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

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

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

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

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

Eastern Suburbs buyers snap up ESTE Little Bay apartments

Technè

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Developer Riverlee is hoping to add to City of Yarra's substantial commercial development pipeline by way of a mixed-use, multi-storey building at 484-486 Swan Street.

Utilising entity Killara Quest Pty Ltd, Riverlee has applied to deliver a major commercial and retail building spanning 14 levels which would be located adjacent to Burnley Station. Technè Architecture and Interior Design have conceived the design, marking their first high-rise project within the Apartments.com.au Project Database.

Aside from twelve floors of dedicated office accommodation, the project would also include five separate food/drink tenancies, including one which spans the entire first floor. Technè have a particularly strong background in designing hospitality spaces.

According to planning documents, various parties have shown interest in the office and restricted retail spaces although none have formally committed to the lease. 

<h2>484-486 Swan Street 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/image15_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="484-486 Swan Street adjacent to the rail line. Planning image: Technè"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="291" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image15_11.jpg?itok=pSQdvVSX" title="484-486 Swan Street adjacent to the rail line. Planning image: Technè" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>484-486 Swan Street adjacent to the rail line. Planning image: Technè</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Lodged June 2017</li>
	<li>Combined site area: 2,334sqm</li>
	<li>Current use: low-rise commercial</li>
	<li>Proposed 14 storey development at 56.8 metres in height</li>
	<li>GFA: 25,655sqm</li>
	<li>Commercial office space: 13,623sqm</li>
	<li>1 retail tenancy of 226sqm &amp; 5 food/drink tenancies amounting to 2,170sqm</li>
	<li>155 car parking spaces within a 3 level basement</li>
	<li>240 bicycle spaces</li>
	<li>4 separate outdoor terraces</li>
	<li>Estimated cost of development: $42 million</li>
</ul>
<h2>Urbis planning statement</h2>

<blockquote>
484-486 Swan Street is located in one of Richmond’s most prominent areas, which is renowned for its economic diversity. The rich history of industrial uses still lives strong today, but has encouraged other forms of commerciality to the area, such as hospitality, retail, showrooms and large corporate offices.

The proposed development recognizes this site’s opportunity for a precedent setting architectural gesture. The proposal acknowledges its role within a largely activated and dynamic communal context, as a catalyst for functional and amenity driven program.

The building’s proximity to public transport and location on the street, provides ideal conditions for a ‘transport hub’ offering, contributing a significant portion of its ground plane, for public through block connections, uses encouraging activation and visitors beyond those of the office building, and meaningful landscaping.
</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/image14_14.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="484-486 Swan Street in a future built form context. Planning image: Technè"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="288" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image14_14.jpg?itok=dsNBHlGI" title="484-486 Swan Street in a future built form context. Planning image: Technè" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>484-486 Swan Street in a future built form context. Planning image: Technè</figcaption></figure><h2>Swan Street becomes increasingly popular</h2>

Other developers are also looking to transform Swan Street in line with the <a href="http://file:///C:/Users/silvermb/Downloads/Swan%20Street%20Structure%20Plan.pdf">Swan Street Structure Plan</a>. 

Adjoining 484-486 Swan Street, Elenberg Fraser have designed a sizeable scheme for 462-482 Swan Street. The predominantly residential development for Bamfa Properties includes in excess of 200 apartments and 3,400sqm of retail space.

Also at planning is <a href="/developments/richmond-vic-3121">370-374 Swan Street</a> with over 14,000sqm of office accommodation earmarked for the project. Add a raft of smaller commercial and residential developments in progress and the area particularly around Burnley Station is leading Swan Street's push as a new higher density frontier.

