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.

Joel Robinson

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

Developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/auyin-property-development">Auyin</a> is the latest to turn to the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program in an effort to secure approval for its long-planned, mixed-use project in Elsternwick.

In 2018, Auyin lodged plans with Glen Eira City Council for a 14-storey building, however Council approved a reduced eight-storey scheme. A subsequent VCAT appeal in 2019 upheld the eight-storey height limit.

The project was later amended to nine storeys, but Auyin is now seeking to revive something closer to its original vision. The developer argues that the planning context has evolved significantly over the past decade, particularly within the Elsternwick Activity Centre, where higher-density development has increasingly been encouraged along Glen Huntly Road.

The proposal would transform the 1,239 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/7-12-horne-street-elsternwick-vic-3185">7-15 Horne Street</a>, opposite Elsternwick Railway Station, into a 13-storey residential and retail development designed by CBG Architects, with 40 apartments

The site currently comprises three commercial properties.

<img alt="First look: 13-storey mixed-use tower planned for Elsternwick activity centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5f465dd4-509b-4082-a669-0253b313914b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/elsternwick%20podium.png?VersionId=72frWi0SmQ5AVJ3ARRhX5ILUYObhTm7x" />

The proposed apartment mix comprises 25 two-bedroom and 15 three-bedroom residences above 200 sqm of retail space at ground level. Residents would have access to a 90 sqm wellness facility, a 351 sqm communal indoor and outdoor terrace on the third level, and extensive landscaped areas throughout the development. A publicly accessible 135 sqm plaza would be created on the north-east corner of the site, providing seating, landscaping, and a new gathering space adjoining Horne Street.

The design adopts a four-storey podium that references the finer-grain character of the surrounding streetscape, with the upper tower recessed behind generous setbacks on all boundaries.

<img alt="First look: 13-storey mixed-use tower planned for Elsternwick activity centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e637e763-2abc-4c34-a0aa-5c7ad36fae18" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/elsternwick%20open.png?VersionId=J1AoOpZgTyaF.KeeFSX6lMjEScX8KKRi" />

A key element of the proposal is the reconfiguration and widening of the surrounding laneways. Vehicle access would be retained from Lois Lane, with upgraded pedestrian connections linking Ross Street and Horne Street. The development would provide 58 residential car spaces, two retail car spaces, and 52 bicycle spaces across two basement levels and ground-floor facilities.

Architecturally, the building draws inspiration from the established character of Elsternwick Village. The façade combines dark charcoal brickwork, textured concrete, bronze-toned metal detailing, and extensive planting integrated into podium and tower levels. The design also incorporates a chamfered corner treatment and publicly accessible plaza intended to strengthen pedestrian activity around the station precinct.

Elsternwick's last new development completion was&nbsp;EVA Elsternwick by Pitard late last year. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/milieu-property">Milieu</a> is working away on its nature-led neighbourhood, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/elsternwick-gardens-by-milieu-8-gordon-street-elsternwick-vic-3185">Elsternwick Gardens</a>, on Gordon Street, with its first stage expected to complete next year.

First look: Auyin seeks mixed-use apartment project in growing Elsternwick Activity Centre

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/otium-parkdale-123-125-como-parade-east-parkdale-vic-3195">Otium Parkdale</a>, the 13-residence boutique development by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/huxtable-property">Huxtable Property</a>, has entered its final stages of delivery, with completion expected within the coming month and more than half of the residences sold.

The Como Parade East project is nearing the finish line at a time when opportunities to purchase new apartments in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parkdale-vic-3195">Parkdale</a> remain exceptionally limited. Fewer than 10 per cent of dwellings in the bayside suburb are apartments, making developments like Otium a relatively rare addition to a market traditionally dominated by detached housing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134974 project_image_fid=5427]

The three-level development comprises 13 residences, including ten two-bedroom apartments and three larger three-bedroom homes, all positioned above a secure basement car park.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/almeida-architects">Almeida Architects</a> with a strong connection to its coastal surroundings, Otium combines red brick, exposed concrete and dark metal detailing with integrated landscaping and greenery. Expansive glazing, generous balconies and terraces have been incorporated throughout the design to maximise natural light and reinforce indoor-outdoor living.

Inside, the residences feature engineered European oak flooring, natural and reconstituted stone benchtops, Bosch kitchen appliances, ducted heating and cooling, lift access and secure entry systems. The larger three-bedroom residences on the upper level have been designed with house-like proportions, while the two-bedroom apartments prioritise functionality, flexibility and low-maintenance living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134974 project_image_fid=5421]

The project is now in its final stages, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/labco">Labco</a> completing the remaining landscaping and external finishing works following the completion of the residences' interiors.

Otium's location within the heart of Parkdale continues to underpin its appeal. Residents will be just steps from local cafés, restaurants, shops and the newly elevated Parkdale Station, while the beach is less than a kilometre away.

