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

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Real estate investment management firm Qualitas will provide a $33.5 million mezzanine loan to BPM Group for its ambitious $300 million Shadow Play development in Melbourne’s Southbank.
It is one of Qualitas’ largest mezzanine deals, providing funding alongside Westpac and Bankwest for the 46-level, 486-apartment complex.
Tim Johansen, Managing Director of Real Estate Finance at Qualitas, said the development was attractive to Qualitas as it has been significantly derisked.
“BPM has invested heavily in the design and marketing of Shadow Play to ensure that it’s a sought-after, premium offering that stands out in the market.
"As a result, it has already secured an impressive 75 percent of the project in pre-sales.
"BPM has also partnered with a quality contractor, the ICON Group, which has a strong track record in these types of projects,” he said.
Award-winning architects Elenberg Fraser have designed the project, while Hecker Guthrie are behind the interior design. 
Jonathan Hallinan, founder and managing director of BPM says Shadow Play is on track for completion in the first quarter of 2018.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

75 percent sellout as Qualitas provides further funding for BPM's Shadow Play project

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The University of Melbourne in partnership with the Victorian Government is set to build a new Melbourne Conservatorium of Music next door to the Melbourne Recital Centre on Sturt Street in Southbank.

Located in an area that has seen a large amount of cultural and media investment in the past decade, the new Conservatorium will be built adjacent to the VCA campus at 33 Sturt Street on land currently owned by the Victorian Government.

The University of Melbourne is set to enter into a long-term lease of the public land and the development is valued at $105.5 million. The Victorian Government is tipping it will generate $350 million for the state.

The architect responsible for the design as depicted above, John Wardle Architects, has this to say of the new MCM on its <a href="http://www.johnwardlearchitects.com/projects/project/99-melbourne-conservatorium-of-music">website</a>:

<blockquote>
Outwardly focused and inviting, the MCM aims to balance the singular concentration required of students with the camaraderie of engaging with others. The building makes a place to rub shoulders with fellow music students, and the artistic milieu of the wider campus and precinct.

Multiple vantage points in the new MCM allow for appreciating the inner workings of music education. The learning and rehearsal spaces, both small and large, are interspersed with bell-shaped portholes, hinged panels and disguised windows that generously exhibit the activity within. A large oculus window into the ground floor orchestral rehearsal space unlocks the traditional vault of music education to reveal its inner realm.
<cite>John Wardle Architects</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Ding dong, another surface car park is gone</h2>

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="450" scrolling="no" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m0!3m2!1sen!2sau!4v1468367686941!6m8!1m7!1sKWtXGkUNZkkW1jLxImYPkA!2m2!1d-37.8244742252453!2d144.9670398691161!3f54.15733323072226!4f3.503894875492847!5f1.1924812503605782" style="border:0" width="100%"></iframe>

Currently wasting away as a surface car park, the site, located opposite the ABC and one of the original gated communities of Southbank, will also feature a new public space that will link Dodds and Sturt streets.

The new public space will be framed by the overhanging 400-seat auditorium which will protrude southwards from the seven + mezzanine level building.

In a media release the Deputy Premier, James Merlino, said "the Conservatorium will bring students from around Victoria, Australia and the world, giving them the skills for the rest of their career. Southbank is already home to an extraordinary concentration of top calibre arts training facilities, as well as the best art galleries and performance venues in the country."

The new Conservatorium is set to open for students in 2019.
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Alastair Taylor

Southbank to host new Melbourne Conservatorium of Music

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The development team behind Southbank's Monarch Tower have positioned the new project at the higher end of the apartment market, far from some of the projects which surround the mixed-use development.

Representatives of Altus Development, Moull Murray Architects and Bella Charlton recently spoke with Apartments.com.au prior to the project's launch, discussing the all-encompassing task of positioning the permium tower in a location where distingiushing one project from another can be difficult.

Post securing the site, Moull Murray Architects were tasked with refashioning the tower whilst remaining within the approved envelope. With the majority of projects nearby appearing as generic blocks, a high degree of variation was employed over Monarch Tower's facade, moving it aesthetically beyond its neighbours.

<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/image66_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Monarch Tower hero perspective. Image: Altus Development"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="829" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image66_2.jpg?itok=68cIhmcn" title="Monarch Tower hero perspective. Image: Altus Development" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Monarch Tower hero perspective. Image: Altus Development</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The new architectural treatment, reinforces the tall, slender nature of the approved development envelope with an emphasis on vertical forms. The proportions of the tower have been treated In the classic sky-scraper tradition of a base, middle tower, and expressed top.