<h2>484-486 Swan Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Riverlee (Killara Quest Pty Ltd)</li>
	<li>Architecture: Techne Architecture and Interior Design</li>
	<li>Urban Context Analysis and Design Response: Techne Architecture and Interior Design</li>
	<li>Planning Report: Urbis</li>
	<li>Traffic Impact Assessment: Ratio Consultants</li>
	<li>Sustainability Management Plan: Arcadis</li>
	<li>Waste Management Plan: Ratio Consultants</li>
</ul>
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silvermb

Riverlee eyes Swan Street for Richmond's next major development

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As part of their ongoing development at Victoria Harbour, Lendlease have engaged Techne Architecture and Interior Design to deliver their new Victoria Harbour Sales and Leasing Centre. The completed centre has been designed to help to market and sell Lendlease’s remaining developments in Victoria Harbour, whilst also aiding in the approximately 1,500 apartment settlements expected over the next 18 months.

The sales centre is locate in close proximity to Victoria Harbour’s most recent developments, offering dual frontage to Collins and Bourke streets and proximity to the 888 Collins Street visual light display. Unlike a traditional display suite that presents a 1:1 scale version of a finished apartment, the 300sqm centre envisions the future precinct through a number of interactive and immersive installation zones. 

<blockquote>
We were conscious of the need to articulate the potential experience to the customer, without a tangible product and, in a constantly evolving location. Responsiveness to the precinct’s established blend of technological innovation and public interaction was integral to our design, and ultimately saw us take a more modern approach to marketing property.
<cite>- Justin Northrop, Technē Director</cite>
</blockquote>

Immersive design features are critical elements of the customer experience and include a 20-screen media wall, interactive digital scale model, theatrical ceiling light display, and large-scale Lego model of the Collins Wharf masterplan.

Urban.com.au spoke to Technē Senior Associate, Gabriella Gulacsi about the firm's design thinking and some of the challenges associated with designing a display suite that is adaptable over the course of the next 5-10 years.

<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/techne_vicharbourlr-15.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Victoria Harbour Sales and Leasing Centre features a Lego model. Image courtesy Techne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/techne_vicharbourlr-15.jpg?itok=2E0k9aoy" title="Victoria Harbour Sales and Leasing Centre features a Lego model. Image courtesy Techne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Victoria Harbour Sales and Leasing Centre features a Lego model. Image courtesy Techne</figcaption></figure>Urban.com.au: What were some of the design drivers for the display suite design?

Gabriella Gulacsi: The design drivers for the display suite design centred primarily on the layering of space, both horizontally and vertically, and the overarching project objectives which called for the use of timeless materials and finishes, an adaptable floorplan and sustainability.

The layering of spaces allows for the defined zones and sales information, and also helps to prioritise the sales tools. A sculptural ceiling installation provides visual interest in the open plan space, and introduces an innovative lighting solution to create ambience within the suite. UM: Were Techne engaged following their previous work with Lend Lease on the Melbourne Quarter residential display suite?

GG: Yes. Due to the success of Melbourne Quarter we were recommended for the Victoria Harbour project.

UM: What were some of the challenges the design team faced?

GG: The site was impressive with high ceilings throughout however the wedge shaped geometry of the site didn’t afford easy spatial organisation - a challenge when articulating a clear sales journey to potential buyers.

We were also conscious of the potential for the space’s large size, strong connection to the street, and visually busy facades to distract from the sales journey. To ensure customers would feel comfortable and could focus on the sales message, the design incorporates ample natural lighting, defined zones throughout the tenancy and a large centralised digital display.

UM: Was adaptability considered for the suite with Victoria Harbour still evolving over the next 5-10 years? How do you design with that in mind?

<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/techne_vicharbourlr-17.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The colourful interior. Image courtesy Techne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="869" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/techne_vicharbourlr-17.jpg?itok=266DOCAL" title="The colourful interior. Image courtesy Techne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The colourful interior. Image courtesy Techne</figcaption></figure>GG: The brief called for a design that would respond to the constantly evolving nature of the precinct. Each area that is adaptable over the five to 10-year life span was designed as a focal point, featuring elements that can be tailored for new developments within the precinct. This flexibility in the design comprises physical and digital displays and, allows for future technological advancements such as virtual reality.

