Around 400 additional homes could be built at Southwark Grounds on Port Road, lifting total site capacity from 1300 to around 1700 dwellings.

A recently approved code amendment would allow apartment towers of up to 14 storeys in some areas of Renewal SA’s redevelopment of the former West End Brewery.

Renewal SA Acting Chief Executive Shane Wingard said he welcomed the code amendment, with the increase in heights and homes making a positive impact on the supply of high-quality, well-connected housing close to the city.

“By going higher across some parts of Southwark Grounds, we are adding a substantial number of very well-located homes with little impact on project delivery time or planned open space,” Mr Wingard said.

Since the project officially launched in 2025, Mr Wingard said more than 12,000 enquiries had been received about living at Southwark Grounds.

“The very strong early interest we’ve seen since homes were first released in the precinct reinforces our plans to create more housing opportunities,” he said.

The Southwark Grounds code amendment was launched in December last year, with community engagement undertaken over five weeks from January.

It proposed increasing maximum building heights from eight to 14 storeys on the eastern section of Southwark Grounds, and to 12 storeys across the remainder of the site, with minimum building heights ranging from two to four storeys.

The code amendment was implemented through an Early Commencement policy in late January, allowing developers to quickly explore the viability of increased height and housing yield while other planning processes continue.

One of the first developers delivering apartment sites have already finalised redesigns to increase the number of apartments following the code amendment.

Samaras’ development adjacent to the future Colonel Light Park is now planning to deliver 125 apartments across 11 storeys, significantly greater than original plans of around 50 apartments across four storeys.

The developer is also exploring the potential for additional affordable housing outcomes.

Most of the apartments at Southwark Grounds will be delivered within a master-planned precinct on a large parcel of land on the eastern portion of the site, covering around two-thirds of its 8.4 hectares.

Wingard said detailed precinct planning over the coming months may identify further opportunities to increase yield further that could see total apartment numbers at Southwark Grounds, exceed this number.

Affordable homes at Southwark Grounds will also see a net increase, with Renewal SA maintaining its commitment to a minimum of 20 per cent affordable housing across the development.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Civil works have begun across the site, with construction under way on the first new roads surrounding a townhouse precinct in the south‑west corner of Southwark Grounds. This includes Renewal SA’s 17 Founder’s Row homes, which are on track for completion by Christmas.

“We expect to have people living at Southwark Grounds by the end of the year, so delivering roads and public spaces for those residents is among our highest priorities.”

Construction of 40 townhouses off Anderson Street, known as West Village and being delivered by Contour, is forecast to begin in mid‑2026. Kolabb’s Anderson Lane development will follow shortly after, delivering a further 26 townhouses.

Southwark Grounds is a state government‑led urban renewal project now set to deliver around 1,700 homes over the next decade.

Homes will be supported by a supermarket, a range of retail and hospitality offerings anchored by a revitalised Walkerville Brew Tower, a childcare centre, car parking and well‑connected public spaces.

Joel Robinson

400 new homes planned for Adelaide's former West End Brewery site

Brisbane developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/cavcorp">Cavcorp</a> has lodged plans for a new mixed-use residential development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-wyandra-street-teneriffe-qld-4005">55 Wyandra Street</a>, Teneriffe, anchored by an 85-metre public laneway designed to reconnect the suburb’s riverfront with the Gasworks precinct.

The buildings, known as Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane, would replace the existing Queensland Cotton head office site with a 15-storey residential tower transitioning to eight storeys toward Helen Street. The project has been designed by Plazibat Architects and lodged as a code assessable development application for 93 apartments across a 3,401 sqm mixed-use site within the Newstead and Teneriffe Waterfront neighbourhood plan.

Central to the scheme is the transformation of an existing service easement into a publicly accessible cross-block connection linking Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the new laneway will act as both a pedestrian shortcut and a landscaped civic space between the Teneriffe Riverwalk, ferry terminal, and Gasworks precinct.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26e7f058-b065-4de8-b13d-a2b8cb64dfcc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bldg.png?VersionId=sELS0ZKYi361oYipUa1BIKfe_.DLZoFV" />

“The revised proposal delivers a legacy public-realm cross-block link, permanently secured for community use, transforming an existing private easement into a safe, high-quality pedestrian connection between the Teneriffe heritage riverwalk and the Gasworks–Long Island precinct,” the planning report states.

