Just a few months after acquiring a prime Broadbeach site on the corner of First Avenue and Surf Parade, family-run developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/raptis">Raptis</a> has filed fresh plans for a new apartment development.

Raptis is seeking to deliver a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/17-19-first-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4217">29-storey tower with 73 apartments</a> on the 818 sqm site. It will be the developer's seventh project in the suburb, as they are approaching completion of The Sterling on George Avenue.

There will be a pool, barbecue and outdoor dining area, residents lounge and dining, sauna and steam room, gym, and a Yoga and Pilates studio.

<img alt="Raptis" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b554da3f-7344-49aa-b1c9-44cf459af0d7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-05%20at%2010.41.45%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=zzjWu1iO1wnuYv4EV4fyOyf5nSXjGYut" />

Raptis Joint Managing Director, Evan Raptis, says they remain&nbsp;committed to developing quality infill sites across the Gold Coast in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

"This project continues our long track record of delivery in Broadbeach, and we look forward to bringing another premium development to this thriving precinct."

The announcement follows strong delivery momentum for Raptis, with The Sterling Broadbeach nearing completion and construction well underway on the final stage of the Waterpoint community adjacent to Harbour Town. The developer's continued investment in the Gold Coast reflects confidence in the region's apartment market fundamentals, underpinned by sustained Southeast Queensland population growth.&nbsp;

The outlook for the region is further bolstered by infrastructure investment tied to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, which is expected to drive continued economic and population growth across the SEQ corridor.&nbsp;

Subject to a favourable response from Gold Coast City Council, construction on the new First Avenue tower is targeted to commence before the end of 2026.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/it-s-all-in-the-family-four-decades-later-raptis-continues-to-shape-the-gold-coast-skyline">It’s all in the family: Four decades later, Raptis continues to shape the Gold Coast skyline</a>

Read more: <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/raptis-secures-prime-surf-parade-site-for-next-broadbeach-apartment-development">Raptis secures prime Surf Parade site for next Broadbeach apartment development</a> 
&nbsp;

Gold Coast developer brings seventh Broadbeach project to market, targeting construction commencement before year end

Joel Robinson

First look: Raptis lodges plans for new 29-storey Broadbeach tower 

Brisbane development veteran Kevin Seymour's Seymour Group is set to deepen its presence on one of Brisbane's most tightly held riverfront addresses, lodging revised plans for a luxury apartment development on Oxlade, just a few doors down from The Oxlade, which it completed in 2024.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/70-72-oxlade-drive-new-farm-qld-4005">new project at 70-72 Oxlade Drive</a>, directly north of The Oxlade, will have 27 apartments across a seven-storey building&nbsp;overlooking the Brisbane River and Merthyr Park. It's a revision from a 2021-approved design.

Designed by bureau^proberts, the project has evolved from the previously approved 26-apartment scheme, introducing an additional penthouse level while maintaining a low-density, boutique character. The development will comprise 26 three-bedroom apartments and a single four-bedroom penthouse, supported by two basement levels with 86 car spaces and 34 bicycle spaces.

The architectural response is centred around two distinct building forms separated by a landscaped open-air atrium.&nbsp;"This dual composition captures and embraces Brisbane’s subtropical environment whilst breaking down built form and scale," the submission to the Brisbane City Council noted.

<img alt="First look: Seymour Group returns to Oxlade Drive with revised riverfront apartment plans in New Farm" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c12d84d0-bc11-4067-b46f-5bd2d786a34d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/new%20farm%20landscape.png?VersionId=YEPc2k5CAdh6aAPlu4uVpgZadh4MEfRd" />

A defining feature of the design is a deep landscaped void running through the centre of the building, creating what bureau^proberts describes as a "natural ravine" that enhances airflow, daylight penetration and resident amenity. The design report notes that the separation of the two building volumes is intended to maximise natural light, cross-ventilation and outlook while strengthening connections to the surrounding riverfront setting.

Curved balcony edges, integrated planting and extensive landscaping throughout the façade reinforce the subtropical design approach. The building's façade is softened by elevated gardens and planter beds, creating a green edge that complements the established landscape character of Oxlade Drive and neighbouring Merthyr Park.

New Farm has become one of Brisbane's most sought-after suburbs for developers delivering premium downsizer-focused apartments.

