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

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

Around 400 additional homes could be built at Southwark Grounds on Port Road, lifting total site capacity from 1300 to around 1700 dwellings.

A recently approved code amendment would allow apartment towers of up to 14 storeys in some areas of Renewal SA’s redevelopment of the former West End Brewery.

Renewal SA Acting Chief Executive Shane Wingard said he welcomed the code amendment, with the increase in heights and homes making a positive impact on the supply of high-quality, well-connected housing close to the city.

“By going higher across some parts of Southwark Grounds, we are adding a substantial number of very well-located homes with little impact on project delivery time or planned open space,” Mr Wingard said.

Since the project officially launched in 2025, Mr Wingard said more than 12,000 enquiries had been received about living at Southwark Grounds.

“The very strong early interest we’ve seen since homes were first released in the precinct reinforces our plans to create more housing opportunities,” he said.

The Southwark Grounds code amendment was launched in December last year, with community engagement undertaken over five weeks from January.

It proposed increasing maximum building heights from eight to 14 storeys on the eastern section of Southwark Grounds, and to 12 storeys across the remainder of the site, with minimum building heights ranging from two to four storeys.

The code amendment was implemented through an Early Commencement policy in late January, allowing developers to quickly explore the viability of increased height and housing yield while other planning processes continue.

One of the first developers delivering apartment sites have already finalised redesigns to increase the number of apartments following the code amendment.

Samaras’ development adjacent to the future Colonel Light Park is now planning to deliver 125 apartments across 11 storeys, significantly greater than original plans of around 50 apartments across four storeys.

The developer is also exploring the potential for additional affordable housing outcomes.

Most of the apartments at Southwark Grounds will be delivered within a master-planned precinct on a large parcel of land on the eastern portion of the site, covering around two-thirds of its 8.4 hectares.

Wingard said detailed precinct planning over the coming months may identify further opportunities to increase yield further that could see total apartment numbers at Southwark Grounds, exceed this number.

Affordable homes at Southwark Grounds will also see a net increase, with Renewal SA maintaining its commitment to a minimum of 20 per cent affordable housing across the development.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Civil works have begun across the site, with construction under way on the first new roads surrounding a townhouse precinct in the south‑west corner of Southwark Grounds. This includes Renewal SA’s 17 Founder’s Row homes, which are on track for completion by Christmas.

“We expect to have people living at Southwark Grounds by the end of the year, so delivering roads and public spaces for those residents is among our highest priorities.”

Construction of 40 townhouses off Anderson Street, known as West Village and being delivered by Contour, is forecast to begin in mid‑2026. Kolabb’s Anderson Lane development will follow shortly after, delivering a further 26 townhouses.

Southwark Grounds is a state government‑led urban renewal project now set to deliver around 1,700 homes over the next decade.

Homes will be supported by a supermarket, a range of retail and hospitality offerings anchored by a revitalised Walkerville Brew Tower, a childcare centre, car parking and well‑connected public spaces.

400 new homes planned for Adelaide's former West End Brewery site

Brisbane developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/cavcorp">Cavcorp</a> has lodged plans for a new mixed-use residential development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-wyandra-street-teneriffe-qld-4005">55 Wyandra Street</a>, Teneriffe, anchored by an 85-metre public laneway designed to reconnect the suburb’s riverfront with the Gasworks precinct.

The buildings, known as Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane, would replace the existing Queensland Cotton head office site with a 15-storey residential tower transitioning to eight storeys toward Helen Street. The project has been designed by Plazibat Architects and lodged as a code assessable development application for 93 apartments across a 3,401 sqm mixed-use site within the Newstead and Teneriffe Waterfront neighbourhood plan.

Central to the scheme is the transformation of an existing service easement into a publicly accessible cross-block connection linking Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the new laneway will act as both a pedestrian shortcut and a landscaped civic space between the Teneriffe Riverwalk, ferry terminal, and Gasworks precinct.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26e7f058-b065-4de8-b13d-a2b8cb64dfcc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bldg.png?VersionId=sELS0ZKYi361oYipUa1BIKfe_.DLZoFV" />

“The revised proposal delivers a legacy public-realm cross-block link, permanently secured for community use, transforming an existing private easement into a safe, high-quality pedestrian connection between the Teneriffe heritage riverwalk and the Gasworks–Long Island precinct,” the planning report states.

The laneway will sit beneath a large subtropical loggia integrated into the podium levels of the development. The design incorporates deep landscaping, water gardens, lobby spaces, business lounges, and ground-floor apartments to create what Cavcorp describes as a climate-responsive “urban verandah.”

The tower itself has been designed as a slender form with recessed floorplates and curved translucent corners inspired by contemporary Japanese architecture. The building height aligns with the Commercial Road precinct controls, which permit towers up to 15 storeys within proximity to Longland Street.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8a17d40-43b6-4718-b3fd-67676fcbb485" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers%202_1.png?VersionId=i3VwDtp5AmL_8InW7w4qRbDFEpb744Jt" />

The project will comprise a mix of larger-format apartments aimed at owner-occupiers, downsizers, and families. The proposed apartment mix includes 11 loggia apartments across the lower levels, 50 four-bedroom Sky-Terrace apartments from levels three to seven, and 32 Sky-Pool Homes occupying the upper tower levels. The Sky-Pool Homes will feature private thermal plunge pools integrated into oversized balconies.

According to the application, the apartments are intended to reinterpret the scale and character of Teneriffe’s woolstore conversions and Queensland homes within a vertical residential format.

“The sky-pool homes build on Cavcorp’s previous projects and introduce a distinct apartment typology to Teneriffe, informed by both local and international precedent and responding to an identified market demand for enhanced safety, space and amenity,” the planning submission notes.

A major focus of the proposal is its five-level wellness and lifestyle offering, extending from the basement through to the rooftop.

Amenities proposed include a rooftop Swim &amp; Racquet Club with a 25-metre Olympic lap pool and tennis court, coworking spaces and libraries, golf simulators, wine storage, concierge facilities, business lounges, pet wash areas, and rooftop longevity-focused wellness spaces with spas, outdoor fitness zones, and landscaped terraces.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="944b352c-49b9-4247-a4c6-5967b4b69fda" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/amenity.png?VersionId=Ed_qKjAtMwFT.5gfl3jiA9QwdWxSMsaX" />

All parking will be concealed within basement levels accessed from Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the deep-basement engineering approach allows the entire ground plane to prioritise landscaping, pedestrian movement, and active frontage rather than vehicle infrastructure.