The laneway will sit beneath a large subtropical loggia integrated into the podium levels of the development. The design incorporates deep landscaping, water gardens, lobby spaces, business lounges, and ground-floor apartments to create what Cavcorp describes as a climate-responsive “urban verandah.”

The tower itself has been designed as a slender form with recessed floorplates and curved translucent corners inspired by contemporary Japanese architecture. The building height aligns with the Commercial Road precinct controls, which permit towers up to 15 storeys within proximity to Longland Street.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8a17d40-43b6-4718-b3fd-67676fcbb485" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers%202_1.png?VersionId=i3VwDtp5AmL_8InW7w4qRbDFEpb744Jt" />

The project will comprise a mix of larger-format apartments aimed at owner-occupiers, downsizers, and families. The proposed apartment mix includes 11 loggia apartments across the lower levels, 50 four-bedroom Sky-Terrace apartments from levels three to seven, and 32 Sky-Pool Homes occupying the upper tower levels. The Sky-Pool Homes will feature private thermal plunge pools integrated into oversized balconies.

According to the application, the apartments are intended to reinterpret the scale and character of Teneriffe’s woolstore conversions and Queensland homes within a vertical residential format.

“The sky-pool homes build on Cavcorp’s previous projects and introduce a distinct apartment typology to Teneriffe, informed by both local and international precedent and responding to an identified market demand for enhanced safety, space and amenity,” the planning submission notes.

A major focus of the proposal is its five-level wellness and lifestyle offering, extending from the basement through to the rooftop.

Amenities proposed include a rooftop Swim &amp; Racquet Club with a 25-metre Olympic lap pool and tennis court, coworking spaces and libraries, golf simulators, wine storage, concierge facilities, business lounges, pet wash areas, and rooftop longevity-focused wellness spaces with spas, outdoor fitness zones, and landscaped terraces.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="944b352c-49b9-4247-a4c6-5967b4b69fda" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/amenity.png?VersionId=Ed_qKjAtMwFT.5gfl3jiA9QwdWxSMsaX" />

All parking will be concealed within basement levels accessed from Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the deep-basement engineering approach allows the entire ground plane to prioritise landscaping, pedestrian movement, and active frontage rather than vehicle infrastructure.

The development continues Cavcorp’s concentration in Newstead and Teneriffe, where the Brisbane developer has delivered a number of apartment projects including Lucent, Le Bain, and Luminare, as well as the Long Island Wellness Precinct nearby. Several of those projects have received national design and architecture awards, including recognition under Brisbane’s “Buildings that Breathe” program.

Cavcorp unveils wellness-focused Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane apartment buildings

Focus Group Investments has lodged plans for a new apartment development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-70-hanover-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">64–70 Hanover Street</a> in Fitzroy, seeking to utilise the Victorian Government’s recently introduced Great Design Fast Track pathway to accelerate approvals for the project.

The proposal is among the latest developments to emerge through the state-led initiative, which was established to fast-track well-designed residential projects in activity centres and transport-connected inner-city locations. The pathway allows qualifying developments that meet elevated design and housing benchmarks to bypass traditional council planning timeframes and instead be assessed directly by the Department of Transport and Planning.

Designed by SJB, the development will comprise a mix of apartments above activated lower levels, with a strong focus on architectural articulation, landscaping, and communal amenity. The design response seeks to balance the industrial character of Richmond’s former warehouse precincts with a more contemporary residential form.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abea51cc-d85b-479e-9aef-a589f3b37ca7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ground.png?VersionId=e1Kf8EyPWwyiVumtqQ4rM5S4GpOR3CCz" />

Proposed are 63 new dwellings, a wide ranging mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, and townhouses and duplexes. They will be spread across a part-three, part-eight storey building.

The Planning and Urban Context Report by Tract says the development is of an "exemplary architectural standard" and has been carefully crafted by SJB Architects.

"Dwellings&nbsp;will benefit from excellent access to natural light, cross-ventilation opportunities and extensive communal space," the report noted.

The architectural material highlights the project’s integration of landscaped elements and communal spaces throughout the building. The proposal also incorporates sustainability initiatives aligned with the Victorian Government’s push for higher-performing apartment developments under the fast-track program.

