

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Architecture and the construction industry in general can quite literally take years off your life. Projects often require many years of design, development and coordination, redesign and further refinement before they come to fruition.

From the moment they are first conceived as a sketch to when the the first of the residents or workers begin moving in and occupying these buildings, several years may have lapsed.

The latest skyscraper approved for Melbourne, which also happens to be the biggest of them all - the 90-storey, 323 metre One Queensbridge - is no different. Developed by Crown Resorts and Schiavello, the soaring tower has been designed by Wilkinson Eyre and Architectus, following their success in an invited design competition featuring other international and local firms.

Urban.com.au's forthcoming interview with Architectus will provide further insight into the specifics of the endorsed design, but today we will focus on its evolution over the last few years.

As a point of reference Melbourne's other 300 metre-plus tower, the now under construction Australia 108 (formerly known by its address 70 Southbank Boulevard) underwent many design iterations before becoming the 319 metre behemoth that has begun its skyward ascent. First mooted in early 2009 at 62-storeys and 208 metres, each subsequent design has superseded its predecessor for height, but not necessarily architecture, over the course of the ensuing eight years.

It will be a further two years before it is finally completed. Curiously during this period the design of the tower's podium has remained largely the same: a framed pergola structure housing a jungle of vegetation.

<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/australia_108_compilation.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The design evolution of 70 Southbank Boulevard."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="183" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/australia_108_compilation.jpg?itok=g8iUycR6" title="The design evolution of 70 Southbank Boulevard." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The design evolution of 70 Southbank Boulevard.</figcaption></figure><h2>A not so long time ago</h2>

For One Queensbridge Street the story begins with Schiavello Group's acquisition of the notorious QBH venue at 1-7 Queensbridge Street in 2010. Sometime in 2011 an image surfaced online of the first concept for the site by Enth Degree Architects (EDA) for a 52-storey residential tower characterised by a podium likened to swiss cheese.

<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_tower.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The first concept for One Queensbridge? Image: Enth Degree Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="377" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/qbh_tower.jpg?itok=7SYHNpu2" title="The first concept for One Queensbridge? Image: Enth Degree Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The first concept for One Queensbridge? Image: Enth Degree Architects</figcaption></figure>Little by little Schiavello's ambitions for the site grew with the further acquisition of 9-15 Queensbridge Street; along with joint venture partners PDG Corporation, the first application for the site was submitted shortly after. Designed by Bates Smart, the proposal sought the demolition of the existing structures onsite including the former Queensbridge Hotel*, with a 71-storey tower including 592 apartments rising to a height of 276 metres, making it the second tallest building (at the time) after Eureka.

The design was characterised by dual semi-cellular forms merging into a trefoil shaped extrusion sheathed in reflective platinum tinted glazing, atop a fine lattice like podium. A permit was issued for the 71-storey tower by then Planning Minister Matthew Guy in April 2012.

<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/art353-queensbridge-tower-200x0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The initial 71-storey Queensbridge Tower. Images: Bates Smart "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="273" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/art353-queensbridge-tower-200x0.jpg?itok=tCT31_fd" title="The initial 71-storey Queensbridge Tower. Images: Bates Smart " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The initial 71-storey Queensbridge Tower. Images: Bates Smart</figcaption></figure>Following Schiavello's further acquisition of 7-23 Queensbridge Street, the site was merged into the development which allowed for a tower with larger floor-plates than its predecessor, and thus a third 'cell' was added to the tower, atop an expanded podium footprint.

It was at this point that debate about density and over development on the site really erupted with the approval of The Falls residential tower at 25 Queensbridge Street, nestled snuggly between QBT and Prima Pearl.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image14_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The revised Queensbridge Tower and the nneigbouring The Falls development. Images: Bates Smart and Bruce Henderson Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="193" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image14_9.jpg?itok=0QZsPY4S" title="The revised Queensbridge Tower and the nneigbouring The Falls development. Images: Bates Smart and Bruce Henderson Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The revised Queensbridge Tower and the nneigbouring The Falls development. Images: Bates Smart and Bruce Henderson Architects</figcaption></figure>It was not long before 25 Queensbridge Street was added to the portfolio with the site now extending from Freshwater Place all the way to Prima Pearl encompassing 1-25 Queensbridge Street. This allowed the development and design team to address some of the issues relating to overlooking and proximity to surrounding towers via increased setbacks.

<h2>Enter Crown</h2>

During the course of 2014 Schiavello entered into a joint development agreement with Crown Resorts which would see the site form an extension of the existing Crown Towers and Entertainment Complex, by way of a skybridge over Queensbridge Street. Additionally the design was revised to rise 84-storeys and 308 metres above Southbank, overtaking Eureka and sitting just behind Australia 108.

The proposal included a 400 room five-star hotel in addition to the 626 apartments, along with a glazed lift that extended the full height of the tower's facade. The skybridge, overall size and scale of the development proved to be a sticking point for both Council and planning officers, so it was decided that for the site to be truly considered a project of state significance, which would be exempt from the usual planning process and instead fast tracked, an invited design competition would be held.

