Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> is the latest to jump into St Leonards booming Transport Oriented Development precinct.

The developer, which has previously delivered Sapphire by the Gardens apartment development in Melbourne, identified the Atchison Street site in 2023. It filed a Scoping Report around 12 months ago, and now has revealed the designs for the new&nbsp;40-storey mixed-use tower.

The State Significant Development Application covers <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/projects/14650/summary">20-22 Atchison Street</a>, a 1,374 sqm site positioned between St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the project would deliver 181 apartments, above a four-storey commercial podium, five basement levels, and new public domain works along Mitchell Street. The apartment mix comprises 35 one-bedroom apartments, 39 one-bedroom-plus-study apartments, 85 two-bedroom apartments, and 22 three-bedroom residences.

The proposal has been lodged as a shop-top housing development under the NSW Government’s TOD planning pathway, which allows increased density around key transport infrastructure. The site sits within the recently rezoned Crows Nest Accelerated TOD Precinct.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b799673d-48e2-46b0-801a-0e33a9330100" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20site.png?VersionId=dPh0UfwfaHpbFL1R7H1cbZNbIW0CHbCC" />

SP Setia acquired the Atchison Street site as part of its continued expansion into the Australian apartment market. In comments made to City &amp; Country (The Edge Malaysia) in 2023, SP Setia President and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai described the acquisition as “a strategic move” aligned with the group’s post-pandemic market recovery strategy.

“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.

The tower has been designed as a slender vertical form rising from a mixed-use podium, with COX Architecture positioning the development as a response to the evolving St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline.

“The purpose of the project is to facilitate the delivery of high-quality housing at a strategically located site and deliver a built tower outcome that is consistent with the desired future character of St Leonards and aligns with the TOD controls,” the design report stated.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a85eee-76f7-436c-a6da-73ba827b9b13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20entry.png?VersionId=dA9jHGPMcm.dDbwk4QfxqWiY5bfh3UVt" />

The podium would incorporate retail uses fronting Atchison Street, commercial tenancies, landscaped communal areas, and pedestrian improvements along Mitchell Street. Vehicle access and loading would be consolidated via Atchison Lane.

Residents would have access to more than 665 sqm of communal indoor and outdoor spaces, while the development proposes 96 parking spaces across five basement levels.

The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.

COX said the tower form responds directly to the emerging high-density character of the precinct while seeking to maximise solar access, cross ventilation, and outlook from apartments.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2163f85c-f63b-4be3-aafa-f8763976cec5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_5.png?VersionId=WiAmtIKJ6.ZQ41EtYEQ1fol7AeorKBlL" />

“The building is orientated towards north,” the Apartment Design Guide compliance report noted, adding that the tower’s slim form was driven by the constrained inner-urban site dimensions.

The design also incorporates landscaped setbacks and communal open space at podium level, intended to soften the interface with surrounding streets and improve pedestrian amenity.

The project adds to a growing wave of redevelopment proposals reshaping St Leonards and Crows Nest following the opening of the Sydney Metro City line and the NSW Government’s push for higher-density housing around major transport nodes.

Last week Stockland filed plans just down the road. They want to build a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">52-storey tower on Pacific Highway</a>.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower&nbsp;</a>

Joel Robinson

First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.

The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.

The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.

SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”

The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" />

The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.

A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.

Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" />

The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.

Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.

The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.

First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s latest tower at Wickham interchange

Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;

Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">premium site at 180 Macquarie Street</a> features uninterrupted river frontage in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held residential precincts.&nbsp;

The proposed development, currently under assessment with Brisbane City Council, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and will deliver a boutique collection of premium residences positioned specifically for owner occupiers and downsizers.&nbsp;

The residences are set to redefine luxury apartment living in the area, with a focus on architectural quality, refined finishes, landscape integration and elevated amenities including curated wellness facilities, resort-style pools and recreation spaces rarely seen in the local market.&nbsp;

Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;

Bottega House Managing Director Nick Malloch said the project reflects the group’s ambition to deliver a highly curated residential offering within one of Brisbane’s most tightly held precincts.&nbsp;

“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;

“Our vision from the outset was to create a boutique collection of residences that feel more like private homes than traditional apartments, with generous proportions, refined finishes and exceptional amenity throughout."

Malloch says there is a&nbsp;lack of premium owner-occupier stock of this quality in the market, particularly for downsizers wanting space, privacy and a true lifestyle offering without compromise.&nbsp;

"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.

“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]

Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]

Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.

The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]

More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.
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[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

Local Little Bay residents, along with buyers from premium postcodes across Sydney’s affluent Eastern Suburbs, have dominated purchases in developer-builder Urban Property Group’s first Eastern Suburbs apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a>.

The $250 million coastal project, one of the first new developments in the area in several years, has proven particularly popular with downsizers, especially those from Coogee and Bondi. One Double Bay downsizer paid $4.7 million for a four-bedroom penthouse, setting a new local apartment price record in the process.

Buyers have been attracted to the combination of coastal tranquillity, premium design and amenity-rich neighbourhood living. The walkable village setting, along with proximity to three of Sydney’s leading golf courses, New South Wales Golf Club, St Michael’s Golf Club and The Coast Golf Club, has also been a key drawcard.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352689]

Built across two low-rise buildings designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hill-thalis-architecture-urban-projects-pty-ltd">Hill Thalis</a> and set along a lush, landscaped green spine, designed by leading landscape architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>, ESTE Little Bay offers a collection of one, two, three and four-bedroom residences with interiors by Richards Stanisich.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> Sales Director, Tom McIvor said the response to ESTE has been "nothing short of extraordinary."

“Buyers have been quick to recognise ESTE as a rare opportunity to invest in a coastal sanctuary that offers both seclusion and connectivity to the heart of Sydney,” McIvor said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352687]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">SRM Residential</a> Senior Director, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">Clayton Ross</a> said the local market has responded incredibly well, driven by ESTE’s exceptional location and the rarity it offers.

“We’ve seen strong interest from a variety of buyer groups, all of whom are drawn to the exclusivity and quality of the build and construction by the 4.5-star iCIRT-rated builder / developer, Urban Property Group. There’s truly nothing else like it along Sydney’s coastline.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352690]

The project also includes robust buyer protections, including Resilience Insurance’s Latent Defects Insurance, providing 10 years of structural cover, and an independent iCIRT-rating of the developer.

“The iCIRT-rating adds another layer of confidence,” Ross added. “Buyers see it as a safeguard for their investment and their lifestyle.” A highlight of ESTE’s offering is its exclusive wellness amenities, including a heated rooftop infinity pool and outdoor heated spa, a state-of-the-art Technogym fitness centre, and a sauna.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a> is topped out and is on track to complete towards the end of 2026, with residents moving in before Christmas.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112343]

Eastern Suburbs buyers snap up ESTE Little Bay apartments

Spotlight on the database

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In recent days the Apartments.com.au Project Database has been subject to a number augmentations, with a healthy number of additions making their way into the database pages. Purely residential entries ticked over 400 during the weekend, with many more due to be entered.

