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

Joel Robinson

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

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

Lowe Living unveils Middle Park apartment development

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

DVB Projects to launch second Broadbeach apartment tower as demolition commences

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

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

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

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

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

Southbank

<html><body>
Already a prolific developer in the area, Central Equity is preparing to launch what could be Southbank's only new major apartment release for the year.

Central Equity has dubbed 71-87 City Road Focus Apartments and intends to launch the project this year. Registrations are open for the development which will eventually sit at the southern end of Southbank between two hotel developments under construction, namely Holiday Inn Express and Adina Southbank.

<a href="/buildings/focus-melbourne-81-city-road-southbank">Focus Apartments</a> is a 50 level skyscraper that holds approval for just under 600 apartments, split between 252 one, 208 two and 131 three bedroom apartments, with a singular four bedroom apartment capping the project. Central Equity's final apartment balance for the project has yet to be revealed.

Southbank's overall apartment market has seen limited new apartment projects released over the past 18 months due to softening investor demand, although projects such as Palladium Tower and Melbourne Square are still substantial projects in their own right.

<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/image213_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Central Equity's soon to launch City Road development"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="761" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image213_0.jpg?itok=h8fvH5Bh" title="Central Equity's soon to launch City Road development" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Central Equity's soon to launch City Road development</figcaption></figure>Central Equity initially sought to create a larger tower at across 71-87 City Road. When it <a href="/news/central-equity-breaks-the-mould-71-87-city-road-southbank">first hit planning</a> under the design guidance of Doig Architecture it was to have been 67 levels and 225 metres.

The eventual permit at 50 levels saw almost 200 apartments and approximately 75 metres shaved off the tower form. Three years will have passed since its initial planning submission during mid-2015 to when it is launched for sales as Focus Apartments.

Central Equity will target both owner-occupiers and investors for the tower, which includes multiple colour schemes, balconies for each apartment and floor-to-ceiling double glazed windows. Amenities onsite will include a pool, sauna, gym, theatre, resident lounge, and barbeque area whilst concierge services are also intended.

<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_0103_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ground works on Melbourne Grand "><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_0103_1.jpg?itok=HQzBk89j" title="Ground works on Melbourne Grand " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ground works on Melbourne Grand</figcaption></figure>With the approaching the launch of Focus Apartments, Apartments.com.au's Project Database shows only 268-274 City Road as Central Equity's sole high-rise project in waiting among a quartet of sizeable apartment towers.

It is an approved Doig Architecture-designed scheme spanning 55 levels or the best part of 190 metres. 475 apartments are included within 268-274 City Road, as it retail at ground level, 215 car spaces, 313 bicycle bays and communal facilities for residents at level 8.

Both City Road projects aside, Central Equity has the remaining two high-rise developments under construction. Southbank Place fronting Kavanagh Street is approximately half height and includes 500 plus apartments, whilst Melbourne Grand on Lonsdale Street is at the very infancy of its construction and includes approximately 650 apartments.

Central Equity also has a number of current land releases in Melbourne's west.
</body></html>

silvermb

Central Equity brings its Focus back to Southbank

<html><body>
The owners of the site with a permit to build the 55 Clarke Street project have put the site up for sale through Colliers International.

<a href="/news/51-65-clarke-street-shapes-as-a-southbank-tower-with-a-twist">In 2016 when we profiled the project</a>, the 1,787 square metre site originally had a proposal for 73 levels that included 112 hotel suites and 512 apartments across all three main apartment configurations.

Developer Newcity Group also engaged Ellenberg Fraser to design a tower that also included 120 car spaces and 327 bike spaces.

Fast forward and the project that was eventually approved was chopped down to 69 levels that included 565 apartments, 653 square metres of office space and a further 462 square metres of retail space.

Approval for the project occurred prior to the new floor-space ratios that are now governing new proposals on land which has a Capital City Zone in Central Melbourne with marketing material for the sale of the site with a permit referencing the 'unrepeatable' 30:1 FSR.

<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/zz7JzUpRRAR2">The site</a> sits one block back from City Road and has three frontages to Clarke, Hancock and Catherine Streets in Southbank.  Its nearest neighbours include recent developments such as Salvo's Platinum, 283 City Road and the 2013-era Habitat at 58 Clarke Street.

<h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
Conveniently located in one of Melbourne’s most proven apartment market’s 55 Clarke Street features an approved planning permit to deliver one of Melbourne’s most impressive towers.