With the project tracking ahead of schedule, buyers can currently secure a residence with a five per cent deposit and benefit from settlement terms of up to eight months. The advanced stage of construction also provides buyers with the opportunity to walk through the near-complete residences and experience the quality and finishes firsthand ahead of completion.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134974]

Otium Parkdale enters final month before completion as rare apartment opportunity nears sellout

A new boutique apartment development is entering the market in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chermside-qld-4032">Chermside</a>, with Brisbane-based developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ausdev">Ausdev</a> bringing 33 residences to a well-connected pocket of Brisbane's north.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/parkdrive-apartments-chermside-25-sammells-drive-chermside-qld-4032">Parkdrive Apartments</a>, at 25 Sammells Drive, will comprise a mix of one- and two-bedroom residences positioned within walking distance of Westfield Chermside, The Prince Charles Hospital, and Bradbury Park.

Established in 1989, Ausdev has a long-standing presence across both development and construction, with Parkdrive Apartments representing its latest residential project in Brisbane's northern suburbs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152125 project_image_fid=363778]

The development has been designed around open-plan living and natural light, with residences featuring stone benchtops, timber cabinetry, BOSCH appliances, and private balconies that extend the living areas outdoors.

Kitchens are positioned as the centrepiece of the homes, incorporating natural material palettes and integrated appliances, while bathrooms have been designed with a focus on functionality and understated finishes.

Residents will have access to a communal barbecue and entertaining area on Level 3, providing shared outdoor space within the development. Secure parking and lift access are also incorporated into the building.

The project will deliver a limited collection of 33 apartments, with one-bedroom residences priced from $749,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152125 project_image_fid=363782]

Beyond the building itself, the location places residents within easy reach of several of Chermside's key amenities. Bradbury Park is around 350 metres away, while Westfield Chermside is approximately 1.3 kilometres from the site. The Prince Charles Hospital is located within 750 metres, and the Chermside Bus Interchange is around 1.5 kilometres away, providing connections across Brisbane.

Parkdrive Apartments adds to the growing residential pipeline in Chermside, a suburb that continues to evolve as a major retail, healthcare, and transport hub for Brisbane's north.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152125]

Ausdev introduces boutique Parkdrive Apartments to Chermside's growing centre

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/skymark-group">Skymark</a>'s boutique Cronulla development Solis has secured a 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy through Resilience Insurance, providing buyers of the 16-residence building on Ewos Parade with structural and waterproofing protection that extends a decade beyond the building's completion.

Currently under construction and due for completion in late 2027, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/solis-cronulla-8-ewos-parade-cronulla-nsw-2230">Solis</a> is one of a small number of new developments in the Sutherland Shire to carry Resilience LDI coverage, a distinction that carries increasing weight as buyer confidence in the off-the-plan sector continues to be shaped by how developers stand behind their product.

Latent Defects Insurance, which entered the Australian market in 2022 when Resilience Insurance was approved to offer the cover, protects buyers against major structural or waterproofing defects for ten years post-completion. Unlike traditional statutory warranties, it operates as a first-resort policy, if a covered defect arises, the insurer responds directly, without the buyer needing to pursue the builder or developer through a lengthy claims process.

Resilience Insurance CEO Corey Nugent has noted that the product addresses something fundamental to the new apartment market.

"The overarching feedback from prospective buyers in the new development space is that they want more confidence and assurances around the quality of the build," Nugent says.

"Resilience Insurance Latent Defects Insurance not only gives them complete peace of mind for 10 years, but it shows the developer they are buying from is standing by their product."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370898]

For Solis, the Resilience LDI policy adds a meaningful layer of accountability to an already considered project. The development comprises nine two-bedroom and seven three-bedroom residences, including one dual-level three-bedroom apartment, across a five-storey building on Ewos Parade, positioned between Shelly Beach and South Cronulla.

Garden apartments connect directly to private landscaped courtyards, while upper-level homes capture beach views to the east from level four and above.&nbsp;

All 16 residences include at least one balcony or courtyard, and select apartments on the upper floors feature bar areas and secondary flexible living spaces.

Hiba Sander, Managing Director of Skymark, says Solis offers a rare balance, nestled between the quiet beauty of secluded beaches and the lively charm of South Cronulla's esplanade.

"It's a place to choose your pace and live gracefully, seaside'," Sander says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370900]

The architecture, designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ida-design-group">IDA Design Group</a>'s Michael Trinh, draws from the natural erosion patterns of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/cronulla-nsw-2230">Cronulla</a>'s sandstone headlands, translating the organic forms of the coastline into soft curves, pavilion-style massing, and a material palette chosen for longevity in a salt-tinged environment.&nbsp;

Textured natural stone, soft renders, and timber-look battens reference the tones of the surrounding cliffs, while the building has been oriented to maximise natural light and passive ventilation, with primary living spaces facing north and east to capture morning sun and sea breezes.

