Construction is now underway at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/cumulus-grand-villas-carrara-17-baltimore-court-carrara-qld-4211">Cumulus Grand Villas</a> in Carrara, with all stages fully funded as <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/venturecrowd-property-projects">VentureCrowd</a> progresses its 59-residence gated community on an elevated ridgeline overlooking 100 hectares of natural savanna.

The commencement marks a key milestone for the Gold Coast project, designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a> and being delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/devcon">Devcon Property Group</a>, at a time when buyers are placing greater emphasis on delivery certainty and builder track record.

With Devcon active in South East Queensland since 1993 and having delivered more than 1,000 homes, the team is positioning Cumulus as a fully financed, under-construction offering in a market where risk mitigation has become a central consideration for off-the-plan purchasers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135663 project_image_fid=360496]

Located at 17 Baltimore Court, Cumulus Grand Villas comprises 59 three- and four-bedroom villas across four collections, Skyline, Canopy, Savanna and Broadview. Pricing starts from $1,455,000, with completion of the first stage targeted for Q4 2026.

Across the four collections, each design represents an expansive and thoughtfully considered offering. The Broadview provides additional flexibility within its floorplan, incorporating a multipurpose room or optional additional bedroom, and is priced from $1,895,000.&nbsp;

Configured across two levels, the four-bedroom villas feature two master bedrooms with private ensuites, as well as a multipurpose room (MPR), supporting intergenerational living, guest accommodation, or the creation of a dedicated retreat space.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135663 project_image_fid=360497]

The main living areas are positioned on the ground floor, while the bedrooms are located upstairs, a configuration that promotes both family separation and connected living. All villas include a second master suite on the ground floor, reinforcing the project’s focus on flexibility and long-term adaptability.

That adaptability was central to BDA Architecture’s design approach. The team sought to create a sophisticated, low-maintenance product that makes the most of the site’s elevation and outlook while responding to evolving household needs. Expansive glazing, open-plan interiors and private outdoor areas draw in natural light and frame views towards the savanna, hinterland and Broadbeach skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135663 project_image_fid=360470]

VentureCrowd Director of Property David Whitting said the project responds to a growing group of buyers reassessing what premium living on the Gold Coast looks like.

Flexible floorplans have proven particularly relevant for purchasers aged between 40 and 65, including next home buyers, downsizers and investors. The inclusion of dual master suites in the Broadview design, along with options for a downstairs MPR or guest bedroom, allows homes to adapt as family dynamics shift, whether accommodating older parents, adult children, or extended stays.

Across the community, villas are specified with European appliances and premium fixtures and fittings, alongside double garages and landscaped private areas. The gated enclave includes number plate recognition entry, reinforcing a focus on security and exclusivity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135663 project_image_fid=360474]

Lifestyle amenity is anchored by the Infinity Terrace, an elevated communal space incorporating a 20m heated pool, alfresco zones and barbecue facilities, designed as a shared retreat within the neighbourhood. A two-acre private nature reserve with walking trails and rehabilitated bushland further integrates the development with its savanna-edge setting, reflecting a broader masterplan initiative to restore native vegetation and habitat corridors.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/carrara-qld-4211">Carrara</a>’s positioning continues to attract attention from prestige buyers seeking proximity to the coast without beachfront pricing. The suburb offers access to major retail centres including Pacific Fair and Robina Town Centre, is around 15 minutes from Broadbeach, and benefits from connectivity via the M1 to Brisbane and the Gold Coast Airport.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135663]

Joel Robinson

VentureCrowd’s Cumulus Grand Villas in Carrara advances with construction underway

Joint venture partners <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen">Abadeen</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/perifa">PERIFA</a> are officially launching the third and final residential stage at their landmark $350 million harbourfront precinct, Putney Wharf, with The Residences representing the final opportunity to secure a new home within this rare waterfront destination.