The Great Design Fast Track was unveiled by the Victorian Government in 2024 as part of a broader housing supply strategy aimed at accelerating the delivery of new homes. Projects assessed through the pathway must demonstrate high-quality architecture, sustainability outcomes, and housing diversity while being located close to public transport and existing infrastructure.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="afdbe834-8dc4-4a77-a943-ba07bc927348" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_11.png?VersionId=0J657j.TaChAZfp93wqJYBTqSsnREJx2" />

Focus Group, founder and led by Paul De Lutiis, is increasingly active across Melbourne’s inner suburbs, targeting well-connected urban renewal locations suited to medium and higher-density residential development. The Fitzroy proposal continues that strategy, leveraging the area’s strong transport links, established retail amenity, and proximity to the CBD.

Fitzroy has been one of the most popular spots for developers and buyers in recent years. The likes of PACE Development Group, SMA Projects, Crema Group and Chapter Group, currently selling projects in the suburb.

First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Fitzroy apartments

The Gold Coast Planning Committee has supported the preliminary approval for the Benowa Gardens Urban Village project following an extensive community consultation and assessment process.

The proposal will now proceed to a full council vote on June 2.

The application sought approval for a masterplanned urban village on the existing Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre site, combining new housing, retail, dining, health and lifestyle amenities within a walkable, integrated precinct.&nbsp;

The proposed redevelopment includes around 413 apartments integrated above a revitalised mixed-use centre featuring a full-line supermarket of 4,000 sqm, 6,000 sqm of specialty retail and dining space across around 30 retailers, a 7,000 sqm health and wellness precinct, and roughly 9,630 sqm of office and medical suites.&nbsp;

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fb36ae47-80bc-45f0-9914-31b0c7b6007d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/PR26576%20Ashmore%20Road%20C4%201121%20FI.jpg?VersionId=6mRKk2uU4r67TmTt39DKGUlvFRbTVqWa" />

The broader masterplan also includes very significant traffic and transport improvements, wide pedestrian walkways, upgraded pedestrian and cycle connections, and enhanced public areas designed to create a more connected and walkable community environment.&nbsp;

Centre owner Patrick Lu said the milestone reflected months of detailed planning, technical assessment and ongoing communication with local residents, businesses, schools and stakeholders.

“We appreciate the time, consideration and care Council officers and the Planning Committee have given this proposal throughout the assessment process,” Lu said.

“We also sincerely thank the local community for engaging with us, sharing feedback and participating in the consultation process over many months.

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32fd1fc3-d0e6-485f-ac57-9916c9bcb818" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/PR26576%20Ashmore%20Road%20C5%201121%20FI_2.jpg?VersionId=fz8qQKDBLQ7MyFRc856Zccfbh9nFwLOe" />

“We understand projects of this scale bring questions and concerns, which is why we have worked hard to listen carefully, provide information transparently and continue refining elements of the proposal where possible.

“Our vision has always been to create a well-designed, community-focused urban village that responds to the changing needs of the Gold Coast, while delivering improved amenity, housing diversity, healthcare access and local lifestyle benefits.

“This proposal is about creating a genuine live-work-play environment where residents can access everyday services, schools, healthcare, dining, shopping and green space within walking distance, while also supporting local jobs and economic activity.”

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="50dfbd04-590e-4fc6-983b-766880947867" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Dining%20Day%20Time%20-%20High%20Resolution.jpg?VersionId=BP7ZoKJ0DdL_8iRkkC8VVx99moICV6kg" />

Lu said the proposal had evolved significantly through consultation and technical review, particularly around traffic, pedestrian and student safety and neighbourhood connectivity.&nbsp;

Melissa Griffin, Director at Urbis, said the recommendation recognised the strategic importance of delivering more housing and services within established urban areas already supported by infrastructure.

“This proposal represents the type of thoughtful, integrated growth that planning frameworks across South-East Queensland are encouraging,” Ms Griffin said.

“The project seeks to place housing, retail, healthcare and employment opportunities together in a highly accessible location close to schools, transport and existing services.

“Importantly, the process has involved significant technical assessment and community engagement to ensure local issues and feedback were properly considered throughout the planning pathway.”

$1 billion Benowa Gardens Urban Village heads to council vote following Planning Committee support

Surfers Paradise is officially set for its first new residential development with a 45-storey skybridge connecting the two towers.

John Camilleri’s Celestino Developments has been given the green light by the Gold Coast City Council to develop its major beachfront precinct across its huge 4,000 sqm oceanfront site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/63-79-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">63–79 Garfield Terrace</a>, just five months after its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-exclusive-billionaire-winx-breeder-s-bold-two-tower-surfers-paradise-play-with-45th-storey-skybridge">submission in late 2025</a>.