GRAYA has been particularly active in the precinct, completing both Chalk and York in recent years, while construction of Moray House, being delivered for Spyre, is now nearing completion. Architect-turned-developer Joe Adsett recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/arcilla-new-farm-by-joe-adsett-28-maxwell-street-new-farm-qld-4005">Arcilla on Maxwell Street</a>, an exclusive collection of just nine apartments.

First look: Seymour Group returns to New Farm's Oxlade Drive with riverfront apartment plans

A new residential tower will be the first piece of a broader mixed-use precinct set to reshape a prominent Newcastle West site, with local developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> bringing its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/cambridge-quarter-newcastle-west-12-denison-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Cambridge Quarter</a> vision to market.

The first release, Tempo, will introduce 87 apartments across a 24-storey tower, marking Stage 1 of the residential component of a larger urban regeneration project planned for the western end of Newcastle's city centre, encompassing the former Cambridge Hotel site.

Positioned on Denison Street, Tempo has been designed as the inaugural building within Cambridge Quarter, a precinct that will ultimately combine apartments, retail activation and revitalised public spaces including the revamping of the Cambridge Hotel.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368856]

The tower will comprise a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, including layouts with multipurpose rooms, catering to a broad cross-section of owner-occupiers. Apartment sizes range from around 60 sqm to 192 sqm, with a number of residences oriented to capture views across Newcastle Harbour, the city skyline and coastline.

GWH has emphasised liveability in the design, with open-plan layouts extending to generous balconies and terraces. Residents will have a choice of two interior palettes, while specifications include engineered stone benchtops, SMEG appliances, full-height bathroom tiling and secure building access. Premium upgrade packages will also be available

Multiple rooftop resident retreats will provide communal outdoor space overlooking the harbour and city, offering an elevated amenity layer above the activity of the precinct below.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368851]

The broader Cambridge Quarter vision extends beyond the residential tower itself. Ground-level retail activation and landscaped public areas are planned throughout the precinct, creating a walkable neighbourhood environment connected to the surrounding renewal of Newcastle West. The Cambridge Hotel is also earmarked for future redevelopment into a family-friendly hospitality venue integrated with the new precinct.

The project is strategically positioned within walking distance of Newcastle Interchange, providing access to light rail, regional rail services and direct connections to Sydney. Residents will also be close to Honeysuckle, Newcastle Harbour and the city's beaches and coastal walkways.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368852]

For GWH, Cambridge Quarter represents one of its most significant Newcastle developments to date. The locally based developer, which has operated in the Hunter region since 1995, describes the project as a new chapter in the ongoing transformation of Newcastle West.

GWH Executive Director Jonathan Craig said the project had been shaped by a focus on creating lasting community connections.

"We take pride in creating places that last. Spaces where people feel connected, comfortable and a genuine sense of belonging," Craig said.

"Cambridge Quarter is something we are truly proud of, a place shaped by local knowledge, built with care and designed to be part of Newcastle's next chapter."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135876]

GWH unveils first release at landmark Cambridge Quarter precinct in Newcastle West

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ss-projects">S&amp;S Projects</a>,&nbsp;Rainbow Bay's busiest developer,&nbsp;has officially lodged plans for the largest development in its booming local portfolio, seeking approval for a further 88 apartments on Boundary Street.

The proposal&nbsp;at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">209–213 Boundary Street, Coolangatta</a>,&nbsp;marks the next chapter in the developer's transformation of the southern Gold Coast beachside precinct. It will be its fifth in the area, having already delivered Flow, Awaken and Esprit, while construction continues on the 38-apartment Radia. The new project would rise 57 metres above a consolidated 1,518 sqm site, on the same street as Radia and Esprit.

&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, the proposed development comprises 88 two and three-bedroom apartments across a contemporary podium-and-tower form that integrates extensive landscaping from street level through to the rooftop.

The tower would be delivered above a basement and multi-level podium accommodating resident and visitor parking, with the residential component commencing from level three. The design incorporates cascading planting throughout the façade, landscaped podium edges, and deep planting zones along the Boundary Street frontage.

<img alt="First look: S&amp;S Projects lodges plans for 88-apartment wellness tower at Coolangatta's Boundary Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="677e6615-b5c0-4b6c-b4f9-efb14fcde1a6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ss%20da%20pers.png?VersionId=YOnPKQm7IFXv0M5H326djEpxk80500Hi" />

A key feature of the development is its expansive rooftop wellness and recreation precinct. Plans reveal a resort-style pool deck, gymnasium, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, rooftop terraces, barbecue areas and landscaped relaxation spaces positioned to capture views across the southern Gold Coast coastline.

