National developer Time &amp; Place appears to have settled on a design for its long-anticipated Potts Point project.

After several years of back and forth with local council and the NSW Government, the developer, which has spent close to a decade targeting the former The Chimes site on Macleay Street, has now progressed its plans.

Following a concept design submission last year by SJB, Time &amp; Place has lodged a full State Significant Development Application with the NSW Government, this time for a scheme designed by Kerry Hill Architects.

<img alt="Time &amp; Place" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="504d2a27-d65f-4227-8189-1e35e3376e62" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-20%20at%209.38.24%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=_XqFKATYHF30KnVByPxhaI9UBzmkmfn7" />

The 16-storey proposal includes 44 apartments, 21 of which will be build-to-sell. These will comprise 19 three-bedroom apartments and two four-bedroom penthouses.

More than 50 per cent of the development will be dedicated to affordable housing, with 23 one- and two-bedroom apartments delivered in line with the NSW Government’s Housing SEPP.

Kerry Hill Architects said the proposal is driven by a strong response to place.

“Our proposal for a new residential building for Potts Point in Sydney is driven by a deep consideration of place,” the practice said in its submission.

“This operates on multiple levels, including a landscape approach that reinstates endemic flora of the Sydney peninsula and provides a ground-floor garden for residents, reconnecting the site to its pre-European history. A brick podium further strengthens this relationship to context, integrating planting and fine bronze detailing that references the predominant material language of Macleay Street.”

The three-level podium will be topped by a communal resident space, featuring a covered pool designed to receive direct afternoon sun in winter, a neighbouring reflection pool, dining and event areas oriented to maximise sunset views, and an outdoor exercise zone.

<img alt="Time &amp; Place" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8d3eedc1-babb-44a3-bd96-d8a42f3adf1f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-20%20at%209.37.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Ii7.4dvqNatu5GQi6bhqNjAswrMB998." />

The design also incorporates highly crafted shopfronts and a clearly defined residential entry to activate the street. Juliette balconies to the podium residences will provide passive surveillance and a strong sense of habitation.

Above, the larger apartments are housed within a light-coloured masonry and bronze tower.

“The tower steps back in a series of gently curved volumes that reference the rich Art Deco context of Macleay Street,” the architects said. “Carefully calibrated vertical fins frame the views while providing privacy and a sense of refuge.”

<img alt="Time &amp; Place" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6fab60f4-3140-4469-b47a-48c781e0a30b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-20%20at%209.28.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=e5XxrM3kzdASdKlcIACHAHbOSZhSKC9O" />

Time &amp; Place has been one of the most active developers nationally in the last 12 to 24 months. Late last year they completed&nbsp;The Queensbridge in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/southbank-vic-3006">Southbank</a>, a mixed-use tower with 353 apartments and a hotel. They are currently selling Park Modern, 246 apartments near the famous Botanic Gardens in South Melbourne.

The developer has approval for The Burke, a mixed-use project in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/glen-iris-vic-3146">Glen Iris</a>&nbsp;being delivered in partnership with Woolworths. The 60 apartments, positioned above a new Woolworths supermarket, are expected to launch in the coming months. Time &amp; Place is also progressing plans for the redevelopment of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/northcote-vic-3070">Northcote</a>&nbsp;Plaza, and have recently submitted plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/vic/time-place-unveils-plans-22-storey-south-melbourne-tower">22-storey tower</a>, another in South Melbourne.

In&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/sydney-nsw">Sydney</a>, the developer has two projects in Manly: Two Tides, which is currently under construction, and an ultra high-end building on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/shoreline-manly-beach-89-90-north-steyne-manly">North Steyne</a>, fronting the beach. It is also continuing to work through the redevelopment of The Chimes building on Macleay Street in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/potts-point-nsw-2011">Potts Point</a>, as well as Marlborough House, the redevelopment of the original David Jones warehouse building in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/surry-hills-nsw-2010">Surry Hills</a>.

Joel Robinson

First look: Time & Place settles on design for The Chimes, Potts Point redevelopment

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/develotek">Develotek</a> is joining the likes of TOGA, Deicorp, and One Global Capital, betting on a boom in Five Dock ahead of the 2032 mooted opening of the Five Dock Metro Station.

Develotek, which is currently developing Bianca on the Drummoyne waterfront and has plans approved for a tower in Chatswood, has filed a State Significant Development Application for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/79-81-queens-road-five-dock-nsw-2046">two-building project in the evolving Kings Bay precinct</a>.

The buildings, one more boutique just five storeys and the other 26 storeys, will rise from an 3,158 sqm site across&nbsp;79–81 Queens Road and 2–8 Spencer Street, will home 134 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, above ground-floor retail and five basement levels of parking.

A key component of the proposal is the inclusion of 15 per cent of residential floor space as in-fill affordable housing, unlocking additional height and density under the Housing SEPP.

<img alt="First Look: Develotek lodges State Significant shop top housing project in Five Dock precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3ee31bf7-75ba-4bc5-b190-49885193219f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/podium_2.png?VersionId=730UbrduuwK3C1sO28RHjiLPUPqXqjkh" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a>, the scheme adopts a podium-and-tower configuration, with a five-storey street wall along Queens Road transitioning to a 26-storey tower set deeper into the site. The ground plane prioritises activation and permeability, with retail frontages and a new through-site link connecting Queens Road to Spencer Street.

At the upper levels, the tower façade has been conceived using a modular system to support prefabrication and reduce construction waste, while improving build efficiency. The splayed form draws on the geometry of surrounding industrial rooftops, reinterpreting the area’s heritage in a contemporary expression while also helping to reduce solar heat gain to east and west-facing apartments.

“This project aspires to transform a former industrial site into a connected, resilient and people-focused urban community, grounded in Country, shaped by history, and designed to enrich everyday life within the evolving Kings Bay Precinct,” said John Walsh, Principal at Plus Studio.

The proposal reflects the broader transformation of the Kings Bay Precinct under the Parramatta Road Corridor Urban Transformation Strategy, marking a shift from its industrial past to a higher-density, mixed-use urban neighbourhood.

<img alt="First Look: Develotek lodges State Significant shop top housing project in Five Dock precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abde734c-1e31-4a97-a1d2-fa9bcf31c380" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/building%20podium.png?VersionId=fNUupP6u146yEytQT31kKVRxwtACgPpP" />

Develotek is emerging as an active participant in the state’s affordable housing-led uplift pathway. The developer recently secured approval for a 34-storey mixed-use tower in Chatswood, where it similarly leveraged the in-fill affordable housing provisions to increase scale and deliver a 101-unit scheme with dedicated affordable apartments.

Their entry into Five Dock places them alongside a growing list of developers targeting the suburb ahead of its anticipated transport uplift, with Sydney Metro set to extend into the area. Major players including TOGA, Deicorp, and One Global Capital are all progressing large-scale precinct-style developments nearby, collectively reshaping the low-rise industrial fabric into a higher-density mixed-use corridor.

The Five Dock site sits within the Kings Bay Precinct, a key renewal area under the Parramatta Road Corridor Urban Transformation Strategy, where planning controls support significant uplift tied to affordable housing delivery. The consolidated 3,158 sqm site is currently occupied by low-rise industrial uses, including warehouses and vehicle workshops, earmarked for transition.

First Look: Develotek joins in Five Dock apartment boom

Ascot’s Racecourse Road continues to be a hive of activity for Brisbane developers.