The approved scheme will deliver two towers rising 55 and 48 storeys, connected by a skybridge positioned on level 45 that will house a range of resident-only wellness and entertainment spaces.

In its notice of approval, the Gold Coast City Council said the&nbsp;proposed overall built form has been designed to complement the scale, intensity and protect the adjacent amenity and surrounding streets through the use of varied setbacks, site cover and architectural elements.

<img alt="First look exclusive: Billionaire Winx breeder’s bold two-tower Surfers Paradise play with 45th-storey skybridge" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-30%20at%209.53.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=ADyPJ_TFbJvSU9wZFOiCBnlPtgF7VWqW" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dbi">DBI</a>, the development will comprise 275 apartments across the two towers, including a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom residences, as well as several penthouses. The apartments will sit above a landscaped podium featuring more than 90 metres of beachfront pool frontage, private resident lawns, lounges, and wellness spaces.

DBI said the design draws heavily from the movement and form of the coastal environment, with curving balcony lines and sculpted façades intended to soften the scale of the towers while maximising ocean outlooks and passive shading outcomes.

“The project occupies a rare, uninterrupted oceanfront site and has been shaped by a design philosophy that merges architectural elegance with environmental responsiveness and a carefully curated lifestyle experience,” DBI said in planning documents submitted to the Gold Coast City Council.

The most distinctive element of the approved project is the skybridge linking the two towers at level 45. The elevated communal space is planned to include executive lounges, formal dining areas, wellness facilities, and panoramic ocean-facing outlooks.

“The skybridge enhances the identity of the development, promotes social interaction, and delivers a lifestyle experience not found elsewhere on the Gold Coast,” DBI said.

At podium level, residents will have access to a suite of resort-style amenities, including resident lounges, private dining rooms, a yoga lawn, gymnasium, plunge pools, and treatment spaces. The beachfront pool has been designed with separate lap, lounge, and children’s areas extending across the width of the site.

The project will also introduce new food and beverage offerings along the Enderley Avenue and Oceanway frontages, contributing additional activation to the beachfront precinct.

First look: Winx billionaire’s beachfront Surfers Paradise apartment development greenlit

Southbank

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

Alastair Taylor

One Queensbridge Street approved

<html><body>
The Southbank, Melbourne apartment of Lin Tan, who heads up Rubberduck Café in Malaysia, has been listed for sale.
It is on <a href="https://www.corerealty.com.au/3418499/" target="_blank">level 26 in the Triptych building</a> on Kavanagh Street. She paid $1.95 million for the apartment in 2010.
There are three bedrooms, two with built-in storage and the master with a full ensuite.
There is a large open-plan living room with a stone-topped Miele kitchen and butler’s pantry.
Floor-to-ceiling windows capture views over the Botanic Gardens and communal facilities include an indoor lap pool, rooftop garden and concierge service.
The property is listed with Corene Chan of Core Realty with $2.5 million hopes.
</body></html>

firstname1-iYD4UYzvBa

Rubberduck Café's Lin Tan lists in Southbank

<html><body>
Having heard of the importance of street setbacks and tower separation over the previous two years as part of the Government's push for better tower design outcomes, somewhat of a built form quirk is emerging on Southbank's Coventry Street.

Should the recently submitted 31 Coventry Street gain approval, it would allow four towers to be built wall to wall, with the quartet each spanning approximately 20 levels. With no street or tower setbacks involved, the result would be a solid build form that stretches roughly 90 metres on the horizontal plane.

This seems to fly in the face of what has been drummed into all and sundry in recent years. But of course it's not a black and white matter when considering equitable development opportunities, discretionary design controls which veil the site/surrounds and existing built form precedents.

It could be argued that having this solid wall of towers is a poor design outcome, yet at the same time why should 31 Coventry Street be treated any differently than the towers which have been approved before it over recent times.

<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/image3cov.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Elenberg Fraser's initial renders for 31 Coventry Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="299" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image3cov.jpg?itok=JDFhyyRZ" title="Elenberg Fraser's initial renders for 31 Coventry Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Elenberg Fraser's initial renders for 31 Coventry Street</figcaption></figure>In isolation, 31 Coventry Street is one of two apartment developments for Headland Properties which are currently at planning.

With precinct-specific design controls in a state of change, the developer has taken the opportunity to push through with the project which is the amalgamation of the Coventry Street plot and 22-24 Wells Place. The latter southern facing site did hold approval for a slim Pandolfini Architects-designed residential tower.