Strong demand has already been established across the earlier stages of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-residences-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a>, with more than 50 per cent sold ahead of this final release. The Residences will introduce a selection of the precinct’s most premium apartments, many of which were deliberately reserved for this concluding stage.

Located at 20 Waterview Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/putney-nsw-2112">Putney</a> NSW, the completed precinct will comprise 67 residences, including 18 terraces and 49 apartments, alongside five retail tenancies and a 36-berth marina.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=1338]

Developed alongside partners Phoenix Property Investors and Mitsubishi Estate Asia, Putney Wharf occupies a prized 300-metre stretch of absolute waterfront and incorporates the historic former Halvorsen’s Boatshed. The precinct connects directly to surrounding parklands via a landscaped foreshore walkway and a large, landscaped podium linking both sides of the development to the adjoining foreshore parklands.

The Residences comprise two newly built, three-storey apartment buildings delivering a boutique collection of 30 generously proportioned waterfront apartments. Designed to capture harbour outlooks, natural light and cooling breezes, The Residences balance architectural refinement with relaxed, low-maintenance living.

Architecturally designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the apartments continue the cohesive design language seen across the broader precinct. A refined palette of light and dark materials, softer-toned stone and neutral, earthy finishes reflect the surrounding landscape and harbour setting. Interiors feature painted timber veneers, tactile joinery, timber flooring to living spaces and 100 per cent natural wool carpets in bedrooms, creating warm and sophisticated homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362525]

Justin Brown, Executive Chairman and Founder of Abadeen, said the release of the final residential stage marks an important milestone for the project.

“Putney Wharf brings together everything we’ve learned over more than 25 years of development,” Mr Brown said. “It respects the site’s extraordinary maritime history while delivering contemporary homes that connect people directly to the harbour.

The Residences offer the rare combination of low-maintenance apartment living, waterfront outlooks with beautiful sunset views, and the convenience of retail and amenity at your doorstep. For boating enthusiasts, the opportunity to secure a private marina berth completes a truly unique Sydney harbourfront lifestyle.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=291197]

PERIFA Managing Director and Co-Founder Fabrizio Perilli added that the diversity of housing across the precinct has been central to the project’s success.

“Whether it’s the heritage Halvorsen’s apartments, the Waterview Terraces or now The Residences, Putney Wharf offers a range of homes that respond to different lifestyles, all united by an unrivalled harbourfront setting,” Perilli said. “This is a precinct that will add lasting value to the Putney community.”

Managing project marketing and sales, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">SRM Residential</a> Partner Tim Rees said the final release has already attracted strong demand reflecting the project’s unique harbourfront position and the success of earlier stages.

“Following the strong response to both the Halvorsen’s Boatshed residences and the Waterview Terraces, The Residences represent the final chance to secure a new home within this tightly held waterfront precinct,” Rees said. “Buyers are drawn to the rare combination of absolute harbour frontage, parkside living and genuine architectural quality.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362240]

Putney Wharf is a one-of-a-kind mixed-use destination, delivering an exclusive residential offering alongside waterfront dining, retail and a 36-berth marina designed to the latest Australian Standards, accommodating vessels up to 18 metres and helping address Sydney Harbour’s ongoing marina shortage.

The precinct will include five retail tenancies and a prominent waterfront jetty area fronting the retail village, creating an activated harbourfront destination for residents and visitors alike.

Residents will enjoy direct access to lush harbourfront parklands, a public foreshore walkway and landscaped podium gardens connecting the development to the surrounding waterfront reserve. Construction across the Putney Wharf precinct is expected to be completed by Q2 2027.

Sales of The Residences officially launch this weekend, with the display suite open Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 12pm at Putney Wharf. Visitors are invited to enjoy a complimentary coffee while touring The Residences and experiencing the Putney Wharf lifestyle firsthand.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=13962]

Final Harbourfront release in Putney Wharf launches this weekend

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/draycon">Draycon Building</a> is nearing completion of Boutique Chevron Island, a 42-apartment development on the northern end of Chevron Island at 17–19 Parneno Street, with a limited-time offer of fully furnished apartments available.