Following Fortis and GRAYA, which are both preparing new projects along the key strip connecting Kingsford Smith Drive and Eagle Farm Racecourse, local developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/skyhold">Skyhold</a> is the latest to lodge plans for its own development.

The group is proposing One One Two Residences, a boutique project comprising just seven apartments, named after its address at 112 Racecourse Road.

The proposal outlines a five-storey building on an 810 sqm site. The built form slightly exceeds the four-storey expectation under the neighbourhood plan, aligning instead with the emerging character of the strip. As the planning report notes, “the locality is characterised by a transition toward medium-rise residential development, with a number of recent developments… above the stipulated height limits.”

<img alt="First Look: Skyhold lodges plans for boutique Ascot apartments as Racecourse Road revival gathers pace" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ec577631-8c51-4163-960e-e7b3a77d655b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Ascot.png?VersionId=iAzQ46D4Uu1UqiS0mVnlcy9jeFKBpJIj" />

Designed by 111 with landscape architecture by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/paul-bangay-garden-design">Paul Bangay Studio</a>, the scheme adopts a layered architectural approach with strong articulation and a subtropical response. Deep balconies, integrated planters, and a mix of masonry and textured finishes define the façade, while upper-level setbacks reduce perceived bulk. The architectural statement describes “a series of horizontally expressed layers, defined by deep balconies and a consistent robust material palette,” aimed at delivering a refined streetscape presence.

Apartments are configured as large-format residences, including multiple three-bedroom layouts and a full-floor penthouse, supported by ground-level parking. A rooftop terrace will provide communal amenities including a pool and landscaped recreation areas. The design prioritises privacy, natural ventilation, and greenery, with planting integrated across all levels to soften the building form and contribute to the public realm.

<img alt="First Look: Skyhold lodges plans for boutique Ascot apartments as Racecourse Road revival gathers pace" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1e1219bd-b45a-4d7f-bbc7-7207d7b2fc94" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Ascot%20entry.png?VersionId=JIoUOLMgQ5xWpEF0etEI3ffIoIVjD7gO" />

The proposal sits within the Racecourse Road precinct, a key mixed-use spine in Ascot that continues to attract renewed development interest.

Later this year national developer Fortis will launch its own boutique development, which, pending council approvals, will be 16 apartments designed by Koichi Takada Architects, just down the street.

“Racecourse Road is going through a massive revitalisation and we’re proud to be a part of that transformation,” said Fortis's QLD General Manager, Dan Boman.

Nearby, GRAYA is advancing its larger-scale The Gallery, a mixed-use shop-top housing project designed to act as a “catalytic project for Racecourse Road.”

First Look: Racecourse Road, Hamilton revitalization to continue as Skyhold joins the party

Twenty-five years after launching one of Australia’s most visionary and successful masterplanned beach communities - Casuarina on the Northern NSW Tweed Coast - developer Consolidated Properties Group has unveiled plans for an $800 million sister project located 10 kilometres south, at Cudgera Creek near the coastal town of Pottsville.

CPG has taken the wraps off Caldera, a 78-hectare masterplanned village that builds on the legacy of Casuarina and aims to help address Northern NSW’s coastal housing shortage via the delivery of 550 homes built in a sustainable manner and addressing affordability and housing diversity, while also focusing on architectural and ecological merit.

Caldera is being brought to life by the same creative team that delivered Casuarina, led by Consolidated Properties CEO and chairman Don O’Rorke, Hutchinson Builders chairman Scott Hutchinson and renowned urban designer Brian Toyota, of architectural practice Bureau Proberts.

CPG has lodged a rezoning application with Tweed Shire Council for the Caldera site, which has been designated since 1991 as the Dunloe Park Urban Release Area, the final land release area within the Pottsville locality and one of only four remaining growth areas along the entire Tweed coastal strip. Preliminary plans for Caldera feature a 13-hectare retail and commercial precinct at the core of the village, surrounded by meticulously planned residential areas comprising around 550 homesites.

The retail hub will be anchored by a Coles Supermarket and will offer 7000 sqm of retail and 23 commercial lots designed to serve the local community and bring together curated shopping, dining, gym, wellness, childcare, medical and other essential services.

<img alt="Cons prop" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fca7dc71-4b71-45b1-bb04-5a60bd7158d0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-20%20at%208.34.04%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=vAKwIvLuwmTKj6blHJRYIEeXS_8lCgUx" />

The project will create more than 1500 jobs over its development cycle, according to its economic modelling, and significantly address the shortage of employment land in the Tweed.

The residential areas will encourage a sense of community via a cohesive urban design that encourages walking, cycling, enhanced resident connectivity and reduced reliance on cars via bike paths and pedestrian-friendly streets.

Homesites will include a range of options from premium ridge-top homes to affordable housing options, ensuring a community that is inclusive of different income levels and designed to appeal to a wide demographic from baby boomers to families, singles and professionals. Architectural and planting covenants on home building will support the village’s built form and protect its character.

O’Rorke says CPG intends Caldera to be a model project delivered efficiently in a dedicated urban release area and ‘very much for this region and for this time’.

“Our vision for Caldera is to create a modern coastal village with its own unique northern NSW identity,” he said.

“Building on our legacy of Casuarina, 25 years on, this new village is designed to stand apart, offering the future of modern living, balancing the natural beauty of the region with contemporary amenities and convenience.

“Caldera will be more than just a place to live - it will be a welcoming, inclusive coastal village neighbouring Pottsville that invites visitors and embraces new residents. With its strong ties to the land, vibrant lifestyle and sense of place, Caldera will set a new standard for village living in Northern NSW.”

<img alt="CPG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9a5a7cf4-5f76-4ddf-bd05-c8fb77d0a787" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-20%20at%208.33.59%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=J1CzCGD7kE7fcAMd41V4pKAf_sI4L5Jv" />

The project’s centrepiece is environmental sustainability, with comprehensive wetlands protection measures and planting of native trees, parklands, village greens and communal grounds to enhance the natural beauty of the area.

CPG will also deliver a developer-funded wastewater treatment plant to ensure zero ocean outflows and provide high quality long-term infrastructure for Tweed Shire.

A key focus is wildlife management planning, including extensive conservation controls for the West Pottsville koala population, aligned with Tweed Shire Council’s Koala Plan of Management and designed to enhance koala habitat connectivity and future population growth.

Caldera will extend the existing koala corridor by connecting koala precincts west of the Pacific Highway with populations in the north and east precincts. A koala underpass will be created under Pottsville Road to complete the connection of this important corridor. Native tree plantings will expand essential koala food sources, while approximately eight kilometres of exclusion fencing will be constructed to safeguard the koalas from urban threats.

The Caldera site is nestled in the hills of Cudgera Creek and benefits from its rich natural surroundings including the Pottsville Wetland, Cudgera Creek Nature Reserve and nearby Pottsville Beach.

It takes its name from the surrounding Tweed Shield Volcano and Caldera, the vast bowl-shaped depression stretching from Byron Bay to the Queensland border that 20 million years ago was the world’s largest shield volcano and which has shaped the region’s striking landscape, with Mount Warning standing as one of its most iconic features.

The development is a joint venture between CPG and Pottsville Development Corporation, which made its first investment in Pottsville more than 45 years ago and is the developer of Black Rocks By the Sea, a masterplanned community now part of the fabric of Pottsville and which was the catalyst for the construction of a bridge across the Pottsville Estuary, providing direct access to the beach.

CPG’s $1.5 billion Casuarina Beach township, 10 kilometres to the north of Caldera, commenced construction in 2000 and has become the model for modern Australian, eco-sensitive beachside development.

