<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> has lodged plans for a $750 million, three-tower mixed-use precinct that would complete the long-running redevelopment of Carlton's former Carlton United Breweries site.

The proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/185-195-queensberry-street-carlton-vic-3053">46-78 Bouverie Street and 185-195 Queensberry Street</a> spans a 6,468 sqm site, the last remaining undeveloped parcels within the former brewery's 2007 masterplan.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the development will comprise two purpose-built student accommodation towers and a third build-to-sell apartment tower above a shared commercial podium and basement.

Across the three towers, SP Setia is proposing 606 build-to-sell apartments and 1,499 student accommodation units containing 2,009 beds.

The apartments will sit in the tallest tower, which will rise nearly 200m and 55 storeys. It will become&nbsp;one of the more substantial new build-to-sell apartment projects at the northern edge of Melbourne's CBD.

The apartment mix is weighted toward smaller inner-city product, with 188 studios, 206 one-bedroom apartments, 192 two-bedroom apartments and 20 three-bedroom apartments

<img alt="First look: SP Setia plans three-tower finale for Carlton’s former CUB precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8271bc87-1b0a-41b7-ac73-a425ee375261" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/3_2.png?VersionId=G4lw23o90B1boX4k4dj7rdz2ZEajS9wy" />

Part of the precinct will be a large-scale&nbsp;3,684 sqm supermarket and a further 2,198 sqm of speciality retail, creating close to 5,900 sqm of new commercial space within the precinct.

But one of the biggest components of the proposal is what sits between the buildings.

Around 4,650 sqm, or roughly 72 per cent of the site, will be publicly accessible open space, incorporating plazas, pedestrian connections, landscaped laneways and retail spill-out areas.

The ground plane is intended to finally complete pedestrian connections envisaged when the CUB masterplan was first approved nearly two decades ago, stitching together Victoria Street, Queensberry Street, Bouverie Street and Swanston Street through the former brewery precinct.

Urbis said the development would "complete the CUB precinct", with the public realm providing important north-south and east-west connections through what is currently the final undeveloped portion of the masterplanned site.

SP Setia is also exploring a new linear park within the Bouverie Street road reserve, with the concept to be developed further with the City of Melbourne through the planning process.

The proposal is being pursued through the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program under Clause 53.23 for significant residential development with affordable housing.

The planning report acknowledges the proposed heights exceed those contemplated under the original Comprehensive Development Plan and masterplan, but argues the built-form context has changed considerably over the past two decades.

Urbis said the three towers would instead create a stepped transition between Carlton and the Hoddle Grid, rising progressively from the 94.1-metre Tower One along the Queensberry Street edge to the 199.44-metre Tower Three closer to the established CBD-scale buildings to the south.

<img alt="SP Setia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e885a07a-592c-40fc-bf82-e6dbaf32da54" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.52.24%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=7s_ErUkSKAdY1mAWp3GRZgMNCGtwhk5m" />

SP Setia plans to deliver the development across three stages.

Stage One would deliver the basement, podium and retail areas for the entire precinct alongside the first student tower. Tower Two would follow in Stage Two, before the 606-apartment Tower Three is delivered as the final stage.

If approved and delivered, the project would close out a redevelopment process that has been underway since the former brewery masterplan was approved in 2007, adding more than 2,600 student beds and apartments to a precinct already home to Swanston Central, the Barak Building, RMIT Design Hub and several large student accommodation developments.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

SP Setia plans three-tower finale for Carlton’s former CUB precinct

Melbourne developer Lowe Living is seeking to add to its growing bayside apartment pipeline, filing plans for a boutique eight-residence development in tightly held Middle Park.

Lowe Living, which has built much of its development portfolio across Melbourne's affluent bayside and south-east suburbs, is behind the plans for the 730 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/123-125-erskine-street-middle-park-vic-3206">123-125 Erskine Street</a>, just off Armstrong Street and within the Armstrong Street Neighbourhood Activity Centre.

The developer is seeking approval for a five-storey residential building above two basement levels, with just eight large-format apartments and 18 car spaces.

“This is a deliberately very different proposition for us,"&nbsp;Tim Lowe, Co-Founder of Lowe Living, said.

"Eight residences is exceptionally boutique, but that's precisely what this site calls for.

“There is a strong community in Middle Park and the surrounding suburbs who have spent decades building a life here. They no longer want the maintenance of a large period home, but they aren't prepared to compromise on space, quality or location. We think there is a real opportunity to capture that hyper local market. A site like this rarely comes to market.”

<img alt="Lowe " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="875fe572-0f14-4d90-9e11-55b28dd07731" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.42.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=GDNQRv9BfpR9r1zkZ5UDyUM4ZvpIksut" />

The low-density proposal has been designed by Cera Stribley and is being progressed through the Victorian Government's Great Design Fast Track pathway, having already secured eligibility from the Minister for Planning.

The Office of the Victorian Government Architect supported its eligibility after finding the proposal demonstrated consistency with the program's seven design principles, while the project's financial feasibility has also been independently confirmed by Invest Victoria.

The project is targeting the downsizer market, with the planning documents describing the homes as larger-format residences and noting the two penthouses could otherwise have been configured as four separate apartments.

<img alt="Lowe 2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="60ab0987-2da6-4175-adac-315dcf6053c6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.43.15%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=bOCPH0B2MFwlmaRW.TTCF9TzyifgVoQI" />

The site has dual frontage to Erskine Street and Canterbury Place and currently comprises a collection of commercial buildings used as offices, including a former heritage bakehouse, a former stable, a later gabled addition and a central courtyard.

It sits within the Commercial 1 Zone and the Armstrong Street Commercial Precinct heritage overlay, with the existing property classified as a contributory heritage place.

Heritage has subsequently played a significant role in Cera Stribley's design.

The front section of the former bakehouse facing Erskine Street will be retained, including its return walls, street-facing hipped roof and chimneys, while the Erskine Street façade and part of the western return wall of the former stable will also be incorporated into the new development.

Levels four and five will be set back five metres from the retained stable façade, while bricks removed through demolition are proposed to be salvaged and reused within the new building where possible.

<img alt="Lowe 3" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e97927a9-a2de-4a0f-83b6-65451238abfa" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.43.06%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=VR44AChLrX9q1XPB9GvVQV.ALXXbe4gC" />

Rather than presenting as a single five-storey building to Erskine Street, Cera Stribley has broken the development into a series of distinct forms.

A three-storey infill element will sit between the retained bakehouse and stable façades, with the upper levels recessed behind the heritage fabric. Canterbury Place will similarly feature two three-storey podium forms, separated by a central pedestrian accessway, before the upper two levels step back from the street.

A pedestrian through-link will run through the centre of the project between Erskine Street and Canterbury Place, creating entrances from both sides of the site and introducing landscaping and communal areas through the ground plane.

