Roseville is poised for a wave of new apartment development following the NSW Government's rezoning of land around Roseville Station under its Transport Oriented Development program.

The new planning controls have unlocked significant development potential within walking distance of the station, with a number of sites expected to be amalgamated and redeveloped in the coming years as developers seek to take advantage of the increased density allowances.

One of the more restrained developments in the precinct, and set among the first to be delivered having commenced well before the recent changes, is Hyecorp's Juliet. The boutique apartment project is already well under construction and remains on track to welcome residents by the end of the year, offering a markedly different proposition to many of the larger-scale developments now likely to emerge across the suburb.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278194]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/juliet-roseville-64-pacific-highway-roseville-nsw-2069">Juliet</a> will comprise just&nbsp;34 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments opposite Roseville Station. For Hyecorp, which has delivered projects across Sydney's Lower North Shore for more than three decades, Roseville presented a rare opportunity to address a growing gap in the market.

"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/roseville-nsw-2069">Roseville</a> has long been one of the North Shore's most tightly held and desirable suburbs, offering a unique combination of village charm, established greenery, excellent transport connections, and proximity to some of Sydney's best schools and lifestyle amenities," Hyecorp said.

"We recognised a growing demand from local homeowners seeking to downsize without leaving the community they have built their lives around. The location presented a rare opportunity to create homes that cater specifically to that buyer profile."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278196]

The six-level development has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/pbd-architects">PBD Architects</a> as a collection of residences that feel more like homes than apartments. The brief centred generous floorplans, abundant natural light, quality finishes, and strong connections to outdoor space.

PBD Architects drew inspiration from Roseville's established garden suburb character, creating a building that sits comfortably within its surroundings rather than dominating them. The architecture incorporates natural materials, soft forms, layered landscaping, expansive balconies, and generous setbacks to strengthen the connection between residents and the suburb's leafy environment.

"The focus was on designing spacious, house-like residences for discerning owner-occupiers and downsizers who wanted to remain on the North Shore without compromising on comfort, privacy, or design," PBD said.&nbsp;

"Every apartment was to feel considered, timeless, and highly functional."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278195]

Inside, residences feature engineered timber flooring, stone kitchen benchtops and splashbacks, integrated Fisher &amp; Paykel appliances, ducted air conditioning, and large outdoor entertaining areas designed to take advantage of district and treetop views.

Residents will also have access to a rooftop barbecue and lounge area, alongside practical amenities including parcel lockers, EV charging capability, bicycle storage, a dog wash bay, and a basement car wash facility.

The majority of purchasers so far have been local owner-occupiers from Roseville, Lindfield, Chatswood, Killara, and the broader Upper North Shore, many of whom are transitioning from larger family homes.

"Buyers are looking for spacious, house-like apartments that allow them to downsize without feeling like they are sacrificing comfort or functionality," Hyecorp noted.

"They value large kitchens, generous living areas, ample storage, quality finishes, secure parking, lift access, and low-maintenance living."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278204]

Juliet sits directly opposite Roseville Train Station and within walking distance of Roseville Village, while Chatswood's retail and dining precinct is only minutes away. The development is also surrounded by some of Sydney's most established schools, including Roseville College, Ravenswood, Pymble Ladies' College, and Knox Grammar, as well as nearby parklands and golf courses.

Juliet is currently more than 75 per cent sold ahead of its anticipated completion in late 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7395]

Joel Robinson

Juliet to sit quietly amid Roseville apartment boom

Sherpa Property Group has unveiled the third instalment of its Flourish series, securing full approval for the two-tower, $500 million Flourish Soleira development in Palm Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-1150-1154-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a> will rise from a prominent site in the commercial heart of Palm Beach, the long-time home of Cash Converters and a range of local retailers.

The project will introduce a new retail and dining precinct at ground level, beneath 286 apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370959]

“We’re very committed to not only providing affordable residential offerings that are much needed in Palm Beach, but also delivering a vibrant new commercial heart that complements the extraordinary growth of the southern Gold Coast,” Sherpa Property Group founder Christie Leet said.

The development will sit under Sherpa's Flourish brand, which is aimed at providing a pathway into the beachside suburb for locals, first-home buyers and downsizers. In a move designed to assist first-home buyers entering the market, Sherpa has reserved all one and two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments exclusively for eligible first-home buyers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370964]

“Our vision through Flourish is to create a vibrant retail and lifestyle focal point within the Palm Beach centre zone, delivering thriving communities underpinned by lifestyle-rich locations,” Leet said.

“So far, Flourish has been an incredible success, and we hope to carry this momentum as we progress the next two Flourish projects in Palm Beach.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=371430]

Located across 1150-1164 Gold Coast Highway and 3 Sixth Avenue, the development will comprise two towers. The northern tower will deliver 154 apartments, while the southern tower will add a further 132 residences, helping address ongoing demand for new apartments in the tightly held coastal suburb.

Flourish Soleira will also feature the most extensive rooftop amenity offering ever delivered in Palm Beach.

The two towers will be connected by a skybridge, with residents gaining access to a rooftop recreation deck featuring a full-width swimming pool, hot and cold plunge pools, wellness spaces, a gymnasium, private dining facilities, massage treatment rooms, barbecue areas, a basketball court, golf simulator, indoor and outdoor dining spaces, sun lounges and extensive landscaping.

LPS Group is expected to start construction later this year.

Sherpa is already well advanced on construction of its debut Flourish project, Flourish Amargo, located just around the corner from Soleira. Meanwhile, Flourish Oasis, positioned opposite Amargo, recently commenced construction and has nearly sold out its collection of 47 apartments.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150017]

Sherpa unveils $500m mixed-use Palm Beach precinct, Flourish Soleira

Are mortgage holders set to get a reprieve from the RBA in 2026?

Big Four bank NAB believes so. They are now expecting the next move from the RBA to be a cut, rather than a hike, which they had pencilled in for August. They are unsure of the timing of the cut however, they note in their latest&nbsp;NAB Economics RBA Watch.

NAB Chief Economist, Dr Sally Auld, said recent data suggests the economy has lost momentum and the outlook for rates has shifted, noting that the broader economic backdrop has changed since earlier in the year.

“The next move in the cash rate is likely to be down, but the timing is uncertain," Dr Auld said.

"In February, growth was above trend, the economy was operating above capacity and there was uncertainty over the restrictiveness of rates. None of these conditions exist today,” she outlined.

Dr Auld said recent data pointed to softer momentum across the economy while acknowledging that at the same time, uncertainty remains a key feature of the outlook.

“Both Q1 GDP data and the NAB business survey suggest momentum in the economy has slowed, meaning that growth has likely peaked for the cycle. That said, we are cognisant there is still considerable uncertainty around the outlook, both with respect to activity and inflation.”

Dr Auld said inflation risks and labour market outcomes would be important to watch.

“On the prices side, we are still forecasting above target core inflation through to mid-2027. Margins will compress and weaker labour market outcomes are a risk.”

She said tighter financial conditions are expected to weigh on housing and activity.

“Tighter financial conditions will be reflected in a slowing in house price growth and housing credit growth. In summary, we have greater conviction that the next move in rates is down, but less conviction on the timing.”