Consolidated Properties unveils $800m coastal village Caldera in Casuarina

Growing national developer Time &amp; Place has announced its fifth new apartment development.

With two projects in Manly and two upcoming in Surry Hills and Potts Point, the developer, which expanded beyond Melbourne just a few years ago, is now heading to Mosman. It is planning 53 new apartments on Redan Street.

The 3,233 sqm site, spanning <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/40-48-redan-street-mosman-nsw-2088">40–48 Redan Street</a> with frontage to Redan Lane, is located just under 400 metres from Spit Junction Town Centre. It is reported the developer paid around $100 million for the five-site amalgamation.

Time &amp; Place, founded by Tim Price and backed by James Packer’s private investment firm NPACT, has submitted the project as a State Significant Development through the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

Of the 53 apartments, 42 will be released to the market, with the remaining 11 allocated as affordable housing in line with NSW Government requirements.

fjc Studio has designed the building. In its Design Report, the architect said the diverse mix of dwelling types and sizes, including 11 two-bedroom affordable housing units, 40 three-bedroom apartments, and two four-bedroom residences, will support a broad demographic, including families, downsizers, and key workers.

The development will rise to nine levels, a height encouraged by the NSW Government due to the site’s proximity to Spit Junction, which has been identified as a low- to mid-rise centre. Developments within a certain proximity to these centres are permitted increased height.

fjc said the project “achieves an appropriate density outcome for its setting by balancing increased housing supply with strong amenity performance,” adding that it “makes a measurable contribution to NSW housing supply targets through the delivery of additional dwellings and dedicated affordable housing.”

The new development will replace five existing two-storey homes.

“By aligning with the objectives of the Housing SEPP and applying careful architectural and urban design principles, the development provides high-quality residential accommodation that integrates sensitively within its established Mosman context and delivers enduring benefits to residents and the wider community.”

Mosman has become increasingly popular with developers in recent years.

Developer Abadeen has been particularly active, with Mosman Residences currently on the market and under construction on Clifford Street. It also has an upcoming Burran Avenue project, comprising just three apartments on the Balmoral Slopes, and recently secured the Midas and Honeysuckle nursery site on Military Road.

Prosker Property has a project on Redan Lane, just a few doors down from Time &amp; Place’s proposed development.

Developers including Toohey Miller, DARE Property Group, and WINIM also have projects underway in the area. In 2024, a five-year target was set for the Mosman LGA to increase housing supply by 500 dwellings by 2029.

Time &amp; Place entered the Sydney market with Two Tides, its under construction Manly development. Given its sales success, it has secured another development in the area, more boutique, facing the beach on North Steyne.

They are hoping to launch their redevelopment of The Chimes in Potts Point this year, and next year will look to take to market Marlborough House, an adaptive re-use of the landmark David Jones warehouse in Surry Hills.

Time & Place to take on Mosman apartment market

Spencer Street

Parkhill Apartment’s in West Melbourne has been designed for the long-term, so residents can enjoy it for a lifetime.

Situated at 408 Spencer Street, the development presents a vibrant vertical community of apartments in a compelling CBD fringe location.

“One of [Central Equity’s] guiding principles has been that the development should not only be appropriate for today&nbsp;but relevant for the future”, said Ian Carkeek, the developers’ general manager, product design.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27406 project_image_fid=68150]

The spacious homes include long-lasting features, such as the Miele cookware in the kitchen, and tapware with a 15-year warranty.

One and two-bedroom apartments remain in the tower, which boasts luxury amenities, such as a rooftop gym, rooftop garden and seven-day concierge.

Living areas extend to spacious balconies, while windows and sliding doors are double-glazed to keep interiors cool and comfortable.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27406 project_image_fid=68117]

“Parkhill apartments offer functional design to help you enjoy every moment in your new home”, the project marketing reads.

According to Carkeek, even the paint is premium nanotechnology paint that is designed to endure.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27406 project_image_fid=155585]

The home includes a Euro-laundry with a washing machine and dryer.

“The condenser dryer pumps water away without releasing any moisture into the apartment”, Carkeek said.

Parkhill is located only metres from the tranquil Flagstaff Gardens and other amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27406 project_image_fid=68146]

Residents will have convenient access to shopping and dining offerings, universities, Melbourne’s employment hub and excellent public transport services.

Other features include two levels of secure basement parking, on-site video security, secured lift access and plenty of bicycle storage.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=27406]

Situated at 408 Spencer Street, the development presents a vibrant vertical community of apartments in a compelling CBD fringe location

max.kwok_55688

Next-generation apartments at Central Equity’s Parkhill Apartments in West Melbourne 