Now more than 90 per cent complete, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/boutique-chevron-island-17-19-parneno-chevron-island-qld-4217">Boutique</a> has been shaped by one of the Gold Coast’s most tightly held island addresses, where riverfront outlooks and walkable access to Surfers Paradise converge.

For Draycon Building Managing Director Howard Dabit, the appeal of the site was immediate.

“I knew it was a good site as soon as I saw it,” Dabit said.

“The position and location on the north end of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chevron-island-qld-4217">Chevron Island</a>, the way the river swirls around the site basically from the north to the east, it feels like the site is surrounded by the water. The height that we’ve got and the aspect looking north is beautiful. Eighty per cent of the apartments are looking north so they get that drenching sunlight coming in.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=89709 project_image_fid=360922]

That northern orientation places the development within a stretch of Chevron Island defined by open river aspects and skyline views, while remaining embedded in the suburb’s established village setting.

Chevron Island has increasingly drawn owner-occupiers seeking centrality without the intensity of high-rise beachfront living. Positioned at the geographical centre of the Gold Coast, the island offers direct access to both the beach and key cultural infrastructure while retaining a neighbourhood-scale character.

Connected by bridge to Surfers Paradise, Chevron Island offers walkable access to beaches, riverfront parklands and a revitalised foreshore boulevard animated by walkers and cyclists throughout the day. The Pacific Ocean is only minutes away, reinforcing the suburb’s dual river-and-surf identity.

At the same time, Thomas Drive forms the spine of the island’s village life, delivering cafés, wine bars, casual dining and everyday services within easy reach. Independent grocers, wellness operators and neighbourhood retailers contribute to a community atmosphere that remains distinct from the vertical scale of the beachfront.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=89709 project_image_fid=360915]

In the opposite direction, the Green Bridge links directly to HOTA – Home of the Arts – placing galleries, performance venues and parklands within walking distance. Weekly markets and major exhibitions draw visitors from across the region, while residents return to a quieter residential pocket at day’s end.

Public transport, including nearby bus routes and the G:link light rail corridor along the coastal spine, strengthens connectivity north and south. Griffith University, the Gold Coast University Hospital precinct and established private schools such as The Southport School are all within a short drive.

Ongoing investment across Surfers Paradise, HOTA and the broader Southport corridor has elevated amenity while preserving Chevron Island’s comparatively low-rise residential character. It is this balance, walkable village atmosphere paired with metropolitan-scale infrastructure, that continues to differentiate the suburb from higher-density beachfront precincts.

Boutique comprises just 42 residences, designed to maximise river and skyline outlooks within this tightly held island setting.

Boutique Chevron Island is slated for completion in April 2026, with prices starting from $1,220,000.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=89709]

Draycon Building’s Boutique Chevron Island places 42 residences at the heart of the Gold Coast

Sydney developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/deicorp">Deicorp</a> has secured planning approval for a $300 million residential development in Lindfield, marking the company’s second project on Sydney’s North Shore and its first on the Upper North Shore.

Located on Beaconsfield Parade and designed by DKO Architecture, the state significant development comprises three buildings of up to 10 storeys and will include 399 residences, including 59 affordable homes and 40 adaptable homes.

Residences will range in size from one, two and three bedrooms, with two-bedroom apartments accounting for over 60 per cent of the product make-up. Residents will have access to a broad suite of amenities, including a wellness area, indoor and outdoor recreational spaces, a pool, a gym, a community room and a golf simulator.

In line with Deicorp’s long-standing focus on creating transit-oriented communities, the project is located just 260 metres from the Lindfield Train Station, reinforcing its role in delivering well-connected housing close to established infrastructure, retail and local services.