The podium utilises a grid framework to set up visually scaleable proportions that relate to the streetscape as well as the pattern overlaid on the tower facade. The podium is veneered with apartments on both frontages to reinforce a sense of human interaction with the public realm.
<cite>Moull Murray Architects</cite>
</blockquote>

Adding to Monarch Tower's stocks is the addition of serviced apartment operator Pan Pacific which will operate 130 five-star suites, situated over the lower 19 levels of the project. Not only does the addition of Pan Pacific provide Monarch Tower with a renowned worldwide operator, it also allowed for the expansion of communal areas and facilities within the building.

A pool deck including a fully-equipped gym, cinema, tranquil health spa, outdoor BBQ entertainment terrace and virtual golf range will service both typical apartments and the Pan Pacific suites. The development team also made note of Monarch Tower's proximity to Crown and the Southbank Entertainment Precinct, with either a short walk away.

<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_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Amenities finished to a high standard. Image: Altus Development"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="186" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image67_2.jpg?itok=TahmJ7LB" title="Amenities finished to a high standard. Image: Altus Development" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Amenities finished to a high standard. Image: Altus Development</figcaption></figure>Premier apartments within Monarch Tower will have exclusive access to the 6-star Sovereign Lounge featuring a bar, spa, sauna, steam room and gym, plus unimpeded views toward the CBD.

Whilst the previously approved plans allowed for one and two bedroom apartments to the tower's summit, Altus Development has completely repositioned Monarch Tower to capture the premium apartment market. Set over the upper 43 levels, total apartment numbers within the project have fallen to 294.

Levels 51 through 58 will include adaptable penthouse and sub penthouse plans, capable of being reworked to a prospective buyer's their needs. Included is the opportunity to create a double-storey, super-sized loft.

<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/image63_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of a penthouse living area. Image: Altus Development"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="292" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image63_4.jpg?itok=fkY3VzXl" title="Artist's impression of a penthouse living area. Image: Altus Development" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of a penthouse living area. Image: Altus Development</figcaption></figure>Quizzed on Monarch Tower's interest prior to launch, Bella Charlton's Valentino Spyriadis divulged a number of reservations have been taken for apartments, with those to be firmed once the project officially heads to sales.

Further all penthouses within Monarch Tower will be held for the local market, with the high-end stock considered essential to the project's marketing perception and eventual place in the Southbank market. This is in line with the development team positioning Monarch Tower at the owner-occupier and premium investor.

The launch of Monarch Tower coincides with the firming of a head construction contractor for Docklands' Altus Tower, which follows a similar model to that of Monarch Tower. With a new PARKROYAL and private apartments headlining the Docklands project, Altus Development expect the high-end duo will spearhead their Melbourne development pipeline.
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silvermb

Distinguishing oneself on Southbank as Monarch Tower enters the fray

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First covered on Apartments.com.au <a href="/news/what-the-fook-84-88-queensbridge-street-southbank">over two years ago</a>, <a href="http://88melbourne.com.au/">88 Melbourne</a> was officially launched by New Sky Group on 30 April, marking its first major foray into the Melbourne market.

The project has already proven popular with locals currently living within Southbank and interstate purchasers with buyers from Sydney in particular.

The $100 million 60-storey tower, located in the Southbank Entertainment Precinct is designed by RotheLowman in conjunction with KPDO.

Inspired by hand crafted jewelry and the art of origami, the building features a three-dimensional diamond patterned façade, that will shimmer during the day. This will be further accentuated in the evening sky by an integrated LED installation, the first residential tower in Melbourne to feature a full height LED lighting design.

<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/88m_03.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="88 Melbourne hero perspective. Image courtesy of New Sky Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="1114" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/88m_03.jpg?itok=-YWmatxh" title="88 Melbourne hero perspective. Image courtesy of New Sky Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>88 Melbourne hero perspective. Image courtesy of New Sky Group</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
88 Melbourne will have a sophisticated presence in the city and change the way people think of apartment living. It will be an iconic Melbourne address and a lasting moment in the evolution of local architecture and how we design for changing life-stages.
<cite>Chris Hayton, Principal, RotheLowman</cite>
</blockquote>

88 Melbourne will be Melbourne’s first apartment building to feature hand-crafted kitchen appliances by Sub- Zero and Wolf, the brand associated with professional chefs internationally including Heston Blumenthal, Nigella Lawson and Jamie Oliver.

