A collection of just 25 large-format apartments and penthouses overlooking Goodwin Park is entering the Coolangatta market, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marea-residences-coolangatta-27-27a-dixon-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Maréa Residences</a> combining a low-density, residential-only approach with uninterrupted park and Pacific Ocean outlooks.

Located at 27 Dixon Street, Maréa comprises three and four-bedroom residences alongside a limited number of dual-level penthouses, with the project positioned between Goodwin Park and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/coolangatta-qld-4225">Coolangatta</a>’s coastal precinct.

Construction has commenced, with completion currently estimated for late 2027. Three-bedroom residences are priced from $1.8 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374005]

The project has been designed around its northern outlook across the park, with the building’s architecture, landscaping and material palette intended to establish a connection with the neighbouring green space. The residences have been configured to maximise natural light and views across Goodwin Park towards the ocean.

Inside, the material palette incorporates timber, stone and brushed brass, complemented by curved detailing and ambient lighting. Kitchens and bathrooms carry the same natural material approach, while residences also include basement parking, storage and lift access.

Maréa’s penthouses are arranged over two levels and include private pools, adding another layer to the project’s focus on larger-format apartment living. Across the development, residences are configured with three or four bedrooms rather than the broader mix of smaller apartment types commonly found in larger projects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374010]

Resident amenity is concentrated at rooftop level, where landscaped entertaining terraces and pools take advantage of elevated views across Coolangatta and the Pacific Ocean.

The project has so far been particularly well received by local owner-occupiers and downsizers, according to Urban Activation Property Sales and Marketing Director Matt George, with the residential-only format, construction quality and northern park outlook among the features resonating with purchasers.

“The uninterrupted northern aspect overlooking Goodwin Park has been a key point of difference, with buyers attracted to the sense of serenity and open space the park provides, while still enjoying easy access to the ocean and being within walking distance of the lifestyle and amenities Coolangatta has to offer,” George said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374002]

“The combination of high-quality construction, a residential-only building, park outlook and proximity to the beach has resonated strongly with the local downsizer market.”

The Dixon Street address is within walking distance of Coolangatta Beach and the broader southern Gold Coast coastline, including the surf breaks at Snapper Rocks and Kirra. Coolangatta’s cafés, restaurants and retail are nearby, while Gold Coast Airport is also within close proximity.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150999]

Joel Robinson

Maréa Residences brings parkside apartments to Coolangatta

Melbourne developer PDG has secured Victorian Government approval for its $1.5 billion Southbank development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-one-1-queens-bridge-street-southbank-vic-3006">The One</a>, clearing the way for the long-dormant riverfront site opposite Crown to finally be developed.

The Minister for Planning has approved the project at 1-29 Queens Bridge Street, with the Department of Transport and Planning issuing the planning permit following its assessment.

The approval will allow PDG to develop the prominent 5,059 sqm site with a major mixed-use tower comprising premium apartments, including branded residences, a luxury hotel and boutique office space.

PDG acquired the site in late 2024, with its position directly opposite Crown's main entrance and near Melbourne's Arts Precinct making it one of Southbank's most significant remaining development opportunities.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3933013e-6332-4386-b9be-089df05caf17" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.22%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sITIgBqDL0N3VNSMwWEmF5UA.uvcsRyu" />

Designed by COX in collaboration with ODO and PDG, the tower's architecture draws on the movement of the Yarra River, with six vertical pleats running the height of the sculpted facade.

The project will also see the heritage-listed Queens Bridge Hotel restored and incorporated into the development&nbsp;with new hospitality and public uses, including a rooftop venue.

A significant component of The One will be its residential amenity.

More than 5,000 sqm of resident facilities will be delivered across a single level, making it one of the largest consolidated residential amenity offerings proposed in an Australian apartment development.

The planning approval also incorporates a major upgrade of Queensbridge Square, which PDG will deliver in partnership with the City of Melbourne.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73167fcd-1031-4b6f-a408-a064cfe45ed1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.17%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Pf1AEWxw6SNmBqR0zQW5lyEze.MtxgFp" />

The existing square will be revitalised as a new civic and pedestrian space along the Yarra River, strengthening the connection between the project, Southbank and the riverfront.