The inclusion of affordable and adaptable housing supports greater diversity within the local market, while the mix of apartment types responds to demand from downsizers, young professionals and families seeking access to the Upper North Shore.

Deicorp Founder Fouad Deiri OAM said the approval represents an important milestone for both the company and the suburb

“This approval allows us to deliver well-designed homes in a location that is already supported by strong transport and community infrastructure," Deiri said.

"Our focus is on creating places that integrate into their surroundings and provide long-term value for residents, and the broader Lindfield community. Being within walking distance of the station ensures this project supports sustainable growth in the right locations."

Across its portfolio, Deicorp currently has 4,703 apartments under construction, playing a leading role in shaping connected, liveable communities across Sydney.

Its expanding portfolio of Metro-linked developments includes Tallawong Village, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kings-bay-village-five-dock-53-75-queens-road-five-dock-nsw-2046">Kings Bay Village</a> in Five Dock, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/hyde-metropolitan-sydney-133-141-liverpool-street-sydney-nsw-2000">Hyde Metropolitan</a> in Sydney CBD, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/falcon-alexander-crows-nest-8-alexander-street-crows-nest-nsw-2065">Falcon &amp; Alexander</a> in Crows Nest and Showground Village, Castle Hill.

Deicorp purchased the Beaconsfield Paradise site last year. Construction is scheduled to commence in Q2 of 2026 and will be completed in 2029.

Deicorp expands portfolio to nearly 5,000 apartments with Lindfield project

In a joint venture with The Trump Organization, Australia developer Altus Property Group has announced plans to bring a Trump International Hotel &amp; Tower to the Gold Coast, marking the first Trump-branded project in Australia.

"Trump International Hotel &amp; Tower, Gold Coast is our first official project in Australia and reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering world-class luxury experiences in iconic locations around the world," Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of The Trump Organization, said.

"This development exemplifies the Trump brand’s dedication to quality, sophistication, and unmatched service, and we are thrilled to bring this vision to the vibrant Gold Coast community."

The 91-storey building, which will become the tallest in Australia at 335 metres, will feature a&nbsp;285-room luxury hotel bearing the trademark Trump logo. It will also include 272 luxury residential apartments, a three-level podium with an exclusive Beach Club, and over 3,400 sqm of premium commercial, retail, and dining space, revitalizing the central Surfers Paradise precinct.

“Trump International Hotel &amp; Tower, Gold Coast will be a truly unique offering in the Australian market, bringing the prestige and allure of a world-class luxury brand,"&nbsp;Altus founder and chief executive David Young said.

"Altus Property Group is proud of its track record in delivering landmark developments across Australia, and our expertise ensures this project will be an outstanding success."

Trump Hotel heads for the Gold Coast to become Australia's tallest building

<html><body>
UPDATE MAY 2019: OSK Property won both awards! <a href="/news/osk-property-s-double-win-for-melbourne-square-at-asia-pacific-property-awards">Read more here</a>.

<a href="/buildings/melbourne-square-93-119-kavanagh-street-southbank">OSK Property’s six-tower development</a> is likely to draw attention to Southbank, having been nominated in two categories for the acclaimed 2019/20 International Property Awards.

Although the development is still very much a construction site, that hasn't stopped Melbourne Square from submitting for best 'Mixed-use Development’ and ‘Residential High-Rise Architecture’.

<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/melbournesquare1_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="773" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/melbournesquare1_0.jpg?itok=3buCqjzO" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Square. Credit: OSK Property</figcaption></figure>Since the site is within an urban regeneration zone, OSK Property placed importance on creating a public-orientated precinct where residential property, childcare facilities, retail outlets and large outdoor spaces were accessible to all.

<blockquote>
“We have done everything that we can to create the best public realm in Melbourne within our development, and it’s right in the heart of Southbank.”