At 69 levels, the Elenberg Fraser design comprising a range of 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments featuring spectacular views over Port Philip Bay, Melbourne CBD and Albert Park Lake.

With a prime position located in between Melbourne CBD, and South Melbourne 55 Clarke Street will afford its future residents easy access to public transport, retail amenity, along with the arts and sporting precincts providing a dynamic and exciting lifestyle in the world’s most liveable city. 
<a href="http://www.colliers.com.au/206929/"><cite>Colliers International</cite></a>
</blockquote>

Trent Hobart, Bryson Cameron and Jun Lai of Colliers International have been appointed to sell 55 Clarke Street.

"55 Clarke Street represents an exceptional development site for connected inner city living, located in the middle of the South Melbourne lifestyle precinct, the Melbourne CBD and Crown Casino entertainment complex and the Melbourne Arts precincts, in what is considered the ultimate location for connected living,” Trent Hobart, Residential Director at Colliers International, said.

Bryson Cameron added “there is over $7 billion worth of private and public infrastructure investment within Southbank's future supply pipeline through to 2021. This includes a combination of commercial and mixed-use projects adding to the public amenity and fuelling local employment." 

The sale of 55 Clarke Street is by expression of interest which closes at 2pm on June 13th.

<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/55_clarke.png" rel="gallery-all" title="The 55 Clarke Street project render from the street - image: Colliers"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="425" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/55_clarke.png?itok=xXGYYG8c" title="The 55 Clarke Street project render from the street - image: Colliers" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The 55 Clarke Street project render from the street - image: Colliers</figcaption></figure>
</body></html>

Alastair Taylor

A Southbank super site goes to market

<html><body>
The jury for what shapes as Melbourne's largest single phase project has been announced. 

Southbank by Beulah is likely to see over 220,000 square metres of space split between hotel, residential, commercial, entertainment and technological uses. But before the $2 billion plus project can advance the process of selecting a winning design will play out.

Touted as the first major mixed-used design competition of its calibre for Melbourne, Southbank by Beulah will see seven highly credentialed individuals settle upon a winning design.

Jury panel notables include:

<ul>
<li>Jill Garner, Jury Chair and Victorian Government Architect</li>
	<li>Marc-Heinrich Werner, CEO of BMW Group Australia</li>
	<li>Prof Thomas Kvan, former Pro Vice-Chancellor at the University of Melbourne and the Director of Australian Urban Research Information Network</li>
	<li>Cameron Bruhn, the Editorial Director of Architecture Media</li>
	<li>Adelene Teh and Jiaheng Chan from Beulah International</li>
</ul>
Jill Garner is the headline appointment to the jury. She was the first female to take on the role of Victorian Government Architect and co-founded design practice Garner Davis.

She along with the balance of the jury will choose the successful design partnership that will deliver the mass-scale development of 118 City Road. The prominent 6,191 square metre site which also fronts Southbank Boulevard will see the following firms pitch to win the right to have their names associated with Southbank by Beulah:

<ul>
<li>Bjarke Ingels Group with Fender Katsalidis Architects</li>
	<li>Coop Himmelb(l)au with Architectus</li>
	<li>MAD Architects with Elenberg Fraser</li>
	<li>MVRDV with Woods Bagot</li>
	<li>Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA) with Conrad Gargett</li>
	<li>UNStudio with Cox Architecture</li>
</ul>
<h2>Comment</h2>

Beulah international's bid to bring to fruition the Southbank development by way of an invited design competition is undoubtedly a move to generate an air of prestige around the project, which is perfectly fine but it does raise a number of pertinent questions.

In light of other cities such as Sydney maintaining regular design competitions, should design competitions be mandated for all Melbourne projects over a certain value?

Is there any evidence to suggest that design competitions produce better outcomes than what architecture firms currently across Melbourne are capable of producing? Is it merely a grandiose self gesture to implement design competitions?

It could be argued that an increased number of design competitions and review panels could lift design standards for new buildings, but is this not already achieved via the standard planning channels that are arguably more rigorous across Melbourne than elsewhere.

Here in Melbourne, a design competition looks to be as much a marketing tool as a vital mechanism in the pursuit of design excellence. 
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Southbank by Beulah gains its design jury; should they become commonplace?

