New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=372394]

Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=953]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=925]

Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=5374]

The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

Joel Robinson

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Rainbow Bay apartment doubles in price since off the plan sale during pandemic

The long-planned transformation of Brisbane's historic Shafston Estate has taken another major step, with Capella Hotel Group announced as the luxury hospitality partner behind what will become Brisbane's first branded residences.

The project, to be known as Capella Residences Brisbane, is being delivered by Verso Projects at the landmark Kangaroo Point riverfront estate, with completion targeted for 2029.

The announcement follows a series of planning changes to the project over recent years. The site was originally approved in 2023 for a 15-level, 37-apartment development designed by Rothelowman for Burgundy Group before Verso Projects took over the 10,070 sqm riverfront holding and lodged revised plans with Kerry Hill Architects to increase the development to a 25-level tower with 51 apartments.

The latest announcement confirms Capella Hotel Group will bring its branded residential offering to the project, marking just the second Capella Residences development globally after Seoul, and the group's first branded residential project in Australia.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/23-castlebar-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Castlebar Street development</a> will centre around the restoration of the heritage-listed Shafston House, one of Brisbane's oldest residences, originally constructed in 1851 by Reverend Robert Creyke as a single-storey cottage known as Ravenscott.

<img alt="Capella" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2b9f4ce5-638f-4d6b-8082-3ca7e4b75fca" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-09%20at%207.20.41%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=f7aeqsW_DzOJI4FymWb3lD8NptSfsP7q" />

Capella said the project aligns with its focus on heritage-led developments, with the Brisbane estate combining the restored historic residence with a new luxury apartment tower and hospitality-inspired resident amenities.

Residents will have access to the Capella Living Room, a concierge-led communal space inspired by the group's luxury hotels, alongside landscaped gardens, six swimming pools, wellness and recreation facilities.

The broader estate will also include two riverfront homes, a six-berth private marina, porte cochère arrival experience, secure basement parking and a new section of public riverwalk along the Brisbane River frontage.

The heritage Postal Depot Building will also be retained and repurposed as a guest house, in line with the revised development plans.

The project represents another evolution for the site, which Kerry Hill Architects previously described as a rare opportunity to restore one of Brisbane's most significant heritage estates while creating a new benchmark for apartment living.

"The Shafston Estate provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to restore one of Brisbane's finest heritage precincts and to reinstate residential use as a unique site perched on the edge of Kangaroo Point," Kerry Hill Architects said in its Urban Context Report accompanying the planning submission.

"The project will celebrate excellence in sub-tropical residential design, setting a new benchmark for vertical living in Brisbane."

Verso Projects, which now has an $8.5 billion development pipeline spanning more than 6,000 dwellings across apartments, townhouses, retail and commercial projects, said the partnership with Capella would elevate the development beyond a traditional residential project.

"We feel honoured to be restoring Shafston Estate to its former glory, elevating it to new heights of luxury and excellence underpinned by Capella's distinctive service ethos and design philosophy, and making it a standout landmark in Brisbane," Verso Projects CEO Steve Laffey said.

"By partnering with Capella, globally recognised for its refined approach to luxury hospitality and deep respect for cultural and historical context, we will elevate this project beyond a residential offering into a world-class destination."

Capella Hotel Group President Roland Fasel said Brisbane's emergence as a global city made it the right location for the company's Australian residential debut.

"Brisbane is a city on the cusp of something remarkable, and Capella Residences is our commitment to being part of that story," Fasel said.

"The Capella residential experience is more than luxury. It is about a sense of belonging to a place with deep meaning."

Private appointments have now opened for the project, with a display suite expected to open in late 2026 ahead of the planned 2029 completion.

Capella to launch Brisbane's first branded residences at Shafston House, Kangaroo Point

Lewis Land's latest apartment release within its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/harbour-shores-biggera-waters-564-oxley-drive-biggera-waters-qld-4216">Harbour Shores</a> masterplan is targeting one of the Gold Coast's fastest-growing buyer groups, with almost a third of apartments at Solis priced below $1 million.

The seven-storey building at Biggera Waters will comprise 91 apartments, including 24 one-bedroom residences starting from $778,000, a price point Lewis Land says is aimed squarely at first home buyers struggling to enter the Gold Coast market.

<img alt="Harbour Shires" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e7486e37-22f6-4c92-b212-9b0622070b8f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-08%20at%209.09.34%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=W8MJwJUCf6HkIyl_EVSksnd.QI6MZryY" />

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/lewis-land-group">Lewis Land</a> Head of Development Michael Long said the developer deliberately allocated a significant proportion of the project to more affordable apartment types.

