<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sunland-group">Sunland Group</a> has officially lodged plans for its first Gold Coast apartment project since the departure of the Abedian family from the company three years ago, unveiling a new high-rise proposal for a prominent Broadbeach corner site on Old Burleigh Road.

The application was submitted by an entity directed by Tom Jamieson, stepson of longtime Sunland leader Soheil Abedian, and Riaz Rezvanipour, brother-in-law of Sahba Abedian, Soheil’s son.

Sunland acquired the 1,283 sqm site on the corner of Old Burleigh Road and Armrick Avenue for $9.5 million late last year and is now seeking approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/99-101-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">42-storey tower with 81 apartments</a>.

<img alt="First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fea2946d-90ee-4cfc-babe-2a8ad5db2cb6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers.png?VersionId=BV0fihJw31nDIQ8ozY_h3GbS8mxDyhnm" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/contreras-earl-architecture">Contreras Earl Architecture</a>, the proposed tower at 99-101 Old Burleigh Road would deliver a predominantly larger-format apartment mix aimed at the owner-occupier market. Plans include 17 two-bedroom apartments, 55 three-bedroom apartments, and nine four-bedroom residences across 35 residential levels.

The development also incorporates three basement levels, four podium parking levels, two levels of communal recreation facilities, and rooftop plant and equipment. A total of 189 car spaces are proposed, significantly exceeding the 90 spaces required under the planning scheme.

The architecture adopts a sculpted, curvilinear form, with deep wraparound balconies and integrated landscaping intended to soften the tower’s vertical expression. The planning report states the building’s “slender footprint/form provides a complimentary yet varied built form within the local streetscape” and contributes to “a varied, yet ordered skyline.”

Contreras Earl noted in its Architectural Statement that from the early stages, the project addressed a fundamental challenge: how to accommodate the required residential yield while avoiding the conventional model of a tower sitting on a rigid, fully resolved parking podium.

“The most direct response would have been to consolidate parking into a singular, flat podium and extrude a repetitive tower above,” the statement said. “While efficient, this approach would result in a consolidated built form with limited engagement with the surrounding landscape and public realm.”

Instead, the conventional podium model was “deliberately rejected”. The architects described the base of the building as “a landscaped architectural condition where structure, planting and circulation are integrated”.

“Rather than presenting a continuous built mass, the base of the building is articulated through a series of concrete planter elements that organise the podium into a fragmented system,” the statement said. “This approach reduces the perceived bulk of the lower levels while establishing a more permeable interface with the streetscape and adjacent open space.”

<img alt="Sunland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="923fad8d-c960-4527-8fbe-975cf1ddf88d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%2010.32.03%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=pngwb0hYOIUpq9vDw6F2EsOiVuHF3DiX" />

&nbsp;

The site sits within the High Density Residential Zone and inside the City of Gold Coast’s unrestricted “HX” building height area, where the planning framework anticipates intensified residential development tied to the expanding light rail corridor. The planning report notes the area is undergoing “transition toward more intense development forms” given its proximity to Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, and high-frequency public transport infrastructure.

Positioned directly opposite Broadbeach Park and within walking distance of Florida Gardens light rail station, the development would sit among a rapidly evolving stretch of Old Burleigh Road that has become one of the Gold Coast’s most active apartment development corridors.

The application joins a growing pipeline of luxury residential projects reshaping Broadbeach, including nearby developments by 5Point Projects, Polycell, and Graya.

The planning report argues the project contributes toward the Gold Coast’s long-term housing targets under the South East Queensland Regional Plan, which forecasts the need for more than 100,000 additional high-rise dwellings across the city by 2046.

<section data-scroll-anchor="false" data-testid="conversation-turn-4" data-turn="assistant" data-turn-id="request-WEB:84a2af5e-d7cf-4ddf-922a-f4d44d6c6caa-1" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:84a2af5e-d7cf-4ddf-922a-f4d44d6c6caa-1" dir="auto">
The Abedian family departed Sunland Group in late 2023, ending a four-decade association with the company, and subsequently established the private development firm Abedian &amp; Co. The group is currently delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/greenmount-residences-cnr-hill-street-and-marine-parade-coolangatta-qld-4225">Greenmount Residences</a> at Rainbow Bay and recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/18-mary-avenue-14-18-mary-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218">18 Mary Avenue</a> in Broadbeach.
</section>

Joel Robinson

First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach new apartment market with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans

The Minns Labor Government has established the new Bays West Delivery Authority to lead the development&nbsp;of the Bays West Precinct and Blackwattle Bay Precinct.&nbsp;

The Authority is charged with creating Sydney’s newest precinct, a thriving, connected, sustainable hub with White Bay Power Station as its cultural heart. Its vision is to build on the area’s natural, cultural and industrial history to shape a vibrant new neighbourhood.

The precinct will deliver up to 8,500 well-located homes, including a minimum of 10 per cent affordable and essential worker homes. Combine new housing with public open space, opening public access to the waterfront for the first time in more than 100 years, while retaining important deep-water facilities to support Sydney’s working harbour.

Located just minutes from the Sydney CBD and connected to a world-class metro, ferry, walking and cycling links, the Bays West precinct will rebalance housing growth towards well-serviced inner-city locations and help tackle the state’s housing crisis.