Landscape architect Acre has designed planting across the ground level, private terraces and upper levels, including a feature canopy tree at level three and integrated planting and arbours across the level four terraces. Five existing Erskine Street trees are proposed to be retained.

Sustainability is also a significant component of the Great Design Fast Track application. The apartments are targeting an average eight-star NatHERS rating, with no residence below 6.5 stars, while the project has achieved a 75 per cent BESS score. Seven of the eight apartments are designed for cross-ventilation, with the remaining residence using mechanically assisted natural ventilation.

The plans also incorporate an 8kWp rooftop solar system, a 5,000-litre rainwater tank and infrastructure allowing future electric vehicle charging for every residence.

Lowe has a strong portfolio across Melbourne's blue-chip suburbs. They recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/jardin-house-by-lowe-living-camberwell-335-camberwell-road-camberwell-vic-3124">Jardin House by Lowe Living</a> in Camberwell, their first development in the Stonnington LGA.

Lowe Living unveils Middle Park apartment development

Article summary

<ul data-end="888" data-start="289">
	<li data-end="442" data-section-id="8tsh6o" data-start="289">DVB Projects is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway at 137 Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach.</li>
	<li data-end="573" data-section-id="1nyxl3e" data-start="443">The 34-level tower will comprise just 49 ultra-luxury residences, including half-floor, full-floor and penthouse apartments.</li>
	<li data-end="717" data-section-id="oiyimj" data-start="574">The launch follows strong demand at DVB's nearby Sea Glass project, which is more than 50 per cent sold and currently under construction.</li>
	<li data-end="888" data-section-id="epk9o9" data-start="718">The development adds to the transformation of Old Burleigh Road, with premium beachfront apartment projects continuing to reshape the tightly held Broadbeach strip.</li>
</ul>

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/dvb-projects">DVB Projects</a> is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway on the Broadbeach site as the Sydney developer moves closer to bringing the ultra-luxury project to market.

The 34-level tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/137-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">137 Old Burleigh Road</a> will comprise just 49 residences, ranging from half-floor apartments through to full-floor homes and a penthouse. The launch follows the strong sales performance of DVB's nearby Sea Glass development. More than half of the apartments at Sea Glass, on the other side of Broadbeach, have been snapped up, well ahead of its late 2027 completion

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2944b4be-c84e-4b54-8dc1-c712e76704c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E02_Exterior_Street%20Level%20Entrance.jpg?VersionId=YoNig7pRdrE3HCue7sUj78LzJteeQf3H" />

The start of demolition at 137 Old Burleigh Road signals DVB Projects’ underlying confidence in the Gold Coast’s luxury beachside apartment sector.

“We see the Gold Coast as one of the most compelling lifestyle markets in Australia, particularly at the premium end where demand continues to deepen,” said Dean Brown, Managing Director of DVB.&nbsp;

“This project has been carefully designed to respond to that demand - delivering large-format residences with a level of quality, privacy and amenity that is still relatively rare in the apartment market on the beachside."

Brown says the site itself is "exceptional."

"Old Burleigh Road is one of the most tightly held beachfront strips, and opportunities to deliver a project of this scale and calibre in this location are extremely limited.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="398f377a-c037-455e-9250-0c5e0d84c35b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/I12_FF%20Balcony.jpg?VersionId=NwOiRWGMubR1c8wthuEfggklcja7al9." />

The project will comprise 40 half-floor residences of approximately 260 sqm, alongside eight full-floor residences spanning around 524 sqm.

A single penthouse will crown the building, featuring a private pool, barbecue area, indoor gym and dedicated entertaining spaces.

Residents will have access to a resort-style suite of amenities, including a 20-metre pool with daybeds, a gymnasium, hot and cold plunge pools, a sauna, and private residents’ lounge and dining facilities.

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1642bb0-9a66-4427-a022-dfc0988c6287" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/A02_Pool%20to%20View.jpg?VersionId=c0IXPyn_Gp_Kn3XCwzMrqIVkAdCEwVXP" />

Sales agent Todd Matheson, of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/pezet-matheson">Pezet Matheson</a>, which is marketing both 137 Old Burleigh Road and Sea Glass, said 137 Old Burleigh Road would address a clear gap in the market for genuine luxury products.

“There are very few opportunities on the Gold Coast where buyers can secure a residence of this size and quality in a new building,” Matheson said.

“What we’re seeing is a growing cohort of downsizers and interstate buyers who still want space - they’re not willing to compromise on living area, entertaining or finishes.

“This project has been designed with that buyer in mind. It offers the scale of a home, combined with the convenience and security of apartment living, in one of the coast’s most desirable positions.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="59aae0ca-5639-4320-8aca-d0bf60f48e43" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E01_Exterior%20Hero.jpg?VersionId=DS8Zfy2WtgUEtdfe0TEUuf1W1GfcZq8S" />

Located on a 1,156 sqm site one block from the beachfront, the development will replace an ageing walk-up building and is expected to contribute to the ongoing transformation of the Old Burleigh Road strip into one of the Gold Coast’s most prestigious residential corridors.

With the development moving into the delivery phase, 137 Old Burleigh Road is slated to hit the market later this year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145141]

DVB Projects to launch second Broadbeach apartment tower as demolition commences

<a data-end="327" data-is-only-node="" data-start="250" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/norus-projects" rel="noopener" target="_new">Norus Developments</a> has lodged plans for a new apartment development in Clayton that would add further momentum to the suburb's emerging Green Street corridor.

Plans have been lodged for the consolidated site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/1359-1365-centre-road-clayton-vic-3168">1359-1365 Centre Road</a>, where Norus is seeking approval for 218 apartments across a 12-storey apartment building designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/life-architecture-and-urban-design">Life Architecture</a>.

The proposal sits within the Clayton Major Activity Centre at the threshold of the planned Green Street corridor, a landscaped pedestrian connection intended to improve links through the precinct towards Clayton Railway Station.

The development would replace the site's existing collection of low-scale residential and commercial buildings with a single consolidated building, introducing significantly greater housing density to this part of Centre Road.

A retail tenancy is proposed at ground level to activate the Centre Road frontage, accompanied by transparent street interfaces and landscaping intended to create a more pedestrian-focused edge to the development.

<img alt="First look: Norus Developments plans landscape-led apartment project for Clayton’s emerging Green Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a5a763a-d9e9-4253-af2f-88008de27ebf" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Clayton%20a.png?VersionId=S2WJJbat1XVkZwB9SnYtygirXgWHiklX" />

The building has been designed with stepped massing and upper-level setbacks to manage its transition towards surrounding residential properties. The planning report describes the approach as one that integrates the building into the landscape rather than treating landscaping as a secondary element.

"A strong landscape and public realm strategy underpins the proposal," Urbis states in the planning report.

"Public benefits include an affordable housing contribution, a new pocket park, generous landscaped setbacks, deep soil planting and integrated Water Sensitive Urban Design."

