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

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

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

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

When the opportunity arose for South Australian developer Palumbo to return to Kent Town, where it had previously delivered East Park Apartments and the East 
Rundle Apartments, it wasn't one the longstanding developer-builder was going to pass up.

The decision was quickly vindicated, with more than 30 apartments sold within the first month of launching <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/royal-apartments-kent-town-2-8-north-terrace-kent-town-sa-5067">Royal Apartments</a> to the market.

The 206-apartment development, which will bring significant new supply to Adelaide's tightly held eastern city fringe, also gives <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/palumbo">Palumbo</a> the opportunity to bring new life to one of Kent Town's most recognisable watering holes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376073]

Royal Apartments incorporates the historic Royal Hotel, a venue Palumbo Managing Director Daniel Palumbo said has a longstanding connection with the local community.

"Everyone in the area has history with the Royal Hotel," Palumbo told Apartments.com.au.

"It was quite an active pub and social gathering place for locals. We want to bring it back to its former glory."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376072]

The wider development will comprise two residential towers alongside the restored hotel, sitting on North Terrace opposite the Adelaide Park Lands.

For Palumbo, the project also marks a return to familiar territory.

The developer completed East Park Apartments next door more than a decade ago and jumped at the opportunity to develop in Kent Town again when the Royal Hotel site became available.

"The opportunity emerged, and we moved to secure the site," Palumbo said.

"We were approached by the previous landowner, who said they had extensive commitments in Sydney and weren't in a position to deliver the project.

"We took over the site and within six months recut the design scheme to be more in keeping with the type of development we want to bring to Adelaide.

"Now we're on the market and those changes have really resonated with local buyers."

That has translated into a strong start to sales, with 33 apartments transacting in the project's first 35 days.

Palumbo said the early purchaser profile had been consistent with the group's traditional focus on owner-occupiers rather than investor-led apartment stock.

"Local owner-occupiers have always been our market," he said.

"There are always some investors, but we've never developed what would be called traditional development stock. Owner-occupiers are very much our market."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376068]

The buyer mix has been diverse so far, with downsizers and younger professionals both accounting for a significant portion of early sales.

South Australia's current stamp duty settings, which allow&nbsp;eligible homeowners in South Australia aged 60 savings of up to $103,830 on stamp duty when they downsize to a new property valued at up to $2 million,&nbsp;have helped encourage downsizer activity, while younger buyers in their late 20s and early 30s have been attracted to the opportunity to live immediately outside the CBD while still being able to walk into the city.



Location has been a major part of the proposition for both buyer cohorts.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376075]

Royal Apartments sits on North Terrace directly opposite the Adelaide Park Lands, with residents able to walk through the parklands toward the East End, Rundle Street and Rundle Mall.

Apartments have been positioned to capture views across the parklands, Adelaide skyline, Botanic Gardens and Adelaide Hills.

Palumbo believes the scarcity of developable land along this section of the Park Lands makes the site particularly difficult to replicate.

"There's very few allotments on that side that can be developed," he said.

"If this location was in New York and you were sitting on Central Park, you'd be talking about a $60 million apartments."

Royal Apartments will offer a broad mix of residences, ranging from one-bedroom apartments through to four-bedroom sub-penthouses and penthouses.

Current listings include one-bedroom apartments from $680,000, while larger three and four-bedroom residences are priced around $2.5 million.

Residents will have access to a swimming pool, gym, barbecue and recreation areas, residents' lounge and dining space, and a communal deck.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376067]

The apartments will feature generous balconies, while secure parking, bicycle storage and storage cages will also be provided.

A porte-cochère-style arrival and drop-off area has also resonated with buyers, particularly those attracted to being able to walk into the CBD during the day while retaining secure vehicle access at home.

Palumbo is acting as developer, architect and builder on Royal Apartments, continuing the vertically integrated model it has used across its South Australian portfolio.

The group was also behind the $150 million Sofitel Adelaide, the 251-room five-star hotel and residential tower which opened in 2021.

Palumbo said Royal's launch had come at an interesting time for the broader Adelaide apartment market.

Buyer confidence had initially been impacted by uncertainty surrounding the Federal Budget and broader economic conditions, but Palumbo believes sentiment is beginning to improve against a backdrop of significant investment flowing into South Australia.

He pointed to increased activity across defence and resources, including Olympic Dam, as potential long-term drivers of the state's economy and housing market.

"Money is starting to flow into Adeliade, significant amounts as Adelaide bucks the trend of the rest of the country.," Palumbo said.

"There's a lot of activity in the economy over the next decade. I think more investment will come into this market."

Early works on Royal Apartments are expected to commence this year, with major construction activity and cranes anticipated on site from early next year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6109]

Palumbo's return to Kent Town strikes early chord with buyers

Go-to builder-developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/graya">GRAYA</a> is continuing to bulk out its already impressive and diverse apartment portfolio across South East Queensland. Their latest milestone is securing development approval for Silk, its boutique riverfront apartment development in St Lucia.

The approval clears&nbsp;the way for the team to begin construction planning for the 22-residence project.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/silk-st-lucia-16-18-sandford-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">Silk</a> will rise 15 levels from an 810 sqm site at 16-18 Sandford Street, occupying a prominent bend of the Brisbane River with a prized northern aspect across Orleigh Park toward the Brisbane CBD.

The approved scheme will comprise 16 split-floor and six full-floor residences, continuing GRAYA's move into larger-format apartment developments targeting Brisbane's prestige owner-occupier market.

The project has been designed around the site's broad river frontage and dual-direction views, with GRAYA prioritising larger residences, privacy and outlook over apartment yield.

<img alt="Silk St Lucia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aa5c2349-f96c-4914-a812-1f2cd6827af8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%208.25.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=WY0vEU_7vYjeRJKQHiCwFdMxu8PvFh52" />

GRAYA Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Rob Gray said the project had been shaped around local homeowners wanting to remain in St Lucia without maintaining a traditional family home.

"St Lucia is one of those suburbs people do not want to leave," Gray said.