At time of writing, 72 of 252 apartments within 88 Melbourne have been sold in the first 3 weeks, with 50% of the 1 bedroom apartments sold. Apartments range in size from 50-58sqm for 1 bedroom apartments, up to 88sqm for 2 bedroom and 113-158sqm for the 3 bedroom apartments with an average of five apartments per floor.

Penthouses occupy full floors and feature floor to ceiling heights of four metres.

Sales agent Matt George of Urban Activation said 88 Melbourne was a unique project for the city and with the introduction of stricter planning controls meant the chances of views being built out were less likely particularly above level 44. 88 Melbourne identified a gap in the market for owner-occupier driven apartment stock within the CBD and Southbank according to Matt.

<blockquote>
The city has not seen a CBD tower of this scale designed specifically with owner occupiers in mind before. While investors will undoubtedly be interested in this building, its residents will overwhelmingly reside here.

It reflects an evolution to a more New York urban style of living in Melbourne, as more and more families and empty nesters trade their family home for an urban pad with everything they need either in their building or on their doorstep.
<cite>Matt George, Urban Activation</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/88m_amenities_level.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Level 8 recreational facilities. Image courtesy New Sky Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="321" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/88m_amenities_level.jpg?itok=7ynvjg42" title="Level 8 recreational facilities. Image courtesy New Sky Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Level 8 recreational facilities. Image courtesy New Sky Group</figcaption></figure>The AFR has reported that 88 Melbourne has received consent from Planning Minister Richard Wynne to increase its height by six floors to an overall height of 199 metres, or 208 metres to top of plant. Construction of 88 Queensbridge is expected to commence in late October / early November with an expected construction programme of two years.
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Laurence Dragomir

New Sky thinking: 88 Melbourne

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Approval is being sought for a mixed use Southbank skyscraper that will assume the form of a flower. Designed by Elenberg Fraser, 51-65 Clarke Street would surpass the 200 metre mark in a pocket of Southbank nestled alongside the West Gate Freeway.

Developer Newcity Group has also sought to add a unique feature to the project; a dedicated business and cultural exchange centre atop the tower that would seek to strengthen ties between Melbourne and southern China's economic powerhouse city of Guangzhou.

Documents within the planning application also indicate that the project would create thousands of construction jobs over the life of the project and 140 ongoing jobs linked to the hotel element within the tower.

The plans for 51-65 Clarke Street follows on from the site's successful sale during 2014, where <a href="http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/property/cbd-site-snapped-up-for-304m/news-story/d7a0f65128861186f3ecab846e6bddd5">CBRE City Sales were able to secure the vendor $30.4 million</a> for the tri-fronted development plot.

<h2>51-65 Clarke Street planning 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/image2sbef.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="51-65 Clarke Street as seen within the project Town Planning Report"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="800" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image2sbef.jpg?itok=pCCbqTxq" title="51-65 Clarke Street as seen within the project Town Planning Report" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>51-65 Clarke Street as seen within the project Town Planning Report</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site area: 1,787 square metres</li>
	<li>Current use: three storey commercial building</li>
	<li>Proposed 73 level tower at 245.05 RL to top of architectural feature</li>
	<li>112 hotel suites</li>
	<li>512 apartments: 166 x 1BR, 318 x 2BR, 28 x 3BR</li>
	<li>Business Hub: 1,042 square metres</li>
	<li>Level 8 &amp; 54 facilities and amenities</li>
	<li>Retail and function centre: 1,541 square metres</li>
	<li>120 car parking spaces and 327 bicycle spaces</li>
</ul>
<h2>Newcity for an old relationship</h2>

Newcity Development (One) Pty Ltd is behind the proposal, one of many Chinese-backed developers that have descended upon Melbourne in recent years.

According to the application's Town Planning Report, "The Newcity Group and more relevantly Cao Zhiwei, the Chairman of ‘Newcity Group’ is a member of the political advisory body of Guangzhou. This development, and in particular the exchange hub is seen as a significant step in establishing a destination and beacon for commerce between Guangzhou and Melbourne."