<html><body>
GUEST OBSERVATION
For many of us, the reality of Australian homes now sits many storeys up in the sky. <a href="https://theconversation.com/higher-density-and-diversity-apartments-are-australia-at-its-most-multicultural-97176" target="_blank">High-rise apartment buildings have sprouted across the nation’s cities</a>. In recent weeks – <a href="https://theconversation.com/there-are-lessons-to-be-drawn-from-the-cracks-that-appeared-in-sydneys-opal-tower-but-they-extend-beyond-building-certification-109428" target="_blank">on Christmas Eve at the Opal Tower building in Sydney</a> and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/feb/04/apartment-fire-in-melbournes-spencer-street-prompts-new-fears-over-cladding" target="_blank">on February 4 at the Neo200 Building in Melbourne</a> – that reality has turned into the nightmare for hundreds of residents of being turned out of their homes with little more than the clothes they were wearing.
The Opal Tower evacuation was <a href="https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/-/media/Files/DPE/Reports/Opal-Tower-Investigation-Draft-Interim-Report-2019-01-15.pdf" target="_blank">due to structural cracking</a>. At Neo200, a fire raced up the building, <a href="https://www.afr.com/real-estate/combustible-cladding-main-contributor-to-melbournes-spencer-st-tower-fire-20190204-h1atix" target="_blank">fuelled by flammable cladding</a> on part of its facade.
The rapid spread of the fire, and <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/cbd-tower-residents-forced-out-of-apartments-after-blaze-20190204-p50vlt" target="_blank">its apparent origin in a smouldering cigarette on the balcony</a>, was eerily reminiscent of the <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/docklands-owners-sue-for-24m-over-fire-as-date-to-fix-cladding-looms-20180909-p502pc" target="_blank">Lacrosse building fire</a> in Melbourne in 2014. It also brings to mind the Grenfell Tower inferno in London (probably <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-40301289" target="_blank">originating in a small electrical fire</a>). This catastrophe took the lives of 72 people and devastated the lives of many more.
Media reports of the Neo200 fire included two concerning aspects:
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/extra-fire-alarms-put-in-a-fortnight-before-blaze-ripped-through-tower-20190204-p50vjt" target="_blank">tenants had been unaware</a> the building was partially covered in combustible cladding
</li>
<li>
<a href="http://www.mfb.vic.gov.au/Media/docs/Post_Incident_Analysis_for_Lacrosse_Docklands_-_25_11_2014%20-%20FINAL-dd61c4b2-61f6-42ed-9411-803cc23e6acc-0.PDF" target="_blank">as the Metropolitan Fire Brigade found at Lacrosse</a>, <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/same-as-grenfell-tower-cladding-fears-as-fire-rips-through-melbourne-cbd-apartment-building-20190204-p50vgl" target="_blank">smoke detectors had been covered</a>, rendering them inoperable.
</li>
</ul>
Such behaviours and lack of knowledge compromise critical safety-related equipment. This represents both a challenge to, and reinforcement of, the critical role of residents in ensuring high-rise buildings are safe.
In the <a href="/news">final report</a> of the post-Grenfell “Building a Safer Future” review for the UK government, Dame Judith Hackitt observed:
"Residents need to be safe, and feel safe, in their homes … they also have a responsibility towards their fellow residents to ensure that their actions do not compromise the safety of the building."
Six elements of residential building safety
The Hackitt Review joins a raft of reports that have influenced ongoing reform of residential construction regulations. In Victoria, notable recent contributions include the Auditor-General’s <a href="https://www.audit.vic.gov.au/report/victorias-consumer-protection-framework-building-construction" target="_blank">2015 report</a> on the consumer protection framework, and <a href="https://www.industry.gov.au/sites/default/files/July%202018/document/pdf/building_ministers_forum_expert_assessment_-_building_confidence.pdf" target="_blank">Shergold and Weir’s 2018 report</a> for the Building Ministers’ Forum.
There is significant agreement between these reviews. Their vision for an effective regulatory scheme can be distilled into six elements, which need to interact holistically:
<ol>
<li>
Information: all parties who have an influence on occupant safety need sufficient information about the risks in the building to make decisions consistent with protecting occupant safety.
</li>
<li>
Responsibility: while the “buck stops” with an adequately resourced regulator, all parties in the residential construction supply chain need to discharge clearly expressed, risk-based and complementary responsibilities.
</li>
<li>
Standards: people with appropriate expertise (for example, about how building materials interact) should set standards to be enforced throughout the supply chain.
</li>
<li>
Competence: where work requires particular skills and experience, only people who have these should do it.
</li>
<li>
Quality assurance: inspection regimes need to provide a robust “last line of defence” to catch defects before they threaten occupants’ safety.
</li>
<li>
Rectification: recognising that litigation is slow and expensive, dispute avoidance processes and insurance should expedite rectification.
</li>
</ol>
The Victorian regulatory regime for residential construction mainly comprises the <a href="http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/LDMS/LTObject_Store/ltobjst10.nsf/DDE300B846EED9C7CA257616000A3571/FF534BFE5E1FF524CA2583150019BDAF/%24FILE/93-126a117.docx" target="_blank">Building Act 1993</a>, its recently updated <a href="http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/Domino/Web_Notes/LDMS/PubLawToday.nsf/b12e276826f7c27fca256de50022686b/d6ce1ed4cf4cae14ca25833000014a82!OpenDocument" target="_blank">regulations</a>, the <a href="https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/ncc-online/NCC" target="_blank">National Construction Code</a> which underpins those regulations, and the <a href="http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/Domino/Web_Notes/LDMS/LTObject_Store/LTObjSt10.nsf/DDE300B846EED9C7CA257616000A3571/513B8F096A77B1A7CA2583300080DA1F/%24FILE/95-91a084.docx" target="_blank">Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995</a>. Justifiably, much of the recent reform focus has been on the role of the regulator under element 2 – the Victorian Ombudsman’s <a href="https://www.ombudsman.vic.gov.au/Publications/Parliamentary-Reports/Own-motion-investigation-into-the-governance-and-a" target="_blank">2012 report</a> led to the Victorian Building Authority replacing the Victorian Building Commission – and elements 3-6. Contributors to The Conversation have, for example, noted:
<ul>
<li>
the difficulties of <a href="https://theconversation.com/cladding-fires-expose-gaps-in-building-material-safety-checks-heres-a-solution-111073" target="_blank">tracking compliant products throughout globalised supply chains</a> (element 3), and how technology can help overcome these challenges
</li>
<li>
the importance of enforcing competence (element 4) in a <a href="https://theconversation.com/beyond-opal-a-10-point-plan-to-fix-the-residential-building-industry-110975" target="_blank">ten-point plan to fix the residential building industry</a>
</li>
<li>
scapegoating <a href="https://theconversation.com/there-are-lessons-to-be-drawn-from-the-cracks-that-appeared-in-sydneys-opal-tower-but-they-extend-beyond-building-certification-109428" target="_blank">private building inspectors</a> (element 5), as happened after the Opal evacuation, attacks a symptom of the disease, rather than the inherent tension between cost and quality in residential construction.
</li>
</ul>
The regulatory response on each of these four elements remains a matter for ongoing debate. This is justified given that the performance-based nature of most standards-setting results in increased competence requirements.
What about the role of residents?
The Neo200 experience highlights, however, that the role of residents can be underestimated. In particular, where regulatory elements 1 and 2 refer to “parties”, this very much includes dwelling occupants and others who enter these buildings. It also includes the designers, builders and other construction professionals who are the primary concern of elements 3-6.
Given the diverse ways in which people visit, live or work in high-rise buildings, it will always be a challenge to devise ways to make sure occupants:
<ul>
<li>
have enough information to understand the risks of being in such buildings (whether or not there is combustible cladding)
</li>
<li>
act in ways that reflect their responsibility to keep themselves and their fellow residents safe.
</li>
</ul>
As recent moves in Victoria to <a href="https://www.vba.vic.gov.au/consumers/swimming-pools/information-for-consumers-who-have-an-existing-pool-or-spa" target="_blank">register and inspect backyard pools and spas</a> arguably demonstrate, there seems to be robust community support for intruding into people’s homes where the safety risk is seen as high. Is it time, therefore, to mandate airline-style safety briefings in apartments, regular inspections of apartments to make sure smoke detectors are working, and other similar interventions? Certainly, a recognition of occupants as active stakeholders would suggest such measures are appropriate in pursuit of a deeply held community goal of dwelling safety.
As a society, though, are we ready for such state-based assaults on our homes – upon what the Kerrigans regarded as their “<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118826/" target="_blank">castle</a>”? Time will tell. In the meantime, the residents of the Neo200 building – like those at the Opal building before them – are left searching for alternative accommodation, and for answers.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/111255/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;">
Matthew Bell, Senior Lecturer and Co-Director of Studies for Construction Law, University of Melbourne.
This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/dont-overlook-residents-role-in-apartment-building-safety-111255" target="_blank">original article</a>.
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Don't overlook residents' role in apartment building safety: Matthew Bell

<html><body>
Victorian Planning Minister Richard Wynne will push for a nationwide ban on combustible cladding at the Commonwealth building ministers’ meeting in ­Hobart today.
The consideration comes as the residents of the NEO200 building in Melbourne’s CBD face more than a fortnight of not being able to return to their homes after a cladding fire on Monday.
The Neo200 building in the CBD was evacuated when a discarded cigarette butt caused a cladding fire.
Following the blaze, Melbourne City Council's building surveyor issued an emergency order that said the building could not be occupied for 48 hours, but this was extended on Wednesday with most residents unlikely to be able to return home until February 20.
"Two additional Emergency Orders and a Show Cause Notice were issued by the Municipal Building Surveyor this afternoon to specify that the building should be vacant for up to a further 14 days," the council said.
The Australian reported Wynne was forced to concede that he was yet to appoint a state building inspector, 14 months after pledging to do so as part of a raft of measures aimed at ridding buildings of dangerous flammable cladding.
The cladding — which was responsible for the fatal Grenfell Tower fire in Britain in 2017 — remains in thousands of Victorian buildings.
Mr Wynne said he would call on state, territory and federal governments to support the ban.
“The Andrews Labor government has led the country in taking action against combustible cladding — introducing changes last year to give the Minister for Planning powers to ban the use of aluminium composite cladding on new multi-storey buildings and provide a low-cost financing ­option to help owners remove dangerous combustible cladding from their properties,” Mr Wynne said.
“The Victorian Cladding Taskforce, the Victorian Building Authority and local governments have also worked with building owners and residents to make buildings safe by completing emergency works such as removing cladding around fire exits and installing smoke alarms.”
Opposition planning spokesman Tim Smith said Mr Wynne’s number one priority was to remove the “dangerous, flammable cladding from existing buildings around Victoria”.
“There are 360 buildings in the most concerning category from the Andrews Labor Government’s cladding audit, and yet they still have not guaranteed that every single resident in those buildings has been informed that their home is at risk,” he said.
Designed by Hayball Architects for Becton, the building is distinguished by its yellow podium lights presenting to Spencer and Little Bourke Streets and its distinctive golden curvilinear foyer.
The building’s construction was completed in 2007 by LU Simon builders and was awarded the 2008 Master Builder Association’s – Excellence in Construction Award.
There was a small fire on New Year's Eve in 2015.
 