The rooftop wellness focus builds on the vision S&amp;S Projects first outlined when it acquired the site for $20.25 million last year.

"We are taking every advantage to create a truly unique rooftop wellness experience with a natural feel for residents, offering stone features throughout and an underlying theme that emulates a botanical garden," S&amp;S Projects founder and director Paul Gedoun said at the time.

The proposal seeks a 57-metre building height, representing a 50 per cent uplift on the site's mapped 38-metre height limit. Planning documents argue the additional height is consistent with recently approved and emerging towers in the immediate Boundary Street and Rainbow Bay precinct.

Urbis, acting as planning consultant, said the development would provide "88 dwellings, comprising a mix of two and three-bedroom apartments, contributing to housing choice and supply within an established medium to high-rise coastal urban neighbourhood."

The scheme has undergone extensive pre-lodgement consultation with the City of Gold Coast, with the design refined following feedback relating to architectural expression, landscaping, traffic access and podium treatment.

<img alt="S&amp;S" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a2d70fd-62ac-4b83-97c6-b798fc1243dd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-05%20at%209.16.31%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=yHmghUwKM3IVGpBktQU1mE.0Lpf3WimG" />

The architectural team is led by Brisbane-based Cottee Parker, one of Australia's most active residential design studios, with landscape architecture by Dunn + Moran. The consultant team also includes ADG Engineers, Windtech and Acoustic Works.

S&amp;S Projects has become one of the most influential private developers operating on the southern Gold Coast. Since entering Rainbow Bay in 2022, the company has assembled a portfolio exceeding $1 billion in end value, establishing itself as a key player in the area's evolution into a premium apartment destination. Pezet Matheson will again handle the sales for S&amp;S.

Coolangatta is entering another wave of apartment development, following the delivery of several prominent residential projects in recent years.

John Kearney's Immerse Projects will launch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kaiya-kirra-beach-5-haig-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Kaiya on Haig Street</a>&nbsp;soon, meanwhile, Palm Beach-based Sherpa Property Group is preparing to bring its debut Coolangatta development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-viver-87-griffith-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Flourish Viveré</a>, to market later this year, subject to approvals.

First look: S&S Projects proposes 88-apartment wellness tower at Coolangatta's Boundary Street

A landmark former orphanage site in Surrey Hills could be transformed into a new residential community under plans lodged by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/antipodean-land-developments">Antipodean Land Developments</a> that would deliver 76 apartments and townhouses while restoring some of the suburb's most significant heritage buildings.

The burgeoninng Melbourne-based developer has submitted plans for the 9,158 sqm site at 1 Kent Road and 24 Durham Road, home to the former St Joseph's Home for Destitute Children, a historic institutional complex dating back to the late 19th century. The proposal seeks to adaptively reuse several heritage buildings while introducing two new four-storey residential buildings set within extensive landscaped grounds.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> and Kerstin Thompson Architects, the project has been conceived as a contemporary residential village embedded within a restored heritage precinct. The development team describes the design approach as "The Village in the Garden," with new buildings positioned among mature landscaping by OCULUS and significant heritage structures.

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="44ec8c1b-c0b6-44ae-859e-5811b3e6a023" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29.png?VersionId=p.p1_KFh4iQoV4nisdnPfQBAsWNi7m79" />

The proposal would deliver 76 dwellings comprising a mix of apartments and duplex-style residences, significantly increasing housing supply on one of the largest privately held residential landholdings in Surrey Hills. The development includes 127 car spaces, 24 bicycle spaces and more than 1,000 sqm of communal amenity, with the existing chapel building earmarked for conversion into resident facilities.

According to the planning submission, the project centres on the restoration and adaptive reuse of the site's most significant heritage assets, including the original c.1889 St Joseph's building, the chapel designed by architect Augustus Andrew Fritsch, and the historic brick perimeter walls and entry gates. The proposal also incorporates the retention of other contributory buildings including the former infirmary and school building.

Tract Consultants, in the planning report accompanying the application, said the scheme had been shaped through extensive heritage analysis and design development.

"The shared vision for the Site by the project team has culminated in a scheme which successfully breathes life back into a historic site while delivering upon the objectives of Victoria's Housing Statement in a carefully curated and contextually responsive manner."