The Bays West Delivery Authority,&nbsp;an agency of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, will report to the NSW Minister for Lands and Property who already has oversight of major precinct renewal projects including at Blackwattle Bay and Barangaroo.

As part of the broader Bays West transformation, the Minns Government recently announced that a proposal from Lendlease to redevelop part of the Bays West Precinct has progressed to Stage 2 of the NSW Government’s unsolicited proposals process.

<img alt="Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2ed71eb9-d8e8-4fa7-b9d1-de4531dcf2f3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%209.42.31%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=IDryFIbped9SNDg72LEN_EecvhUsOPvp" />

The Minns Labor Government has also confirmed the Bays West precinct will have a new suburb name. This will be the first major suburb built in close proximity to Sydney’s CBD in decades and will encompass the area currently being referred to as Bays West, including Glebe Island and the White Bay Power Station. Served by a new Metro station just five minutes from the CBD, it will become one of the most populous suburbs in the Inner West and one of Sydney’s premier cultural destinations.

An early works program is taking shape, which&nbsp;includes the first stages of an international design competition.&nbsp;

The aim of the Bays West&nbsp;International&nbsp;Design Competition is to&nbsp;ensure design excellence is embedded in the project from the start. The competition will deliver an&nbsp;urban framework that defines the character, ambition and long-term identity of&nbsp;this&nbsp;former industrial precinct as it transitions to a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable residential&nbsp;neighbourhood.

The competition will be led by the Bays West Delivery Authority in partnership with Government Architect NSW.&nbsp;

It will launch with an invitation for a global Expressions of Interest, before moving to an invitation-only stage that will be assessed by a panel that&nbsp;will provide advice to Cabinet who will select a winner.

Premier of NSW, Chris Minns said the establishment of the new Authority is the first step in transforming the Bays West precinct into a vibrant, livable suburb minutes from the Sydney CBD and two stops from Hunter St Station on the Metro West line.

“The Authority will deliver well-located homes close to the heart of the city and integrate the new precinct with Blackwattle Bay and the new Sydney Fish Market.

“This is a generational opportunity to build a new suburb on the city’s edge and open the harbour foreshore to the public for the first time in a century.”&nbsp;

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said the new Bays West Delivery Authority established by the Minns Government will turbocharge the development of Sydney’s newest suburb.

“The Authority is working at a record pace to deliver an international design competition, planning pathways and a financial model so that this development benefits Sydney with well-designed homes in a central location, close to public transport, jobs, entertainment and essential services.

“If we want Sydney to stay liveable and affordable, we need to be bold about using underutilised government-owned land to deliver homes for the future while making sure essential working harbour functions can be accommodated.”

Bays West Delivery Authority established to "turbocharge" Sydney’s newest suburb

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.

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

Southbank

<html><body>
With its Southbank by Beulah ‘Future Cities’ Symposium sold out to a 1,000 strong crowd, <a href="/developers/beulah">Beulah International</a> handed over the stage to the 6 competing architectural teams to reveal their design responses for the <a href="/news">118 City Road</a> site.

Working to a maximum height of 360m above street level and accommodating a GFA of in excess of 250,000 sqm, each of the teams took a unique approach to site reflecting on its position adjacent to the soon to be greened Southbank Boulevard which links the Royal Botanical Gardens to <a href="/new-apartments/southbank-vic-3006">Southbank's</a> promenade and the river beyond.

The teams initially pitched their respective designs for the site to Beulah International across two days at the recently installed Beulah Pavilion situated at Queensbridge Square, Southbank.

Designed by Samson Tiew from <a href="/architects/one-design-office">One Design Office</a>, the pavilion will act as an exhibition space for all of the design entries now that they have been publicly revealed.

<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_pop_up_pavilion.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Samson Tiew's pop-up pavilion for Beulah International. Image: Beulah"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="228" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/southbank_pop_up_pavilion.jpg?itok=LKHAchxh" title="Samson Tiew's pop-up pavilion for Beulah International. Image: Beulah" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Samson Tiew's pop-up pavilion for Beulah International. Image: Beulah</figcaption></figure>Below is a summary of each of the designs;

<h2><a href="/news/southbank-by-beulah-big-fk-the-lanescraper">BIG + FK - 'The Lanescraper'</a></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/54b6eb4e85df98fa8a5cf9a915846f0e.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Lanescraper by BIG + FKA. Images: BIG "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="580" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/54b6eb4e85df98fa8a5cf9a915846f0e.jpg?itok=PFnb8dRX" title="The Lanescraper by BIG + FKA. Images: BIG " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Lanescraper by BIG + FKA. Images: BIG</figcaption></figure>Celebrating <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic">Melbourne's laneways</a>, 'The Lanescraper' introduces a series of laneways rising up the height of the tower providing spaces for various programmatic uses and assisting in reducing the visual mass while also providing areas of respite.

<h2><a href="/news/southbank-by-beulah-coop-himmelblau-architectus-the-beulah-propeller-city">COOP HIMMELB(L)AU + architectus - 'The Propeller City'</a></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/57cd5cc9f84cc869dfa9edc0747109ac.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="COOP Himmelb(l)au + Architectus' The Propeller City. Images: COOP Himmelb(l)au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/57cd5cc9f84cc869dfa9edc0747109ac.jpg?itok=peJzkIqL" title="COOP Himmelb(l)au + Architectus' The Propeller City. Images: COOP Himmelb(l)au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>COOP Himmelb(l)au + Architectus' The Propeller City. Images: COOP Himmelb(l)au</figcaption></figure>The Propeller City concept is named so because of its propeller-like element which crowns the building and can be programmed as penthouses, or potentially a restaurant or function space.