"They know the river, the trees, UQ, the golf course, Toowong and Indooroopilly, and that familiarity is hard to replace.

"True riverfront opportunities here are exceptionally scarce. What we have designed at Silk is a way to stay in the suburb people love, with the scale and privacy of a private home and far less to maintain.

"This is not typical apartment product. It is a proper home on the river, and that is exactly what this market has been missing."

The approval comes as new apartment development continues to increase across the St Lucia and neighbouring Toowong corridor, although direct riverfront sites remain considerably more tightly held.

GRAYA Co-founder and Managing Director Andrew Gray said securing the approval had removed a significant element of development risk from Silk.

"Genuine riverfront sites of this quality in St Lucia are not something that comes up regularly," Gray said.

"The approval removes a substantial layer of execution risk, and the location underwrites demand in a way very few inner-city sites can.

"The fundamentals here are as strong as anything we have assessed in Brisbane."

<img alt="Silk St Lucia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d0f3d734-65e1-48e8-8ed3-2e0715ffcdd9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%208.25.56%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sOLSs_jdHkXLWbBKzRyayf5BfTb2vPsD" />

Silk will see GRAYA return to a stretch of the Brisbane River where it already has recent construction experience. The vertically integrated group recently completed ARC in neighbouring Toowong as builder for developer Spyre, delivering the riverfront project on a constrained site.

GRAYA will take a different role at Silk, controlling the project from design and development through construction and aftercare under its vertically integrated model.

The development will include a gym and resident leisure areas at ground level, integrated with the river's edge.

Silk joins a growing pipeline for GRAYA across Brisbane and the Gold Coast, which includes Enclave, The Gallery, Coral and Ripple.

The developer-builder has also recently lodged plans for its largest project to date, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-silo-19-chester-street-newstead-qld-4006">The Silo</a>, a proposed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/graya-buys-frasers-newstead-site-plans-the-silo-between-james-street-and-gasworks-precincts">$700 million mixed-use development</a> in Brisbane's James Street precinct.

Silk is expected to predominantly target local owner-occupiers and prestige buyers seeking a permanent riverfront home in Brisbane's inner west.

Registrations of interest are now open, with further details on the project and construction program to be released as it progresses.

<hr />
<h2>SILK PROJECT FACTS</h2>

Developer-builder: GRAYA

Project: Silk

Location: 16-18 Sandford Street, St Lucia

Apartments: 22

Built form: 15 levels

Site: 810 sqm riverfront holding

Mix: 16 split-floor and six full-floor residences

Status: Development approved

Next step: Construction planning underway

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152168]

GRAYA greenlit for riverfront St Lucia apartment development, Silk

Woods Bagot

<html><body>
On Friday April 6th, Minister for Planning Richard Wynne approved an amendment to the Melbourne Planning Scheme, allowing construction to commence on Carlton Connect - a major University of Melbourne project being developed in partnership with Lendlease at the site of the old Royal Women’s Hospital in Carlton. 

The recent approval follows on from the University of Melbourne announcing a partnership with a consortium led by Lendlease in November 2017, to develop a new innovation precinct on the former site of the Royal Women’s Hospital, located at the corner of Swanston and Grattan streets in Carlton.

The precinct will be located adjacent to the University of Melbourne’s Parkville campus, which hosts some of the world’s top researchers and forms part of the Parkville National Employment and Innovation Cluster that will be serviced by the future Parkville Station as part of the Metro Tunnel Project.   

National Employment and Innovation Clusters are a key feature of Plan Melbourne with the clusters located across Melbourne, in an effort to drive down congestion and ensure people spend less time commuting.

Carlton Connect will create more than 3,000 direct jobs and more than 5,000 indirect jobs within close proximity to the Melbourne CBD, providing the tools, platforms and services to create an ecosystem where start-ups emerge and cutting-edge products and services are developed.

The 74,000 sqm precinct will feature a series of connecting buildings arranged around a central and publicly-accessible open space. In addition to co-working and commercial office space, the precinct will feature a Fab Lab, student accommodation and a ‘Superfloor’ dedicated to collaboration and fostering the exchange of ideas.

It will also provide shops, cafes, public spaces, accommodation for more than 500 students and visiting academics, a childcare centre and Science Gallery Melbourne, which will deliver cutting-edge exhibitions, events and experiences.

<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/artist-impression_science-gallery-melbourne_grattan-swanston-street-corner-1024x884.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The new Science Gallery Melbourne will be located on the corner of Grattan and Swanston Street. Image : University of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="501" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/artist-impression_science-gallery-melbourne_grattan-swanston-street-corner-1024x884.jpg?itok=8oGHcn_T" title="The new Science Gallery Melbourne will be located on the corner of Grattan and Swanston Street. Image : University of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The new Science Gallery Melbourne will be located on the corner of Grattan and Swanston Street. Image : University of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>Project partner Lendlease's ambitions for the development are to regenerate the former Royal Women’s Hospital site into an open, light and modern precinct, delivering a bold new architectural statement.

The consortium delivering the innovation precinct in partnership with the University of Melbourne comprises Lendlease as developer, builder, co-investor and investment manager of the commercial space; GIC as major co-investor of the commercial space; Spotless as the facilities manager; and Urbanest as investor and manager of the student accommodation.

Early works on site commenced on November 21, 2017 with hoardings installed around the perimeter of the building site. With planning approval in hand, construction is expected to commence in mid-2018 with a 2020 completion anticipated.

<h2>WHAT THEY SAY</h2>

<blockquote>
 This project ticks all the boxes. It’s making good use of a flagship site, it’s driving our reputation as a world leader for education and innovation, it’s creating thousands of jobs and will contribute billions to our economy.

- Richard Wynne, Minister for Planning
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
This development will set a new benchmark in education and industry collaboration in a purpose-built facility that meets the highest standards of design and sustainability, while also honouring the site’s heritage and history.”

- Mark Menhinnitt, Managing Director for Lendlease Urban Regeneration
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
Innovation emerges from vibrant and collaborative environments where people are encouraged to share skills and ideas as they work and socialise together, and we hope the mix of people and ideas will spark new knowledge and new ways of doing things.