<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/queensbridgetower_crown.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Crown Plaza? Crown Resorts joined as a JV partner before running a design competition. Images: Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="188" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/queensbridgetower_crown.jpg?itok=lKqmxLF6" title="Crown Plaza? Crown Resorts joined as a JV partner before running a design competition. Images: Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Crown Plaza? Crown Resorts joined as a JV partner before running a design competition. Images: Bates Smart</figcaption></figure>The design competition was eventually won by Wilkinson Eyre and Architectus, with plans proceeding for a 90-storey, 313 metre tower comprising a 388 room six-star hotel and 680 apartments. Almost six months later this was increased to a height of 323 metres.

On 9th February 2017, seven years since Schiavello acquired the QBH, the tower now known simply as One Queensbridge was given conditional approval by Planning Minister Richard Wynne.

<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/3366b78cdbb098097cfe7f2b38817cd8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="One Queensbridge. Image: Wilkinson Eyre and Architectus"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/3366b78cdbb098097cfe7f2b38817cd8.jpg?itok=gi3ZZ0pS" title="One Queensbridge. Image: Wilkinson Eyre and Architectus" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>One Queensbridge. Image: Wilkinson Eyre and Architectus</figcaption></figure>* The interior of the Queensbridge Hotel was gutted during the $12 million redevelopment previously undertaken in 1999 before it reopened and was rebranded QBH. As such it is not protected under a heritage overlay and exists in its current form primarily as a facade.
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Laurence Dragomir

All in good time: The evolution of One Queensbridge 

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One of the northern CBD's new breed of skyscrapers reached a monumental construction marker last week. Hengyi Australia's <a href="/buildings/light-house-450-elizabeth-street-melbourne">Light House</a> apartment development appeared sans jump form, signifying the termination of the tower at 69 levels above Elizabeth Street.

Using Light House's milestone as a nominal halfway point of development for the current crop, it's an opportune time to provide an update on the progress of the many towers that are transforming the CBD's northern fringe into a much taller, denser environment.

<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/image60_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Light House and Empire will go no higher"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="433" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image60_1.jpg?itok=ue1c0L0n" title="Light House and Empire will go no higher" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Light House and Empire will go no higher</figcaption></figure>Light House has been joined by <a href="/buildings/empire-melbourne-398-elizabeth-street-melbourne">Empire</a> in having its jump form removed, with the latter terminating at 62 levels. Also along the north-south Elizabeth Street axis, the distinctly green <a href="/buildings/victoria-one-452-472-elizabeth-street-melbourne">Victoria One</a> is approaching the 200m mark, on its way to an eventual floor count of 75 and the mantle of Elizabeth Street's tallest building.

A'Beckett Street's <a href="/buildings/avant-60-abeckett-street-melbourne">Avant</a> is shaping as the precinct's most daring tower in terms of facade treatment, defined by its vibrant purple facade and stretched diagrid exterior; the project has approximately 35 floor left prior to its topping out.

<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/image61_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Avant, Aurora and Scape Swanston. Images: Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="302" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image61_0.jpg?itok=vzQwBskb" title="Avant, Aurora and Scape Swanston. Images: Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Avant, Aurora and Scape Swanston. Images: Ryan Seychell</figcaption></figure>Avant's purple exterior is matched by that of another Elenberg Fraser-designed tower nearby, with the curving <a href="/buildings/eq-tower-127-abeckett-street-melbourne">EQ Tower</a> all but complete.

At 63 levels, the tower reached its significant marker during December, with a <a href="/news/three-years-on-eq-tower-tops-out">topping out ceremony held onsite</a>. According to developer ICD Property, the balance of apartments are due to settle during April.

<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/7da108d5216cf984792a95fd23e84767.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="EQ Tower standing tall. Images: Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/7da108d5216cf984792a95fd23e84767.jpg?itok=w5Dzp1b8" title="EQ Tower standing tall. Images: Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>EQ Tower standing tall. Image: Ryan Seychell</figcaption></figure><a href="/buildings/aurora-melbourne-central-224-la-trobe-street-melbourne">Aurora Melbourne Central</a> as the area's biggest build is progressing well, with the podium structure for the 88 level goliath at its mid point. Also marching along is Scape Student Living's first Melbourne project at <a href="/buildings/scape-melbourne-393-swanston-street-melbourne">393 Swanston Street</a>. Regular floor plates and a precast exterior which is installed with windows in situ has allowed construction on the 42 storey building to rocket along.

Further toward the CBD's north-east corner, both <a href="/buildings/conservatory-9-23-mackenzie-street-melbourne">Conservatory</a> and <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">42-50 La Trobe Street</a> are at early stages of their construction life, with both projects being undertaken by builder 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/melbourne_model_02_18082016_0.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Laurence Dragomir's 2016 depiction of Melbourne's CBD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="270" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/melbourne_model_02_18082016_0.png?itok=k6eHUeKj" title="Laurence Dragomir's 2016 depiction of Melbourne's CBD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Laurence Dragomir's 2016 depiction of Melbourne's CBD</figcaption></figure>As the area's unprecedented construction growth changes the northern CBD's environs, it's far from a completed product. Various high-rise projects have yet to make their mark on the skyline, including some very tall buildings.