"At Solis, our aim was to create architecture that feels quietly confident, grounded in natural materials like stone and timber, and elevated by light and landscape," Trinh says.&nbsp;

"The buildings are designed to sit gently within their coastal surrounds, with expansive glazing and abundant greenery creating a seamless dialogue between inside and out."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370897]

Interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hot-black">Hot Black</a> carry the same material language through to every room. Kitchens feature integrated Gaggenau appliances, sculpted stone benchtops, and Lo &amp; Co joinery, while bathrooms feature natural stone, timber, and brushed metal finishes.&nbsp;

Hot Black Founder and Design Director Sophie Safrin describes the intent as one of considered restraint: "At Solis, every detail has been thoughtfully considered to create a timeless coastal retreat, calm, refined, and effortlessly liveable. From natural finishes to seamless indoor-outdoor flow, Solis offers a quiet elegance that's deeply connected to its surroundings.

The landscape, designed by Julian Brady of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/sitedesignstudios">Site Design Studios</a>, treats green space as an integral part of the resident experience rather than an afterthought.&nbsp;

"Gentle curves and layered native plantings mirror the ebb and flow of the ocean," Julian Brady says, "creating a serene connection between architecture and place."&nbsp;

Coco Republic has provided bespoke furniture packages tailored to the project's coastal palette.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370899]

Skymark has an established track record in the Sutherland Shire, with a portfolio spanning Cronulla, Woolooware and Burraneer that includes Isla, Sylva, Bask, Shells, Sula and Mist. Securing LDI on Solis reflects a broader shift in how the developer is positioning its buildings to buyers, at a time when Resilience Insurance expects the policy to become mandatory in New South Wales by 2028.

Sales at Solis are launching soon through Ray White Projects, with an official event scheduled for 11 June. Enquire for more information.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150499]

Skymark takes out 10-year Resilience Insurance LDI at Solis Cronulla

West Melbourne

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GUEST OBSERVER
Urban greening projects in Melbourne’s west are contributing to making the region cooler, more pleasant and healthier to live in and travel through. The key to this success is the Greening the West initiative. Since 2011 this has brought together 23 organisations that, by the end of 2018, will have collectively planted more than 1 million trees in Melbourne’s west.
The program’s efforts not only offer clear health and economic benefits for the region’s residents, but are also welcome news in the face of reports that tree canopy cover in Australian cities is generally declining.
Our recent report on Greening the West has found that, while it is a great success, much more work is needed – particularly from the Victorian government.
What is Greening the West?
Urban greening provides a variety of economic, mental and physical health benefits to the public. Greening an area can increase house prices, encourage walking and cycling, and make people feel happier.
Measures of socioeconomic and health status are generally poorer in Melbourne’s west. Compounding this disadvantage, the region has less quality green space than metropolitan averages. Melbourne’s western suburbs have tree canopy coverage of only 5% to 10%, compared to between 10% and 30% in the rest of the city’s suburbs.
<img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/189906/original/file-20171012-9839-jfsglk.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="">
Comparative levels of tree canopy cover (% of total area) in Melbourne’s local government areas. Where are all the trees?, Author provided
City West Water began the Greening the West initiative in 2011. The focus was on the local government areas of Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton, Moonee Valley and Wyndham. As well as local councils, the steering committee includes community groups, water utilities, state government agencies and a variety of other actors.
An urban greening success story
Planted trees have made a clear difference to Melbourne’s west, where many of the trees can be seen from roads, train lines and houses. This visible difference, and its associated benefits, will become more apparent as trees grow to maturity.
The group obtained A$5 million in funding from the federal government’s 20 Million Trees Program. Trees were then planted in parks, waterway corridors, drainage reserves and peri-urban land.
The Greening the West group supports two other important ongoing liveability projects in Melbourne’s west:
<ul>
<li>
transforming a 1.2 kilometre section of Upper Stony Creek back from a concreted channel into a green waterway
</li>
<li>
transforming 27 kilometres of the heritage-listed main outfall sewer into a linear park and bike track connecting Werribee to the CBD, known as Greening the Pipeline.
</li>
</ul>
As part of the latter project, a 100-metre pilot at Williams Landing was finished in April 2017. Melbourne Water delivered the project in partnership with Wyndham City Council, City West Water and VicRoads, with funding from the Victorian government.
A final Greening the West success is the way it has shifted priorities and cultures, with local government and other stakeholders increasingly recognising the benefits of greening.
The program shows the power of a collaborative model for solving complex urban problems. Such models could not only be rolled out for greening similar regions, like western Sydney, but are also applicable to other complex urban issues such as homelessness.
Planting and greening projects on public land are not enough
It isn’t all good news, however. We found that current efforts to achieve urban greening in Melbourne’s west are unlikely to be enough to reach desirable greening levels.
Most of these efforts are focused on greening public or semi-public land. However, in many areas, the majority of existing trees and tree canopy cover is on private land. As urban densification occurs, these tree numbers are declining.
This is why, despite urban greening efforts, canopy cover has decreased in most areas of Australia between 2013 and 2016. To protect and enhance urban greening, the Victorian government should investigate ways to strengthen policies and planning regulations. This should be done as part of Plan Melbourne’s urban greening actions.
For instance, regulations could require large-scale developers to include trees in new housing lots, parks and streets. Regulations could also be used to ensure small-scale subdividers and renovators include trees on lots.
Current Victorian planning regulations require a certain proportion of public open space in new suburbs, and for housing lots in certain zones to include 25-35% garden area. There is also some guidance on retaining existing trees on lots.
However, there are no state or citywide regulations requiring the planting of new trees and vegetation. This creates a significant risk in new developments that the lots, streets and public open space will have very low tree cover.
A small number of councils, such as Brimbank City Council, have led the way by creating local planning controls that require housing lots to have two trees in the front garden and one in the back garden. This is done through the planning permit process. But statewide or citywide regulations supported by the Victorian government are needed to ensure the protection and enhancement of urban greenery across Melbourne.
In addition, more community education and engagement are required to increase awareness of the many benefits of urban greening.
Casey Furlong is a postdoctoral research fellow at the Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University; Jago Dodson is professor of urban policy and director at the Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University; and Kath Phelan is research fellow at the Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University.
This article was originally published on <a href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-melbournes-west-was-greened-84700" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