The report adds that these elements are intended to create "a permeable, pedestrian-focused ground plane that enhances walkability, supports urban cooling and reinforces the emerging Green Street character."

Biophilic and passive design principles extend through the residential levels, with planting, daylight, natural ventilation and views towards landscaped areas forming part of the amenity strategy.

Parking would be concentrated away from the public realm, with 145 car spaces proposed from the rear laneway rather than dominating the Centre Road frontage.

The proposal follows an extensive pre-application process with the City of Monash. Three formal meetings were held between the project team and Council from December 2025 to March 2026, with the scheme evolving through several concept iterations before the current design was lodged.

The project arrives as Clayton prepares for substantial change around its established activity centre and the wider Suburban Rail Loop precinct. Its position on Centre Road places the development within an existing concentration of shops, services and public transport, while the Green Street connection is intended to strengthen pedestrian access towards Clayton Railway Station.

First look: Norus plans landscape-led apartment project for Clayton’s emerging Green Street

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a> has officially commenced construction on Bronze on Chevron, celebrating the sod turning of its first-ever Gold Coast development and marking a significant milestone in the company's continued expansion across South East Queensland.&nbsp;

Following the successful delivery of premium residential developments throughout Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bronze-on-chevron-8-mawarra-street-chevron-island-qld-4217">Bronze on Chevron</a> represents Gardner Vaughan Group's entry into the Gold Coast market. Bronze will deliver 119 one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments above two ground-level retail tenancies.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367193]

The recent sod turning ceremony was attended by Deputy Mayor Mark Hammel, President of the Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club, Cassandra Sedgman, project consultants, purchasers, project partners and invited guests to celebrate the commencement of construction.&nbsp;

Gardner Vaughan Group Chief Executive Officer Simon Betteridge said Bronze on Chevron represented an exciting new chapter for the business.&nbsp;

"We've spent almost four decades building homes that respond to the way people want to live, and we're excited to bring that experience to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chevron-island-qld-4217">Chevron Island</a>," Betteridge said.

"Bronze on Chevron is particularly significant because it marks Gardner Vaughan Group's first development on the Gold Coast following many successful projects across Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367183]

Betteridge said the ground breaking is a proud moment for the&nbsp;team and their purchasers, who can now see their future homes beginning to take shape.&nbsp;

"As both developer and builder, we're able to oversee every aspect of the project from design through to construction, ensuring the quality and attention to detail Gardner Vaughan Group has become renowned for."&nbsp;

Designed by acclaimed architectural practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, Bronze on Chevron has been thoughtfully designed to complement Chevron Island's evolving streetscape while embracing its relaxed coastal lifestyle.

The development will offer generous residences with refined interiors, premium finishes and resort-style amenities, with completion anticipated in early 2029.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=107520]

The development will offer generous residences with refined interiors, premium finishes and resort-style amenities, with completion anticipated in early 2029

Gardner Vaughan Group breaks ground on first Gold Coast development, Bronze on Chevron

South Yarra

<html><body>
The Minister for Public Transport, Jacinta Allan, has announced that South Yarra station will not receive extra underground platforms as part of the Melbourne Metro Rail (MMR) project owing to costs ranging from $700 million up to $970 million under differing scenarios.

The media release distributed on Friday morning cites a cost-benefit ratio of between 0.20 and 0.33 and thus deems the overall outcome as being "very poor". A ratio of less than 1 means net public benefits are lower than the amount paid to build the infrastructure.

The MMR tunnel is to run from South Kensington through Arden, Parkville, the CBD, Domain interchange and join the existing Caulfield group of lines to the south of South Yarra station and one option for an expanded South Yarra station was to locate the underground platforms 200 metres away which attracted a price tag of $700 million.

The Minister's media release further states that in the above scenario 100 properties would need to be removed in order for the station to be built.

Under another scenario, building underground platforms closer to the existing station, the price tag rises to just shy of a billion dollars and would have required the removal of 82 homes and half of the Jam Factory.

<h2>Comment</h2>

So there we have it: a price on expanding South Yarra station from 6 platforms to 8. In the most ideal scenario of locating the new platforms closer to the existing station it would cost upwards of $1 billion. Fair game, I wouldn't want to argue that price is justified either.

The focus on how passengers are going to change between lines now shifts further down the line to Caulfield, a station which hasn't rated much mention in discussion around the MMR project or the level-crossing removal program for the Dandenong line.

Assuming the current stopping pattern for all Pakenham / Cranbourne line trains will remain in place once the MMR project is complete - that is Malvern, Armadale, Toorak and Hawksburn won't see Pakenham/Cranbourne trains stop there - the focus for transfers with the Frankston line centres on Caulfield station.

The first concern for Caulfield, given it's future prominence being enhanced with the completion of the MMR project, is how well the station's ramps comply with accessible public transport standards. If memory serves correctly Caulfield has been highlighted as a concern for accessibility compliance in the past. Likewise the pedestrian subway located underneath the tracks immediately to the west of the station platforms has a train speed restriction.

Furthermore as anyone who frequently uses the Pakenham / Cranbourne Line will be aware of, as trains pull into and out of Caulfield station, the convoluted track layout which forms a complex junction between the Dandenong and Frankston corridors to the east of the station, coupled with curved platforms and an ageing pedestrian subway mandate that trains slow down at a greater distance from the station than what would otherwise be necessary if the rail infrastructure was streamlined.

All in all, despite the disappointment that South Yarra station will not be a full interchange between lines, the costs cited are a significant benchmark and are likely to be used in the years to come if and when new rail lines are proposed across dense inner city areas where roads are narrow and property acquisition requirements go through the roof.

In today's piece by Adam Carey in <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/new-underground-station-for-south-yarra-ruled-out-in-rail-tunnel-plans-20150514-gh1swk">The Age</a>, he notes that the 5 new stations are to be built with capacity increases in mind; each station will have 230 plus metre platforms which could fit 9 car trains in future (Melbourne trains currently run in 6 car configurations) and this is reported to be the primary reason why building two new platforms at South Yarra is uneconomical.

The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few in this case and after seeing the South Yarra station numbers it's time this was put to bed.

Expansion of our rail network - like the Clifton Hill-Fishermans Bend tunnel from the 2013 PTV heavy rail plan - is going to be prohibitively expensive if Government insists on total system inter-operability; not to mention we'd fail to take full advantage of the innovation that has been proven in cities around the world when it comes to building new transit lines.

Media release in full:

<iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="undefined" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_92661" scrolling="no" src="https://www.scribd.com/embeds/265377068/content?start_page=1&amp;view_mode=scroll&amp;show_recommendations=true" width="100%"></iframe>

Lead image credit: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Yarra_railway_station">Wikipedia</a>.
</body></html>

Alastair Taylor

Comment: South Yarra platforms for Melbourne Metro Rail ruled out

<html><body>
Malaysian-based Mitraland Group has flagged its intention to enter the Melbourne apartment sector with plans currently on display with City of Stonnington for a 20 level residential tower within South Yarra's Forrest Hill Precinct. Lodged with council during December 2014, the Fender Katsalidis-designed tower is nominated to have an end value of approximately $50 million.

