<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/broadbeach-qld-4218">Broadbeach</a> offers plenty of reasons to live vertically, but moving from a substantial family home into an apartment can expose the compromises of high-density living. Privacy, room for guests and usable living space tend to matter more when an apartment is intended as a permanent home rather than an occasional coastal base.

A typical residential floor at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-eveleigh-broadbeach-7-9-surf-parade-broadbeach-qld-4218">The Eveleigh</a>, on Surf Parade,&nbsp;contains just four apartments. The 94-residence development by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hirsch-faigen">Hirsch &amp; Faigen</a> is predominantly made up of expansive three-bedroom homes, with a limited collection of half-floor penthouses above.

Across the apartment floors, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> has used the relatively limited number of residences to give each home greater access to natural light and outlook. Living spaces extend towards full-height glazing, while a series of bay windows frame selected views across the Pacific Ocean, city and hinterland rather than treating the building edge as a continuous wall of glass.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360965]

“The apartment floors deliver a collection of homes that embrace controlled outlook via a series of bay windows deliberately framing moments of view,” Rothelowman Director Kim Lowman said.

From outside, those projecting forms contribute to the tower’s faceted profile. Strong horizontal and vertical elements establish its proportions, while the changing position of the sun alters the light, shadow and reflection across the façade throughout the day.

The same attention moves inside the apartments, where the material palette combines warm timber, natural stone, metallic detailing and softer curved forms. Kitchens sit within the main living zone, with stone island benches, integrated joinery and European appliances, before the living areas extend towards the glazing and the outlook.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360981]

Three genuine bedrooms provide room to accommodate family and guests, while two secure car spaces and storage address some of the practical considerations that can become more noticeable when moving from a larger home. Feedback from the display suite has centred on the warmth and restraint of the interiors, with buyers commenting that the residences feel like homes rather than conventional coastal apartments.

A limited collection of half-floor penthouses occupies the upper levels, increasing the scale of the living spaces and adding private balconies and elevated finishes. From this position, the outlook extends between the ocean and hinterland.

Outside the private residences, The Eveleigh separates its shared spaces between the podium and rooftop. The podium is centred on wellness, with subtropical landscaping surrounding a swimming pool and pool terrace, yoga garden, private gymnasium, sauna and hot and cold plunge facilities. Landscaped retreats and pavilions provide additional places to sit away from the main recreation areas.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360966]

Higher in the building, a rooftop pavilion and private dining suite sit alongside resident lounge, barbecue and outdoor dining areas, opening towards panoramic views across the ocean, city and hinterland.

“Buyers are no longer just looking for an apartment, but a lifestyle where they can relax, reset, and enjoy a balanced way of living,” Hirsch &amp; Faigen Director of Sales Matt George said.

Interest to date has come from established owner-occupiers and interstate lifestyle purchasers, including buyers planning a future move to the Gold Coast. Many are coming from larger homes and want to reduce ongoing maintenance without giving up space for family and guests, privacy, two car spaces or the ability to entertain at home.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360969]

Much of that daily life can also take place beyond the building without requiring a drive. Kurrawa Beach and Pratten Park are an easy walk from Surf Parade, while Pacific Fair, Oracle Boulevard, The Oasis, restaurants, cafés, entertainment and public transport are also within walking distance.

The Eveleigh is Hirsch &amp; Faigen's fourth Gold Coast development since entering the market in 2021, following The Hemingway at Palm Beach, The Emerson at Kirra and Yves at Mermaid Beach. Each of the preceding projects sold out before completion.

“Broadbeach had been on our radar throughout our time operating on the Gold Coast,” the developer said. “Following our projects in Palm Beach, Kirra and Mermaid Beach, Broadbeach represented the natural next step for the business.”

The Surf Parade site brought together proximity to the beach, protected coastal outlooks and walkability to dining, shopping and recreation. Hirsch &amp; Faigen also identified the street as an emerging premium residential address, with enough separation from Broadbeach's busier destinations to retain a quieter environment at home.

