Not all apartment amenities are immediately visible.

Swimming pools, gyms, rooftop terraces and residents' lounges have long featured on buyers' wishlists, but as the way Australians live has changed, so too have the features that make apartment living more convenient.

Increasingly, buyers are placing value on the practical aspects of day-to-day life. Fast internet, EV charging, secure bike storage, flexible workspaces and parcel management are becoming just as relevant as lifestyle amenities, reflecting changing habits and expectations.

Online shopping has been one of the biggest drivers of that shift.

Australians spent a record $82.6 billion shopping online in 2025, with almost one in every four retail dollars now spent digitally, making parcel deliveries a routine part of everyday life rather than an occasional convenience.

For apartment residents, however, receiving those deliveries isn't always straightforward.

Without someone home to accept a parcel, deliveries can be redirected to a nearby Post Office, left in building foyers or common areas, or require building management to temporarily store packages. As apartment living continues to grow across Australia's cities, parcel management has become an increasingly important consideration for both residents and developers.

Australia Post's Parcel Locker network is one response to that shift.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KPZ9j5FRdsQ?si=Qztc1dNP3ZvEIUhb" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Rather than relying on home delivery, eligible parcels can be directed to a nominated Parcel Locker, where they're securely stored until collected. Once a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS and can retrieve it using a one-time code or QR code at a time that suits them.

The network has expanded to more than 1,500 locations nationwide, with Parcel Lockers positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and, increasingly, within or alongside residential developments.

That growing presence reflects a broader change in how apartment buildings are being planned.

Developers are increasingly considering the operational side of apartment living alongside traditional lifestyle amenities. Just as secure mailrooms, bicycle storage and EV charging have become more common inclusions, parcel management is emerging as another feature that supports everyday convenience.

It also helps preserve the arrival experience within a building. Carefully designed lobbies and communal spaces can quickly become cluttered when deliveries accumulate, while secure parcel solutions reduce the likelihood of missed deliveries or parcels being left unattended.

For buyers comparing apartments, these everyday details are becoming part of the decision-making process.

Location, floorplans and finishes remain fundamental, but the features that simplify daily life are carrying greater weight than they once did. As online shopping continues to shape consumer behaviour, secure parcel delivery is increasingly becoming another amenity worth looking for.

Joel Robinson

Parcel delivery is joining the apartment amenity checklist

Inca Property Group has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for Dawn, a 53-apartment oceanfront development overlooking Mona Vale Beach.

The proposal, at 35-39 Darley Street East, would replace an existing 18-apartment strata building with a new owner-occupier-focused development comprising 53 two and three-bedroom apartments, including nine affordable built-to-rent residences delivered under the State's infill affordable housing scheme.

Positioned on a 2,679 sqm elevated site around 280 metres from Mona Vale Beach, the development has been designed to maximise panoramic ocean views while responding to the site's sloping topography.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/inca-property-group">Inca Property Group</a> Managing Director Josh Thompson said the State Significant pathway provided greater certainty for projects of this scale.

"This State Significant pathway gives the team real certainty to progress <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/dawn-35-39-darley-street-east-mona-vale-nsw-2103">Dawn</a> through to completion," Thompson said.

"It allows us to acquire a one-off site, design it carefully and deliver the right offering for the suburb, assessed by the NSW Government's planning department."

The project is one of the first developments in the area to be assessed under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy, with the site sitting on the edge of the policy's designated inner area.

The proposal includes three basement levels providing 124 car spaces, alongside a range of resident amenities including a swimming pool, gym, sauna, wellness facilities and private plunge pools for selected ground-floor and penthouse apartments.

<img alt="Dawn" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fc1a1daf-0ce4-4f12-9076-b1fa553c7a91" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-21%20at%208.42.11%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4GZ9h.gpNkTljbxyAET8Jfhv51XUamDm" />

Thompson said Dawn had been designed specifically for owner-occupiers and downsizers, a buyer profile that has driven demand across Inca's recent Upper North Shore developments.

