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

Joel Robinson

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

Melbourne developer Lowe Living is seeking to add to its growing bayside apartment pipeline, filing plans for a boutique eight-residence development in tightly held Middle Park.

Lowe Living, which has built much of its development portfolio across Melbourne's affluent bayside and south-east suburbs, is behind the plans for the 730 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/123-125-erskine-street-middle-park-vic-3206">123-125 Erskine Street</a>, just off Armstrong Street and within the Armstrong Street Neighbourhood Activity Centre.

The developer is seeking approval for a five-storey residential building above two basement levels, with just eight large-format apartments and 18 car spaces.

<img alt="Lowe " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="875fe572-0f14-4d90-9e11-55b28dd07731" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.42.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=GDNQRv9BfpR9r1zkZ5UDyUM4ZvpIksut" />

The low-density proposal has been designed by Cera Stribley and is being progressed through the Victorian Government's Great Design Fast Track pathway, having already secured eligibility from the Minister for Planning.

The Office of the Victorian Government Architect supported its eligibility after finding the proposal demonstrated consistency with the program's seven design principles, while the project's financial feasibility has also been independently confirmed by Invest Victoria.

The project is targeting the downsizer market, with the planning documents describing the homes as larger-format residences and noting the two penthouses could otherwise have been configured as four separate apartments.

<img alt="Lowe 2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="60ab0987-2da6-4175-adac-315dcf6053c6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.43.15%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=bOCPH0B2MFwlmaRW.TTCF9TzyifgVoQI" />

The site has dual frontage to Erskine Street and Canterbury Place and currently comprises a collection of commercial buildings used as offices, including a former heritage bakehouse, a former stable, a later gabled addition and a central courtyard.

It sits within the Commercial 1 Zone and the Armstrong Street Commercial Precinct heritage overlay, with the existing property classified as a contributory heritage place.

Heritage has subsequently played a significant role in Cera Stribley's design.

The front section of the former bakehouse facing Erskine Street will be retained, including its return walls, street-facing hipped roof and chimneys, while the Erskine Street façade and part of the western return wall of the former stable will also be incorporated into the new development.

Levels four and five will be set back five metres from the retained stable façade, while bricks removed through demolition are proposed to be salvaged and reused within the new building where possible.

<img alt="Lowe 3" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e97927a9-a2de-4a0f-83b6-65451238abfa" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.43.06%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=VR44AChLrX9q1XPB9GvVQV.ALXXbe4gC" />

Rather than presenting as a single five-storey building to Erskine Street, Cera Stribley has broken the development into a series of distinct forms.

A three-storey infill element will sit between the retained bakehouse and stable façades, with the upper levels recessed behind the heritage fabric. Canterbury Place will similarly feature two three-storey podium forms, separated by a central pedestrian accessway, before the upper two levels step back from the street.

A pedestrian through-link will run through the centre of the project between Erskine Street and Canterbury Place, creating entrances from both sides of the site and introducing landscaping and communal areas through the ground plane.

Landscape architect Acre has designed planting across the ground level, private terraces and upper levels, including a feature canopy tree at level three and integrated planting and arbours across the level four terraces. Five existing Erskine Street trees are proposed to be retained.

Sustainability is also a significant component of the Great Design Fast Track application. The apartments are targeting an average eight-star NatHERS rating, with no residence below 6.5 stars, while the project has achieved a 75 per cent BESS score. Seven of the eight apartments are designed for cross-ventilation, with the remaining residence using mechanically assisted natural ventilation.

The plans also incorporate an 8kWp rooftop solar system, a 5,000-litre rainwater tank and infrastructure allowing future electric vehicle charging for every residence.

Lowe has a strong portfolio across Melbourne's blue-chip suburbs. They recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/jardin-house-by-lowe-living-camberwell-335-camberwell-road-camberwell-vic-3124">Jardin House by Lowe Living</a> in Camberwell, their first development in the Stonnington LGA.

Lowe Living unveils Middle Park apartment development

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

DVB Projects to launch second Broadbeach apartment tower as demolition commences

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

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

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

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

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

Southbank

<html><body>
In the age of High Lines, Low Lines and everything in between, cities across the world are investigating ways in which to improve underutilised or abandoned infrastructure and the spaces associated with them. One such project is <a href="http://www.undergardiner.com/">Under Gardiner</a> in Toronto which seeks to give back to the city by turning the underutilised space beneath the Gardiner Expressway into a long park that would reconnect the neighbourhoods below it.

Transforming more than four hectares of land beneath the elevated portion of Toronto’s Gardiner Expressway into a series of public spaces, a 1.75-kilometre multi-use trail and 500m connection to Exhibition GO Station will also be included. By reclaiming this forgotten space Under Gardiner will create a series of rooms formed by the spaces between columns, reimagining the area beneath the expressway as a place for people.

<blockquote>
As cities densify, we begin to view lost or underutilized spaces in new ways. This proposal is a visionary approach to celebrating and inhabiting a spectacular, dramatic space, stitching together a series of existing areas to provide a front door to Fort York, one of the Toronto's most significant historical resources.
<cite>Jennifer Keesmaat, City of Toronto Chief Planner</cite>
</blockquote>

The project is based on a transformative framework design by urban designer Ken Greenberg plus Marc Ryan and Adam Nicklin of landscape architecture firm Public Works. The vision for the project includes the continuous multi-use trail, a bridge over Fort York Boulevard for pedestrians and cyclists, a grand staircase at Strachan that will double as seating for an urban theatre and a series of flexible, year-round performance and programming spaces that can be used by the community.