Fresh entries and updated listings - here's a selection of what's new regarding the Apartments.com.au Project Database.

<h2>New apartment releases keep coming</h2>

<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/Image4mixa.jpg" rel="gallery-all" style="font-size: 12px;" title="Image © Preview Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="355" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image4mixa.jpg?itok=QPc0Ygml" title="Image © Preview Property" width="580"></a>

<a href="/buildings/the-corner-store-103-dundas-street-preston" target="_blank">The Corner Store</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/mayven-st-georges-56-st-georges-road-northcote">Mayven</a>, <a href="/buildings/1-shamrock-st-abbotsford">Playhouse</a> and <a href="/buildings/this-is-collingwood-60-66-islington-street-collingwood">60 Islington Street</a> together represent roughly 460 new dwellings in the pipeline. Having a working relationship of some description with MAP Architecture and Blue Earth Group, the trio are forging ahead with these developments.

<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/Image6compa.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Images © PDG, Ho Bee Land &amp; Goldfilelds"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="253" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image6compa.jpg?itok=vkiS-tKU" title="Images © PDG, Ho Bee Land &amp; Goldfilelds" width="580"></a>

Elsewhere PDG have launched <a href="/buildings/royal-elizabeth-151-berkeley-street-melbourne" target="_blank">Royal Elizabeth</a> at 151 Berkeley Street Carlton while a new Asian-based developer has entered the local market. Singaporean firm Ho Bee Land quietly purchased a controversial slice of land adjacent to Westfield Doncaster and under the name <a href="/buildings/pearl-1-grosvenor-street-doncaster" target="_blank">Pearl</a>, has launched 1 Grosvenor Street to market.

Finally Goldfields and Maple Living find their <a href="/buildings/the-village-cheltenham-1228-nepean-highway-cheltenham">Village Cheltenham</a> complex entered into the database with apartments due to be released for sale within weeks.

<h2>Freshly approved</h2>

<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/Image8compa.jpg" rel="gallery-all" style="font-size: 12px;" title="Images © Fraher Design 3D, Metaxas &amp; Interlandi Mantesso"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="383" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image8compa.jpg?itok=kcbyjST1" title="Images © Fraher Design 3D, Metaxas &amp; Interlandi Mantesso" width="580"></a>

Showing as approved within the database are three medium-sized apartment developments located in Thornbury, Carlton and Hawthorn East, together yielding 179 apartments in total. 688-690 High Street and 18-22 Lilydale Grove have the tick of approval whilst Platanus at 152 Queensberry Street in Carlton is the stand-out design of the three, highlighted by its folded green metal facade.

<h2>Under Assessment</h2>

<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/Image9compa.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Images © Hayball, BG Architects &amp; CHT Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="532" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image9compa.jpg?itok=rB2Kq3q8" title="Images © Hayball, BG Architects &amp; CHT Architects" width="580"></a>

Whilst they may only be three, the above projects still under consideration would yield an accumulated 1008 apartments. Conceived by Hayball, above left sees the first public viewing of MAB's tri-tower proposal for 15-87 Gladstone Street, Fishermans Bend which will be subject to a more detailed article next week.

Elsewhere City of Stonnington are dealing with two separate proposals located within two established apartment zones. BG Architects have designed a dual building complex at 14-18 Porter Street Prahran while CHT Architects have conceived a 15 level apartment complex opposite the Jam Factory at 8-12 Garden Street, South Yarra.

More projects will be added soon.
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silvermb

Urban.com.au's Project Database pushes past 400

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It's that time again where Apartments.com.au delves into the project database and shines a spotlight on 5 projects which we think are worth highlighting. Since our previous look into projects currently under planning assessment in July 2013, Apartments.com.au has seen many interesting projects that have come to our attention, particularly from within the <a href="/news/fishermans-bend-to-become-australias-most-densely-populated-area">Fishermans Bend urban renewal zone</a>. Our chosen Top 5 residential projects that are currently under the status of Planning Assessment are as follows. Enjoy!

 

5. 464 Collins Street, Melbourne 

 

Why do we like this? Apartments.com.au highlighted this project in an article in September 2013 under the moniker of the "<a href="/news/the-pencil-skyscraper-464-collins-street-in-depth">Pencil Skyscraper</a>" which is exactly what it is. The render for the tower shows how astonishingly slender it is and with a height of nearly 200 metres, this tower has the potential to be an engineering marvel if built. The sleek, glassy design and the tower's location planted firmly in the legal district of Melbourne's CBD is sign of developer Equiset's aspiration to achieve something special with this building whilst standing out amongst the crowd.

<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/%235%20464%20Collins_BatesSmart%20new.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="464 Collins © Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/%235%20464%20Collins_BatesSmart%20new.jpg?itok=yLzhlVCy" title="464 Collins © Bates Smart" typeof="Image"></a>

 

4. <a href="/new-apartments/60-82-johnson-street-south-melbourne">60-82 Johnston Street, South Melbourne (aka Montague)</a>

 

Why do we like this? <a href="/architects/rothelowman">Rothe Lowman architects</a> have been busy lately putting together some fantastic schemes for a number of proposals dotted around town. This particular project really stood out for Apartments.com.au with its close proximity to South Wharf, Docklands and Port Melbourne within the proposal <a href="/news/fishermans-bend-to-become-australias-most-densely-populated-area">Fishermans Bend urban renewal area</a> of Montague. In light of this, it will be interesting to see if this project does go ahead as it may set a precedent for the area in terms of mass and style. We shall wait and see.

<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/%234%2060-82%20Johnston%20Street%20South%20Melbourne_Rothe%20Lowman.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="60-82 Johnston Street © Rothe Lowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/%234%2060-82%20Johnston%20Street%20South%20Melbourne_Rothe%20Lowman.jpg?itok=asWIkZVi" title="60-82 Johnston Street © Rothe Lowman" typeof="Image"></a>

 

3.<a href="http://urbanmelbourne.info/projects/melbourne/2-78-bouverie-street-carlton"> </a><a href="/new-apartments/carlton-vic-3053">2-78 Bouverie Street, Carlton </a>

 

Why do we like this? Since the <a href="/news/grocons-cub-site-takes-the-next-step">former CUB brewery site</a> at the northern apex of Swanston Street was first earmarked for redevelopment by Grocon during 2006, many folks on Apartments.com.au have waited eagerly for this site to be redeveloped to provide a QV-esque vibrancy to the area considering the sites prominence and proximity to nearby universities and the Queens Victoria Market. Seven years down the track and progression is gathering pace, particularly with this proposal being submitted in recent times. A fascinating façade along Bouverie Street which appears to mimic a waterfall, this proposal adds visual interest to the area, colour and texture. The more the merrier we say.