"The majority of buyers in our recent North Shore projects have been downsizers, and we are learning exactly what this market is looking for. Beyond the location itself, we have included resort-style amenities to deliver a genuine lifestyle offering," Thompson said.

Located within walking distance of Mona Vale Beach, the town centre, Mona Vale Golf Club and the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Dawn represents Inca's first Northern Beaches project following the sell-out of Tara on Park in Waitara and Ellis Residences, currently under construction in St Ives.

Construction will be undertaken by Inca's in-house construction arm, GOP Constructions.

Dawn is the latest major apartment proposal for Mona Vale, with the suburb emerging as one of the key beneficiaries of the NSW Government's new Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy.

New developer One Living, led by industry veteran Joseph Scuderi, recently secured a site on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, where it is planning around 140 apartments.

IPM is also planning its third project in Mona Vale, significantly increasing the scale of its previous developments with an 82-apartment proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/159-167-darley-street-west-mona-vale-nsw-2103">159-167 Darley Street West</a>, opposite Bayview Golf Course and less than 800 metres from Mona Vale town centre.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/one-living-enters-sydneys-new-apartment-market-with-northern-beaches-site-acquisition">One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-ipm-plans-third-mona-vale-project">First look: IPM plans third Mona Vale project</a>

First look: Inca eyes Mona Vale with State Significant DA for Dawn apartments

Seasoned Victorian apartment developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/central-equity">Central Equity</a> has logged more than $400 million in sales in its luxury apartment project Palmera Residences at Northcliffe on the Gold Coast.&nbsp;

Central Equity Director Karl Kutner said the sales result reflected a combination of location, product quality and delivery certainty with the project already under construction by building powerhouse Multiplex.&nbsp;

"Surpassing $400 million in sales since launch is a significant milestone and an outstanding endorsement of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/palmera-residences-gold-coast-18-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Palmera Residences</a>,” he said.&nbsp;

"We believe one of the key reasons for this strong result is the confidence purchasers have in knowing the project is under construction with Multiplex. Buyers are increasingly looking for certainty. They want to know that the project they commit to today will be delivered by an experienced team with a proven track record."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365782]

Kutner said it was clear there was still high demand for luxury projects that offered certainty of delivery.&nbsp;

“We are in a market where many residential developments have faced delays due to rising construction costs, labour shortages and financing challenges,” said Kutner.&nbsp;

"But having construction underway has provided our buyers with resounding confidence backed by more than 40 years of development delivery by Central Equity combined with construction by one of Australia's most respected construction companies."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365785]

Central Equity is one of Australia's most experienced privately-owned property developers. Over more than four decades, the company has delivered in excess of 85 residential developments including 10,000 apartments and many thousands of stand alone homes.&nbsp;

Located on Garfield Terrace at Northcliffe, between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, Palmera Residences occupies one of the Gold Coast's most sought after beachside locations. The development has been designed to appeal to owner occupiers seeking premium residences that combine generous living spaces and resort style amenities.&nbsp;

Palmera Residences will feature an exceptional collection of resort style amenities, including two swimming pools: a generously sized family pool with safe shallow zones for relaxed recreation, and a 20 metre lap pool positioned to maximise all day sunlight.&nbsp;

Residents will also enjoy exclusive access to wellness and recreational facilities including a magnesium pool, sauna, yoga studio, expansive fitted gymnasium, resident lounge, outdoor BBQ’s&nbsp;and indoor and outdoor dining areas, together with a dedicated concierge and luxurious hotel inspired entrance foyer.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365767]

A unique feature at Palmera Residences has been designed to enhance the Gold Coast lifestyle which includes both indoor and outdoor gymnasium facilities, together with thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor dining and entertaining areas. A corner café has also been incorporated to provide residents with a destination for their everyday needs.&nbsp;

Kutner said buyer demand had been broad based with purchasers attracted from interstate as well as throughout South East Queensland.&nbsp;