<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/undergardiner_-_backgrounder_-_final.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial of Under Gardiner Master Plan. Image courtesy of PUBLIC WORKS"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="341" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/undergardiner_-_backgrounder_-_final.jpg?itok=77n0vFKb" title="Aerial of Under Gardiner Master Plan. Image courtesy of PUBLIC WORKS" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial of Under Gardiner Master Plan. Image courtesy of PUBLIC WORKS</figcaption></figure>Each of the public "rooms" formed by the highway will become part of a network of public spaces for everything from farmers markets and concert venues, to summer camp. The designers will work with residents to decide how to use each part of the park with a trail will connect each of the spaces and reconnect a network of bike paths across the rest of the city.

<blockquote>
This is a project that cuts through about seven different neighborhoods that are all in a way fragmented. They don't see themselves as unified in any way.
<cite>Marc Ryan, co-founder of PUBLIC WORKS</cite>
</blockquote>

What is most interesting about this project is the fact that while the Gardiner Expressway currently acts as a barrier severing connections between neighbourhoods it also has the potential to provide the solution by re-stitching the city.

<h2>How might such a project like Under Gardiner be of relevance here in Melbourne?</h2>

With the City of Melbourne advancing plans for City Road, Southbank Boulevard and Dodds St as part of a series of initiatives identified for development within the <a href="https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/AboutMelbourne/ProjectsandInitiatives/Southbank2010/Documents/Southbank_Structure_Plan_updated_30Nov2011.pdf">Southbank Structure Plan 2010 </a>document, the next cab off the rank in terms of improvement and enhancement of the public realm within Southbank should be the Westgate Freeway Undercroft.

An opportunity exists to connect Southbank not just with itself but with the Fishermans Bend Urban Renewal Project.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/m1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Westgate Freeway aerial. Image courtesy of Nearmap."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="294" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/m1.jpg?itok=-94RvQRS" title="Westgate Freeway aerial. Image courtesy of Nearmap." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Westgate Freeway aerial. Image courtesy of Nearmap.</figcaption></figure>Southbank suffers from a lack of accessible and high quality public open space: there is currently 4,800m2 of green open space and as Southbank’s resident and worker population grows, addressing this issue becomes more and more critical. In addition to this there is currently a scarcity of pedestrian and cyclist routes through Southbank that are attractive, continuous, safe and of high amenity.

It's worth noting the Southbank Plan seeks to "establish new parks within the area and deliver a finer grain of attractive public gathering spaces."

The approach to the CityLink Tunnels was also identified as contributing to the disparate nature of Southbank. The Southbank Plan proposes to stitch together the northern and southern fragmented ‘halves’ of Southbank by decking over the void with new development to create a connected and continuous mixed use area which provides the opportunity for new public open space.

<blockquote>
Delivering new public open spaces of any significant size in this area is difficult and would involve the conversion of private, developable land for public, noncommercial use with an associated high acquisition cost. The exception includes the M1 undercroft which is an opportunity to provide a linear park in the western end of Southbank.

The CityLink Deck precinct offers a new opportunity to provide a new large public park within this development site. The location of the Arts Activity Precinct at the intersection of the new Sturt Street spine and Southbank Boulevard emphasises the imperative to deliver the linear parkland within Southbank Boulevard.
<cite>Southbank Structure Plan 2010</cite>
</blockquote>

While the CityLink deck could be considered a much longer term proposition, it would also make sense to act as the 'exclamation mark' or termination node for a linear park and walking/cycling network as part of a revitalised M1 Undercroft. As the extract above points out, acquisition of private land comes with a significant cost and this was recently highlighted with the <a href="http://www.skynews.com.au/news/local/melbourne/2015/11/25/-19m-spent-on-land-for-vic-playground">State Goverment paying $19m</a> for a development site on Buckhurst Street within the Montague precinct of Fishermans Bend to allow for the provision of a future park for the precinct.

Developer contributions would go some way to helping deliver the vision for an improved, accessible and safe M1 Undercroft with the subsequent benefits and opportunities provided being immense. A good indicator will be the Kingsway Undercroft works associated with the City Road masterplan; this should be used as a case study to investigate and test the best uses and subsequently provide direction for any potential M1 undercroft project.

Hopefully Southbank won't have to wait too much longer for meaningful and usable open space. In the meantime I look forward to seeing Under Gardiner develop over the next few years with an eye toward what it could show Melbourne in the process.

<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/3053787-slide-s-11-the-forgotten-space-under-a-toronto-highway.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Under Gardiner proposed spaces. Image courtesy of PUBLIC WORKS"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="267" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/3053787-slide-s-11-the-forgotten-space-under-a-toronto-highway.jpg?itok=fKz9WgeV" title="Under Gardiner proposed spaces. Image courtesy of PUBLIC WORKS" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Under Gardiner proposed spaces. Image courtesy of PUBLIC WORKS</figcaption></figure>
</body></html>

Laurence Dragomir

Taking a cue from Toronto to create the Southbank M1 Undercroft

<html><body>
Identified for a long time as lacking many of the human scale qualities that creates a vibrant and inviting street level environment, Southbank is now subject to a proposal that will create a swathe of open space through the spine of the suburb. City of Melbourne is advancing plans to transform Southbank Boulevard and Dodds Street into open space thoroughfares.

Described by Council as "A once-in-a-generation opportunity to address increasing public space needs of a rapidly growing population in one of Melbourne’s most densely populated suburbs," a report was put before the Future Melbourne (Environment) Committee last week that aims to endorse draft plans for the project.