The Eveleigh is now under construction by Maxcon, with completion forecast for mid-2028. Three-bedroom residences are currently available from $2.87 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149670]

Joel Robinson

The Eveleigh brings house-like apartments to Broadbeach

A long-stalled Campbelltown development site is back in play, with new plans for 139 apartments set to supersede a mixed-use scheme approved almost a decade ago but never built.

The new proposal for 28 Cordeaux Street would deliver 116 market and 23 affordable apartments in a part 14-storey building, bringing a substantial new project into a Campbelltown market where new apartment supply remains limited.

Plans have been filed over the 3,092 sqm corner site at Moore-Oxley Street, around 600 metres from Campbelltown Railway Station and the city-centre retail core.

The site already carries a mixed-use residential approval dating to 2016. Doroch Architects has now been engaged on a larger replacement scheme, which is progressing as a State Significant Development Application following a Housing Delivery Authority determination in August 2025.

The apartment mix comprises 39 one-bedroom, 72 two-bedroom and 28 three-bedroom residences. Two-bedroom apartments make up just over half of the project, while three-bedroom homes account for 20 per cent.

<img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="136dd5b9-3791-4da6-9e31-76f533f5b4de" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da2.png?VersionId=LgOSy9nwf5u.MGswBBwaGGxuX8QpHSl_" />

Of the 139 apartments, 23 will be delivered as affordable housing under the in-fill affordable housing provisions of the Housing SEPP. The affordable component represents 15 per cent of the residential gross floor area and will be managed by a registered Community Housing Provider.

Doroch has sought to break the scale of the building into two distinct elements, with a masonry podium of around four storeys establishing the street edge before the residential tower steps back above.

The corner position has shaped that approach. Cordeaux Street faces toward the commercial and civic centre, while Moore-Oxley Street leads into the lower-scale residential neighbourhood to the south, and the design verification report describes the site as "bridging the commercial core to the north and established residential areas to the south."

The podium will be expressed predominantly in face brick, while the upper levels shift to brushed and grooved concrete cladding with darker metal detailing. Recessed sections, deep balcony edges and landscaping break down the upper form, with an approximately 11.8-metre setback to the northern boundary addressing the adjoining St Peters Anglican School.

<img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c8b3d2d3-c561-4bfc-a5d9-a68c0c10dac1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da1.png?VersionId=AeAEyJU02Gk2k5noUj2StziCvdQ7fW4B" />

Campbelltown has been starved of new residential developments in the last decade.

The only other notable development set to come to market this year is ALAND's Queen Square, a mixed-use precinct on over two hectares that will comprise apartments above a vibrant ground-level retail and hospitality dining precinct.

First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site

First Look: Sherlock Construction pitches apartments for low-rise Deception Bay

Queensland builder-developer MAYD has revealed the first look at its major North Kirra beachfront development, lodging amended plans that reduce the number of apartments and increase the proportion of larger residences.

The project is planned across a substantial 4,742 sqm amalgamated site spanning seven lots at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/2-6-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">2-6 Pacific Parade</a> and 27-33 Golden Four Drive in Bilin​ga, directly opposite Nor​th Kirra Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD</a> secured the site for $32.5 million in 2025, in what was one of the Gold Coast's largest property transactions of the year.

The development will be delivered across two stages, with the first stage carrying an estimated gross realisation value of around $360 million.

The latest amendments seek to reduce the overall apartment count and shift the project further toward the owner-occupier market, with larger residences designed for buyers wanting considerably more space than traditionally offered in a beachfront apartment.

The residential mix will include townhomes, oversized two-bedroom apartments, substantial three-bedroom residences and four-bedroom homes.

MAYD has appointed Cera Stribley to lead the architecture and interiors, with the Melbourne-based design practice drawing on the beachfront setting through a series of ocean-facing terraces and heavily landscaped balconies.

Strong horizontal forms and curved balconies will define the exterior, with subtropical landscaping integrated throughout the building to soften the built form and increase the connection between the residences and the beachfront.