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7263b7d8-95ea-400f-9531-6ca7d22c3c33" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29.png?VersionId=4cR1tiWOsDpgxEOwZi5vVFcyvvOsYkIE" />

The proposal is being assessed under Victoria's Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway. As part of the application, three per cent of the project's residential development cost would be contributed to the Social Housing Growth Fund. The development would also provide a diverse mix of one, two and three-bedroom residences targeting a broader range of buyers than typically found in Surrey Hills' detached housing market.

Sustainability initiatives include an anticipated 66 per cent BESS score, natural cross-ventilation to 80 per cent of apartments, 28 per cent deep soil landscaping and a canopy cover outcome exceeding local planning requirements. The proposal also sets aside more than 1,083 sqm for communal indoor and outdoor resident amenity spaces.

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="33fad46f-fe26-4d0a-acfd-6b776e1c6a3d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design.png?VersionId=D9F6WVSyYCtGvSUmith35LRp6R7PQkw_" />

Planning documents describe the property as one of the largest underutilised residential sites in Surrey Hills, arguing it presents a rare opportunity to introduce "missing middle" housing in an established inner-eastern suburb while preserving and revitalising a significant heritage precinct.

Antipodean Land Developments has built a reputation for design-focused residential projects across Melbourne, particularly in the medium-density sector. Previous developments include Neighbourhood in Brunswick East, delivered with Breathe Architecture, and Balfe Park Lane, designed by Kerstin Thompson Architects.

They've been very active in site acquisition as they build out their future development pipeline. They recently launched Thornubury House, 45 apartments above a mix of commercial, retail, and food and beverage tenancies, and have plans for a boutique project in Fitzroy and another <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/vic/antipodean-plan-apartments-for-deepdenes-missing-middle-on-whitehorse-road">"missing middle" project</a> on Deepdene's Whitehorse Road.

First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills

Victoria Harbour

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The next installment of Lend Lease's Victoria Harbour precinct appears to be near with a clutch of images online prior to the project heading through the necessary channels. Eagle-eyed Apartments.com.au member Nicholas Harrison unearthed the images of 889 Collins Street which have appeared on a handful of Chinese property websites.

It must be said Apartments.com.au's grasp of Chinese is not exactly up to scratch so we're not inferring the apartments are for sale, but the preliminary images do nonetheless appear on numerous websites catering toward Chinese apartment buyers. I'd hazard a guess and say it's likely interest is being garnered for the forthcoming project.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image68.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Images sourced via off-shore websites"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="182" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image68.jpg?itok=Z7OpCc3V" title="Images sourced via off-shore websites" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Images sourced via off-shore websites</figcaption></figure>Perched on the southern bank of Victoria Harbour, images indicate 889 Collins Street consists of two residential towers on the vicinity of 31 and 25 levels. Both towers sit atop a large, active podium which looks to front both Collins Street and Corporation Road.

Given both towers seem to be of a residential nature, the project can expect in excess of 400 apartments if the adjoining <a href="/buildings/888-collins-street-docklands">888 Collins Street</a> is any example. To 889 Collins Street's east lies a number of as yet unrealised commercial buildings, namely <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic">875 Collins Street</a> and <a href="/developments/docklands-vic-3008">839 Collins Street</a> while a vast tract of land stretches west from the intended site to Bolte Bridge.

<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/image62vh.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="888 Collins Street render courtesy Woods Bagot &amp; all three sites in view"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="251" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image62vh.jpg?itok=H1VOPMjk" title="888 Collins Street render courtesy Woods Bagot &amp; all three sites in view" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>888 Collins Street render courtesy Woods Bagot &amp; all three sites in view</figcaption></figure>Directly opposite the expected 889 Collins Street sits Lend Lease's two current builds, namely <a href="/buildings/888-collins-street-docklands">888 Collins Street</a> and <a href="/buildings/concavo-8-waterside-place-docklands">Concavo</a>. After securing excellent presales, the Woods Bagot-designed 888 Collins Street is in its construction infancy while Concavo seen above is now beyond half its eventual height.

With designs from Bates Smart (Conveso &amp; Concavo), Hayball (Docklands Library and adjoining Community Hub) and Woods Bagot (888 Collins Street) jostling for honours around the Collins and Bourke intersection, 889 Collins Street represents a breath of fresh air for Victoria Harbour in that a new architect enters the fray with their first Melbourne project. Sydney-based <a href="http://koichitakada.com/">Koichi Takada Architects</a> are nominated as the firm behind 889 Collins Street.