At ground level on the corner of Southbank Boulevard and City Road's the BMW Experience centre draws on COOP Himmelb(l)au's BMW Welt in Munich as an invitation for the public to enter and explore the building.

<h2><a href="/news/southbank-by-beulah-mad-architects-elenberg-fraser-the-urban-tree">MAD Architects + elenberg fraser - 'The Urban Tree'</a></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/03_mad_southbank-by-beulah-768x500.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Urban Tree by MAD Architects + Elenberg Fraser. Image: MAD Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="378" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/03_mad_southbank-by-beulah-768x500.jpg?itok=CHg1nBaW" title="The Urban Tree by MAD Architects + Elenberg Fraser. Image: MAD Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Urban Tree by MAD Architects + Elenberg Fraser. Image: MAD Architects</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
Defying the typical glass, box-like buildings of Melbourne that appear detached from the city’s historic parks and natural local terrain, MAD’s organic design introduces a silhouette of natural forms – mountain, tree, cloud – into the dense city center, offering a distinct and iconic scheme for the skyline, that reconnects citizens with nature.

The pinnacle of the design is ‘the cloud’ – a cantilevered structure that houses the public amenities for the hotel (lobby, restaurant, bar, and observation deck), and offers 360° views of Melbourne. 

- MAD Architects
</blockquote>

 

<h2><a href="/news/southbank-by-beulah-mvrdv-woods-bagot-the-stack">MVRDV + Woods Bagot - 'The Stack'</a></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/mvrdv_wb_sbb_media_image_01.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Stack by MVRDV + Woods Bagot. Image: Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mvrdv_wb_sbb_media_image_01.jpg?itok=5QAuHCCs" title="The Stack by MVRDV + Woods Bagot. Image: Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Stack by MVRDV + Woods Bagot. Image: Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
MVRDV and Woods Bagot have proposed a “new kind of skyscraper” for a landmark mixed-use site in Melbourne’s Southbank. The Stack is one of six invited entries in an architectural competition organised by the site’s owners Beulah International, a Melbourne-based developer known for its commitment to excellence in local design.

Eschewing Southbank’s typical model of podium and tower – a typology that has always promised but seldom delivered – the Stack is a confident prism with public interface on all sides.

- Woods Bagot
</blockquote>

<h2><a href="/news/southbank-by-beulah-oma-conrad-gargett-the-base">OMA + Conrad Gargett - The Base</a></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/oma_conrad_gargett.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Base by OMA + Conrad Gargett. Image: Mr.P"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="549" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/oma_conrad_gargett.jpg?itok=60TfboMU" title="The Base by OMA + Conrad Gargett. Image: Mr.P" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Base by OMA + Conrad Gargett. Image: Mr.P</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
At a height of 345m and total GFA of 255,000 m2, the project would be the largest building that OMA designed after CCTV.  

OMA’s design proposes a tower stemming from a base that acts as a 24/7 mixed-use vertical city with cultural, commercial, educational and social program elements bound together with the more generic programs of retail, food and beverage.

In this vertical city, there are highways of movement through large express escalators, shortcuts by elevators, and laneways to wander on through normal escalators, stairs, and voids.

The Base follows the outline of the site and then tapers back to a slab 100m above the city

- OMA
</blockquote>

<h2><a href="/news/southbank-by-beulah-un-studio-cox-architecture-the-green-spine">UN Studio + COX - 'The Green Spine'</a></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/unstudio_cox.png" rel="gallery-all" title="The Green Spine by UN Studio + COX. Image: COX "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="517" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/unstudio_cox.png?itok=jUDyOmQC" title="The Green Spine by UN Studio + COX. Image: COX " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Green Spine by UN Studio + COX. Image: COX</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
Cox Architecture and UN Studio have imagined ‘The Green Spine’ for International design competition ‘Southbank by Beulah’.

The distinct design is the product of the two firms’ collaborative, conceptual thinking of future living. Characterised by twisting cascades of greenery that appear to be cut out from the tower forms, Cox Architecture and UN Studio’s submission considers nature, culture and well-being within the urban framework.

- COX Architecture
</blockquote>

The Southbank by Beulah designs will be exhibited at the Beulah Pavilion until August 1, located in front of the Red Stair Amphitheatre in Southbank.

The winning design for the “Southbank by Beulah” competition will be announced on August 8th, 2018.

Editor's note 06/08/2018: Links have been added to each individual entry as they are published on the site. Click on the heading of each to open the corresponding article.
</body></html>

Laurence Dragomir

Southbank by Beulah designs revealed at Future Cities Symposium

In stark contrast to our growing database of <a href="/news/top-20-sydney-suburbs-with-the-largest-development-pipeline">Sydney projects</a>, Melbourne's been in <a href="/">Apartments.com.au's</a> DNA for over five years.&nbsp; And what a difference it is with postcode 3000 (actually, the suburb name Melbourne, but you know what I mean) leading the pack among the top 20 suburbs across metropolitan Melbourne with the largest development pipeline.