Mortgage relief? NAB forecasts RBA rate cut, not hike, after softer economic conditions

A local downsizer has splashed $6.5 million on a penthouse in Perifa's Alex &amp; Willow development in Crows Nest. 
&nbsp; 
The purchaser sold their long-held family home in the area before embarking on a six-month search for the right apartment. After inspecting a range of options across the Lower North Shore, the buyer returned to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/alex-willow-crows-nest-82-90-alexander-street-crows-nest-nsw-2065">Alex &amp; Willow</a>. 
&nbsp; 
The buyer profile reflects the project’s broader purchaser mix. <a>Alex &amp; Willow</a> has attracted predominantly local downsizers looking to transition from larger homes without compromising on space or quality, alongside a smaller cohort of upsizers and investors drawn to the project’s location and design credentials. 
&nbsp; 
The milestone sale comes as the project, developed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/perifa">Perifa</a>&nbsp;and delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/versatile-made-construction">Versatile Construction</a>, both part of Versatile Group, reaches 60 per cent sold.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6680 project_image_fid=371325] 
&nbsp; 
Eddie Mansour, Managing Partner of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/ray-white-projects">Ray White Projects</a>, said the result demonstrates not only a headline price but also depth of demand. 
&nbsp; 
“This is an exceptional outcome and a clear reflection of sustained buyer demand for premium, well-located downsizer product,” Mansour said.

“We’re seeing a consistent pattern of local homeowners selling family residences and reinvesting into high-quality apartments that allow them to remain within their community. Alex &amp; Willow has resonated strongly with this group because it offers genuine scale, thoughtful design and immediate proximity to the village.” 
&nbsp; 
The sale reflects a broader and consistent trend of local downsizers actively seeking high-quality, low-maintenance residences close to established village centres. Agents report that demand for this product type has remained resilient, particularly where developments offer a rare combination of scale, design quality and walkable amenity. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
Fabrizio Perilli, Managing Director of Perifa and Versatile Group, said the sale marks a defining moment for the project. 
&nbsp; 
“The penthouse sale is a strong endorsement of the quality we have delivered, alongside our partners, and the clear demand from local downsizers for premium, boutique residences in this location,” Perilli said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
“Most importantly, we’re proud to see the Alex &amp; Willow community beginning to take shape. As we move closer to completion, we’re looking forward to welcoming residents and seeing the project come to life.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6680 project_image_fid=338516] 
&nbsp; 
Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/nettletontribe">Nettleton Tribe</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/richards-stanisich">Richards Stanisich</a>, Alex &amp; Willow is a boutique collection of generously sized two- and three-bedroom residences in the heart of Crows Nest village.&nbsp;

Completion is slated for early 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6680]

Alex & Willow, Crows Nest penthouse sells off the plan for $6.5 million

Fresh from launching the first stage of its Wollongong precinct, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/keira-place-wollongong-120-122-smith-street-wollongong-nsw-2500">Keira Place</a>, builder-developer Urban Property Group has unveiled plans for the next phase of the masterplanned community.

Now on public exhibition through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority pathway is a State Significant Development Application for a further 657 homes on the prominent gateway site opposite Beaton Park.

The proposal comprises three buildings, including two build-to-sell towers rising 25 and 30 storeys, delivering 391 apartments, alongside a 12-storey co-living building with 266 residences, making it one of the largest co-living proposals currently planned in regional New South Wales.

Of the apartments proposed in the build-to-sell towers, the majority, 310, are two-bedroom dwellings. The balance comprises 44 one-bedroom apartments and 37 three-bedroom residences. Apartment sizes range from around 50 sqm for one-bedroom homes to approximately 90 sqm for three-bedroom apartments.

<img alt="Smith St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="19347059-1612-41a0-9c74-b86a657237f8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-10%20at%2010.02.18%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sWXnaCcA.cIC6N8YT1dg5pJ2e1V3Z6z7" />

The submission says the proposal has evolved significantly from its original Housing Delivery Authority application following extensive consultation with the State Design Review Panel and Wollongong City Council.

The final scheme has been designed to align with the emerging vision for the Flinders Street Precinct, an area identified by Council as a future high-density mixed-use neighbourhood capable of accommodating substantial housing growth close to transport, employment and community infrastructure.

According to the design report prepared by COX Architecture, the development aims to "deliver a built outcome consistent with the future character of the Wollongong CBD while responding to the site's unique constraints and opportunities."

"Our vision for the next phase of the site evolution in Wollongong is grounded in three design pillars that guide the design response: place, natural environment and celebration," COX said.

"Inspired by its surroundings and grounded in the stories of place on Wodi Wodi Country, the design proposal acknowledges the established character of its setting while creating a unique and timeless identity that sits harmoniously within it.

"The design proposal responds to its specific site conditions, acknowledging the vegetation, climate, wind conditions and solar access of the site."

The architecture responds directly to the site's position between Wollongong's urban core and its natural landscape setting.

COX identified views towards Mount Keira and the Illawarra Escarpment as defining features of the site, while the upper levels of the towers will also capture expansive views across the city and out to the Pacific Ocean.

The design team has positioned the tallest buildings closer to the rail corridor, where overshadowing impacts can be better managed while establishing a landmark built form on the northern approach into the city.

<img alt="Smith St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="79580d5b-500c-4ebf-9629-797146a4a694" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-10%20at%209.51.59%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=WbTB1EKSG.KDfsfz0F3wp1QVa2oCMGR5" />

Urban Property Group secured the 11,000 sqm Smith Street site in 2022 and has since progressed plans for the broader Keira Place precinct.

Construction recently commenced on the first stage of Keira Place, which will deliver 150 apartments across two residential buildings, including 27 affordable housing apartments and 18 specialist disability accommodation dwellings, alongside activated ground-floor retail and commercial space.

Urban Co-CEO Patrick Elias said the commencement of construction marked a significant milestone for Wollongong and reflected the developer's long-term commitment to regional cities.

"Today's groundbreaking is about turning approvals into homes and moving quickly to deliver much-needed housing in Wollongong's city centre," Elias said.

"Keira Place will provide a diverse mix of homes close to jobs, transport and services, while setting a high benchmark for quality, durability and consumer protection."

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/groundbreaking-marks-start-of-construction-at-keira-place-in-wollongong-cbd">Groundbreaking marks start of construction at Keira Place in Wollongong CBD</a>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Urban Property Group unveils trio of towers for next stage of new Wollongong precinct, Keira Place

St Kilda

<html><body>
The recent upward trajectory of St Kilda Junction has received an exclamation mark of sorts with a massive mixed-use planning application currently with City of Port Phillip.

Located at <a href="/new-apartments/8-12-punt-road-st-kilda">8-12 Punt Road</a> and 3-7 Wellington Street, the project which has been dubbed One St Kilda Junction would stand at over 90 metres if given the green light. Developer Drekoncile Pty Ltd has engaged <a href="/architects/plus-architecture">Plus Architecture</a> who have in turn created a uniquely shaped tower which incorporates a spiral form over its lower levels.

One St Kilda Junction would carry on the recent apartment push into St Kilda Junction, with the area's most recognisable recent addition, <a href="/buildings/the-icon-6-st-kilda-road-st-kilda">The Icon</a>, adjacent to the current Plus Architecture-driven proposal.