308 Exhibition Street, Queens Place, 111 A'Beckett Street, RMIT's new mixed-use A'Beckett Street tower and Scape Student Living's reworked 97 Franklin Street are but a few of the projects that can be expected in coming years. Add a raft of smaller skyscrapers that are either at planning or hold approval, in addition to Victoria Market's mooted high-rise buildings, and the built form transformation in the area has many towers yet to come.

<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/image58_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="308 Exhibition Street, Scape CUB and 111 A'Beckett Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="309" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image58_4.jpg?itok=gxyemCpA" title="308 Exhibition Street, Scape CUB and 111 A'Beckett Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>308 Exhibition Street, Scape CUB and 111 A'Beckett Street</figcaption></figure>
</body></html>

silvermb

Where the tall ones are: a construction snapshot of the CBD's northern talls

<html><body>
Historic buildings on Southbank are as rare as proverbial hen's teeth. Yet one of the few that has not been subject to development thus far is in line for a major new addition, with plans afoot for a hotel and high-end apartments.

The <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/1037">Robur Tea Building</a> or Tea House at 28 Clarendon Street is included on the Victorian Heritage Register for its scientific, historical and architectural significance, and dates back to 1887. Developer RJ International hopes that in addition to bringing the Tea House back to its past glory, the State Government will find their plans for a 39 storey tower satisfactory.

Geelong-based architecture firm CLWA and heritage architects Lovell Chen have undertaken design work on the the elliptical tower. 

In addition to pre-application discussions with various governing bodies, the project team have also met with the Department of Justice, which owns the adjoining Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, and CitiPower who maintain a caveat affecting the site; both have given in-principle support for the redevelopment.

<h2>28 Clarendon 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/image17_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rendered perspective of the tower's podium . Image: OCD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="337" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image17_8.jpg?itok=8XCZ0N5O" title="Rendered perspective of the tower's podium . Image: OCD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rendered perspective of the tower's podium . Image: OCD</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>2,948sqm site occupied in part by the Tea House</li>
	<li>Proposed 39 level tower at 145m</li>
	<li>Gross Floor Area: 35,035sqm including the Tea House</li>
	<li>Floor Area Ratio: 1:11.9</li>
	<li>312 hotel suites across levels 1-23</li>
	<li>38 apartments: 30 x 3BR, 6 x 4BR, 2 x 5BR</li>
	<li>Provision for 105 car parking bays and 23 bicycle bays</li>
	<li>1 retail space at ground level facing Clarendon Street: 100sqm</li>
	<li>Amenities include a restaurant, gym, pool, conference and function centre</li>
</ul>
<h2>Tea House modifications</h2>

In addition to the tower, the intended development will include a refurbishment of the Tea House, with the southern lift core to be demolished and the original facade reinstated. The refurbishment will also see Tea House altered from a commercial building to a multi-purpose structure, encapsulating a retail space to Clarendon Street, hotel lobby, restaurant, function centre and hotel suites within the existing structure.

The intended tower abuts a section of the Tea House's southern facade, in order to provide passage between old and new structures. The tower's ground level is set back 13m to 20m from Clarendon Street, with a landscaped forecourt accounting for the remaining space. The existing northern car park will be reworked but maintained for the hotel's principal drop-off zone.

The tower's lower levels will be predominantly clad in tessellated and perforated masonry and concrete screening, effectively shrouding vehicle parking within the podium structure. Amenities crown the podium with further hotel suites and apartments behind black curtain glazing thereafter.

<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/image78.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Tea House's southern addition will receive the chop. Image: Victorian Heritage Database"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image78.jpg?itok=Lh0cVFME" title="Tea House's southern addition will receive the chop. Image: Victorian Heritage Database" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Tea House's southern addition will receive the chop. Image: Victorian Heritage Database</figcaption></figure><h2> Clarendon Street on a hotel hot streak</h2>

Melbourne's appetite for further hotel and serviced apartment suites is on show along Clarendon Street.

In addition to 28 Clarendon Street's 312 hotel suites, Yang Clarendon Pty Ltd has a mixed-use tower at 56 Clarendon Street under planning consideration. Along with hundreds of new apartments within the 48 storey mixed-use tower, 128 serviced apartment suites have been included over the design's lower levels.

<a href="/developments/southbank-vic-3006">64-68 Clarendon Street</a> is also in the pipeline, with construction nearing commencement for a new Peppers Southbank hotel which is approved to yield a further 165 rooms over a 412sqm site.