How Melbourne's west was greened: RMIT

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A developer new to the Apartments.com.au <a href="/developments">Project Database</a> is seeking a berth within the bustling West Melbourne apartment scene.

137-157 Adderley Street as a tri-fronted 1,606sqm site headed to planning during May on behalf of Auburn Land Group. Surrounded by a variety of other current apartment developments, the Adderley Street land holding sits between North Melbourne railway station and the area's most high profile mixed-use development, West End.

The immediate area surrounding 137-157 Adderley Street is a mixture of "terrace houses, commercial offices, workshops and showrooms; buildings of various periods and architectural styles." Auburn Land Group is looking to push the suburb further down the path of higher density residential, by seeking the right to deliver 112 apartments within a 10 level building.

Buchan Group has designed the possible the new addition in line with the objectives of the Better Apartments Design Standards.

The new application follows on from a previous design at planning which was scuppered when the site in question was sold by CBRE City Sales during 2016.

<h2>137-157 Adderley Street application summary</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image23_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Street level perspective of the new development. Planning image: Buchan Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="241" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image23_7.jpg?itok=QFkP1-2t" title="Street level perspective of the new development. Planning image: Buchan Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Street level perspective of the new development. Planning image: Buchan Group</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Application submitted May 2017</li>
	<li>Site area: 1,606sqm with 3 street frontages</li>
	<li>Proposed: 10 level building at 32.8m</li>
	<li>112 apartments: 29 x 1BR, 26 x 1BR + S, 57 x 2BR</li>
	<li>Apartment size range: 47sqm - 84sqm</li>
	<li>102 car parking spaces &amp; 40 bicycle bays</li>
	<li>GFA: 15,300.9sqm</li>
	<li>Development cost: $25 million</li>
</ul>
<h2>The site in context</h2>

<blockquote>
A significant objective of this design response is to provide a considered building form; of scale and articulation that is appropriate to the location context and contributes a well-mannered and positive presence to the West Melbourne streetscape.

One of the most captivating aspects of this site and indeed, a primary characteristic of the West Melbourne context, is the tree line'boulevard'streets, featuring, particularly in the north-south streets, mature deciduous plane trees.

The building design seeks to celebrate this aspect of the context by incorporating into the design highly reflective glass in the street fronting facades to literally reflect the tree foliage and by adopting the seasonal colours of the trees in the vertical shade blades that are affixed to the face of Level 5 and 6 street facades.

The blades will be colour coded to express the seasons.
<cite>Urban context report, Buchan Group</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Into an active space</h2>

West Melbourne and Box Hill continue to be the two dominant non-CBD/Southbank locales where large scale apartment projects continue to be consumed by buyers at a steady rate.

Auburn Land Group's Adderley Street project becomes the 27th apartment project entry for West Melbourne within the Apartments.com.au Project Database.

As part of their planning representation, Buchan Group has delivered an overview of West Melbourne that clearly shows the march of higher density living in the suburb. Pink sections represent existing low-rise commercial plots which have become the target of many a developer, while light blue denotes single dwellings and navy multi-residential.

What can be taken from the below graphic is that West Melbourne still has an abundance of sites capable of handling higher density projects.