Techne’s experience in workplace design means that future-proofing is inherent in each of our design responses. The ability to draw from our work across sectors provides an informed basis for the design intent of a project.

UM: And lastly, What sort of lifespan has the design suite been designed for?  
  GG: The suite has been designed to appeal to a broad target market for apartments and facilitate the sale of multiple product types over the next five to ten years.
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Laurence Dragomir

Technē designs an immersive experience for the Victoria Harbour Sales and Leasing Centre

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<a href="http://gardenstatehotel.com.au/">Garden State Hotel</a> is a highly impressive, purpose-built four storey bar and hospitality venue at 101 Flinders Lane. Formerly the site of iconic ’80s and ’90s hospitality venue Rosati, and once a beacon for the city’s social scene, Garden State Hotel is now owned and operated by Sand Hill Road, the hospitality group behind a string of successful high-end pubs including Bridge Hotel, Richmond Club Hotel, Terminus Hotel and Prahran Hotel.

As with the reinvention of these now iconic venues, Sand Hill Road has once again tasked <a href="/architects/techne-architecture-interior-design">Technē</a> with transforming the venue into the Garden State Hotel.

Technē has completely redesigned the venue while preserving its distinctive exterior as well as other elements of the building's fabric, itself a heritage Victorian era building that began life as a textile mill in 1896. New materials enhance, compliment and draw on the existing characteristics of the site, while displaying an aesthetic very much in the vein of Technē's previous works.

The Technē design centres on a large multi-level beer garden, an oasis of sorts in the middle of the <a href="/new-apartments/melbourne-vic">Melbourne CBD</a> and a far cry from the multi-level hotel once proposed for the site.

<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/shr_gardenstatehtl_-smg_252862.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Interconnectivity is at the heart of the Garden State Hotel's design. Image courtesy Sand Hill Road"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/shr_gardenstatehtl_-smg_252862.jpg?itok=oMQrLHQV" title="Interconnectivity is at the heart of the Garden State Hotel's design. Image courtesy Sand Hill Road" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Interconnectivity is at the heart of the Garden State Hotel's design. Image courtesy Sand Hill Road</figcaption></figure>Instead a series of spaces - a procession of contraction, expansion and again contraction - beginning with the front bar are evident. These are tied together by a timber pergola structure which reinforces the importance and role of the central courtyard filled with plants and trees. Reflecting this verdant theme, the name Garden State Hotel borrows Victoria’s century-old state title, ‘The Garden State’.

Urban.com.au met with Technē director Justin Northrop for a tour of the venue, who described the project, built by <a href="/builders/schiavello-constructions">Schiavello Constructions</a>, as an unprecedented opportunity to reinvigorate a substantial CBD site for the hospitality sector.

The 2,000sqm project has a capacity for 840 guests, and preserves much of the original textile factory’s saw tooth roof while opening its central bays to form a terraced beer garden that has the feel of a Victorian conservatory, one which encourages exploration and discovery of its various spaces.

The contemporary pub is a versatile space, with different rooms and areas to support varied audiences and functions as pubs are traditionally very much voyeuristic places.

<blockquote>
Within the Melbourne CBD there is probably no other hospitality venue, based on the spirit of a pub, that offers a comparable variety of spaces and experiences under the one roof. Additionally we are able to work effortlessly with Sand Hill Road, having developed effective communication, trust and understanding over a number of years.

For Garden State Hotel, together we explored planning diagrams in three dimensional models because the vertical connection between spaces is so critical to encourage patrons to move throughout the whole venue.

<cite>- Justin Northrop, Technē director</cite>
</blockquote>

According to Northrop, one of the challenges the site presented was the change in level between Flinders Lane and Duckboard Place to the rear. This presented an opportunity for the project to act as a mediator, helping patrons negotiate this level change through their movement through the spaces with the central courtyard allowing for circular traffic through and around while creating lines of sight from one space to the next.