"We're seeing strong interest from owner occupiers, lifestyle buyers and people relocating to the Gold Coast. Many purchasers have been searching for a premium beachside residence where quality, design and delivery are equally important."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365771]

Kutner said the sales milestone was an important achievement, but the focus remained firmly on delivering an exceptional development.&nbsp;

"While reaching $400 million in sales is an important milestone, our priority remains delivering a project that exceeds purchaser expectations,” he said.&nbsp;

"Palmera Residences has been designed to become one of the Gold Coast's landmark residential addresses, and we look forward to welcoming our purchasers to their new homes."&nbsp;

There are a limited number of residences remaining in selected configurations with pricing from $2,950,000 to $8,950,000. Palmera Residences is also crowned by expansive penthouses with wrap around views.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108274]

Construction certainty and strong buyer demand drive major sales result for luxury Gold Coast development

Palmera Residences fly out the door as sales pass $400 million

National property developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/goldfields-group">Goldfields</a> has appointed BINAH as its construction partner for Quartet, its new Brisbane apartment development in the undersupplied suburb of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/milton-qld-4064">Milton</a>.

Located just two kilometres from the Brisbane CBD and moments from key 2032 Olympic precincts, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/quartet-milton-33-manning-street-milton-qld-4064">Quartet</a> will deliver 131 one, two, three, and four-bedroom apartments priced from $1 million to $4.2 million, combining elevated design with a wellness-focused lifestyle offering.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=368000]

Goldfields’ Chief Executive Officer, Lachlan Thompson, said the appointment of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/binah-constructions">BINAH</a> marked an important milestone for the project.&nbsp;

“Bringing BINAH on board as our construction partner will allow us to bring our vision for Quartet forward with a team that has a proven track record of delivering high-quality residential projects,” Thompson said.&nbsp;

“We’ve taken a considered approach to progressing the site because we wanted to deliver the whole package. Buyers ultimately back great developers, great projects and great builders, and with Quartet, we’ve made sure all three line up.

“People want certainty, they want to know the project will be built, that the homes will be delivered as promised, and that the developer stands behind the quality of what they create. That’s something Goldfields has built its reputation on over many years.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=367993]

BINAH’s Managing Director, Khalil Hafza, said the company was proud to be partnering with Goldfields to deliver Quartet.&nbsp;

“Quartet is an exciting project to bring to life, particularly given the level of detail in the residences and the extensive rooftop amenity planned for the building,” Mr Hafza said.&nbsp;

“Our focus is on delivering a high-quality build that brings that design vision to life and creates homes residents will enjoy for many years.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=367999]

The facilities at Quartet have been feared towards the roof, with a&nbsp;25 metre lap pool, spa, sauna and cold plunge, and a communal barbecue area and alfresco.

Town planning was designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> and brought to life by Melbourne-based architecture firm Cera Stribley.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/cera-stribley">Cera Stribley</a> Co-Founder and Managing Principal, Dom Cerantonio, said the project responds to both its riverside setting and Brisbane’s evolving urban character.&nbsp;

“Quartet has been designed to sit comfortably within its riverside context, offering a refined take on urban living through well-planned, generously proportioned residences that will stand the test of time,” Mr Cerantonio said.&nbsp;

“An emphasis on natural light, natural textures and carefully selected finishes from timber and marble to premium appliances, creates calm, considered interiors designed for comfort and long-term liveability.”&nbsp;

Construction of Quartet will commence in July 2026, with completion anticipated in Q4 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108736]

Construction to commence on 131-residence tower designed around wellness-focused living

Goldfields appoints BINAH for Quartet apartments in Milton

The first partnership between national developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/fortis">Fortis</a> and Adelaide-based developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/otello">Otello</a> has made a strong start, with the pair securing $21 million in unconditional sales at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/one-four-four-hutt-adelaide-144-hutt-street-adelaide-sa-5000">One Four Four Hutt</a>&nbsp;on the edge of the Adelaide CBD.