Long earmarked unsuccessfully for development and surrounded by larger forthcoming towers such as <a href="/buildings/661-chapel-street-661-chapel-street-south-yarra">661 Chapel Street</a> and LK Property's <a href="/buildings/capitol-grand-241-toorak-road-south-yarra">Capitol Grand</a>, Mitraland are no doubt hoping the current planning application will find a favourable outcome in due course.

<h2>649 Chapel 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/image7_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of 649 Chapel Street. Image courtesy FK Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="960" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image7_3.jpg?itok=uj6_M5oz" title="Artist's impression of 649 Chapel Street. Image courtesy FK Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of 649 Chapel Street. Image courtesy FK Architects</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Current use: two storey commercial/retail building over a roughly 500sqm site</li>
	<li>Proposed: 20 level residential development at 61 metres in height</li>
	<li>72 apartments: all with two bedrooms</li>
	<li>71sqm retail outlet at ground level</li>
	<li>44 car parking and 21 bicycle spaces located within three basement levels</li>
	<li>GFA: 8,794sqm</li>
	<li>​Communal rooftop space: dining/BBQ area and open-air roof garden</li>
</ul>
The site in question has been to VCAT in recent years, unsuccessfully, with the then proponent trying to gain approval for a 17 level residential building holding 82 apartments. Urbis state within the current planning application that any proposal put forward for the site:

<blockquote>
Must demonstrate design excellence that will result in an outstanding building for the precinct. It is also imperative that any new proposal responds positively to the previous VCAT determinations
<cite>Urbis, 649 Chapel Street Planning Submission</cite>
</blockquote>

Issues VCAT raised for the site during the previous proposal's hearing include that the northern facade be well articulated given the adjoining and substantially lower Quest apartment complex is unlikely to be redeveloped, and that there be a clear differentiation between podium and tower. The latter point was further articulated at the time where VCAT stated they don't necessarily consider a setback pivotal, rather that there be a visible difference in treatment between lower and upper levels.

Project architect Fender Katsalidis have employed metal fins over lower levels with a red ochre-like finish to provide contrast.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image18_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A previously unsuccessful proposal for 649 Chapel Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="389" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image18_2.jpg?itok=lYyd-8N7" title="A previously unsuccessful proposal for 649 Chapel Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The previously unsuccessful proposal for 649 Chapel Street</figcaption></figure>Generally the exterior is dominated by precast walls to the north and south with an embossed pattern and applied colour designed to break its bulk. The northern facade has a considerable light court running the height of the tower included within the floorplan, accounting for roughly 42sqm of a typical floor's area.

Separated by the light court and the abutting lift, habitable areas within the proposal are essentially split into east and west wings. A generic plan covers levels 5-18, where each wing consists of two apartments with four per floor the norm. While all the apartments carry two bedrooms, the average internal area per apartment is approximately 75sqm with 66sqm and 83sqm the extremities.

<blockquote>
Within its context, the proposed building contributes significantly through a well-designed and dynamic piece of architecture. Its form is sleek and slender, while being both sensitive and striking. A suited mix of glass and concrete fold into one another, and an otherwise continuous form is interjected by central voids and light courts that allow light to filter through the centre of the building.

The slender vertical tower element provides a distinct separation between podium and tower forms through varied materials and visible recesses.
<cite>Urbis, 649 Chapel Street Planning Submission</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/16ban_01.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="16 Quartz as per the Mitraland website"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="232" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/16ban_01.jpg?itok=YPfAoeFb" title="16 Quartz as per the Mitraland website" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>16 Quartz development as per the Mitraland website</figcaption></figure>Incorporated during February 2014, Mitraland Australia is the Australian affiliate of Petaling Jaya-based Mitraland Group. Formed during 1998, Mitraland Group has completed a host of medium and high-density residential projects predominantly in and around Kuala Lumpur.

Mitraland Australia is the latest Malaysian developer to enter the local market, following in the footsteps of well established players such as SP Setia and Mammoth Empire. Another Malaysian developer soon to make an impression upon Melbourne is PJ Development Holdings which holds a 20,000sqm land parcel at 93-119 Kavanagh Street, Southbank. Speculation is that a tower of up to 300 metres is in the offing for the site, in a development value at approximately $1 billion.

<h2>649 Chapel Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Urban Context Report: Fender Katsalidis Architects</li>
	<li>Architectural plans: Fender Katsalidis Architects</li>
	<li>Planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>Sustainable Management Plan: Ark Resources</li>
	<li>Traffic Engineering: Cardno</li>
	<li>​Waste Management Plan: Leigh Design</li>
</ul>
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silvermb

Malaysia's Mitraland looks to enter the Melbourne apartment market

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Foreshadowed in an <a href="/news/plus-architecture-begins-2015-with-a-bang">article earlier this year</a> highlighting the exploits of Plus Architecture, one of the firm's most recent schemes has landed with City of Stonnington during early March and is now on public display. Currently a nondescript dual level commercial complex somewhat out of place as opposed to its nineteenth and early twentieth century neighbours, 402-416 Chapel Street is designed to be a 12 level mixed-use development holding prime position on the sought-after retail and entertainment strip.

Holding 75 metres of frontage to Chapel Street and bound by Simmons Street, Bray Street and Grey Street, the island site is one of only two large-scale plots capable of accommodating a significant development along Chapel Street; the other cited within planning documents as the Jam Factory. Subject to a preferred height limit of 19 metres, 402-416 Chapel Street weighs in at double Stonnington's preference, yet the non mandatory height guideline provides scope for a larger structure onsite.

<h2>402-416 Chapel 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/image83.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hero perspective of the proposed development. Image courtesy Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="365" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image83.jpg?itok=fEYf64pG" title="Hero perspective of the proposed development. Image courtesy Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hero perspective of the proposed development. Image courtesy Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Existing use: two-storey commercial building</li>
	<li>Site area: 3,306sqm</li>
	<li>Proposed 12 level mixed-use building at 39.9m</li>
	<li>99 residential dwellings: 39*1BR, 57*2BR, 3*3BR</li>
	<li>157 room residential hotel</li>
	<li>1,016sqm of retail (shop) floor space &amp; 719sqm of restaurant space</li>
	<li>820sqm of commercial office space</li>
	<li>Gym, lounges, pool deck and breakfast bar included</li>
	<li>Provision of 248 car parking spaces and 108 bicycle spaces over three basement levels</li>
</ul>
<h2>Big on Chapel</h2>

<iframe frameborder="0" height="450" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m0!3m2!1sen!2sau!4v1427196546133!6m8!1m7!1scxwQtG3p5deCfx4bq_Mung!2m2!1d-37.845209!2d144.994469!3f95.42771499686802!4f3.57326196813041!5f0.4000000000000002" style="border:0" width="600"></iframe>

As can be seen above the Chapel Plaza complex onsite contains very little architectural merit and as such lends itself to replacement. Chapel Plaza is included within a general heritage overlay covering the wider Chapel Street Precinct, but the site itself has no heritage value.