- Dr Julie Wells, University of Melbourne Vice Principal of Policy and Projects 
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
Innovation emerges from vibrant and collaborative environments where people are encouraged to share skills and ideas as they work and socialise together.

-  (Research) Professor Jim McCluskey, University of Melbourne Deputy Vice-Chancellor
</blockquote>

 

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C_B0TuoYkwc" width="560"></iframe>
</body></html>

Laurence Dragomir

Carlton Connect Initiative Approved - construction to begin mid-year

<html><body>
As indicated in Apartments.com.au's <a href="/news/is-2018-the-year-of-commercial-for-the-melbourne-market">article on commercial development</a>, site works have commenced on the Two Melbourne Quarter site, which forms part of the greater Melbourne Quarter development being delivered by Lendlease within the Docklands precinct.

This has coincided with Lendlease securing EnergyAustralia as the anchor tenant for Two Melbourne Quarter and signing a development agreement to commence construction in earnest. EnergyAustralia has agreed to lease approximately 22,000 sqm of the 50,000 sqm tower, occupying 10-and-a-half levels of the building’s high-rise floors, leaving approximately 12 contiguous floors remaining.

<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/mq_aerial_rs.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Early siteworks are already underway at Two Melbourne Quarter. Image : Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mq_aerial_rs.jpg?itok=lAzZ63U5" title="Early siteworks are already underway at Two Melbourne Quarter. Image : Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Early siteworks are already underway at Two Melbourne Quarter. Image : Ryan Seychell</figcaption></figure>The Woods Bagot-designed tower features flexible 2,000 sqm floor plates and is expected to house up to 4,500 new workers.

First State Super and Lendlease Investment Management's Australian Prime Property Fund (APPF) Commercial will each hold a 50 per cent interest in the 25-storey tower, which will target leading sustainability outcomes and ratings in energy and water consumption, waste management, and indoor environment quality, including a 6-Star Green Star Design &amp; As Built rating and a 5.5 Star NABERS Energy rating.

APPF Commercial is the first Australian fund to be awarded a 6-Star Green Star portfolio performance rating and was also ranked number one in the 2017 Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) across all sectors globally. Two Melbourne Quarter is the second of three commercial towers planned for the precinct.

The first tower, One Melbourne Quarter is 90 per cent leased and on schedule for completion later this year. Tenants within the 12-storey building include ARUP, AMP and Lendlease.

<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/a367_mq_view_49_wurundjeri_way_low_res.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Two Melbourne Quarter has secured EnergyAustralia as it's anchor tenant. Image : Lendlease"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="709" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/a367_mq_view_49_wurundjeri_way_low_res.jpg?itok=RNn32LIL" title="Two Melbourne Quarter has secured EnergyAustralia as it's anchor tenant. Image : Lendlease" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Two Melbourne Quarter has secured EnergyAustralia as its anchor tenant. Image : Lendlease</figcaption></figure><h2>WHAT THEY SAY</h2>

<blockquote>
Companies want to attract and retain the best talent and a key way to do this is to offer a fantastic place to work in a vibrant precinct. We’re delighted to welcome EnergyAustralia as a key tenant.

APPF Commercial’s investment in Two Melbourne Quarter follows its recent over-subscribed equity raising. It positions the Fund to continue executing its strategy to invest in efficient, highly-sustainable, next generation office buildings in precincts with superior amenity and connectivity.

- Scott Mosely, Fund Manager, APPF Commercial
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
The Melbourne Quarter precinct is one of the largest urban regeneration developments in central Melbourne and will not only benefit the city but also members of First State Super.

As one of Australia’s largest superannuation funds we look to invest in the communities in which our members live, work and retire. We have around 200,000 members living in metropolitan and regional Victoria and are committed to ensuring long-term sustainable returns for their retirement savings. We are confident that Two Melbourne Quarter will contribute to this.

- Michael Dwyer, CEO, First State Super
</blockquote>
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Energy Australia signs on for Lendlease's Two Melbourne Quarter

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Docklands may well stand to gain its most daring residential and commercial developments near simultaneously, as separate developers press ahead with their respective projects.

At NewQuay, <a href="/developers/mab-corporation">MAB Corporation</a> has officially ramped up the profile of its latest tower to grace the precinct. In conjunction with <a href="/architects/six-degrees-architects">Six Degree Architects</a>, the duo are launching <a href="/buildings/escala-newquay-381-docklands-drive-docklands">Escala</a> which will feature a number of unique design aspects.

The $130 million development consists of retail, hospitality, commercial and residential uses, with a nod toward Melbourne’s laneway and design culture apparent.

<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/image54_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hero perspective of Escala. Image: Six Degrees Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="622" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image54_6.jpg?itok=3KaEFdll" title="Hero perspective of Escala. Image: Six Degrees Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hero perspective of Escala. Image: Six Degrees Architects</figcaption></figure>The 20-level T-shaped building is split between a distinctive podium and tower elements. The liberal use of brick to the northern podium contradicts with Escala's other more contemporary podium aspects, whilst the tower is a mixture of gold facade, protruding balconies and stained glass equivalent facade treatment that frames the tower's common areas.

Above a new piazza, Escala will include various format apartments, lofts and three-level home-offices.

On the apartment options, MAB Corporation's General Manager of Residential David Allt-Graham stated the following on the array of living choices within Escala:

<blockquote>
We expect the variety of apartment sizes and shapes, not to mention the inherent flexibility of the loft and SoHo offerings, to appeal to young Gen Y’s and millennials that often work from home. 

Thanks largely to digital transformation and tech-savvy millennials, flexible working arrangements are becoming the norm for most Australian businesses, and we were keen to offer a practical and inspiring place for people to live and work.

However, we also feel the scale of the loft offering will attract young families seeking spacious inner city living. The mezzanine can be an elevated children’s play area and the living spaces are generous for hosting friends and extended family.

As our 13th boutique apartment complex in NewQuay, we’ve learnt a great deal about apartment living.  Undoubtedly, Escala is our most diverse and sophisticated project to date.
</blockquote>

Stay tuned for Apartments.com.au's chat with Mark Healy from Six Degrees Architects on the design merits of Escala.