<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/%233%202-78%20Bouverie%20Street%20Carlton_Studio%20505.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="2-78 Bouverie Street © Studio 505"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/%233%202-78%20Bouverie%20Street%20Carlton_Studio%20505.jpg?itok=vf9wvxA9" title="2-78 Bouverie Street © Studio 505" typeof="Image"></a>

 

2. 193 Buckley Street, Essendon 

 

Why do we like this? Apartments.com.au aims to encourage good architecture and design to help facilitate urban densification across metropolitan Melbourne. This project is a great example of a small to medium sized project which is located in an up and coming urban redevelopment pocket along Buckley Street in Essendon. The hexagonal panels on the street facing façade provides nice visual interest whilst adding to population density close to essential services and amenity in a middle ring suburb. Something that Apartments.com.au will always champion.

<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/%232%20193%20Buckley%20Street%20Essendon_John%20Demos%20Architects.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="193 Buckley Street © John Demos Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/%232%20193%20Buckley%20Street%20Essendon_John%20Demos%20Architects.jpg?itok=0Y8OM7KY" title="193 Buckley Street © John Demos Architects" typeof="Image"></a>

 

1. <a href="/new-apartments/228-238-normanby-road-southbank">228-238 Normanby Street, South Melbourne (aka Montague) </a>

 

Why do we like this? Another proposal situated within the Fishermans Bend urban renewal area, Normanby Street screams all glass and all class. <a href="/news/so-very-melbourne-228-238-normanby-road-south-melbourne">A very Melbourne style</a> which, if built, will stand the test of time and set the bar high for other projects in Fishermans Bend. Height and aesthetics aside, the true success of this project and others like it, will not be a question of how good the glass is but how the podium interacts at street level and whether it works within the Fishermans Bend urban renewal scheme. Time will tell, but one thing is for sure, you will not see many people on Apartments.com.au decry a project which has the potential to add to Melbourne’s already classy skyline.

<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/%231%20228-238%20Normanby%20Street%20South%20Melbourne_Rothe%20Lowman.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="228-238 Normanby Street © Rothe Lowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/%231%20228-238%20Normanby%20Street%20South%20Melbourne_Rothe%20Lowman.jpg?itok=dACfw4dZ" title="228-238 Normanby Street © Rothe Lowman" typeof="Image"></a>

 

What do you think?  Did we get it right?  Have your say by Registering or by Logging In to Apartments.com.au.

 
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Urban.com.au's Top 5 Picks: Planning Assessment November 2013

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A stone's throw from the sacred cow that is Camberwell, a subtle yet concerted change has taken effect over both Hawthorn and Hawthorn East. While all three suburbs fall within the city of Boroondara, Camberwell remains staunch in its opposition to any development with the likes of Geoffrey Rush and Barry Humphries leading the charge, with the failed Camberwell Station development firmly in mind. Both Hawthorn and Hawthorn East have in recent years headed down a different path with apartment developments slowly, and now rapidly gaining a foothold.

Five large apartments developments are currently under construction in Hawthorn, they being <a href="/new-apartments/atria-291-burwood-road-hawthorn">Atria Apartments</a>, <a href="http://www.emblemapartments.com/welcome">Emblem Hawthorn</a>, Riva Hawthorn, The Collective and <a href="http://www.sconstruction.com.au/22-wattle-road-hawthorn/">22 Wattle Road</a>. Together these five projects will deliver an impressive 491 apartments into an area well served with Public Transport links, retail and commercial space, Swinburne University and a 119 room hotel run by Asian Pacific Group. Clearly the infrastructure exists for substantial apartment development and developers have come knocking, so in no particular order we will look at what's upcoming for the area.

<h2>Hawthorn Hill - 410-420 Burwood Road, Hawthorn</h2>

Set behind a historic mansion, Hawthorn Hill apartments is the latest project from developer Equiset. Designed by Bates Smart, the nine level building is currently at registrations via the project website. The building will carry 64 apartments and 62 car parking spaces in what will be a high-end apartment building with expansive views owing to its heightened location. A public launch is pending.

<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/EXT4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hawthorn Hill. Image courtesy 360 Property Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/EXT4.jpg?itok=_9pKZLQE" title="Hawthorn Hill. Image courtesy 360 Property Group" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

<figcaption>Hawthorn Hill. Image courtesy 360 Property Group</figcaption></figure><h2>The Independent - 124-130 Burwood Road, Hawthorn</h2>

The Independent will be the latest offering from ICD Property. Turning to Orbit Architecture once more, the design supersedes a previous scheme and instead will seek to deliver this fetching project. Details are sketchy but the six level project will avail itself soon enough.

<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/Image55652.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Orbit Architecture have conceived The Independent. Image © Orbit Solutions"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image55652.jpg?itok=E9QYeNlI" title="Orbit Architecture have conceived The Independent. Image © Orbit Solutions" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

<figcaption>Orbit Architecture have conceived The Independent. Image © Orbit Solutions</figcaption></figure><h2>My Place Hawthorn - 10-12 Albert Street, Hawthorn East</h2>

One of the growing throng of apartment projects within close proximity to Auburn Station, My Place Hawthorn won approval via VCAT last year. A fully functional display suite is onsite yet the project has not launched publicly. The seven level, L-shaped project which also fronts Lilydale Grove has been designed by Carabott Holt Turcinov and will hold 151 apartments according to its planning application. The building will include an expansive courtyard designed by Jack Merlo.

<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/Image7441.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Renders of My Place Hawthorn. Images © Scharp Design"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image7441.jpg?itok=H6xrcviI" title="Renders of My Place Hawthorn. Images © Scharp Design" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

<figcaption>Renders of My Place Hawthorn. Images © Scharp Design</figcaption></figure><h2>Alta Apartments - 456 Barkers Road, Hawthorn East</h2>

With a sales campaign held early last year Alta Apartments seemingly faltered. Quite honestly we don't know too much about this project but a number of online sources say the project will be launching soon - time will tell. Designed by Crosier Scott the project fits in 41 apartments in a project fitting in both scale and design quality.

<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/ALTA1_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Alta Apartments. Image © Crosier Scott"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/ALTA1_0.jpg?itok=SG2RWsdZ" title="Alta Apartments. Image © Crosier Scott" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

<figcaption>Alta Apartments. Image © Crosier Scott</figcaption></figure><h2>Leo Apartments - 18 Camberwell Road, Hawthorn East</h2>

70% sold at launch last weekend. Not too shabby at all for the team from Kokoda Property Group who with Artisan Architects have conceived Leo. The project will take its place on the ever popular Camberwell Road where projects up to six levels are/will be the norm. 88 apartments in total meaning roughly 26 still at market as of earlier this week - snap to it!