PDG Founder and Managing Director Vince Giuliano said the approval represented a major milestone for a site which has remained largely underutilised for more than 15 years.

“This is the most significant Planning Permit approval Melbourne has seen in recent years,” Giuliano said.

“For more than 15 years, this site has remained underutilised. This approval enables us to deliver a project that will contribute meaningfully to the revitalisation of Southbank, restore and reactivate an important heritage building, and create a new civic and hospitality destination for Melbourne.”

The latest approval follows an earlier planning permit issued by the City of Melbourne covering demolition works across part of the site at 9-29 Queens Bridge Street. Those demolition and early works are already underway.

PDG has also started generating early interest in the residential component from owner-occupiers ahead of a planned public launch in early 2027.

PDG secures approval for $1.5bn Southbank apartment development, The One

Local developer Harridan is seeking to turn its Woolloongabba apartment project into the first stage of a broader transformation of Burke Street, using a new 16-storey mixed-use building to establish a greener pedestrian connection toward the rapidly evolving Boggo Road transport and knowledge precinct.

The South East Queensland developer has filed plans for 154 apartments on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-burke-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">southern side of Burke Street</a>, where its proposal has been designed alongside a wider vision by LatStudios for the street.

That vision positions the southern side of Burke Street for buildings of 15 storeys and above, while envisaging lower-rise development of up to five storeys on the northern side to transition into Woolloongabba's existing character housing. It also proposes wider pedestrian verges, deep planting, new street trees and upgrades to the pedestrian approach to Boggo Road Station.

The Harridan development itself has been designed by Brisbane-based Arqus Design and will comprise 154 apartments across 16 storeys. The mix is weighted heavily toward two-bedroom apartments, with 121 proposed alongside 10 one-bedroom and 23 three-bedroom residences. There will typically be around 14 units per floor.

A lower-ground car park and three podium levels will accommodate 156 resident parking spaces, along with visitor and commercial parking. There will also be 154 resident bicycle spaces and 40 visitor bicycle parks.

&nbsp;

Harridan is a family-owned developer and part of the Holmwood Highgate Group, with more than three decades of development activity across South East Queensland. Its portfolio spans residential, commercial and industrial property, with current residential projects including Riverbank on Byron in Bulimba, Esperance Residences in Carina and The Precinct at Kinross Road in Thornlands.

Wooloongabba has been popular for apartment developers, particularly since the announcement of the 2032 Summer Olympics games in Brisbane.

While there have been a lot of development applications, it has failed to materialize into real supply.&nbsp;

Sarazin has been the major player in the area. They are under construction at Murcia Residences, on the fringe of East Brisbane and Woolloongabba. They have just launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-stanley-residences-woolloongabba-8-trafalgar-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">The Stanley Residences</a>, in Woolloongabba on Trafalagar Street. They also have Nuage coming soon on the nearby <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nuage-woolloongabba-14-wellington-road-woolloongabba-qld-4102">Wellington Road</a>.

First look: Harridan plans Burke Street transformation beside Boggo Road transport hub

IN BRIEF

<ul>
	<li>
	Just three double-storey Sky Homes sit at the top of The Waterline, each with its own private marina berth and rooftop terrace.
	</li>
	<li>
	Construction on The Waterline is complete, with the first residents expected to move in from mid-October.
	</li>
	<li>
	Sky Homes range from 282 sqm to 367 sqm and are priced from $3.65 million.
	</li>
</ul>

<hr />
Lewis Land has opened the first completed sky home for inspection at Harbour Shores, giving buyers their first opportunity to step inside one of just three double-storey residences crowning The Waterline.

Each sky home comes with its own private marina berth, rooftop terrace and Broadwater views, combining the scale of a larger home with direct access to the boating lifestyle that underpins the wider <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/harbour-shores-biggera-waters-564-oxley-drive-biggera-waters-qld-4216">Harbour Shores</a> masterplan.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=366708]

Lewis Land Head of Development Michael Long said the inclusion of a berth with every Sky Home had become increasingly valuable as marina access across the Gold Coast tightened.