 
</body></html>

Still no return possible for residents after Neo200, Spencer Street Melbourne cladding fire

<html><body>
The Strata Community Association (Vic) general manager Rob Beck says Melbourne’s Spencer Street fire highlights the urgency for State Government to regulate combustible cladding material.
SCA Victoria is the peak body overseeing Victoria’s $300 billion strata sector.
It supporting more than 80% of all owners corporation management firms and represent more than 650 owners corporation professionals who manage approximately 375,000 lots. 
Beck says the "anywhere, anytime" nature of Melbourne’s defective building problem, highlights the need for stricter construction industry regulation.
“The quick action of fire fighters today brought a potentially deadly situation under control.
"The need for combustible cladding and other defective building materials to be regulated can no longer be denied,” Mr Beck said.
 
 
</body></html>

Strata boss says apartment aluminum cladding must be regulated

<html><body>
A fire broke out in the Neo 200 building on Spencer Street at around 5am today.
The fire is believed to have started on the balcony of the 22nd floor, and then spread to the 29th.
Fire crews were first alerted at 5:43am and the incident was upgraded in severity after they thought the building to have combustible cladding.
The ABC reported 15 fire trucks, two ladder-platform trucks and 60 firefighters were used to extinguish the fire, which was brought under control at 6:49am.
The MFB suggested that the 41 storey, 371 residence tower had some cladding similar to the deadly Grenfell Tower in London which killed 72 when it caught ablaze in 2017.
The residents will need to find alternate accomodation after the Melbourne City Council's building surveyor issued an emergency order that states the building cannot be occupied for 48 hours.
A council inspection of the building has found the fire affected "essential safety measures" including the sprinkler system and fire alarms.
A Victorian Government audit after the Grenfell Tower disaster found flammable cladding posed a fire risk on 1,400 buildings around Melbourne.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/2/4/Neo%20200%202.JPG" alt="">
The Neo200 apartment complex was found to be "fully compliant" with cladding standards in 2017, according to a 2017 tweet from the developer, Becton.
"While most of the building is not clad at all, where any cladding is used it is compliant with VBA [Victorian Building Authority] standards," Neo200 tweeted.
Premier Daniel Andrews said he would wait for an investigation into the fire before making comment on the role flammable cladding played in fuelling the blaze.
"On the issue of Spencer Street, let's get the facts," he told ABC Radio Melbourne.
The Age reported pieces of the building could be seen falling from the building on the corner of Spencer and Little Bourke streets.
 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/2/4/Neo%20200%203.JPG" alt="">
 
(Source: twitter user @bekahjaynex)
This isn't the first time LU Simon who built the Neo 200 have been involved in a building fire.
The Lacrosse building, another built by them was devastated by fire in 2014.
MFB fire chief Dan Stephens said “My understanding is that the building is cladded with ACM — aluminium composite material, so the sort of cladding that was on the Grenfell Tower.”
Only roughly 150 people did evacuate the building, meaning many residents stayed behind leaving them at serious risk.
MFB Assistant Chief Fire Officer Trent Curtin said "It’s my understanding that occupants have taken some plastic and wrapped it around the smoke alarm so as to stop it from activating in case of cooking or other products of combustion in an apartment."
In 2017 they tweeted about the cladding being compliant with VBA standards.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/2/4/Neo%20200%20tweet.JPG" target="_blank">Click</a> to enlarge.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/2/4/Neo%20200%20tweet.JPG" alt="">
There are currently eight apartments available for rent in the 200 Spencer Street building, with rental prices ranging from $495 per week to $1,039 per week for one and two bedroom apartments.
One parking space is available for rent in the building at $60 per week
There were 13 sales in the building last year with prices ranging from $650,000 for 3406/200 Spencer Street at the peak. 
Down to the cheapest apartment sold last year 1012/200 Spencer Street, which went for $392,500.
The most recent $610,000 sale on the 28th floor had seen the two bedroom previously sell at $560,000 in 2010 and an initial $579,000 sale in 2008.
A tenth floor one bedroom unit sold late last year for $410,000, had sold on completion in 2008 for 283,000, and twice at 350,000 during the interim in 2010 and 2014.
There are currently three apartments currently listed for sale in the Neo 200 building.
1. 39/200 Spencer Street 
2. 4104/200 Spencer Street, Penthouse
3. 1810/200 Spencer Street
<div>Neo200 is 41 storey building with 371 residential apartments, ground floor retail tenancies and entrances to both Spencer and Little Bourke Streets.</div>
Designed by Hayball Architects, the building is distinguished by its yellow podium lights presenting to Spencer and Little Bourke Streets and its distinctive golden curvilinear foyer.
The building’s construction was completed in 2007 by LU Simon builders and was awarded the 2008 Master Builder Association’s – Excellence in Construction Award.
There was a small fire on New Year's Eve in 2015.
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Fire at Neo200 Spencer Street, Melbourne reignites apartment cladding concerns

<html><body>
The western edge of Melbourne's CBD is a flurry with construction activity as a number of projects are currently underway along Spencer Street. Once derided as Melbourne's arse end, the burgeoning <a href="/developments/docklands-vic-3008">Docklands</a> precinct and redevelopment of the former Spencer Street Station (remember that?) into Southern Cross Station have provided the catalyst for the Street's metamorphosis into a high-rise neighbourhood.

Developments such as Liberty Tower (Elenberg Fraser's first high-rise), Far East Consortium's multi-tower Upper West Side on the site of the former Lonsdale Street power station, and Media House amongst others have all contributed to lifting Spencer Street's profile over the last 20 years.

In more recent years the pace has really picked up with Spencer Street not only going up in terms of height but also branching out with development towards West Melbourne. With that in mind let's take a look at the current construction pipleline along Spencer Street.

<h2><a href="/buildings/melbourne-village-377-spencer-street-west-melbourne">Melbourne Village </a></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/melbourne_village.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Village. Images: Deague Group | Urban.com.au forumer redden"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="233" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/melbourne_village.jpg?itok=5XVgL6c1" title="Melbourne Village. Images: Deague Group | Urban.com.au forumer redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Village. Images: Deague Group | Apartments.com.au forumer redden</figcaption></figure>The Deague Group's Melbourne Village development will upon completion comprise 496 apartments, 33 townhouses as well as commercial office space within two towers. 