Not to be outdone, <a href="/new-apartments/southbank-vic-3006">Southbank</a>, home to some of the largest skyscrapers (and proposals) in the city comes in second with a 5 figure number in its development pipeline and spilling over from Southbank, <a href="/new-apartments/south-melbourne-vic-3205">South Melbourne</a> takes the third top spot.

<a href="/new-apartments/box-hill-vic-3128">Box Hill</a> and <a href="/new-apartments/doncaster-vic-3108">Doncaster</a> are two suburbs in the top 10 which stand apart from the trend of much of inner Melbourne ruling the roost and <a href="/new-apartments/brunswick-vic-3056">Brunswick</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/moonee-ponds-vic-3039">Moonee Ponds</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/coburg-vic-3058">Coburg</a> in that inner-city to middle-ring transition area are present within the top 20.

In fact, beyond the top 20, there are many middle-ring Melbourne suburbs with over 1000 dwellings in the development pipeline including <a href="/new-apartments/carnegie-vic-3163">Carnegie</a> (1602), <a href="/new-apartments/essendon-vic-3040">Essendon</a> (1527), <a href="/new-apartments/north-melbourne-vic-3051">North Melbourne</a> (1407) and <a href="/new-apartments/maribyrnong-vic-3032">Maribyrnong</a> (1279).

For a while I've been saying both privately and publicly, <a href="/new-apartments/footscray-vic-3011">Footscray</a> is on the same level as <a href="/new-apartments/south-yarra-vic-3141">South Yarra</a> - similar distances from the centre of Melbourne and with the rail transport to match - and lo and behold Footscray is well ahead of South Yarra's pipeline numbers at this time.

<a href="/new-apartments/collingwood-vic-3066">Collingwood</a> (2668) outstrips <a href="/new-apartments/fitzroy-vic-3065">Fitzroy</a> (1169, ranked #35) by a long margin and <a href="/new-apartments/preston-vic-3072">Preston</a> (3369) is way out ahead of all the other suburbs on the High Street / South Morang corridor.

The monster numbers at the top can be explained that the suburb 'Melbourne' applies to St Kilda Road as well as the CBD, however when we look exclusively at postcode 3000, there are still over 18,000 dwellings in the pipeline.

The number of dwellings below are&nbsp;for all projects on the Apartments.com.au project database across all four main statuses - Planning Assessment, Approved, Registration &amp; Sales and Under Construction.

Click on a suburb name to view a summary of the development pipeline for each region.

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width:100%;">
	<thead>
		<tr>
			<th scope="col">Rank</th>
			<th scope="col">Suburb</th>
			<th scope="col">Number of Dwellings</th>
		</tr>
	</thead>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>1</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/melbourne-vic">Melbourne</a></td>
			<td>20,035</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/southbank-vic-3006">Southbank</a></td>
			<td>16,015</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>3</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/south-melbourne-vic-3205">South Melbourne</a></td>
			<td>6573</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>4</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/footscray-vic-3011">Footscray</a></td>
			<td>6526</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>5</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/docklands-vic-3008">Docklands</a></td>
			<td>6276</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>6</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/box-hill-vic-3128">Box Hill</a></td>
			<td>5645</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>7</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/west-melbourne-vic-3003">West Melbourne</a></td>
			<td>4980</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>8</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/richmond-vic-3121">Richmond</a></td>
			<td>4402</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>9</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/south-yarra-vic-3141">South Yarra</a></td>
			<td>4124</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>10</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/doncaster-vic-3108">Doncaster</a></td>
			<td>3808</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>11</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/preston-vic-3072">Preston</a></td>
			<td>3369</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>12</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/brunswick-vic-3056">Brunswick</a></td>
			<td>3044</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>13</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/brunswick-east-vic-3057">Brunswick East</a></td>
			<td>2828</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>14</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/north-melbourne-vic-3051">North Melbourne</a></td>
			<td>2793</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>15</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/moonee-ponds-vic-3039">Moonee Ponds</a></td>
			<td>2749</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>16</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/collingwood-vic-3066">Collingwood</a></td>
			<td>2668</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>17</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/st-kilda-vic-3182">St Kilda</a></td>
			<td>2618</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>18</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/port-melbourne-vic-3207">Port Melbourne</a></td>
			<td>2493</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>19</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/coburg-vic-3058">Coburg</a></td>
			<td>1792</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>20</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/hawthorn-east-vic-3123">Hawthorn East</a></td>
			<td>1757</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

Alastair Taylor

Top 20 Melbourne suburbs with the largest development pipeline

<html><body>
Laurence and I discuss the news in Melbourne this week.

We're getting toward the end of 'developing' Docklands, Southbank Boulevard changes kick off, Infrastructure Victoria has surprisingly gone out early for its first 30-year strategy refresh and shots fired! - the Victorian state opposition has announced their first public transport-focused election initiative.

And remember to subscribe to the Apartments.com.au podcast through your favourite podcasting app - just search for Apartments.com.au.

<iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/470561079&amp;color=%23ff5500&amp;auto_play=true&amp;hide_related=false&amp;show_comments=true&amp;show_user=true&amp;show_reposts=false&amp;show_teaser=true" width="100%"></iframe>
</body></html>

Weekly Podcast: Episode 23 - Docklands, Southbank Boulevard, Infrastructure Victoria and Cranbourne-Clyde

<html><body>
The design release for <a href="/developers/beulah">Beulah International's</a> coveted 58 Southbank Boulevard site is drawing near, with a ‘Future Cities’ symposium to be held later this month.