Brought on by figures which show that Southbank holds one of Melbourne’s lowest provisions of public open space at 3 metres per person, the project was first earmarked during 2010.

<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/image47_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="City of Melbourne's concept image for part of Southbank Boulevard"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="245" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image47_0.jpg?itok=36vhidas" title="City of Melbourne's concept image for part of Southbank Boulevard" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>City of Melbourne's concept image for part of Southbank Boulevard</figcaption></figure>Under plans for the transformation, up to 2.5 hectares of repurposed public space could be added by lessening the existing road network, with the spared roadway still be capable of accommodating current vehicular traffic flows. This additional space has an estimated land value of $175 million.

In addition the project would see the creation of 1.1 kilometres of new bike lanes which would tie in with a new bike link emanating from Kavanagh Street and transiting Southbank Boulevard on its way into Queen Victoria Gardens and a likely meeting with the Capital City Trail. Urban forest improvements and the provision for a series of open spaces are catered for, and compliment private project like PJ Development Holdings' plans to <a href="/news/southbank-set-to-gain-a-new-park">introduce a new public park fronting Kavanagh Street</a> nearby.

Between St Kilda Road and Sturt Street, one of two tram stops along Southbank Boulevard would disappear in favour of a consolidated larger single island platform stop, whilst on-street metered parking would be significantly reduced at a cost to Council of approximately $240,000 per annum.

Described as a project of its time within the report, the process of transformation now moves to community consultation with the intent of determining what individuals want to see and do on a revamped Southbank Boulevard. The project timeline calls for final community consultation to occur during early 2016, with a master plan to be ratified during April 2016.

Staged construction of the project is slated to commence during late 2016, with a 2019 completion date targeted.

<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/image46_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Project influences according to City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="365" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image46_4.jpg?itok=-dyoPLhI" title="Project influences according to City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Project influences according to City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>The intended transformation of both Southbank Boulevard and Dodds Street runs parallel with City of Melbourne's creation of a new <a href="http://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/city-road">City Road Master Plan</a>. Theses two projects are at the point of Council's efforts to rectify Southbank's street level amenity and liveability which has failed to match the intense residential development that has occurred within the suburb over the past two decades.

<a href="http://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/southbankboulevard">Transforming Southbank Boulevard</a> is open to public comment until December 20, 2015.
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silvermb

Transforming Southbank Boulevard and Dodds Street

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Prominent Melbourne architecture firm Hayball has taken a differing tact in relation to one of its current high-rise projects which is currently being assessed at a State level. As one of a handful of owners of 135 Sturt Street Southbank which also serves as their head office, Hayball have seemingly stamped their own imprimatur on the composition of the proposed residential tower.

Unencumbered by the needs and wants of a developer, the architecture practice has created a building which they believe will yield a “net community benefit.” This is achieved not only by including a diverse range of dwellings types and affordable housing options, but also by effectively expanding the adjoining arts precinct.

Six separate entities control 135 Sturt Street Southbank, with Cystic Fibrosis Association of Victoria joining Hayball as the most prominent owners. The planning application is also actively pursuing a partnership with nearby art institutions with one scenario allowing for the Malthouse Set Workshop and Chunky Move Studio to relocate to the proposed tower in order to allow for the expansion of the adjoining The Australian Centre for Contemporary Art building.

<h2>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/image101.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The site in question. Image courtesy Urbis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image101.jpg?itok=Z_ku1TMn" title="The site in question. Image courtesy Urbis" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The site in question. Image courtesy Urbis</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Current use: two storey commercial building over a 2884.6sqm site</li>
	<li>Proposed 42 level tower (including plant) at 134 metres in height</li>
	<li>341 apartments: studio, 1, 2, 3 and Penthouse dwellings</li>
	<li>226 car and 151 bicycle spaces within two basement levels</li>
	<li>Communal spaces over levels 12, 13 and 39</li>
	<li>2094sqm of retail/commercial adaptable space available</li>
	<li>Nominal project value: $98 million</li>
</ul>
<h2>Design statement</h2>

<blockquote>
Our consultation with our neighbours has encouraged us to consider the possibility of this building being a microcosm of inner city. This as a city building which coalesces many uses and elements into one entity as a viable development proposition.

The design response aims to cultivate site and place, to authentically enrich the experience of the social and urban realm. The architectural approach presents a deliberate and resolved series of site specific strategies for an ensemble of forms. The building is therefore experienced as an assemblage of elements and not as a monolith.

A composition of activities is created, forming defensive or protective spaces within the site both in response to the CityLink off ramp and freeway opposite, and the adjoining Malthouse theatre structures on the northern boundary. This is intended to offer a social and cultural dimension to its experience and underpin the making of place through dynamic, animated interaction.
<cite>Hayball: Urban Context Report</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Love thy neighbour</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/image1135s.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Lower levels as envisaged from Sturt Street. Image courtesy Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image1135s.jpg?itok=EcjdXw6B" title="Lower levels as envisaged from Sturt Street. Image courtesy Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Lower levels as envisaged from Sturt Street. Image courtesy Hayball</figcaption></figure>A laneway will frame the northern flank of the proposed tower, allowing for the “Melbourne experience” within Southbank. Event spaces, commercial and retail spaces, placemaking features and a bar café are expected, providing interest on a human scale.

An art space is expected to front Sturt Street while levels one and two of the intended building are designed as flexible commercial spaces; likely for the new Malthouse Set Workshop and Chunky Move Studio should the development team's intentions come to fruition.