<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/image55_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Escala's entrance lobby. Image: Six Degrees Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image55_7.jpg?itok=x0WUXsu0" title="Escala's entrance lobby. Image: Six Degrees Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Escala's entrance lobby. Image: Six Degrees Architects</figcaption></figure>A short distance away <a href="/new-apartments/docklands-vic-3008">Docklands</a>' second highly impressive design is set to become reality.

<a href="/developers/poly-global">Poly Australia</a> has indicated that they intend to press on with facilitating construction of <a href="/developments/docklands-vic-3008">1000 La Trobe street</a> regardless of whether or not the commercial tower has an anchor tenant in place. Initially slated to start construction toward the end of 2018, Poly Australia will move ahead with delivering the project.

During December the developer was successful in gaining a two-year permit extension to develop a 24-storey A-Grade office tower containing 31,500 square metres of floor space.

<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/image48_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="1000 La Trobe Street's angular expression. Image: Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="262" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image48_11.jpg?itok=Tl_5wnB_" title="1000 La Trobe Street's angular expression. Image: Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>1000 La Trobe Street's angular expression. Image: Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure>1000 La Trobe Street was designed by <a href="/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> a number of years ago and is defined by its angular, articulated facade which is a far departure from the squat, squared and simple designs that are indicative of the vast majority of commercial docklands buildings.

The tower spans a 5,135sqm site and has an 85 metre frontage to La Trobe Street.

On the design Poly Victoria Executive Director Steve Wang said:

<blockquote>
1000 La Trobe Street will be Poly Australia’s first commercial building in Victoria, and as such we intend to ensure that it will become one of Docklands’ most impressive buildings, both visually and environmentally.

Overlooking the Yarra River and the city skyline, we look forward to developing a world-class building that everyone within the Melbourne business district can be proud of.
</blockquote>
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silvermb

A double design delight for Docklands

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Flagship Property Group have landed a new application at planning that they expect will set a high benchmark for luxury living in Richmond.

A 'villas in the sky' concept has been adopted for the project that "seeks to redefine medium-density living as a sanctuary of individually expressed homes." To facilitate this 28 oversized apartments have been designed by Woods Bagot within two buildings of five and twelve levels.

Oculus and Hecker Guthrie have also played their part in the design, incorporating extensive landscaped greenery and subtle open interior spaces with the intent of introducing a garden setting to each apartment.

Accounting for 195 Lennox Street, the proposal is seeking approval for the demolition of the former 'Tas Pickett Pty Ltd Tobacco Factory' at the rear of the site, although the retention and restoration of the existing two-storey Victorian-era mansion fronting Lennox Street is expected. 

<h2>195 Lennox 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/image142.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Woods Bagot's take on 'individually expressed homes"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="456" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image142.jpg?itok=aEf9O8RB" title="Woods Bagot's take on 'individually expressed homes" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Woods Bagot's take on 'individually expressed homes'</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site area: 1,484 square metres</li>
	<li>Planned: dual apartment buildings with the taller at 12 levels or 42.5 metres</li>
	<li>Taller structure set 36 metres back from Lennox Street</li>
	<li>28 oversized apartments: 5 x 1BR, 9 x 2BR, 13 x 3BR, 1 x 4BR</li>
	<li>3 basement levels for 51 vehicles and 12 bicycles</li>
	<li>Ground floor pool and green courtyard</li>
</ul>
<h2>Design response</h2>

<blockquote>
The key to the quality of the apartments is their size, and a floor plate that allows 3 sided views and natural light.

The architecture is defined by separate building elements which are articulated by a careful choice of materials and select openings in the facade. Parts of the facade are also, at certain points, screened with hit and miss brick work that coincides with the privacy requirements of each apartment.

A peripheral consistency of concrete planters at every level contributes to making each dwelling feel submerged in its own landscape, even if you are in an apartment on level 8. The teams landscape approach is integral to the overall success of the design.

It is intended that in every space of the building every occupant of the building has a connection to the environment through a considered landscape that works in both the horizontal and vertical direction.

The material palette also has a domestic quality that relates closely to the qualities most people find in the homes they have lived or grew up in.

Woods Bagot
</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/image146_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Neutral colours and greenery are the order of the day"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="204" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image146_2.jpg?itok=rFnyq6iz" title="Neutral colours and greenery are the order of the day" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Neutral colours and greenery are the order of the day</figcaption></figure><h2>A Richmond apartment snapshot</h2>

The Project Database lists 32 separate current residential projects within Richmond.

Of the 32 active projects, 11 are at construction and capable of adding some 967 new apartments to the suburb. Only one major project at registration and sales has yet to advance to construction, namely 429 Swan Street, which suggests that developers have pulled back from launching further projects within Richmond until the forthcoming wave of completions are absorbed.

An assessment of each project's apartment numbers and respective sizes shows that 195 Lennox Street is fairly and squarely the most opulent in terms of average apartment size. Aimed squarely at the owner-occupier, Flagship Property Group would hope that 195 Lennox Street services a niche in satisfying the top end apartment buyer market.

<h2>195 Lennox Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Flagship Property Group</li>
	<li>Architect: Woods Bagot</li>
	<li>Landscape Architect: Oculus</li>
	<li>Urban Planing: Tract Consultants</li>
	<li>Interiors: Hecker Guthrie</li>
	<li>Project Management: Premier Capital Developments</li>
	<li>Heritage: Bryce Raworth</li>
	<li>Building Surveyor: Philip Chun</li>
	<li>Traffic: GTA Consultants</li>
	<li>Services: Lucid Consulting</li>
	<li>Waste: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Structural: 4D Workshop</li>
</ul>
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Luxury, green, homely: Flagship's new Richmond apartment project in detail

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There’s been a flurry of activity at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre’s (MCEC) $200 million expansion site, with remarkable progress being made during throughout the latter stages of 2017.

Designed by Woods Bagot and NH Architecture for the Victorian Government’s partner in the project, Plenary Group, the expansion will maintain the built quality and delegate experience at the existing MCEC and maintain its leading benchmark status in the Asia-Pacific region.