“Marina berths are becoming increasingly difficult to secure across the Gold Coast, so including one with every Sky Home makes this a genuinely rare offering,” Long said.

“The private 70-berth marina will accommodate boats up to 12 metres in length and is positioned just 2.5 kilometres from the Broadwater, placing the open ocean only 15 minutes away.

“Being able to step out of your home onto your boat is a rare luxury, and it’s something residents here can look forward to when it opens later this year.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=366709]

The display opening comes as construction completes on The Waterline, with the first residents expected to move in from mid-October.

The three Sky Homes range from 282 sqm to 367 sqm and each feature three bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living zones, expansive kitchens with butler's pantries and large balconies taking in the Broadwater outlook.

Each residence also has three secure basement car spaces and additional storage.

“This is the first opportunity the Gold Coast has had to step into Harbour Shores and see, touch and feel what we’re bringing to life here,” Long said.

“There are only three Sky Homes within The Waterline, ranging in size from 282sqm to 367sqm, with each residence featuring three large bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living zones, expansive custom-built kitchens with butler’s pantry, and large balconies capturing Broadwater views.”

<img alt="Harbour Shores" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bab65e10-4fab-45e1-92d8-fc56e2ab98ff" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%202.00.16%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=XT8q76LsPkw3cYTsvN3JfFDaPLud90PN" />

Residents of The Waterline will have access to a private pool, along with Harbour Shores' wider collection of amenity including a lagoon pool, social clubhouse, tennis court, gym, yoga facilities and sauna.

Lewis Land partnered with Studio Collective to furnish the completed display, with the interiors designed to demonstrate how the residences could function as permanent homes rather than simply as show apartments.

Studio Collective Director Melissa Park said the surrounding waterways informed the interiors, but in a more restrained way than a traditional coastal scheme.

“We drew inspiration from the canals and coastal surrounds, but our approach was to interpret that subtly through layered materials and a grounded palette of earthy tones, rather than literal coastal references,” Park said.

“We introduced hero moments of green and teal to reference the surrounding waterways, while mirrored elements help reflect natural light.

“The result is a residence that feels elevated yet comfortable, somewhere buyers can genuinely imagine themselves living, entertaining and unwinding.”

Sky Homes are priced from $3.65 million.

Lewis Land is also offering private marina berths with The Residences, its limited collection of three and four-bedroom villas positioned directly along the Harbour Shores waterfront boardwalk.

Three-bedroom villas are priced from $2.99 million, while four-bedroom residences start from $3.19 million.

Harbour Shores is being marketed by Colliers International.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113271]

Lewis Land opens sky home display as The Waterline completes at Harbour Shores

St Vincent de Paul Society Housing Australia has filed plans for a major mixed-use housing precinct on the southern edge of the North Sydney CBD, adding another significant proposal to a pocket around North Sydn​ey Station that is quickly becoming one of the LGA's busiest development zones.

The State Significant Development Application covers a 5,990 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/1-19-mackenzie-street-lavender-bay-nsw-2060">1-19 MacKenzie Street and 211 Blues Point Road in Lavender Bay</a>, immediately south of Nor​th Sydney Station and between the commercial core and the lower-rise Lavender Bay Heritage Conservation Area.

Designed by Wardle, the proposal would deliver a new residential tower comprising 88 build-to-sell apartments and 19 affordable apartments, alongside a separate co-living building with 57 rooms and a building manager's studio.

It would also see the significant restoration and upgrade of St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, the adaptive reuse of the former school building, new parish facilities, retail, a new public square and around 1,000 sqm of publicly accessible open space.

<img alt="Vinnies North Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d5dd7f87-a617-463e-b577-17541e01f0e9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.10.13%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4R8TsFN3P_LrrXO2HswTOIrx2blil8lh" />

The project is seeking a concurrent rezoning of the site to R4 High Density Residential and an increase in the maximum building height to allow a tower reaching RL120, or up to 20 storeys. The proposal was progressed through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

The build-to-sell component will be weighted toward larger apartments, with just six one-bedroom apartments compared with 31 two-beds, 43 three-beds and eight four-bedroom residences.