Thus far the following businesses have been noted as providing support for the intended business and cultural exchange:

<ul>
<li>The People’s Government of Guangzhou Municipality</li>
	<li>Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference Guangzhou Committee</li>
	<li>Guangzhou Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries</li>
	<li>Guangzhou University</li>
	<li>Guangzhou Real Estate Association</li>
	<li>Department of Culture Guangzhou Municipality</li>
	<li>Guangzhou Women’s Federation</li>
</ul>
<h2>Seeking exemption</h2>

The site is subject to Design and Development Overlay Schedule 10 (DDO10), which was introduced into the Melbourne Planning Scheme during September 2015 as part of the broader C262 amendments implemented by Minister Wynne.

As initially submitted, the Elenberg Fraser design complied to podium height, street setback and tower setback requirements, although a plot ratio of 35:1 results. Above the discretionary desired plot ratio of 24:1, the development team has in turn requested a variation to allow the tower to proceed as planned.

It is worth noting that the development team sought and was granted an extension of time request for the submission during February 2016; what results from subsequent projects refinements remains to be seen.

<h2>Shaping Southbank</h2>

51-65 Clarke Street's form which is based upon the shape of a Bombax Ceiba Flower is the latest of a number of shapely Southbank talls to create headlines of late.

Last week it was widely reported that Crown Limited and Schiavello have formally submitted a proposal for their 1 Queensbridge Street tower. <a href="http://www.afr.com/real-estate/james-packer-proposes-australias-tallest-building-at-crown-in-melbourne-20160511-gosg43#ixzz48Nj5iVTC">According to Fairfax</a>, the tower would hold 306,666 of Gross Floor Area and maintain a plot ratio of 57:1.

<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/image5clarke.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="54-56 Clarke Street markeying material. Image: CBRE City Sales"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="339" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image5clarke.jpg?itok=Gs8Nm91w" title="54-56 Clarke Street markeying material. Image: CBRE City Sales" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>54-56 Clarke Street markeying material. Image: CBRE City Sales</figcaption></figure>Also in the news is the flowing 54-56 Clarke Street project created by BKK Architects which has been placed on the market with planning approval in tow.

At 240 metres 54-56 Clarke Street shadows 51-65 Clarke Street for height, with both future towers opposite one another.

<h2>51-65 Clarke Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Newcity Group (Newcity Development (One) Pty Ltd)</li>
	<li>Architectural plans: Elenberg Fraser Architects</li>
	<li>Urban Context Report: Elenberg Fraser Architects</li>
	<li>Planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>Traffic Engineering Assessment: One Mile Grid Traffic Consultants</li>
	<li>Waste Management Plan: Wastech</li>
	<li>Sustainability Management Plan: Norman Disney and Young</li>
	<li>Economic Investment Impact Analysis: ShineWing</li>
	<li>Landscape and Masterplan: Aspect Landscape Architects</li>
	<li>Environmental Wind Assessment: MEL</li>
</ul>
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51-65 Clarke Street shapes as a Southbank tower with a twist

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The veil may have been lifted (or lowered) on Southbank's latest notable Arts Precinct project. 

Denton Corker Marshall have via their website provided imagery for what was one of a number of invited competition entrants for Melbourne University's new Melbourne Conservatorium of Music. The facility is expected to eventually consolidate the university's full music program to Southbank within the purpose built complex.

A <a href="http://mag.alumni.unimelb.edu.au/opening-the-southbank-campus-to-melbourne/">three stage development process</a> will see Victoria Police's Mounted Branch vacate their Dodds Street, Southbank address, allowing for the redevelopment of the stables into a new multipurpose facility for the Victorian College of the Arts. This in turn will facilitate the delivery of the new Conservatorium Building on what is now a vacant Sturt Street car park abutting the Southbank Theatre - Melbourne Theatre Company.

<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/image5dcm.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="MTC and the proposed MCM side by side. Image: Denton Corker Marshall"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="268" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image5dcm.jpg?itok=7QIo8GH4" title="MTC and the proposed MCM side by side. Image: Denton Corker Marshall" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>MTC and the proposed MCM side by side. Image: Denton Corker Marshall</figcaption></figure>Whilst not successful, the Denton Corker Marshall imagery is representative of the intended building's outcome in both size and transparency.  Denton Corker Marshall's entry would have provided a translucent design featuring a spiral staircase running the height of the building.

The northern facade would have also employed a stone finish in line with that of the neighbouring Southbank Theatre.