<blockquote>
We seek to curate a large scale mixed use development that is both inclusive and diverse within Melbourne’s Arts Precinct providing a much needed richness and livability being a catalyst for an attractive destination and connected place to live emerge within Southbank.
<cite>Hayball: Urban Context Report</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>A nod to diverse housing types</h2>

The large range of apartment options included speaks of almost altruistic intentions on Hayball's behalf; far from the typical one and two bedroom options that define most apartment 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/image3135s.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Numerous levels feature studio, 1,2 and 3 bedroom dwellings. Image courtesy Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="238" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image3135s.jpg?itok=nnkqfrpT" title="Numerous levels feature studio, 1,2 and 3 bedroom dwellings. Image courtesy Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Numerous levels feature studio, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom dwellings. Image courtesy Hayball</figcaption></figure>Studio, 1 Bed 1 Bath, 1 Bed 1 Bath Flexi, 2 Bed 1 Bath, 2 Bed 2 Bath, 3 Bed 2 Bath and 3 Bed 3 Bath options are included with flexible floorplates allowing for 2 bedroom apartments to be expanded by way of subsuming the adjoining studio apartment if requested. Not only is there a diverse apartment mix, but the intended residential mix has been outlined.

Short term accommodation options for patrons or employees of the Arts Precinct are catered for as is a set percentage of affordable housing dwellings within the development. The array of apartment formats also speaks toward the intended mix of families, ageing, singles, and couples expected to call 135 Sturt Street home.

37 three bedroom apartments are included, which represents a disproportionately high 11% of dwellings, with this number capable of being expanded.

<h2>Development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Hayball (lead entity)</li>
	<li>Architectural plans, elevations and sections: Hayball Architects</li>
	<li>Urban Context Report: Hayball Architects</li>
	<li>Planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>Wind Engineering Assessment: MEL Consultants</li>
	<li>Waste Management Plan: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Sustainability Management Plan: Simpson Kotzman</li>
	<li>Traffic: Traffix</li>
</ul>
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The best of intentions: 135 Sturt Street, Southbank

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At a point where City of Melbourne are grappling with <a href="http://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/shapesouthbank">multiple projects</a> aimed toward beautifying Southbank, a current planning application at the behest of private Malaysian developer PJD Property intends to create a new park and surrounding open spaces far superior to anything currently found within postcode 3006.

Plans have been touched upon in recent months for 93-119 Kavanagh Street which many readers would currently identify as a sprawling open air car park adjoining CityLink that covers the best part of a city block or approximately 21,000sqm.

In addition to six intended high-rise towers for the site, project lead Cox Architecture and design partner Rush Wright Landscape Architects have added considerable green spaces into the project master plan. These spaces are expected to not only service the project which has been dubbed Kavanagh Park but also create a green space network throughout Southbank by linking with adjoining sites.

To the north of Kavanagh Park lies the Boyd Community Hub site which is due for a new high-rise residential tower and new public park while to the south lies ancillary green CityLink land.

<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/image84_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The urban park as envisaged from Kavanagh Street. Image courtesy Cox Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="321" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image84_2.jpg?itok=dEEgBtie" title="The urban park as envisaged from Kavanagh Street. Image courtesy Cox Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The urban park as envisaged from Kavanagh Street. Image courtesy Cox Architecture</figcaption></figure>The Kavanagh Park master plan identifies the need to "plug widely observed gaps in the more localised existing provisions of open space, local services and amenities in Southbank." As a guide the development team have referenced the design brief for the adjoining Boyd site in order to gauge the size and functionality of open spaces included within the Kavanagh Park site.

In addition to the new park and greatly enhanced public realm network Cox Architecture have identified active podiums, laneways and liveable streets as key CBD attributes which they have incorporated into Kavanagh Park.

<h2>Kavanagh Park key landscape design principles</h2>

A landscape master plan has been devised as part of the proposed development, with key design approaches identified. They include:

<ul>
<li>Creation of a public landscape network - with generous pedestrian spaces - which keys into Kavanagh Street as a wide, green east west corridor within Southbank, linking local community infrastructure.</li>
	<li>Landscape character - a blend of “civic with some neighbourhood eccentricity (not corporate)" to make permanent public amenity at ground level and landscape levels over structure.</li>
	<li>Use of natural durable materials, detailing, lighting and inbuilt furniture which ages gracefully.</li>
	<li>Installation of large canopy trees and water - signature elements for intimate scale pocket parks and a new city park space.</li>
	<li>Landscape design for flexibility of use and diversity of residents - families, community events, BBQs.</li>
	<li>Establishment of urban forest canopy - equivalence between podium and tree scale - and botanic diversity supporting different ecological values.</li>
	<li>Public spaces which are safe, well lit, activated with a diversity of building programme with passive surveillance 24/7.</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/image58_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="An overview of the precinct. Image courtesy Cox Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="385" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image58_1.jpg?itok=fWVQM-s5" title="An overview of the precinct. Image courtesy Cox Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>An overview of the precinct. Image courtesy Cox Architecture</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The most recent demographic data on Southbank’s population, received from City of Melbourne provides a picture of the makeup of households in the Southbank area. This research has informed our approach to an open space brief for the site, the potential residential and employment makeup and the different groups who may use the public spaces.