The development continues Cavcorp’s concentration in Newstead and Teneriffe, where the Brisbane developer has delivered a number of apartment projects including Lucent, Le Bain, and Luminare, as well as the Long Island Wellness Precinct nearby. Several of those projects have received national design and architecture awards, including recognition under Brisbane’s “Buildings that Breathe” program.

Cavcorp unveils wellness-focused Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane apartment buildings

Focus Group Investments has lodged plans for a new apartment development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-70-hanover-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">64–70 Hanover Street</a> in Fitzroy, seeking to utilise the Victorian Government’s recently introduced Great Design Fast Track pathway to accelerate approvals for the project.

The proposal is among the latest developments to emerge through the state-led initiative, which was established to fast-track well-designed residential projects in activity centres and transport-connected inner-city locations. The pathway allows qualifying developments that meet elevated design and housing benchmarks to bypass traditional council planning timeframes and instead be assessed directly by the Department of Transport and Planning.

Designed by SJB, the development will comprise a mix of apartments above activated lower levels, with a strong focus on architectural articulation, landscaping, and communal amenity. The design response seeks to balance the industrial character of Richmond’s former warehouse precincts with a more contemporary residential form.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abea51cc-d85b-479e-9aef-a589f3b37ca7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ground.png?VersionId=e1Kf8EyPWwyiVumtqQ4rM5S4GpOR3CCz" />

Proposed are 63 new dwellings, a wide ranging mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, and townhouses and duplexes. They will be spread across a part-three, part-eight storey building.

The Planning and Urban Context Report by Tract says the development is of an "exemplary architectural standard" and has been carefully crafted by SJB Architects.

"Dwellings&nbsp;will benefit from excellent access to natural light, cross-ventilation opportunities and extensive communal space," the report noted.

The architectural material highlights the project’s integration of landscaped elements and communal spaces throughout the building. The proposal also incorporates sustainability initiatives aligned with the Victorian Government’s push for higher-performing apartment developments under the fast-track program.

The Great Design Fast Track was unveiled by the Victorian Government in 2024 as part of a broader housing supply strategy aimed at accelerating the delivery of new homes. Projects assessed through the pathway must demonstrate high-quality architecture, sustainability outcomes, and housing diversity while being located close to public transport and existing infrastructure.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="afdbe834-8dc4-4a77-a943-ba07bc927348" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_11.png?VersionId=0J657j.TaChAZfp93wqJYBTqSsnREJx2" />

Focus Group, founder and led by Paul De Lutiis, is increasingly active across Melbourne’s inner suburbs, targeting well-connected urban renewal locations suited to medium and higher-density residential development. The Fitzroy proposal continues that strategy, leveraging the area’s strong transport links, established retail amenity, and proximity to the CBD.

Fitzroy has been one of the most popular spots for developers and buyers in recent years. The likes of PACE Development Group, SMA Projects, Crema Group and Chapter Group, currently selling projects in the suburb.

First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Fitzroy apartments

Southbank

<html><body>
The planning controls that deal with the upgrade of the Queen Victoria Market have now been approved by the planning minister.

City of Melbourne will now need to work within a framework that places a mandatory height control of 125 metres on the 'Munro' site which the council bought in 2014 for $74 million.

Planning Minister Richard Wynne said "we’ve given careful consideration to get this amendment right. It’s all about striking a balance between the need for development and rejuvenation and protecting the market’s heritage".

<blockquote>
To protect the character of Queen Victoria Market and enable works to begin, the Labor Government has approved new planning controls.

Strict heritage controls protecting the market will be maintained, as will existing height controls over the market sheds and fresh food halls.

The Government has also applied a new mandatory height control of 125 metres on the nearby Munro site to preserve and protect the market.
<cite>Victorian Government <a href="http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/protecting-melbournes-treasured-queen-victoria-market/">media release</a></cite>
</blockquote>

Background reading from March 2017: <a href="/expert-insights/buying/the-queen-victoria-market-renewal-project-the-case-for">The Queen Victoria Market renewal: the case for</a>.

<h2>42 Moray Street approved</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/cam001.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="42 Moray Street, Southbank. Image: David Lock Associates"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="832" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/cam001.jpg?itok=KbODSQiO" title="42 Moray Street, Southbank. Image: David Lock Associates" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>42 Moray Street, Southbank. Image: David Lock Associates</figcaption></figure>David Lock Associates <a href="http://www.dlaaust.com/projects/42-moray-street-gains-ministerial-planning-approval/">has announced</a> that 42 Moray Street has been approved with 51 levels and 280 apartments.

<blockquote>
The building has been designed to act as a landmark, and respond to its prominent location at the gateway to the City of Melbourne through the introduction of a distinct, curvilinear tower form within the existing urban morphology of Southbank.

The building also ‘raises the bar’ within the local existing urban context through exemplary ground floor activation and public realm amenity.

We congratulate all involved in the approval of this project and look forward to seeing construction commence shortly.
<cite>Brodie Blades, David Lock Associates</cite>
</blockquote>

The development's approval will also inject 3000 square metres of employment space in Southbank.

Background reading from August 2016: <a href="/news/c270-on-show-the-case-studies-of-42-moray-street-and-130-little-collins-street">C270 on show: the case studies of 42 Moray Street and 130 Little Collins Street</a>
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Alastair Taylor

Queen Victoria Market planning controls amended and 42 Moray Street approved

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Southern Capital Corporation boss Dean Giannarelli has listed his Southbank penthouse.
The three bedroom apartment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-southbank-125702638" target="_blank" style="font-size: 12.16px;">5801/1 Queensbridge Square</a> has views of the CBD, Yarra River and Botanic Gardens from the balcony. 
The central lounge is connected to a separate dining room with a marble kitchen and breakfast bar.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/06/23/5801_1%20Queensbridge%20Square-2.jpg" alt="" style="font-size: 12.16px;">
There are three bedrooms and a study.
iProperty agent Gus Kosasih has expressions of interest until July 10.
 