Over a third of apartments have been snapped up in the boutique 44-apartment project on the corner of Hutt Stret and Wakefield Road. Local downsizers and owner-occupiers wanting to remain in Adelaide's tightly-held southeast quarter have been the most prominent purchasers.

The DKO-designed, mixed-use development is one of the few new apartment projects in the precinct, an area where new housing supply has remained limited despite continued demand from buyers wanting to stay close to the CBD, Victoria Park and Adelaide's established east-end amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151233 project_image_fid=375378]

Fortis Head of Development SA Arthur Dendrinos said the early sales reflected both the strength of the local owner-occupier market and confidence in the Hutt Street location.

"The level of early commitment reflects the confidence local buyers have in the Hutt Street precinct," Dendrinos said.

"Many purchasers are long-term east-end residents who love the area and want to stay connected to the neighbourhood. They recognise the value of a well-designed, well-located development.

"Our partnership with Otello has been central to this success, and the number of unconditional sales at this stage only strengthens our confidence in the South Australian market."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151233 project_image_fid=375379]

Otello Director Daniel Harris said the sales result also highlighted the lack of new apartment opportunities within the Hutt Street precinct.

"One Four Four Hutt has clearly resonated with buyers, with strong early sales reflecting both the appeal of the Hutt Street corridor and the lifestyle on offer," Harris said.

"The activated ground-floor retail has also been a key drawcard, with purchasers responding to the vision of a more vibrant and connected streetscape, not just the residences themselves."

One Four Four Hutt will deliver 44 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, alongside a collection of penthouses, above a ground-floor retail offering designed to further activate the Hutt Street precinct.

Construction is scheduled to commence in the third quarter of this year, with completion anticipated in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151233]

Fortis Head of Development SA Arthur Dendrinos said the early sales reflected both the strength of the local owner-occupier market and confidence in the Hutt Street location.

Fortis makes Adelaide debut with Otello as One Four Four Hutt records strong early sales

Victoria University

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Victoria University has just announced the creation of a brand new learning hub in Melbourne’s west as part of a partnership with the Victorian Government and the Ian Potter Foundation. The exciting new addition to Ballarat Road in Sunshine has been designed by world-class architectural firm <a href="/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a>, with a clear vision to combat a skills shortage across Melbourne and achieve a 5 Star <a href="/news/5-of-melbourne-s-environmentally-conscious-new-development-highlights">Green Star environmental rating</a>. 'Sunshine Skills Hub' will offer TAFE courses in disciplines such as health, community services and trades, with an outstanding selection of technology available to students.

A hands-on approach to learning has inspired the design team to create simulation experiences, utilising state-of-the-art technology such as 3D modelling software, virtual reality goggles, robots, computerised mannequins, simulation hospital wards, the latest coding software and more. 

<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/ssh5_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="382" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ssh5_1.jpg?itok=5IIO_F--" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Sunshine Skills Hub. Credit: Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure>As the job market changes, Victoria University is continuing to develop new programmes to assist with the transition of workers into emerging industries. In 2018 the University launched a  digital technology qualification, which sparked the idea to create three innovation spaces: the ideation space, the software centre and the prototyping room. The rooms will be equipped with advanced technology with a goal to encourage the development of lateral thinking and problem-solving skills.

<blockquote>
“Teaching methodologies are shifting to problem-based learning and traditional space typologies are being challenged in the design response. The Skills Hub is a series of cross-sector spaces designed to help bridge the gap between education and industry."

- Sarah Ball, Woods Bagot Principal
</blockquote>

The three-story hub will feature a kitchenette for student use, a cafe, staff accommodation for 20 employees, ‘informal learning facilities’, IT and research support services, student services centre and a learning commons.

Sunshine Skills Hub's sawtooth design aims to maintain thermal comfort while reducing the need for air conditioning. It also acts as a reference to the harvester work factories previously found in the Sunshine area. 