Shortlisted designs for the approximately $2 billion Southbank by Beulah development will be on show during the event, to be held on Friday July 27. <a href="/news/a-design-tour-de-force-beckons-for-beulah-internationals-bmw-southbank-site">Covered previously</a> by Apartments.com.au, Southbank by Beulah's design process has seen six teams consisting of both domestic and international architecture firms vie for the right to take the project through to reality.

The shortlisted design partnerships taking part in what shapes as Melbourne's largest design competition include:

<ul>
<li>Bjarke Ingels Group with <a href="/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a> Architects</li>
	<li>Coop Himmelb(l)au with <a href="/architects/architectus">Architectus</a>
</li>
	<li>MAD Architects with <a href="/architects/fraser-partners-0">Elenberg Fraser</a>
</li>
	<li>MVRDV with <a href="/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a>
</li>
	<li>Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA) with <a href="/architects/conrad-gargett">Conrad Gargett</a>
</li>
	<li>UNStudio with <a href="/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a>
</li>
</ul>
Speakers confirmed for the symposium include:

<ul>
<li>Brian Yang Partner of Bjarke Ingels Group</li>
	<li>Wolf. D Prix co-founder of Coop Himmelb(l)au</li>
	<li>Ma Yansong founder of MAD Architects</li>
	<li>Winy Maas co-founder of MVRDV</li>
	<li>David Gianotten Managing Partner-Architect of OMA</li>
	<li>Caroline Bos co-founder of UNStudio</li>
</ul>
The ‘Future Cities’ symposium will showcase the respective teams' designs which are likely to include a mix of residential, retail/department store, gourmet food &amp; market precinct, 5-star hotel, commercial, culture and public space uses.

Beulah International will target a major tech tenant for the development, with Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Apple and Samsung named as candidates to fill the technology aspect of the development. 

According to the media release, "the overarching theme of the symposium is ‘Future Cities.’ As the population grows and lifestyles change and evolve, so too does the need for considered development that is designed for current and future generations.

A focus of the symposium will be discussing how architects, designers and engineers play an ever-important role in being able to shape communities and optimise lifestyles."

Expected to attract a crowd of approximately 1,500 people, the symposium will be held at <a href="/new-apartments/400-430-city-road-southbank">400 City Road</a>. Each design partnership will have 20 minutes to present their concept to the audience, in addition to providing thoughts and their respective vision on ‘Future Cities’ notion.

Post the symposium, the winning design will be announced during August.

Readers have a chance to attend the symposium which will be held between 1pm-4pm on Friday July 27, by securing a ticket via <a href="http://www.southbankbybeulah.com">www.southbankbybeulah.com</a>. 

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BOAfV0Qt-nw" width="100%"></iframe>
</body></html>

silvermb

Southbank by Beulah designs to be revealed via a public symposium

<html><body>
Construction of the first stage of the Southbank Boulevard and Dodds Street transformation project will begin this month. The project which will be undertaken in stages will create 2.5 hectares of new public open space on Southbank Boulevard and Dodds Street, with the first stage expected to take 18-months to complete.

Located in the heart of Melbourne’s Arts Precinct, City of Melbourne's aspirations for Southbank Boulevard are to transform it into one of Australia’s most pedestrian-friendly places. The Concept Plan was drafted to recognise the history of the site and is based on extensive community and stakeholder engagement.

The transformation project will provide Southbank, which is Melbourne’s most densely populated suburb with critical public open space.

Beginning on 16 July, 2018, Southbank Boulevard will be closed to all traffic between St Kilda Road and Sturt Street. Trams will continue to operate and the precinct will remain open to pedestrians.

As a part of stage 1 works 39 trees will require removal however, over 65 new trees will be planted, along with approximately 300 new trees across the entire project.

The Concept Plan, which was adopted by the  Council in 2017, outlines a new vision for Southbank that will:

<ul>
<li>Create 2.5 hectares of new public open space;</li>
	<li>Prioritise pedestrians, public transport and cyclists;</li>
	<li>Deliver a new, accessible tram stop on Sturt Street;</li>
	<li>Enhance the gateway into the Arts Precinct;</li>
	<li>Create a living link, connecting the Domain Parklands to the Yarra River;</li>
	<li>Create a ‘Melbourne Experience’ for Southbank;</li>
	<li>Build a new civic square for the precinct;</li>
	<li>Deliver a series of new neighbourhood parks for the community.</li>
</ul>
Additionally, the project will weave together other projects mooted for Southbank including the upgrade of City Road, Sturt Street Civic Spine as part of the <a href="/news/back-to-the-noughties-melbournes-arts-precinct-set-to-get-a-major-makeover">Arts Precinct Master Plan</a>, <a href="/buildings/australia-108-southbank-70-southbank-boulevard-southbank">Australia108</a>, the Queensbridge Square upgrade as part of Crown &amp; Schiavello's One Queensbridge development, and <a href="/news/southbank-by-beulah-designs-to-be-revealed-via-a-public-symposium">Beulah International's $2bn 58 Southbank Boulevard</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/southbank_boulevard_project_staging.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Southbank Boulevard Project Staging Plan. Image: City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="408" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/southbank_boulevard_project_staging.png?itok=1wvNGCNY" title="Southbank Boulevard Project Staging Plan. Image: City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Southbank Boulevard Project Staging Plan. Image: City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>Upcoming works include:

<ul>
<li>Early works construction from July involving the removal of 39 trees to enable construction of the new carriageway, tram line, and tram stop.</li>
	<li>Main tram construction period from 22 to 30 September 2018 this requires the demolition of existing tram infrastructure, construction and recommissioning of new tram line and tram stop on Sturt Street.</li>
	<li>Civil construction works from October 2018 to August 2019</li>
</ul>
For more information visit <a href="https://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/southbankboulevard">participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au</a>

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iiQVS9jbZO4" width="560"></iframe>
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Stage 1 of Transforming Southbank Boulevard and Dodds Street commencing this month

<html><body>
Construction of what will be the highest residences in the Southern Hemisphere when completed, has hit its first major milestone, with the first residents set to move into Australia 108 in Southbank, Melbourne, in June.
Builder Multiplex has handed over the first portion of the building, comprising 277 apartments located between levels 14 and 30.
Construction of the remaining floors above continues to progress rapidly.
The early residents will have access to some of Australia 108’s extensive amenities, with construction of its lap pool and gym area on level 11 having been completed, along with two levels of car parking.
Residents will access their luxury apartments via a fully completed private lobby, with workers accessing the building through separate entrances not visible to residents.
Multiplex envisaged multiple staged handovers, which will see the building completed in several portions.
World Class Global CEO David Ng said it was a historic moment for his iconic project, which is not only on its way to becoming Melbourne’s tallest building but will also house the highest residences in the Southern Hemisphere.
“We extend a warm welcome to all of our inaugural residents who will now call this iconic address home.”
Multiplex regional managing director Graham Cottam said the project was on track for completion in the next two years following a rapid construction process, with the core structure up to level 59 and slabs at level 53.
He noted the glass façade was around 2,500 tonnes of glass spanning 47,000 square metres.
Commencing construction in November 2015, foundation works on Australia 108 took almost nine months to complete, with some of the most substantial piling works undertaken in Melbourne to date.
Drilling went 46 metres deep, with 1950 millimetre thick core walls used in order to strengthen the cloud-breaking building.
The tower’s eye-catching golden Starburst, which will house two full floors of private amenity including two pools 210 metres above street level, is expected to be lifted into place early next year.
Ng said there were only a small number of apartments left in the tower, and opportunities to purchase a home at the iconic address were limited.
To date more than $872 million in sales have been made, with the first handover providing World Class Global with approximately $147 million in recognised revenue.
Priced from $1,957,000, the group of 19 apartments are all located above level 71, offering some of the best views in Melbourne over the CBD and out to Port Phillip Bay.
Launched for sale in November 2014, Australia 108’s 1,103 apartments sold rapidly, with the 750-square metre penthouse setting the record for Australia’s most expensive apartment when it sold to a Chinese national for $25 million in April 2015.
This July, the public will have a chance to see inside Australia 108, with the building included in this year’s Open House Melbourne program. Fender Katsalidis will be hosting tours of the site on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 of July.
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

First occupants set to move into Australia 108, highest residences in the Southern Hemisphere

<html><body>
The rise of Melbourne's tallest building has reached a noteworthy milestone.

Stage 1 of Australia 108 has achieved practical completion with 277 apartments and level 11 amenities now complete. As has become common practice elsewhere across Melbourne skyscrapers, residents will begin moving in this month whilst the balance of the tower is being built above.

Head contractor Multiplex currently has level 60 of 101 in the jump form with the floorplate at level 53. According to Project Manager Sinclair Brook, the next staged completion handover will see levels 31 to 67 ready for occupancy.

Lower level communal areas and the lobby space have been completed, allowing residents to come and go as they please, whilst workers will access the upper floors via a separate site entrance. Multiplex have advanced the floorplate more than 20 levels above the completed apartments, allowing for a substantial noise buffer zone.

<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_1321.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Podium planters in place"><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_1321.jpg?itok=xnyUJ0zp" title="Podium planters in place" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Podium planters in place</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
This is a historic moment for this iconic project, which is not only on its way to becoming Melbourne’s tallest building but will also house the highest residences in the Southern Hemisphere. We extend a warm welcome to all of our inaugural residents who will now call this iconic address home.

With construction well advanced, we have a limited edition of three-bedroom apartments available in this iconic building for those interested in purchasing within a future landmark on Melbourne’s skyline
<cite>World Class Global CEO David Ng</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
We are delighted to be progressing as expected and have drawn on our technical expertise in delivering high-rise residential towers within the CBD environment. This country hasn’t seen a project like Australia 108 from a sheer numbers perspective.

If we look at the glass façade alone, all up some 2,500 tonnes of glass spanning 47,000 square metres will be used to create the tower’s innovative façade.
<cite>Multiplex Regional Managing Director Graham Cottam</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/img_1337.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Australia 108's dominating presence"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="1002" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1337.jpg?itok=yIv1p1Bx" title="Australia 108's dominating presence" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Australia 108's dominating presence</figcaption></figure>Melburnians will have their chance to see what will become the <a href="/buildings/australia-108-southbank-70-southbank-boulevard-southbank">Southern Hemisphere's tallest building</a> up close and personal during this year's Open House Melbourne.