- Tan Sri Ong Leong Huat, Chairman of OSK Property
</blockquote>

Tan Sri Ong Leong Huat also mentioned that Cox Architecture was to be commended for creating buildings that will "enhance the beauty of Melbourne’s skyline".

The $2.8 billion development features a 3745m2 park, designed by renowned landscape architectural firm Taylor Cullity Lethlean (TCL). Noted as one of the largest architecturally significant green spaces in Southbank, the park highlights will include a European-inspired piazza, a cascading waterfall and an outdoor terrace. 

<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/melbournesquare2.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="290" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/melbournesquare2.jpg?itok=921XHfvp" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Square Park. Credit: OSK Property</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
"It will be an important destination, delivering benchmark sustainable urban design, and a place for people to live, work and play, with the park drawing people from across the city in. The brief was focused on creating an opportunity for residents of Melbourne Square but also local residents and the public in Southbank to engage with nature.” 

- Lisa Howard, TCL director
</blockquote>

Stage one of the <a href="/buildings/melbourne-square-93-119-kavanagh-street-southbank">Melbourne Square</a> development will introduce the park, a new Woolworths supermarket, childcare and retail, as well as two luxury apartment towers and is due for staggered completion from late 2019. 

Future stages will include a Hilton branded hotel, a commercial office tower and a further two residential towers, with further details expected to be released in coming months.

Finalists of the International Property Awards will be announced in Bangkok this May and will be invited to compete for global recognition. Previous winners include the likes of London’s landmark Kings Cross Gasworks apartments, the Royal Academy of Music and Heathrow Airport.
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Olivia Round

OSK Property’s Melbourne Square gains double nomination for prestigious International Property Awards

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Urban.com.au was on hand late last week for the soil turning ceremony for the first stage of OSK Property's $2.8bn Melbourne Square project, which marked the official commencement of construction by head contractor Multiplex. 

Designed by Cox Architecture, Melbourne Square is <a href="/buildings/melbourne-square-93-119-kavanagh-street-southbank">one of the largest development projects in Victoria</a>, and will feature six mixed-use towers of varying heights and programme, in addition to a new 3,700 sqm public park for Southbank, which will also be delivered as part of stage one.

Already at the time of writing, 95% of piling for stage one has been completed, with the tower structures becoming apparent in coming months.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/melbourne-square-park.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Square's 3,700 sqm public park will provide much needed open space for Southbank residents. Image : Floodslicer"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="266" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/melbourne-square-park.jpg?itok=Z6UUXUm8" title="Melbourne Square's 3,700 sqm public park will provide much needed open space for Southbank residents. Image : Floodslicer" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Square's 3,700 sqm public park will provide much needed open space for Southbank residents. Image: Floodslicer</figcaption></figure>Over 7,000 tonnes of steel and 50,000 cubic metres of concrete will be used in the first stage of construction, with the workforce expected to peak at approximately 600 people. 

Stage one of Melbourne Square comprises two residential towers of 54 and 69-storeys accommodating 1,048 apartments and delivering essential amenity and services to Southbank residents.

This includes the delivery of a retail precinct incorporating shopping, dining and café facilities as well as Southbank’s first full-line supermarket, through a recently announced deal with Woolworths who will occupy 3,800 sqm over two levels.

The ambitious project will play a pivotal role in bringing much-needed community amenity to Southbank, with the entire city block revitalised to become a vibrant vertical village and deliver much-needed green open space and services to the precinct.

COX Architecture's design for stage one is characterised by fully glazed pleated towers highlighted by a dramatic shard element at level 54. The unique pleated facade provides a bay window type feel with the added effect of widening the external views and maximizing natural light.

<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/melb_square_shard.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The two towers which form stage one feature fully glazed pleated facades. Image : Floodslicer"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/melb_square_shard.jpg?itok=B6T2BiiB" title="The two towers which form stage one feature fully glazed pleated facades. Image : Floodslicer" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The two towers which form stage one feature fully glazed pleated facades. Image : Floodslicer</figcaption></figure>Speaking about OSK Property's vision for the Melbourne Square project OSK Group's executive chairman Tan Sri Ong Leong Huat remarked that the intent was to create "a fully integrated iconic project" that provided a memorable entry experience for visitors coming from Melbourne airport - "a symbol, a landmark". 