Undertaking the build of the project will be ADCO Constructions (<a href="/news/deakin-burwoods-new-student-accommodation-building-embraces-the-space">who built Deakin Burwood campus' student accommodation</a>), with a goal to complete the facility by December 2019. Sunshine Skills Hub is Victoria University's second development to take place this year, following the partnership with ISPT to create <a href="/news/ispt-set-to-deliver-victoria-universitys-new-vertical-city-campus">the university's first vertical campus</a>.
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Olivia Round

Victoria University announces innovative new vocational training facility targeting Melbourne’s skill shortages 

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Having announced that it is partnering with Victoria University to deliver its vertical city campus earlier this month, ISPT is wasting no time in getting the project off the ground, appointing Probuild as the head contractor for the project. The 24,000 sqm NLA vertical campus will be developed at 364-378 Little Lonsdale Street site and will include office and teaching space for key academic activities in addition to the integration of heritage and archaeological elements.

<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/vu-1-621x1000.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="VU Tower will enliven the north-west corner of Melbourne's CBD. Image: ISPT"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="934" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/vu-1-621x1000.jpg?itok=zn_tpR_o" title="VU Tower will enliven the north-west corner of Melbourne's CBD. Image: ISPT" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>VU Tower will enliven the north-west corner of Melbourne's CBD. Image: ISPT</figcaption></figure>The $200 million+ Daryl Jackson designed project includes the delivery of an integrated fitout by Woods Bagot, and upon completion will become Melbourne’s tallest vertical campus. Demolition works will commence in December this year, with project completion due prior to the end of 2021, in time for the 2022 academic year.

Probuild is currently applying the finishing touches to its other project for ISPT - 271 Spring Street and is also delivering some of Australia’s largest construction projects including The Towers and Ritz Carlton at Elizabeth Quay in Perth, Queens Wharf in Brisbane, Aurora Melbourne Central, West Side Place and The Greenland Centre in Sydney.

<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/271_spring_redden.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="271 Spring Street is approaching completion. Image: Urban member redden"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/271_spring_redden.jpg?itok=j0cammt8" title="271 Spring Street is approaching completion. Image: Urban member redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>271 Spring Street is approaching completion. Image: Urban member redden</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
Significantly, this project signals Probuild’s re-entry into the University sector. This is our first vertical education campus and we’re looking forward to adapting our industry-leading expertise in high-rises to suit education needs.

Victoria University is expanding their CBD presence in order to provide industry-best learning spaces and attract the very best students. Probuild is excited to be working alongside ISPT to deliver the next generation in University development.

- Luke Stambolis, Probuild Victorian Managing Director
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
 
Following the successful ISPT acquisition of three Melbourne CBD properties offered to the market by Victoria University, ISPT is pleased to collaborate with Probuild to now deliver Melbourne’s tallest vertical campus, with a long term lease back to the University.

Once complete, the tower will anchor this burgeoning knowledge precinct and add to the growing portfolio of properties delivered by ISPT as the sole developer and long-term owner. This project is a key addition to our development workbook and represents an important extension of our investment into the education sector.

- Jason Lourensz, ISPT’s Senior Development Manager  
</blockquote>

<h2>Probuild's Construction Pipeline</h2>

<iframe frameborder="0" height="420px" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments?builder=Probuild&amp;embeddable=map" width="100%"></iframe>
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Laurence Dragomir

Probuild appointed for $200m Victoria University Tower

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A long dormant project is set to finally be realised after it was announced late last year that ISPT has partnered with Victoria University and the Victorian Department of Education and Training to develop a new 32-storey vertical campus in the at <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">364-378 Little Lonsdale Street</a> in Melbourne's CBD. The Jackson Architecture-designed project <a href="/news/vu-queen-st-set-for-expansion">was covered all the way back in March of 2013</a> when Urban was first launched, and was also one of the first projects added to the Project Database.

The 24,000 sqm vertical campus will be developed by ISPT and will incorporate office and teaching space for key academic activities, to be leased back to the University, consolidating its city campuses into a single new precinct. Victoria University hopes the new precinct and the University’s greater presence on the western edge of the Hoddle Grid will assist the University in forming better connections to its nearby campuses across the west of Melbourne.