<h2>28 Clarendon Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: RJ International (Aust) Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Architect: CLWA</li>
	<li>Urban Context Report: The OCD</li>
	<li>Transport Impact Assessment: GTA Consultants</li>
	<li>Wind Assessment: MEL Consultants</li>
	<li>ESD Statement: Murchie Consulting</li>
	<li>Waste Management Plan: Leigh Design </li>
	<li>Structural Considerations and Design: Robert Bird Group</li>
	<li>Building Regulations Compliance Report: PLP Building Surveyors &amp; Consultants</li>
	<li>DDA Compliance Statement: Before Compliance </li>
	<li>Geotechnical Report: Black Geotechnical Pty Ltd</li>
</ul>
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Tea for two: Southbank's historic Tea House up for a towering addition

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It was announced by the Premier and Planning Minister this morning that <a href="/new-apartments/one-queensbridge-street-1-23-queensbridge-street-southbank">One Queensbridge Street, Southbank</a> - previously known as Queensbridge Tower - has been approved.

A media release distributed this morning confirmed the project will maintain 388 hotel suites and 708 residential apartments across its 90 floors.

<blockquote>
The Government has also taken steps to ensure Crown Melbourne and the Schiavello Group give back to the state, with a $100 million community benefits package, including:

<ul>
<li>A $25 million upgrade to Queensbridge Square, including landscaping and two new cafes</li>
	<li>A further $15 million for the Sandbridge Rail Bridge</li>
	<li>Landscaping and public realm improvements on Southbank Boulevard, including a new bike strip</li>
	<li>Street furniture and additional trees along Queensbridge Street, and better connectivity with Freshwater Place</li>
</ul>
<cite><a href="http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/4000-jobs-created-in-a-boost-for-victoria/">Victorian Government media release</a>, 9/2/2017</cite>
</blockquote>

3,000 direct and indirect jobs are anticipated during the construction phase and once complete a further 1,000 operational jobs are expected to be created.

<h2>The pecking order</h2>

We've come a long way since Rialto ruled over Melbourne's skyline.

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width:100%;">
<thead><tr>
<th scope="col">Project / Building</th>
			<th scope="col">Height (metres)</th>
			<th scope="col">Status</th>
		</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><a href="/new-apartments/one-queensbridge-street-1-23-queensbridge-street-southbank">One Queensbridge Street</a></td>
			<td>323</td>
			<td>Approved</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/australia-108-southbank-70-southbank-boulevard-southbank">Australia 108</a></td>
			<td>319</td>
			<td>Under Construction</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eureka_Tower">Eureka Tower</a></td>
			<td>297</td>
			<td>Built</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/new-apartments/38-freshwater-place-southbank">38 Freshwater Place</a></td>
			<td>272</td>
			<td>Planning Assessment</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/west-side-place-melbourne-250-spencer-street-melbourne-vic-3000">West Side Place Tower 1</a></td>
			<td>270</td>
			<td>Registration and Sales</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/aurora-melbourne-central-224-la-trobe-street-melbourne">Aurora Melbourne Central</a></td>
			<td>267</td>
			<td>Under Construction</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/120_Collins_Street">120 Collins Street</a></td>
			<td>265 (spire height)</td>
			<td>Built</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/101_Collins_Street">101 Collins Street</a></td>
			<td>260 (spire height)</td>
			<td>Built</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/sapphire-by-the-gardens-63-la-trobe-street-melbourne-vic-3000">308 Exhibition Street Tower 1</a></td>
			<td>254</td>
			<td>Planning Assessment</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/sapphire-by-the-gardens-63-la-trobe-street-melbourne-vic-3000">308 Exhibition Street Tower 2</a></td>
			<td>254</td>
			<td>Planning Assessment</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bourke_Place">Bourke Place</a></td>
			<td>254 (antenna height)</td>
			<td>Built</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prima_Pearl">Prima Pearl</a></td>
			<td>254</td>
			<td>Built</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rialto_Towers">Rialto Towers</a></td>
			<td>251</td>
			<td>Built</td>
		</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
* heights rounded to nearest metre.
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Alastair Taylor

One Queensbridge Street approved

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Prominent builder Hickory Group has added a third Melbourne project that will utilise the Hickory Building System (HBS). A proponent of prefabricated construction methods, Hickory Group's latest HBS-driven project will be Brisbane outfit Blue Sky Funds' 42-50 La Trobe Street.

In addition to residential projects La Trobe Tower and Collins House which have/will utilise HBS, 42-50 La Trobe Street is the first student accommodation project to do so. Hickory Group expect the build to become one of the world’s tallest student accommodation projects delivered via non-traditional construction methods.

Floor slabs, facades and Hickory’s Sync bathroom pod system will be manufactured offsite, and subsequently trucked to 42-50 La Trobe Street for final assembly.

<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_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="42-50 La Trobe Street's modified heritage frontage. Image: Hickory"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="530" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image5_10.jpg?itok=_MY7KyWg" title="42-50 La Trobe Street's modified heritage frontage. Image: Hickory" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>42-50 La Trobe Street's modified heritage frontage. Image: Hickory</figcaption></figure>First entering Apartments.com.au's project database during late 2015, 42-50 La Trobe Street has seen a number of design adaptations to this point, with architecture firm Hayball the design lead.