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Southbank's premier development site will be subject to an elite level design competition as Beulah International pushes ahead with the rebirth of 58 Southbank Boulevard.

After paying $101 million for the prominent 6,191 square metre site which also fronts City Road, the developer has today released a design shortlist which includes a handful of acclaimed international firms. The international contingent will partner will Australian-based architecture practices for the competition.

The BMW Southbank site is expected to have an end value in excess of $2 billion, elevating it to one of the city's largest developments based upon value and invariably size.

Under Beulah International's intended process, the six invited partnerships will during the next stage of the selection process make their designs public. According to the developer, initial concepts will be presented to a jury "comprising of seven highly regarded individuals from academia, architecture and design, property and government on Thursday 17 May."

July will see the winning design announced. The shortlisted design partnerships are:

<ul>
<li>Bjarke Ingels Group with Fender Katsalidis Architects</li>
	<li>Coop Himmelb(l)au with Architectus</li>
	<li>MAD Architects with Elenberg Fraser</li>
	<li>MVRDV with Woods Bagot</li>
	<li>Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA) with Conrad Gargett</li>
	<li>UNStudio with Cox Architecture</li>
</ul>
With the aim of delivering a development of genuine distinction, Beulah International Executive Director Adelene Teh touched upon the calibre of entrants and their vision for the site.

<blockquote>
These architects are known to push boundaries and have worked on progressive large scale projects across the globe that have redefined architecture.

Our vision for the site is to create a landmark that innovates and redefines the way the built environment responds to how Melburnians and visitors live, work and interact, and each of the shortlisted architects have adopted this vision in their own way.
</blockquote>

Fender Katsalidis created a concept plan for the site during its sales campaign, seeing dual towers incorporating 800 plus apartments, 600 hotel rooms and 10,000 square metres of retail space.

Although not a binding design, the below concept render does provide readers with an indicative scale of what Beulah international intend to deliver across the site.

<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/image3_6_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Concept design for 58 Southbank Boulevard"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image3_6_0.jpg?itok=tVjyTOk1" title="Concept design for 58 Southbank Boulevard" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Concept design for 58 Southbank Boulevard</figcaption></figure>Lead image: FM Digital
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A design tour de force beckons for Beulah International's BMW Southbank site

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The City of Melbourne's Boyd Park concept plan is a step closer to being realised with Melbourne City Council via its Future (Planning) Committee forum, endorsing the scheme and resolving to issue a Planning Permit.

To facilitate the project, demolition of the former school building fronting Balston Street will need to occur allowing Council to upgrade the landscaping and expand the existing Boyd Community Hub into Kavanagh Street. 

The structure is not included in the Heritage Overlay or classified on the Victorian Heritage Register, with the landscaping works proposed along City Road frontage exempted by Heritage Victoria.

The endorsed scheme has been prepared by the Council’s City Design Studio which in tandem with the Open Space Planning Team have undertaken extensive community consultations regarding the expansion and improvement of the park since October 2014.

Demolition of the old classroom building is due to commence next month with the construction of the park slated for August/September 2018.

<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/boyd_park_final_concept_plan.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Final concept design for Boyd Park. Image: City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="689" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/boyd_park_final_concept_plan.jpg?itok=JzZ5CbcU" title="Final concept design for Boyd Park. Image: City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Final concept design for Boyd Park. Image: City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>14 on-street car parking spaces will be removed to allow for the expansion of the park into Kavanagh Street.

The plan for Boyd park will comprise the following areas and elements;

Forecourt Garden:

<ul>
<li>Retention of existing garden bed planting and seating on City Road.</li>
	<li>Development of existing lawn with raised communal planters.</li>
	<li>Seating edges on garden planters.</li>
	<li>Two generous pathways into the Boyd site.</li>
</ul>
North Lawn:

<ul>
<li>Raised sunny lawn area with shade trees and seating for relaxation.</li>
	<li>Large outdoor space with tables and seating for outdoor dining outside the existing café .</li>
	<li>Generous site entry and gathering area at City Road frontage and improved access to the tram stop via new entry and future raised crossing point.</li>
</ul>
School Yard:

<ul>
<li>Line markings for flexible child-friendly games.</li>
	<li>Sloping lawn and amphitheatre seating opportunities for gatherings and events.</li>
	<li>New garden spaces and shade trees.</li>
</ul>
Forest Garden:

<ul>
<li>Timber and rock seats and edges for gathering and reading.</li>
	<li>Deciduous trees for shade in summer and access to sunlight in winter.</li>
	<li>Sensory gardens and spaces that encourage informal nature-play.</li>
</ul>
Picnic &amp; Play Terrace:

<ul>
<li>Picnic tables and BBQ facilities for gathering and outdoor dining.</li>
	<li>Playground with play equipment.</li>
	<li>Informal play spaces amongst shade trees and places to sit.</li>
</ul>
Village Green:

<ul>
<li>Large open sunny lawn space for flexible activities.</li>
	<li>Shade trees and seating walls around lawn edges for resting and shade.</li>
	<li>Generous pathways and park lighting around the perimeter of the green to provide a strong link through Boyd park.</li>
</ul>
Boyd Park will add much needed open space to Southbank - one of Melbourne’s most densely populated suburbs - joining OSK Property's Melbourne Square and City of Melbourne's vision for Southbank Boulevard and Dodds Street transformation.

<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_and_dodd_plan.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Southbank Boulevard and Dodd Street Transformation Staging Plan. Image: City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="384" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/southbank_and_dodd_plan.jpg?itok=ViF11kJN" title="Southbank Boulevard and Dodd Street Transformation Staging Plan. Image: City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Southbank Boulevard and Dodd Street Transformation Staging Plan. Image: City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>The first stage of Melbourne Square which includes the park is already under construction with construction commencing on Stage 1 of the Southbank Boulevard and Dodds Street transformation commencing in July.
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Laurence Dragomir

Southbank's Boyd Park moves a step closer

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In light of news breaking over the weekend regarding <a href="/news/royal-society-of-victoria-floats-a-plan-for-melbournes-tallest-skyscraper">efforts to provide Melbourne with a new tallest building dubbed Magic</a>, it's an opportune time to cast a brief glance over the sizeable group over towers across Melbourne in development beyond 200 metre height mark.

Whilst Magic shapes as Melbourne's most monumental tower, it has yet to reach planning. Thus the number of towers confirmed beyond the 200 metre height mark currently stands at 27.

<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/image25_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Magic in the making or merely a magic trick. Image: Decibel Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="316" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image25_11.jpg?itok=lXyUdV8t" title="Magic in the making or merely a magic trick. Image: Decibel Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Magic in the making or merely a magic trick. Image: Decibel Architecture</figcaption></figure>These are projects ranging from planning through to construction and exclude towers already completed. The overall figure would be higher but for a handful of applications that have over the last 18 months had their heights cut significantly whilst at planning.

With no new towers beyond the 200 metre mark submitted for quite some time, a brief overview of the confirmed 27 projects and potentially a 28th at 158 City Road reads as follows:

Central Business District

Melbourne's CBD continues to roll along as the primary hub for 200 metre towers in development. One of <a href="/developments">Queens Place</a>'s dual 246 metre towers is under construction, as are two of <a href="http://West%20Side%20Place">West side Place</a>'s four 200 plus metre towers.

Further tall towers at construction include <a href="/buildings/premier-tower-134-160-spencer-street-melbourne">Premier Tower</a>, <a href="/buildings/380-melbourne-380-lonsdale-street-melbourne">380 Lonsdale</a>, the hulking <a href="/buildings/aurora-melbourne-central-224-la-trobe-street-melbourne">Aurora Melbourne Central</a> and <a href="/buildings/victoria-one-452-472-elizabeth-street-melbourne">Victoria One</a>, with the latter racing toward completion.

<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/image42_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Premier Tower and 380 Lonsdale are at construction"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="205" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image42_6.jpg?itok=v0YLngIV" title="Premier Tower and 380 Lonsdale are at construction" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Premier Tower and 380 Lonsdale are at construction</figcaption></figure>The next line of CBD projects covers those at sales. <a href="/buildings/sapphire-by-the-gardens-63-la-trobe-street-melbourne-vic-3000">Sapphire by the Gardens</a>' two towers, <a href="/buildings/eq-tower-127-abeckett-street-melbourne">Uno Tower</a> and <a href="/buildings/aspire-melbourne-301-king-st-melbourne">299 King Street</a> have established marketing campaigns whilst the remaining towers that constitute West Side Place are about to launch to market.

This in effect leaves Sterling Global's 242 metre <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">383 La Trobe Street</a> and Brady Group's 210 metre <a href="/new-apartments/272-282-queen-street-melbourne">272-282 Queen Street</a> as approved developments in waiting.