<h2>One St Kilda Junction application summary</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image33_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial perspective of the project. Image courtesy Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="351" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image33_4.jpg?itok=Sf-Ogmkh" title="Aerial perspective of the project. Image courtesy Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial perspective of the project. Image courtesy Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site address: 8-12 Punt Road and 3-7 Wellington Street, St Kilda.</li>
	<li>2,336sqm site with current commercial and limited residential use.</li>
	<li>Proposed 28 level mixed-use tower at 95.55 metres.</li>
	<li>286 apartments: 4 x studio, 130 x 1BR, 130 x 2BR, 18 x 3BR, 4 x 4BR.</li>
	<li>5,230sqm of commercial office space.</li>
	<li>958sqm of retail space over five tenancies.</li>
	<li>Six level basement holding 403 car spaces, 247 storage areas and 103 bicycle bays.</li>
	<li>Communal terrace and resident facilities over level 11.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Plus Architecture design statement</h2>

<blockquote>
Positioned right on the “Junction” the site has a responsibility to achieve significant site status. It must also elevate the built form conditions in the immediate context by setting a new precedent for any future development aspirations.

The result is a spiralling massing that begins at a historical scale of old St Kilda Road, then extrudes vertically to respond to the existing context heights of Wellington Street, with the spiral completing its turn at a height suitable for a symbolic building. The spiral form allows for the landscaping to continue vertically above the street tree canopies on the many terraces that are formed by the spiral shape.

The site shares three boundaries to three separate streets all with activated facades to achieve a day long activity at the ground plans and the immediate levels above. A pedestrian link running North South between Nelson Street and Wellington Street will give Nelson Street the opportunity to have some thriving North facing retail space.

The digital façade which holds the podium together as a horizontal band is a response to existing on site conditions, the unique traffic environment, and the vibrancy of St Kilda. This digital façade will also assist to elevate the identity of St Kilda Junction and this proposal.
<cite>Town planning report for One St Kilda Junction</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Digital desire</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/image6_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Light and colour are set to dominate lower levels. Image courtesy Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="301" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image6_4.jpg?itok=DKwfeGUd" title="Light and colour are set to dominate lower levels. Image courtesy Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Light and colour are set to dominate lower levels. Image courtesy Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure>Very few Melbourne planning applications have sought to include integrated digital façades as part of their development, yet given One St Kilda Junction 's positioning and existing exposure to billboard adverts the development team have chosen to apply digital screening over levels three and four.

Adverts, urban art installations and public information announcements are possibilities for the digital overlay which would capture passing traffic from Punt Road, St Kilda Road, Fitzroy Street and Barkly Street.

Consisting of semitransparent panels which would be internally illuminated by LED's the digital façade would still allow for external views and light penetration as it would for the most shroud office space over levels 3 and 4.

<h2>Expectations and reality</h2>

The development falls within the St Kilda Road South Precinct which is a preliminary strategic framework aiming to create new planning controls for the area.

At the time of One St Kilda Junction's submission the strategic framework plan had not yet been fully fomalised. It would seem that the development team has sought to utilise this 'grey area' with a proposal of 95 metres as opposed to the 35 metre limit called for within the preliminary strategic framework.

The Icon directly south of One St Kilda Junction passed successfully through VCAT during 2012 at 57 metres, thus providing a midway point or potentially a precedent between the developers want of 95 metres and Council's expectations of 35 metres. Council will not make a decision upon the merits of the proposal until this Wednesday at the very earliest.

<h2>One St Kilda Junction development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Drekoncile Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Project Manager: Pomeroy Pacific</li>
	<li>Architects: Plus Architecture</li>
	<li>Town Planning Consultants: <a href="/developers/urbis">Urbis</a>
</li>
	<li>Structural Engineers: BG &amp; E</li>
	<li>ESD and Services Engineers: Simpson Kotzman</li>
	<li>Traffic Engineers: Traffix Group</li>
	<li>Waste Management: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Wind Engineers: Vipac</li>
	<li>Building Surveyors: Floreancig Smith</li>
	<li>Shrine of Remembrance Vista Property Assessment Report: Bosco Jonson Pt y Lt d</li>
</ul>
</body></html>

silvermb

St Kilda Junction subject to its biggest development yet

<html><body>
Food for thought today as a follow-up piece to yesterday's article which highlighted <a href="/news/an-icon-complete">Icon St Kilda's completion</a>. The apartment tower which now sits atop St Kilda Junction is one of many new apartment projects (both completed and under construction) surrounding the Junction.

As the area grows in popularity, the Junction itself looks to be slipping into obscurity with the dated urban realm anything but inviting. With this in mind, Town Planning and Urban Design firm David Lock Associates instigated a design competition with the aim of reinvigorating St Kilda Junction.

Now complete, the competition dubbed <a href="http://www.dlaaust.com/re-imagine/">Re:imagine the Junction</a> sought innovative design solutions from final year, masters and post graduate planning, urban design and architecture students from Australian Universities.

<blockquote>
This competition is about new inner-urban futures – the Future City set within an historic urban fabric. A future fabric that not only meets 21st Century needs but also heals previous injuries inflicted on Melbourne's inner-urban inheritance.

Around 1970, the Melbourne Metropolitan Board of Works eviscerated central St Kilda. The heart of St Kilda Junction was ripped out. St Kilda’s High Street shopping spine, stretching south, was hacked away and discarded.

The wound has never healed. St Kilda Junction and old High Street are now hardly more than soulless, community-dividing traffic sewers.

The Re:imagine the Junction competition will aim to re-monumentalise St Kilda Junction, and restore St Kilda Rd South (the former High St) and the Princes Highway as the living backbone of the suburb. Not with a return to the past, but with the imposition of an ambitious future.
<cite>David Lock Associates</cite>
</blockquote>

Readers can <a href="http://www.dlaaust.com/re-imagine/student-entries/category/stage-two/">view the student entries</a> for the recently completed competition.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image25_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A selection of student works taken from the David Lock Associates website"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="330" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image25_3.jpg?itok=cLW9eXKA" title="A selection of student works taken from the David Lock Associates website" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A selection of student works taken from the David Lock Associates website</figcaption></figure>Although the above designs do not conform to the real world parameters of St Kilda Junction, they do nonetheless provoke thought.

St Kilda Junction is by and large a decrepit area whose freeway-style road grade separation also doubles as a nexus between Melbourne's south east and the inner city. As more and more apartments reach completion within the area, St Kilda Junction and surrounds should in theory see a marked increase in foot traffic.

The Junction in many ways looks to be a smaller version of City Road; increased residential development while the ground plane has been neglected altogether. Both now shape as a prime candidates for new urban design ideas and extensive civil works.

<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/image20_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Can the Junction's street level pizazz match that of its skyline. Image courtesy Melbourneguy"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="404" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image20_1.jpg?itok=FGv_7U6F" title="Can the Junction's street level pizazz match that of its skyline. Image courtesy Melbourneguy" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Can the Junction's street level pizazz match that of its skyline? Image courtesy Melbourneguy</figcaption></figure>
</body></html>

Bringing St Kilda Junction back to life?