<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/Image66563.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Going strong at Leo. Image © Artisan Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image66563.jpg?itok=lh3QDWNE" title="Going strong at Leo. Image © Artisan Architects" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

<figcaption>Going strong at Leo. Image © Artisan Architects</figcaption></figure><h2>Hawthorn Black - 5-7 Montrose Street, Hawthorn East</h2>

A product of ITUM Property and BG Architects, Hawthorn Black will contain 55 apartments in an altogether decent looking building. Platinum Construction have been engaged to build the project so a start seems imminent. ITUM's website describes the project as "An economic and eco-friendly building, inflected with a touch of the area's history and an aesthetic affinity to its environment. The apartment complex features Hawthorn Black Brick which pays homage to the visual style of bygone Hawthorn."

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Img_6728.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hawthorn Black by ITUM Development"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_6728.jpg?itok=87EJzwGl" title="Hawthorn Black by ITUM Development" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

<figcaption>Hawthorn Black by ITUM Development</figcaption></figure><h2>Syracuse - 8 Queens Avenue, Hawthorn</h2>

Syracuse Hawthorn has ringed up 60% sales according to the projects website. Slowly but surely the little apartment project that could has moved the majority of its 27 apartments on offer. Apartments still available but this project in a quiet pocket off Burwood Road will move to construction seemingly quite soon.

<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/Image54524.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Syracuse Hawthorn has made steady sales progress. Image courtesy Beller Marketing"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image54524.jpg?itok=YwVMrLGl" title="Syracuse Hawthorn has made steady sales progress. Image courtesy Beller Marketing" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

<figcaption>Syracuse Hawthorn has made steady sales progress. Image courtesy Beller Marketing</figcaption></figure><h2>Brilliant Hawthorn - 30-32 Lilydale Grove, Hawthorn East</h2>

66 apartments are up for grabs within Brilliant Hawthorn. A product of Topgan Group and Interlandi Mantesso Architects, the project has gone through the standard channels for construction tender with Hacer, Becon,Construction Engineering, Buildcorp Commercial and Harris HMC jostling to deliver the apartment project. A mix of one and two bedroom apartments are available with an overall sales worth of $45 million plus.

<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/Image8_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Brilliant Hawthorn. Image © brillianthawthorn.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image8_10.jpg?itok=lvQDIScH" title="Brilliant Hawthorn. Image © brillianthawthorn.com.au" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

<figcaption>Brilliant Hawthorn. Image © brillianthawthorn.com.au</figcaption></figure><h2>Solstice Apartments - 138 Camberwell Road, Hawthorn East</h2>

The website has yet to divulge much information but Solstice looms as one the area's premier apartment developments with Fender Katsalidis and Benson Property Group teaming up to conceive this 108 apartment project. Visually top notch with a large internal courtyard, Solstice will carry 31 one bedroom apartments and 77 two bed options. Last night (21st August) Marshall White and Australian Finance &amp; Property Solutions Group (AFPS Group) held an information night onsite at 138 Camberwell Road, so a public launch is imminent.

<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/Imagevc9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The curves of Solstice. Images © Fender Katsalidis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Imagevc9.jpg?itok=2GkOGMU_" title="The curves of Solstice. Images © Fender Katsalidis" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

<figcaption>The curves of Solstice. Images © Fender Katsalidis</figcaption></figure><h2>Comment</h2>

While the nine above projects are set to add approximately 640 apartments to the area's stock, they also ensure that Hawthorn/Hawthorn East will be home to a number of tower cranes for the foreseeable future. Coupled with the cluster of projects mentioned at the head of the article already under construction and over 1000 new apartments will be added to the area in the short/medium term with a broad choice of designs, layouts and amenity available.

Impressive yes, but in an upcoming article, we will look at a number of planning applications/projects within Hawthorn/Hawthorn East that have yet to make their mark.
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Hawthorn apartment market: the quiet achiever

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A piece today highlighting the march of apartment living into areas you may not expect. Bay Road joins both Sandringham and Cheltenham with Sandringham Station and Southland Shopping Centre notable markers at either end. With an abundance of vacant blocks and dilapidated light industrial structures, Bay Road lends itself to intensive redevelopment given the abundance of nearby services/amenity.

And so a number of apartment projects have begun in recent months, the most notable being Sandy Hill and The Bay located next to one another, spanning 218-228 Bay Road, Sandringham.

<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/Image5621.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Sandy Hill &amp; The Bay side by side. Images © respective websites"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image5621.jpg?itok=vYRpAQe8" title="Sandy Hill &amp; The Bay side by side. Images © respective websites" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

Buxton Constructions website news feed for <a href="/buildings/sandy-hill-penthouse-222-bay-road-sandringham" target="_blank">Sandy Hill</a> reads as follows;

Sandringham's skyline set to change The $50 million stage one of the imposing Sandyhill Apartments in Sandringham comprises 187 of the 495 apartments scheduled to be constructed on the expansive Bay Road site. Rising to eight levels on the south section and six on the north, the complex consists of reinforced concrete post-tensioned slabs, columns and pre-cast panels over a three-level basement incorporating car parking and residents' storage areas. 

Excavated to a depth of almost seven metres, the basement – with a drained sub-slab – descends below the water table, requiring the installation of concrete diaphragm retaining walls below ground level. “When the more than 25,000 cubic-metres of soil has been removed and the retention walls are completed, the two tower cranes required for materials handling will be installed and dominate the local skyline for almost two years,” Buxton project manager Lucas Forsyth said.

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Img_5376.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="One of two expected tower cranes in action on Sandy Hill Apartments"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_5376.jpg?itok=ItgVLWVe" title="One of two expected tower cranes in action on Sandy Hill Apartments" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

Next door, <a href="http://urbanmelbourne.info/projects/bayside/the-bay-sandringham-218-bay-road-sandringham" target="_blank">The Bay</a> with 112 apartments is also under construction, with Ione Property's description reading as follows

The bay is a unique apartment building built in the hub of Bay St Sandringham, located within a recently remodelled district surrounded by new office buildings. Only 500m to Bluff Rd Medical Centre, 3km to Linacre Private Hospital, 1.2km to Sandringham Memorial Hospital and 100m from Sandringham East Primary &amp; Sandringham College. Shops 1.5km to Bay Rd Shops and Cafes, 2.7km to Southland Shopping Centre and Transport 2km to Sandringham Station.

