<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.

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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

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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.
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silvermb

Central Equity brings its Focus back to Southbank

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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>
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Alastair Taylor

A Southbank super site goes to market

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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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