<html><body>
Pace Development Group's The Icon (6 St Kilda Road, St Kilda) celebrated its completion with an event on the level 5 residents lounge. The avant-garde Jackson Clements Burrows-designed building in collaboration with local artist Matthew Johnson spans 17 floors, accommodating 119 apartments and featuring a unique expanded mesh screen façade comprising 40 different colours.

The building is conceived as "an assemblage of irregularly stacked boxes, of varied heights, which aims to provide a connection between the surrounding built form and landscape, within this highly urbanised environment". Apartments within are treated to views directly over Port Phillip Bay, Albert Park Lake, the Melbourne and emerging South Yarra skylines and all the way to Arthurs Seat and the Dandenongs.

<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_0906.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="View of South Yarra skyline."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_0906.jpg?itok=UoSjZSky" title="View of South Yarra skyline." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>View of South Yarra skyline.</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The main influence for this building was: how do you distinguish a building in the skyline?

I think most apartment buildings are just a singular extrusion - and we saw this as an opportunity to change the idea of that - by seeing it as a series of stacked elements or stacked boxes, so that the silhouette of the building would read very differently to a singular extrusion, with each box representing a different neighbourhood within the building and then each box has its own coloured representation, which we collaborated with the artist Matthew Johnson on and that's really about giving identity to what we imagine could be different communities within the building, so it was a way of thinking about a building as a collection of communities rather than a singular entity.

The apartment layouts have different variations between different one, two and three bedroom types so the good thing is that people who may have specific requirements can search through all the different layouts to find something that's specific to their needs, and I think that's quite unique as an offering.
<cite>Tim Jackson, Jackson Clements Burrows</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_6188_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="View looking up at the stacked boxes and overhangs."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_6188_0.jpg?itok=Wk5uTCD3" title="View looking up at the stacked boxes and overhangs." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>View looking up at the stacked boxes and overhangs.</figcaption></figure>The Icon is an exemplar of good design that provides affordable accommodation with significant shared facilities and amenities, such as the Level 5 residents lounge that features an expansive outdoor terrace area overlooking St Kilda Road and Albert Park, dining room and gym.

With recent discussion around the introduction of minimum apartment sizes and the potential impact that may have on developers' ability to deliver affordable accommodation, guests were invited to inspect five apartments as part of the opening, four of which Pace identified to be the smallest affordable apartments:

<ul>
<li>A one bedroom apartment (with borrowed light) on Level 7: 42sqm plus balcony priced in the mid/high $300,000 to low $400,000 range.</li>
	<li>A three bedroom apartment on Level 7: 88sqm plus balcony priced in the high $600,000 range.</li>
	<li>A one bedroom apartment on Level 9: 42sqm plus balcony priced in the mid/high $300,000 to low $400,000 range.</li>
	<li>A two bedroom apartment on Level 9: 57sqm plus balcony priced in the low-mid $500,000 range.</li>
</ul>
Additionally there was a Penthouse-style three bedroom apartment, custom built on level 15 priced at $1,000,000, with a number of balconies including an extremely long balcony along the south.

<h2>Comment</h2>

It must be said that despite their size and the occasionally odd nuance here and there, the one bedroom apartments were quite comfortable in terms of their spacial and internal planning, affording more than adequate natural light. The Icon is impressive in how true it has managed to maintain and express the architectural integrity and design intent of JCB's vision, highlighted by the additional level of rigour and detail undertaken during the construction phase by Pace, in consulting with Matthew Johnson in ensuring the right colours were picked; not just for the mesh screens, but the backing walls behind.

The application of the coloured mesh panels to the soffits of the stacked boxes reinforces the dedication to seeing the vision realised, and that the completed building remained true to that vision, providing the pedestrian at street looking skyward with an appreciation of the stacked boxes in all dimensions. It would have been quite easy to reduce the distance which the elements cantilever from a constructability point of view and employing an alternative (say, villaboard) in lieu of the mesh undersides to save costs.

The decision to put design at the forefront is both commendable and admirable particularly when it has resulted in a brilliant and playful addition to the St Kilda skyline that has no boring elevations.

Please enjoy an assortment of accompanying photos taken from the opening event in the slideshow below.
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Laurence Dragomir

An Icon complete

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City of Port Phillip are displaying the latest version of the <a href="http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/september-2015-meetingsagendas.htm">St Kilda Triangle Interim Masterplan</a> which would see the prime site become a park. Built form by way of a likely joint hotel/communal facility will be restricted to the site immediately south of the Palais Theatre, allowing for the vast majority of the site to remain free of any new buildings.

<blockquote>
The Interim Masterplan establishes a framework for the connections, broad land uses, massing and location of built form arrangements on the site. It has been developed in from the masterplan Co-Design Workshops and has been informed by the St Kilda Triangle Design Brief (Rev 1) endorsed by Council on 28 July 2015.
<cite>St Kilda Triangle Interim Masterplan Report</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image21_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Likely uses as outlined by the Interim Masterplan"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="354" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image21_3.jpg?itok=sP4ktnhm" title="Likely uses as outlined by the Interim Masterplan" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Likely uses as outlined by the Interim Masterplan</figcaption></figure>The Interim Masterplan shows that 16,000sqm of open space will dominate the site's footprint, in addition to a basement carpark for 350 vehicles located below the segment of the site that will hold approximately 23,500sqm of built form.

Separated into three segments, the new St Kilda Triangle will feature 'The Slopes', an 'Extended Balcony' and the built form outcome around the Palais Theatre.

A new foreshore entrance, extensive landscaping, an informal amphitheatre, rooftop deck/park and pavilion spaces highlight the open space aspects of the design. Placemaking agency Village Well and landscape firm T.C.L are heavily involved in this aspect of the Interim Masterplan while ARM Architecture is also in place for the built form segment. Further project members include GTA Consultants and Root Projects Australia.

The hotel/cultural facility is expected to be of a similar size to the Palais Theatre with a height of 30 metres expected.

<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/image22_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Indicative design taken from the September 2015 Masterplan document"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="346" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image22_3.jpg?itok=bO3yk4ek" title="Indicative design taken from the September 2015 Masterplan document" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Indicative design taken from the September 2015 Masterplan document</figcaption></figure>Following likely approval of the Interim Masterplan, it is expected a more rigorous design process will be undertaken. Workshops will be held to further define key aspects of the masterplan which include heritage, landscaping and weather protection considerations.

Furthermore the draft St Kilda Triangle Cultural Charter will be enhanced to align with the current Interim Masterplan. This along with various other steps will allow for an eventual business case for the development to be created, thus allowing prospective funding partners to be sourced by City of Port Phillip.

The project timetable sees the funding process take place over 2016-2017 with 2020 slated as the final 'Management' stage which one assumes is the targeted construction completion date.

<h2>Comment</h2>

Are we creating boxes here just to be able to tick them for the purpose of being seen to be doing the right thing in the public eye? The process of once more getting the St Kilda Triangle development up and running looks to be an overly tedious one.