Tan Sri added that very early on the development team worked closely with DELWP and City of Melbourne to create a vision for the site that met their expectations and adhered to planning requirements, and provided another landmark for Melbourne that "blended in with the city."

Melbourne Square will add to Southbank's growing list of green spaces joining the new expanded park at the former Boyd School, Sturt Street spine, Southbank Boulevard linear park and improvements to City Road.

Stage one of Melbourne is due for completion in October 2020. A hotel operator and tenant(s) for the commercial tower are being finalised with an announcement expected in the 2nd quarter of 2018.

<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/20180322_102940.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Piling nears completion as construction proper is set to get underway. "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/20180322_102940.jpg?itok=SOYAByvD" title="Piling nears completion as construction proper is set to get underway. " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Piling nears completion as construction proper is set to get underway.</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
We are excited to see Melbourne Square come to life. The project will breathe life into an area that is already a coveted location within walking distance of the CBD, Southbank arts precinct, Royal Botanic Gardens and the Crown entertainment precinct. We are also delighted to be able to do our part in providing much-needed amenity to the Southbank community.

- Tan Sri Ong Leong Huat, Executive Chairman of OSK Group
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
We’re pleased that we’ll soon be able to offer local residents the convenience of a supermarket that will include all the usual features our customers have come to expect. From fresh fruit and vegetables to a large range of grocery items at great prices, those living in the area will be able to pick up all their shopping essentials, without needing to travel too far.

- Brad Karge, Woolworths’ State Property Manager
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
We’re pleased to kick off the construction process on what is set to be one of Central Melbourne’s most exciting new developments. It will be a busy three years ahead to bring Melbourne Square to life and we’re looking forward to working closely with OSK Property in its delivery.

- Graham Cotton, Multiplex Victoria’s Regional Managing Director 
</blockquote>
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Laurence Dragomir

Soil turns on Stage 1 of Melbourne Square as piling nears completion

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The various spaces and elements which combine to form RMIT's New Academic Street (NAS) have progressively begun to open to students and visitors alike.

 I was recently fortunate enough to be part of an informal group tour through the completed spaces within NAS, led by Harrison and White which had a hand in the project.

Located at the University's City Campus, the $220 million NAS project was conceived and delivered over a period of 6 years, and includes a range of transformative projects with the intent of creating a stronger relationship between the campus and the street. Of course the development also delivers an improved student experience, including new breakout spaces and study spaces.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/nas_stitch_01.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The NAS Project has opened up the City Campus to the street and the sky. "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="381" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/nas_stitch_01.jpg?itok=Mn3Fqpz_" title="The NAS Project has opened up the City Campus to the street and the sky. " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The NAS Project has opened up the City Campus to the street and the sky.</figcaption></figure>To assist in realising this vision RMIT engaged Lyons Architects, whom also designed the Swanston Academic Building (SAB) directly opposite, to build on some of the conceptual thinking behind the design, particularly in terms of how students engage with the spaces which are dispersed throughout the building.

Lyons instead sought to bring on board another four relatively smaller architectural practices to assist in providing the campus with an eclectic mix of architectural diversity, guided by a single vision. 

MvS Architects, NMBW, Harrison &amp; White (HAW) and Maddison Architects were joined by Landscape Architects Taylor Cullity Lethlean in proposing a series of interventions to penetrate through the fortress-like perimeter of the brutalist 1970's buildings.

<blockquote>
Working closely with RMIT to achieve the university’s goals of a future-looking building that has an unprecedented focus on students.