<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/image1_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="West Melbourne development overview. Planning image: Buchan Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="309" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image1_8.jpg?itok=PHg6y24M" title="West Melbourne development overview. Planning image: Buchan Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>West Melbourne development overview. Planning image: Buchan Group</figcaption></figure><h2>137-157 Adderley Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Auburn Land Group</li>
	<li>Architect: The Buchan Group</li>
	<li>Town Planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>Traffic: O'Brien Traffic</li>
	<li>Waste Management: R B Waste Management</li>
</ul>
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silvermb

Auburn Land Group enters the West Melbourne apartment market

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Palace Cinemas is expanding into Melbourne’s west with their eighth Melbourne complex in the Moonee Ponds precinct.
The group, which operates 85 screens across 20 locations nationally, has plans for a 12-screen cinema at Puckle Street.
It will include 3 platinum screens, a total 620 seats and an outdoor cinema space. The cinema will be part of a retail, hospitality, accommodation and leisure development by Giancorp Property Group in Melbourne’s inner West.
Palace Cinemas’ CEO Benjamin Zeccola said the group had been looking to set up shop in Melbourne’s West for a while now. 
“Our audiences had expressed that there was a real market gap in cinemas delivering a premium experience and offering quality film in that area, so when the opportunity arose to be part of a stylish new development in Puckle Street it was perfect,” he said.
Palace Cinemas also said new cinemas had been confirmed for Melbourne’s Old Pentridge Prison in Coburg, as well as Sydney suburbs Double Bay and Chippendale, and Raine Square in Perth.
With the expansion, the group was poised to introduce a “wider audience to its unique combination of entertainment hospitality,” it said in a release.
Construction at Moonee Ponds is expected to begin in 2017 with the opening expected in 2019.
In 2016, Palace Cinemas bought office space in <a href="/expert-insights/investing/palace-cinemas-to-move-hq-after-south-yarra-purchase">South Yarra</a> for $3.5 million with the intention of making it the group's new headquarters.
 
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prateek24-ezbwHMbNAk

Palace Cinemas to expand into Melbourne West with 12-screen cinema at Moonee Ponds

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To be fair, there isn't a particularly large number of genuine skyscrapers planned for West Melbourne, yet should a new structure plan for 3003 be ratified, the likes of 420 Spencer Street seen below will be the exceptions and not the norm.

The West Melbourne Structure Plan (WMSP) last night went before the Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee at City of Melbourne with the intent of seeking endorsement prior to a period of community and stakeholder consultation during July and August. The new plan will go some way to alleviating Council and community concerns regarding the arrival of skyscrapers within West Melbourne; the tallest reaching 38 levels to date.

Consultancy Urbis has provided a concise <a href="https://urbis.com.au/insights-news/draft-west-melbourne-structure-plan">explanation</a> of the WMSP.

<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/img_3391.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="420 Spencer Street is a new high point for West Melbourne "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_3391.jpg?itok=coSqWadg" title="420 Spencer Street is a new high point for West Melbourne " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>420 Spencer Street is a new high point for West Melbourne</figcaption></figure>According to Urbis, key takeaway points from the proposed WMSP include:

<ul>
<li>Height and Floor Area Ratio for Spencer, Flagstaff, Adderley and Station Precincts, and retaining mandatory height controls in other areas. Built form controls are also proposed to apply.</li>
	<li>Rezone key land to Special Use Zone, and require 1:1 employment to residential floor area in Spencer, Station and Flagstaff precincts and 0.5:1 in Adderley Precinct.</li>
	<li>Establish new activity centres to support new local convenience, and support community and creative infrastructure.</li>
	<li>Create new open space and high-quality green streets.</li>
	<li>Require 6% affordable housing as part of developments.</li>
</ul>
These changes are proposed with the intent of maintaining West Melbourne's character whilst promoting feasible growth.

<blockquote>
West Melbourne will play a complementary role to the more intensive areas of development which will surround it into the future. It will retain its identity, diverse areas of character and mix of uses as it evolves.

Its heritage buildings and wide green streets will provide high amenity for residents, as well as commercial and retail opportunity in this distinct, inner urban neighbourhood.
<cite>West Melbourne Structure Plan – Draft for Consultation</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image46_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Proposed changes to the Design and Development Overlay’s in West Melbourne. Image: WMSP"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="397" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image46_9.jpg?itok=DKFoCiru" title="Proposed changes to the Design and Development Overlay’s in West Melbourne. Image: WMSP" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Proposed changes to the Design and Development Overlay’s in West Melbourne. Image: WMSP</figcaption></figure>The graphic above demonstrates the new height limits expected to become reality across West Melbourne.

16 levels within the blue shaded Flagstaff Precinct is the maximum height allowable under the proposed changes; a substantial cut in heights relative to a number of towers which currently hold approval in the precinct. Beyond 420 Spencer Street, Deague Group's soon to be built Melbourne Village at 83 Batman Street is the next tallest at 27 levels.