Pulling teeth looks to be more fun than waiting for City of Port Phillip to rubber stamp what is ostensibly a park; of course there's more to the plan than just a park but it does look to be a dumbed-down development that negates any genuine flair or ingenuity in the design process. The opportunity to create a low-rise landmark for St Kilda and Melbourne at large looks to be gone, with City of Port Phillip pursuing a different result.

Why not consider a museum, concert hall or community facility front and square onsite, taking pride of place rather than being tacked onto the back of a hotel?

Ultimately another park is never a bad outcome, but when the St Kilda Foreshore, O'Donnell Gardens, Peanut Farm Reserve and St Kilda Botanic Gardens are all within walking distance, the transformation of the St Kilda Triangle site into little more than a park is a soft option and a massive opportunity for a defining civic showpiece lost.

<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/image33_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Exemplars: Heydar Aliyev Center &amp; Walt Disney Concert Hall"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="177" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image33_2.jpg?itok=5lAGYKxK" title="Exemplars: Heydar Aliyev Center &amp; Walt Disney Concert Hall" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Exemplars: Heydar Aliyev Center &amp; Walt Disney Concert Hall</figcaption></figure>
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St Kilda Triangle is becoming... a park?

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The Latin expression 'De Novo' is generally understood to mean 'a new beginning' or 'starting afresh' and while not the name of the proposed development at 14-16 The Esplanade, it's quite an apt description as it ushers in a new era for the highly recognisable bayside site. The four-star Novotel St Kilda situated over 5,800sqm is subject to a current planning application which would do away with the predominantly precast structure in favour of hundreds of dwellings.

<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/14-16_the_espy.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="View from The Esplanade. © Metier3"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="255" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/14-16_the_espy.jpg?itok=EiYkv1B8" title="View from The Esplanade. © Metier3" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>View from The Esplanade. © Metier3</figcaption></figure>Designed by local firm <a href="http://www.metier3.com.au/">Metier3</a>, the 7-storey, 300 apartment development marks Sydney firm <a href="http://www.baranagroup.com.au/">Barana Group'</a>s first foray into the Melbourne residential market given they own the existing hotel. According to a 2014 AFR article Novotel will likely continue to operate for some years yet due to Accor's existing management agreement, so the development is very much a long term prospect.

Regardless a planning application has been lodged with City of Port Phillip with plans available for public perusal over the new year period.

<h2>14-16 The Esplanade</h2>

<ul>
<li>Project value: $55 million</li>
	<li>300 apartments in a converted and expanded existing structure</li>
	<li>166 * 1BR, 71 * 2BR, 31 * 3BR, 32 * townhouse</li>
	<li>Two Buildings to RL 27.2 metres in height</li>
	<li>352 car spaces, 30 motor bike spaces and 145 bicycle spaces across three levels of basement parking</li>
	<li>Swimming pool, gym, spa and associated facilities at basement level</li>
</ul>
<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/plan_level_1.png" rel="gallery-all" title="14-16 The Esplanade Level 1 Plan. © Metier3"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="605" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/plan_level_1.png?itok=aOI7vN7k" title="14-16 The Esplanade Level 1 Plan. © Metier3" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>14-16 The Esplanade Level 1 Plan. © Metier3</figcaption></figure><h2>Alfred Square</h2>

A key consideration of the proposal is its response to the objectives and strategies of the St Kilda Foreshore Urban Design Framework (2003) with regard to improving the public realm. 14-16 The Esplanade's proposed development would see engagement with Upper Esplanade and Alfred Square, outlined in the following ways:

<ul>
<li>Improve the Alfred Square edge to Upper Esplanade to make the square more accessible and inviting to enter from the street;</li>
	<li>Prepare a landscape plan for Alfred Square that recognises the role of the square as a ceremonial, commemorative and contemplative space and traditional viewing place;</li>
	<li>Address the conservation of heritage fabric, augmentation of the formal design, enhancement of interpretive values and views, improvements to amenity, provision of additional, coordinated seating and shelter, and replacement of aging surface materials of Alfred Square.</li>
</ul>
<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/urban_design_strategy.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Strategy for Alfred Square. © Metier3"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="451" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/urban_design_strategy.png?itok=gm07c6G_" title="Strategy for Alfred Square. © Metier3" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Strategy for Alfred Square. © Metier3</figcaption></figure><h2>Site history</h2>

The site has seen a numerous entertainment-based uses over the course of almost a century with the first building to open on the site being the Wattle Path Dance Saloon and Café. It later played host to Melbourne's most famous ice skating rink, St Moritz between 1939 and 1981, becoming enormously popular during the war years and accommodating up to 2,000 people on its 1,850sqm ice rink.

<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/stmoritz_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="St Moritz Ice Rink, St Kilda. © City of Port Phillip"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/stmoritz_1.jpg?itok=lK1_ITYr" title="St Moritz Ice Rink, St Kilda. © City of Port Phillip" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>St Moritz Ice Rink, St Kilda. © City of Port Phillip</figcaption></figure>Following its closure the complex succumbed to fire during 1984, which is not unusual for buildings in St Kilda...or so it would seem. The St Moritz Bar at Medibank IceHouse in is named in honour of the famous rink. The St Moritz hotel was then developed onsite during the early 1990's before being renamed as Novotel ­Bayside upon Accor taking over the venue, only to assume the current Novotel Melbourne, St Kilda thereafter.

<h2>Comment</h2>

The proposal seeks to create a stronger edge and definition to Alfred Square and The Esplanade by occupying the full extent of the site. There exists the risk that the development will read as a great big wall, due to the articulation of the form and consistent height of both buildings. Further division of the proposals form via the introduction of a north-south site link, thus creating three buildings, would provide some variation to the height of each building and go some way to alleviating the potential perception of uniform bulk.

Additionally while the three buildings could be treated as a 'family' with a variation of the modular facade, a shared DNA that while similar offers a point of difference for each building.

Overall the proposal breathes new life into a site that while prominent does not fulfill its true potential as a cornerstone of the St Kilda foreshore. It will certainly be interesting to see how the greater community responds to the development plans, could it be another St Kilda Triangle episode?

<h2>Project team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Barana Group</li>
	<li>Architects: Metier3</li>
	<li>​Town Planning: Message Consultants​</li>
	<li>Traffic: Cardno</li>
	<li>ESD: JBA</li>
	<li>Landscaping: Papworth Design</li>
	<li>Waste: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Land sales agent: Mark Wizel, CBRE</li>
</ul>
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A new beginning for St Kilda's Novotel?

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Pace Development Group currently have a planning application before City of Port Phillip for a prized Fitzroy Street, St Kilda site which the prolific developer reportedly paid in excess of $17 million for during the course of 2013. Previously home to the Australian Institute of Management, the existing office block at 181 Fitzroy Street is set to make way for a sizeable building of 177 apartments.

Incidentally 181 Fitzroy Street joints four other Pace Development Group projects within a short distance of St Kilda Junction, enforcing perceptions that the precinct is currently in the midst of an apartment surge.