The 20,000 square metres expansion includes 9,000 square metres of flexible, multi-purpose event space, new exhibition halls, additional meeting rooms, a banquet room and the Goldfields Café and Bar. Once completed, the new space will cement MCEC’s position as the largest convention and exhibition space in Australia, with an increased total size of over 70,000 square metres. 

<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/nmsw_pedlink-e1501501409374.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="How the completed MCEC Expansion and Novotel will look. Image : Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="379" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/nmsw_pedlink-e1501501409374.jpg?itok=WLVir4cX" title="How the completed MCEC Expansion and Novotel will look. Image : Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>How the completed MCEC Expansion and Novotel will look. Image : Supplied</figcaption></figure>Set to open mid-year, the new space has been architecturally designed to provide customers with more options for any event type; from meetings and conferences through to educational seminars or gala dinners. A multi-purpose space will have retractable seating for up to 1,100 people; service pods, meeting rooms and informal meeting spaces.

There will also be a large concourse and a banquet room with capacity to cater for up to 450 people. 
Probuild will have the construction programme to a point whereby as of late this month the installation of the central staircase, distinctive gold exterior panels and a skylight over the new foyer space will be in place.  
MCEC took inspiration from Victoria’s rich history in determining names for key spaces within its expansion. The greatest inspiration came from the gold colour of the expansion’s exterior, culminating in Victoria’s goldfields becoming the theme from which names would be drawn.  
From the Goldfields Theatre, Sovereign Room, Eureka Rooms and Goldfields Café and Bar, the names link to the goldfields of Victoria’s past having been a place for people to gather along with a period of new opportunities, ideas, prosperity and grandeur.

<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_4997.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Construction progress during January"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="902" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_4997.jpg?itok=lkCPYjLx" title="Construction progress during January" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Construction progress during January</figcaption></figure>The works are part of a larger South Wharf expansion project that includes a new 347-room Novotel Melbourne South Wharf and a new 1,150-space multi-level car park – all fully connected and integrated with existing buildings. The multi-level car park is complete, and the new hotel will open in March.

The expansion will include: more meeting rooms, a gala ballroom, 6 new exhibition bays, retractable theatre, courtyard meeting rooms, outdoor terrace and a new cafe and bar.

Access to the new exhibition hall will be via the new concourse or the new central hub space, which will be the dynamic focal point of this new precinct. Linked to both the existing exhibition centre concourse and the main plenary foyer this exciting new hub space will be the place for people to meet and connect.

As the first convention centre in the world to be awarded a 6-Star Green Star environmental rating, sustainability remains at the core of Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre’s (MCEC) business priorities. Over the past two years the venue has decreased energy consumption in the Exhibition Centre by 30 per cent, due to the introduction of ecological and sustainable infrastructure.  
  
The venue has invested in a new CO2 monitoring system, variable speed drives, energy efficient chillers, an energy management system and are currently trialling LED lights in the Exhibition Centre bays to further reduce energy usage. 

Although the venue is set to grow by 25 per cent when the expansion project reaches completion in mid-2018, MCEC is working to ensure its carbon emissions don’t increase through sourcing power from renewable energy.

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AVdrZ6pQMgI" width="560"></iframe>

<h2>WHAT THEY SAY</h2>

<blockquote>
 
We want to ensure our facilities suit the needs of our customers, rather than constraining them to fit within our space. A multi-purpose area with a retractable 1,000 seat theatre and adaptable meeting rooms are just two of the many flexible features throughout the new building.

Before we have even cut the ribbon, we have 220 events confirmed for our new expansion space, commencing at mid-2018. I look forward to officially opening the new space later this year.

- Peter King, MCEC Chief Executive
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
Our expansion is an absolute game changer – we’re talking three and a half MCGs of new space to attract more events and thousands more visitors to Victoria. Not only will this redevelopment boost tourism, it will also create more than 900 new jobs and provide a massive boost to our local economy each year.

- Victorian Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Hon. John Eren
</blockquote>
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MCEC Expansion on target for mid-year opening

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With 2018 now in full swing, what better time to check in on the progress of one of the largest developments currently underway not only in Docklands, but in Melbourne - Melbourne Quarter.

Located within the Batmans Hill precinct of Docklands, Lendlease's $1.9b Melbourne Quarter project will deliver seven commercial and residential buildings that will assist in strengthening the connection between the Docklands and the CBD, while also completing Collins Street' the southern Docklands frontage.

In addition to 130,000 square metres of commercial office space, more than 50 percent of the Melbourne Quarter precinct will be dedicated to open space with a Skypark, central plaza and neighbourhood park designed by ASPECT | OCULUS.

<blockquote>
Lendlease has seen strong leasing activity push the national CBD vacancy rate to its lowest level in four years, and with a predicted shortage of prime grade contiguous office space in the near future, this has helped spur on pre-commitment activity.

(Melbourne Quarter) will cater for the continued growth and strong tenant demand for new office space in Melbourne as both national and global businesses target the new supply of buildings coming to market in the city’s CBD.

To complement Melbourne Quarter’s leading workplace design, we’re focusing on sustainability and access to amenities as key considerations for our office buildings, allowing tenants to work in nearby green parks, open spaces and co-working environments for greater employee health and wellbeing.

-  Mark Menhinnitt, Lendlease Managing Director Urban Regeneration and Infrastructure Development
</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/mq_wh_lobbyentrance.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Square, the central space of MQ will sit just off Collins Street. Image : Lendlease"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="290" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mq_wh_lobbyentrance.jpg?itok=aXmIlNu6" title="Melbourne Square, the central space of MQ will sit just off Collins Street. Image : Lendlease" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Square, the central space of MQ will sit just off Collins Street. Image : Lendlease</figcaption></figure>Melbourne Quarter will include:

• 130,000 square metres of office space

• 1,690 apartments for 3,000 new inner city residents

• 4,000 square metres of retail space, including 40 shops, food and beverage retailers

• 1,000 square metres of community space

<h2>One Melbourne Quarter</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/p1170646.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="One Melbourne Quarter construction progress. Image : redden"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="286" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/p1170646.jpg?itok=zWH_qr4t" title="One Melbourne Quarter construction progress. Image : redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>One Melbourne Quarter construction progress. Image : redden</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
(This) year will see the completion of the precinct’s first office tower, One Melbourne Quarter, which will be home to our new Lendlease Victorian headquarters in September. We look forward to welcoming other leading businesses to the precinct in due course.

