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

<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.
 
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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

<html><body>
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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