The project will also include an extensive collection of resident wellness and lifestyle facilities, continuing the broader shift across the Gold Coast's luxury apartment market toward larger homes supported by resort-style amenity.

<img alt="MAYD" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1bcbb05-e659-4b47-8bd4-1e595315e2ad" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%202.05.03%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=jj0XEud1X1DuLt7_KyElhjMdZGOXmLHP" />

MAYD Founder Todd Mould said North Kirra was increasingly appealing to buyers attracted to the more established, lower-density character of the southern Gold Coast.

"North Kirra presents one of the most compelling luxury residential opportunities currently emerging in Australia, combining absolute beachfront with the character and authenticity that buyers are increasingly seeking, and the same sense of tight-knit community that defined Burleigh and Currumbin perhaps 10 or 15 years ago," Mould said.

"With Gold Coast Airport on its doorstep, it also offers a level of accessibility that broadens its appeal across almost every market demographic."

The project comes as the southern Gold Coast continues to attract an increasing share of high-end apartment development and buyer activity.

Kirra in particular has emerged as one of the region's more tightly held beachfront markets, with its relatively low-density character, established surf and hospitality scene and proximity to Gold Coast Airport differentiating it from the higher-density markets further north.

Mould said those characteristics had informed the approach MAYD and Cera Stribley had taken to the project.

"We've worked closely with Cera Stribley to create a vision that is deeply connected to its surroundings," he said.

"Inspired by the coastline itself, the architecture has been shaped around space, privacy and resort-style living, creating a collection of homes that reflects the next generation of luxury on the southern Gold Coast."

MOTIV Managing Director Carly Cottam, who has been appointed to market the project, said buyer attention had continued to move south along the Gold Coast.

"Purchasers who may once have defaulted to Broadbeach, Main Beach or Surfers Paradise are increasingly recognising the value of a genuine beachfront location that offers lower density, strong amenity and a more established sense of community," Cottam said.

"Kirra has a powerful combination of growing demand and genuine scarcity. Beachfront supply is inherently constrained, the area remains relatively low density, and buyers are increasingly placing a premium on locations that feel established, uncrowded and authentic rather than heavily developed."

Cottam said the proximity to Gold Coast Airport was also proving increasingly important for interstate and second-home buyers.

"Being minutes from Gold Coast Airport makes it particularly compelling for interstate buyers, frequent travellers and second-home purchasers who can access an authentic coastal lifestyle almost immediately after stepping off a flight."

The acquisition takes MAYD's active development portfolio to more than $500 million, with the North Kirra project representing one of its largest undertakings to date.

MAYD is targeting an early 2027 launch.

First look at MAYD's North Kirra mixed-use precinct

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Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.

But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.

Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377679]

The project will comprise three residential towers alongside a hotel, restaurants, cafes and a skybar, more than 1,600 sqm of ground-floor retail and almost an acre of landscaped gardens.

It represents the largest project undertaken by Reve Group, the development arm of the Kassis family, which has been building across the Hills District for more than 30 years through Kassis Homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]

Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.

Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.

Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]

Reve Group Managing Director Sam Kassis said the project reflected the family's three decades of building in the Hills, which has evolved from trophy homes on quarter-acre blocks to larger-scale apartment development.

"Grand Rêve was our first apartment project here and it showed us what this pocket of Castle Hill could be. Nova Rêve is the refinement of that idea: not just apartments, but a place the whole suburb can use," Kassis said.

A key part of that approach is the hotel, which has been designed to operate as an amenity for the wider Castle Hill community rather than solely hotel guests.

It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.

At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.

Almost an acre of gardens designed by Land and Form Studios will run through the precinct, incorporating pathways, seating, barbecue areas and children's play spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377680]

Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.

"There are gardens with pathways, barbecues, seating and play areas, shops and cafes opening onto the street, and a hotel with restaurants and a skybar that anyone in Castle Hill can walk into," Georges said.

The project's elevated position on one of Sydney's highest ridgelines will also provide apartments with outlooks toward the Sydney skyline, surrounding parkland and the Blue Mountains.