The 19 affordable apartments will comprise two studios, 15 one-bedroom apartments and two two-bedroom apartments, taking the total apartment component to 107 residences before the 58 co-living rooms are included.

<img alt="Vnnies" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7d568ca5-cb90-4e18-96c6-d9795dba0c56" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.10.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=GY2R5M9VtQh0EKy1vajaea19PSLOPuRD" />

Wardle's design for the Vinnies site has sought to negotiate that emerging high-rise context while retaining the lower-scale character of MacKenzie Street and the adjoining heritage conservation area.

The main building adopts a three-storey podium and tower arrangement, with the podium aligned to the ridgeline and front setback of St Francis Xavier Church.&nbsp;Wardle has designed the podium with colonnades, seating, recessed entries and active ground-floor frontages, with sandstone-toned precast concrete and face brick referencing the materiality of the existing church.

The tower then steps back eight metres to the south and six metres to the north before rising in a sculpted form comprising four interlocking quadrants. Wardle has also introduced rounded forms and chamfered corners to reduce the tower's perceived bulk and improve view sharing with neighbouring development sites.

Resident facilities and outdoor areas are planned at the separation between the podium and tower at Level 3, oriented toward Sydney Harbour and the CBD skyline.

The tower itself will feature a glass reinforced concrete facade, with recessed balconies and deep reveals used both to provide shading and privacy and frame views toward the harbour and city. The lower levels take a different architectural approach, using brick and sandstone-toned finishes intended to establish a stronger relationship with St Francis Xavier Church. The Church itself will be conserved and upgraded for its continued use, while the former school building will be adaptively reused as part of the co-living component.

<img alt="Lavendar Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d4418ad-90aa-4d49-af93-c80b140aea80" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.09.47%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Kv4gzbsACaGvZSRuaqcfGC54jEJRXIDJ" />

&nbsp;

The proposal adds to an increasingly concentrated pipeline of residential development around Blue Street, MacKenzie Street and Lavender Bay.

Just west of the site, Central Element lodged plans earlier this year for one of the most significant residential developments proposed in Lavender Bay in recent years.

Central Element's SJB-designed scheme at 64-66 Lavender Street and 3-7 Middlemiss Street would deliver 163 apartments across two towers rising 23 and 32 storeys, replacing five existing apartment buildings containing 32 homes. The project also forms part of the Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-central-element-reveals-lavender-bay-apartment-plans?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">First look: Central Element reveals Lavender Bay apartment plans</a>

Immediately around North Sy​dney Station, another two significant proposals have emerged at 5 and 15 Blue Street.

Zurich Australian Insurance Properties is seeking to adaptively reuse its longstanding commercial building at 5 Blue Street, directly above North Sydney Station, rather than demolishing the structure.

Its SSDA proposes converting the building into a 14-storey mixed-use development with 62 apartments and 86 co-living rooms, together with ground-floor retail and a major refurbishment of Blue Street Plaza. The application is currently at the Response to Submissions stage.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-zurich-targets-north-sydney-office-conversion-with-148-unit-proposal-above-metro-station">First look: Zurich targets North Sydney office conversion with 148-unit proposal above Metro station</a>

&nbsp;

First look: Vinnies files for 20-storey Lavender Bay apartment tower as North Sydney housing pocket heats up

Towers

<html><body>
Cast your eyes over the northern reaches of Melbourne's CBD and a not-too-subtle marker is taking its place. Brady Group's Vision has motored past the 150 metre mark on its way to 226 metres and in doing so is acting as a vanguard project of sorts for the rash of new residential towers set to redefine this section of Melbourne.

With a host of new proposals joining the ranks of late, now presents as an opportune time to provide an overview of these residential towers that promise to remodel the northern areas of the CBD beyond recognition.