<blockquote>
All spaces have an outlook… the project's biggest gesture is interconnection.

<cite>- Justin Northrop, Technē director</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/shr_gardenstatehtl_-smg_253225.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The front bar which greets visitors at the entry from Flinders Lane. Image courtesy Sand Hill Road"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/shr_gardenstatehtl_-smg_253225.jpg?itok=lE7MjqD2" title="The front bar which greets visitors at the entry from Flinders Lane. Image courtesy Sand Hill Road" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The front bar which greets visitors at the entry from Flinders Lane. Image courtesy Sand Hill Road</figcaption></figure>In addition to the multi-level beer garden at its core, the project involved the creation of a street level public bar at the front of the site. It was critical that patrons arriving at the front were greeted by a member of the bar staff.

While the front bar is still likely to be a vibrant community watering hole, bespoke dining areas and private function rooms create opportunities where the pub now services the entire hospitality spectrum, from casual get-togethers to finer dining and corporate events. The venue is very much egalitarian, says Northrop with everyone and anyone welcome.

He expects a broad patronage, underpinned largely by professionals in adjoining buildings, but sees the venue as "somewhere you could also bring your mother for lunch."

A self contained dining area dubbed Garden Grill, inspired by the bistros of New York and France, borders the courtyard and features the Raw Bar, serving Melbourne’s freshest seafood. The ambience is soft and warm with a strong sense of tradition.

The basement-level Rose Garden is an intimate cocktail bar with chandeliers, eclectic antique wall décor, repurposed oregon purlins and giant rose motifs hand-painted by local artisans and can be accessed off Duckboard Place. Northrop describes the space as very much as a mash up of old and new.

<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/shr_gardenstatehtl_-smg_252762.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Rose Garden located in the basment. Image courtesy Sand Hill Road"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/shr_gardenstatehtl_-smg_252762.jpg?itok=l3yQo_pc" title="The Rose Garden located in the basment. Image courtesy Sand Hill Road" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Rose Garden located in the basment. Image courtesy Sand Hill Road</figcaption></figure>New concrete columns support the upstairs kitchen and the other upper level spaces including the Balcony Dining Room, for small group bookings. The Observatory is the venue’s premier functions space, which will hold up to 120 people in a light-filled room with views onto both the garden below and over to the city outside.

What Garden State Hotel shares in common with other Technē and Sand Hill Road projects is a dynamism evident in its various internal spaces. Technē’s design for Garden State Hotel links vertically integrated spaces across four levels both physically and visually, encouraging a sense of exploration and movement throughout the venue.

I encourage all Melburnians to get down to Garden State Hotel and explore for themselves, and at the very least appreciate the nuances in the design.
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Garden State Hotel (Previously Known as Rosati)

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Last week Apartments.com.au explored the <a href="/news/two-classic-melbourne-pubs-set-to-make-way-for-apartment-developments">increasing number of inner-city pubs making way for apartment developments</a>, with the two latest proposals likely to be Port Melbourne's London Hotel and South Melbourne's Palmerston Hotel.

While the lure of comparatively quick gains has proven to be too great an incentive for numerous pub/hotel owners, one venue has bucked the trend by incorporating apartments into an ongoing hotel operation rather than completely shutting its doors. With approval in place, St Kilda's Village Belle Hotel will during 2016 undergo a multi-million dollar redevelopment.

Overlooking the southern end of Acland Street, Village Belle Hotel will be overhauled at the hand of prolific hospitality design firm Technē Architecture and Interior Design, with a double-storey winter beer garden set to stand side by side with a new apartment building fronting Smith 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/unspecified.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Village Belle with a new addition"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="356" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/unspecified.jpg?itok=0uMkmhIW" title="The Village Belle with a new addition" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Village Belle with a new addition</figcaption></figure>With the origins of the pub circa 1890, the overhaul is in part designed to coincide with City of Port Phillip’s plans to upgrade Acland Street into a plaza by closing traffic to the thoroughfare and moving the No.96 tram terminus 54 metres into Acland Street itself. In effect the hotel will be opened up to Acland Street.