<h2>Project summary</h2>

<ul>
<li>181 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda, currently a six level office building</li>
	<li>Proposed 12 level apartment building at 38.7 metres</li>
	<li>2,146sqm site with expected GFA of 22,010sqm</li>
	<li>60 metre frontage to Fitzroy Street</li>
	<li>177 apartments: 70 * 1BR/1+study, 100 * 2BR/2+study, 7 * 3BR</li>
	<li>5 level basement car park for 177 vehicles and 55 bicycles</li>
</ul>
<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_7662.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="181 Fitzroy Street's southern facade. Image courtesy SJB"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="389" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_7662.jpg?itok=CA9CdoV_" title="181 Fitzroy Street's southern facade. Image courtesy SJB" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>181 Fitzroy Street's southern facade. Image courtesy SJB</figcaption></figure>Likely to target owner-occupiers, the SJB-designed building will carry amenities over level 8 including a gym, lounge and terrace area. The Fitzroy Street frontage will hold three retail tenancies and residential lobby while the site's rear to Pattison Street will also maintain three pedestrian entrances and vehicle access.

Each apartment has either a balcony or terrace included while 28 single bedroom + study apartments have been designed to be converted into two bedroom dwellings if demand dictates.

<blockquote>
The building consists of separate built forms including the main built form and its recessed light weight upper level. The building is well articulated and incorporates a range of quality materials and finishes including precast concrete, masonry cladding, glazing, dark metal cladding, galvanised metal mesh and timber batten screens.
<cite>Urbis Planning Report</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Five on St Kilda Junction</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/image19pdg.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Pace Development Group's contribution to the Junction precinct"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="425" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image19pdg.jpg?itok=dYrsWX89" title="Pace Development Group's contribution to the Junction precinct" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Pace Development Group's contribution to the Junction precinct</figcaption></figure>181 Fitzroy Street joins another Pace Development Group project currently at planning, albeit with City of Stonnington. According to the Stonnington Planning Register, <a href="/buildings/george-windsor-1-peel-street-windsor">46-48 Punt Road</a> has gone to appeal due to Stonnington's failure to determine within the prescribed time limit; an appeal hearing date is listed for Monday 29th September.

Directly opposite 46-48 Punt Road, construction has begun on another Pace Development Group project, <a href="/buildings/henry-windsor-2-henry-street-windsor">Henry Windsor</a> while <a href="/buildings/the-icon-6-st-kilda-road-st-kilda">The Icon</a> at 18 levels is in many ways the development firm's flagship project and well into construction. Rounding out the group is <a href="http://www.allureapartments.com.au/">Allure</a> which was completed the best part of a year ago.

<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_0357.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Henry Windsor to the fore with Icon beyond"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_0357.jpg?itok=IuBUHI6e" title="Henry Windsor to the fore with Icon beyond" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Henry Windsor to the fore with Icon beyond</figcaption></figure>Should the two projects at planning reach reality, Pace Development Group would have contributed near on 500 new dwellings to the St Klida Junction precinct, making it a honey pot for the bayside-based developer.

<h2>181 Fitzroy Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Pace Development group</li>
	<li>Architect: SJB</li>
	<li>Planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>Heritage: Bryce Raworth</li>
	<li>Sustainability: SDC</li>
	<li>Services: MacCormack</li>
	<li>Traffic: Ratio</li>
	<li>Consulting engineer: Brogue</li>
</ul>
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Setting the Pace at St Kilda Junction

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City of Port Phillip's planning department is currently juggling a healthy number of high-density planning applications as land owners and developers seek to push through the next wave of apartment development. At varying stages of the planning process, the projects listed below would add 405 new dwellings to the municipality with South Melbourne and St Kilda the suburbs of choice.

With six of the smaller current planning applications highlighted, a handful of larger planning applications before City of Port Phillip will feature on Apartments.com.au in coming weeks.

<h2>240-242 Dorcas Street, South Melbourne</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/image11dorcas.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Rothe Lowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="312" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image11dorcas.jpg?itok=yUo1jqYg" title="Image © Rothe Lowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy Rothe Lowman</figcaption></figure>Online documents have indicated a Notice of Decision to Grant a Permit be issued for 240-242 Dorcas Street, pending the implementation of a number of amendments. One such amendment requires the deletion of one level and addition of an upper level setback, as the proposal contravenes a discretionary height limit of 23.5 metres.

<ul>
<li>Proponent: unknown</li>
	<li>Design: Rothe Lowman</li>
	<li>Eight levels at 23.95m</li>
	<li>48 apartments</li>
</ul>
<h2>274-278 Coventry Street, South Melbourne</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/image15copp.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Interlandi Mantesso"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="252" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image15copp.jpg?itok=HWBpGzVr" title="Image © Interlandi Mantesso" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy Interlandi Mantesso</figcaption></figure>A revised planning application, Interlandi Mantesso have returned to City of Port Phillip after a VCAT appeal lodged by the development team found no favour. The current application decreases the buildings height from ten levels (30.8m) to seven (21.5m), while also increasing setbacks from the street. The two current buildings are deemed worthy of demolition, with Interlandi Mantesso also providing an enhanced street frontage.

A Notice of Decision to Grant a Permit has also been put forward by the City of Port Phillip Statutory Planning Committee.

<ul>
<li>Proponent: Twenty Ninth Macorp Nominees Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Design: Interlandi Mantesso</li>
	<li>Seven levels at 21.5m</li>
	<li>43 apartments</li>
</ul>
<h2>244-246 Dorcas Street, South Melbourne</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/image16copp.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy Hassell Studio"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="325" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image16copp.jpg?itok=1R_eO2g8" title="Image courtesy Hassell Studio" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy Hassell Studio</figcaption></figure>Jewel as Evolve Development have christened it, is open to registrations of interest via the project's website. Valued at $45 million, the seven level block which is slated for completion during 2016 replaces an earlier 10 level scheme.

Holding a mixture of one and two bedroom luxury apartments, Evolve have positioned the development at the luxury end of the market as evidenced by utilising Hassell Studio for the design.

<ul>
<li>Developer: Evolve Development</li>
	<li>Design: Hassell Studio</li>
	<li>Seven levels at 20.7m</li>
	<li>61 apartments</li>
</ul>
<h2>245-249 St Kilda Road, St Kilda</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/img_7646copp.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_7646copp.jpg?itok=JuHbe0ID" title="Image courtesy Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure>This mixed-use proposal seeks to replace a low-rise commercial complex currently onsite. With a GFA of 17,842 the Plus Architects-designed project would feature 87 single bedroom and 53 dual bedroom apartments in addition to a separate three level commercial building. Holding 92 metres of street frontage the project also includes a sizeable central courtyard.

More images of this proposal can be seen in the dedicated <a href="/news">St Kilda forum thread</a>.

<ul>
<li>Proponent: Tony Train &amp; Aroona Property Trust</li>
	<li>Design: Plus Architecture</li>
	<li>Eight levels at 29.1m</li>
	<li>140 apartments &amp; 3,495sqm commercial space</li>
</ul>
<h2>63-73 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda</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/view-2-e1387337959876_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title=" Image courtesy Cactus Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="314" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/view-2-e1387337959876_1.jpg?itok=ds5pSZo6" title=" Image courtesy Cactus Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy Cactus Architects</figcaption></figure>Cactus Architects have conceived this project as a replacement for the current 1957-dated Easystay motel onsite. Containing 21 single bedroom and 42 dual bedroom apartments, the development includes basement car parking and provision for 40 bicycles.