</body></html>

firstname1-iYD4UYzvBa

Dean Ginnarelli lists Southbank penthouse apartment

<html><body>
Over the course of the last week <a href="/developers/osk-property">OSK Property</a> has released images of a <a href="/news/southbank-set-to-gain-a-new-park">new Southbank park</a> within its Melbourne Square development. The large public park will occupy more than 20 per cent of overall site and will be one of the first stages of the project to be delivered.

OSK Property engaged landscape architects, Taylor Cullity Lethlean (TCL) for the park, who are perhaps best known locally for their award-winning work at Birrarung Marr, the Australian Garden in <a href="/developments/cranbourne-vic-3977">Cranbourne</a>, Sidney Myer Music Bowl and the National Arboretum in <a href="/new-apartments/canberra-act">Canberra</a>.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/oskh9386_melbourne_square_ea05_park_boulevard_entrance.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Square's towers rising behind the new park designed by landscape architects TCL. Image: OSK Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/oskh9386_melbourne_square_ea05_park_boulevard_entrance.jpg?itok=EqECtm-t" title="Melbourne Square's towers rising behind the new park designed by landscape architects TCL. Image: OSK Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Square's towers rising behind the new park. Image: OSK Property</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
Melbourne Square’s dynamic public realm will be a centerpiece for Southbank, one that can be actively programmed for events, or enjoyed at leisure. The park is part of a network of gardens inspired by Melbourne’s iconic Royal Botanic Gardens and qualities from other cities such as Paris, Berlin and Spain.

As this is such an urban environment, we have created vistas and seating nestled among the greenery. Generous promenades and plazas encourage the Italian tradition of promenading – taking an evening walk with family and friends. It’s about creating opportunities for residents of Melbourne Square and other buildings in <a href="/new-apartments/southbank-vic-3006">Southbank</a> to engage with nature.

- TCL Managing Director, Perry Lethlean
</blockquote>

An amphitheatre-inspired space is created via a gently rising slope which includes a water feature, cascading down the pathway leading visitors up to the café terrace, providing a gateway for visitors into the development. Stairs connect to an elevated terrace, with views over the lawns and gardens and a number of retail and alfresco dining offerings.

Melbourne Square will add to the area’s continuing transformation along with the City of Melbourne’s commitment to create a new parkland development for Southbank Boulevard. The large park will be actively programmed upon completion to host events for Southbank residents such as markets and cultural activities.

Citing the City of Melbourne's 2015 Places for People report, Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said one of the key drivers for projects such as Council's Southbank Boulevard Rejuvenation and OSK Property's Melbourne Square park was to address the imbalance in the number of residents in the densely populated suburb with access to green open space.

<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/sthbnk_blvd.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="City of Melbourne's Southbank Boulevard rejuvenation. Image: City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/sthbnk_blvd.jpg?itok=d-jAlw_7" title="City of Melbourne's Southbank Boulevard rejuvenation. Image: City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>City of Melbourne's Southbank Boulevard rejuvenation. Image: City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
In the past 25 years, I’ve seen Southbank go from a wasteland of old factories and warehouses to Melbourne’s densest suburb, and the only City of Melbourne suburb in Australia’s 20 densest suburbs. That has meant that Southbank has less open space than any other postcode in the municipality, at just three square metres per resident.

Our 2015 Places for People report revealed that just 18 per cent of Southbank residents accessed open space locally compared with 90 per cent in Docklands and 31 per cent in the central city.

That’s why the City of Melbourne tries, wherever and whenever possible, to turn asphalt into green open space in the inner city: it’s for the benefit of those residents who are purchasing with the confidence of employment and recreation but not always on the basis of open space

- Lord Mayor Robert Doyle, "Rejuvenation of Southbank Boulevard to reinvigorate suburb with green space" Domain, May 19, 2017 
</blockquote>

<h2>IN BRIEF</h2>

• Large public park spanning 3,700 sqm will provide Southbank with much-needed green infrastructure 
• On completion Melbourne Square will comprise six towers, retail outlets including a supermarket, childcare and health services 
• Residents will have access to a 48-metre long swimming pool, private gardens, gymnasium, entertainment facilities and more

<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/osk_property_melbourne_square_aerial_park_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Square's 3,700sqm park will help add to Southbank's livability. Image: OSK Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/osk_property_melbourne_square_aerial_park_2.jpg?itok=qFfIzF42" title="Melbourne Square's 3,700sqm park will help add to Southbank's livability. Image: OSK Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Square's 3,700sqm park will help add to Southbank's livability. Image: OSK Property</figcaption></figure>
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Laurence Dragomir

Melbourne Square to add some much needed green infrastructure to Southbank

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There's movement regarding a number of imposing skyscrapers planned for Southbank.

The Planing Minister has granted approval for 51-65 Clarke Street during April, allowing developer Newcity Development (One) Pty Ltd to proceed with the hulking 70 storey tower. The twisting multi-coloured design by Elenberg Fraser which tops out at 233m would rank the tower among Southbank's tallest, although still well short of the suburb's tallest approved tower - 1 Queensbridge Street at 323m.

Spanning a GFA of 52,313sqm, 51-65 Clarke Street consists predominantly of 512 apartments, supported in turn by 327 bicycle bays and 120 car parking spaces.

<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/image72_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="51-65 Clarke Street. Planning image: Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="417" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image72_2.jpg?itok=nka0KwWu" title="51-65 Clarke Street. Planning image: Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>51-65 Clarke Street. Planning image: Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>Although well in excess of the desired Southbank/CBD plot ratio, both Melbourne City Council and the Planing Minister saw fit to support the project.

<blockquote>
With a proposed height of 233m and setbacks that comply with the requirements of DDO10, the development will not overwhelm or dominate the public realm or adjoining buildings

As the development exceeds the maximum plot ratio of 24:1, the applicant is required to demonstrate a public benefit contribution. With the provision of a new through block link between Catherine Street and Hancock Street and contributions to nearby streetscape upgrades and projections actions with the City Road Masterplan and Southbank Structure Plan, it is considered that the plot ratio of 30.8:1 can be supported.
<cite>Report to Future Melbourne Planning Committee</cite>
</blockquote>

Also offered in principle support last month by Melbourne City Council was 87-105 Queensbridge Street. With Melbourne City Council's support or otherwise a prudent indicator as to whether a project will receive support from the Minister's office, 87-105 Queensbridge Street is now seemingly in the box seat to receive the green light.