More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152737]

<h3 data-end="3697" data-section-id="q3n5ak" data-start="3672">&nbsp;</h3>
</main>

Nova Rêve arrives as Reve Group bets on Castle Hill's next growth phase

State Library of Victoria

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A free exhibition at the State Library Victoria will display photographs of Melbourne’s mid-century architecture for the first time.  Opening Saturday 1 December 2018, 'Peter Wille: Out Driving' will feature small and large scale reproductions from the Library’s collection of more than 6,000 colour slides by architectural draughtsman, design enthusiast and amateur photographer Peter Wille.

<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/62_eltham_borland.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Peter Wille, photographer | Kevin Borland, architect | Rice House, Eltham | Completed 1954, reproduction of colour slide, H91.244/566"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="408" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/62_eltham_borland.png?itok=9ISBi0PE" title="Peter Wille, photographer | Kevin Borland, architect | Rice House, Eltham | Completed 1954, reproduction of colour slide, H91.244/566" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Peter Wille, photographer | Kevin Borland, architect | Rice House, Eltham | Completed 1954, reproduction of colour slide, H91.244/566</figcaption></figure>The exhibition will showcase a period of experimental design – from post-war austerity to the height of modernism – featuring the groundbreaking work of architects including Robin Boyd, Peter McIntyre, Kevin Borland, and John and Phyllis Murphy.

It will also explore how the types of buildings in four areas of Melbourne reflect their environment. Suburbs will include South Yarra and Toorak in the south east, Kew in the east, Beaumaris, Aspendale and Frankston in bayside, and the outer suburbs of Eltham and Warrandyte.

<blockquote>
"These images give a unique and candid insight into a period of pioneering Australian architecture.  

Wille’s passion for design is evident in his dedication to amassing this significant survey of Melbourne’s mid-century buildings. 

Setting out with just his car and his camera, Wille captured almost two decades of design and social history.”

- Eve Sainsbury, Exhibition curator
</blockquote>

The free exhibition will be open daily, with a curator talk on Tuesday 12 February.

<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/52_warrandyte_hipwell.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Peter Wille, photographer | John Hipwell, architect | Hipwell House, Warrandyte | Completed 1953, reproduction of colour slide, H91.244/3095"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="397" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/52_warrandyte_hipwell.png?itok=BR0tZaTw" title="Peter Wille, photographer | John Hipwell, architect | Hipwell House, Warrandyte | Completed 1953, reproduction of colour slide, H91.244/3095" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Peter Wille, photographer | John Hipwell, architect | Hipwell House, Warrandyte | Completed 1953, reproduction of colour slide, H91.244/3095</figcaption></figure><h2>Exhibitions and events details:</h2>

Peter Wille: Out Driving exhibition 
Free entry. Open daily from 1 December 10am–6pm (Open until 9pm on Thursdays) 
Location: South Rotunda, State Library Victoria

Lead image: Peter Wille, photographer | Robin Boyd, architect | Neptune’s Fishbowl, South Yarra | Completed 1970, reproduction of colour slide, H91.244/739
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Laurence Dragomir

Melbourne's mid-century architecture on display in new State Library Victoria photography exhibition

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As part of its $88 million redevelopment, the State Library of Victoria (SLV) is providing Victorian apprentices, trainees and cadets with the opportunity to help with its transformation as part of its Vision 2020. The expansive project will create additional space for public use, restore and reopen the Ian Potter Queen’s Hall, and reinstate the historic Russell Street entrance.

The State Library opened in 1856 and welcomes over 2 million visitors each year through its doors, making it Australia's oldest and busiest public library. Within its walls there are 5.1 million items ranging from books and manuscripts, to photographs, music, art and ephemera.