Melbourne University's move to relocate the existing Parkville-based Melbourne Conservatorium of Music to Southbank will allow the faculty to be positioned in the Melbourne Arts Precinct with institutions such as the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Hamer Hall and Melbourne Recital Centre nearby.

The new Melbourne Conservatorium of Music and stables redevelopment forms part of the the Victorian Government’s <a href="http://file:///C:/Users/User/Downloads/Melbourne_Arts_Precinct_Blueprint.pdf">Melbourne Arts Precinct Blueprint</a>, which sees a vision for a "connected Arts Precinct that is a must-see part of Melbourne, known for its distinctive character and vibrant arts experiences."

<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/image6dcm.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Veiled and luminous. Image: Denton Corker Marshall"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="359" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image6dcm.jpg?itok=y3NlI0qH" title="Veiled and luminous. Image: Denton Corker Marshall" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Veiled and luminous. Image: Denton Corker Marshall</figcaption></figure>The Dodds Street stables development on the other hand is a roughly $40 million conversion with the result being a new visual arts wing for the Victorian College of the Arts.

<a href="http://www.dtpli.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/295586/2-P23016-Heritage-Design-Statement.pdf">Online plans</a> directed toward Heritage Victoria outline the intended conversion of the 1912-1929 structure. The double storey stables wing is expected to become studio &amp; exhibition space while the former riding school wing is earmarked to become performing arts space, leaving the prominent octagon to morph into an events space/gallery, administration and school front of house space.

According to the Melbourne University Magazine the project is supported by the Victorian Government, the University of Melbourne, the Faculty and philanthropic bodies including the Myer Foundation, Ian Potter Foundation and Martyn and Louise Myer.
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Is this the next addition to Melbourne's Arts Precinct?

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Earlier in the month Apartments.com.au <a href="/news/development-sites-presently-advertised-for-sale-offer-a-reflection-of-the-current-market">highlighted the strong field of development sites</a> currently on the market, with a slant toward suburban sites holding sway over inner city offerings. Developers gazes may well be swing back to the inner city with two prime sites offered in the interceding time, will full approvals in tow.

<h2>54-56 Clarke Street, Southbank</h2>

Planning Minster of the day Matthew Guy labelled it "a revolutionary change for the way that we design buildings in Melbourne.” And now a Melbourne Cup field of developers will no doubt run the ruler over the approved 54-56 Clarke Street with an eye toward creating Melbourne's next landmark building and the bragging rights that go with such a tag.

The development site has been listed for sale with incumbent proponent Matrix and Cube choosing to move the Southbank site on rather than proceed with a dedicated apartment sales campaign. The project dubbed 'Elysium' has thus far maintained its own website which has allowed interested parties to register their interest in the project. 
Freshly listed with both CBRE City Sales and Knight Frank, 54-56 Clarke Street is a 74 level project with approval for 288 high-end apartments and an associated ground floor cafe.

<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/image30_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Initial plans for the project had it known as Elysium"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="348" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image30_5.jpg?itok=CPkS_6Kg" title="Initial plans for the project had it known as Elysium" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Initial marketing for the project referred to the tower as Elysium</figcaption></figure>Lauded as innovative and technologically advanced, the approved 240 plus metre design by BKK Architects is unique in that a design of a similar height onsite could not likely be replicated owing to interim planning controls implemented during 2015. Thus any potential buyer of the site could deliver the approved scheme which would be considerably taller than those buildings surrounding it, both in the present and the future.

The successful buyer will have a chance to secure the site via an Expressions of Interest campaign which closes Monday the 11th of April.

<h2>10 Moreland Street, Footscray</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/image35_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="10 Moreland Street is available. Image courtesy Architecton"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="764" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image35_1.jpg?itok=gV7wyFkL" title="10 Moreland Street is available. Image courtesy Architecton" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>10 Moreland Street is available. Image courtesy Architecton</figcaption></figure>10 Moreland Street was the first high-rise to gain approval within Footscray's Joseph Road Precinct. At 26 levels and 86 metres the approved design is also one of the urban renewal precinct's tallest.

Designed by CBD-based Architecton and in the hands of agent Savills, the tower is capable of accommodating 210 dwellings over the 1,277sqm site, with three street frontages holding retails tenancies.