If approved, the 170m tower would prove to be a boon for developer Aohua Sheng Le Property Pty Ltd.

Whether they choose to develop or move the site on, a permit for 852 apartments on Southbank is a substantial outcome. The planning application is also seeking the right to add 312 bicycle bays and 453 parking spaces within the Fender Katsalidis-designed project. 

87-105 Queensbridge Street's apartment split sees 354 single bedroom, 471 dual bedroom and 27 triple bedroom dwellings within the edifice which holds a massive GFA of 113,401sqm.

<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/image73_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="87-105 Queensbridge Street. Planning image: Fender Katsalidis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="443" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image73_4.jpg?itok=06TQZqvO" title="87-105 Queensbridge Street. Planning image: Fender Katsalidis" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>87-105 Queensbridge Street. Planning image: Fender Katsalidis</figcaption></figure>As the above duo navigate the planning process, a further two projects are looking for new owners as their current vendors choose to offload their respective assets.

38 Freshwater Place is the higher profile project of the duo up for sale. Knight Frank and CBRE have jointly listed the project, with its EOI campaign closing mid May. Up for grabs is the right to deliver a 273m mixed used tower featuring apartments, a hotel component and retail. After picking up the site at the turn of 2016, PCT Development &amp; Management have chosen to move on the trophy property.

Rounding out the Southbank do-si-do is 127-129 Kavanagh Street, which - save for a couple of months of piling activity at the turn of 2017 - has been dormant for some years. Designed by Squillace, 127-129 Kavanagh Street's approved permit allows for 780 apartments and multiple retails space across two towers, with the taller at 48 storeys. 

The above two projects are particularly valuable given the planning changes implemented over recent times, restricting height and density, and therefore apartment yield within the suburb. 

<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/image76_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="38 Freshwater Place &amp; 127-129 Kavanagh Street. Images: Knight Frank &amp; Squillace"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="287" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image76_2.jpg?itok=EosnoaVC" title="38 Freshwater Place &amp; 127-129 Kavanagh Street. Images: Knight Frank &amp; Squillace" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>38 Freshwater Place &amp; 127-129 Kavanagh Street. Images: Knight Frank &amp; Squillace</figcaption></figure>
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silvermb

51-65 Clarke Street's approval leads the Southbank shuffle

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Clarendon Street's position as a hotel and serviced apartment hub is likely to be strengthened by way of a new tower proposed for 56-62 Clarendon Street.

Already boasting Crown Metropol, Clarendon Street will also see construction commence on a Peppers hotel shortly, and is subject to a substantial hotel proposal as part of the <a href="/news/tea-for-two-southbanks-historic-tea-house-up-for-a-towering-addition">Tea House's prospective redevelopment</a>. In addition to traditional apartments, 56-62 Clarendon Street is proposed to also include 128 serviced apartments across its lower levels.

Submitted late last year, the application on behalf of developer Yang Clarendon.

<h2>56-62 Clarendon Street application summary</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image83_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of the new Southbank tower. Planning image: Fender Katsalidis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="925" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image83_3.jpg?itok=BquFwcHB" title="Artist's impression of the new Southbank tower. Planning image: Fender Katsalidis" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of the new Southbank tower. Planning image: Fender Katsalidis</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>1,212sqm site current utilised as a Europcar outlet and motor mechanic centre</li>
	<li>Proposed 48 level tower at 151m to roof</li>
	<li>Plot ratio: 22.6:1</li>
	<li>128 Serviced Apartments: 24 x DK 1BR, 56 x DK  Studio, 48 x Studio</li>
	<li>234 apartments: 117 x 1BR, 117 x 2BR</li>
	<li>2 retail spaces fronting Clarendon Street</li>
	<li>372sqm of amenities</li>
	<li>80 car parks &amp; 93 bicycle bays</li>
	<li>GFA: 27,214sqm</li>
</ul>
Fender Katsalidis Architects have designed the tower, with the broader development team having already responded to preliminary DELWP queries during February this year.

<blockquote>
The building facade is designed to give the overall building form a more bold and expressive appearance, with different elements working to define the podium, tower and roof of the building.

At street level the podium appears more bold and dramatic, a point of interest and excitement along the pedestrian street. The tower form appears simpler and lighter, in the background but with the facade design winding its way up towards the top. At roof level the facade folds back along the top, extending the expressive and bold facade up to the roof, to be read from afar at the scale of the wider urban context, if only slightly.
<cite>Urban Context Report</cite>
</blockquote>

At 48 levels, 56-62 Clarendon Street is among the tallest towers in the immediate area; diagonally opposite, BPM's Shadow Play is under construction whilst 334-344 City Road holds approval at 38 levels.

56-62 Clarendon Street carries a similarly themed exterior to a number of other Fender Katsalidis-designed Southbank towers such as Eureka Tower, Australia 108 and 18 Moray Street. Certainly, in the three projects below, gold highlights over a predominantly blue facade has become somewhat of a Southbank norm for the design practice.

<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/image21_12.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Gold over Blue. Images: Yellow Red Fox, Meinhardt &amp; Fender Katsalidis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="317" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image21_12.jpg?itok=lgCyXCO6" title="Gold over Blue. Images: Yellow Red Fox, Meinhardt &amp; Fender Katsalidis" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Gold over Blue. Images: Yellow Red Fox, Meinhardt &amp; Fender Katsalidis</figcaption></figure><h2>56-62 Clarendon Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Yang Clarendon</li>
	<li>Architects: Fender Katsalidis Architects</li>
	<li>Planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>Land Surveyor: Breese Pitt Dixon</li>
	<li>Building Surveyor: Abdec Building Surveyors</li>
	<li>Structural and Services Engineering: WSP Structural Engineering</li>
	<li>Waste Management: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Traffic Engineering: GTA Consultants</li>
	<li>Wind Consultant: MEL Consultants</li>
</ul>
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Another substantial Southbank tower emerges

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The Landence Group has formally launched The Evermore, its flagship Melbourne development designed by local architects Hayball. Located at 58-66 Dorcas Street, at the verge between Southbank and South Melbourne, The Evermore represents Landence's first foray into the Australian market and has been conceived as dual metallic towers with a strong vertical emphasis rising above a shared podium.