<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/image31_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Uno Tower, 299 King Street and West Side Place"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="262" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image31_9.jpg?itok=fvk9f3ey" title="Uno Tower, 299 King Street and West Side Place" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Uno Tower, 299 King Street and West Side Place</figcaption></figure>The remaining project holding approval is <a href="/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke Street</a> which also happens to be listed for sale. The site is one of three Melbourne developments across the CBD and Carlton being divested by Sydney-based developer Besgate Group.

Southbank

The prospect of Magic aside, Southbank remains Melbourne's stronghold for tall towers. <a href="/buildings/australia-108-southbank-70-southbank-boulevard-southbank">Australia 108</a> and one of <a href="/buildings/melbourne-square-93-119-kavanagh-street-southbank">Melbourne Square</a>'s two 200 metre plus towers are under construction, with the balance of projects holding approval. 

<a href="/new-apartments/one-queensbridge-street-1-23-queensbridge-street-southbank">1 Queensbridge Street</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/51-65-clarke-street-southbank">51-65 Clarke Street</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/elysium-54-clarke-street-southbank">54 Clarke Street</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/293-297-city-road-southbank-vic-3006">295 City Road</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/38-freshwater-place-southbank">38 Freshwater Place</a> and <a href="/new-apartments/the-queensbridge-building-southbank-90-queensbridge-street-southbank">88 Queensbridge</a> have the green light to proceed when their respective developers see fit, although only 88 Queensbridge is at sales.

<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/image29_16.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Australia 108 and dual Clarke Street skyscrapers. Photo: Adrian"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="281" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image29_16.jpg?itok=wr34Wful" title="Australia 108 and dual Clarke Street skyscrapers. Photo: Adrian" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Australia 108 and dual Clarke Street skyscrapers. Photo: Adrian</figcaption></figure>Last week one of the above approved towers, namely <a href="http://55%20Clarke%20Street%20project%20have%20put%20the%20site%20up%20for%20sale%20through%20Colliers%20International.">51-65 Clarke Street was listed for sale</a> via Colliers International. Newcity Group has elected to sell the permit approved development which spans 73 levels or approximately 230 metres in height.

<a href="/developments/southbank-vic-3006">158 City Road</a> is potentially the 28th tower to join the list and remains the only 200 metre plus tower at planning. It's still noted as at assessment after a bid to increase its approved height significantly from approximately 160 metres to above the 200 metre threshold was lodged some time ago.

It is worth noting that Beulah International's intended development of the BMW Southbank site which is currently <a href="/news/a-design-tour-de-force-beckons-for-beulah-internationals-bmw-southbank-site">subject to a design competition</a> will likely yield one of not two towers beyond the 200 metre mark.

Carlton

<a href="/buildings/swanston-central-168-victoria-street-carlton">Swanston Central</a> is Carlton's sole tower beyond 200 metres and will likely remain so for a very long time. Multiplex have taken the build to approximately the 30 level mark, and will eventually span 72 Levels with 1039 apartments included.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/41853838312_bfe411e86a_h_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Carlton's tallest on the rise. Image: Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="871" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/41853838312_bfe411e86a_h_0.jpg?itok=NOYrr1EV" title="Carlton's tallest on the rise. Image: Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Carlton's tallest on the rise. Image: Ryan Seychell</figcaption></figure>
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Melbourne's 200 metre development club revisited

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Melbourne's sparkling hotel sector may have taken a dent, as plans for Mantra Group's second Melbourne Peppers outlet at 64-68 Clarendon Street look to have faltered.

The corner block development site has been listed for sale with South Melbourne-based Dixon Kestles, with no mention of the proposed Peppers-branded hotel which was to have opened during February next year. Rather Dixon Kestles note the project as simply having a permit in place for 33 levels and 10,080 square metres of gross building area.

Furthermore updated renders of 64-68 Clarendon Street now have the podium structure reworked, with all Peppers branding removed. The development initially gained approval during late 2015 as a residential hotel tower.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image3p.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The intended Peppers Southbank. Image: Point Polaris"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image3p.jpg?itok=yeYOAdw8" title="The intended Peppers Southbank. Image: Point Polaris" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The intended Peppers Southbank. Image: Point Polaris</figcaption></figure>Builder Atelier Projects <a href="http://atelierprojects.com.au/projects/">lists the Clarendon Street tower</a> as a current project, although precious little has occurred since mid last year when a piling rig lay idle onsite. <a href="https://www.mantragroup.com.au/News-Media/News/postid/673/shovels-hit-the-ground-at-peppers-southbank.aspx">A groundbreaking ceremony</a> was held jointly between then project manager Point Polaris and Mantra Group onsite during July last year.