"First home buyers have been priced out of many parts of the Gold Coast, and we saw a clear opportunity to address this and play our part in a longer-term housing solution," Long said.

"That's why 24 of the 91 apartments being delivered at Solis have been designed and priced for the city's next generation of homeowners, quality one-bedroom apartments, half of which include an additional multipurpose room to maximise space and flexibility.

"This approach places 30 per cent of apartments in Solis under $1 million, and with close proximity to Harbour Town's future light rail extension connecting residents to the city's major employment and knowledge hubs, it's a win for buyers looking to secure their first property."

<img alt="Sores" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="550526d3-73ba-4710-9739-c5f4294a30ef" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-08%20at%209.09.29%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=cQQdXHt9wS0UXwZEm5Py5bH_3kAmzyhu" />

Designed by BDA Architecture, Solis will deliver a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with residences ranging up to 232 sqm. Apartments feature generous balconies and contemporary finishes, while residents will have access to Harbour Shores' lagoon pool, clubhouse, tennis court, gym, yoga studio and sauna.

The focus on first home buyers resonated with purchaser Holly Humphreys, who said she and her boyfriend spent more than a year searching for their first property before shifting their attention from houses to apartments.

"We fell in love with the first house we bid on and got our hopes up, but after repeated knockbacks we learned not to get too attached," Humphreys said.

"We offered at the high end of price guides, but sales kept going even higher. That's where we really struggled and we needed to re-evaluate our budget and our expectations. Standalone houses were off the table, and we pivoted to apartments and townhouses."

Humphreys said it was encouraging to see developers recognising the growing demand from first home buyers.

"There's a growing number of young buyers looking to enter the market earlier because they understand that getting in now can make a real difference as prices continue to rise," she said.

"It's fantastic to see a developer recognise this and then actively take measures to deliver an apartment with us in mind."

Solis is the first development planned within the second stage of the Harbour Shores masterplan, with early works expected to commence in September 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113271]

Lewis Land targets first home buyers at latest Harbour Shores release, Solis

Luxury apartment developer Abadeen has recorded $19.25 million in apartment sales across two of its Lower North Shore developments in the lead-up to the end of the financial year, headlined by the sale of a $6.75 million penthouse at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/koyo-crows-nest-5-rodborough-avenue-crows-nest-nsw-2065">KOYO in Crows Nest.</a>

The transactions also included the sale of a newly completed three-bedroom apartment at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/park-residences-cremorne-2-sutherland-street-cremorne-nsw-2090">Park Residences in Cremorne</a> for $6.35 million, with the residence selling shortly after the project's first public inspections following completion.

The sales come as completed, owner-occupier-focused apartments continue to attract strong demand across Sydney's Lower North Shore, particularly from buyers looking for certainty and immediate occupancy.

The penthouse at KOYO spans 491 sqm across a single level and was designed by architect Koichi Takada. The development is one of Abadeen's flagship boutique projects in Crows Nest.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108800 project_image_fid=370093]

Abadeen Executive Chairman and Founder Justin Brown said buyer activity lifted noticeably in the lead-up to the end of the financial year.

"We saw a clear increase in enquiry levels, inspection numbers and buyer engagement across our completed projects leading into the end of the financial year," Brown said.

"Buyers have become far more decisive over the past six months. The combination of improving confidence, limited supply and the ability to physically inspect completed residences is creating strong competition for premium apartments in the best locations."

Brown says the&nbsp;response to Park Residences following completion has been particularly strong.

"Buyers want certainty and are responding positively to the opportunity to walk through a finished product, inspect the quality firsthand and move in immediately," Brown suggested.

"Projects such as Park Residences and KOYO demonstrate that when the product is exceptional and the location is irreplaceable, buyers are prepared to act quickly."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=370116]

Abadeen CEO Joe Tack said quality continued to differentiate projects in the current market.

"Today's buyers are incredibly discerning," Tack said.

"They are seeking larger floorplans, premium finishes, walkability, lifestyle amenity and confidence in the developer delivering the project. Well-designed boutique developments continue to outperform because they offer something genuinely difficult to replace.

"The enquiry we are seeing across our completed and recently completed Lower North Shore portfolio is very encouraging, and we expect this momentum to continue into spring."

The sales follow increased enquiry across Abadeen's Lower North Shore portfolio which also includes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/northcote-collective-naremburn-2-northcote-street-naremburn-nsw-2065">Northcote Collective in Naremburn</a> which also completed recently.

KOYO penthouse headlines Abadeen's $19.25 million EOFY sales flurry

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?

<html><body>
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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