This duality in visual expression reflects this threshold condition between the two neighbouring suburbs - allowing the towers to read as individual elements of a larger composition.

The bronze and gold towers have been designed to maximise views and minimise the number of south facing apartments, while employing passive design principles. Balconies and vertical shading addressing the harsh western sun while also allowing the curation of key views.

The project team has sought to provide residents with resort style amenity throughout, with a sweeping port cochère and grand stone clad lobby greeting residents and visitors on arrival. Further to this, residents and their guests will also have access to an entire floor of additional leisure rooms, a gym, a cinema, a 14.5m open-air pool with sun lounges and a series of tropical gardens interspersed throughout to soften the exterior.

The first stage comprising 199 apartments is currently at sales with a mix of one, two and three bedroom apartments ranging from ranging from 45sqm to 110sqm respectively. Two penthouses have already been sold with another reserved.

<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/1611_savi_dorcas_street_pool1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The 14.5m outdoor pool set amongst a green oasis. Image: The Landence Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="349" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1611_savi_dorcas_street_pool1.jpg?itok=fYflRLHP" title="The 14.5m outdoor pool set amongst a green oasis. Image: The Landence Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The 14.5m outdoor pool set amongst a green oasis. Image: The Landence Group</figcaption></figure>Urban.com.au asked Helen Li, Managing Director of The Landence Group, to provide background on some of the drivers behind the developer's first foray into Australia.

Urban.com.au: What was the attraction of Melbourne as the location for Landence's first and flagship development?

Helen Li: I studied in Melbourne 10 years ago, started a family here and have lived in Melbourne. As a property developer, we choose to develop in locations we are familiar with.

UM: And expanding on that, what was the appeal of The Evermore site?

HL: The project’s close proximity to the Botanic Garden, St Kilda Road and other iconic developments such as The Melbournian, were very appealing to us and the reason we chose to develop this 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/xhi9393_the_evermore_el02_tower_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The dual towers of The Evermore. Image: The Landence Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="266" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/xhi9393_the_evermore_el02_tower_1.jpg?itok=AJXHO9Cb" title="The dual towers of The Evermore. Image: The Landence Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The dual towers of The Evermore. Image: The Landence Group</figcaption></figure>UM: Buyers are becoming more and more discerning and demand more from the apartments on the market. Is this largely the reason for providing hotel like amenities and facilities in The Evermore? 

HL: We are in the middle of the lifestyle transition with downsizers and younger families changing their lifestyle from traditional houses to apartments. They still, however, want space to host a function with friends, they still want a garden for peace and relaxation, they still appreciate having access to swimming pools (like they did in their house, perhaps a home gym, library/ dedicated television room.

The Evermore provides over 600sqm of residence amenities, so that purchasers can transit into apartment living without comprising their lifestyle; in fact they are often enhancing it.

UM: Hayball had designed a previous (approved) scheme for the site. What changes were made to transform the design into The Evermore?

HL: The majority of the product mix is one-bedroom apartments, we had worked with Hayball to design more two-bedroom and some three bedroom apartments into the buildings. It is clear that the market demands comes from owner-occupiers and investors who are looking for more quality developments.

We have also increased the variety and extent of amenity to enhance the living experience. 

UM: What are your expectations for the project and will you pursue other development opportunities in Melbourne?

HL: Our intention and expectation is to deliver a signature project in Melbourne that we are proud of. Having lived in Australia since I studied here and having started a family here, I’m excited to deliver a project that I believe is exactly what the market is looking for. 

We are certainly looking to pursue other development opportunities here, and are actively looking for our next project.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/xhi9393_the_evermore_el01_view_to_city.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Evermore offers city views. Image: The Landence Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="200" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/xhi9393_the_evermore_el01_view_to_city.jpg?itok=-C0U-zhS" title="The Evermore offers city views. Image: The Landence Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Evermore offers city views. Image: The Landence Group</figcaption></figure>The Landence Group expects construction on The Evemore to begin by the end of 2017, with a construction span lasting two years.
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Landence launches its flagship Melbourne project: The Evermore