Other notable development sites offered for sale recently in the immediate area include <a href="/buildings/liberty-one-1-warde-street-footscray">1 Warde Street</a> with 380 approved apartments in tow along with 54-58 Hopkins Street. Better known as Franco Cozzo's Footscray home, 54-58 Hopkins Street has been billed as capable of handling a sizeable 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/image33_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Architecton's take on 10 Moreland within the Joseph Road Precinct"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="329" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image33_5.jpg?itok=9IGlhJLL" title="Architecton's take on 10 Moreland within the Joseph Road Precinct" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Architecton's take on 10 Moreland within the Joseph Road Precinct</figcaption></figure>
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54-56 Clarke and 10 Moreland enter the already strong development site field

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With 2016 now well underway and several projects gearing up for construction or gathering pace, it's an opportune time for another update on the progress of Apartments.com.au's CBD model. Previously the focus has been on the CBD North area, however with big projects such as Australia 108 in full swing and the approval of Kavanagh Park, it seemed like the next area worth looking at was Southbank.

As this is an ongoing process there are still buildings still to be added, both existing and future, but it's interesting to see what's in store for Southbank over the course of the next five or so years.

<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/southbank_aerial.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Southbank aerial of the central cluster."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="382" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/southbank_aerial.png?itok=9dTLUtgo" title="Southbank aerial of the central cluster." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Southbank aerial of the central cluster.</figcaption></figure>The elevation below shows (some are not visible) the projects currently under construction on Southbank.

<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/southbank_uc_elevation.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Southbank under construction."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="203" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/southbank_uc_elevation.png?itok=m8Au0yyd" title="Southbank under construction." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Southbank under construction.</figcaption></figure>Major towers currently under construction include:

<ul>
<li>Australia 108</li>
	<li>1-11 Balston Street</li>
	<li>Opus Tower (nearing completion)</li>
	<li>2 Riverside Quay</li>
	<li>Shadow Play</li>
	<li>Marco Apartments</li>
	<li>Platinum Tower</li>
</ul>
When the approved projects (blue) are added into the mix the change in Southbank's skyline and density is significant with Kavanagh Park alone set to add six towers and 2,610 dwellings to the area.

Other sizeable developments include 38 Freshwater Place at 274 metres, 158 City Road, Elysium (240 metres) and Central Equity's tallest approved project to date: Southbank Place at 165 metres.

<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/southbank_proposals_elevation.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Southbank approvals (blue) and under construction (green)."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="203" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/southbank_proposals_elevation.png?itok=ONcUZOXG" title="Southbank approvals (blue) and under construction (green)." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Southbank approvals (blue) and under construction (green).</figcaption></figure>And lastly proposed developments are included, adding further variety to the skyline silhouette; a far cry from the City of Melbourne's desire for a blanket height in Southbank of 100 metres.

<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/southbank_all_in_elevation_.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Southbank all in."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="203" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/southbank_all_in_elevation_.png?itok=lR3i9DO_" title="Southbank all in." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Southbank all in.</figcaption></figure>Still missing from the above images are <a href="http://www.wilkinsoneyre.com/">Wilkinson Eyre</a>'s 317 metre Crown Plaza at 1 Queensbridge Street, which will slot straight in taking centre stage in the Southbank model. This will occur once Apartments.com.au has the full details on the development.

Additionally a dual tower scheme for 87-105 City Road, designed by Fender Katasalidis Architects is also anticipated to be included soon as will the the revamped 334-344 City Road.

<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/southbank_from_fss.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Southbank from Flinders Street Station."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="261" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/southbank_from_fss.png?itok=bak2-zBS" title="Southbank from Flinders Street Station." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Southbank from Flinders Street Station.</figcaption></figure>
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Southbank's surge continues: another CBD model update

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Touched upon by Apartments.com.au <a href="/news/taller-projects-and-better-design-outcomes-on-southbank">last week</a>, Southbank is set to receive a new skyscraper in the form of a refashioned City Road mixed-use building. Moull Murray Architects are the design practice behind the project, teaming with Altus Development once more after the rapidly expanding Clayton-based developer secured the 1,265sqm site.

Appearing initially on Apartments.com.au during 2013, the scheme for the then <a href="/buildings/home-southbank-256-260-city-road-southbank">256-260 City Road</a> was the work of Hayball for proponent Apex Vic Pty Ltd. Under the initially approved scheme 431 apartments were included within a $120 million project, with 104 car spaces and 215 bicycle spaces in tow.