The amalgamation of the Wells Place and Coventry Street plots has allowed for an increased apartment yield, which totals 120. This sum is split between 40 single and 80 dual bedroom options, with premier two bed, two bath layouts facing Coventry Street.

Assisting the proposed tower is basement car parking for 94 vehicles, a ground floor showroom and rooftop amenities.

<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/image16cov.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Pandolfini Architects' superseded Wells Place design"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="444" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image16cov.jpg?itok=zQ7rtLWC" title="Pandolfini Architects' superseded Wells Place design" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Pandolfini Architects' superseded Wells Place design and Elenberg Fraser's equivalent</figcaption></figure>Project architect Elenberg Fraser describes the design as follows:

<blockquote>
The Wells place facade references a New York style masonry brick facade. This treatment wraps around to the Eastern and Western facades to provide privacy screening to the adjacent properties. Additionally this facade treatnent acts as an effective solar shading device.

The proposed design for the 31 Coventry sheet facade is an architectural screening element. This provides the opportunity to set the buildings glazing line back from the sites northern title boundary.
<cite>Elenberg Fraser</cite>
</blockquote>

The remaining trio joining Elenberg Fraser's vision for Coventry Street are at different stages of delivery.

Evolve Development has seen the completion of The Guilfoyle at 39 Coventry Street come and go, with the developer also poised to begin construction on Botanic Melbourne at 25-29 Coventry Street which includes 288 apartments over 20 levels. The project has an end value of $190 million and has a targeted 2019 completion date.

Botanic Melbourne is also noteworthy in that Evolve Development control the adjoining 23 Coventry Street, thus preventing development of that site in order to preserve views and amenity from their pending tower.

Rounding out the quartet that combine to create the 'Wall of Southbank' is Coventry Haus, with Hamilton Marino Builders progressing the build that will eventually see 68 apartments within the slim 20 level tower.

<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_4442.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="31 Coventry Street in the foreground with 33 Coventry under construction"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_4442.jpg?itok=w8ah089q" title="31 Coventry Street in the foreground with 33 Coventry under construction" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>31 Coventry Street in the foreground with 33 Coventry under construction</figcaption></figure>
</body></html>

silvermb

Hitting the wall on Southbank

<html><body>
The latest research from CoreLogic's Southbank Melbourne Cityscope shows property sales have decreased in the past three months.
The property investment firm says that sales recorded in the quarter ending November 2016 totalled $610.6 million, a decrease from the $952.9 million recorded in the three months to August 2016
But a large increase from the $187.9 million recorded to May 2016.
This data brings the 12 month total to $2.306 billion, an increase from the $1.261 billion recorded the same time last year.
The table below shows sales recorded for the past eight updates of Southbank Cityscope.
<a href="/images/2016/12/05/Southbank-01.jpeg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/12/05/Southbank-01.jpeg" alt="">
Recent standout sales in the Southbank area include:
<ul>
<li>Twenty8 Freshwater Place, at 28 Freshwater Place, Southbank, comprising a 26-level building with retail space on the ground level and 19 levels of office space, has sold for $286 million through Colliers International Melbourne. The sale represented an initial yield of 6.60% on passing income of $18,876,000;</li>
<li>A vacant development site, at 7-23 Spencer Street, Docklands, an 8,607 sqm block of vacant land at site preparation stage has been sold for $97 million through CBRE Melbourne and JLL Melbourne.</li>
</ul>
<a href="/images/2016/12/05/Southbank-02.jpeg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/12/05/Southbank-02.jpeg" alt="">
Properties for sale in Southbank in November 2016 include:
<ul>
<li>Hilton Melbourne South Wharf, at 2 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf, a 5-star hotel comprising ground floor lobby and retail space, a four-level podium and 396 rooms, for sale through JLL Hotels &amp; Hospitality and</li>
<li>202-214 Normanby Road, South Melbourne, a high single-storey brick factory-workshop building being marketed as a development site of 1,518 sqm, for sale through CBRE Melbourne.</li>
</ul>
Significant leasing opportunities in Southbank in November 2016 include:
<ul>
<li>210 Kings Way, South Melbourne, a five-storey brick and concrete office building with a 6,135 sqm building area and 56 car parks, has office space ranging from 670 to 1,890 sqm for lease through Lemon Baxter;</li>
<li>South Wharf Office Tower at 30 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf, a 12-level office tower with parking for 404 cars, has office space of 491 to 2,665 sqm for lease through Colliers International Melbourne; and</li>
<li>182 Kings Way, South Melbourne, comprising two office buildings, has office space ranging from 1,390 to 1,900 sqm for lease through CBRE Melbourne.</li>
</ul>
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Southbank property market declines in past three months: CoreLogic

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The deeper pockets of Southbank continue to tick over as developers line up the next wave of apartment projects in the area.