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Southbank property sales have increased in the past three months, according to CoreLogic’s Cityscope report.
The property data firm says that sales recorded in the quarter ending February 2017 totalled $758 million, an increase from the $610.6 million recorded in the three months to November 2016.
However this is a decrease from the $952.9 million recorded to August 2016.
This data brings the 12 month total to $2.509 billion, an increase from the $1.465 billion recorded the same time last year.
The table below shows sales recorded for the past eight updates of Southbank Cityscope.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/24/Corelogic-3.jpeg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/02/24/Corelogic-3.jpeg" alt="">
Notable sales in the February 2017 update of Southbank Cityscope include:
<ul>
<li>World Trade Centre, also known as WTC Wharf at 18-38 Siddeley Street, Docklands, which comprise Towers 2, 3 and 4 and are linked by a three-level concourse of shops, showrooms and office suites plus basement parking for 436 cars. It was built in 1983, refurbished 2010, and has sold for $267.5 million through Knight Frank and JLL;</li>
<li>Esso House, Riverside Quay site 5 at 51-65 Southbank Promenade, Southbank, a 17-level office building of 20,000 square metres, built in 1995 at a cost of $100m, and featuring a glass-covered rainforest atrium on a 6,603 square metres site, has been sold for $160 million through  JLL Melbourne and</li>
<li>A 25% interest in the DFO South Wharf and the DFO Homemaker Hub South Wharf, two four-level buildings, both completed in late 2009 was bought for $141.25 million. The two buildings are interconnected at first floor level and basement level. The Homemaker Hub extends over level 1 of both buildings and the ground floor of the northern building and DFO South Wharf on ground and basement of the southern building plus studio offices on levels 2 to 4.</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/24/Corelogic-4.jpeg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/02/24/Corelogic-4.jpeg" alt="">
Properties listed as for sale in February 2017 update of Southbank Cityscope include:
<ul>
<li>190 City Road, a three-storey glass-fronted office building of concrete construction built in 1987, and refurbished in 1990 and in 2005 with building area of 3,815 square metres on a 1,597 site, for sale by expressions of interest closing March 23, 2017 through CBRE;</li>
<li>Shop 9R at 3 Freshwater Place, Southbank, a retail space of 95 square metres on the ground level, for sale by auction on 2nd March 2017 through Fitzroys and</li>
<li>8-16 Palmerston Crescent, South Melbourne, a two-storey rendered concrete-block building built in 1988 on a 908 square metres site, for sale by expressions of interest closing March 8, 2017 through Colliers International.</li>
</ul>
Leasing opportunities listed in the February 2017 update of Southbank Cityscope include:
<ul>
<li>99 Queensbridge Street (pictured above), a five-storey building with three ground-floor showrooms, office floors of about 1,040 square metres, and to City Road a single-storey showroom plus entry to 70 car spaces on ground and roof levels, built in 1991, has office space ranging from 210 to 1,974 square metres for lease through Ryder Commercial and Colliers International Melbourne;</li>
<li>2 Southbank Boulevard, the 37-storey commercial tower of Freshwater Place, completed in June 2005 with net lettable area of 55,769 square metres, has office space ranging from 276 to 23,000 square metres for lease through CBRE Melbourne and Colliers International Melbourne and</li>
<li>Lot 1, a three-storey rendered brick office building with undercover parking for 32 cars and Lot 2, a one and two-storey office, showroom and warehouse building, both at 164 to 182 Kings Way, South Melbourne, has office floor areas ranging from 1,390 to 1,900 square metres for lease through CBRE Melbourne.</li>
</ul>
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Southbank commercial property sales on the rebound: Cityscope

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Architecture and the construction industry in general can quite literally take years off your life. Projects often require many years of design, development and coordination, redesign and further refinement before they come to fruition.

From the moment they are first conceived as a sketch to when the the first of the residents or workers begin moving in and occupying these buildings, several years may have lapsed.

The latest skyscraper approved for Melbourne, which also happens to be the biggest of them all - the 90-storey, 323 metre One Queensbridge - is no different. Developed by Crown Resorts and Schiavello, the soaring tower has been designed by Wilkinson Eyre and Architectus, following their success in an invited design competition featuring other international and local firms.

Urban.com.au's forthcoming interview with Architectus will provide further insight into the specifics of the endorsed design, but today we will focus on its evolution over the last few years.

As a point of reference Melbourne's other 300 metre-plus tower, the now under construction Australia 108 (formerly known by its address 70 Southbank Boulevard) underwent many design iterations before becoming the 319 metre behemoth that has begun its skyward ascent. First mooted in early 2009 at 62-storeys and 208 metres, each subsequent design has superseded its predecessor for height, but not necessarily architecture, over the course of the ensuing eight years.

It will be a further two years before it is finally completed. Curiously during this period the design of the tower's podium has remained largely the same: a framed pergola structure housing a jungle of vegetation.

<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/australia_108_compilation.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The design evolution of 70 Southbank Boulevard."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="183" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/australia_108_compilation.jpg?itok=g8iUycR6" title="The design evolution of 70 Southbank Boulevard." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The design evolution of 70 Southbank Boulevard.</figcaption></figure><h2>A not so long time ago</h2>

For One Queensbridge Street the story begins with Schiavello Group's acquisition of the notorious QBH venue at 1-7 Queensbridge Street in 2010. Sometime in 2011 an image surfaced online of the first concept for the site by Enth Degree Architects (EDA) for a 52-storey residential tower characterised by a podium likened to swiss cheese.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/qbh_tower.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The first concept for One Queensbridge? Image: Enth Degree Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="377" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/qbh_tower.jpg?itok=7SYHNpu2" title="The first concept for One Queensbridge? Image: Enth Degree Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The first concept for One Queensbridge? Image: Enth Degree Architects</figcaption></figure>Little by little Schiavello's ambitions for the site grew with the further acquisition of 9-15 Queensbridge Street; along with joint venture partners PDG Corporation, the first application for the site was submitted shortly after. Designed by Bates Smart, the proposal sought the demolition of the existing structures onsite including the former Queensbridge Hotel*, with a 71-storey tower including 592 apartments rising to a height of 276 metres, making it the second tallest building (at the time) after Eureka.

The design was characterised by dual semi-cellular forms merging into a trefoil shaped extrusion sheathed in reflective platinum tinted glazing, atop a fine lattice like podium. A permit was issued for the 71-storey tower by then Planning Minister Matthew Guy in April 2012.

<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/art353-queensbridge-tower-200x0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The initial 71-storey Queensbridge Tower. Images: Bates Smart "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="273" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/art353-queensbridge-tower-200x0.jpg?itok=tCT31_fd" title="The initial 71-storey Queensbridge Tower. Images: Bates Smart " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The initial 71-storey Queensbridge Tower. Images: Bates Smart</figcaption></figure>Following Schiavello's further acquisition of 7-23 Queensbridge Street, the site was merged into the development which allowed for a tower with larger floor-plates than its predecessor, and thus a third 'cell' was added to the tower, atop an expanded podium footprint.

It was at this point that debate about density and over development on the site really erupted with the approval of The Falls residential tower at 25 Queensbridge Street, nestled snuggly between QBT and Prima Pearl.

<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/image14_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The revised Queensbridge Tower and the nneigbouring The Falls development. Images: Bates Smart and Bruce Henderson Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="193" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image14_9.jpg?itok=0QZsPY4S" title="The revised Queensbridge Tower and the nneigbouring The Falls development. Images: Bates Smart and Bruce Henderson Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The revised Queensbridge Tower and the nneigbouring The Falls development. Images: Bates Smart and Bruce Henderson Architects</figcaption></figure>It was not long before 25 Queensbridge Street was added to the portfolio with the site now extending from Freshwater Place all the way to Prima Pearl encompassing 1-25 Queensbridge Street. This allowed the development and design team to address some of the issues relating to overlooking and proximity to surrounding towers via increased setbacks.