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Img_5270_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Bay under construction"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_5270_0.jpg?itok=Rx8pxJiA" title="The Bay under construction" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

These two developments combined will yield an impressive 607 new apartments for the area, yet they may be a precursor to what Places Victoria has in store. Currently holding a site at 329 Bay Road Cheltenham, sized at 15,000sqm, the Government agency is also negotiating with the Commonwealth Government to <a href="http://www.theweeklyreviewbayside.com.au/story/1387475/bayside-council-battles-to-retain-control-over-highett-csrio-site-redevelopment/" target="_blank">purchase the CSIRO site</a> adjoining 329 Bay Road. At 90,000sqm the CSIRO site is mind-boggling, these two sites combined would deliver a development site of 105,000sqm !

329 Bay Road alone is now subject to an initial Places Victoria proposal, with apartment buildings up to eight levels included amongst the sites mixed uses. Should the CSIRO site fall under the auspices of Places Victoria, Bay Road will definitely be an apartment hotspot of the future.

 

 
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Hotspots - All the way along the Bay?

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A busy weekend has come and gone with 18 new projects appearing in the database, some of which are highlighted below. We still have a multitude of projects yet to be entered, with some of the new residential tower designs (most of which are at the planning stage) quite outstanding...but they are for another day.

We'll also be rolling out some new features through the database in coming weeks, including making it easier to find projects which are at a Registration and Sales stage. Further the database will be expanded to cover all building over all stages (proposed to completion) and all uses, thereby providing the most complete and up-to-date Melbourne building database there is. This will be yet another long-term project and the new data will be gradually added.

As for the most recent database additions, they cover wider Melbourne with suburbs such as Carnegie, Essendon, Maribyrnong, Nunawading, St Kilda and the CBD scoring additional projects. If nothing else it shows now how entrenched apartment living has become through metropolitan Melbourne.

<a href="/buildings/summus-2-wests-road-maribyrnong" target="_blank">2 Wests Road, Maribyrnong</a> is a new planning application before Maribyrnong City Council. Put forward by Pace Investment Group and designed by Doig Architecture, the scheme covers three buildings with 192 apartments expected. Within close proximity to the approved 19 level, 62 Wests Road complex, this new application enforces the already impressive number of new apartment proposals that have encircled Highpoint Shopping Centre, the areas main draw card.

<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/Image9_0_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="2 Wests Road, Maribyrnong. Image © Doig Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image9_0_0.jpg?itok=MmvabbhH" title="2 Wests Road, Maribyrnong. Image © Doig Architecture" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

<a href="/buildings/200-204-wells-street-south-melbourne">200-204 Wells Street, South Melbourne</a> is an approved residential tower prepared for 15 Park Street Pty Ltd. Taking up a corner location on Wells Street &amp; Park Street, the 22 level complex will hold 261 apartments and 194 car parking bays. It's expected to abutt the proposed <a href="/new-apartments/50-park-street-south-melbourne" target="_blank">50 Park Street</a> apartment complex.

<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/artisanarc.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="200-204 Wells Street, South Melbourne. Image © Artisan Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/artisanarc.jpg?itok=khCYc-Kr" title="200-204 Wells Street, South Melbourne. Image © Artisan Architects" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

FRD - 2 Morton Avenue, Carnegie is currently at sales. Put forward by high-end developer Fridcorp, the development will contain 40 apartments over 5 levels and is opposite Carnegie Train station. <a href="http://frd.fridcorp.com.au/" target="_blank">See the website</a>.

<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/Image4_3_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="FRD - 2 Morton Avenue, Carnegie. Image © Fridcorp"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image4_3_0.jpg?itok=SLkVlTaI" title="FRD - 2 Morton Avenue, Carnegie. Image © Fridcorp" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

1048 - 1060 Mt Alexander Road, Essendon has been proposed for some time, and is currently mired in legal proceeding relating to site ownership. At nine levels and containing 101 apartments, it would be Essendon's largest apartment development. Designed by Jackson Clement Burrowes, the design may take its place amongst other buildings on the already established apartment strip.

<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/Image11_0_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="1048-1060 Mt Alexander Road, Essendon. Image © Jackson Clement Burrowes"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image11_0_0.jpg?itok=IxGM1VtD" title="1048-1060 Mt Alexander Road, Essendon. Image © Jackson Clement Burrowes" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

<a href="/buildings/leroy-40-packington-street-st-kilda" target="_blank">Packington Apartments - 44 Packington Street, St Kilda</a> is an intended residential development by fast expanding Melbourne developer Urban Inc. Highlighted on their <a href="http://www.urbaninc.com.au/places/packington-street" target="_blank">website</a>, the six level project expects to house 83 apartments, and is close by to a number of large residential projects about to commence their sales campaign.

<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/56_19-04-2013_1403.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Packington Apartments - 44 Packington Street, St Kilda. Image © Urban Inc"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/56_19-04-2013_1403.jpg?itok=pHC9297O" title="Packington Apartments - 44 Packington Street, St Kilda. Image © Urban Inc" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

These projects are but a few of what can be expected in the near future. Stay tuned as UrbanMelbourne.info brings into focus a number of visually exceptional apartment developments in coming weeks, starting with the redesigned Queensbridge Tower proposal later this week, a Bates Smart classic in the making!
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Alastair Taylor

New projects in the Urban.com.au database

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On a monthly basis a Apartments.com.au will publish our Top 5 picks of buildings Under Construction, Proposed.  To start us off, we are publishing our Top 5 projects which are currently under construction in our city for June, and counting down from number 5, here they are!

Tip: open the project database link and forum link in a new window to view the renders for each project.

 

5. Tip Top, East Brunswick

Why do we like it? Lygon Street in East Brunswick has been identified by Apartments.com.au as an urban development <a href="/news/hotspots-lygon-street-east-brunswick">hotspot</a>.  The Tip Top project, currently under construction on the former Tip Top bakery factory site will add a significant amount of new residents to Lygon Street.  With very high frequency tram routes into and out of the city and multiple cross-town bus routes, Tip Top will have some of the best public transport access outside the inner city.  A strong restaurant and cafe scene, bars such as <a href="http://www.eydies.com.au/" target="_blank">Eydies</a>, <a href="http://www.atticusfinch.com.au/" target="_blank">Atticus Finch</a> and <a href="http://www.thealehouseproject.com.au/" target="_blank">The Alehouse Project</a> (Northsiders don't have to travel to the Southside for good beer anymore!) - Tip Top is going to have access to all of it, most of which within a 100m walk.

<div>
<a href="/buildings/tip-top-brunswick-170-edward-street-brunswick-east">Project database</a> and <a href="/news">Forum thread</a>
</div>

<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/number%205_%20tip%20top.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Tip Top apartments on the way up."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/number%205_%20tip%20top.jpg?itok=TUCPIGPx" title="Tip Top apartments on the way up." typeof="Image"></a>

 

4. Swanston Square, Carlton

Why do we like it? Swanston Square is being built on arguably one of the most important redevelopment sites in Melbourne. Located at the former CUB brewery site on the corner of Swanston Street &amp; Victoria Parade peering directly down Swanston Street to the Shrine of Remembrance, the developers and architects were entrusted to create an iconic building. Once complete, Swanston Square will boast a distinctive facade depicting the face of the aboriginal elder from the Wurundjeri tribe, William Barak.  The stretch of Swanston Street between La Trobe and Victoria Streets is no stranger to bold architectural statements and Swanston Square will enrich the precinct even more.