Most recent to planning is 83-89 Coventry Street, with the large corner site of 976sqm landing with City of Melbourne in recent days. Proposed is a 20 storey reisdential tower with ground level retail and basement carparking.

At the time of sale near on two years ago, the site was offered by Colliers with a "World class scheme for a new iconic tower prepared by one of Melbourne’s best architects." With the passage of time, it likely that a new scheme has been created for the site which abutts the area's tallest building under construction, <a href="/buildings/kings-domain-southbank-68-dorcas-street-southbank">Kings Domain</a> the 24 storeys.

<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_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Colliers successfully sold 83-89 Coventry Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="369" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image67_3.jpg?itok=1UEEDGDA" title="Colliers successfully sold 83-89 Coventry Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Colliers successfully sold 83-89 Coventry Street</figcaption></figure>83-89 Coventry Street joins 175-187 Sturt Street, which is the precint's other major apartment development at planning.

Lodged during July, the development application calls for a mixed use building which would replace a low-rise commercial complex. Although the scheme has yet to be advertised, likely images of the development have appeared on the website of <a href="http://g3projects.com.au/projects/southbank">G3 Projects</a> in recent times.

Its sweeping form and unique exterior finishes make the tower an aesthetically pleasing sight, while its height is lower to that of the diagonally opposite <a href="/new-apartments/248-250-sturt-street-southbank">250 Sturt Street</a>, which won approval at 16 levels.

<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/image68_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="G3 Projects are involved with 175-187 Sturt Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="356" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image68_6.jpg?itok=z5O4mZ1T" title="G3 Projects are involved with 175-187 Sturt Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>G3 Projects are involved with 175-187 Sturt Street</figcaption></figure>In terms of projects nearing public launch, a selling agent has been appointed to The Evermore.

Across a large Dorcas Street land holding, Xu Hui International Group operating as Landence Group in Melbourne, is expected to launch full retail sales of for the twin towered project in the new year. Designed by Hayball, the project initially gained approval for 492 apartments although it has since been refined by the development team, with 400 plus apartment still expected.

The balance of active apartment projects in this pocket of Southbank is split between Evolve Development's <a href="/developments/southbank-vic-3006">Botanic</a> which is at tender, and the under construction <a href="/new-apartments/coventry-haus-33-coventry-street-southbank">Coventry Haus</a> and <a href="/buildings/kings-domain-southbank-68-dorcas-street-southbank">Kings Domain</a>.

The combination of the above projects would add approximately 1,000 apartments to the areas already healthy population.

<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_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hayball's final design for The Evermore"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="655" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image69_5.jpg?itok=dt4g-TRj" title="Hayball's final design for The Evermore" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hayball's final design for The Evermore</figcaption></figure>
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Southbank continues to attract development attention

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A restaurant investment in the heart of Southbank is now for sale.
The property is located <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-vic-southbank-502141674" target="_blank">1G/ 133 City Road, Southbank</a>.
It is currently leased for seven years with options to extend it even further.
It has a building area of 190 sqm with extensive contemporary fitout.
The rental yield for this property is $85,000 per annum net with reviews of four percent annually. There is a security deposit of $21,353.15
The property is listed for November 23 auction through Ray White agent Brett Diston.
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Restaurant premises in heart of Southbank for on auction

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The penthouse on the 86th floor of Eureka, one of the tallest buildings in the southern hemisphere, has hit the market.
And there's whispers that the 85th floor empty shell is soon set for imminent JLL listing. 
<a href="https://www.rtedgar.com.au/property/424157/8601-7-riverside-quay-southbank/" target="_blank">The 86th floor</a> is a lavish New York style Art Deco inspired apartment listed by entrepreneur Anthony Podesta.
Perched almost 300 metres above Riverside Quay, Southbank, the 660 sqm, whole floor apartment fitout was two years in the making.
It comes with four ensuited bedrooms, a library, large entertaining space, theatre room and even has Eureka Towers only gas fireplace.
There are designer imported fittings, with French oak parquetry flooring and hand crafted Art Deco ceilings. Italian marble is used throughout the apartment.
Podesta, a former high school teacher, made his fortune by founding McMillan Shakespeare, Australia's largest provider of salary packaging and notated leasing.
RT Edgar agents Tim Wilson and Anthony Grimwade are seeking offers over $18 million in conjunction with Melbourne Sotheby's agent Greg Herman.
For the more establishment buyer there's the 99 Spring Street penthouse offering which has been listed by Greg Hargrave. 
This article was first published in the Weekend Australian Mansion Australia property section.
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Eureka penthouse hits the market