Such is the importance of the State Library to Victorians that the CBD North Station will be named State Library Station as part of the $11bn Melbourne Metro project.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/baldwin_spencer_v05_tweaked_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Additional public space will be created as part of the State Library's $88m revamp. Image : Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/baldwin_spencer_v05_tweaked_0.jpg?itok=hLqFhDwr" title="Additional public space will be created as part of the State Library's $88m revamp. Image : Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Additional public space will be created as part of the State Library's $88m revamp. Image : Supplied</figcaption></figure>The project forms part of the State Government’s Major Projects Skills Guarantee initiative, meaning apprentices, trainees and engineering cadets are required to carry out at least 10 per cent of total labour hours.

Designed by Architectus and the Danish-based practice, Schmidt Hammer Lassen, the redevelopment has had 19,800 workhours completed, with 2,100 of them completed by seven apprentices, trainees and engineering cadets

This exceeds the 10 per cent target, and has provided opportunities for architecture student Sarah Ianno, and other young workers to fine-tune their skills and get valuable experience.  Sarah had the opportunity to work on the project alongside the Architectus team while on an industry placement at the company and now works at Architectus part-time whilst finishing her degree.

<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/tic_v03_tweaked.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The State Library revamp has been designed by Architectus and Denmark's Schmidt Hammer Lassen. Image : Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/tic_v03_tweaked.jpg?itok=g6jaqPjY" title="The State Library revamp has been designed by Architectus and Denmark's Schmidt Hammer Lassen. Image : Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The State Library revamp has been designed by Architectus and Denmark's Schmidt Hammer Lassen. Image : Supplied</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
Working on the State Library of Victoria project while I was a student gave me first-hand experience of collaborating with a team of designers on a complex project and seeing how everyone works together to produce a successful outcome. Not only was I working within the Architectus team, but I was also working with suppliers seeing how all the moving parts in a project come together – a highly beneficial experience for someone new to the industry.

One of the most valuable things I learnt was the use of the Building Information Modelling tool Revit. This serves as a streamlined communication tool across the planning, design, construction and management of a project, promoting better collaboration between everyone involved. When I returned to university after my placement, I could see just how much I’d learnt in the short period of time – it’s definitely helped to further my studies.

I particularly enjoyed being involved in the selection of furniture and finishes within the Library, ensuring we adhered to our sustainability considerations. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to work on this iconic Melbourne project. It’s a significant milestone at such an early stage of my design career.

- Sarah Ianno, Student of Architecture, Architectus
</blockquote>

The Victorian State Government is providing $60.4 million worth of funding towards the project with the remaining $27.7 million coming via philanthropic support.

Built commenced construction last year with an anticipated completion in 2020, and 125 jobs created during the redevelopment.
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State Library looks to the future for its revamp

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The State Library of Victoria has secured final philanthropic funding from the Hasen Little Foundation that will allow the library's Vision 2020 transformation to kick off in earnest.

As previously reported on <a href="/news/the-state-library-of-victorias-2020-vision">Urban.com.au</a>, the SLV's Vision 2020 includes opening up 40% more space for public use throughout the complex which has had a long history of additions over the years.  

The $88 million transformation is majority funded by the State Government to the tune of $60 million with the remainder coming from philanthropic sources - the Hansen Little Foundation's contribution completes the library's fundraising target of $27.7 million.

<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/hansen-hall-750x422.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Render of the new Hansen Hall - image: SLV"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/hansen-hall-750x422.jpg?itok=v_7IXH-T" title="Render of the new Hansen Hall - image: SLV" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Render of the new Hansen Hall - image: SLV</figcaption></figure>According to the <a href="https://vision2020.slv.vic.gov.au/news/hansen-little-foundation-gives-3-5-million-gift-of-connection">SLV</a>

<blockquote>
Hansen Hall will be a new focal point for Library visitors, combing heritage architecture with a contemporary look and feel.  It will represent the features of a 21st-century library in a lively and dynamic area where visitors can meet, connect and collaborate.

Jane Hansen said that a passion for education connects the Hansen Little Foundation and State Library Victoria.