<h2>Enter Crown</h2>

During the course of 2014 Schiavello entered into a joint development agreement with Crown Resorts which would see the site form an extension of the existing Crown Towers and Entertainment Complex, by way of a skybridge over Queensbridge Street. Additionally the design was revised to rise 84-storeys and 308 metres above Southbank, overtaking Eureka and sitting just behind Australia 108.

The proposal included a 400 room five-star hotel in addition to the 626 apartments, along with a glazed lift that extended the full height of the tower's facade. The skybridge, overall size and scale of the development proved to be a sticking point for both Council and planning officers, so it was decided that for the site to be truly considered a project of state significance, which would be exempt from the usual planning process and instead fast tracked, an invited design competition would be held.

<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/queensbridgetower_crown.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Crown Plaza? Crown Resorts joined as a JV partner before running a design competition. Images: Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="188" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/queensbridgetower_crown.jpg?itok=lKqmxLF6" title="Crown Plaza? Crown Resorts joined as a JV partner before running a design competition. Images: Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Crown Plaza? Crown Resorts joined as a JV partner before running a design competition. Images: Bates Smart</figcaption></figure>The design competition was eventually won by Wilkinson Eyre and Architectus, with plans proceeding for a 90-storey, 313 metre tower comprising a 388 room six-star hotel and 680 apartments. Almost six months later this was increased to a height of 323 metres.

On 9th February 2017, seven years since Schiavello acquired the QBH, the tower now known simply as One Queensbridge was given conditional approval by Planning Minister Richard Wynne.

<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/3366b78cdbb098097cfe7f2b38817cd8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="One Queensbridge. Image: Wilkinson Eyre and Architectus"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/3366b78cdbb098097cfe7f2b38817cd8.jpg?itok=gi3ZZ0pS" title="One Queensbridge. Image: Wilkinson Eyre and Architectus" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>One Queensbridge. Image: Wilkinson Eyre and Architectus</figcaption></figure>* The interior of the Queensbridge Hotel was gutted during the $12 million redevelopment previously undertaken in 1999 before it reopened and was rebranded QBH. As such it is not protected under a heritage overlay and exists in its current form primarily as a facade.
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All in good time: The evolution of One Queensbridge 

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Historic buildings on Southbank are as rare as proverbial hen's teeth. Yet one of the few that has not been subject to development thus far is in line for a major new addition, with plans afoot for a hotel and high-end apartments.

The <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/1037">Robur Tea Building</a> or Tea House at 28 Clarendon Street is included on the Victorian Heritage Register for its scientific, historical and architectural significance, and dates back to 1887. Developer RJ International hopes that in addition to bringing the Tea House back to its past glory, the State Government will find their plans for a 39 storey tower satisfactory.

Geelong-based architecture firm CLWA and heritage architects Lovell Chen have undertaken design work on the the elliptical tower. 

In addition to pre-application discussions with various governing bodies, the project team have also met with the Department of Justice, which owns the adjoining Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, and CitiPower who maintain a caveat affecting the site; both have given in-principle support for the redevelopment.

<h2>28 Clarendon Street application summary</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image17_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rendered perspective of the tower's podium . Image: OCD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="337" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image17_8.jpg?itok=8XCZ0N5O" title="Rendered perspective of the tower's podium . Image: OCD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rendered perspective of the tower's podium . Image: OCD</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>2,948sqm site occupied in part by the Tea House</li>
	<li>Proposed 39 level tower at 145m</li>
	<li>Gross Floor Area: 35,035sqm including the Tea House</li>
	<li>Floor Area Ratio: 1:11.9</li>
	<li>312 hotel suites across levels 1-23</li>
	<li>38 apartments: 30 x 3BR, 6 x 4BR, 2 x 5BR</li>
	<li>Provision for 105 car parking bays and 23 bicycle bays</li>
	<li>1 retail space at ground level facing Clarendon Street: 100sqm</li>
	<li>Amenities include a restaurant, gym, pool, conference and function centre</li>
</ul>
<h2>Tea House modifications</h2>

In addition to the tower, the intended development will include a refurbishment of the Tea House, with the southern lift core to be demolished and the original facade reinstated. The refurbishment will also see Tea House altered from a commercial building to a multi-purpose structure, encapsulating a retail space to Clarendon Street, hotel lobby, restaurant, function centre and hotel suites within the existing structure.

The intended tower abuts a section of the Tea House's southern facade, in order to provide passage between old and new structures. The tower's ground level is set back 13m to 20m from Clarendon Street, with a landscaped forecourt accounting for the remaining space. The existing northern car park will be reworked but maintained for the hotel's principal drop-off zone.

The tower's lower levels will be predominantly clad in tessellated and perforated masonry and concrete screening, effectively shrouding vehicle parking within the podium structure. Amenities crown the podium with further hotel suites and apartments behind black curtain glazing thereafter.

<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/image78.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Tea House's southern addition will receive the chop. Image: Victorian Heritage Database"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image78.jpg?itok=Lh0cVFME" title="Tea House's southern addition will receive the chop. Image: Victorian Heritage Database" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Tea House's southern addition will receive the chop. Image: Victorian Heritage Database</figcaption></figure><h2> Clarendon Street on a hotel hot streak</h2>

Melbourne's appetite for further hotel and serviced apartment suites is on show along Clarendon Street.

In addition to 28 Clarendon Street's 312 hotel suites, Yang Clarendon Pty Ltd has a mixed-use tower at 56 Clarendon Street under planning consideration. Along with hundreds of new apartments within the 48 storey mixed-use tower, 128 serviced apartment suites have been included over the design's lower levels.

<a href="/developments/southbank-vic-3006">64-68 Clarendon Street</a> is also in the pipeline, with construction nearing commencement for a new Peppers Southbank hotel which is approved to yield a further 165 rooms over a 412sqm site.