From a development perspective, there are implications for a number of large sites which have been earmarked for development or have yet to head to planning. A lesser development yield can be expected for sites such as the JLL-marketed <a href="http://rca.jll.com.au/property-land+development-vic-west+melbourne-502066978">404-418 Spencer Street</a>; 16 levels is a far cry from the neighbouring 420 Spencer Street at 38 levels.

<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/image24_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Plus Architecture's 407-415 King Street was refused during April"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="322" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image24_11.jpg?itok=0-JU0tad" title="Plus Architecture's 407-415 King Street was refused during April" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Plus Architecture's 407-415 King Street was refused during April</figcaption></figure>This planning working being undertaken by the City of Melbourne appears to go hand in hand with the council's recent commentary on the West Gate Tunnel project, and the council's belief that it will increase traffic in the CBD.  The West Gate Tunnel project, based on publicly available plans, is to have an intersection/exit with Dynon road which eventually becomes Spencer Street.

Whilst skyscrapers look likely to have no further impact upon West Melbourne's skyline, the suburb is still a major development hot spot relative to other locales.

Urban.com.au's Project Database is tracking 26 separate residential projects within West Melbourne, with many more thousands of apartments yet to be delivered. These for the most will come in the form of mid-rise projects of between 6-9 levels.

The expectation is that post last night's Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee meeting, the WMSP will be subject to a six week engagement period from today Wednesday 5 July through to Sunday 18 August 2017. 

Further details on the WMSP and the opportunity to provide your feedback is available on the dedicated <a href="https://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/westmelbourne#overview">Participate Melbourne</a> page.
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Is this the end of the West Melbourne skyscraper?

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Western Melbourne suburbs residential markets remain very strong, according to Herron Todd White’s latest report.
The property valuation firm says that record prices in Kensington, Ascot Vale and Newport has been experienced.
“The current state of the market within the inner western suburbs for established dwellings remains very strong, with record prices experienced, in particular suburbs such as Kensington, Ascot Vale and Newport.
“However like much of Melbourne, the apartment market has stalled with the addition of a large quantity of new stock over recent years.
“In particular apartments built within the past ten years are feeling downward pressure as new, modern buildings are more attractive to buyers and tenants
“The mid-western suburbs have seen a shift in buyer prolife with a large number of smaller developers looking to purchase existing dwellings on larger lots to develop into new townhouses and villas.
“This has seen increase in demand through established suburbs such as Altona, St Albans and Sunshine with strong results, however, we’ve seen a premium paid by developers (to that of owner- occupiers) in some instances, pricing out owner- occupiers,” the report stated.
Herron Todd White says that prices close to the CBD are becoming pressured despite demand for good quality housing.
“Demand still remains strong for good quality housing as pricing pressure is felt closer to the CBD, which becomes ‘unprofitable’ for developers due to the added value of the improvements.
“The first-home buyer market remains buoyant with continuing demand for new properties,” the report advised.
Changes to stamp duty and First Home Owners Grant will make purchasing a property affordable for first-home buyers.
“With changes being made on 1 July 2017 to the First Home Owners Grant and stamp duty, the Victorian State Government has announced that stamp duty will be abolished for first-home buyers purchasing a home with a dutiable value of no more than $600,000.
“Eligible first-home buyers of new homes in metropolitan Melbourne will continue to receive $10,000 and regional first-home buyers will be entitled to an increased grant of $20,000.
“With these incentives from the Victorian State Government, the house and land market is expected to remain stable in the outer western suburbs such as Werribee, Wyndham Vale, Point Cook, Tarneit and Truganina,” the report stated.
A two bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-vic-ascot+vale-125510382" target="_blank">1/81 Walter Street</a>, Ascot Vale (above) has been listed for between $350,000 to $385,000.
Similarly a two bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-vic-newport-125377526" target="_blank">2/35 Maddox Road</a>, Newport (below) has been listed for between $580,000 to $610,000.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/05/19/2_35%20Maddox%20Road.jpg" alt="">
A two bedroom apartment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-vic-kensington-125256778" target="_blank">109/18 Bent Street</a>, Kensington (below) was recently sold for $730,000.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/05/19/109_18%20Bent%20Street.jpg" alt="">
Similarly a one bedroom apartment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-vic-ascot+vale-124908238" target="_blank">3/171 Kent Street</a>, Ascot Vale (below) was recently sold for $275,000.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/05/19/3_171%20Kent%20Street.jpg" alt="">
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Western Melbourne suburbs residential market remain very strong: HTW