“The beautiful environment of the refurbished Hansen Hall will provide a light-filled free space where people can work and enjoy a coffee while still able to access the Library’s extensive facilities and expert staff.  By working together, we can help more people achieve their learning goals in an inspiring and welcoming environment.
</blockquote>

The Hansen Little Foundation's gift will also fund the Library's new Conversation Quarter which is set to include facilities that will enable two-way digital broadcast technology to "take Library events and programs to schools and homes around Australia and bring the world's best events and experiences to Melbourne"

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RENEUw2T0R4" width="100%"></iframe>

The Minister for Creative Industries, Martin Foley, welcomed the latest donation.

<blockquote>
The Hansen Little Foundation’s generosity means that more people than ever have access to learning, education and quality programming, allowing young minds to reach their potential, wherever they may be.

This donation means the State Library has achieved its fundraising goal of $27.7 million and is a great example of how collaborative approaches can provide a successful and a sustainable way to generate funding for new and innovative projects.
</blockquote>

The following video profiles changes that will occur as part of the SLV's Vision 2020 transformation.

<iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="350" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FDanielAndrewsMP%2Fvideos%2F1516460138418517%2F&amp;show_text=0&amp;width=560" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" width="100%"></iframe>

The Hansen Hall and Conversation Quarter are set to open in 2019.
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Alastair Taylor

State Library of Victoria's Vision 2020 kicks off after securing philanthropic support

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The State Library of Victoria is set to undergo further transformation as part of the library's $88.1 million 2020 Vision. The Ian Potter Queen’s Hall and a number of gallery spaces are set to be reopened to the public as multi-functional spaces after many years behind closed doors.

Great halls, intersections between old and recent building additions and defunct lobbies and entrances will be transformed into welcoming spaces for learning, playing, socialising, and listening.

The designs for the project by Architectus in association with Denmark's Schmidt Hammer Lassen will reintroduce 40 percent more space to the public, including the significant historic refurbishment and reconfiguration of the Queen’s Hall and the Russell Street entrance. 

The upgrade will also see the introduction of a Children’s Quarter, with the theme of learning weaved throughout the design of the Library.

<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/kids_quarter_loft_v04_tweaked.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The State Library's new Children's Quarter. Image supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/kids_quarter_loft_v04_tweaked.jpg?itok=e1EDl-SP" title="The State Library's new Children's Quarter. Image supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The State Library's new Children's Quarter. Image supplied</figcaption></figure>The Victorian Government is providing $60.4 million worth of funding towards the project with the remaining $27.7 million to be raised through philanthropic support. Already the library has raised $21 million with $3 million from Maria and Allan Myers QC, $8 million from the John and Myriam Wylie Foundation and $10 million from the Ian Potter Foundation.

Yesterday's announcement also coincided with the launch of a public fundraising campaign to raise the remaining $5.9 million required.

<blockquote>
The revitalisation of the State Library of Victoria will see 40 percent more space released to the public with the opening of the Ian Potter Queen’s Hall, The Victoria Gallery, the Russell Street entry, the Banquet Hall, as well as welcoming new rooms like the Children’s Quarter.
If Melbourne is a city of rooms, then the 160-year old Ian Potter Queen’s Hall is the jewel in the crown. Ensconced in history, the Hall will be reopened to the public after more than a decade. We’re stripping the space back to reveal its original beauty, literally stripping the walls to expose the original paint work, while drawing a modern design line through the Hall and the rest of the Library to link all the rooms together.
The Ian Potter Queen’s Hall will by day be a reading room, but by night will be transformed into a space for a variety of events – dinners, debates, lectures, cocktail parties, fashion parades, book launches – the opportunities are endless. 
The Russell Street entrance will offer another activation point to the Library, while encouraging movement through the buildings and bringing to life a side of the Library that has long been quiet. The new entrance will also relieve some of the foot traffic from the Swanston Street main entrance by providing a social space for people to visit as they wait for the Library to open, or to pass through for a coffee. Housing a Readings bookshop, a coffee cart and co-working space, the Russell Street entrance will open new ways for visitors to experience the Library.
We’ve been lucky enough to collaborate with an architecture firm that is world renowned for its work on libraries. Schmidt Hammer Lassen has brought invaluable knowledge and creativity to the table, challenging us to approach the State Library with international ingenuity.
Schmidt Hammer Lassen have designed many of the world’s leading 21st Century libraries, and they are at the forefront of exploring everything a library can mean for today’s cities. Architectus has the ability to bring this rich experience to our home town, and this means that the Library gets the best international thinking with a team that lives and breathes the local context, and can deliver the project to the highest quality
<cite>Ruth Wilson, Director, Architectus</cite>
</blockquote>