<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/cam_02_low_res_copy-1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A new City Road landmark. Image courtesy Moull Murray Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="756" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/cam_02_low_res_copy-1.jpg?itok=y6jSH1HS" title="A new City Road landmark. Image courtesy Moull Murray Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A new City Road landmark. Image courtesy Moull Murray Architects</figcaption></figure><h2>Design statement</h2>

Apartments.com.au spoke with Moull Murray Architects Director, Andrew Murray, regarding 258 City Road with the following project description offered:

<blockquote>
The new architectural treatment, designed by Moull Murray Architects, reinforces the tall, slender nature of the approved development envelope with an emphasis on vertical forms.

The proportions of the tower have been treated in the classic skyscraper proportions of a base, middle tower, and expressed top. The podium utilises a grid framework to set up visually scaleable proportions that relate to the streetscape, in addition to the pattern overlaid over the tower.

The podium is also veneered with apartments on both frontages to reinforce a sense of human interaction with the public realm.

The building is a mix of serviced apartments up to level 18, with private apartments above, served with independent foyer and lifts.
<cite>Andrew Murray, Moull Murray Architects</cite>
</blockquote>

Still at 193 metres to parapet, the tower has been given a sharper exterior relative to its predecessor, with a higher degree of articulation introduced over the facade. Solid elements to the western facade have been introduced, with a <a href="/news/two-giants-round-out-central-equitys-massive-development-pipeline">planning application for a similarly sized tower</a> under assessment for the immediate western site.

Spanning 62 levels, the initial 18 levels will be dedicated to 130 one and two bedroom serviced apartments operated by Pan Pacific Hotels Group, the second such venture between developer and hotel operator. Thereafter 323 private apartments will round out the tower consisting of one and two bedroom options, with penthouse dwellings configured as three bedrooms absorbing the highest 12 levels.

258 City Road's mixed-use nature also allows for a multitude of facilities within the building. Ground floor will see all day dining with meeting rooms above, while the podium top pool deck with hold a gym, cinema, health spa and outdoor BBQ entertainment area and terrace bar.

The project is expected to be released during the first quarter of 2016.

<h2>258 City Road consultant team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Architects: Moull Murray Architects</li>
	<li>Developer: Altus Development Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Project Managers: Gallagher Jeffs</li>
	<li>Structural Engineers: WSP Structural</li>
	<li>Civil Engineers: WSP Structural</li>
	<li>Building services: MacCormack</li>
	<li>ESD: Sustainable Development Consultants</li>
	<li>Traffic Engineers: Traffix</li>
	<li>Building Surveyors: BSGM</li>
	<li>Hospitality Consultant: LeisureCorp Enterprises</li>
</ul>
<h2>Double delight</h2>

In further news Moull Murray's initial design for Altus Development will proceed to construction after a lengthy pause in proceedings. Dubbed Altus Tower and located within Docklands, the 37 level building will see 266 PARKROYAL-designated hotel suites and 331 residential apartments included.

<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/image7altus.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Altus is a go in the new year. Images courtesy Moull Murray"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="263" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image7altus.jpg?itok=Vx5m94Sw" title="The Altus is a go in the new year. Images courtesy Moull Murray" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Altus is a go in the new year. Images courtesy Moull Murray</figcaption></figure>After a ground breaking ceremony held during October 2014, the site has seen little action since. A start on works is now expected in the new year with a build time of roughly 24 months for the project, meaning the opening of PARKROYAL Melbourne will be at least one year behind the initially anticipated completion date.

In addition to Altus Tower, Probuild will also undertake works on 258 City Road according to the developer's website.
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Moull Murray unveil a striking new 258 City Road

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The Southbank development scene is forever in a state of flux, with last week no exception. News has flowed through concerning three of postcode 3006's biggest and best high rise projects, with all three demonstrating a high level of design ability relative to their stubby neighbours.

Surrounded by a host of smaller residential towers (some of which have little to no aesthetic design merit), 258 City Road, 93-119 Kavanagh Street and Australia 108 at 70 Southbank Boulevard are set to further enhance the look of Southbank. While looks are one thing, 93-119 Kavanagh Street in particular is set to fundamentally change the feel of its surrounding street level public domain; a boost for what is currently an unappealing and underutilised area.