Consequently the attached heritage assessment focuses on the development's place within a larger Chapel Street context, which is summarised below:

<blockquote>
The proposal will remove an ungraded late-twentieth century building of no architectural, aesthetic or historic value to the HO126 Chapel Street Precinct. On this basis, the removal of this building is acceptable from a heritage perspective.

The proposal is consistent with Council heritage policy to enhance places of cultural significance. It is also consistent with policy that new works should not adversely affect heritage places. The mixed-use development is designed in accordance with strategies and objectives of the ‘Chapel Vision’ and ‘Chapel re-Vision’ structure plans, by maintaining this street’s role as a premier commercial and entertainment district in Melbourne, but balanced with retaining the street’s established heritage character.
<cite>Peter Andrew Barrett, architectural conservation consultant</cite>
</blockquote>

This assertion on building scale and impact upon surrounding areas is further backed by the following statement:

<blockquote>
The built form controls, as worded, are ‘preferred’ and are not mandatory controls. The proposal is considered capable of satisfying the design objectives and built form outcomes prescribed by the Design and Development Overlay without meeting all of its prescriptive controls.

The development has been designed in distinct components with a composition that is complex and varied. This includes a base podium, which is addressed to Chapel Street. A mid-rise element to six storeys and a high-rise tower that through orientation and recessing provides the appearance of two separate structures.
<cite>SJB Planning, 402-416 Chapel Street planning report</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Street level beat</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/image87.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Chapel Street frontage. Image courtesy Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="361" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image87.jpg?itok=NGs5vjG0" title="Chapel Street frontage. Image courtesy Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Chapel Street frontage. Image courtesy Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure>Considering the sizeable girth and height of 402-416 Chapel Street, Plus Architecture have sought to refine the considerable street frontage via a number of differing means. A balance between consistency and variation in finishes has been sought at street level, while the podium itself seeks to be consistent with its surrounds at between 3-4 levels in height.

Differing materials, arrangements and elements are present over lower levels, although all are within a modular theme which is referred multiple times within the development documents. This is essentially a reference to the site's heritage surrounds where the majority of structures are quite uniform in size and composition.

Vertical highlights are evident within these modular or 'squared' podium sections as seen above, breaking up the lower levels and providing articulation. This is further bolstered by a vertical green wall which will visually separate the bulk components of the building.

The Simmons and Chapel intersection is subject to a feature design element which differs from the remainder of the podium. Behind the timber cladding and angled screens are retail, restaurant and commercial office space over four levels. Due to its leading edge position and proximity to a the heritage pub opposite, the distinctive, softened podium feature has been employed.

<h2>402-416 Chapel Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Chapel Plaza Pty Ltd / Spotlight Property Group</li>
	<li>Development and Project Manager: Blueprint Group Australia</li>
	<li>Architectural plans: Plus Architecture</li>
	<li>Urban Context and Design Response: SJB Urban</li>
	<li>Heritage Assessment prepared: Peter Andrew Barrett</li>
	<li>Waste Management Plan: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Sustainability Management Plan: Waterman AHW (Vic) Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Landscape plans: Aspect Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>A Traffic and Transport Assessment: Cardno.</li>
</ul>
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Big on Chapel: 402-416 Chapel Street planning application

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Little Projects' Central South Yarra development located at 3 Yarra Street has achieved a major construction milestone: topping out.

On Wednesday the 11th of February, Little Projects held a traditional construction event to mark the milestone with an olive tree hoisted up to the rooftop where it spent three days; the placement of a tree when a building tops out is to symbolise growth and bring luck to a development.

Michael Fox, Managing Director of Little Projects said "today we celebrated the completion of the 30 level structure of Central South Yarra, which caps off another successful milestone for our landmark new development. The top level will transform over the coming months into an incredible world-class residents' rooftop retreat".

<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/centralsy_michaelfox_rooftop_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Little Projects Managing Director Michael Fox on the rooftop of Central South Yarra."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="375" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/centralsy_michaelfox_rooftop_2.jpg?itok=GuzBPDb9" title="Little Projects Managing Director Michael Fox on the rooftop of Central South Yarra." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Little Projects Managing Director Michael Fox on the rooftop of Central South Yarra.</figcaption></figure>After the successful completion of ILK South Yarra at 227 Toorak Road, Central South Yarra sold out in mid-2014 and Fox attributed much of Central South Yarra's success to its "exceptional inner city location, uninterrupted city views, world-class amenity and high degree of connectivity".

Central South Yarra is rounded out with 357 apartments, superb access to public transport and all the amenity that South Yarra is known for right at the front door. RotheLowman were responsible for exterior design with interiors by Plus Architecture and construction carried out by Hickory Group.

Little Projects tells Apartments.com.au overall completion and commencement of settlement in Central South Yarra is due mid 2015.

<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/centralst_top_render.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Central South Yarra's upper tiers. Image: supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="385" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/centralst_top_render.jpg?itok=_UmLyKfV" title="Central South Yarra's upper tiers. Image: supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Central South Yarra's upper tiers. Image: supplied</figcaption></figure>Apartments.com.au has also learned that the next development by Little Projects to begin construction will be Belle Box Hill. With final checks and balances currently underway, Hacer group have been appointed as builder and construction is expected to start within 1-2 months.

The lead image was taken from a camera on the rooftop of ILK and you can view more on <a href="http://centralsouthyarra.com.au/construction">Central South Yarra's website</a>.
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Central South Yarra tops out

South Yarra is experiencing an apartment construction boom at the moment with no less than thirteen major apartment developments sprouting skyward. Comfortably surpassing the established might of Southbank, South Yarra is second only to Melbourne&#39;s CBD in terms of the number of major projects under construction.

Combined, these thirteen projects are according to the Apartments.com.au Project Database delivering 1,784 new dwellings to South Yarra, with an assumption that this would equate to approximately 3,500 additional postcode 3141 residents.

<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_5330.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The epicentre that is Forrest Hill"><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_5330.jpg?itok=Hi6lYAVY" title="The epicentre that is Forrest Hill" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>The epicentre that is Forrest Hill, as seen from Claremont Street</figcaption>
</figure>

At the core of South Yarra&#39;s apartment success is Forrest Hill; the once low-rise industrial and commercial pocket was earmarked as an urban renewal precinct during 2005. While a steady trickle of projects have seen tower cranes populating the precinct ever since, it&#39;s only a decade later in the early stages of 2015 where Forrest Hill&#39;s full might is on display.