<a href="/buildings/swanston-square-551-swanston-street-carlton">Project database</a> and <a href="/news">Forum thread</a>

<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/Number%204_swanston%20sq.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Early construction progress at Swanston Square "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Number%204_swanston%20sq.jpg?itok=QedtoI0G" title="Early construction progress at Swanston Square " typeof="Image"></a>

 

3. Prima Pearl, Southbank

Why do we like it? Besides the fact it will stand 254 metres once completed and that it is the tallest tower under construction in Australia at present, Prima Pearl apartments are being constructed in an area of Southbank which will soon boast even more 200m+ towers.  Even at an early stage of construction, the quality of the glass and the form of this building will ensure that it will really stand out amongst the crowd in years to come.   

<a href="/buildings/prima-tower-31-queensbridge-street-southbank">Project database</a> and <a href="/news">Forum thread</a>

<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/Number%203_prima.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Prima Pearl under construction."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Number%203_prima.jpg?itok=NH4g6bWg" title="Prima Pearl under construction." typeof="Image"></a>

 

2. The Commons, Brunswick

Why do we like it? In terms of sustainable living in Melbourne or anywhere in the world for that matter, this building certainly pushes the boundaries, and we <a href="http://urbanmelbourne.info/development/2013/04/01/is-this-melbournes-best-new-residential-development#content">love</a> it! The Commons sits in a current hot bed of <a href="http://urbanmelbourne.info/development/2013/05/14/anstey-in-development">development</a> and is being developed by Small Giants who have incorporated the expertise of Breathe Architects to produce a building with an incredible 8 star energy rating! Great effort! 

<a href="/new-apartments/brunswick-vic-3056">Project database</a> and <a href="/news">Forum thread</a>

<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/number%202_the%20commons.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Commons and a new horizon."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/number%202_the%20commons.jpg?itok=odrYJ6eW" title="The Commons and a new horizon." typeof="Image"></a>

 

1. The Quays, Docklands

Why do we like it?  Well.... what's not to like about The Quays. The developer, MAB Corporation and architects McBride Charles Ryan started with a tricky site to work with, but they have managed to deliver an astonishing pair of towers and podium that complement the site effortlessly for today and into the future. The flowing podium &amp; tower form builds on the Conder's curves and provides a nice contrast with the existing block-centric towers of the original NewQuay towers to the West.  We will never get sick of MCR's use of purple! Our Number 1.

<a href="/buildings/the-quays-231-harbour-esplanade-docklands">Project database</a> and <a href="/news">Forum thread</a>

<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/number%201_the%20quays.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Quays, almost completed."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/number%201_the%20quays.jpg?itok=bWHcA6Hd" title="The Quays, almost completed." typeof="Image"></a>

 

What do you think of our Top 5? Did we get it right, or are we horribly wrong? Tell us what your Top 5 residential projects under construction are at the moment by using our <a href="/developments">Project Database</a> as a reference.
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Urban.com.au's Top 5 Picks: Under Construction June 2013

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If I were to simply mention Lygon Street, most would automatically assume I was talking about Little Italia in Carlton. Approximately 2km North of the cafés, pizzerias and gelato shoppes of Carlton, Lygon Street, East Brunswick has turned into a nightlife and development hotspot. Truth be known Lygon Street is the border of Brunswick and East Brunswick however many of the locals simply refer to both sides of the street as East Brunswick, much like Smith Street is the border between Fitzroy and Collingwood and "Smith St Collingwood" is the generally accepted locale reference, 

The 1.2 km stretch of Lygon Street intersecting with Brunswick Road to the south and Albion Street to the north is a hotbed of bars &amp; pubs, wholesale outlets, restaurants, brothels, unique retailers, derelict buildings, some remnant light industry - you name it, it's got it. Of particular interest to the myself and other UM staff members are the breweries and craft beer venues that have recently flourished, yet the area is also seeing substantial interest from developers keen to leverage off this neighbourhood's appeal and as UrbanMelbourne does, we've tracked all major projects from proposal through to construction.

UrbanMelbourne earlier this year touched upon the <a href="/news/transforming-australian-cities-a-must-read" target="_blank">Transforming Australian Cities</a> strategy that aims to focus higher-density development along existing public transport corridors and the strategy maintains new development should be low to mid-rise.  Blessed with 2 tram routes running on the one track - the #1 and #8 - Lygon Street sees very high frequency of service between Moreland Road (further north) to  Swanston Street where the two lines merge with others tram services at Melbourne University.  Throw in a healthy mix of cross-town bus routes on key East-West arterials, <a href="/news/bus-routes-which-need-improvement-the-506" target="_blank">although many of the individual bus routes could be improved</a>, an existing &amp; thriving retail sector and you have a recipe which can sustain a higher residential and working population.

As the gallery (page bottom) shows, many recent builds and new apartments are forming a street wall approximately 3-4 levels high, with setbacks forming small-scale towers beyond - this is important as it demonstrates we can build more density into existing areas whilst maintaining streetscape sun penetration.

To date Lygon Street has mainly attracted residential development, but one wonders if this will always remain the case given the excellent connectivity and general appeal of the area.  Below is a list of the projects UrbanMelbourne is monitoring and no doubt there'll be many more to come over the years.

<a href="/new-apartments/brunswick-vic-3056">Upper Lygon - 457-459 Lygon Street.</a>

Under Construction

<img alt="" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/project-renders/Building%20Exterior%20-%20Low%20Res.jpg" style="width: 710px; height: 487px;">

 

<a href="http://urbanmelbourne.info/projects/moreland/kale-apartments-455-lygon-st-brunswick#content" target="_blank">Kale Apartments - 455 Lygon Street.</a>

Registration &amp; Sales

<img alt="" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/project-renders/2010294544_1_FS.JPG" style="width: 710px; height: 600px;">

 

<a href="/buildings/stratus-360-lygon-street-brunswick-east" target="_blank">Stratus - 360 Lygon Street.</a>

Under construction

<img alt="" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/project-renders/00-RENDER001-Exterior_Crn-Victoria-Lygon_001.jpg" style="width: 710px; height: 611px;">

 

The East - 280 Lygon Street.