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<h2>Key design features</h2>

<ul>
<li>
Queen’s Hall: positioned on the upper floor of the Swanston Street entrance, the Queen’s Hall was part of the original 1856 build, but has been closed for 15 years. One of Melbourne’s very special rooms, it is set to be reopened as a reading room for the public during the day and transformed into an events space at night to host anything from lavish weddings to political debates. The designs will see the walls stripped back to the original 1856 paint work to connecting the past to now, as well as repairing the original timber herringbone floor.</li>
	<li>
Russell Street entrance: taking the strain off foot traffic through the Swanston street entrance, the Russell Street entrance will be reopened as a welcome space with a café, Readings bookshop and information kiosk, as well as a co-working space for budding businesses and entrepreneurs.</li>
	<li>
Children’s Quarter: Housed in the intersection between four building additions from different periods, the Children’s Quarter will open the doors for the future generations of library-goers, with a wide variety of spatial experiences that were imagined through extensive workshops and consultation with young people – from quiet nooks to self-guided learning, to bright and colourful play spaces that encourage children to be anything they want to be.</li>
</ul>
The delivery of Vision 2020 is being managed by Major Projects Victoria with construction due to commence in July 2017.

<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/baldwin_spencer_v05_tweaked.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The State Library's new spaces set to open to the public. Image supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/baldwin_spencer_v05_tweaked.jpg?itok=6Zk7Z5pw" title="The State Library's new spaces set to open to the public. Image supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The State Library's new spaces set to open to the public. Image supplied</figcaption></figure>
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The State Library of Victoria's 2020 vision

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It's a prime CBD site that has been under constant redevelopment ever since the 1850s and this decade is set to be no different. The Minister for Creative Industries, Martin Foley, announced in the last week of April that the State Library of Victoria (SLV) will receive $55.4 million dollars in the upcoming State Budget which will see a further 1,000 square metres of public-use space opened up.

The Library is also set to receive a further $28 million in philanthropic support and when that money is combined with the State Government contribution, the SLV plans to re-open the Russell Street entrance, create dedicated children and youth learning space, improve conference facilities and create a centre for digital media.

The SLV looks also set to be a hotspot for entrepreneurship as spaces for hot-desking and collaboration will be included in the library post redevelopment.

Accompanying the development announcement, the SLV has uploaded two videos to its Youtube channel. One video takes us on a journey through the evolution of the site from the 1850s and the other video is a profile of the next chapter of redevelopment. Check them both out:

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From the <a href="http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/redevelopment-project">SLV's site</a> they key outcomes on the next chapter of redevelopment are:

<blockquote>
<ul>
<li>Restoring historic Queen’s Hall as a public reading room and building new rooftop garden terrace.</li>
	<li>Reopening the Russell Street entrance alongside a new major exhibition space, as well as cafe, retail and visitor services.</li>
	<li>Establishing an innovation hub that incorporates a centre for entrepreneurship to support Victorian enterprises, and a centre for digital media with e-Town Hall facilities to provide access to the latest communication technologies and connect with regional centres and public libraries across the state.</li>
	<li>Creating new dedicated spaces for children and young learners to support families in fostering early literacy and a love of reading.</li>
	<li>Reconfiguring the dome annulus galleries into open-access collection areas with more study spaces and a VIP lounge.</li>
	<li>Refurbishing the theatre and conference facilities to meet industry standards.</li>
	<li>Relocating staff office areas to open up more public space.</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>