<h2>28 Clarendon Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: RJ International (Aust) Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Architect: CLWA</li>
	<li>Urban Context Report: The OCD</li>
	<li>Transport Impact Assessment: GTA Consultants</li>
	<li>Wind Assessment: MEL Consultants</li>
	<li>ESD Statement: Murchie Consulting</li>
	<li>Waste Management Plan: Leigh Design </li>
	<li>Structural Considerations and Design: Robert Bird Group</li>
	<li>Building Regulations Compliance Report: PLP Building Surveyors &amp; Consultants</li>
	<li>DDA Compliance Statement: Before Compliance </li>
	<li>Geotechnical Report: Black Geotechnical Pty Ltd</li>
</ul>
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Tea for two: Southbank's historic Tea House up for a towering addition

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OSK Property's first foray into the Melbourne market appears to be on track with the first stage of its six tower, Melbourne Square development on Southbank receiving stage one endorsement from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.

Located on a large at ground car park in Southbank bounded by the Westgate Freeway and Kavanagh, Balston and Power Streets, Melbourne Square will transform a city block into a mixed-use vertical village, with six towers of varying programme, set amongst an expansive network of elevated gardens and parks.

<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/osk_property_melbourne_square_skyline_to_bay.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The view of Melbourne Square's pleated towers. Image courtesy OSK Property."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="288" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/osk_property_melbourne_square_skyline_to_bay.jpg?itok=bnDWHjmi" title="The view of Melbourne Square's pleated towers. Image courtesy OSK Property." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The view of Melbourne Square's pleated towers. Image courtesy OSK Property.</figcaption></figure>Designed by Cox Architecture, almost 20 per cent or 3,700sqm of the site will be dedicated to public realm, in addition to delivering long needed community infrastructure. Cox worked closely with architects Rush Wright Associates for the masterplan and Taylor Cullity Lethlean for stage one with their aim to develop a civic hub, incorporating lush greenery.

<blockquote>
The new neighbourhood around Melbourne Square takes one of the last development opportunities in Southbank and, via a prescient and sensitive masterplan, provides a true mixed use precinct with a verdant, green space at its heart. A deliberate decision was made to significantly exceed the open space area requirements for Southbank – we believe this is an essential feature in providing a superior quality of life for the community.
<cite>Ian Sutter, Director, Cox Architecture</cite>
</blockquote>

Stage one not only encompasses these key public spaces with a central park, but also critical services and amenities in the form of a shopping centre and childcare centre as well as two elliptical residential towers delivering 1,000 apartments defined by their shimmering pleated facades. Future stages will also feature a hotel, commercial office tower and further apartments. The first luxury apartment sales will commence in mid 2017.

<blockquote>
It is our hope that Melbourne Square will be an important destination within the world’s most liveable city. Besides having a high quality design element, stage one of our project has several attractive features, such as a beautiful urban park, a large format supermarket, a childcare facility and a comprehensive set of resident amenities. We hope it will be a place for people of all ages to enjoy, with its beautiful public park drawing people in from across the city. This is an important project for Southbank’s future.
<cite>Tan Sri Ong Leong Huat, Chairman, OSK Property</cite>
</blockquote>

Urban.com.au picked the brain of CBRE Managing Director of Residential Project Marketing, Andrew Leoncelli to try to gain a better understanding of how Melbourne Square will position itself within the Southbank market.

Urban.com.au: Melbourne Square will finally deliver a lot of the amenity and services Southbank residents have been demanding for so long. Are you surprised it’s taken this long?

Andrew Leoncelli: Yes and no! Every developer has worried about their own back yard, with single buildings being delivered and minimal retail amenity in the ground floor. It's incredibly rare to get such a massive land holding in excess of 22,000 square metres. This is the site that can - and will - deliver both retail and public realm amenity never seen before in Southbank. That's why we are so excited about Melbourne Square!

UM: What are your impressions of the Southbank market at present? And how do you think Melbourne Square is placed to perform in the Southbank market?

AL: Southbank has taken a giant leap forward in profile and quality of developments. Notorious in the past for very affordable entry level investment product and a couple of super high-quality developments, the recent launches have re-established the benchmark for quality level of amenity and profile, particularly on the back of Australia 108's stunning success.

Melbourne Square is a unique product offering with a genuine point of difference. It's a mini mixed-use city with commercial office, hotel, shopping centre and an enormous public realm that includes Southbank's largest public park of over 3700 square metres.

UM: Speaking to a few other developers it appears to have matured a lot more since the 2000’s and buyers have become more discerning. Would you agree?

AL: I agree entirely. Buyers these days want extensive amenities to ensure their tenants have a real lifestyle amenity that the new projects are providing. Older style apartments can't compete and are losing tenants to the new builds.

Given the higher round of density, the costs of providing these amenities are spread over many more lots so owners don't have to pay high owners corporation fees but still get all the benefits of the pools, gyms, movie rooms, karaoke bars, private dining rooms, communal lounges, golf simulators, etc.

The other point is that buyers are demanding cutting edge, luxury interiors. It's become a super race to deliver the highest quality interiors matched with the best possible architecture. Projects like Australia 108, Crown's new development and Melbourne Square are all delivering product way above the quality of the existing apartments in Southbank.

UM: Where do you expect buyer interest will come from? Locals? Interstate? Investors? Owner-Occupiers? Families?

AL: We have made all Melbourne Square apartment product larger to cater for a more mature buyer market. Instead of cramming apartments in wherever we can, with the smallest stock possible, we have made a strategic choice to grow sizing of one bedroom product and to add three bedroom apartments on every level. Buyers, from local owner-occupiers to investors from Australia and throughout South East Asia, are demanding bigger and better apartment product.

UM: Is it fair to say that Melbourne Square will be a game changer for Southbank?

AL: Absolutely. The seven day a week retail activity with the hotel, shopping centre and the commercial office uses, mixed with the stunning residential community that we'll be delivering, all set around the largest and only park in Southbank. This is not just another tall building! That's our point of difference. Buyers get the benefit of the total precinct.

UM: Most of the higher quality developments within Southbank have been alongside or close to the river. Do you think Melbourne Square will become a benchmark that will see a similar pedigree pop up and help activate the ‘backstreets’?

AL: Melbourne Square is only a short walk to Crown and the Yarra River precinct. The development is on the doorstep of the Melbourne's arts precinct, moments from the Royal Botanic Gardens and the St Kilda Road Domain village. We stand behind our location as being ideally situated and incredibly convenient.

Sales and construction of stage one is expected to commence in 2017.
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