Seven of the current crop are located within Forrest Hill precinct, including <a href="/buildings/lucia-chiara-4-daly-street-south-yarra">Lucia/Chiara</a> and <a href="/buildings/central-south-yarra-3-yarra-street-south-yarra">Central South Yarra</a> who between them account for 782 of the overall 1,784 apartments under construction. The image above capturing Forrest Hill&#39;s Claremont Street holds <a href="/buildings/prime-tower-47-claremont-street-south-yarra">Prime Tower</a>, <a href="/buildings/claremont-manor-7-claremont-street-south-yarra">Claremont Manor</a>, <a href="/buildings/district-apartment-hotels-10-claremont-street-south-yarra">Alto</a> and <a href="/buildings/ella-2-claremont-street-south-yarra">Ella</a>; all at varying stages of construction and cumulatively contributing a further 668 apartments.

<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_5344.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Central South Yarra rising above it all"><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_5344.jpg?itok=2nrVnope" title="Central South Yarra rising above it all" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Central South Yarra rising above it all</figcaption>
</figure>

<a href="/buildings/yarra-house-18-yarra-street-south-yarra">Yarra House</a> also finds itself in Forrest Hill precinct, with the remaining projects under construction spread throughout the suburb. Projects west of Chapel Street include <a href="/buildings/six-murphy-6-murphy-street-south-yarra">6 Murphy Street</a>, <a href="/buildings/eight-murphy-8-murphy-street-south-yarra">8 Murphy Street</a>, The Hill Apartments and <a href="/buildings/her-majestys-apartments-52-davis-avenue-south-yarra">Her Majesty&#39;s Apartments</a>. <a href="/buildings/gisele-300-toorak-road-south-yarra">Gisele</a> and <a href="/buildings/pure-apartments-42-wilson-street-south-yarra">Pure Apartments</a> find themselves to the east of Chapel Street with the latter located in the emerging Garden/Wilson Street area.

While the current level of construction is robust in South Yarra, the next wave of projects heading toward construction in the near to medium term is impressive in itself. Of those apartment projects at registrations or sales, the list is headlined by LK Property&#39;s <a href="/buildings/capitol-grand-241-toorak-road-south-yarra">Capitol Grand</a> which at 193 metres in height would be South Yarra&#39;s signature built form.

Others included at registrations or sales are <a href="/buildings/wil-co-34-wilson-street-south-yarra">Wil&amp;Co</a>, <a href="/buildings/ralston-22-toorak-road-south-yarra">Ralston</a>, <a href="/buildings/essence-35-wilson-street-south-yarra">Essence</a> and The Elfin. Also watch out for <a href="/buildings/661-chapel-street-661-chapel-street-south-yarra">661 Chapel Street</a> progressing in the not too distant future.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image19_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Capitol Grand, 661 Chapel, Wil&amp;Co. Images courtesy Bates Smart, BDLC, McLaren"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="283" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image19_0.jpg?itok=NfMaG6ly" title="Capitol Grand, 661 Chapel, Wil&amp;Co. Images courtesy Bates Smart, BDLC, McLaren" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Capitol Grand, 661 Chapel, Wil&amp;Co. Images courtesy Bates Smart, BDLC, McLaren</figcaption>
</figure>

With many projects still to be added, the current overall list of 28 apartment projects within South Yarra can be found on the Apartments.com.au <a href="/developments">Project Database</a>.

South Yarra in full b(l)oom

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Think of Melbourne's surge in residential towers over the preceding 18 months and one firm immediately springs to mind. Elenberg Fraser have nabbed the lion's share of large-scale apartment designs in and around the CBD of late and have become synonymous with tall towers.

In a refreshing move the integrated design and architecture practice has delivered a bespoke project on behalf of developer Sterling Global located on Toorak Road, South Yarra which highlights the subtle design nuances employed by the firm in respecting the heritage and parkland settings which define the site. Far from the 1000-apartment projects Elenberg Fraser are currently overseeing, Ralston South Yarra speaks a different architectural language to many of their other ongoing projects.

Apartments.com.au recently spoke with Elenberg Fraser's Project Leader and Senior Architectural Technician Nick Bruford as to why Ralston holds its own.

<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/ralston_ext.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ralston's subdued exterior"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="362" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ralston_ext.jpg?itok=KECvtA-c" title="Ralston's subdued exterior" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ralston's subdued exterior</figcaption></figure>The obvious distinction between Elenberg Fraser's CBD projects and Ralston is location and scale. While the CBD towers are each set to house many hundreds of people upon completion, Ralston is a six level development fronting Toorak Road in the heart of an established low-rise precinct.

With a new developer and architect superseding previously endorsed plans for the site, both parties set out to deliver a project sympathetic to its surrounds while also representative of prospective buyers wishes. Typical undulating glazed facades have been replaced by stone and plaster wash finish panels in order to provide a level of rhythm and context. The facade is most prominent at street level, providing a level of privacy to ground level dwellings, and slowly opens up over upper levels allowing for panoramic CBD views.

In addition to providing scale the vertical panels also compliment the retained historic streetscape fronting Toorak Road. Melding original structures with new forms is a method that has been shied away from in recent Elenberg Fraser CBD designs; perhaps more a reflection of developers wishes than anything else. Regardless the revised plans for Ralston were received warmly by City of Stonnington.

<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/ralston_pent.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A penthouse resplendid with fireplace and expansive views"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="310" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ralston_pent.jpg?itok=8kTL8Ciu" title="A penthouse resplendid with fireplace and expansive views" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A penthouse resplendent with fireplace and expansive views</figcaption></figure>Nick Bruford explains the project has been a chance to explore different design qualities and opportunities, giving rise to an increased amount of detail throughout the development. Rather than statement exteriors and ample communal facilities typical of much taller projects in the CBD which are designed to attract volume buyers, Ralston delivers a understated yet refined development aimed toward the owner-occupier in what has traditionally been a sought after location.

Internally too Ralston features a variety of living options ranging from tri-level townhouses fronting Caroline Park through to two and three bedroom apartments ranging in size from 110sqm to 160sqm with large balconies in tow. Two penthouses crown the development and occupy the top two levels.

According to Nick hundreds of interior finish combinations were considered before the design team settled upon the chosen configurations which are evidenced within the complete display suite onsite. Chevroned wood floors and bathroom wall tiles are a standout and are ably supported by brass fittings, Combi ovens, composite marble splash backs and stone bench-tops in the kitchen. Sculptural lighting by Melbourne-based industrial designer Christopher Boots also point toward the heightened level of consideration given toward internal finishes.

<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/image1ralston.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Display suite finishes"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="270" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image1ralston.jpg?itok=ZqY9Kb__" title="Display suite finishes" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Display suite finishes</figcaption></figure>This 'departure from the norm' for Elenberg Fraser has produced results with 65% of apartments within the development sold after three weeks. Construction is set to commence on the Ralston in the new year and Apartments.com.au hopes to tour the completed complex in due course.
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Ralston South Yarra brings out Elenberg Fraser's subtle side

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Some pizazz has re-entered the top end of the Melbourne apartment market with a handful of penthouse offerings jostling to take centre stage. Far from the investor-driven stock of Melbourne's CBD towers, two current projects are showing their wares in the pedigree stakes.