ISPT says the Victoria University Precinct project represents a prime example of the company's strategy to "pursue true development opportunities in partnership with customers to unlock development returns for our Investors." As part of the tender ISPT will also acquire two heritage-listed properties from Victoria University; the Former Records Office at 287-295 Queen Street and the Land Titles Office at 247-283 Queen 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/vu-1_1530x2500_acf_cropped.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="ISPT will deliver a new 32-storey vertical campus for Victoria University. Image: ISPT"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="948" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/vu-1_1530x2500_acf_cropped.jpg?itok=eFh_y2-M" title="ISPT will deliver a new 32-storey vertical campus for Victoria University. Image: ISPT" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>ISPT will deliver a new 32-storey vertical campus for Victoria University. Image: ISPT</figcaption></figure>Further details of the new development:

<ul>
<li>The new City West Precinct will provide space for students from VU Polytechnic, as well as VU’s Business School, College of Law and Justice, and College of Health and Biomedicine, and the VU College</li>
	<li>VU Research centres will also have an important presence within the new precinct, as will the VU Law School, which will continue to operate in its current building, as well as benefiting from the new spaces within the precinct.</li>
</ul>
According to Victoria University, State Government approval for the deal was provided on the basis that “the University establishes a ‘New Infrastructure Fund’ in its accounts that holds the proceeds of sale for reinvestment in new infrastructure.”

Work on the 32-storey tower is set to commence next year with completion slated for 2021.  Students are expected to begin studying in the new precinct in the first semester of 2022.

<h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
The new City West Precinct will revitalise this iconic part of the city, restoring the historic Land Titles Office, while also improving the local amenity and spawning a reborn urban experience in the western parts of the Melbourne CBD.

We are fortunate to be partnering with ISPT on this project which will help us to create a world-class precinct for our students in the CBD, while also establishing an infrastructure fund to enable exciting investment opportunities for our campuses in our heartland throughout the west of Melbourne.

- Professor Peter Dawkins.​​​​​​, Victoria University Vice-Chancellor and President
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
We look forward to working collaboratively with Victoria University to ensure we deliver a new campus and educational environment that meets the current and future needs of staff and students, while creating an architectural statement befitting the prominence of the site in a CBD context.

The transaction demonstrates the long-term capital alignment of industry superannuation funds with the tertiary education sector.

This project is a key addition to our development pipeline and represents an important milestone in our participation into the education sector. Education is a major services export contributor, critical to the economy over the medium to long term, and this project will diversify our exposure and that of our Investors to this important sector.

- Daryl Browning, ISPT CEO
</blockquote>
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ISPT set to deliver Victoria University's new vertical city campus

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Victoria University is once more pushing to consolidate its CBD presence into a single precinct, although not via the expected source.

Heritage Victoria is assessing a current proposal to restore and refurbish the former Land Titles Office (LTO) and Strong Room, with a new vertical campus tower at 247-283 Queen Street expected. The institution did hold approval for a separate mixed-use tower on the adjoining block, mere metres from the current proposal, which was also to have seen its CBD presence consolidated.

John Wardle Architects have conceived the current 17-level tower which would rise from behind the restored LTO building.

<h2>247-283 Queen Street development 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/image218_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Street level perspective. Image: John Wardle Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="411" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image218_0.jpg?itok=AL1fkPlE" title="Street level perspective. Image: John Wardle Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Street level perspective. Image: John Wardle Architects</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>LTO Building vacant for three years, requires an internal refurbishment</li>
	<li>Proposed 87.5 metre tower</li>
	<li>Total Net Lettable Area for the project is 23,263 square metres</li>
	<li>27% of space dedicated to formal teaching and learning use</li>
	<li>Osteo and Dermal Clinic, Entrepreneurial Hub, VU College and social spaces also included</li>
	<li>Single basement level</li>
	<li>New pedestrian link at ground level between LTO Building and proposed tower, with canopy above</li>
</ul>
<h2>Heritage considerations</h2>

The former Land Titles Office is included in the Victorian Heritage Register for being a property is of architectural, technical and historical significance to Victoria. It was built in three stages between 1874 and 1877, with the Strong Room completed over 1884-1885.