A brief overview events of the past week reads as follows:

<h2>258 City Road</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/alt2343_cam_01.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Altus Developments' new City Road endeavour."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="237" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/alt2343_cam_01.jpg?itok=jkAwH6kg" title="Altus Developments' new City Road endeavour." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Altus Developments' new City Road endeavour.</figcaption></figure>Altus Developments has unveiled itself as the developer behind <a href="/buildings/home-southbank-256-260-city-road-southbank">256-260 City Road</a>. Moved on by Apex Vic Pty Ltd who gained approval for the skyscraper, the site is now set to host a 190 metre plus mixed use tower with a development value in the vicinity of $330 million.

12 levels of penthouses will crown the tower which was initially designed by Hayball and has since seen exterior adjustments to its appearance, resulting in a edgier design outcome. In addition Pan Pacific Hotels Group have committed to 130 serviced apartments within the project according to the developers website, with the balance set to be sold as private dwellings.

Probuild has been secured as the builder while Bella Charlton will handle project sales; identical to the team which Altus Developments put in place for their initial Melbourne high rise within Docklands.

<h2>93-119 Kavanagh 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/image49_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Kavanagh Street is set for some activation"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="301" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image49_2.jpg?itok=s2618pGL" title="Kavanagh Street is set for some activation" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Kavanagh Street is set for some activation</figcaption></figure>Arguably Southbank's most impressive development in waiting, 93-119 Kavanagh Street has taken a leap toward approval. Last night the Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee sat with the knowledge that Melbourne City Council planners have recommended the six tower project for approval..

Subject to conditions sought by Melbourne City Council planners, the $1.15 billion project championed by Malaysian firm PJ Development Holdings is one step closer to replacing a long vacant block. Planning Minister Richard Wynne will have the final say regarding approval, although a green light from Melbourne City Council tends to be a very good indicator in the current environment.

93-119 Kavanagh Street's numbers are impressive: <a href="/news/southbank-set-to-gain-a-new-park">7,000sqm of open space</a>, 2,610 dwellings, 59,000sqm of commercial office space, 687 hotel suites, 10,090sqm of leasable retail space and 894 podium car parking spaces.

<h2>Australia 108 officially commences construction</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/image48_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Australia 108 is on the rise. Image courtesy genesis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="389" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image48_2.jpg?itok=lcFAD4_b" title="Australia 108 is on the rise. Image courtesy genesis" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Australia 108 is on the rise. Image courtesy genesis</figcaption></figure>Although equipment has been onsite for some time, yesterday marked the official launch of construction for the city's tallest building. The 319 metre Australia 108 will be delivered over five stages, with the final stage of the $500 plus build slated for delivery during 2020.

<blockquote>
This is a major milestone for the southern hemisphere’s tallest building, which will go where no development has ever gone before. The construction process will be complex, which is why we are proud to be working with Brookfield Multiplex – arguably Australia’s most experienced skyscraper builders.
<cite>Koh Wee Seng, Aspial CEO</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
Our appointment follows a fruitful Early Contractor Involvement process with World Class Land where we were able to build a partnership during the planning phase of the project and achieve the project deliverables. We look forward to successfully constructing this landmark tallest tower in the southern hemisphere for World Class Land.
<cite>Graham Cottam, Brookfield Multiplex Regional Managing Director</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Comment</h2>

It didn't seem all that long ago that Southbank received Planning Scheme Amendment C171 which cemented mandatory buildings heights in some areas, discretionary separation distances between towers and urban design provisions among other changes. At the time it was expected that the amendment would provide a more uniform tower height across Southbank.

Mercifully height variations have remained and many of the recent taller Southbank proposals are far superior in design and aesthetics to the earlier generic shorter Southbank 'boxes'. I suspect I am in the minority but a well designed tall tower should always usurp a squat, poorly designed building that adheres to a set height limit.

<a href="/new-apartments/elysium-54-clarke-street-southbank">Elysium</a> below is the prime example. Derided by Lord Major Robert Doyle as far too tall for its location, it is leaps and bounds ahead in terms of design ingenuity and quality. Elysium along with the three towers outlined above and projects such as Crown's <a href="/new-apartments/one-queensbridge-street-1-23-queensbridge-street-southbank">Queensbridge Tower</a> and <a href="/new-apartments/38-freshwater-place-southbank">38 Freshwater Place</a> maintain both height and exceedingly good design

Sometimes, just sometimes, height is not the devil it is made out to be.

<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/image1_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Elysium is not just another Southbank box"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="328" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image1_1.jpg?itok=GPqUDC6R" title="Elysium is not just another Southbank box" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Elysium is not just another Southbank box</figcaption></figure>
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