Covering a 3,800 sqm site at 83-113 Batman Street, Asian Pacific Group's purchased the site with approval for dual 27-storey towers designed by Bruce Henderson Architects.

The walls of the red brick podium have been erected with builder Maxcon making good progress with the cores beginning to make their mark on the West Melbourne skyline.

<h2><a href="/buildings/west-end-185-rosslyn-street-west-melbourne">West End </a></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/west_end_aug18.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="West End site works have finally commenced. Images: Trennery Property | Urban.com.au forumer redden"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="190" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/west_end_aug18.jpg?itok=CwnbKgBO" title="West End site works have finally commenced. Images: Trennery Property | Urban.com.au forumer redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>West End site works have finally commenced. Images: Trennery Property | Apartments.com.au forumer redden</figcaption></figure>Trennery Property's five building 'village' development has finally commenced onsite with excavation now underway to deliver the project that includes an impressive roll call of designers including ARM, CHT, Carr, Six Degrees, Mim Design and Hecker Guthrie.

Key elements of the $300 million include a 92-room, 4.5 star Adina hotel, a 600 sqm public park, a supermarket, specialty stores, restaurants and cafes in addition to a north-south public arcade Rosslyn and Dudley Streets.

<h2><a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">311 Spencer Street </a></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/311_spencer_mb.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The new Victoria Police Centre. Images: Cbus Property | Mark Baljak "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="238" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/311_spencer_mb.jpg?itok=SPRO_zUS" title="The new Victoria Police Centre. Images: Cbus Property | Mark Baljak " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The new Victoria Police Centre. Images: Cbus Property | Mark Baljak</figcaption></figure>Probuild is making heady progress on Cbus Property's 311 Spencer Street project, with facade installation now underway.

The new 39-storey Victoria Police Centre will join the existing City West Police Complex also designed by Woods Bagot.

Upon completion the project will inject approximately 65,500 sqm of A-grade office space, further adding to the street's emerging high-rise character and providing it with diversity of programme.

<h2><a href="/buildings/premier-tower-134-160-spencer-street-melbourne">Premier Tower </a></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/premier_tower_lozza.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Premier Tower's structure has now cleared the podium levels. Images: Elenberg Fraser | SSC forumer lozza"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="295" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/premier_tower_lozza.jpg?itok=mpoysXCR" title="Premier Tower's structure has now cleared the podium levels. Images: Elenberg Fraser | SSC forumer lozza" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Premier Tower's structure has now cleared the podium levels. Images: Elenberg Fraser | SSC forumer lozza</figcaption></figure>Construction on Elenberg Fraser's Beyonce-inspired building for Fragrance Group is beginning to move at pace, following a slow start in getting out of the ground due to difficult ground conditions.

Multiplex has progressed Premier Tower's core it be well above the podium levels, while the first of the tower's floors are being formed.

The first traces of the 249m tower's silver glazing are still some way off, in stark contrast to the brown brick perimeter walls of the former Savoy Tavern that used to occupy the site.

<h2><a href="/buildings/west-side-place-melbourne-250-spencer-street-melbourne-vic-3000">West Side Place </a></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/west_side_place_aug18.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Stage one of West Side Place. Images: Far East Consortium | Urban.com.au forumer redden"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="286" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/west_side_place_aug18.jpg?itok=XETvdtlZ" title="Stage one of West Side Place. Images: Far East Consortium | Urban.com.au forumer redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Stage one of West Side Place. Images: Far East Consortium | Apartments.com.au forumer redden</figcaption></figure>Another project with Probuild at the helm, Far East Consortium's West Side Place takes the tier one builder's crane count on Spencer Street to eight.

The first stage of the Cottee Parker-designed quad tower development includes the 263 room Ritz-Carlton in addition to 1,376 apartments across two towers of 81 and 62-storeys.

Occupying the site of the former Age building which drew constant comparisons with Soviet-era architecture, the development has begun emerging out of the ground, with the cores rising above street level.

Along with 311 Spencer Street it is an impressive sight as you come down Lonsdale Street and you are greeted with cranes galore.
</body></html>

Laurence Dragomir

The rise and rise of  Melbourne's Spencer Street

<html><body>
During my early years of studying architecture, I would often wander down to Spencer Street and watch what was once known as Spencer Street Station being transformed into what would be known as Southern Cross Station.

It can be argued that the station's redevelopment along with the ongoing construction down at the docks was the catalyst for the Spencer Street's evolution over the last decade, with every indication that it will stretch well into the next decade.

<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/southern-cross-station-melbourne-morning.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Where it all began; Southern Cross Station. Image courtesy of Wikipedia "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="243" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/southern-cross-station-melbourne-morning.jpg?itok=wxE7r6eo" title="Where it all began; Southern Cross Station. Image courtesy of Wikipedia " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Where it all began; Southern Cross Station. Image courtesy of Wikipedia</figcaption></figure>Like others on the SkyscraperCity site I would enjoy speculating as to what sites would be developed in what way. There was a general consensus 10 years ago amongst forumers that sites such as the former Age building, Savoy Tavern, Lonsdale Street Power Station and Australia Post's mail centre were capable of supporting significant high-rise development with the belief that Melbourne's first 300m+ tower would rise somewhere on Spencer Street.

While no tower has scaled the 300 metre mark thus far, there has been a steady rise in height since Elenberg Fraser's Liberty Tower first graced the corner of Spencer and Collins Streets upon completion during 2002. The tallest of these will be West Side Place's Tower 1 featuring a Ritz Carlton hotel and rising to a height of 270m.

Below we take a look at the projects completed and expected for Spencer Street.

<h2>Premier Tower | 134 Spencer Street | 68-storeys / 226m</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/134_spencer.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Premier Tower. Image courtesy of Elenberg Fraser."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/134_spencer.jpg?itok=aQnnI3HF" title="Premier Tower. Image courtesy of Elenberg Fraser." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Premier Tower. Image courtesy of Elenberg Fraser.</figcaption></figure>Dubbed the "Beyoncé" tower, the Elenberg Fraser-designed project for client Fragrance Group will be located on the corner of Spencer and Bourke Streets, and will accommodate 660 apartments and 160 hotel rooms within an undulating form.

The tower was initially proposed at 90-storeys and 294 metres before a reduced height of 226 metres was approved. This may not be the final height of the tower with the developer's seeking CASA approval to go taller still and apartments selling to level 76. Construction is expected to commence in October.

<h2>Victoria Police Centre | 311 Spencer Street | Height TBC</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/vic_pol_centre.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Victoria Police Centre. Image courtesy the Department of Finance and Treasury"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/vic_pol_centre.jpg?itok=-CurFhNK" title="Victoria Police Centre. Image courtesy the Department of Finance and Treasury" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Victoria Police Centre. Image courtesy the Department of Finance and Treasury</figcaption></figure>Designed by Woods Bagot, the new $300 million police headquarters has been designed to complement its $240 million neighbour which was completed during 2015.

Located alongside the near new Melbourne West Police Station, the Victoria Police Complex at 311 Spencer Street would consist of approximately 40,000sqm of office space. With the calling for construction tenders, Cbus Property and project partner Australia Post now look set to realise the project following extensive negotiations with the Victorian government.

Both the Melbourne West Police Station and Victoria Police Complex share an 11,750sqm site which was previously hosted Australia Post's mail centre.