John Wardle Architects' scheme is noted as being less intrusive on the historic structures than a 2014 permit for works to the LTO building. Under those plans demolition, refurbishment and new building works would have been undertaken to create a new tower for Victoria University above the Strong Room.

Similarly, under current plans "the support structure for the tower is to be placed around the Strong Room, and does not impact on the original enclosing walls of the building. The vertical campus core will be located in the south-west corner of the Strong Room, requiring demolition of the existing built-in shelving units and structure above and below.

The original northern section of the Strong Room will be retained and restored."

A photographic essay of the two historic structures can be found <a href="http://www.hinlimphotography.com/gallery_A1_files/Heritage/2016%20LTO%20Strong%20Room/index#">here</a>.

<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/image223_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Former LTO - Strong Room. Image: Hin Lim Photography"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image223_0.jpg?itok=GW_dWtXk" title="Former LTO - Strong Room. Image: Hin Lim Photography" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Former LTO - Strong Room. Image: Hin Lim Photography</figcaption></figure><h2>John Wardle Architects design notes</h2>

<ul>
<li>The success of this new vertical campus for Victoria University amongst other criteria and measures is the project’s response to the Heritage aspects of the site, it’s accordance with Planning requirements and the development of the Tower form and floor plate that creates a flexible framework for new teaching and learning activities within a new city campus.</li>
	<li>This building takes stock of the expanding means by which people learn and communicate today, and transposes them into a tower form.</li>
	<li>While many advances in communication and learning have evolved independent of developments in the physical environment, the notion of a campus still holds considerable sway. The enduring nature of a campus is couched in its ability to bring creative and progressive minds together in physical space - providing a platform for their sustained interaction.</li>
	<li>Rather than an autonomous essay on the future of learning, the VU Tower acknowledges that Melbourne’s civic history can be found in buildings that are monumental – or through time, have become mute.</li>
	<li>The space between the Land Titles Office and the Strong Room has the potential to perform multiple roles by establishing a sense of Terra Firma for the project. Through a series of interventions that uncover its latent qualities, we propose an internal street that is at once a transitional moment between city and campus, and a key opportunity to set the tone for architectural and pedagogical values that follow.</li>
</ul>
<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/image220_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Level five student area. Image: John Wardle Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="342" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image220_1.jpg?itok=qFJAJjiV" title="Level five student area. Image: John Wardle Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Level five student area. Image: John Wardle Architects</figcaption></figure><h2>First to fall?</h2>

Victoria University did hold approval for a more substantial mixed-use development across 364-378 Little Lonsdale Street, diagonally opposite the Queen Street tower proposal.

The permit has not been acted upon for a number of years, which would call into question the institution's intentions for the dual Little Lonsdale Street sites.

<blockquote>
"Planning approval is in place for redevelopment of these sites for a new multi-storey educational facility. This facility was designed to accommodate an expanded educational programme for the central city campus, including health and business faculties.

On more recent review of this approved development Victoria University has determined that the modest area of the floor plates, combined with lifting (vertical movement) requirements, makes the viability of this development questionable."
<cite>Lovell Chen</cite>
</blockquote>

Spanning 135 metres and designed by Jackson Architecture, the Little Lonsdale Street tower was designed to include academic and support services space, plush 11,350 square metres of leasable office space.

Time will tell if Victoria University pursues the Little Lonsdale Street tower in an altered form such as student accommodation or consigns it to history.

<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/image221_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A dated render of VU Tower. Image: Jackson Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image221_0.jpg?itok=1SZOGjia" title="A dated render of VU Tower. Image: Jackson Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A dated render of the approved VU Tower. Image: Jackson Architecture</figcaption></figure>
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