This data shows there is a need to balance the mix of open space offered within the Southbank precinct and across neighbouring park developments. The landscape design should focus on the role of open space for “backyard” functions in an area with 94% of dwellings being apartments.
<cite>Kavanagh Park master plan</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Parkland first to arrive</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/image64_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The main park will be delivered immediately. Image courtesy Cox Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="347" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image64_4.jpg?itok=PK_7d6d9" title="The main park will be delivered immediately. Image courtesy Cox Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The main park will be delivered immediately. Image courtesy Cox Architecture</figcaption></figure>While the overall project is expected to be rolled out over six stages and possibly see additional parties join PJD Property in developing the substantial towers, the public park will be delivered immediately upon the master plan receiving approval according to planning documents.

Stage One will see the main park fronting Kavanagh Street, a supermarket, food hall, further retail, child care centre and gym delivered. According to the master plan creating the park and associated community facilities "upfront is a rare and positive outcome for the Southbank community as it fills the currently recognised gaps in services and activity for current residents."
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Southbank set to gain a new park

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On Monday we learned Crown Resorts in conjunction with their joint venture partner Schiavello, had selected UK architecture firm WilkinsonEyre as the winner of a competition to redesign what has become known as Queensbridge Tower site on Southbank.

Long time Apartments.com.au readers may recall this project has grown since its original planning application in May 2013, initially limited to the old Queens Bridge Hotel site and neighbouring properties.

Over time the initial Bates Smart design was altered as more neighbouring properties were acquired, culminating in an enhanced design adding a greater distance between the proposed tower and 1 Freshwater Place. A pedestrian airbridge linking the site with Crown Casino was also included.

Usually with a marquee project such as this being unveiled, we would be quoting numbers from a planning application. Not so in this case, as plans for the new design have not yet been lodged.

It is with this in mind we remain cautious when talking about certain particulars of the project.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/qbh.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Queensbridge Tower from the Yarra's north bank"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="345" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/qbh.png?itok=BF37iOCv" title="Queensbridge Tower from the Yarra's north bank" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Queensbridge Tower from the Yarra's north bank</figcaption></figure>A source close to the project was understandably sensitive about producing information we would like to have - for instance, elevation diagrams which can confirm exact dimensions and components of the building - and reiterated a point broadcast on ABC Radio that the amended planning application would be lodged within four weeks.

When quizzed about the overall height, we were told to defer to figures outlined in the Herald Sun: 317 metres.

However there is a general caveat in all of this: news coverage generated yesterday came from a Media/ASX release, not a planning application, and the statistics which currently reside in our <a href="/new-apartments/one-queensbridge-street-1-23-queensbridge-street-southbank">listing of Queensbridge Tower</a> may change if the planning application ends up showing different numbers to what has been reported.

We have learned two things not contained in the media release:

<ol>
<li>Architectus were appointed executive architects to coordinate the ground work in Melbourne with WilkinsonEyre.</li>
	<li>The project will buck a notable trend in similar large-scale projects in Melbourne of late: marketing for the project will only begin once an outcome has been received from the Planning Minister.</li>
</ol>
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Alastair Taylor

Crown's Queensbridge Tower a step closer to fruition

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Having secured the last of four consecutive Southbank blocks during early 2015, Central Equity have enlisted Doig Architecture to design a residential tower that strays away from the developer's typical formula for success, at least externally.

For so long, content with churning out towers of approximately 40 levels and of a generic nature, Central Equity will for the first time surpass the 200 metre barrier with a 67 level residential tower proposed for 71-87 City Road, Southbank. Further the tower will employ an irregular and highly angular floorplate with a high degree of external facade definition.

The proposal will also retain in its entirety the heritage listed building at 71-75 City Road, rather than simply facade the structure.

In a sign that Central Equity are ramping up their residential pipeline, two further planning applications on the developers behalf are active. 268-274 City Road, Southbank and 556-558 Lonsdale Street were also lodged just prior to the implementation of the new Metropolitan Planning Levy, with both projects also in excess of 200 metres.

Combined the three projects will have a development vale in excess of $500 million and deliver well over 2,000 new dwellings.

<h2>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/image91_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hero perspective of 71-87 City Road. Image courtesy Doig Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="872" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image91_1.jpg?itok=t0M5kMdK" title="Hero perspective of 71-87 City Road. Image courtesy Doig Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hero perspective of 71-87 City Road. Image courtesy Doig Architecture</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Application prepared June 2015</li>
	<li>Four combined sites, with frontages to City Road and Fawkner Street</li>
	<li>Combined site area: 2,340sqm</li>
	<li>71-75 City Road: three storey heritage building to be retained</li>
	<li>Proposed 67 level residential tower at 224.6 metres</li>
	<li>782 apartments: 297 x 1BR, 368 x 2BR, 117 x 3BR</li>
	<li>406 car parks and 414 bicycle bays included</li>
	<li>Three retail tenancies: 543sqm</li>
</ul>
<h2>Street level interface</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/image92_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The podium as viewed from City Road. Image courtesy Doig Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="405" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image92_1.jpg?itok=-19KZp5b" title="The podium as viewed from City Road. Image courtesy Doig Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The podium as viewed from City Road. Image courtesy Doig Architecture</figcaption></figure>71-75 City Road which sits to one corner of the development site and is a B-grade heritage listed structure will be retained, with a setback in place from the proposed podium and tower. The three level structure will also maintain its use as a tenancy of 211sqm post development.

The tower podium will consist of a ten level edifice to the City Road site boundary, clad predominantly in bronze glazing and highlighted by metal screens which carry graphic prints. Stone and glazing will be present along City Road with only the booster housing considered inactive, while composite screening will set behind 71-75 City Road, allowing creepers to take effect.

Atop the podium extensive landscaping and communal facilities are incorporated, with greenery also a feature of the podium fronting Fawkner Street by way of planter boxes.