Registration &amp; Sales

<img alt="" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/project-renders/front%20facade%20web.jpg" style="width: 710px; height: 449px;">

 

<a href="/buildings/joulia-200-lygon-street-brunswick-east" target="_blank">Joulia - 200 Lygon Street</a>

Under Construction

<img alt="" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/project-renders/22_F1002064C_119.jpg" style="width: 710px; height: 473px;">

 

<a href="/buildings/tip-top-brunswick-170-edward-street-brunswick-east" target="_blank">Tip Top - 170 Edward Street</a>

Under Construction

<img alt="" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/project-renders/image-tools.php__3.jpg" style="width: 710px; height: 473px;">

 

<a href="/buildings/seamstress-11-13-lygon-street-brunswick-east">11-13 Lygon Street</a>

Approved

<img alt="" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/project-renders/Lygon_03_4ea5eff92f20f.jpg" style="width: 710px; height: 395px;">

 

<a href="/buildings/8-lygon-street-brunswick-east" target="_blank">6-20 Lygon Street</a>

Approved

<img alt="" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/project-renders/residential-multi-2_src_3_0.jpg" style="width: 710px; height: 459px;">

 

Below is a gallery of some recent construction images taken by UrbanMelbourne.info staff on Lygon Street, East Brunswick
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Hotspots: Lygon Street, East Brunswick

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Consider Wilson Street, South Yarra a snapshot of Melbourne at large. For so long a light commercial area typified by a multitude of single level factories, Wilson Street like Melbourne all over has seen an ever increasing number of residential projects take root as developers ride the increasing popularity of apartment living. There are now five apartment buildings at different stages of the development cycle along Wilson Street.

As old factories disappear, medium rise apartment buildings take their place in what seems to be South Yarra's back blocks of strength. Nearby Garden Street and Simmons Street are also subject to mid-rise proposals. While this pocket may not have the size and glitz of a Forest Hill precinct address nearby, they're equally well if not better positioned in accessing Chapel Street's many offerings.

Pure, Kudos, WLSN and Mode shown below will together yield 111 new apartments and conceivably 200+ new residents to the area.

<a href="/buildings/pure-apartments-42-wilson-street-south-yarra" target="_blank">Pure Apartments - 42 Wilson Street</a>. Registration &amp; Sales

<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/Image1_16_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Pure Apartments - 42 Wilson Street, South Yarra. Image © pureapartments.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image1_16_0.jpg?itok=1VwEgdrG" title="Pure Apartments - 42 Wilson Street, South Yarra. Image © pureapartments.com.au" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

<a href="/new-apartments/kudos-26-wilson-st-south-yarra">Kudos - 26 Wilson Street</a>. Registration &amp; Sales

<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/Image10_0_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Kudos - 26 Wilson St, South Yarra. Image courtesy moneychoice.com"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image10_0_0.jpg?itok=9WZTSAtF" title="Kudos - 26 Wilson St, South Yarra. Image courtesy moneychoice.com" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

<a href="/buildings/the-wlsn-7-wilson-street-south-yarra" target="_blank">WLSN Apartments - 7 Wilson Street</a>. Under construction

<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/Image9_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The WLSN - 7 Wilson St, South Yarra. Image © thewlsn.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image9_4.jpg?itok=PGp1Xxe9" title="The WLSN - 7 Wilson St, South Yarra. Image © thewlsn.com.au" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

<a href="/buildings/mode-25-wilson-street-south-yarra" target="_blank">Mode Apartments - 25 Wilson Street</a>. Under construction

<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/1_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Mode - 25 Wilson St, South Yarra. Image courtesy Proalliance"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/1_1.jpg?itok=mpHeKnlF" title="Mode - 25 Wilson St, South Yarra. Image courtesy Proalliance" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

Add to these the latest and largest development nearing the starters gun with images below depicting 31-43 Wilson Street. Abutting Mode Apartments the site is currently under control of Valeo Construction and under demolition. Details are limited but images via Fraher Design 3D show a large nine level apartment complex with active street frontage to Wilson Street. Underground carpark access is seemingly via Garden Lane to the rear of the building while a north-south passage and lobby is also visible. Looking remarkably similar to A Place To Live apartments on Burnley Street, Richmond one could make the assumption that SJB Architects may well be responsible for the design.

Projects such as those above certainly don't garner the media attention (or hysterical response for that matter) of the high rises through Melbourne's CBD and Southbank, yet are no less important to the overall apartment stock. What is happening in Wilson Street is happening Melbourne over, the rapid increase in mid-rise apartment buildings during the past few years has been impressive, and shows no sign of abating.
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The Wilson Street microcosm

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As a follow-up piece to my recent <a href="/news/anstey-in-colour" target="_blank">Anstey in Colour</a> piece, today we'll dissect the growing number of apartment buildings surrounding Anstey Station and the subsequent change in the area's urban character. Below the reader will find more questions than answers, designed to provoke thought more than anything else.

Firstly though a brief outline of the area's recent and ongoing renewal into an apartment enclave.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="375" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://maps.google.com.au/maps/ms?msa=0&amp;msid=211205020527797360410.0004dc970867eec7df460&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;t=m&amp;ll=-37.762437,144.961295&amp;spn=0.005937,0.00912&amp;z=16&amp;output=embed" width="100%"></iframe> View <a href="https://maps.google.com.au/maps/ms?msa=0&amp;msid=211205020527797360410.0004dc970867eec7df460&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;t=m&amp;ll=-37.762437,144.961295&amp;spn=0.005937,0.00912&amp;z=16&amp;source=embed" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">Anstey in Development</a> in a larger map

Completed (Yellow)                                         Under construction (Red)                                            At sales (Green)

20 Breese Street - Anstey Square                 <a href="/new-apartments/brunswick-vic-3056">7 Florence Street - The Commons </a>                            <a href="/buildings/the-wilkinson-33-breese-street-brunswick" target="_blank">33 Breese Street - The Wilkinson</a>

10-12 Breese Street                                        <a href="/buildings/geox-37-breese-street-brunswick" target="_blank">37 Breese Street - Geox Apartments</a>                          <a href="/buildings/host-of-brunswick-8-hope-street-brunswick" target="_blank">10-14 Hope Street - Shimalli</a>

32 Breese Street                                              <a href="/buildings/westside-4-west-street-brunswick" target="_blank">4 west street - Westside Apartments</a>

28 Breese Street                                              8 Hope Street                                                                  Impending development (Purple)

3 Florence Street                                                                                                                                         26 Breese Street

208 Albion street                                                                                                                                         16 Hope Street

Revisiting Anstey in Colour, I noted that light industrial inner city areas such as Anstey are ripe for higher density apartment living. Sandwiched between Sydney Road and the Upfield rail line in an already highly desirable area to live, Anstey is dominated by single level factories and presents a golden opportunity to implement a sustainable higher density outcome while still being sympathetic to the area's urban character.

Currently the area has a very much unscripted feel about it. Florence and Breese Street below typifies the contrast of older dwellings heavy with charm and newer, albeit far more sterile apartment complexes. Given these new developments carry little of no retail offering and seemingly shun street activity, the average passer-by is left with little to no stimulus.