-  Mark Menhinnitt
</blockquote>

Currently progressing onsite at an impressive pace, One Melbourne Quarter, upon completion will contain 25,000 sqm across its 14 storeys.  Public realm frontages on all sides will be activated via retail and café tenancies in addition to a 200 bicycle end of trip facility.  Retail space in small tiered retail pavilions address and mediate the Collins Street hill.

The Skypark - conceived as a timber plank by landscape architects ASPECT | OCULUS - overhangs the Collins Street frontage for 90 metres and will provide significant public space.

Arup and Lendlease will relocate into the building later this year.

<h2>East Tower</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/p1170645.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Quarter East Tower construction site works are well underway. Image : redden"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="290" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/p1170645.jpg?itok=FLPbaboL" title="Melbourne Quarter East Tower construction site works are well underway. Image : redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Quarter East Tower site works are well underway. Image : redden</figcaption></figure>The first of three Fender Katsalidis designed residential buildings is officially underway at 628 Flinders Street. 

The 40-storey East Tower will feature hanging gardens climbing the full height of the building and take advantage of views of the city and bay. The building, along with the other residential buildings is aiming for a 5-Star Green Star rating and will also implement smart technologies such as a Melbourne Quarter app for residents. 

<blockquote>
The ability to connect our residents to the wider community is something we've been looking to introduce and they'll able to do that via an app. It'll be a project specific app that can be accessed via an iPad or iPhone and allow residents to book the extensive communal facilities which that are in the buildings which comprise 'Club MQ'.

With 'Club MQ' we're looking at setting a new benchmark with the level of amenity that we're providing, and this will be available in the first tower and then the two other towers will share from that.

- Ben Christie, Lendlease Head of Apartments
</blockquote>

<h2>Melbourne Quarter Tower</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/5bdccf00-e747-11e5-a571-7f3805729a0f_1_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Quarter Tower Image : Lendlease"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/5bdccf00-e747-11e5-a571-7f3805729a0f_1_1.jpg?itok=H6aT3QyL" title="Melbourne Quarter Tower Image : Lendlease" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Quarter Tower Image : Lendlease</figcaption></figure>Located at 693 Collins Street to the east of the under construction One Melbourne Quarter, Melbourne Quarter Tower will rise 28-storeys and provide 55,000 square metres of office accommodation when complete. The DCM-designed tower will also feature the second stage of the Skypark, completing the development's Collins Street frontage.

As part of the design the upper levels of the building will cantilever above Collins Street and will feature a rooftop area for tenants. 

Melbourne Quarter Tower was approved in March 2017 and is targeting a 6 Star Green Star rating and a 5 star NABERS energy rating. 

<h2>Two Melbourne Quarter</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/a367_mq_view_49_wurundjeri_way.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Two Melbourne Quarter received approval late in 2017. Image : Lendlease"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="681" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/a367_mq_view_49_wurundjeri_way.jpg?itok=ALyvpY37" title="Two Melbourne Quarter received approval late in 2017. Image : Lendlease" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Two Melbourne Quarter received approval late in 2017. Image : Lendlease</figcaption></figure>The  25-storey office tower at 697 Collins Street was granted planning approval just prior to the 2017 Christmas break. The Woods Bagot designed tower will feature 49,000 square metres of office space, accommodating about 4,500 new workers, plus 800 square metres of retail space on the ground floor.

As with the other commercial buildings at Melbourne Quarter, the tower will spill out on to a new public plaza off Collins Street, and will also feature a four-storey public staircase connecting to Aurora Lane.

2MQ seeks to build upon the sustainability credentials of Melbourne Quarter with a strong focus on water consumption, waste management and indoor environment quality. The building is targeting a 6 Star Green Star rating and a 5 star NABERS energy rating.

Site enabling and early works commenced on 2MQ on 15 January 2018.

Lendlease anticipates a 2022 completion date for the entire Melbourne Quarter development.
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The current state of play at Lendlease's Melbourne Quarter 

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Journal Student Living's move on 500 Swanston Street headlines a fresh drive of student accommodation projects looking to call Carlton home.

The $60m build would be Journal's second Melbourne project after 18-32 Leicester Street which is in the hands of Icon Construction. Journal Student Living is backed by South African company Redefine Properties.

500 Swanston Street as the current home of the CFMEU accounts for a 1,388sqm land plot and finds itself in the midst of a handful of student accommodations buildings. METIER3 have designed the newest member of the pack to include 710 student beds across 18 levels.

Spanning 57 metres in height, the development will also include heavily activated lower levels and roughly 1,700 square metres of student communal space.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image43_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Three distinct volumes constitute the new 500 Swanston Street. Planning image: METIER3"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="439" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image43_7.jpg?itok=4vQhi4g0" title="Three distinct volumes constitute the new 500 Swanston Street. Planning image: METIER3" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Three distinct volumes constitute the new 500 Swanston Street. Planning image: METIER3</figcaption></figure>METIER's first student accommodation design enters the Apartments.com.au Project Database just as Urbanest has been confirmed for the Carlton Connect Initiative, which will account for the former Royal Women's Hospital further north along Swanston Street.

Aside from University of Melbourne's new School of Engineering, office space and a mass of retail space, the project jointly designed by Hayball and Woods Bagot will also take on 528 student beds across 274 rooms. Urbanest will manage the new wing of the development which spans 15 levels.

The project at 700 Swanston Street adds to Urbanest's two existing campuses and two further campuses in development.