Interestingly enough an open air car park will be maintained (albeit smaller) at the rear of the site, should it gain approval.

<ul>
<li>Proponent: Renzella Group Property</li>
	<li>Design: Cactus Architects</li>
	<li>Six levels at 18.7m</li>
	<li>63 apartments</li>
</ul>
<h2>31-33 Park Street, South Melbourne</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/image17copp.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy Fender Katsalidis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="427" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image17copp.jpg?itok=LwqOOQIW" title="Image courtesy Fender Katsalidis" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy Fender Katsalidis</figcaption></figure>Fender Katsalidis have created an 11 level development on behalf of their client, covering a site area of 405sqm. 50 one and two bedroom apartments constitute the living spaces with seven basement levels accessed via car stacker forming part of the capacity for 30 vehicle and 58 bicycle spaces.

A setback of 2.5 metres is implemented over levels 3-10, while a 106sqm retail space is available at ground level.

<ul>
<li>Proponent: Greg Hocking Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Design: Fender Katsalidis</li>
	<li>Eleven levels at 34.8m</li>
	<li>50 apartments</li>
</ul>
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City of Port Phillip fielding planning applications from all directions

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Mirka, a six-floor apartment block at St Kilda due for completion next year, will take its name from the octogenarian artist, Mirka Mora.
Some 25 of the 56 apartments have sold with prices ranging from $375,000 for one bedrooms to $695,000 for two bedroom two bathroom apartments.
<a href="https://www.mirkaapartments.com.au/enter.php" target="_blank">The Inkerman street block</a> has been designed by architect Ivan Turcinov, of Carabott Holt Turcinov. It will replace the 1970s three storey Barkly House office block.
There will be a mix of timber, glass, metal, concrete and bluestone. 
Mirka currently has major exhibitions of her works at the Heide Museum of Modern Art in Melbourne and Manning Clark House in Canberra.
There's already been a street named in her honour and a restaurant.
Mirka Mora was born in Paris in 1928 making Melbourne her home in 1951. Mirka Cafe in Exhibition Street opened in 1954, with one of the city's first Gaggia espresso machines and defying then council by-laws by putting tables and chairs on the sidewalk and pushed for the right to serve wine.
In 1964, French emigres Georges and Mirka Mora opened Tolarno in St Kilda, which became a haunt of writers, painters, politicians, sports stars and the fiercely loyal St Kilda community.
"Giving entry to the property market, becoming part of a portfolio for a seasoned investor or providing a unique home to a couple or family, these St Kilda, Melbourne apartments won't last for long," Look Property Group selling agents Paul Raimondo and Michael Robinson suggest. 
Mirka Mora appears in the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUbx6GxOhrM" target="_blank">Happy craze youtube video</a>where locals dance through their village, parks and beaches, Fitzroy and Acland Streets in a clip to the Pharrell Williams tune directed by Aaron Wilson and produced by Serge Thomann.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

St Kilda apartment block to honour living legend Mirka Mora

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Last weekend a much loved restaurant on the waterfront of St Kilda was burnt to the ground. Fortunately no one was injured in the blaze which was reportedly caused by fat in the industrial exhaust system catching fire. It is no doubt a difficult time for the owners of the business and those employed by the Stokehouse, however as co-owner, Frank Van Haandel pointed out, they are far more fortunate than those in the Grampians who have suffered immeasurably worse in the recent bushfires.

<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/photo-17.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The site of the recently destroyed Stokehouse restaurant"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="433" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/photo-17.jpg?itok=LqzzYExn" title="The site of the recently destroyed Stokehouse restaurant" width="580"></a>

The site has now been cleared and media attention has turned to what to do with the site. The land itself is crown land which is leased out the City of Port Phillip for long term uses. Consequently the local council and the State Government will be significantly involved in the planning and design stages.

<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/photo-22.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Empty site surrounded by palm trees"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="433" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/photo-22.jpg?itok=6eEWnKTA" title="Empty site surrounded by palm trees" width="580"></a>

The original structure was constructed around 1904 and has been extended and renovated several times over its 110 year history. Despite its age, the building was not listed on the heritage register and from many accounts was not of significant architectural value.

<blockquote>
The community is mourning … the special place that they celebrated is now gone.
<cite>Cr Amanda Stevens, City of Port Phillip Mayor</cite>
</blockquote>

Very early in the piece, the State Planning Minister Matthew Guy went <a href="http://www.3aw.com.au/displayPopUpPlayerAction.action?&amp;url=http://media.mytalk.com.au/3AW/AUDIO/Guy.mp3">on radio</a> to voice his view that an architectural competition should be held to create an architecturally significant design to replace the original. This was later contradicted by <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/design-competition-for-razed-stokehouse-ruled-out-by-government-20140120-314ve">The Age</a> in a subsequent media piece however by then the community debate had started, replica or new design, a restaurant or something more?

<blockquote>
It would appear to me to be a great shame if a building that has been so much in the public consciousness as a favourite St Kilda destination is not vested with some greater ideals of public good.
<cite>Professor Philip Goad, University of Melbourne</cite>
</blockquote>

<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/photo-23.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Empty site with the Palais Theatrein the distance"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="433" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/photo-23.jpg?itok=TMoXvXSf" title="Empty site with the Palais Theatrein the distance" width="580"></a>

<dl>
<dt><a href="http://theredandblackarchitect.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/photo-18.jpg"><img alt="St Kilda Pier Kiosk replica built 2006" class="size-medium wp-image-700" height="224" src="http://theredandblackarchitect.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/photo-18.jpg?w=300&amp;h=224" width="300"></a></dt>
	<dd>St Kilda Pier Kiosk replica built 2006</dd>
</dl>
There are many people, it seems, who are advocating for the building of a replica or a copy of what was destroyed. This position has some precedent in the more historically significant St Kilda Pier Kiosk, which also met its demise in flames back in 2003. The Kiosk had been standing at the end of the pier since 1904 and had subsequently made a very large impression on the hearts of locals. After much political and professional argument, it was decided to rebuild a replica from the original design. At the same time an addition to the rear of the building was completed in a contemporary style to increase the floor space. This act in a way re-wrote history in an attempt to claim back something that was gone.

As discussed in a <a href="http://theredandblackarchitect.wordpress.com/2012/07/08/heritage-round-new-is-old-again/" target="_blank" title="Heritage round, New is old again.">previous post on heritage</a>, there is a document which has been developed to assist with making ethical choices about our built heritage called the <a href="http://australia.icomos.org/wp-content/uploads/The-Burra-Charter-2013-Adopted-31.10.2013.pdf">Burra Charter</a>.

Below is an extract from the relevant section:

<blockquote>
Reconstruction

20.1 Reconstruction is appropriate only where a place is incomplete through damage or alteration, and only where there is sufficient evidence to reproduce an earlier state of the fabric. In some cases, reconstruction may also be appropriate as part of a use or practice that retains the cultural significance of the place.

Places with social or spiritual value may warrant reconstruction, even though very little may remain (e.g. only building footings or tree stumps following fire, flood or storm).

The requirement for sufficient evidence to reproduce an earlier state still applies.