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A new $500 million mixed-use development project on the West Melbourne waterfront has been given planning approval by the City of Melbourne.
Developer Perri Projects has been given approval for the 2.8 hectare industrial site that feeds into both the Hobsons Road and Dynon urban renewal precincts.
An independent planning panel was appointed by the Minister for Planning, Richard Wynne, to consider submissions and make recommendations for the project.
The project is now before the Minister awaiting final sign off before the precinct rezoning is officially gazetted.
The rezoning will allow for a diverse residential and commercial precinct and the revitalisation of 2,000 square metres of waterfront land, currently inaccessible to the public.
Approximately 10,000 square metres of the site will form part of a new public realm, including a new waterfront public park.
The development will also create 800 metres of new bike lanes and includes upgrades to footpaths and lighting to provide safer transport links.
Perri Projects’ managing director, David Scalzo, said the project will aim to set a new benchmark for waterfront living and integrated mixed-use precincts.
“We’re incredibly pleased with the outcome of the recent council meeting. We are proud of this project and the benefits it will deliver for future residents and the wider Kensington and West Melbourne community,” Scalzo said.
“This project has been a decade in the making, working closely with council and key stakeholders every step of the way to ensure key community benefits could be delivered as part of the revitalisation.
“The process has been very collaborative and we are excited to start bringing this vision to life.
“We now look forward to creating a detailed development plan that will transform this underutilised pocket of land into a world-class waterfront precinct and exemplar mixed-use development, consistent with Plan Melbourne and council’s Municipal Strategic Statement.”
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

City of Melbourne gives nod to $500 million West Melbourne waterfront precinct

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A vacant site with approval for residential development in West Melbourne has sold prior to auction to a Chinese investor for an undisclosed sum.
Demonstrating the sustained demand for land banks in this precinct, the deal for <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-west+melbourne-502308910" target="_blank">143 Rosslyn Street</a> was struck at a rate of $12,526 per sqm, brokered by Colliers International.
The 112 sqm site has a permit in place for nine apartments and one retail venue or office, equating to $155,888 per unit site.
The selling agents were Daniel Wolman, David Sia and Oliver Hay of Colliers.
The property has changed hands four times since 2013, according to RP Data, although the value of the transactions were not available.
The West Melbourne location is well serviced by public transport.
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Vacant Melbourne CBD allotment picked up prior to auction

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Trenerry Property has unveiled 'The Spencer', the latest of four apartment buildings within its boutique West End development: a future-ready mixed-use development and self-sufficient community located on a former brownfield site in West Melbourne.

According to Trenerry Property West End will transform the 9200sqm former Australia Post site into a vibrant, connected hub for living, playing, staying and working.

The Spencer is located on the eastern side of the site, sitting on the corner of Dudley Street and Bluestone Lane. It has been designed as a formally regular tower rising 11-storeys flanked on either side by podia of differing heights, with a restrained aesthetic comprising an exposed brick skin. The upper three levels or 'crown' element are enveloped in a clear glazing providing a light weight capping atop a robust base. CHT were the principal architect for the project working in tandem with Hecker Guthrie who designed the interiors.

The Spencer will accommodate 102 apartments across its 11-storeys and while it contains West End’s most affordable apartments, this according to designers Hecker Guthrie, has not come at the expense of quality or liveability.

<blockquote>
In creating The Spencer, we’ve provided an abundance of carefully selected components that ensure the highest standard of living. Instead of designing The Spencer to include only the simple necessities required in a home, we’ve created these apartments with what residents want at the forefront of our thinking. Inclusions and design details not usually seen in apartments are standard features at The Spencer. Joinery acts as built-in furniture as well as being functional storage, a dining table is nestled underneath the island benches and kitchens include abundant appliances.

In creating The Spencer, our signature soft modernism design has been refined to offer life within the space of each apartment. These are residences we’d love to live in and that’s a true sign of design with integrity and heart.
<cite>Hecker Guthrie</cite>
</blockquote>

Urban.com.au spoke to Hecker Guthrie Associate, Stacey Van Harn about the inspiration for The Spencer's interiors.

Urban.com.au: What was it like collaborating on a project of this scale with so many other talented designers?

Stacey Van Harn: It was great to see the results that each of the different interior designers presented for their buildings. In some ways, it really highlighted the design zeitgeist of the current time but just as much it was interesting to see how we each took the brief in our own direction.

Working alongside your peers is also a great opportunity to reflect on what makes a Hecker Guthrie design desirable, to both our client and the purchasers, what points of difference can we create etc.

UM: How were the interiors informed by not only their immediate context but the building's exterior?

SVH: Hecker Guthrie’s response to the brief was more so to provide a timeless design and neutral interior that will allow the end user to make the space their own. It is less about fashion and more about creating a space that will stand the test of time and do it well.

The Architect (CHT) made a strong point of utilising real/genuine materials in their architecture and this is certainly an approach that aligns with HG. We are so glad to see the use of real granite benchtops and the like in our project alongside the architects brick and metal finishes.