<h2>West Side Place | Tower 1 | 81-storeys / 270m</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/the-ritz.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="West Side Place. Image courtesy of Far East Consortium"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="287" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/the-ritz.jpg?itok=L33KBfF2" title="West Side Place. Image courtesy of Far East Consortium" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>West Side Place. Image courtesy of Far East Consortium</figcaption></figure>Far East Consortium's next big development on the former site of The Age follows hot on the heels of their Upper West Side development directly opposite, with Cottee Parker Architects engaged to design the multi tower development.

Stage 1 comprising two towers of some 1370 apartments and a Ritz-Carlton, which will occupy the top 17 floors of the 81-storey Tower 1 and will feature 263 luxury hotel suites with quality finishes and furniture including state-of-the-art bathrooms, luxurious amenities and breathtaking views.

Sales for the first tower have been strong with rumours abound that it has already sold out, with attention now turning to Tower 2. Both towers, which share a communal podium are likely to be built concurrently.

<h2>Upper West Side | Four towers, 156-170 metres</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/4-upper_west-_side1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Upper West Side, Image courtesy of Cottee Parker"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="396" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/4-upper_west-_side1.jpg?itok=uc8phvmR" title="Upper West Side, Image courtesy of Cottee Parker" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Upper West Side, Image courtesy of Cottee Parker</figcaption></figure>With the final tower, Manhattan in the final stages of completion, the former Lonsdale Street Power Station site is effectively complete. Developed by Far East Consortium and designed by Cottee Parker the development sees 4 towers of 2,300 apartments rise around a host of substations with ground level retail weaving through the site.

The facades of the tallest towers have been designed to respond to primary streets; Lonsdale and Spencer Street with a colourful canvas of contrasting colours. The towers all share a communal rooftop garden atop the podium.

<h2>Neo200 | 41-storeys / 128 metres | Completed 2007</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/neopanorama.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Neo200 on Spencer. Image courtesy Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="340" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/neopanorama.jpg?itok=_vn2UWMB" title="Neo200 on Spencer. Image courtesy Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Neo200 on Spencer. Image courtesy Hayball</figcaption></figure>Designed by Hayball, Neo200 is a 41-storey building with 371 residential apartments, ground floor retail tenancies and entrances to both Spencer and Little Bourke Streets.

The building is distinguished by its yellow podium lights presenting to Spencer and Little Bourke Streets and its distinctive golden curvilinear foyer. Completed in 2007, Neo200 marked the first major residential tower for Spencer Street since Liberty Tower.

<h2>Liberty Tower | 27-storeys / 93 metres | Completed 2002</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/liberty3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Liberty Tower. Image courtesy of Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="287" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/liberty3.jpg?itok=I1KeAW-4" title="Liberty Tower. Image courtesy of Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Liberty Tower. Image courtesy of Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>Liberty Tower is located on the north eastern corner of the Collins Street and Spencer Street intersection. The tower was completed in 2002 and was the first project for Elenberg Fraser.

Zahava Elenberg and Callum Fraser who were both still architecture students at RMIT University were awarded the commission in 1998 by the City of Melbourne. The main façade comprises a grid of perforated aluminium screens, including a vertical crease running down the full length of the facade.

<h2>7-23 Spencer Street | 3 towers 89-112m</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/7-23spencerst.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="7-23 Spencer Street. Image courtesy of Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="328" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/7-23spencerst.jpg?itok=VHMIFMPW" title="7-23 Spencer Street. Image courtesy of Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>7-23 Spencer Street. Image courtesy of Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>Having recently obtained approval from the Minister for Planning, owner Riverlee has looked to offload the site which can accommodate up to 1,076 dwellings.

The massive 8,500 square metre site sits on the edge of the CBD and on the north bank of the Yarra; a gateway position into the Southbank area. Demolition of the former Melbourne Convention Centre continues and the project looms as the next residential development to hold a Spencer Street address.
</body></html>

The evolution of Spencer Street

<html><body>
Such a simple idea that provides such an incisive look at Melbourne's history. Today's article is a shout-out to the increasing popular Past 2 Present which provides an impressive glimpse into Melbourne's past by comparing it to the present.

Covering metropolitan Melbourne, Past 2 Present generates a side by side compilation of dated and current images from the past two centuries. Buildings, significant places, infrastructure and day to day street level life are covered by creator Robert Smith via Facebook, flickr and tumblr.

<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/10275586_1075838669112035_2334594070966671575_o.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A Spencer Street comparison. Image courtesy Past 2 Present"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="196" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/10275586_1075838669112035_2334594070966671575_o.jpg?itok=_hn-X0M0" title="A Spencer Street comparison. Image courtesy Past 2 Present" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A Spencer Street comparison. Image courtesy Past 2 Present</figcaption></figure>A prime example is the snapshot of Southbank above dated 1930 featuring the Robur Tea Warehouse. Built during 1887-1888 and designed by Nahum Barnet, the building appears dominant over the Spencer Street Bridge but now the 19th century warehouse is little more than a footnote on contemporary Southbank.

Another below sees how much (or little) Melbourne has changed over a century. While many parts of the CBD have lost iconic structures, certain pockets still endure as seen by the State Library of Victoria's image in comparison to that of Robert Smith's.

<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/16479952268_4932fb9733_k.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Flinders Street over time. Image courtesy Past 2 Present"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="193" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/16479952268_4932fb9733_k.jpg?itok=bbg9FGRv" title="Flinders Street over time. Image courtesy Past 2 Present" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Flinders Street over time. Image courtesy Past 2 Present</figcaption></figure>As the adage states, "You don't know where you're going until you know where you've been."

It's well worth taking a few minutes to tour old Melbourne and gain a better appreciation for our city by visiting <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Past2Present1">Past 2 Present</a>.
</body></html>

silvermb

Past 2 Present: a snapshot of Melbourne's history

<html><body>
A number of media outlets have reported in recent days that hotel operator <a href="http://www.ritzcarlton.com/">Ritz-Carlton</a> has signed on for <a href="http://www.fareast.net.au/">Far East Consortium</a>'s <a href="http://www.fareast.net.au/project/west-side-place/">West Side Place</a> development on the former Age site on Spencer Street. The 250 room hotel will be located on the top 15 floors of the Cottee Parker-designed 79-storey tower opposite Far East's current multi-tower project Upper West Side.

The Ritz-Carlton will boast hotel facilities and amenities such as a bar, high-end restaurant, spa centre, pool and gymnasium. A sky lobby check-in will greet guests with the Ritz-Carlton to be Australia's tallest/highest hotel. In addition to approximately 750 apartments absorbing the remainder of the tower, provision for 465 resident parking spaces and 30 hotel parking spaces will be located in the sub and podium levels.

Ritz-Carlton Melbourne will be the second for both the hotel operator and Far East Consortium after securing prime development within the Elizabeth Quay urban renewal project in Perth.

<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/ritz_carlton_elizabeth_quay.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ritz Carlton @ Elizabeth Quay, Perth. © Far East Consortium "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="445" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ritz_carlton_elizabeth_quay.jpg?itok=Hq_JvRn-" title="Ritz Carlton @ Elizabeth Quay, Perth. © Far East Consortium " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ritz Carlton at Elizabeth Quay, Perth. © Far East Consortium</figcaption></figure>A second 260 suite hotel of 3 to 4 stars will be located within within the podium and lower levels of Tower 3, on the corner of an expanded Merriman Lane and Little Lonsdale Street with a north-east aspect. Tower 3 is set to rise 62-storeys for a height of approximately 210 metres and will also include a further 520 apartments and 321 parking spaces overall.

In total there will be four towers onsite upon completion with in excess of 2,500 apartments included.