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The proposed new Melbourne Conservatorium of Music (MCM) on Sturt Street is shaping to become much more than a cutting edge venue. While the project has been given coverage to date across a range of mediums, very little has been said regarding the project playing an integral part in the wider push to enliven the Arts Precinct and Southbank as a whole.

With plans for the $105 million complex now on display, it's an apt time to explore the projects intentions for Southbank at large.

Covering a site area of 5,100sqm, project lead John Wardle Architects have been joined by landscape architects ASPECT Studios in conceiving a site-specific response, with the aim of encouraging activity across the site and the wider area. Tying in with initiatives such as City of Melbourne's <a href="/news/transforming-southbank-boulevard-and-dodds-street">Transforming Southbank Boulevard</a> project, MCM will create a new active linear axis between Sturt Street and Dodds Street.

Dodds Street has been earmarked by the City Of Melbourne as a prime candidate for conversion to a pedestrian thoroughfare, providing Southbank with additional public space.

Located across from the West Block of the Melbourne University's adjoining campus, this new connector will see the reconfiguration of a number of existing onsite buildings in order to deliver plazas, lawns, more intimate parks and courtyards, set around a common pedestrian pathway. It's expected that when these outdoor spaces (including performance areas) are not utilised by university students, they will be made available to outside organisations.

<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/image38_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Exterior perspective. Image: Image: John Wardle"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="267" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image38_5.jpg?itok=lWdk-YlY" title="Exterior perspective. Image: Image: John Wardle" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Exterior perspective. Image: Image: John Wardle</figcaption></figure>According to the advertised documents, the MCM's design is in part based upon four key themes held within the wider ranging <a href="http://archive.creative.vic.gov.au/files/ea1c6732-f4f6-4c04-b8c0-a2d0012231f0/Melbourne_Arts_Precinct_Blueprint.pdf">Melbourne Arts Precinct Blueprint</a>. They are:

<ul>
<li>Bring life to the streets</li>
	<li>Create a ‘Melbourne’ experience</li>
	<li>More to see and do</li>
	<li>Make connections</li>
</ul>
Further, the following design principles have been instilled within the MCM design:

<ul>
<li>Green Spine: Green infrastructure such as semi-advanced tree planting and water sensitive urban design. Rain gardens will tie the open space together as a green spine</li>
	<li>Landscape Structure: The East and West ends of the open space will be designed as urban anchors. Materials and landscape form will be responsive to the design and/or strategic objectives of Sturt Street and Dodds Street</li>
	<li>Landscape Character: The open space will be comprised of three segments responding uniquely to their surrounding context such as street and buildings interface</li>
	<li>Intimate Spaces: Provide a series of small-scale spaces that provide comfortable locations for individual comfortable spaces for day to day use such as lunch, having coffee, studying and reading</li>
	<li>Performance Fields: The design will incorporate a level of spatial flexibility</li>
	<li>Pedestrian Movement: The open space will provide a strong connection between Sturt Street and Dodds Street for pedestrians. Secondary linkages into the adjacent VCA campus will provided. The plans for building 877 will provide a future food or beverage outlet and bicycle storage</li>
	<li>Frontages &amp; Sight Lines: The interfaces with both Sturt Street and Dodds Street will have considered design responds. Critically the interface with Dodds Street will be designed in coordination with the City of Melbourne</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image36_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Landscape plan for the project. Image: John Wardle/ASPECT Studios"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="352" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image36_3.jpg?itok=VbkcEiXx" title="Landscape plan for the project. Image: John Wardle/ASPECT Studios" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Landscape plan for the project. Image: John Wardle/ASPECT Studios</figcaption></figure>To facilitate the above principles, demolition will be required across two sensitive and historic buildings.