Reports on 700 Swanston Street were handed down last night; the expected outcome being City of Melbourne's support final for the project.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image42_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Urbanest's latest located at the Carlton Connect Initiative. Planning image: Hayball/Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="481" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image42_4.jpg?itok=e9MBKrdi" title="Urbanest's latest located at the Carlton Connect Initiative. Planning image: Hayball/Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Urbanest's latest located at the Carlton Connect Initiative. Planning image: Hayball/Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure>Also on the City of Melbourne's agenda last night was Cedar Pacific's bid to transform Carlton's 123-135 Bouverie Street into one of the city's larger student accommodation projects.

The nettletontribe-designed project has gone through design alterations, which includes an increased setback above the onsite heritage building, a reduce the number of student rooms to 579 and an increase in communal space as a result of internal rearrangements. 123-135 Bouverie Street too has been recommended for approval, subject to conditions. 

There are currently a dozen student accommodation projects within Carlton under development.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image44_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Bouverie Street's likely addition. Planning image: nettletontribe"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="337" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image44_3.jpg?itok=OFqXIoev" title="Bouverie Street's likely addition. Planning image: nettletontribe" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Bouverie Street's likely addition. Planning image: nettletontribe</figcaption></figure>
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Carlton's magnetic appeal for student accommodation strengthens

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Lendlease conceived 888 Collins Street as Victoria Harbour's stand out residential tower, and that aim has been recognised at this year’s Victorian Urban Development Institute of Australia’s Awards for Excellence.

In facilitating the project located on the corner of Bourke and Collins streets, Lendlease enlisted architects Woods Bagot to conjure the design. Now the auspiciously addressed 888 Collins Street has been recognised as the state's premier residential tower, securing a win in the High Density Development (above 10 storeys) category.

A field of eight projects was considered for the category, with the judging based upon "urban form, community creation, innovation features and environmental and engineering considerations, highlighting quality and innovation across the urban development industry."

<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/image2vic.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="888 Collins Street. Image: Trevor Mein"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="933" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image2vic.jpg?itok=1a2RNrjy" title="888 Collins Street. Image: Trevor Mein" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>888 Collins Street. Image: Trevor Mein</figcaption></figure>888 Collins Street's grandest public gesture is the Light House installation by artist Bruce Ramus which covers the lower 15 storey tower's entire facade.

Light House was conceived as a real-time weather display that responds to data from the Bureau of Meteorology by illuminating the building’s façade each night. The project also scored a 5-Star Green Star design rating from the Green Building Council of Australia, plus an average 7.2 Star Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme rating.

The project's 578 apartments across two towers are serviced by amenities such as a sky-high golf putting green, pool, gym, spa, business lounge, library and communal rooftop garden.

<blockquote>
888 Collins Street sits among Lendlease’s newest collection of premium harbour-side apartment buildings and represents a blend of innovation in technology, architectural excellence, public interaction and sustainability, while enhancing the precinct’s nearby public amenity.

The tower’s design and orientation gives residents the opportunity to take full advantage of Victoria Harbour’s public spaces, offering waterfront views on the doorstep of Melbourne’s CBD.
<cite>Lendlease Head of Apartments for Urban Regeneration: Ben Christie</cite>
</blockquote>

888 Collins Street's construction coincided with Lendlease's delivery of 889 and 883 Collins Street directly opposite, representing Sydney-based Koichi Takada Architects' first Melbourne project.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image3md.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="888 Collins Street in sight. Image: Melbourne Dream"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="669" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image3md.jpg?itok=TfDXvhRH" title="888 Collins Street in sight. Image: Melbourne Dream" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>888 Collins Street with 883 &amp; 889 Collins in the foreground. Image: Melbourne Dream</figcaption></figure>The Urban Development Institute of Australia’s Awards for Excellence also bore fruit for a number of other high-density residential projects.

Woods Bagot scooped the Consultant's Award on both 888 Collins Street and Promenade Aqui in the adjoining Newquay precinct. Riverlee Group secured the Urban Renewal category for Jaques Richmond which transformed a former industrial rock crushing business into an apartment complex, whilst Caulfield's Cantala apartment and townhouse project was awarded the Medium Density Development category.

To see the full list of winners, click <a href="https://www.udiavic.com.au/Awards/2017-UDIA-Awards-for-Excellence">here</a>.
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888 Collins Street scores big at Victoria's UDIA awards

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The marriage of old and new can be a difficult process, particularly when the existing structure has intrinsic heritage value.

In previous times Fitzroy's 237 Napier Street served as the home of furniture manufacturer C.F. Rojo and Sons. Taking root during 1887, Christobel Rojo oversaw operations though over time the site would become home to furniture manufacturer Thonet.

As with many significant buildings around Fitzroy, 237 Napier Street would see a new purpose as housing stock with DealCorp going about redeveloping the existing building into C.F. Row...and an impressive outcome it is! C.F. Row is the quintessential inner suburban red brick exterior facade melded with new dark-toned additions that provide contrast, albeit on a visually pleasing level.

<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/image1cfr.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Brick is prevalent both externally and internally"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="432" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image1cfr.jpg?itok=yKYO5njK" title="Brick is prevalent both externally and internally" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Brick is prevalent both externally and internally</figcaption></figure>Designed by Woods Bagot, C.F. Row includes 45 apartments and 7 townhouses split between 1, 2, 3 and 5 bedroom dwellings. Two basement levels and five contemporary levels of living sit behind the historic facade.

Works began on the project at the beginning of 2016, with all bar a ground floor tenancy fit-out completed. Apartments choices consist of 18 one-bedroom, 22 two-bedroom, four three-bedroom and one five-bedroom dwelling whilst all the townhouses include three-bedrooms. Internally the townhouses span between 143sqm and 167sqm.

C.F. Row's apartments are set to the south of the site, directly behind the C.F. Rojo and Sons facade, with an indented level above the historic structure providing a break between old and new form. Conversely, the SoHo townhouses sit in behind the 'restored' northern facade, with a contemporary addition also adjacent. 