Atelier Projects list ZFN Property Group as being behind the $60 million project which held a build value of $35 million. 

After opening an initial Peppers-branded Melbourne outlet in Docklands at the turn of 2016, Mantra Group considered the Southbank tower instrumental as part of their aggressive expansion plans throughout Australian and New Zealand. Peppers Southbank was slated to include 162 new suites.

At the groundbreaking ceremony, Mantra Group Regional General Manager Doug Flavell was bullish on Melbourne's second Peppers presence. "We’re confident Peppers Southbank will provide a market-leading hotel offering, well positioned to become the region’s premier corporate and leisure hotel.

The hotel’s location couldn’t be more perfect for both business and leisure guests with Melbourne’s central business district, Crown Casino, the Melbourne Convention &amp; Exhibition Centre, and the city’s finest shopping and dining precincts all within walking distance.”

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image48_12.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Shadow Play is Mantra Group's new Southbank location of choice. Image: Redden"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="405" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image48_12.jpg?itok=uj03Nxz7" title="Shadow Play is Mantra Group's new Southbank location of choice. Image: Redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Shadow Play is Mantra Group's new Southbank location of choice. Image: Redden</figcaption></figure>That sentiment has been maintained, albeit diagonally opposite at the corner of Clarendon Street and City Road where Mantra Group came to terms with developer BPM regarding a new Southbank hotel late last year.

Dubbed Mantra on City Road, the 46 storey tower is at practical completion at the hands of builder Icon, and will be managed by Mantra Group when it opened for business. The project was initially marketed as private apartments dubbed Shadow Play.

Mantra Group's swift move to seemingly replace one Southbank outlet with another followed their announcement of Melbourne outlet. <a href="/buildings/m-city-2107-dandenong-road-clayton">Mantra M-City</a> in Clayton will include 250 dedicated hotel suites, in addition to Mantra Group letting and adjacent tower for a further 180 serviced apartments as part of Saraceno Group's $1 billion mixed-use development on the corner of Dandenong Road and Blackburn Road.
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Peppers' Southbank intentions subside as 64-68 Clarendon listed for sale

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Urban.com.au was on hand late last week for the soil turning ceremony for the first stage of OSK Property's $2.8bn Melbourne Square project, which marked the official commencement of construction by head contractor Multiplex. 

Designed by Cox Architecture, Melbourne Square is <a href="/buildings/melbourne-square-93-119-kavanagh-street-southbank">one of the largest development projects in Victoria</a>, and will feature six mixed-use towers of varying heights and programme, in addition to a new 3,700 sqm public park for Southbank, which will also be delivered as part of stage one.

Already at the time of writing, 95% of piling for stage one has been completed, with the tower structures becoming apparent in coming months.

<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/melbourne-square-park.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Square's 3,700 sqm public park will provide much needed open space for Southbank residents. Image : Floodslicer"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="266" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/melbourne-square-park.jpg?itok=Z6UUXUm8" title="Melbourne Square's 3,700 sqm public park will provide much needed open space for Southbank residents. Image : Floodslicer" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Square's 3,700 sqm public park will provide much needed open space for Southbank residents. Image: Floodslicer</figcaption></figure>Over 7,000 tonnes of steel and 50,000 cubic metres of concrete will be used in the first stage of construction, with the workforce expected to peak at approximately 600 people. 

Stage one of Melbourne Square comprises two residential towers of 54 and 69-storeys accommodating 1,048 apartments and delivering essential amenity and services to Southbank residents.

This includes the delivery of a retail precinct incorporating shopping, dining and café facilities as well as Southbank’s first full-line supermarket, through a recently announced deal with Woolworths who will occupy 3,800 sqm over two levels.

The ambitious project will play a pivotal role in bringing much-needed community amenity to Southbank, with the entire city block revitalised to become a vibrant vertical village and deliver much-needed green open space and services to the precinct.