Perhaps a sign of South Yarra's still exceptional pulling power, the two current projects are located within the locality maintaining differing but spectacular penthouses on offer for.

<h2>Washington Street</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/140908_-_washington_street_-_r001_-_elevation_2000.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Looking to set a new benchmark. Image courtesy Orchard Piper"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="278" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/140908_-_washington_street_-_r001_-_elevation_2000.jpg?itok=Sb8Skl-G" title="Looking to set a new benchmark. Image courtesy Orchard Piper" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Looking to set a new benchmark. Image courtesy Orchard Piper</figcaption></figure>Jolson Architecture have conceived a fresh project for developer Orchard Piper titled Washington Street. Six oversize dwellings will be located within the three level complex, including a 'super penthouse' expected to fetch in excess of $15 million. A breakdown of internal area size speaks toward the luxury status of Washington Street.

Dual ground floor residences range between 589sqm and 648sqm, including large external terrace/gardens in excess 200sqm. Three first floor abodes average 260sqm of internal living while the 'super penthouse' is precisely that: 570sqm of internal space complimented by a 372sqm external terrace. A total of 942sqm ranks Washington Street's penthouse as one of the largest penthouse apartments available in Melbourne.

<blockquote>
Luxury to us is about making the most of the intangibles, such as light, proportion and aspect, not just the combination of the most expensive items available. We achieve a greater outcome by focusing on creating value through relentless and obsessive design.

Saving money through value management is a fruitless task when compared to the benefit of a truly design led outcome. It’s very rare to find a site where you can completely take the brakes of your design team. Washington Street is a true expression of the collaborative talents we have employed on this project.
<cite>Luke McKie, Orchard Piper</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/140908_-_washington_-_r013_-_bed_20001.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="An extended bedroom goes toward Washington Street's prowess. Image courtesy Orchard Piper"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/140908_-_washington_-_r013_-_bed_20001.jpg?itok=r9Mbngzy" title="An extended bedroom goes toward Washington Street's prowess. Image courtesy Orchard Piper" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>An extended bedroom goes toward Washington Street's grandeur. Image courtesy Orchard Piper</figcaption></figure><h2>Yarra House</h2>

On a smaller land plot yet with height and never-to-be-built-out views to burn, the under construction Yarra House aims to bring dual penthouses to the South Yarra's Forrest Hill precinct. Designed by Scott Walker of Hassell Studio, the ‘North East Penthouse’ and ‘North West Penthouse’ together act as the crowning glory for the 26 level tower.

Refined stone benchtops, bespoke ensuites, fireplaces, floor-to-ceiling glazing, extensive walk-in robes, designated studies, kitchen walk-in pantries and entertaining space are included in the either three or four-bedroom residences, depending upon the buyers preference. At up to $3.995 million the penthouses represent a departure from the norm in Forrest Hill.

<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/yate8000_yarra_hp_v19_penthouse_01_to_view.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The best of Yarra House. Image courtesy Michael Yates &amp; Co"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="322" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/yate8000_yarra_hp_v19_penthouse_01_to_view.jpg?itok=I9jZVw5X" title="The best of Yarra House. Image courtesy Michael Yates &amp; Co" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The best of Yarra House. Image courtesy Michael Yates &amp; Co</figcaption></figure>Closer to the CBD a number of other prestige penthouse apartments and developments have appeared on the radar. Apartments.com.au highlighted what will likely be Melbourne's most exclusive development at <a href="/news/is-this-melbournes-most-exclusive-and-expensive-apartment-development">502 Albert Street, East Melbourne</a> with its massive sky homes, each of which could be considered a penthouse in its own right.

That a handful of luxury penthouses have been released to market loosely around the same time tends to suggest that the top end of the apartment market is still quite healthy with perceived underlying demand; the proof is in the penthouse (so to speak).
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Return of the luxury penthouse

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Covered briefly <a href="/news/190-metre-tower-sought-for-south-yarra">earlier in the week</a>, Apartments.com.au today takes an in depth look at the latest and greatest proposal for The Capitol in South Yarra. Acquired by former Dodo founder Larry Kestelman's LK Property Group it becomes the seventh incarnation in a long list of development proposals for the 5,600sqm former Capitol Bakeries site on the corner of Toorak Road and Chapel 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/image88.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Fluid building form. © Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="700" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image88.jpg?itok=Yc5dKsol" title="Fluid building form. © Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Fluid building form. © Bates Smart</figcaption></figure>Located within the rapidly evolving Forrest Hill precinct the project has been designed as a gateway development and an iconic landmark for the area, with an increase in height from 41-storeys to 58-storeys. As a result a subsequent refinement was undertaken resulting in more fluid forms articulated as a series of flowing horizontal ribbons across both masses before becoming more solid with an almost gill-like expression running up the face of the tallest tower.

<h2>Summary of changes</h2>

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 100%;">
<thead><tr>
<th>Aspect</th>
			<th>VCAT 2013</th>
			<th>Current</th>
		</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Height</td>
			<td>41-storeys 133m</td>
			<td>58-storeys 190m, 208m to tip of spire</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dwellings</td>
			<td>483</td>
			<td>660</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Parking</td>
			<td>553 car spaces</td>
			<td>630 basement car spaces 222 bicycle spaces</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Retail</td>
			<td>3,539sqm</td>
			<td>4,530sqm of retail across two levels</td>
		</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2>Changes to Toorak Road Tower</h2>

<blockquote>
There is an opportunity to bring the energy and curves created in the retail experience to the facade/balcony expression of the Toorak Road building.
<cite>Project Architect - Bates Smart</cite>
</blockquote>

A series of changes have occurred since the previously endorsed VCAT scheme:

<ul>
<li>The removal of the return in plan with the intention to improve views and increase the separation between the two towers.</li>
	<li>An increase of the floorplate width of 1.5m while still maintaining a 20m separation from the Chapel Street tower.</li>
	<li>A reduction in the amount of balcony area to the Toorak Road frontage</li>
	<li>A relocation of the core</li>
	<li>Standardisation of all one bedroom apartments which can also be configured as a one bed + study</li>
</ul>
<h2>Changes to Chapel Street</h2>

The tower now presents as three ellipses not unlike Bates Smart's <a href="/new-apartments/one-queensbridge-street-1-23-queensbridge-street-southbank">Queensbridge Tower</a> proposal but with a tapering in mass as the tower rises, becoming increasingly slender towards its summit. This results in a more dynamic skyline silhouette than the previous scheme which presented as a uniform mass. One of the key changes is the reduction of the building mass at street level with an aim towards greatly improving the pedestrian experience.