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Img_7873.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The contrast of Florence Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_7873.jpg?itok=frgq0Wqm" title="The contrast of Florence Street" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

The under construction Westside Apartments (below Left) is very much symptomatic of the new wave of apartment developments in the area. A small block leads to full site utilisation with little room for other features or meaningful street activation. Aesthetically OK when viewed in isolation, the issue arises when multiple versions of developments such as Westside meet wall to wall and maintain the same lack of street level acknowledgement.

Enter the current eastern side of Breese Street (below right). The sum of the whole seems to be a far worse outcome than what each development brings in isolation. No setbacks, narrow footpaths, wide roads (in parts) and no street level activation - is smart urban design present here?

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Img_4997_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Westside apartments (left) with Breese Street. Render © westsideapartments.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_4997_1.jpg?itok=2ulvHBUs" title="Westside apartments (left) with Breese Street. Render © westsideapartments.com.au" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

What could have been achieved though with minor changes at minimal expense? The image below shows the Anstey Square redevelopment with 10-12 Breese Street to its right. Simple changes or Council clauses could have been incorporated during the design and approval process to make this a far superior outcome to what was built in recent years.

Given the areas impressive catalogue of street art which will diminish over time as more sites are developed, the precast panels for instance facing Breese Street would have represented a perfect opportunity to allocate each panel to an artist for a tasteful mural, possibly recognising the site or the immediate area's history. This would have brought vibrancy and an element of interest to the street scape.

<a href="http://urbanmelbourne.info/development/2013/04/01/is-this-melbournes-best-new-residential-development" target="_blank">7 Florence Street</a> aside, the lack of incorporated greenery through these new apartment developments is highly noticeable. Coupled with an already desolate streetscape, these new apartment developments add very little greenery resulting in a somewhat hostile environment at ground level. Creepers over the fence line or vertical gardens heading up the buildings precast concrete elements would have provided immense urban returns for minimal outlay. And what of simple fixed planter boxes along the roof line of these buildings?

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Img_4990.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="20 Breese Street / Anstey Square with 10-12 Breese Street to the rear"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_4990.jpg?itok=yUkbQXJ1" title="20 Breese Street / Anstey Square with 10-12 Breese Street to the rear" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

Where does City of Moreland stand in this? This area demonstrates rapid-fire development without a cohesive, overarching structure plan. It may well have one, but if it does it's average at best. Herein lies the worth of development structure plans, height limits aside they should seek to enrich the urban character of an area, to make an area better than what is was prior . Is it worth Council imposing a minimal levy per every apartment sold from this point on in order to fund improvement works? Simple and relatively cheap options such as removing every fifth parallel carpark and replacing those spaces with water sensitive raised garden beds doubling as seating allows the built form to be broken up,  increases amenity/shade and a provides place for individuals to congregate and interact.

Ultimately the purpose of this article is to portray the notion that minor changes, even retrospectively can lead to major urban gains. Anstey Station's surrounds still has tremendous scope for development, here's hoping that's matched with an shift in attitudes by developers, architects and council alike.

To that end Laurence will reveal a spectacular Blockhead concept for the redevelopment of Brunswick Market tomorrow. Central to the Anstey area and the primary driver in attracting people traffic through the immediate area, the concept will try to balance commercial realities with heightened environmental, urban and design principles.

 

Further images of Anstey below
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Anstey in Development

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When people say "Lygon Street", many will automatically think of Melbourne's Little Italy, just beyond the CBD and Trades Hall in Carlton.  Indeed many residents of our city don't really associate Lygon Street with Brunswick, let alone are aware of the change that it is rapidly coming to the fore on this inner north urban thoroughfare.

Lygon Street East Brunswick is also rapidly gaining a reputation for being one of Melbourne's craft beer hubs. Temple and Thunder Road breweries are now located and producing either side of the street; The Alehouse Project, Atticus Finch, Eydies, Mr Wilkinson and many other bars in the area place a strong emphasis on sourcing their beer from micro breweries, be they Victorian or interstate.

The same stretch of street is starting to feel like it is urbanising faster than you can order 2 pints of Holgate Temptress @ The Alehouse.   From Brunswick Road in the south to Albion Street in the North, Lygon St East Brunswick is fast becoming the poster-child of appropriate retrofitting of existing urban areas to increase urban density with a genuine focus on Public and non-motorised Transport. 

The Stratus project, located at 360 Lygon Street in Brunswick East, is a perfect example of how the principles in the <a href="/news/transforming-australian-cities-a-must-read" target="_blank">Transforming Australian Cities</a> strategy are more or less being implemented outside the City of Melbourne LGA.

The new development is currently under construction, designed by <a href="http://maparchitecture.com.au" target="_blank">MAP Architecture</a>, developed by <a href="http://www.blueearth.com.au/">Blue Earth Group</a> with interiors by <a href="http://eadesandbergman.com/project/stratus/" target="_blank">Eades &amp; Bergman</a>. 

<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/00-RENDER003-Exterior_Victoria-Look-Down_001_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Fraher Design 3D"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/00-RENDER003-Exterior_Victoria-Look-Down_001_0.jpg?itok=MoAk9bwd" title="Image © Fraher Design 3D" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

<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/00-RENDER001-Exterior_Crn-Victoria-Lygon_001_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Fraher Design 3D"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/00-RENDER001-Exterior_Crn-Victoria-Lygon_001_0.jpg?itok=PXQ5UeH8" title="Image © Fraher Design 3D" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>Ticking the Transforming Australian Cities strategy boxes:

<ul>
<li>The building is 7 floors high and therefore is roughly the same height as Lygon Street is wide.  </li>
	<li>The building is higher at the street boundary and is set back further from the street, minimising impact on the residential areas beyond the main thoroughfare</li>
	<li>Strong active frontages on Lygon Street.</li>
	<li>Vehicular access is from the rear of the building.</li>
</ul>
Kudos to MAP for also integrating a stand-out green to both the awning (where many existing buildings generally have ordinary awnings, Stratus does not!) above the Lygon Street footpath and the picture frame-like crown facing Lygon Street.  

Editorial deadline constraints prevented me from contacting Blue Earth for comment in time (I'll try for a follow up in the next week or two), however UrbanMelbourne will endeavour to frequently highlight how the urban small is just as important, if not just as exciting, as the urban tall.  

Based on the sheer volume of projects currently either gearing up or in full swing all around metropolitan Melbourne, which you can all witness for yourselves in our <a href="/developments" target="_blank">Project Map</a>, it is pleasing to see the principles of the <a href="/news/transforming-australian-cities-a-must-read" target="_blank">Transforming Australian Cities</a> strategy are being implemented by the organisations which are key to building Melbourne's urban future. 

 
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