<h2>The current drop</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/image43_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A host of projects are early into their construction cycle"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="273" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image43_0.jpg?itok=hXuuDiC-" title="A host of projects are early into their construction cycle" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A host of projects are early into their construction cycle</figcaption></figure>Clockwise above are <a href="/buildings/eporo-tower-279-la-trobe-street-melbourne">Eporo</a>, <a href="/buildings/light-house-450-elizabeth-street-melbourne">Light House</a>, <a href="/buildings/eq-tower-127-abeckett-street-melbourne">EQ Tower</a>, <a href="/buildings/victoria-one-452-472-elizabeth-street-melbourne">Victoria One</a> and <a href="/buildings/empire-melbourne-398-elizabeth-street-melbourne">Empire</a>, the most advanced of which has risen two levels above ground. Joining these projects in the early stages of construction are <a href="/new-apartments/the-trillium-36-la-trobe-street-melbourne">Trillium</a> and <a href="/buildings/la-trobe-tower-323-la-trobe-street-melbourne">La Trobe Tower</a>.

Near on 3,100 apartments are contained within the above seven projects, demonstrating the sheer pace at which this section of the CBD is evolving into a high-rise residential hub. With Vision, <a href="/buildings/the-carlson-321-la-trobe-street-melbourne">The Carlson</a> and part of <a href="/buildings/fulton-lane-151-franklin-street-melbourne">Fulton Lane</a> also under construction, the number of apartments under construction is inflated by a further 1,460.​

It's a staggering number, yet such is the volume of upcoming projects north of La Trobe Street and south of Victoria Street that it can easily be surpassed by those projects in waiting.

<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="400" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" msallowfullscreen="msallowfullscreen" oallowfullscreen="oallowfullscreen" src="https://charts.datawrapper.de/abxpa/index.html" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="100%"></iframe>

<h2>Incoming</h2>

A master sales agent has been assigned to <a href="/buildings/swanston-central-168-victoria-street-carlton">8 Bouverie Street</a>, with its sales campaign imminent. Snapped up by Hengyi, the project is set to follow the current project Light House, albeit with a greater apartment yield exceeding 1,000 dwellings; the final numbers for the project will be revealed shortly.

Also pushing up the development chain are two separate projects for student accommodation provider Scape Student Living. <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">212-222 La Trobe Street</a> and <a href="/buildings/scape-melbourne-393-swanston-street-melbourne">393 Swanston Street</a> between them are capable of providing in excess of 1,500 dwellings and have a completion date spread over 2018-2019. These are joined by the approved 377 La Trobe Street scheme which would essentially sit between the two nominated projects above, although its delivery timeframe is unknown.

<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/image38_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Side by side and set for reshape the La Trobe Street landscape"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="223" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image38_2.jpg?itok=VkDr756g" title="Side by side and set for reshape the La Trobe Street landscape" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Side by side and set for reshape the La Trobe Street landscape</figcaption></figure>Also maintaining a 2019 completion timeline is <a href="/buildings/aurora-melbourne-central-224-la-trobe-street-melbourne">Aurora Melbourne Central</a> which is due to begin site demolition at present while <a href="/buildings/97-franklin-street-melbourne">97 Franklin Street</a> remains the only major approved development in the CBD's northern precinct without publicly known development plans. The 200 metre plus golden tower is value at approximately $200 million and would carry 551 apartments and 144 serviced apartments.

Looming is <a href="/buildings/conservatory-9-23-mackenzie-street-melbourne">Conservatory</a> with in excess of 450 apartments; it will be UEM Sunrise's next Melbourne venture post the sales success of Aurora Melbourne Central.

The projects at planning are equally as imposing with four towers in excess of 200 metres on the radar. Headlining the show is <a href="/buildings/queens-place-157-a-beckett-street-and-370-queen-street-melbourne">Queens Place</a> with 1,700 dwellings over two hulking towers, the tallest of which is 267 metres. Nearby 293 - 303 La Trobe Street Melbourne is shaping up for a slender residential tower with 370 dwellings over what is the Duke of Kent hotel.

Most recently submitted for assessment is <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">478 Elizabeth Street</a> with a 68 storey mixed-use development envisaged. 399 apartments and 196 hotel suites would constitute the development's yield.

<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/ldo_cbd.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Laurence Dragomir"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="497" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ldo_cbd.jpg?itok=EAaBuHpN" title="Image © Laurence Dragomir" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image © Laurence Dragomir</figcaption></figure>Perhaps the most poignant indicator as the the rapid change and sheer volume of projects sweeping through the northern parts of the CBD is the render created by Laurence Dragomir above. Barely a year old the image depicts six of the tallest proposals with Aurora Melbourne Central being the only project not at construction.