Chief of which is the facade retention of 50 La Trobe Street, which was to have been demolished along with its neighbour under initial plans. Dated 1862, 50 La Trobe Street's retained facade will now serve as an entry point to the student accommodation project, with a public through link to connect La Trobe Street and Bell Place.

Onsite demolition is freshly completed, meaning Hickory will soon take control of the site in order to deliver the 43 level tower, with a smaller 7 level building to the rear of the site; combined they will house 783 student beds.

In line with Apartments.com.au's <a href="/news/blue-skys-ambitious-student-accommodation-project-42-50-la-trobe-street">overview of the initial planning application</a>, the current build will also include a ground floor café, numerous communal spaces, terraces and collaborative learning spaces, in addition to the public access laneway.

<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_9474.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hickory Building System's first Melbourne endeavour: La Trobe Tower"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_9474.jpg?itok=0W-Ya0Jt" title="Hickory Building System's first Melbourne endeavour: La Trobe Tower" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hickory Building System's first Melbourne endeavour: La Trobe Tower</figcaption></figure>Key to the HBS construction method is the speed at which any given tower can be completed.

42-50 La Trobe Street with a gross floor area approaching 25,000sqm is slated to be delivered 8 months faster than traditional construction methods would allow, resulting in a 30% saving over conventional construction methods.

Similar to La Trobe Tower, 42-50 La Trobe Street will employ an electric crane to lift the modules into place outside of traditional work hours, minimising traffic disruption and site congestion. This will allow shotcreting during normal work hours, with the high-velocity concrete spray work essentially binding the modules together.

Between 42-50 La Trobe Street and Collins House (which will be a HBS structure above level 14), Hickory Group's innovative construction method has found its niche in the Melbourne construction landscape.
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Hickory Building System scores another major Melbourne skyscraper

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<a href="/developers/cbus-property">Cbus Property's</a> announcement prior to Christmas that it had signed a third tenant for its $1 billion <a href="/buildings/collins-arch-447-collins-street-melbourne">Collins Arch</a> project takes the amount of floor area leased to 20,000sqm or just over 40%. Australian law firm Gadens has committed to 5,000sqm of space over levels 11-13, equating to just over 10 per cent of the 49,000 square meters available.

Gadens will join fellow legal eagles King &amp; Wood Mallesons and HWL Ebsworth within the tower.

<blockquote>
Collins Arch was designed to be a signifier of leading design and instantly recognisable as a statement of Melbourne’s premier status globally. We are pleased to welcome Gadens to Collins Street’s new pinnacle address and, as a law firm committed to positioning itself as a best practice organisation and employer of choice, we are confident Collins Arch will offer the best place to grow and demonstrate these commitments.
<cite>Adrian Pozzo, Chief Executive Officer, Cbus Property</cite>
</blockquote>

With construction progressing on site following demolition of the remaining structures and plaza, Apartments.com.au took the opportunity to discuss the project's conception with Cbus Property CEO Adrian Pozzo.

<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/collins_arch_uc.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Site works at Collins Arch are progressing. Photo by Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="385" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/collins_arch_uc.jpg?itok=ejLXNN7L" title="Site works at Collins Arch are progressing. Photo by Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Site works at Collins Arch are progressing. Photo by Ryan Seychell</figcaption></figure>Apartments.com.au: What was the appeal of the Collins Arch site to Cbus Property? What were the initial aspirations for the site and the role it can play within the city’s future?

Adrian Pozzo: It’s not often a landmark site such as this comes along. It’s a rare privilege to have a whole city block, but even rarer when it’s in one of the self-proclaimed premier streets of Australia. Collins Street is a premier location for head offices, retail flagships and the best of the best choose to locate themselves here.

It is also in the sweet spot of Melbourne’s legal precinct. With that in mind, we always believed our site had to be an example of the best this city could offer.

This is a globally significant address and we’ve ensured the design reflects that with the architectural collaboration of <a href="/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> and <a href="/architects/shop-architects">SHoP Architects</a>. These are global firms who together bring a deep sense of Melbourne and premier global developments. As a mixed use site, with residential apartments, commercial office accommodation, a five-star hotel, retail and public spaces, Collins Arch will be a meeting point for local Melbournians and visitors alike.

With dual towers connected by a sky bridge, the very form of Collins Arch will be instantly recognisable and have a significant place on Melbourne’s skyline.

UM: Cbus Property’s recognition of the site’s significance became apparent when they invited architectural firms to compete in a design competition. What was the process for selecting the firms and the brief provided to the architectural teams?

AP: Cbus Property held a tender process, asking local architects to work together with an international partner in developing their concepts for the site. This was always going to be the most significant development project in Melbourne and we thought that a collaborative approach would make teams think outside the box.