The irregularly shaped tower will be dominated by light grey, dark grey and bronze glazing, with setbacks to all boundaries.

<h2>The next move</h2>

As is generally the case with large planning applications, DELWP have asked for further information from the development team on issues such wind impact, general tower presentation, development breakdown and 3D modelling.

An extension of time request was recently granted allowing for the preparation of further information, suggesting that in all likelihood 71-87 City Road Southbank will gain a planning resolution well into 2016.

<h2>Development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: WKB Land Corporation Pty Ltd (Central Equity)</li>
	<li>Architect: Doig Architecture</li>
	<li>Planning and Lansdcape: ERM Australia</li>
	<li>Traffic: Cardno</li>
	<li>Acoustic: SLR</li>
	<li>Wind Environment: Windtech</li>
	<li>Waste Management: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Heritage response: Heritage Alliance</li>
	<li>Aviation Assessment: Rehbein Airport Consulting</li>
	<li>Sustainability: F2 Design</li>
</ul>
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Central Equity breaks the mould: 71-87 City Road, Southbank

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Singaporean developer <a href="/developers/world-class-global">World Class Land</a> has formally appointed Brookfield Multiplex as builder for Australia 108, with on-site piling to commence in October.

The tower will become <a href="/buildings/australia-108-southbank-70-southbank-boulevard-southbank">Melbourne's first super-tall skyscraper</a> measuring 319 metres housing 1,105 apartments over 99 levels. A super-tall skyscraper is a building which measures more 300 metres in height.

<a href="/">Apartments.com.au</a> has learned that construction will have five stages. The first stage of construction is scheduled to be completed in 2018 and the entire building will be completed in 2020.

The construction stages have the following milestones:

<ul>
<li>Stage 1: up to level 40, 491 apartments, to be completed late 2018</li>
	<li>Stage 2: up to level 56, 252 apartments, to be completed mid 2019</li>
	<li>Stage 3: up to level 66, 162 apartments, to be completed mid 2019</li>
	<li>Stage 4: up to level 86, 120 apartments, to be completed early 2020</li>
	<li>Stage 5: up to final level, 80 apartments, to be completed mid 2020</li>
</ul>
Stages 2 and 3 will be complete in different months in mid 2019 and the awarded construction contract is valued at $500 million.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/aus_108_site_rs.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Australia 108 site in August. Image Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/aus_108_site_rs.jpg?itok=Ve-I7-vk" title="Australia 108 site in August. Image Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Australia 108 site in August. Image Ryan Seychell</figcaption></figure>
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Brookfield Multiplex appointed builder for Australia 108, piling to commence in October

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As reported by Apartments.com.au <a href="/news/on-the-bright-side-2-riverside-quay-southbank">early last year</a>, the City of Melbourne and Mirvac are working in partnership to renew Southbank's Riverside Quay area, with particular emphasis placed on Riverside Quay Place. Key elements of Mirvac's office development at 2 Riverside Quay are a new office complex built over the existing car park and a new urban space at the foot of the building.

The planning permit for this site required the development of a master plan outlining the improvements to the surrounding Mirvac-owned buildings which are Q1, Q2 and Q3 as seen below. 2 Riverside Quay (2RSQ) underlines the entire master plan, with two tower cranes currently at work for what will become the new offices of PricewaterhouseCoopers.

<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/2rsq_stage1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Riverside Quay Masterplan study area - Stage 01. Image courtesy McGregor Coxall "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="338" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/2rsq_stage1.jpg?itok=M8qSOlZo" title="Riverside Quay Masterplan study area - Stage 01. Image courtesy McGregor Coxall " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Riverside Quay Masterplan study area - Stage 01. Image courtesy McGregor Coxall</figcaption></figure>Since April, the City of Melbourne have been undertaking community engagement in the Riverside Quay area in an attempt to ascertain who is using the area, how it is being used and what people would like to see. The feedback received during community engagement helped inform council in creating a vision for the Riverside Quay area, which has just been released for further community engagement.

The vision will then inform a master plan that will outline how the existing area could be renewed to meet the needs and values of the local community. Outlined in the vision is a place that:

<ul>
<li>Is welcoming, safe and flexible;</li>
	<li>Allows people to be proud of and invest their time in;</li>
	<li>Is quietly vibrant with different opportunities to engage and experience the place.</li>
</ul>
Key elements of the vision are described in the table extract below:

<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/rsq_vision.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Riverside Quay Place Key Elements. Image courtesy McGregor Coxall "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="250" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/rsq_vision.jpg?itok=6k9QwlJl" title="Riverside Quay Place Key Elements. Image courtesy McGregor Coxall " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Riverside Quay Place Key Elements. Image courtesy McGregor Coxall</figcaption></figure>As part of the further refinement of Riverside Quay, Mirvac have submitted a planning amendment to their permit which would see the main entry lobby moved from the south to the east of the tower under construction in order to provide activation and a stronger interface with the new public space: pedestrian access is now provided directly from Riverside Square.

Alterations have also been made to the ground floor layout to accommodate the relocated main building lobby entry. Additionally the application also includes construction of two new canopies on the eastern façade that will project over Riverside Square.

<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/2rsq_gf_plan.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="2 Riverside Quay amended ground floor plan. © Mirvac"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="364" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/2rsq_gf_plan.jpg?itok=CyiaHIVp" title="2 Riverside Quay amended ground floor plan. © Mirvac" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>2 Riverside Quay amended ground floor plan. © Mirvac</figcaption></figure>The City of Melbourne have expressed their support of theses alterations to the development.