If nothing else the dynamism of this pocket of the CBD provides impetus for an updated Apartments.com.au render.
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silvermb

Northern lights: the incredible rate of change in Melbourne's northern CBD

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Blink and you would have missed it!  Within weeks of this prime <a href="/new-apartments/southbank-vic-3006">Southbank</a> development site at <a href="/new-apartments/38-freshwater-place-southbank">25-35 Power Street (also known as 38 Freshwater Place)</a> landing a new owner, a planning application landed in the lap of determining body <a href="http://www.dtpli.vic.gov.au/" target="_blank">DTPLI</a>.  Having the site purchase announced during October, new owner Freshwater No 6 Pty Ltd, a company located within the <a href="/new-apartments/sydney-nsw">Sydney</a> suburb of <a href="/new-apartments/rhodes-nsw-2138">Rhodes</a>, wasted no time in submitting detailed plans for a 70 storey mixed-use tower with an expected end value of approximately $400 million.

<a href="/new-apartments/docklands-vic-3008">Docklands</a>-based firm <a href="/architects/metier3">Metier 3</a> were commissioned for the design, located on a 3096 m2 site in an area already heavy with high-rise developments.  If approved 25-35 Power Street seeks to join four other 200 metre plus towers on this 'Southbank block of strength,' including <a href="/buildings/prima-tower-31-queensbridge-street-southbank">Prima Pearl</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/one-queensbridge-street-1-23-queensbridge-street-southbank" target="_blank">Queensbridge Tower</a> and 25 Queensbridge Street, although for reasons unbeknown the latter 236 metre approved tower was omitted from the diagram below.  Minimum distance to 25-35 Power Street's closest residential neighbour is 27.5 metres.

Surrounded by towers with regular, if not interestingly shaped floor plates, Metier 3 have chosen to design a tower with an irregular, tapering floor plate which they describe as:

<div class="rtejustify">"Taking the curvaceous two dimensional forms of those buildings both existing and proposed in close proximity and translating this into a true three dimensional form the building mass draws inspiration from the feminine form. With flowing curves and material patterning reminiscent of ballroom gowns and highly detailed junctions, the evoking comparison to Pavé jewellery, the built form will entail a sense of materiality and form in counterpoint to the more rigid forms adjacent."</div>

<div class="rtejustify"> </div>

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image5_20.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Design inspiration and context. Image © Metier 3"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="409" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image5_20.jpg?itok=9q9JofdM" title="Design inspiration and context. Image © Metier 3" width="580"></a>

<div class="rtejustify">"My work is not about form follows function, but form follows beauty, or, even better, form follow feminine"</div>

<div class="rtejustify"> </div>

<div class="rtejustify">Quoting Oscar Niemeyer above, Metier 3's objective was to create a unique tower form and that box has been ticked.  What pleases the author to no end is the use of textured stone cladding over lower levels and also the tower's leading edge fronting Power Street.  Stone is a quality, timeless material that is exponentially better than painted precast panels, yet has fallen out of favour in <a href="/new-apartments/melbourne-vic">Melbourne</a> seemingly.</div>

<div class="rtejustify"> </div>

<div class="rtejustify">Complementing the stone will be aluminium composite panels and metal trim finishes, while the dominant element will be the towers glazing which according to the materials schedule is verging on army green in appearance - it surely won't be missed in the skyline!</div>

<div class="rtejustify"> </div>

<div class="rtejustify">It's also refreshing to see a continuous tower form from the ground up where the podium is not clearly defined and tower not set back from Power Street, although one wonders whether DTPLI and Melbourne City Council will be suitable impressed. And what of the all important street activation where the public will predominantly interact with the complex?  Whilst the absolute street frontage is dominated by a Port Cochere entry servicing the hotel lobby and existing vehicle access to the adjoining office tower, plantings and an arched canopy seek to soften the street view.</div>

<div class="rtejustify"> </div>

<div class="rtejustify">The ground floor sees a public access arcade link Power Street to the existing internal garden and retail facilities of Freshwater Place, and Queensbridge Square beyond.</div>