There are some very exciting projects being built around the world and we believed Melbourne warranted the same design excellence.

Woods Bagot, already a globally respected architectural firm but with a particularly strong base in Melbourne, teamed with SHoP to come up with something we believe really is world class, both from an aesthetic and functional design perspective.

UM: What was it about the joint Woods Bagot and SHoP scheme that stood out from the other design teams?

AP: There was a real focus from the duo on functionality of design. They respected the southern views across the Yarra and Port Phillip Bay, as intrinsically Melbourne as it gets, and developed floor plans and concepts that resonated with what we wanted to achieve for the site. The credentials of both firms are well documented and working together, their plan for Collins Arch creates a real destination. 

UM: Is it fair to say the current design is unlike anything seen in Melbourne before? Was this a design response to a unique site and constraints of the planning scheme controls? Do you see it as proof that the new controls still allow and possibly even encourage innovation?

AP: Melbourne’s skyline will change with this building and Collins Arch is certainly a daring design. I think it’s a culmination of a great team with a vision, and that vision being supported at a higher level with planning and urban design. If you look back at the building boom of the 80s and 90s, there was a definite lack of opportunity for projects like this to get over the line. I think timing is important.

Both the interim and proposed planning controls will continue to enable and encourage innovative design.

UM: Even as early as the 295m scheme there has always been a push to provide a significant component of public realm. Where did this desire come from?

AP: Melbourne is the world’s most liveable city and we want it to stay that way. When you are introducing such an exciting development to a city, you want to be able to share that and have it benefit as many people as possible.

<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/1475722913969.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Collins Arch's new 1,500sqm park. Source: Cbus Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="322" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1475722913969.jpg?itok=zgGy4uv9" title="Collins Arch's new 1,500sqm park. Source: Cbus Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Collins Arch's new 1,500sqm park. Source: Cbus Property</figcaption></figure>UM: Cbus Property has already signed on a number of tenants in Gadens, King &amp; Wood Mallesons and HWL Ebsworth. Are there any other significant signings on the horizon?

AP: We believe this is Melbourne’s most enviable office address. This office tower will also be the city’s first WELL-rated office space, so there is definitely discussions occurring with a number of prospective tenants.

UM: What type of retail tenancies are expected within the project?

AP: There will be a mix of dining and shopping on offer at Collins Arch. As the development is in its infancy, we have not yet analysed the mix of retail tenancies.

UM: What has been the initial response in sales for apartments thus far?

AP: Initial interest has been very positive, as you would expect with such a landmark opportunity and location. 

Construction of Collins Arch is expected to take head contractor Multiplex approximately three years.
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Cbus Property boss Adrian Pozzo discusses Collins Arch

<html><body>
With the release of Infrastructure Victoria’s first ever 30-year infrastructure strategy, the state is set to discuss the draft’s proposed developments and projects before the review of the final strategy in parliament in late 2016.

The blueprint aims to address areas in need of improvement including congestion and housing. It also seeks to provide infrastructure to increase Victorian’s access to essential services such as jobs and education in order to build and sustain the state’s businesses, industries and communities.

The draft outlines a number of initiatives to be delivered over the next three decades to shape the best possible outcomes for the state in years to come. Initiatives range from construction projects to regulatory measures concerning transport pricing and affordable housing.

The 30-year strategy will allow the state to prepare for population change, reduce disadvantage, connect people to jobs and increase workplace participation to offset an ageing population. Moreover, it is expected to drive productivity, support the economy and look at strategies to produce and consume resources in an environmentally friendly manner.

As Australia faces rapid changes with an ever growing population and urban density on the rise, inevitable questions of living conditions, urban sprawl and property demand emerge.

Viable solutions to accommodate population growth and combat urban sprawl lie in the realm of the city’s building and construction future. Solutions include urban planning, green solutions, liveability, tall building design and high-rise engineering.

In March 2017 Melbourne will play host to the first ever Smart Skyscrapers Summit. Apartments.com.au is an official media partner to the premiere event, attracting tower construction experts from around the world who will come together to shape the future of the Australian skyline in years to come through smart, sustainable innovations.

<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/mediabanner-topics.png" rel="gallery-all" title="www.skyscrapersconference.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="535" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mediabanner-topics.png?itok=SdB5xy04" title="www.skyscrapersconference.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>www.skyscrapersconference.com.au</figcaption></figure>​A riveting agenda is on the cards for Summit delegates who will hear from a wide selection of international and local professionals illuminating cutting edge advances and developments in skyscraper building and design. Looking to local case studies and those from abroad, speakers will pave the way for improvements in current practice within Australian high-rise construction.

A range of Australia’s tallest and most futuristic towers will be profiled at the Summit with the opportunity to hear from principal designers, architects, engineers and consultants involved in skyscraper projects across the country.