<h2>Comment</h2>

The podium in particular bares strong similarities in terms of facade articulation to the residential towers of Far East Consortium's Elizabeth Quay's project as seen above as well as The Fifth at Upper West Side.

<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/thefifth_uws.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Fifth. © Far East Consortium "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="905" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/thefifth_uws.jpg?itok=5rjDKjoQ" title="The Fifth. © Far East Consortium " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Fifth. © Far East Consortium</figcaption></figure>This treatment to the podium creates and ordered but varied appearance and aids in reducing the scale of a 30m podium into a much more finer and relatable human scale. Additionally it provides passive surveillance to the street, a far cry from the fortress of the former Age building.

The buildings beyond as they appear in the render can be treated as massing envelopes, as one of the principles within Cottee Parker's Master Plan for the site is to ensure clarity between tower forms and architecture so as not to appear as one great mass on the skyline. This was partly addressed at Upper West Side by providing a similar facade treatment of differing colours. Hopefully the language of future towers at West Side Place extends beyond just a variation in colour palette.

<blockquote>
To ensure that each building is distinctive in its design, the Master Plan includes the following principle: the architectural treatment should clearly distinguish one tower from another as individual developments.
<cite>City of Melbourne planning officer report</cite>
</blockquote>

The Ritz-Carlton also presents the first high-end, 5-star hotel to be developed in the western end of the city at the threshold between the traditional Hoddle Grid and Docklands. The site is well serviced by trams, buses, Southern Cross Station and the Sky bus shuttle service within an area experiencing significant change. Together with Upper West Side and the Savoy development, West Side Place will transform Spencer Street from the dingy area it was in the 1990's to the new face of Melbourne.

With site works well underway and display suite not far off, construction is anticipated to commence in early 2016.

<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/age_site_works.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Site works well underway. © Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="389" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/age_site_works.jpg?itok=Nv1kFQzv" title="Site works well underway. © Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Site works well underway. © Ryan Seychell</figcaption></figure>
</body></html>

Puttin' on the Ritz at West Side Place

<html><body>
A few weeks ago Apartments.com.au <a href="/expert-insights/buying/an-unconventional-opportunity-for-7-23-spencer-street">briefly touched on</a> the proposed redevelopment of the former Congress Centre; today we focus on the site master plan. Prepared by Elenberg Fraser on behalf of joint venture clients, the master plan provides an overarching framework for the development of the 4,500sqm site.

All in all four tapering crystalline residential towers ranging in height from 20-29 storeys sitting atop two 4-storey podiums. The proposal seeks to provide better connections to South Wharf and Southbank from the surrounding areas to the north of the Yarra River, including the western edge of the CBD, Docklands and Southern Cross Station.

In doing so a new southern gateway into the CBD for both pedestrians and vehicles is envisaged.

<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/7-23_spencer_street.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Providing a new gateway to the southern entry into the CBD. © Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="390" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/7-23_spencer_street.jpg?itok=mpXtOOkv" title="Providing a new gateway to the southern entry into the CBD. © Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Providing a new gateway to the southern entry into the CBD. © Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure><h2>Project summary</h2>

<h3>Podiums</h3>

<ul>
<li>Podium 01: 4-storeys, 64 apartments, RL19.00</li>
	<li>Podium 02: 4-storeys 75 Apartments RL 19.00</li>
	<li>Total Podium Apartments: 139</li>
</ul>
<h3>Towers</h3>

<ul>
<li>T01: 20-storeys, 184 apartments, RL 84.50</li>
	<li>T02: 22-storeys, 210 apartments, RL 96.80</li>
	<li>T03: 29-storeys, 273 apartments, RL 121.00</li>
	<li>T04: 29-storeys, 356 apartments, RL 121.00</li>
	<li>Total Tower Apartments: 1023</li>
</ul>
Total apartments available: 1162

The indicative concept shows 1,321sqm of ground level retail space available, split between 770sqm through the North Podium and 551sqm in the South Podium. Seven retail tenancies are expected with 461 car parking spaces contained above within the podium levels.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/7-23spencer_massing_model.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Master plan massing diagram. © Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="470" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/7-23spencer_massing_model.jpg?itok=ROOefQS7" title="Master plan massing diagram. © Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Master plan massing diagram. © Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>The four towers are 'carved' to allow adequate separation between one another in order to minimise overlooking and provide a high degree of natural light and ventilation. The sloped/terracing roof forms are the result of extrapolating the shadow cast by the existing Crown Plaza hotel during 2pm on the winter solstice to form a solar plane that dictates the maximum height of each tower. This has led to the crystal-like forms suggested in the planning documents.

Each tower represents part of a four-stage phasing process that has informed the numerical designation of each tower i.e. Tower 01 represents stage 01 of the project and so on. Tower 04 acts as a bridging element that unites both podiums and forms a weather protected undercroft to Siddeley Street.

<h2>Improvements to Siddeley and Spencer Street Public Domain</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/siddeley_street_render.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="View down revistalised Siddeley Street. © Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/siddeley_street_render.jpg?itok=2JIMMltW" title="View down revistalised Siddeley Street. © Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>View down revistalised Siddeley Street. © Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>The master plan seeks to set the built form envelope, height and street interface of the proposed podium development. Key principles of the master plan include:

<ul>
<li>Two podiums that prescribe a preferred height of five storeys, including a Podium to the south of Siddeley Street and a Podium to the north of Siddeley Street;</li>
	<li>Active ground floor retail and lobby facilities on Siddeley Street and Spencer Street, to reactivate the streetscape and provide activity in the public realm;</li>
	<li>Three levels of car parking accommodated on each podium level, with access provided from Siddeley Street;</li>
	<li>Opportunities for an ‘active skin’ of residential apartments on the Siddeley Street and Spencer Street facades, to add to the sense of activity and vibrancy of the new public realm on these streets;</li>
	<li>The potential for a usable landscaped podium roof to provide significant communal open space for residents, complementing a residential amenities level on the first floor of each tower.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Comment</h2>

The proposal follows the blueprint of other large scale multi-tower developments in the city: a master plan is developed with a series of guiding principles that help to define a certain series of parameters to inform the future development of a site. It provides some degree of certainty to local government but also allows developers the flexibility to alter their plans for projects that span several years.

The base information is there but the detail is the element lacking. This has led to some developers selling entire sites upon gaining approval or carving sites up and selling them as individual parcels. Recent examples of this master planning approach include 250 Spencer Street, Swanston Square, Village Docklands/Collins Square and Batman's Hill on Collins.

What will ultimately become of the site remains to be seen but one can't help but feel the change in strategy from developing two-commercial towers (and failed bids for Victoria Police and KPMG) to a residential driven master plan hints at an opportunity to offload the site once approval is obtained. A permit for a series of residential towers is a far more attractive proposition to prospective developers.

It will be interesting to see how each tower ultimately manifests; it is critical that there is a level of articulation that is varied and distinguishes each tower from the next. The danger is that they read as one uniform and singular mass, which visually would not be a desirable outcome.

<h2>7-23 Spencer Street Project team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Asset1 WTC Pty Ltd &amp; HANZ (Spencer Street)</li>
	<li>Architects: Elenberg Fraser</li>
	<li>Planning Consultant: Urbis</li>
	<li>Acoustic Assessment: Marshall Day Acoustics</li>
	<li>Traffic Assessment: GTA Consultants</li>
	<li>Wind Assessment: MEL Consulting</li>
</ul>
</body></html>

Spencer Street

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Spencer Street

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News