COX Architecture's design for stage one is characterised by fully glazed pleated towers highlighted by a dramatic shard element at level 54. The unique pleated facade provides a bay window type feel with the added effect of widening the external views and maximizing natural light.

<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/melb_square_shard.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The two towers which form stage one feature fully glazed pleated facades. Image : Floodslicer"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/melb_square_shard.jpg?itok=B6T2BiiB" title="The two towers which form stage one feature fully glazed pleated facades. Image : Floodslicer" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The two towers which form stage one feature fully glazed pleated facades. Image : Floodslicer</figcaption></figure>Speaking about OSK Property's vision for the Melbourne Square project OSK Group's executive chairman Tan Sri Ong Leong Huat remarked that the intent was to create "a fully integrated iconic project" that provided a memorable entry experience for visitors coming from Melbourne airport - "a symbol, a landmark". 

Tan Sri added that very early on the development team worked closely with DELWP and City of Melbourne to create a vision for the site that met their expectations and adhered to planning requirements, and provided another landmark for Melbourne that "blended in with the city."

Melbourne Square will add to Southbank's growing list of green spaces joining the new expanded park at the former Boyd School, Sturt Street spine, Southbank Boulevard linear park and improvements to City Road.

Stage one of Melbourne is due for completion in October 2020. A hotel operator and tenant(s) for the commercial tower are being finalised with an announcement expected in the 2nd quarter of 2018.

<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/20180322_102940.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Piling nears completion as construction proper is set to get underway. "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/20180322_102940.jpg?itok=SOYAByvD" title="Piling nears completion as construction proper is set to get underway. " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Piling nears completion as construction proper is set to get underway.</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
We are excited to see Melbourne Square come to life. The project will breathe life into an area that is already a coveted location within walking distance of the CBD, Southbank arts precinct, Royal Botanic Gardens and the Crown entertainment precinct. We are also delighted to be able to do our part in providing much-needed amenity to the Southbank community.

- Tan Sri Ong Leong Huat, Executive Chairman of OSK Group
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
We’re pleased that we’ll soon be able to offer local residents the convenience of a supermarket that will include all the usual features our customers have come to expect. From fresh fruit and vegetables to a large range of grocery items at great prices, those living in the area will be able to pick up all their shopping essentials, without needing to travel too far.

- Brad Karge, Woolworths’ State Property Manager
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
We’re pleased to kick off the construction process on what is set to be one of Central Melbourne’s most exciting new developments. It will be a busy three years ahead to bring Melbourne Square to life and we’re looking forward to working closely with OSK Property in its delivery.

- Graham Cotton, Multiplex Victoria’s Regional Managing Director 
</blockquote>
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Soil turns on Stage 1 of Melbourne Square as piling nears completion

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A new 3,800 square metre dual-level Woolworths is headed for Southbank.

Melbourne Square will host the Woolworths as part of a larger 6,000 square metre retail zone that will feature shopping, dining and cafe facilities in a European-inspired, piazza-style setting. As Southbank’s first full-line supermarket, it will also go some way to alleviating the needs of the hundreds of new residents that move into the high-density suburb each year.

Stage One of Melbourne Square will also see a new public park spanning 3,700 square metres created, satisfying developer OSK Property's bid to have Melbourne Square become the benchmark development for amenity and services on Southbank.

When fully completed Melbourne Square will include approximately 15,000 square metres of retail, services, amenity and open space across its ground/podium levels. 

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_7319_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The site as of this week"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="400" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_7319_0.jpg?itok=o5231Ixh" title="The site as of this week" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The site as of this week</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
Southbank’s population is expected to exceed 50,000 by 2036, which is 174 per cent higher than the current population.

It is essential that the community is able to access basic everyday amenity so that the area’s expanding population can be adequately accommodated. We know Southbank residents have been waiting for a full-line supermarket in their local area and we are happy to be able to provide this much-needed amenity, along with other amenities for the community.