Australia 108, soon to be the tallest skyscraper in Australia and 323 La Trobe Street, Australia’s tallest prefabricated building, will be profiled at this immersive two-day event held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Apartments.com.au is a media partner of the <a href="http://www.skyscrapersconference.com.au/">Australian Smart Skyscrapers Summit 2017</a>.
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Melbourne to host the Australian Smart Skyscraper Summit in March 2017

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Almost three years to the day of <a href="/news/the-fahrenheit-tower-a-closer-look-at-127-141-abeckett-street">Urban.com.au covering Eq. Tower's planning application</a>, ICD Property's 62-storey tower at 127-141 A'Beckett Street has held its topping out ceremony. The event held onsite yesterday coincided with the first round of residents settling on apartments within the Elenberg Fraser designed scraper.

According to ICD, the build is on track with the balance of apartments due to settle in April 2017.

Apartments.com.au was on hand to witness this significant project milestone. Eq. Tower is the latest in a string of 200 metre towers that have sprouted in the northern zone of Melbourne's CBD.

<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_1521.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Eq. Tower has provided the northern CBD with a new design beacon"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1521.jpg?itok=mBKgTANN" title="Eq. Tower has provided the northern CBD with a new design beacon" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Eq. Tower has provided the northern CBD with a new design beacon</figcaption></figure>Major attendees to yesterday's ceremony were key project figures Michael Mai (Managing Director at ICD Property) and Callum Fraser (Principal at Elenberg Fraser). Lord Mayor Robert Doyle spoke, with representatives from Sinclair Brook and head contractor Multiplex also on hand.

Eq. Tower follows hot on the heels of Vision Tower in joining CBD North's 200 metre club, soon to be followed by a host of other towers designed by Elenberg Fraser.

The distinctly shaped tower, which tapers from its mid-section as it transitions to the high-rise segment, responds to key setback and planning requirements. Despite the result being a varied floorplate for a significant portion of the tower, Eq. Tower has still reached structural completion in what has been described by the team as "record time."

<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_1519.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Eq. Tower's cavernous foyer space"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1519.jpg?itok=oChfEYrI" title="Eq. Tower's cavernous foyer space" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Eq. Tower's cavernous foyer space</figcaption></figure>Eq. Tower also presents a number of firsts for the project team, with the topping out ceremony marking the completion of Elenberg Fraser's first 200 metre-plus tower on the Melbourne skyline. Callum Fraser remarked that he's going to have to get used to attending topping out ceremonies, with a number on the horizon over the course of the next year.

For developer ICD Property, it marks their first foray into the realm's of high-rise development in Melbourne, following previous project success with the mid-rise You &amp; I on Smith Street, Collingwood.

Looking ahead, ICD's next project lies north of the border in the harbour city, while they scour the Melbourne landscape for their next significant development opportunity. Meanwhile Elenberg Fraser is occupied with five towers in the city's northern reaches, plus a sixth which received approval last month on the adjoining site at 111-125 A'Beckett Street.

<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_1459.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Elenberg Fraser have made their presence felt across Melbourne's skyline"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1459.jpg?itok=fBjCChhG" title="Elenberg Fraser have made their presence felt across Melbourne's skyline" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Elenberg Fraser have made their presence felt across Melbourne's skyline</figcaption></figure>
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Three years on, Eq. Tower tops out

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The recent approval of <a href="http://sterlingglobal.com.au/">Sterling Global</a>'s mixed-use tower at <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">383 La Trobe Street</a> adds to the influx of towers with international influence leaving their mark not only on Melbourne's skyline, but the city's streetscapes.

The $700 million mixed-use tower, a collaboration between French design architect Ateliers Jean Nouvel and local Australian executive architect <a href="/architects/architectus">Architectus</a>, has been designed with people at its core. One third of the site's footprint is earmarked for public space.

The colourful tower will feature an internal arcade wrapped in digital art installations, activated by galleries, a bar, restaurants, retail spaces and a public book exchange. Despite its 29:1 plot ratio exceeding the city’s planning controls, the building has been approved due to its public benefit and amenity.

<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/a0434-pedestrian_view-j.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Digital Art Arcade. Image courtesy Stirling Global"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="580" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/a0434-pedestrian_view-j.jpg?itok=rtYK0uMQ" title="Digital Art Arcade. Image courtesy Stirling Global" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Digital Art Arcade. Image courtesy Stirling Global</figcaption></figure>Designed to maximise connections to its neighbouring context, both visual and physical, via its internal public laneway and expressive facade, the 70-storey tower will also accommodate 488 one, two and three bedroom residences and a 196-room hotel. With planning approval in hand, Sterling Global will now engage with international hoteliers to operate the hotel component of the 242 metre tower.

The design team have conceived a tower which seeks to contribute to the city, its neighbours, residents and visitors, helping fill a lack of accommodation for tourists to the city, while providing new spaces to engage and socialise, including a rooftop bar. People are at the heart of the tower, and for its neighbours, the philosophy is to ensure every aspect will be beautiful, blanketed in landscaped vertical gardens and external finishes that complement the light as it shifts throughout the day.