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Lead image credit: SLV. <a href="http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/redevelopment-project">See the full gallery</a> of redevelopment renders.
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The next chapter in the State Library of Victoria's long lifetime

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304–328 Swanston Street, Melbourne
 
1854-1856 Joseph Reed; 1870 Reed and Barnes; 1906–11 Bates, Peebles and Smart;
1951 Percy Everett, Public Works Department; 1990-98 Ancher, Mortlock and Woolley
<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/Library2pc.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The State Library of Victoria as it looked soon after the completion of the Domed Reading Room."><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/Library2pc.jpg?itok=MDoy1B8c" title="The State Library of Victoria as it looked soon after the completion of the Domed Reading Room." typeof="Image"></a>
The decision to build a state library for Victoria was made in 1853 by Lieutenant-Governor Charles La Trobe and Mr Justice Redmond Barry. An architectural competition was held and a local architect, Joseph Reed was declared the winner with his submission of an academic classical design.
 
The foundation stone was laid in 1854 and in 1856 the library was officially opened with a collection of 3,800 books chosen by Mr Justice Redmond Barry.
 
In 1859 the first reading room, the barrel-vaulted Queen’s Reading Room (now Queen’s Hall) was opened.  Additional temporary structures were built in the rear facing Russell Street in 1866 for the Inter-colonial Exhibition and were in use until 1909.
 
Construction of the landmark Domed Reading Room begun in 1906 and was completed in 1911. The dome sits on a classically composed polygonal drum that rises over four levels and is punctuated by arched entrances/exits. It was designed by Bates, Peebles and Smart, and a for a short time after its completion, the Domed Reading Room was the world’s largest reinforced concrete dome. In 1959 the Domed Reading Room’s skylights were modified and covered in copper to stop water leaking into the room.
 
The library’s original grand plans made provision for inclusion of a museum and an art gallery. A museum of grand proportions was to be built facing Russell Street, however due to funding shortages a scaled back version was gradually built over the interwar years in a more austere restrained classical style. In the 1990s, the museum was moved to the Carlton Gardens in a new purpose built structure.  The State Library complex was also home to the National Gallery of Victoria until it was moved to its St Kilda Road address in the late 1960s.
 
Between 1990 and 2004 the State Library underwent a $200 million major refurbishment and redevelopment. The most notable of these refurbishments was the restoration of the Domed Reading Room, to allow the return of natural light into the space. It was renamed the La Trobe Reading Room when it was completed in 2003. Other developments included the construction of exhibition rooms and spaces that are used to house permanent and temporary exhibitions. The permanent exhibitions include, The Mirror of the World: Books and Ideas and The Changing Face of Victoria, both of which are on display in the upper level galleries of the La Trobe Reading Room. Other permanent exhibition rooms are the Cowen Gallery, along with the Stawell Gallery rooms on level 2a, which house a collection of oil paintings and portrait sculptures drawn from the Library’s Pictures Collection. Temporary exhibitions are held in the Keith Murdoch Gallery, which is entered from the foyer of the main entry on Swanston Street and like the Cowen and Stawell Galleries, used to be a former museum space. The construction of these exhibition spaces has made the Victorian State Library one of the largest exhibiting libraries in the world.
 
The library has moved into the twenty first century with the inclusion of exciting new visitor facilities. This includes Mr Tulk Café, named after the first librarian, Augustus H. Tulk, with its main entrance on La Trobe Street. A Readings Bookshop, is situated next to the library foyer and in 2010, the Wheeler Centre for Books, Writing and Ideas, was set up, with its entrance on Little Lonsdale Street. The Wheeler Centre was named after the Lonely Planet founders, Tony and Maureen Wheeler, who donated funds for its establishment.
 
The State Library of Victoria was the first public library in Australia and one of the first in the world. The library currently holds over two million books, hundreds of thousands of pictures, photographs, newspapers, maps and manuscripts, and has also amassed a large collection of audio, video and digital material. These collections reflect the culture of Victoria over the past 160 years, making the State Library of Victoria one of Melbourne’s greatest cultural icons! 
 
The website:
http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/
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