<div class="rtejustify"> </div>

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image1_49.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Expected view from Queensbridge Street. Image © Metier 3"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="1575" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image1_49.jpg?itok=M92gmQ6v" title="Expected view from Queensbridge Street. Image © Metier 3" width="580"></a>

With one basement level car park, ground floor as mentioned hosts seven separate retail spaces fronting the arcade, in addition to the expected hotel/apartments lobbies and ancillary services such as loading etc.  Mezzanine floor also hosts four retail spaces for a total of 1,300 m2.  With the proceeding five levels of podium car parking, a total of 240 vehicles and 146 bicycles are accommodated.

178 one and two-bedroom boutique apartments cover the first ten inhabitable floors, with the assumption that these are short stay and/or serviced apartments. Thereafter 32 levels of traditional apartments follow with 318 in total spread between 82 one, 156 two and 80 three bedroom options - 80 three bedders at between 120-150 square metres each equates to 25% of total traditional apartment offerings.  

This is the highest percentile of three bedroom apartments in any development covered by Apartments.com.au and speaks toward the intended quality/target market for this development.

Proceeding these will be an entire commercial floor containing 21 office suites, a hotel sky lobby and back of house services located on level 51 while dual floors covering conference, restaurant and function facilities follow.  15 hotel floors absorb levels 54-68 with the typical hotel floor containing 24 single bed dwellings, while hotel facilities line the remaining two floors which include a sky bar and pool the best part of 260 metres above ground.

<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/Image5_19.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Cross section and uses. Image © Metier 3"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="834" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image5_19.jpg?itok=Aab_PVfN" title="Cross section and uses. Image © Metier 3" width="580"></a>

The associated traffic report prepared by <a href="http://www.gta.com.au/home.aspx" target="_blank">GTA Consultants</a> shows 480 car spaces within the development meets statutory requirements, whilst also remaining under the total 2,300 car park threshold for the entire Freshwater site.  Also noted is the failure of 146 bicycle spaces in meeting statutory requirements, with a minimum 171 spaces required.

Quoting the report, "The site is expected to generate up to 190 and 230 vehicle movements in the AM and PM peak hours respectively.  There is adequate capacity in the surrounding road network to cater for the traffic generated by the proposed development."  Adequate capacity there may be for 25-35 Power Street, but the sheer number of proposed towers in Southbank and the traffic they would generate if realised would surely make Southbank an 'interesting' place to navigate in a decade's time.

Overall a total of 846 separate dwellings within 25-35 Power Street would not only see it become one of Melbourne's tallest buildings, but likely the densest liveable structure in Melbourne; a planning decision is not expected for some months.
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Not so straight forward > 25-35 Power Street, Southbank

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The focus of today's article is <a href="http://www.equiset.com.au/">Equiset</a>'s proposal at 710 Collins Street, designed by <a href="http://www.hassellstudio.com/">Hassell</a> and potentially Docklands' tallest building at 189 metres.  I will also touch briefly on the proposal's impact on the skyline together with <a href="http://www.collinssquare.com.au/">Collins Square</a> <a href="/news">Tower 4D</a> and <a href="http://www.lendlease.com/site-settings/splashpage.aspx">Lend Lease</a>'s <a href="http://www.batmanshillcollinsstreet.com.au/">701 Collins Street project</a> (covered in a separate <a href="/news/batmans-hill-collins-street-the-missing-piece-of-the-docklands-jigsaw">article</a>) by way of a number of in context renders.

Equiset's proposal calls for the demolition of the barely 5-year old <a href="http://elenbergfraser.com/">Elenberg Fraser</a> designed 'Lantern' structure fronting Collins Street in addition to 7 bays of <a href="http://elenbergfraser.com/#!/project/goods-shed">Goods Shed North</a>, in order to accommodate a 34-storey Premium Grade commercial tower offering 47,500m2 (NLA) of office space. The office space will be supplemented by up to 1,200m2 of retail space, stronger connections between the Goods Shed and Collins Street via a new set of public stairs,  a new laneway and public plaza.