<blockquote>
The new lobby entry to the south eastern corner is considered a more appropriate location that will not unreasonably impact the future design of Riverside Square, which is currently undergoing Community Engagement and design process. The new lobby entry reduces travel distance to Riverside Quay, resulting in a more balanced location that engages both Riverside Square and Riverside Quay.

The reduced travel distance will also reduce the impact of any easement of other legal mechanism required to gain legal rights of access to the lobby across the park to Riverside Quay. Any encumbrances on Riverside Square are to be minimised and to this end it is considered that access to the retail/café tenancy should be relocated, so that it does not abut directly on the land.

It is considered that there is sufficient space in the north eastern corner of the site that will allow Riverside Square to remain unencumbered by the future tenancy.

<cite>City of Melbourne's Future (Planning) Committee Report</cite>
</blockquote>

It is anticipated Stage 1 of the masterplan will commence construction in Q3 2016. In the meantime, to stay up to date or get involved, visit the <a href="http://riversidequayplacerenewal.com/">Riverside Quay Place Renewal website</a>.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/2rsq_pwc.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="2 Riverside Quay powering along. Image courtesy Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="375" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/2rsq_pwc.jpg?itok=XP_hpNDT" title="2 Riverside Quay powering along. Image courtesy Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>2 Riverside Quay powering along. Image courtesy Ryan Seychell</figcaption></figure>
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The Riverside Quay Place Renewal project takes shape

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First photos have emerged of last Friday's tower crane accident at <a href="/buildings/marco-42-48-balston-street-southbank">Marco Melbourne</a> on Southbank. CFMEU Victoria have uploaded a host of images via their Facebook page which demonstrates the serious nature of the accident and the luck that allowed all involved onsite to escape with only a handful of minor injuries reported.

The failure of the tower crane has lead to road closures in the area until a point where the unit can be safely recovered. Over the past few days Worksafe, the CFMEU and engineers have come to agreement concerning the removal of the tower crane.

CFMEU Victoria states online that "This work is obviously high risk and unfortunately has the potential to be delayed by changes in weather. This is a highly unusual and dangerous situation and requires everyone involved to proceed with particular care to ensure the safety of workers and the wider community."

<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/image159_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Images sourced via the CFMEU Victoria Facebook page"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image159_0.jpg?itok=pk3uhCuC" title="Images sourced via the CFMEU Victoria Facebook page" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Images sourced via the CFMEU Victoria Facebook page</figcaption></figure>Seen above is the crane deck sitting atop the concrete lift well with the associated jump form bearing the brunt of the collapse. While debris fell to the floor plate below the lift well, a counter-weight attached to the crane line during jacking also dropped to the surface below.

It's been widely reported that the collapse was due to a fault with the tower crane's internal climbing system which sees the unit mounted within the tower lift well. As has been pointed out by the CFMEU, there has been much incorrect speculation about the collapse which included a precast concrete slab being dropped from the crane.

<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_5401.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Recovery of the stricken crane is set to begin"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_5401.jpg?itok=GMhrirul" title="Recovery of the stricken crane is set to begin" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Recovery of the stricken crane is set to begin</figcaption></figure>According to CFMEU Victoria, "There is a thorough investigation being undertaken and the precise cause of the incident may not be known until some of the continuing rectification work is complete so more evidence can be gathered and the investigation concluded. It's always best to deal with the facts rather than speculate."

The incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with the construction industry and the vigilance required when working on complicated large-scale projects. Serious tower crane incidents in recent memory include the 2005 peel back of a tower crane boom during the MCG's Northern Stand redevelopment and a 2001 accident on a Southbank construction site which saw a tower crane's moveable counterweight dislodge and fall, resulting in the death of a worker.

<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/mns_20050203.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="MCG's 2005 Northern Stand redevelopment wasn't without incident."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="418" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mns_20050203.jpg?itok=eC05Ml2C" title="MCG's 2005 Northern Stand redevelopment wasn't without incident." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>MCG's 2005 Northern Stand redevelopment wasn't without incident.</figcaption></figure>As for Marco Melbourne, a sizeable Grove GMK 7450 mobile crane is positioned and ready to dismantle the tower crane with further works in removing the damaged jump form system also expected. Post clean up, a fresh tower crane and jump form will need to be sourced in order to recommence works on the western tower of the development.

At the time of the incident the western tower floor plate was at 13 levels above ground with the lift well another four levels above. Eventually the western tower will top out at 37 levels with the adjoining eastern tower reaching 32 levels, for a combined total of 356 apartments.

See more images of the aftermath on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.534450093388638.1073741845.207237466109904">CFMEU's Facebook page</a>.

Lead image courtesy CFMEU Victoria.
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Inside Marco Melbourne's tower crane collapse

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The issue of air rights has been given heightened media attention in recent times, principally due to Yarra House within South Yarra's Forrest Hill Precinct where developer Michael Yates <a href="http://www.afr.com/real-estate/residential/yarra-house-to-rise-with-views-secured-20131015-jgwls">purchased apartments in the adjoining low-rise building</a>. This in turn secures the right to veto any future development, thus protecting Yarra House's views.

Air rights and appropriate development is also at the crux of a dispute headed to VCAT, where Albert Road-based Evolve Development is seeking to amend an already approved scheme for 25-27 Coventry Street, so as to expand the tower's built form above the neighbouring property. Having purchased the Southbank site with approval in place for a 22 level residential building, Evolve Development have subsequently secured air rights above the adjoining 21-23 Coventry Street.