This is in line with our vision to create an integrated mixed-use lifestyle precinct for Melbourne Square residents and the Southbank community
<cite>Executive Chairman of Malaysian developer OSK Property, Tan Sri Ong Leong Huat</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
We’re pleased that we’ll soon be able to offer local residents the convenience of a supermarket that will include all the usual features our customers have come to expect. From fresh fruit and vegetables to a large range of grocery items at great prices, those living in the area will be able to pick up all their shopping essentials, without needing to travel too far.
<cite>Woolworths’ State Property Manager Brad Karge</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/image240.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Phase One of Melbourne Square. Image: Planning &amp; Property Partners"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="793" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image240.jpg?itok=Iu3JKD79" title="Phase One of Melbourne Square. Image: Planning &amp; Property Partners" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Stage One of Melbourne Square. Image: Planning &amp; Property Partners</figcaption></figure>Builder Multiplex has an August 2020 scheduled completion date for Stage One of Melbourne Square; the new Woolworths will open at this point.

The retail component will sit below two residential towers of 54 levels and 69 levels respectively, which amount to 1,043 new residential apartments for Southbank. Multiplex have Stage One valued at $490 million.

Ultimately the Woolworths will cater for an altogether larger development with OSK Property holding a permit to create four additional towers. Another two residential towers are planned, with the taller reaching 73 levels; total apartment numbers across Melbourne Square are permitted at 2,160.

A commercial tower and hotel are also slated for the 5-acre, Cox Architecture-designed mixed-use development.
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Southbank's largest development gains some retail clout

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This Tuesday the City of Melbourne's Councillors will consider a plan for a new 5,000 sqm urban park for Southbank - the municipality’s most densely populated suburb - which has the least amount of public open space per person in the City of Melbourne.

The $3.5m Boyd Park Concept Plan aims to "create a backyard" for Southbank residents and to provide flexible and playful spaces that support a range of activities. The concept plan builds on Boyd’s former use as a school and current function as a vibrant community hub.

A draft concept plan for the park was presented to the community from 23 November to 22 December 2017, with a community workshop held on 7 December 2017 followed by presentations to key stakeholders and the creation of a summer pop-up. 
 

<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/boyd_park_plan.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The City of Melbourne's concept plan for Boyd Park. Image : City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="743" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/boyd_park_plan.jpg?itok=zaFhnIuh" title="The City of Melbourne's concept plan for Boyd Park. Image : City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The City of Melbourne's concept plan for Boyd Park. Image : City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>As part of the plan, a future development site at 132 Kavanagh Street will be tendered with the development footprint being reduced in size from 2,356 to 1,834 sqm to improve park access, with an additional condition that any new development should not interfere with the new park.

An off-lead dog area was also high on the community’s wish list for Southbank and CoM are looking at an adjoining area that may be appropriate for this use.

In 2007, the City of Melbourne acquired the site of the former Boyd School located on City Road near Kings Way and has continued working towards the goal of creating a vibrant community hub.

<blockquote>
As the city grows rapidly, we know that more than 80 per cent of residents live in apartments so open space will continue to be absolutely critical to maintain liveability.

This plan is a clear case of Southbank residents and businesses asking for community facilities and the City of Melbourne getting on to deliver it. The new park will include an interactive, age-appropriate playground with facilities for young families, a communal garden and leafy grassed places for people to relax alongside improved pedestrian and cycle connections.

For active sports such as basketball, we’re exploring options to further expand the size of the park by utilising the nearby Kings Way under-croft: an innovative and exciting idea that we are looking forward to speaking with the community about.

This urban park will be a much-needed backyard for Southbank residents. It has been a long time in the making and will add an important recreational focal point for the local community.

Southbank’s 22,000 strong residential population and its 50,000 daily workforce are expected to double in the next decade, placing even more pressure on the area’s limited open spaces.

These requirements will ensure that the design for the adjoining development is undertaken in a manner that adds value to the urban park and overcomes many of the challenges experienced by the community who have outgrown the existing facilities.

- Arron Wood, Acting Lord Mayor
</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/kingsway_undercroft_concept.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="CoM is exploring options to expand the size of the park into the adjacent Kings Way under-croft space. Image : City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="705" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/kingsway_undercroft_concept.jpg?itok=Nx280JtZ" title="CoM is exploring options to expand the size of the park into the adjacent Kings Way under-croft space. Image : City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>CoM is exploring options to expand the size of the park into the adjacent Kings Way under-croft space. Image : City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>The City of Melbourne is preparing documents for the public tender of the private development site at 132 Kavanagh Street. Strict conditions will require the successful bidder to deliver additional community facilities for the Boyd Hub, as well as the inclusion of affordable housing and a high green star rating in their development.

Demolition of the old classroom building to the rear of Boyd Hub will commence in May with construction on the new park expected to commence in August this year.
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