Building 877 fronting Sturt Street will be partly demolished, while building 878 is set for full demolition. This demolition will allow for an expanded public realm and the activation of the site's edges with a cafe and end of trip facilities earmarked for the overhauled spaces. Both buildings are partially included under heritage overlay (HO389).

Heritage aside, the new MCM looks to have squared away both its tertiary and public intentions, while also adding itself to the growing list of remedies designed to bring Southbank's somewhat flailing public realm up to scratch.

Construction expected to commence during 2017.
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Southbank street life flourishes under the new Melbourne Conservatorium of Music proposal

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A Hong Kong based developer has paid $8.8 million for a Southbank development site.
It comes with plans for a $80 million Fender Katsalidis designed, 38 level residential tower.
Savills agent Nick Peden brokered the <a href="https://commercialpropertysearch.savills.com.au/256601/Sale/Southbank/18-Moray-Street" target="_blank">18 Moray Street deal</a> with Clinton Baxter and Jesse Radisich at $20,000 a square metre of land and $70,000 per apartment.
"The sale set a strong new benchmark for Southbank land," Peden said. 
“The transaction clearly demonstrates the ongoing appeal of the Melbourne market to Asia-based developers wishing to undertake projects to meet the needs of our rapidly growing population, and the price reflected that."
The 446 square metre corner site had a permit for a 124 apartments.
The sale was finalised promptly on unconditional cash terms and subject to two short term leases returning $120,000 per annum net.
He said the site was one of the last major permit-approved development opportunities within the prized Crown Casino precinct.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Savills sells Southbank Fender Katsalidis tower site for $8.8 million

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One of the largest approvals during the Matthew Guy planning era is quietly going about facilitating changes to the permitted scheme that will significantly increase the project yield.

Dubbed Ultimus Tower, when under the guidance of selling agent CBRE City Sales 38 Freshwater Place changed hands at the turn of the year, with Sydney-based interests now driving the project. PCT Developments and Management is listed as the applicant for the revised scheme, with GL Investment Co Melbourne Pty Ltd installed as the newest site owner.

Post its initial submission during 2013, the Metier3-designed skyscraper was eventually granted approval by the current Planning Minister in March 2015. The permit at the time allowed for a 73 level mixed-use tower which forms part of the wider Freshwater Place precinct, but which also holds a Power Street frontage.

With a nominal development cost of $400 million, the most recent design iteration, set above a 3,096sqm site, will round out the Freshwater Place Precinct.

<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/image119_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Intended ground level pedestrian treatment. Planning image: Metier3"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="379" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image119_0.jpg?itok=udyvNZ_O" title="Intended ground level pedestrian treatment. Planning image: Metier3" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Intended ground level pedestrian treatment. Planning image: Metier3</figcaption></figure>Under a Section 72 amendment the tower in its external appearance will remain much the same at 272.25m tall at its roof level, although internally the configuration will be altered heavily.

With Metier3 still acting as project lead, the latest owners have sought to boost apartment numbers from 482 to 607. Premium apartments account for 14 of the 607, and are considerably more larger with internals of up to 195sqm. Overall, apartment sizes fall back into line with what could be considered the norm; single bed apartments of typically 50sqm, doubles with 70-80sqm and triples with 115-125sqm.

In line with the originally approved plan, a hotel component has been retained, although suite numbers have fallen from 390 to 299. The approved office space of some 1,288sqm has been eliminated as has the majority of retail space within the scheme; from 3,083sqm to a mere 538sqm.

Car parking provisions remain unchanged at 480, with both motorbike and bicycle allowances increasing.

With a new plot ratio of 36.8:1, setbacks to the north and west have been increased to 10m, with the eastern flank remaining unchanged at 5m. The podium height increases to 9 levels or 32.85m, with a new larger Gross Floor Area of 113,898sqm. This placed the tower among one of Melbourne's largest developments.

<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/image122_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Power street perspective. Planning image: Metier3"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="1248" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image122_0.jpg?itok=aKv3Hl4D" title="Power street perspective. Planning image: Metier3" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Power street perspective. Planning image: Metier3</figcaption></figure>As part of the revised application documents, a tentative timeline for construction has been included as part of the amended aviation application. The building itself and crane utilised in the construction process will be well under the PANS‐OPS barrier, but the building will penetrate the Essendon OLS barrier by 58.75m; the crane even moreso.

To this end the tower crane is expected to begin operation during August 2017 and continue through to September 2019.

These dates would suggest a best case scenario.
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