<blockquote>
Our client has also purchased the air rights of the eastern adjoining property and a subdivision permit obtained to amalgamate this land. It is noted that the permit contained Condition 1 (f), which required the built form to be set back from the eastern boundary at least 4.5 metres from the eastern boundary at Level 5 and above. This requirement was due to Council's concerns in relation to the proposed development restricting the future development potential of the adjoining land, in particular any restrictions on east facing apartments in any future development of that land.
<cite>SJB Planning document to VCAT excerpt, April 2015</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/image166.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Air right over part 21-23 Coventry Street. Image courtesy SJB"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="365" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image166.jpg?itok=i-1vNYzD" title="Air right over part 21-23 Coventry Street. Image courtesy SJB" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Air right over part 21-23 Coventry Street. Image courtesy SJB</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The purchase of the air rights over 21-23 Coventry Street has resulted in an expansion of the built form to the east from Level 5 upwards. This has had consequential effects on the layout of apartments at these levels. Particularly, the apartments located in the south east quadrant of the building from Level 5 to Level 20 have been reoriented to ensure appropriate setbacks from the properties to the south and west and to ensure adequate daylight access to all habitable rooms.

Evolve No.21 Pty Ltd now seeks permission to pursue an amended development strategy which incorporates the air rights over 21-23 Coventry Street to the east and which better reflects current inner urban housing market trends.
<cite>SJB Planning document to VCAT excerpt, April 2015</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>25-27 Coventry Street, Southbank amendment highlights</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/image168.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A comparison between approved and proposed. Images courtesy SJB"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="343" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image168.jpg?itok=8l3s_v4t" title="A comparison between approved and proposed. Images courtesy SJB" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A comparison between approved and proposed. Images courtesy SJB</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>21 level residential tower at 70 metres in height</li>
	<li>252 apartments - 99 * studio, 105 * 1BR, 48 * 2BR</li>
	<li>177 car parking spaces and 80 bicycle spaces within a three level basement</li>
	<li>279sqm commercial/restaurant space with 50 person capacity</li>
	<li>Meeting room and library included within the development</li>
	<li>1,147sqm site area</li>
</ul>
The reworked SJB Architects design seeks to bump up apartments numbers by an additional 72 over the initial scheme which was given the nod via City of Melbourne during 2013. This is principally achieved by increasing studio dwellings from 8 to 99 within the amended proposal, at the cost of two bedroom dwellings which decrease by 20.

While the design still adheres to the DDO60 height limit, the external look has been drastically altered with the addition of balconies to the eastern facade. It's argued within the documents that the balconies which overhang the adjoining 21-23 Coventry street will aid in the retention of both on-site and off-site amenity.

Evolve Development currently have the project listed on their website as valued at $140 million and holding a completion date of 2017. It's fair to assume both these figures will change.

<h2>North, south, east and west</h2>

<blockquote>
The building form varies on each of its four elevations, relating to the immediate neighbouring conditions, whilst the use of varied colours and materiality presents a continuity and connection to the surroundings.

The north elevation presents an elegant tower on a setback podium with expressed columns that lightly anchor the elevation to the ground. Laneway access provided at the rear of the site along Wells Lane ensures flexibility and street activation of Coventry Street by way of tenancy and residential lobby interface. Street canopies, individually expressed between columns, break up the podium providing a human scale in the current streetscape rhythm while providing protection from the elements.

The tower is expressed in distinctive elements to provide visual interest and articulation. A recessed floor plan is incorporated at level 5 to distinguish the podium from the tower above. This break in the facade is introduced to respond to the height of the parapet of 312 St Kilda Road to the east, and the fagade composition of 35-37 Coventry Street to the west. The western elevation incorporates an angled setback to individual apartments facing south-west to protect the amenity of existing residents to the south and future neighbours to the west.

The south elevation is set back in response to the proximity of the residential tower at 6-8 Dorcas Street to the south.
<cite>SJB Planning</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Join the club</h2>

25-27 Coventry Street would join Evolve Development's initial Southbank project, <a href="http://www.evolvedevelopment.com.au/completed-projects.php#guilfoyle">The Guilfoyle</a> at 39 Coventry Street. LU Simon Builders completed the $190 million tower during 2013, which holds 353 apartments spanning 21 levels. SJB Architects were also responsible for the design of The Guilfoyle.

Currently fellow developer VIMG have sold in excess of 70% of Coventry Haus located at 33 Coventry Street, which will see the project head to construction shortly. Designed by Jackson Clement Borrows, the tower began life considerably shorter but was expanded upon VIMG's purchase of the site to the maximum allowable height.

<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/141029-33-coventry-photomontage-dusk-edit-3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Coventry Haus at 23 levels. Image courtesy JCB"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="899" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/141029-33-coventry-photomontage-dusk-edit-3.jpg?itok=2ZAoQ8ld" title="Coventry Haus at 23 levels. Image courtesy JCB" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Coventry Haus at 23 levels. Image courtesy JCB</figcaption></figure>The 'secondary' Southbank apartment market has proven popular in recent years with a string of apartment tower completions falling between Coventry and Dorcas, as witnessed by Sunday Apartments, Elm and the aforementioned Guilfoyle.

Waiting in the wings are the approved <a href="/buildings/kings-domain-southbank-68-dorcas-street-southbank">68-70 Dorcas Street</a>, <a href="/buildings/the-evermore-southbank-58-66-dorcas-street-southbank">58-66 Dorcas Street</a> and potentially 25-27 Coventry Street which between them would pump a further 1000 apartments into the tail end of Southbank.
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