<blockquote>
We investigated an architectural language that creates a more distinctive sculptural object that celebrates the beauty of form and geometry. A form that might allow gradual slimming of the tower to create a unique landmark that has authenticity and identity. It would be an iconic contemporary destination in South Yarra. We tested the form of the tower to create a softer, more crafted quality which is in keeping with the new retail concept.
<cite>Bates Smart </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/floor_comparisons.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Floor plate comparison. © Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="335" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/floor_comparisons.png?itok=JgseLLIB" title="Floor plate comparison. © Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Floor plate comparison. © Bates Smart</figcaption></figure><h2>Retail podium</h2>

Major design changes have also been made to the retail podiums since the approved VCAT scheme, with a new retail brief being implemented encouraging pedestrians through the site by way of curved retail frontages. These design strategies are as follows:

<ul>
<li>The relocation of all car parking to below ground</li>
	<li>An increase in retail areas and circulation which takes advantage of level changes</li>
	<li>Decreased podium down to two-levels, providing a more human scale to the street</li>
	<li>Rooftop garden and amenities level</li>
	<li>The removal of the central retail component to open up the development to the street</li>
	<li>The introduction of more retail to Toorak Road to reflect its prominence</li>
	<li>The resolution of tower geometries and interface with amenities and retail</li>
	<li>A target NLA of 4,600sqm (over two floors)</li>
</ul>
According to the planning application the retail has been peeled back to allow the street to extend into the heart of the retail podium with a welcoming entry to Chapel 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/old_podium.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Podium of VCAT Scheme. © Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="264" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/old_podium.png?itok=YTGFKeTW" title="Podium of VCAT Scheme. © Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Retail podium elevation of VCAT Scheme. © Bates Smart</figcaption></figure><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/new_podium.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Revised retail podium. © Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="262" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/new_podium.png?itok=FdkfKG40" title="Revised retail podium. © Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Revised retail podium elevation. © Bates Smart</figcaption></figure><h2>Comment</h2>

Just how high is considered too high? At 193m to LMR The Capitol development would easily surpass Royal Domain Towers on St Kilda road as the tallest high-rise outside of the Melbourne CBD/Southbank and provide a visual landmark and focal point to the South Yarra skyline. It would also set a precedent for more towers of similar height and scale particularly if it can be argued that South Yarra as part of the Plan Melbourne blueprint must facilitate the expected influx of residents to Melbourne via concentrated high-rise development.

Height in particular shouldn't be the core reason for a development's refusal unless it comes at the detriment to the amenity of the street and pedestrian particularly along busy retail strips such as Toorak Road and Chapel Streets. The planning report indicates that "sunlight penetration to footpaths and public open spaces is maintained as per the approved scheme, with cut-outs at the podium level (Level 1) ensuring solar access through to the retail levels below." 

I don't believe I'm alone in suggesting that this could prove to be a game changer for the way activity centres such as South Yarra develop and Apartments.com.au will no doubt be keeping a close eye on the planning process.

A slideshow of earlier schemes is included below.

<h2>Project team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: LK Property Group</li>
	<li>Architect: Bates Smart</li>
	<li>Planning Consultant: Ratio Consultants</li>
	<li>Traffic Consultant: Traffix</li>
	<li>ESD Consultant: Norman Disney &amp; Young</li>
	<li>Wind Consultant: MEL Consult</li>
	<li>Waste Consultant: Leigh Design</li>
</ul>
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Laurence Dragomir

The Capitol of South Yarra

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Mid last year Nicholas Harrison wrote a piece titled "<a href="/news/sixth-time-lucky-at-the-fun-factory">Sixth time lucky at the Fun Factory</a>" which highlighted the many attempts to realise a large-scale tower on what is South Yarra's premier development site. Spanning as far back as 1989, developers have sought to make good a string of predominantly residential schemes designed for the site, but to no avail.

The most recent attempt found itself at VCAT during 2013, and ultimately gained approval at 134 metres in height. Beyond that point 241-257 Toorak Road &amp; 625 Chapel Street (as it's officially referred to) has since fallen under the control of rapidly expanding Melbourne-based developer <a href="http://lkproperty.com.au/">LK Property Group</a>.

<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/image67.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Render of The Capitol South Yarra. Images © Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="584" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image67.jpg?itok=6YOUHq6s" title="Render of The Capitol South Yarra. Images © Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Render of The Capitol South Yarra. Images © Bates Smart.</figcaption></figure>In keeping with the site's history and current development trends, a new planning application has been submitted seeking to increase the height and apartment yield for the project. Still under the moniker of The Capitol which surfaced during the failed sales campaign commenced during 2011, the new scheme before City of Stonnington seeks a 190 metre residential tower holding 660 apartments in a higher density format.

Project architect Bates Smart has essentially refined their previously endorsed design, creating a slimmer, taller tower while also reconfiguring the ground floor plane to allow greater circulation. The ground floor figure eight layout will heed 4,530sqm or retail space, adding to the already heavy retail offerings nearby.

While it may tower above all others in South Yarra, the below render shows that The Capitol wouldn't be completely out of place in what is a constantly evolving skyline. Given that the previous 41 storey development of 483 dwellings fell foul of City of Stonnington, it seems likely that VCAT or Ministerial intervention may well determine the fate of the current 190 metre proposal.

<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/image69.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Capitol above an otherwise expanding South Yarra skyline. Image courtesy Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="276" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image69.jpg?itok=vCvCNTTD" title="The Capitol above an otherwise expanding South Yarra skyline. Image courtesy Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Capitol above an otherwise expanding South Yarra skyline. Image courtesy Bates Smart.</figcaption></figure>Urban.com.au has now <a href="/news/the-capitol-of-south-yarra">dissected The Capitol's planning application at length</a>, highlighting the magnitude of the proposed development that may well permanently reshape South Yarra.
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190 metre tower sought for South Yarra

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Art gallery owner Rob Gould’s South Yarra home <a href="/news/art-dealer-rob-goulds-south-yarra-home-offering-polar-bear-not-included">had been listed for sale</a> with $5.5 million plus hopes, before it was passed in at weekend auction on a $4.8 million vendor bid. It now comes with a $5,295,000 asking price.
Renovated by architect John Wardle, the four-bedroom early 1900s Park Street semi was <a href="https://www.23parkstreet-southyarra.com/" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">listed by Marshall White agent Marcus Chiminello</a>.
It's all on a modest 379 square metre block behind its ordinary classic Victorian facade.
The gallery owner’s art collection features works including the Scott Redford sculpture 'My Beautiful New Polar Bear' in its courtyard.
The prominent art dealer received media attention in 2012 when his former partner, Sotheby’s Australia chairman Geoffrey Smith, took legal action in an attempt to secure a share of assets after their 14-year relationship came to an end. 
<div id="gallery">
<div class="img-wrapper">
<div class="premGallery">Gould is downsizing and has not ruled out a move to Sydney, where he owns an apartment.</div>
</div>
</div>
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