UM: What was the process like for designing The Spencer? Was the exterior conceived first and the interiors responded? Or were the designs happening in parallel?

SVH: Whilst the architectural design process started before the interiors a lot of the design development has occurred in parallel. We worked together with CHT to develop up the planning of the different apartments to ensure the building design as well resolved.

UM: How do you design with affordability in mind but not at the expense of quality?

SVH: There is always give and take when it comes to cost vs design and achieving the right balance is about compromising in the right places. It is really about keeping your initial design ideas always at the forefront of the process and investing in quality materials and what is important to this project in particular.

UM: What is the target market you are designing for on The Spencer?

SVH: We always strive at HG to produce a design outcome that could suit a varied array of end users. With this particular project, you will see in some of our earlier conceptual presentations that we actually set out to create spaces that would appeal to the three designers working on the job,

Myself (Stacey, in her 30’s) Hamish (in his 40’s) and Paul (in his 50’s). This wasn’t about necessarily designing something for ourselves but creating something we would be proud of and would appeal to this varied demographic of purchasers.

<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/trenerry_property_urba9462_west_end_ia05_the_spencer_lobby.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Spencer's lobby. Image: Trenerry Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="483" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/trenerry_property_urba9462_west_end_ia05_the_spencer_lobby.jpg?itok=5jDJ98yQ" title="The Spencer's lobby. Image: Trenerry Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Spencer's lobby. Image: Trenerry Property</figcaption></figure><h2>The Spencer overview</h2>

<ul>
<li>Site footprint approx 1209sqm</li>
	<li>Height: 11-storeys, 36.5 metres</li>
	<li>102 apartments</li>
	<li>45 x 1 bedroom apartments ranging from 47.5 - 73.5sqm (excluding balcony)</li>
	<li>44 x 2 bedroom apartments ranging from 64.5 - 83sqm (excluding balcony)</li>
	<li>12 x 3 bedroom apartments ranging from 86.5 - 119.5 square metres (excluding balcony)</li>
	<li>1 x 4 bedroom apartment spanning 166sqm (excluding balcony)</li>
</ul>
Construction on the entire West End development is slated to commence in July 2017 and be completed by late 2019.
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Laurence Dragomir

Hecker Guthrie discusses West End's latest building: The Spencer

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A corner site with permit for 47 apartments and retail has sold in West Melbourne for an undisclosed sum. 
The <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-west+melbourne-502180678" target="_blank">437-441 Spencer Street</a> property is north facing and full of natural light, according to its description.
The land area is 268 sqm and the zoning is mixed use.
The plan has been designed by architect Ken Sowery of ElevliPlus, who designed 'The Age Print Centre' in Tullamarine, and other renowned buildings.
The selling agent was Gideon Marcus of Teska Carson.
The property was is expected to fetch around $4 million.
 <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/04/03/WestMelb2.jpg" alt="" style="font-size: 12.16px;">
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West Melbourne site with permit for apartments sold

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Six Australian design firms will redevelop a 9200 square metre West Melbourne site into a mixed-use development named West End.
The development will feature four apartment buildings, a hotel, supermarket and medical centre, a new public park as well as a wellness centre, day spa, pool, gym, 50-seat cinema, dog wash and dog walking service and four electric car charging stations supplied by Tesla.
The development is between Trenerry Property, Hecker Guthrie, Carr Design Group, Mim Design, Six Degrees and CHT Architects. The site was acquired from Australia Post in 2014. It is cornered by by Rosslyn, Dudley and Adderley Streets as well as Bluestone Lane near Spencer Street, West Melbourne. Robert DiCintio, Trenerry Property director said West End would remake apartment living in Melbourne, with few if any inactive frontages and an emphasis on amenity that made life better.
“It’s a different way to live, a better way to live and we think West End will set the benchmark for mixed use developments in Australia," he said.
"It’s not services for the sake of services, or stuff that sounds good on paper but doesn’t work in reality. It’s real life amenity that changes the way you live in the world and in your apartment."
David Carabott, CHT Architects director said that while the lifestyle experience will be consistent, the diverse aesthetics found within each building will create unique points of difference and broaden the appeal of West End overall.
“One of the most notable aspects of the West End project is the unique design collaboration that will take place among some of the city’s best architects and designers," he said.
“Carr Design Group, Hecker Guthrie, Mim Design and Six Degrees will each impart their unique design aesthetic on one residential building; Adderley, Spencer, Mail House and Foundry, respectively - it’s the first time that Melbourne will see a curation of this calibre."
The Adderley building comprises 14 levels, Adderley is the tallest of West End’s apartment buildings, and features 98 one, two and three bedroom apartments and two penthouses, as well as an art gallery.
Construction of West End will commence in June 2017 and completion is anticipated by late 2019. For further information, visit <a href="https://www.westend.melbourne" target="_blank">www.westend.melbourne</a>
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