20.2 Reconstruction should be identifiable on close inspection or through additional interpretation.
<cite>The Burra Charter, The Australia ICOMOS Charter for Places of Cultural Significance 2013, International Council on Monuments and Sites</cite>
</blockquote>

The charter sets out two key requirements to determine if a replica rebuild process will provide an acceptable outcome. Firstly does the building in question hold historical, social or spiritual value to the community? Without holding any value a replica rebuild is pointless. Once it has been determined that the building held significant value to the community the next requirement is to access the feasibility of reconstructing a finished product such that it doesn’t look like a poor quality caricature of the original. One of the most important aspects of this is accessing the documentation of the deceased building, to determine if there is enough DNA to successfully bring it back to life.

In the specific case of the Stokehouse I would argue that whilst there is clearly some social value placed by a small section of the community, these memories seem to be more in response to the experience of the people, food and atmosphere rather than the building itself. I have no doubt that those most familiar with the building will still have a strong attachment to the materiality of the place as it used to be. I would also argue however that these people are a small group likely limited to the staff and very frequent patrons, rather than the community at large.

Even if I am wrong and the community at large does have a strong emotional attachment to the building that was, an assessment must be made to determine if there is sufficient documentation to reconstruct the Stokehouse. Further to that, decisions will need to be made as to what year it should be modelled off as the building experienced had many changes over its lifespan.

A worst case scenario would have a poor quality replica commissioned which included all the previous buildings shortcomings and none of qualities or spirit which trigger fond memories of time gone by.

If the building were on private property ultimately it would be substantially up to the owners to decide how they should rebuild. However on this case the land is owned by the State Government. This means that they rightly have a substantial say in what gets built. Clearly in exercising this control they must act in the best interest of the community they serve.

This brings us back to a new design which can take advantage of the unique site and provide maximum value to the community. The idea of an architectural design competition certainly has merit in generating dozens of possibilities for the site. The big question is could such a process capture the soul of the previous experience whilst also taking advantage of all the new opportunities a rebuild offers. I would think this would ultimately depend on how the competition was run and how the winner was selected.

<blockquote>
We do need to understand what was beautiful about it, and what we loved about it and start the design process from there.
<cite>David Brand, Former Councillor</cite>
</blockquote>

<dl>
<dt>
<a href="http://theredandblackarchitect.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/photo-21.jpg"><img alt="Another opportunity that a redesign would offer is the opportunity to simultaneously rebuild and possibly integrate the St Kilda Lifesaving Club which is currently housed in the ugly shed next door." height="224" src="http://theredandblackarchitect.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/photo-21.jpg?w=300&amp;h=224" width="300"></a>

	 
	</dt>
	<dd>Another opportunity that a redesign would offer is the opportunity to simultaneously rebuild and possibly integrate the St Kilda Lifesaving Club which is currently housed in the ugly shed next door.</dd>
</dl>
In situations like this where a building is replacing one lost unexpectedly, it is always tempting for the owner to desire a lightning fast approach. The problem with this is that it often leads to reduced quality which will remain long after the urgency of the initial situation is long forgotten. To prevent this, in this case, I would like to see a temporary structure commissioned to provide a continuance of the fine food experience in the idyllic beach setting. This temporary structure could be prefabricated and modular allowing its reuse elsewhere once a more permanent building was ready for construction. It would also enable the business to keep a presence on the site and the local council to receive some of its rent.

If a design competition is no longer an option, as seems to be the case, it is clear to me that a more conventional architectural design process should ensue. This would enable experienced and highly qualified architects the time to properly investigate the site, assess the requirements of the Stokehouse and the wider community and then provide the well-rounded and considered response that the site and the community deserves.

Architecture is for Everyone.

Michael Smith is Director of Melbourne architecture firm <a href="http://redblackarch.com.au/">Atelier Red + Black</a>, and this article originally appeared on <a href="http://theredandblackarchitect.wordpress.com/2014/01/22/what-to-do-about-the-stokehouse/" target="_blank">The Red and Black Architect's blog</a>.

Further reading: <a href="/expert-insights/buying/what-to-do-about-the-stokehouse">What to do about the Stokehouse (Part Two)</a>.
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redblackarchitect

What to do about the Stokehouse

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Ascent it may be called, but the intended development below further increases the number of highrise residential buildings descending upon St Kilda Junction. Devised By Bruce Henderson Architects, the proposal nominally located at 42 Barkly Street St Kilda yet with St Kilda Road frontage, is currently seeking planning approval after what has been drawn-out process beginning mid 2012. If approved, the tower will share a common address with the 1874-built Stanthorpe estate on St Kilda Hill and hold 80 plus apartments.
<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/Image256.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Bruce Henderson"><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/Image256.jpg?itok=zyV6Ao7k" title="Image © Bruce Henderson" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
Recently appearing on the Bruce Henderson Architects <a href="http://www.bh-architects.com/projects/selected/64-ascent-st-kilda" target="_blank">website</a>, Ascent's associated description reads as follows:
"This proposed development is located to the rear of the existing ‘Manse’ mansion on Barkly Street and fronts St Kilda Road to the east. The project seeks to integrate the mansion with the proposed apartment tower. The proposal’s active frontage, comprising a retail tenancy to St Kilda Road, wraps around and directs pedestrians along the north to the large glazed lobby frontage of the residential tower.
A highly recessed resident terrace and lounge to the north-west continue the ground floor activation, opening up views to the proposed new rear glazed entrance of the mansion as well as Barkly Street beyond. The strong vertical form of the proposed tower design is informed by the tripartite arrangement of the mansion when seen from Barkly Street. This tripartite arrangement is also present in the tower plan and façade design and is further accentuated by the sculptural layer and balcony treatment which begins at the base of the building and carries through the feature art."
<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/60561.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Bruce Henderson"><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/60561.jpg?itok=8FnD1fSI" title="Image © Bruce Henderson" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
While Ascent's fate has yet to be determined, two other developments at the Junction are close to gaining resolution. Both awaiting a determination by VCAT, <a href="http://urbanmelbourne.info/development/2013/04/04/queueing-up-at-the-junction" target="_blank">30 Punt Road Windsor</a> and 35 Wellington Street St Kilda (below right) are due for final decisions. Of particular interest is 35 Wellington Street. Initially conceived as an eight level apartment complex (below left) with five levels fronting Wellington Street, Bruce Henderson have produced a new five level complex with two levels of commercial space and 14 apartments above. Basement carparking and retail space would also be included.
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image3_15.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Images courtesy jaagstkilda &amp; Ayres Consulting"><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/Image3_15.jpg?itok=nXNo3I-k" title="Images courtesy jaagstkilda &amp; Ayres Consulting" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
I say interesting as given the initial eight level proposal above was only doors away from the near complete Allure Apartments (below) at 11-15 Wellington Street, one would find it a reasonable assumption that a height precedent would have been set. Assumptions aside, Allure is nearing practical completion and sold out, an indicator as to how popular apartment living around the Junction? We'll find out soon enough as a number of projects approach public sales release.
<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_5794.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Allure Apartments as seen from Wellington 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_5794.jpg?itok=yYjziZ1F" title="Allure Apartments as seen from Wellington Street" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
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