In terms of the new addition, 12 apartments will be added over a new three level structure abutting the existing pub, and will be split evenly between 6 one bedroom and 6 two bedroom dwellings. Being in close proximity to the pub, the apartment building will receive a heightened level of engineering to achieve an acceptable acoustic result for apartment dwellers.

The apartments' high end finish will be targeted at young professionals wanting to enter the St Kilda market with the pub's entertaining area connected to the apartments.

<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/unspecified1aa.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A closer view of Village Belle's new interior"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="397" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/unspecified1aa.jpg?itok=8BVFmez4" title="A closer view of Village Belle's new interior" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A closer view of Village Belle's new interior</figcaption></figure>In terms of Village Belle's new interior, Technē provided the following comments:

<blockquote>
Creating an architectural language that sits next to a heritage structure requires a great degree of care and finesse.

Working with heritage buildings can also be like opening up a can of worms and there have been numerous surprises within the existing structure. It’s about achieving a balance between the old and the new.
<cite>Tim Angus, Technē architect and project lead for Village Belle</cite>
</blockquote>

Village Belle's new space will be set among a steel-framed structure covered with operable glazed glass walls. A mechanism with pulleys will move the windows, adding to the industrial theme of the renovation while also allowing to space's climate to respond to changing weather conditions.

According to Technē the beer garden has been designed as an urban extension, opening up Acland Street and bringing further activity into the pub with greenery set throughout the new space.

In difference to many recent pub knock-downs, Village Belle has maintained the existing pub structure with the two new additions either side in proportion to the heritage pub.

Village Belle will remain open throughout the duration of the redevelopment.
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A model whereby apartments and hotels coexist

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Founded in 2002, <a href="http://www.techne.com.au/">Technè Architecture + Interior Design</a> is a practice that has built an impressive portfolio across a broad section of project types. Although they have completed projects across hospitality, single and multi-residential, commercial, automotive and retail, they are probably best known for their work in hospitality on projects such as The Prahran Hotel, The Bridge Hotel, Terminus and Jimmy Grants.

The name Technè comes from the ancient Greek word which means "to make, poetically" and is at the heart of what the practice strives to achieve and what it stands for.

Urban.com.au recently caught up with Technè Directors Nick Travers and Justin Northrop in their Hardware Lane offices to find out a bit more about the burgeoning practice's beginnings and their aspirations for the future.

<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/prahran_hotel_530.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Prahran Hotel exterior and interior. Image courtesy of Technè. "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="261" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/prahran_hotel_530.jpg?itok=i2uPTDcZ" title="Prahran Hotel exterior and interior. Image courtesy of Technè. " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Prahran Hotel exterior and interior.</figcaption></figure>Travers and Northrop have worked together for nearly 20 years. First meeting during 1998 as fresh-faced architectural graduates in the design department of a large commercial architectural practice, their day-to-day work on major projects evolved into a partnership of weekend work that ultimately led to the creation of Atelier Technè.

The office currently employs a staff of 27 including architects, interior designers, graduates and students. According to Northrop the size of the current team provides a good opportunity to consolidate their skills and focus on what they're currently doing. The duo doesn’t hold ambitions of growing the office into a big practice; rather they are content to see where opportunities and the collective capabilities of the team might take them.

Having grown organically over the years, Technè 's origins as a partnership saw them sublet space with <a href="http://sixdegrees.com.au/">Six Degrees</a> in West Melbourne. The catalyst project for the pair was The Deanery bar and restaurant, kicking off their hospitality work in the process.

Their co-location with Six Degrees in their infancy was a good move according to Travers; personally not keen on working out of the corner of his apartment, he wanted to feel the sense of collegiality that Six Degrees offered. Even though they were working on their own projects Travers and Northrop both felt like they were a part of something bigger. The sublet also gave the duo access to a great resource with a wealth of knowledge and experience that could be drawn on.