Rather than knock down the existing buildings and start from scratch, the design team embarked on a bold project of adaptive re-use which radically transformed buildings 8, 10, 12 and 14, reconfiguring the heart of the campus.

The design team has successfully rebuilt the centre of the campus for students, and in doing so, enabled the university to continue to retain, attract and grow student numbers. This major project has transformed the scattered RMIT city campus into an interconnected, vibrant collection of buildings. RMIT now offers students a truly vivid, intense city-like experience.

- Lyons Architects
</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/nas_stitch_02.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A juxtaposition of architectural forms combine to activate Bowen Street."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="381" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/nas_stitch_02.jpg?itok=vthScNh1" title="A juxtaposition of architectural forms combine to activate Bowen Street." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A juxtaposition of architectural forms combine to activate Bowen Street.</figcaption></figure>New laneways dissect the campus and help to mediate the level change, creating clearly defined connections between Swanston and Bowen Streets through the University while also improving the wayfinding experience through the buildings. 

The project also involved the internal reconfiguration and renovation of Buildings 8, 10, 12 and 14, with a greater focus on delivering additional student spaces, improved student facilities and amenities, plus expanding the existing Central University Library.

<blockquote>
The work of NMBW within this ensemble focuses on making new entrances and ‘arcades’ through the existing monolithic buildings, with associated new vertical circulation (stairs, escalators, small lifts), reworking specific rooms for casual student use within the library, introduction of mixed-mode and naturally-ventilated student spaces, provision of retail tenancies, toilets and general amenities, and the design of a wholly new 3-level building utilising structural timber.

(The Garden Building) creates a ‘student tower’ and beacon at the centre of the new precinct formed by the wider infrastructural works associated with New Academic Street. At plaza level, the new structure makes a covered public space, permanently open and served by a small café. Two levels above are workshop-studio style flexible rooms that can be linked to the library or operated independently. The top level is a social roof terrace, a lively space as part of the suite of landscape spaces at this new level of major public circulation.

- NMBW
</blockquote>

NMBW's Garden Building on Bowen Street was a personal favourite with the 3-storey structure utiliseing  glue-lam timber columns and beams to form a new relationship to the existing buildings via a large staircase which allows pedestrian access from Bowen Street up to the new rooftop, spiraling around the perimeter.

<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/20180130_150011.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="NMBW's Garden Building to Bowen Street."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="351" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/20180130_150011.jpg?itok=stbLuvHC" title="NMBW's Garden Building to Bowen Street." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>NMBW's Garden Building to Bowen Street.</figcaption></figure>The introduction of five projections along Swanston and Franklin Streets to activate the facades of the Bates Smart-designed edifices, further add to the permeability of the existing buildings and reinforce the vertical circulation up the buildings.

The projections also collectively create a visual relationship between the NAS project and some of the outdoor spaces of the SAB directly opposite, opening the campus up to the outdoors, allowing for passive surveillance and animating the buildings above the street.

Once again each intervention has been designed by a different architecture firm and continues the architectural language from the Bowen Street facade, further reinforcing the connection with Swanston Street; both visually and physically. 

As someone who studied at RMIT, the University's large scale capital works program came well after I had departed, so while I haven't been able to appreciate or utilise the facilities and spaces of the Swanston Academic Building, Design Hub or New Academic Street as a student, I have enjoyed revisiting the City Campus and seeing how it has evolved. 

A visit to the NAS project is definitely recommended, with further areas still to be completed.

The Melbourne Metro project will further enhance the precinct with a new entry to State Library Station to be built on Franklin Street.

<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/metro_cbd1-1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Concept image of State Library Station's Franklin Street entry. Image: MMRA "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="385" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/metro_cbd1-1.jpg?itok=SkC6GawO" title="Concept image of State Library Station's Franklin Street entry. Image: MMRA " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Concept image of State Library Station's Franklin Street entry. Image: MMRA</figcaption></figure>For further images taken during the tour click on the slideshow below:
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