<blockquote>
383 La Trobe Street offers one third of its land back to the public, creating a new laneway dotted with a gallery space, cafes, bars, art spaces and a huge digital art installation that covers the roof and walls of the arcade.

It’s a significant artistic contribution to Melbourne, and we’re thrilled to be working with Architectus and Ateliers Jean Nouvel on such an innovative project.
<cite>Brandon Yeoh, Development Director, Sterling Global</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/a0421-pedestrian_view-a_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The tower's distinct facades respond to its context and the environment. Image courtesy Stirling Global"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="733" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/a0421-pedestrian_view-a_1.jpg?itok=Q37d_X8b" title="The tower's distinct facades respond to its context and the environment. Image courtesy Stirling Global" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The tower's distinct facades respond to its context and the environment. Image courtesy Stirling Global</figcaption></figure>Urban.com.au recently met with Matthew Smith, Managing Principal for Architectus Melbourne, and Mark van Miltenburg, Head of Investment and Development at Sterling Global to discuss the finer details of the project.

Urban.com.au: Recent media reports suggest the project was approved under the Amendment C270 planning controls (Plot Ratio 18:1) and not the interim C262 controls (24:1). Can you clarify this?

Matthew Smith: We lodged under C262 and so it was approved on the basis of those planning controls because up until (last week) C270 was just a draft set of guidelines.

Mark van Miltenburg: It was unofficially assessed under C270 as well and we were asked to use the tool to measure the floor area uplift and then the value of the public benefit and that was done under the context for both plot ratios and we were in the green for both.

MS: I think it's an interesting discussion. If you look at a number that says 18:1 or 29:1 you might ask "well how could you possibly allow that?" and I'm hoping that the more that's written about this project and others in the media, that there's some clarity given because it's not just about a number. This project was never really considered as a number, it's a contextual response that formed a building.

Obviously there were some mandatory components of the guidelines and we certainly mapped those out early on so we knew we had to sit within those but beyond that it was a contextual response to the site.

I think within a city, as long as you can do that then planning controls are okay but it will mean that some sites unfortunately simply can't be developed, where even a contextual response may not even cut it.

UM: There should be flexibility in the controls to allow sites to be considered on their individual merits and circumstances on a site to site basis, whilst still adhering to a set of requirements and it appears that may be the case moving forward.

MS: You look back and obviously Republic Tower has featured quite prominently in and around this discussion and if memory serves me correctly, Republic Tower came to fruition at around the same time the previous set of plot ratio guidelines were being watered down. That process enabled Republic Tower to occur.

UM: There's also precedent for resident backlash occurring with the likes of Southbank Towers and Prima, Freshwater Place and 1 Queensbridge Street. No doubt at some stage in the future a tower of similar scale will be proposed in proximity to 383 La Trobe.

MS: It's an interesting block with a lot of development potential. I don't think there's many blocks in the city in their current state that have that embodied opportunity within them and that's something that we took quite seriously. The fact that the actions that are taken at 383 will have a significant impact on Victoria University, the Royal Mint and their relationship with the building, all of which are already established on that block.

MvM: And those that are coming too. That was one of the most exciting aspects about the opportunity of developing in the block is that in many respects it was a bit of a blank canvas, we could do what we wanted to do with our site and then try and integrate that with our neighbours.

UM: But to also provide opportunities for future development to then tie into your site?

MvM: Absolutely.

MS: That was given a lot of consideration in terms of how the public space was articulated. You're obviously aware that there's quite a generous public space offering here but there were a lot of discussions as to how that might manifest itself and part of that is the story about what comes after 383? We were in discussions with Victoria University throughout the process as well because some of the access, easements and other bits and pieces which will interact between the two sites needed to be sorted out.

<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/383l_ground_plane_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="383 La Trobe's network of public spaces sew the block together. Image courtesy: Sterling Global"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="272" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/383l_ground_plane_0.jpg?itok=aRVVF68I" title="383 La Trobe's network of public spaces sew the block together. Image courtesy: Sterling Global" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>383 La Trobe's network of public spaces sew the block together. Image courtesy: Sterling Global</figcaption></figure>MvM: And they've been terrific through this whole process and I think one of the nice things about engaging with them is that they absolutely bought into the aspirations of the project; their ideas are very complimentary to the ideas of our site and so they get more public space for the people using their building.

They get the through-site link which connects through to Flagstaff Gardens and the station and it helps us create that openness as well.

MS: And I think importantly, a formalisation of the link through to Queen Street because at the moment that's private land so it was the impetus for some sort of arrangement to be struck that enables an easement across it and while it doesn't physically link to Guildford Lane there's certainly a visual marker and reference. Obviously that Guildford Lane precinct is in a state of flux at the moment and there's a number of other initiatives that are going to occur in that area.

Urban.com.au's discussion with Matthew and Mark will continue in an upcoming article.
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Très Bien! Atelier Jean Nouvel/Architectus and Sterling Global on 383 La Trobe Street (part one)

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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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