<blockquote>
The experience we had at that time was primarily large-scale concept work. We went from this to running a small studio so we couldn’t have been more ill-prepared [laughs] in terms of our on-the-job training.

This is another reason why it was useful working in the same space as Six Degrees, we were able to reach out to them for advice when we needed it.
<cite>Justin Northrop</cite>
</blockquote>

Beyond that point Technè has experienced steady growth. The studio was able to land a large commercial client Porsche within the first five years of their business, which signalled a change for the practice.

The relationship with Porsche came about initially through Travers’ passion for cars. Porsche were considering options for decanting their leased warehouse space at Tullamarine and subsequently purchasing a property to develop a warehouse for their parts distribution nationally. This required a business case to be put forward to their management in Germany.

Porsche came to Technè asking if they could build a model of their current capacity vs their future needs and how the two didn't align. The model was presented in Germany and they received sign off to begin looking at acquiring a site to build what was essentially a 3,000sqm shed.

Technè assisted with scoping and securing of the site, feasibility studies and eventually designed and documented the facility. Not long after, Porsche asked Technè to work on the refurbishment of Porsche Centre Melbourne on Victoria Parade leading to the practice becoming the national representatives for the design of Porsche dealerships throughout the country.

<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/techne_porschedoncaster_0099_full.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Porche Doncaster. Image courtesy of Technè."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/techne_porschedoncaster_0099_full.jpg?itok=2I-BY631" title="Porche Doncaster. Image courtesy of Technè." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Porche Doncaster.</figcaption></figure>When the global financial crisis hit, the office had about half the staff they currently employ. Fortunately, due to the diversity of projects they were involved with at the time they were able to navigate through what was a tough period for many other practices. Even though Porsche presents as a blue chip client Travers explains Technè has never relied on one particular type of project or one big return client, instead holding a broad list of clients.

<blockquote>
It's been a good process, having grown organically. Even our own personal growth and improvement in our capabilities and our confidence is a big part of it. The capacity to employ good people is important - we're starting to employ people that can do a better job than we can [laughs].

We’re now hiring more senior people. We have a really good mix of experience in the studio – it’s very balanced.
<cite>Nick Travers</cite>
</blockquote>

Northrop adds in that the way the office operates now, the directors are able to let senior team members take the lead on projects. The growing experience and expertise in the team has provided Technè with the ability and confidence to seek out opportunities for other types of projects. The studio has established a particular focus on the expansion into workplace, hotels, retail and multi-residential.

<blockquote>
It's interesting how small jobs, a singular sketch or a model can lead to bigger projects. It's a reminder of why it's foolish to turn away jobs if they’re small – there’s always potential behind them.

We've always tried to look after those jobs because you never know what they might lead to.
<cite>Justin Northrop</cite>
</blockquote>

According to Travers, being responsive when clients are relying on them to make big decisions is critical to building trust and a strong client relationship.

Travers cites their pub work as some of his most enjoyable projects. He sees the collaborative process and effort required as part of the reason the outcomes are so special and unique. The fact that unlike other projects the pubs can be enjoyed by the design team socially presents a unique opportunity to see first hand how people are making use of the spaces they have designed.

Places such as The Prahran Hotel and Terminus are "fun places" says Northrop and that comes from the team's enjoyment working on them.

Technè currently has a number of projects on the drawing board including a boutique hotel, the redevelopment of a historic pub in Melbourne’s CBD, the riverfront precinct at the Alphington Paper Mill site. Also upcoming is a restaurant, bar and boutique brewery within the bluestone walls of the heritage-listed former Pentridge laundry as part of <a href="http://www.futureestate.com.au/">Future Estate's</a> development.

<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/image37_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A selection of Technè projects."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="334" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image37_4.jpg?itok=UTWXC4k0" title="A selection of Technè projects." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A selection of Technè projects.</figcaption></figure>
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