If the existing Koichi Takada designs below prove to be an apt reference, 889 Collins Street promises to hold its own in both quality and location.

<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/image63_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Koichi Takada Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="248" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image63_1.jpg?itok=3F032jdX" title="Image © Koichi Takada Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image © Koichi Takada Architects</figcaption></figure>
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silvermb

889 Collins Street next for Lend Lease's  Victoria Harbour?

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<blockquote>
The first decade of Docklands was about buildings. The focus has now shifted to delivering the facilities that are the building blocks of a thriving community.
<cite>Gregory Anderson, CEO of Places Victoria.</cite>
</blockquote>

Located on the Collins Street Wharf along the Victoria Harbour waterfront, the Docklands Family Services &amp; Boating Hub (DFSBH) is the second community facility to be delivered through a unique tripartite model between Places Victoria, Lend Lease and the City of Melbourne - the other being the adjacent <a href="/news/talking-up-docklands-newest-showpiece">Library at the Dock</a>. Together these two buildings will form the civic heart of Victoria Harbour and combined with Buluk Park will provide over 8,000 square metres of public space.

The existing Shed 4 which occupies a portion of the site will be partially demolished to allow for construction of the new facility before being completely demolished as future buildings are proposed.

<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/dfsbh_siteplan.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Location of new Family Services &amp; Boating Hub building. © Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="399" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/dfsbh_siteplan.jpg?itok=di-QQ3VC" title="Location of new Family Services &amp; Boating Hub building. © Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Location of new Family Services &amp; Boating Hub building. © Hayball</figcaption></figure>Designed by Hayball, the two-storey building draws on the the vernacular of the existing marine buildings of the wharves at Docklands in terms of both scale and materiality. The Collins Street frontage features an undercover pedestrian walkway at ground level with framed glazed windows to allow views into the boating activities and through to the water.

On the eastern side, addressing Buluk Park, the building's roof extends beyond the building line to from a veranda. Materials and finishes proposed externally including feature timber blades, in-situ concrete, folded metal, exterior grade plywood, steel balustrades, and large glazed elements in the form of tilt doors to the north.

The ground floor Boating Hub is planned to accommodate Docklands’ current boating clubs - Victorian Dragon Boat Association, Docklands Yacht Club and Melbourne Outrigger Canoe Club in an approximately 712sqm open plan arrangement, consisting boating storage and associated office and amenities. The layout provides flexibility in the configuration of storage for water craft and equipment and also features a double height space for the provision of masted yachts allowing for views from the upper level.

Access into the building is via a double height common lobby accessed from the corner of Sailmaker Way and Collins 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/dfsbh_gf_plan.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Ground Floor Plan showing boating activities. © Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="391" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/dfsbh_gf_plan.png?itok=ISkjcyL-" title="Ground Floor Plan showing boating activities. © Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ground Floor Plan showing boating activities. © Hayball</figcaption></figure>The Family Services Centre to be located on the first floor and comprises a 229sqm multi-purpose/function space to accommodate approximately 120 people, a 540sqm family services hub comprising a reception area, consulting rooms, play-group room, program room and outdoor playground.

The function space is open plan and provides direct access to a 30sqm viewing terrace. Amenities are located centrally within the plan and serve both the function space and the family services hub.

<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/dfsbh_ff_plan.png" rel="gallery-all" title="First Floor Plan illustrating programmatic arrangements of Family Services centre. © Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="382" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/dfsbh_ff_plan.png?itok=AY7NQpID" title="First Floor Plan illustrating programmatic arrangements of Family Services centre. © Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>First Floor Plan illustrating programmatic arrangements of Family Services centre. © Hayball</figcaption></figure>Additionally the interim public realm design response includes a number of improvements proposed to the public realm over two stages:

<ul>
<li>The completion of Sailmaker Way to the eastern building line in bluestone pavement.</li>
	<li>The construction of the Collins Street footpath up to and adjacent to the entrance of the building.</li>
	<li>The construction of timber edge and seating to the edge of the Promenade.</li>
	<li>The provision of street lighting and bins on the northern side of Collins Street in accordance with City of Melbourne’s standards for Docklands.</li>
	<li>The construction of Collins Street within the bounds of the subject site including the construction of the bluestone pavements and car park bays to the north and south side of Collins Street.</li>
	<li>The provision of street furniture including lighting, bins, seats and bike hoops along Collins Street in accordance with City of Melbourne’s standards for Docklands.</li>
	<li>The provision of street trees along the south side of Collins Street.</li>
</ul>
Buildings such as the DFSBH and Library at the Dock are critical community infrastructure projects as they provide the waterfront with a much more human scale experience whilst also ensuring that larger public spaces such as Buluk Park are afforded access to adequate sunlight and remain desirable spaces to visit and engage. The injection of a diverse programme which differ from the largely retail focused tenancies at ground level add a further dimension to the docks.