Project architect Fender Katsalidis will host tours of the site over Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th of July, with booking available via the Open House Melbourne <a href="http://Openhousemelbourne.org">webpage</a>. Those who take the tour will get a chance to visit the tower's early amenities and common areas, with a host of other design features yet to materialise.

The tower’s golden Starburst, which will include two full floors of private amenities 210 metres above street level, is on target to be lifted into place early next year. It along with the undulating facade give Australia 108 its unique look.

According to the development team each facade pane weighs between 200-300 kilograms and measures approximately 4.5 square metres in area. The 2,500 tonnes of facade glass alongside 71,000 cubic metres of concrete will combine to form the structural backbone of Australia 108.

Developer World Class Global has noted that of the tower's 1,105 apartments, 19 remain for sale with all located above level 71. Australia 108's 750 square metre penthouse distinguished itself as Australia’s most expensive apartment when it sold to a Chinese buyer for $25 million during April 2015.

Lead image: Sinclair Brook
</body></html>

Australia 108 reaches a significant construction marker, included within Open House 2018

<html><body>
News regarding Melbourne's supersized developments has slowed dramatically in recent times mirroring market fluctuations and new planning laws, yet last night's Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee has seen a major Southbank skyscraper edge closer to reality.

The behemoth spans 87-127 Queensbridge Street, with proponent Aohua Sheng Le Property Development looking to realise multiple uses within the reworked tower form.

And Aohua Sheng Le Property Development may well be closer to a permit with Melbourne City Council planners recommending that a site-specific planning amendment be incorporated, effectively recommending approval. This, in turn, would be factored in by the Planning Minister who will determine the application.

The latest version now includes land at 107-127 Queensbridge Street and sees the overall height reduced to 47 levels. A lower height equates to less overshadowing of the proposed Boyd Park nearby whilst the development also looks to partly retain heritage structures at 107 Queensbridge Street.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image44_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Before and after Queensbridge Street designs"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="316" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image44_5.jpg?itok=O_WQwmdC" title="Before and after Queensbridge Street designs" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Before and after Queensbridge Street designs</figcaption></figure>Aohua Sheng Le Property Development first emerged as the buyer of the site during 2016, paying $32.3 million to control the 1,856 square metre site, which has since expanded to cover 87-127 Queensbridge Street.

Cox Architecture has since joined Fender Katsalidis Architects in design duties, replicating a partnership that has also yielded <a href="/buildings/queens-place-157-a-beckett-street-and-370-queen-street-melbourne">Queens Place</a> and <a href="/buildings/sapphire-by-the-gardens-63-la-trobe-street-melbourne-vic-3000">Sapphire by the Gardens</a> over recent times. The Southbank result is a sweeping, vaguely kidney-shaped tower form that has a sizeable frontage to Queensbridge Street.

The highly varied tower would primarily be dedicated to residential use by way of 733 apartments split between 200 single, 401 double and 132 three or more bedroom apartments. The figure of 733 is down from the 852 sought in earlier design iterations of the tower.

The current scheme would also see 4,995 square metres of office space, 188 hotel rooms and 1,369 square metres of retail space.

The tower would span 153 metres in height and include a massive 131,145 square metres of built form.

<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/image43_14.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Mixed uses on show across the development's lower levels"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="346" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image43_14.jpg?itok=poK6cr0I" title="Mixed uses on show across the development's lower levels" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Mixed uses on show across the development's lower levels</figcaption></figure>Earlier planning queries has seen the provision of a new 1,465 square metre publicly accessible forecourt to Queensbridge Street, plus an increased through-block link to City Road. Primary vehicular access will be via City Road.

The sizeable through-block link will see extensive landscaping at ground level whilst a reflective kinetic soffit will provide visual engagement. Amenities over two levels include a cinema and karaoke area, multiple lounges, dining space, pools, terrace, gym and wellness centre.

Aohua Sheng Le Property Development's intentions saw an amended proposal submitted late last year with further revised plans to address heritage concerns submitted last month. 
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A reworked super Southbank development edges closer to approval