The development is aiming for a minimum 5-Star Green Star Design &amp; As Built, and a minimum 5-Star NABERS.

<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/710%20Collins%20Street_tower%20views.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="408" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/710%20Collins%20Street_tower%20views.jpg?itok=jTfQ566S" width="580"></a>

The proposed tower presents as a crystalline element on the skyline "whilst providing a glimpse of the overall super structure within."  Hassell's scheme employs a largely homogenous glazed skin raised above a brick plinth that suggests an erosion of form, with openings 'carved in' to allow views from within and out, with the stair cascading down from Collins Street to the new lobby below.  

While the Goods Shed and proposed tower never physically come into contact, a number of visual relationships are intimated through the timber-lined,  vaulted underbelly of the tower.  Generated from the profile of the goods shed and enhanced via the angled facade to the lower levels of the tower - the skyscrapers highly reflective glazing is designed to capture the Goods Shed in an almost ethereal reflection of what was once a much longer continuous structure. 

The benefit of the proposed development is two fold - it frees up the Goods Shed from any new architectural intervention thus providing the public with a greater viewing opportunity of its interior and structure, allowing  for an enhanced pedestrian experience.  Additionally a new view is opened up through to the Goods Shed below and Stadium Precinct beyond (including another Hassell tower at 720 Bourke), framed by the vaulted ceiling above. 

<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/Public%20Stair.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Public stair with vaulted ceiling above and view beyond."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="413" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Public%20Stair.jpg?itok=AS2DSOGX" title="Public stair with vaulted ceiling above and view beyond." width="580"></a>

The ground floor area of the development is largely permeable with retail offerings flanking the new east-west laneway and activity spilling out on to it which should also go someway to activating both Aurora Lane and Village Street.  The proposed treatment to these areas is a timber decking - a softer contrast to the robust brick plinth. Minimal car parking of only 8 spaces is included with an entry off Village Street; extremely low by any measure but particularly so for a commercial complex.

Cyclist facilities are proposed within the Goods Shed via Village Street with visitor bicycle spaces externally. 

<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/new%20laneway.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="New laneway between tower and Goods Shed."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="411" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/new%20laneway.jpg?itok=qqAOs8xS" title="New laneway between tower and Goods Shed." width="580"></a>

An area that could do with a bit more refinement is the westerly wall of the brick plinth, flanking the stairs and housing the substation.  Currently it presents to the street and pedestrian as a blank brick wall save for the car park entry - now I love my brick but I would like to see a bit more articulation whether through the feathering of the brick, manipulation of the brick to create some sort of visual relief, or artwork or even a great big 710 Collins Street sign.

One of the aims of the development is to "re-establish and reconnect Batman's Hill to the traditional city of Melbourne by strengthening the CBD built form from Docklands."   This begins to become evident when 710 Collins Street is viewed in the context of future development at Batman's Hill, namely the new 145m KPMG headquarters at Collins Square and the mammoth 701 Collins Street development - ten buildings ranging in height from 20m to 160m.  

Batman's Hill was always envisioned as being the transitional threshold between the CBD and Docklands, yet visually this is only just beginning to become apparent. 

<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/710C%2001_EDIT_1.png" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="239" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/710C%2001_EDIT_1.png?itok=detFpOu_" width="580"></a>

One thing that is highlighted is an imbalance in the Batman's Hill precinct - with a taller, denser core towards the south of the precinct.  Buildings such as 750 Collins Street, 700 Collins Street and 737 Bourke Street seem aesthetically and at a macro scale rather transitory, as if it's only a matter of time before they too are replaced by something taller and architecturally more adventurous.

As Docklands continues to mature I expect we will see more and more first generation (or G1 as I like to call them) commercial buildings replaced with taller, more striking buildings and 710 Collins is just the beginning of the next phase of Docklands evolution.  While the partial demolition of Goods Shed North is unfortunate I believe the benefits to the public realm far outweigh the negatives. The employing of timber and masonry as more natural counter elements to the glazed steel structured tower is a huge positive for mine, resulting in a less sterile environment.

Overall I believe Hassell have designed an excellent scheme which strikes a good balance between the commercial requirements of their client, heritage concerns and benefits to the public realm.   
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