The inspired choices of materials and building forms which respond to the waterfront context and built history of the area provide a softer and warmer contrast to the glazed concrete and steel office and residential towers. Further community focused buildings are planned for the waterfront along the northern edge of the peninsula.

The $8.5m facility is due to get underway in October with an anticipated completion date of September 2015.

<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/2719868_1_o.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Docklands Family Services &amp; Boating Hub from Collins Street. © Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="317" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/2719868_1_o.jpg?itok=aOom8x8E" title="Docklands Family Services &amp; Boating Hub from Collins Street. © Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Docklands Family Services &amp; Boating Hub from Collins Street. © Hayball</figcaption></figure>
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Laurence Dragomir

Building a Community: Docklands Family Services & Boating Hub

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Docklands and the term 'showpiece' have yet to become close friends, at least within our context. The suburb's newest venue, Library by the Dock, will go some way to correcting that assertion as the venue prepares for its opening on Saturday 31st May.

Conceived by <a href="http://claredesign.com.au/" target="_blank">Clare Design</a>, documented by Hayball, Library at the Dock is a welcome contrast to Victoria Harbour's existing architecture and is designed as a multi-purpose centre consisting of library, community hub, 120 seat performance space and research/education space. To mark the opening, City of Melbourne and Places Victoria have devised a day of celebrations, including activities highlighting Melbourne's status as a UNESCO City of Literature.

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Img_5997.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The point at which most visitors will view the new Docklands facility"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_5997.jpg?itok=ESlN5CPW" title="The point at which most visitors will view the new Docklands facility" width="580"></a>

<blockquote>
Docklands' next generation Library at the Dock will open its doors on Saturday 31 May with the inaugural Melbourne UNESCO City of Literature Oration, presented by acclaimed author, Arnold Zable. The Oration will celebrate Melbourne’s status as a UNESCO City of Literature and mark the opening of Docklands’ spectacular new community hub at the intersection of Bourke and Collins streets.

Activities and programs throughout the open day will showcase the library’s special places and spaces – including the recording studio, performance space, children’s library and the digital, music and entertainment collections. Acting Lord Mayor, Cr Susan Riley said the opening event was the culmination of three years’ work from a unique tri-partnership of Lend Lease, Places Victoria and the City of Melbourne.

“Library at the Dock is the most modern public library, in the most spectacular setting, in Australia,” Cr Riley said. “The Library at the Dock will be a place of inspiration for generations to come. For the creative and the literary, for students and for families, this building will provide Docklands with a civic heart. “Globally Melbourne is recognised as a UNESCO City of Literature and this exciting new facility will enrich the culture of our city and the community of Docklands.”
<cite><a href="http://www.places.vic.gov.au/news-and-publications/media-releases/docklands-next-generation-library-to-open-its-doors2">Docklands' next generation library to open its doors - Places Victoria</a></cite>
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<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Img_5990.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Open space the order of the day"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_5990.jpg?itok=6WtpH31E" title="Open space the order of the day" width="580"></a>

If talking about first impressions, Library at the Dock garners positive outcomes with the earthy feel, contrast and small-scale intimacy of the area working quite well. Whether by design or fault, the aqua reflections to the dark under canopy brings a shimmering, dynamic quality to the northern facade as well.

Library at the Dock distinguishes itself within the existing paved context quite well, by way of timber decking stretching from the edge of Victoria Harbour through to Collins Street/North Wharf Road to the south. While the architecture of Victoria Harbour can be hit-and-miss, the open spaces are generally excellent and Library at the Dock's associated park is no exception. It is functional, well sized and looks great.

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Img_5991.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The finishing touches"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_5991.jpg?itok=MQxDq-wG" title="The finishing touches" width="580"></a>

With additional community facilities to the west of Library at the Dock either planned or seeking approval, the area is envisaged as the thriving heart of Victoria Harbour. If these additions are to the standard of Library at the Dock, there will be plenty more positives to talk about down at Docklands soon enough.
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