Both buildings are separated by an east-west passage which also provides additional light penetration and a secondary perspective aside from those facing directly away from the site.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_1700.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Patina on show along the northern boundary"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1700.jpg?itok=zwGfMwTL" title="Patina on show along the northern boundary" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Patina on show along the northern boundary</figcaption></figure>C.F. Row is an effective marriage between old and new, and in many ways mirrors the <a href="http://riverlee.com.au/projects/jaques-richmond-stage-1">Jaques Richmond Stage 1</a> redevelopment in colour palette, size and composition. The earthiness and relatability of low-rise red brick facades cannot be underestimated and is perhaps a reason why they are so popular in contemporary designs in areas such as Richmond, Collingwood and Fitzroy.

Historic elements to three sides, scale, location, history and a complementary material palette; C.F. Row simply wins on numerous levels.

In my opinion, it is certainly one of, if not Melbourne's most visually satisfying new addition of 2017.

<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_1699.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A brooding new addition"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1699.jpg?itok=oQ_a_qJV" title="A brooding new addition" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A brooding new addition</figcaption></figure>
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Fitzroy's C.F. Row comes up trumps

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Urban.com.au <a href="/news/three-collins-street-projects-begin-their-skyward-ascent">recently highlighted three key projects</a> which are shaping the western end of Collins Street. Today the attention turns to Collins Street's east end (I staunchly refuse to refer to it as the Paris End) whereafter what seems like an eternity and about 20 different design schemes, owners GICGRE appear to have finally settled on a design, as builder Multiplex pushes ahead with construction of the <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">80 Collins Street transformation</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/80c_progress.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The progression of 80 Collins Street. Images: Various including Woods Bagot, Squint Opera, Floodslicer, OurVision."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="81" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/80c_progress.jpg?itok=v2jQR6mI" title="The progression of 80 Collins Street. Images: Various including Woods Bagot, Squint Opera, Floodslicer, OurVision." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The progression of 80 Collins Street. Images: Various including Woods Bagot, Squint Opera, Floodslicer, OurVision.</figcaption></figure>The earliest designs for the site were first mooted way back in 2008 and featured a green glazed tower wrapped in a diagrid structure, not too dissimilar to the under construction <a href="/buildings/avant-60-abeckett-street-melbourne">Avant</a> on A'beckett Street.  The design evolved to become two rectilinear volumes - one expressed as a cantilevering crystalline form attached to a ladder frame freestanding mass.

Over time a number of concepts were developed some including columns to support the cantilever others without any structural supports but the tower language, for the most part, remained the same. In other instances, the heights of the two volumes were interchanged with an enclosed rooftop garden crowning the building.

<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/elevations_comparison.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Elevation comparison from the first submitted design to a a couple of other iterations. Planning images: Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="320" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/elevations_comparison.jpg?itok=xjfhz3jz" title="Elevation comparison from the first submitted design to a a couple of other iterations. Planning images: Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Elevation comparison from the first submitted design to a a couple of other iterations. Planning images: Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure>The darker tones of the ladder frame structure and retail portal frames were eventually replaced with a visually brighter frame and streetscape treatment of stone and clear glazing.

The latest iteration for the $800 million development is the result of a collaboration between global locals <a href="/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a>, London’s Seventh Wave, <a href="/architects/unstudio">UNStudio</a> and Paris-based Jouin Manku. The design of the retail streetscape draws on the existing built fabric retained on site with an emphasis on proportions and human scale against the backdrop of a 190m tower.

<blockquote>
In our pursuit to create a globally relevant footprint, we have partnered with four of the world’s leading design firms to bring our vision to life. Woods Bagot, Seventh Wave, UN Studio and Jouin Manku, have each been engaged to create an enduring, mixed-use development, which harmonises the precinct with its environment and the people who will inhabit it.

 - QICGRE
</blockquote>

Included as part of the plans are Singapore-based hotelier, SilverNeedle's 300-room <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">NEXT hotel</a>, its second Melbourne hotel following the recent completion of its Sage hotel in Ringwood as part of the Eastland Shopping Centre expansion. The hotel is due to open in 2019. 

SIlverNeedle's commitment to operate the Little Collins Street hotel, in conjunction with QICGRE securing Macquarie Group as an anchor tenant for approximately 6000 sqm of commercial office space in the new $550 million tower, allowed the project to finally commence after 9 years. Macquarie Group will relocate from their current premises at 101 Collins Street. 
The existing tower once known as Nauru house will also undergo a significant refurbishment as part of the project.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/view05_day_final_v02.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="80 Collins Street will transform the Exhibition Street streetscape. Image: QICGRE "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="356" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/view05_day_final_v02.jpg?itok=601fgJyW" title="80 Collins Street will transform the Exhibition Street streetscape. Image: QICGRE " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>80 Collins Street will transform the Exhibition Street streetscape. Image: QICGRE</figcaption></figure><h2>80 Collins Street at a Glance</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: QICGRE</li>
	<li>Design Team: Woods Bagot, UNStudio, Seventh Wave, Jouin Manku</li>
	<li>Builder: <a href="/builders/multiplex">Multiplex</a>
</li>
	<li>Tenants: Macquarie</li>
	<li>35 levels of PCA Premium Grade offices over 43,000 sqm in South Tower</li>
	<li>Floor plates of 1,250 - 1,350 sqm</li>
	<li>Targeting 5 Star NABERS</li>
	<li>6 Star Green Star Design</li>
	<li>Lifestyle Centre with change rooms and approx. 340 lockers, 32 showers and 290 secure bike racks</li>
	<li>80 Collins Lounge: A semi-private and informal collaborative space outside the office supported by the 80 Collins restaurants and hotel</li>
	<li>9,000 sqm of retail including luxury and lifestyle brands </li>
	<li>300-room NEXT hotel by SilverNeedle to Little Collins Street</li>
	<li>Anticipated completion date 2020</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/gw_80c.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Construction is progressing on site with two cranes now in operation. Image: Glenn Wilson, SkyscraperCity"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/gw_80c.jpg?itok=-_qzC27j" title="Construction is progressing on site with two cranes now in operation. Image: Glenn Wilson, SkyscraperCity" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Construction is progressing on site with two cranes now in operation. Image: Glenn Wilson, SkyscraperCity</figcaption></figure>
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