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Jonathan Hallinan hasn't quit Melbourne apartment development market after-all.
He has bought a small Southbank site, just months after securing a gullible Australian Financial Review headline that he was quitting because it was all too hard.
He now claims huge rental demand for apartments in his $300 million Shadow Play tower on Southbank had convinced him there was strong appetite for new development.
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<div>The demand for rental accommodation was "the strongest I have seen in my 24 years," he said.</div>
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<div>Investors were achieving rents of $670 to $680 a week for a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment, a 15 per cent increase on the $600 average rent for the area.</div>
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<div>"There is no sense at all that the market is over-supplied."</div>
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<div>"The good rental returns on offer is making the apartment market appealing to local investors.</div>
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<div class="cq-article-content-media section">"I plan to return to residential development next year doing smaller 100 to 200 unit developments targeted at the local investor," Hallinan told the Financial Review. <div>
"Then in the next cycle – two years from now – I plan to relaunch the big 300 to 500 unit projects, that others won't do," he added.
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<div>The newspaper said Hallinan had an "exuberance."</div>
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<div>He has secured 54 Clarke Street, a 597 square metre site wedged between two apartment towers – Habitat at 58 Clarke Street, and The Bank, at 283 City Road - for $8.9 million from local owners who had it listed for the past year through Lemon Baxter.</div>
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<div>It reportedly almost sold this time last year at $9 million, according to The Age columnist Marc Pallisco.</div>
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<div>"I am pulling out of the residential space," Jonathan Hallinan told the AFR in January.</div>
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<div>"Policy makers have repeatedly hit our industry with several regulatory changes, which are now compounding to result in what is likely to be a devastating effect on housing supply and affordability in the long term," he had previously blogged.</div>
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"It would appear that our policy makers, who evidently believe that their actions are alleviating the pressures of an over-heated housing market, are, with great success, crippling the very industry that has the power to ease the housing affordability crisis." Hallinan listed the recent adverse changes:
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1. Introduction of APRA regulations on banks and financial lenders which resulted in changes to investment lending, reducing the borrowing power of investors.
2. Removal of the stamp-duty concession from off-the-plan purchasers for investors
3. Introduction of plot ratios to the Melbourne planning scheme, hugely lessening the number of dwellings that could be built on a development site.
4. Implementation of apartment design guidelines, forcing developers to build fewer larger and more expensive apartments.
5. Limitations on foreign purchasers to not more than 50% ownership in a given apartment project
6. 7% foreign surcharge on all offshore purchasers
7. Enforcement of minimum $5,000 FIRB application fees
8. Increase of 5.5% stamp duty fees on foreign purchasers
9. Enforcement of absentee surcharges on purchasers with properties vacant for six months or more
10. Proposed introduction of a new tax on the four banks as part of the 2017 Budget.
Jonathan Hallinan founded BPM in 1995 securing early success with luxury townhouses in Melbourne’s bayside areas.
At its peak BPM had more than 2,600 apartments across 16 projects under development with a combined value in excess of $1.4 billion.
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Shadow Play's Jonathan Hallinan now exuberant, rather than exiting the Melbourne apartment development scene

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Think Southbank and invariably images of skyscrapers...and high-rise apartment living come to mind.

Podium living is not necessarily on the agenda for much of the suburb, given less sophisticated designs of the past and the less than ideal ground conditions which necessitate car parking above ground level. So it is somewhat of a surprise that the developer behind Southbank's Melbourne Square development is championing the living credentials of its lower-set apartments.

It does of course help when Melbourne Square comes with its own 3,700 square metre park to which these apartments will front.

Developer OSK Property is making a pitch for families and downsizers by championing its overly large terrace-style apartments found across the lower levels of Melbourne Square. The large format apartments overlooking the development's park include sizeable outdoor areas and leafy north-facing outlooks; a selling point which OSK Property points out is unique for 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/image65_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Square's park is a development focal point"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image65_4.jpg?itok=uUdO5_wx" title="Melbourne Square's park is a development focal point" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Square's park is a development focal point</figcaption></figure>The terrace dwellings span up to 125 square metres in size and are set across levels two to seven. Over these levels, apartment views will be monopolised by a green outlook rather than the skyscrapers beyond; a unique selling point in the eyes of OSK Property.

Melbourne Square's park is designed by landscape architects Taylor Cullity Lethlean with Cox Architecture responsible for the project's overall appearance.

Cox Architecture Director Paul Curry said of the design: “Terrace apartments are extremely popular due to the families moving back into CBD-style locations and downsizers wanting to maintain that relationship with the outdoors that you usually only get in a house. With the rise in the wellness movement, more people are also prioritising being closer to nature, which these podium-based apartments achieve via their location but also through their own abundant outdoor areas that can be landscaped.”

Owing to the size of the development site, near on 20% of Melbourne Square will be considered public realm.

TCL managing director Perry Lethlean<a href="https://architectureau.com/articles/designs-for-melbourne-square-public-park-released/"> noted on ArchitectureAU</a> that: "The park [will be] part of a network of gardens inspired by Melbourne’s iconic Royal Botanic Gardens and qualities from other cities such as Paris, Berlin and Spain. It’s about creating opportunities for residents of Melbourne Square and other buildings in Southbank to engage with nature.”

Melbourne Square’s podium will include 6 one, 72 two and 13 three bedroom apartments.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image66_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Square's construction progress during May. Image: Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="373" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image66_7.jpg?itok=YHRxg67v" title="Melbourne Square's construction progress during May. Image: Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Square's construction progress during May. Image: Ryan Seychell</figcaption></figure>Two residential towers are in their construction infancy, and will be supported by a podium top garden on level eight which includes a pool with an infinity edge and private cabanas. Private dining rooms with kitchen facilities, a theatre, sun terrace, music room, table tennis room, gym, sauna, steam room, yoga studio and golf simulator form the balance of Melbourne Square's amenities.

From a public perspective, the development will see a full-line Woolworths supermarket, childcare centre and retail/dining options, in addition to the park.

OSK Property Chairman Mr Tan Sri Ong Leong Huat, said Melbourne Square's green seting: “We are very proud of these exceptional apartments that offer an indoor/outdoor lifestyle previously unattainable so close to the city. “We have sought to create the foundation of a rich community for Southbank with access to unprecedented amenity and a green gateway in addition to the nearby arts precinct, sporting precinct, Botanic Gardens, Crown entertainment centre and CBD, which are all a short stroll away.”

Multiplex will take the first phase of Melbourne Square to completion by late 2020.
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