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>
One of Melbourne's diminishing number of larger-scale planning applications has broken cover.

Local developer Perri Projects is seeking to push through a substantial apartment tower on a prominent site at the northern tip of the CBD. 23-29 Victoria Street is currently a service station, but under plans conceived by Woods Bagot a 25 storey predominantly residential would take its place.

The site finds itself in a mixed-use zone with a wide discrepancy of heights on show. Over recent years a high degree of development has taken place immediately south of 23-29 Victoria Street, with dual 38 storey buildings currently at construction.

North-facing apartments within the prospective tower would command imposing views down the Drummond Street axis, with little prospect of being built out. Perhaps this potential selling point along with current market trends has seen the majority of apartments within the proposal holding three bedrooms.

<h2>23-29 Victoria 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/image10_14.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="23-29 Victoria Street as rendered from Drummond Street. Planning image: Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image10_14.jpg?itok=r0eSKnwE" title="23-29 Victoria Street as rendered from Drummond Street. Planning image: Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>23-29 Victoria Street as rendered from Drummond Street. Planning image: Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Application lodged June 2017</li>
	<li>Site area: 894sqm with two street frontages</li>
	<li>Proposed: 25 storey tower at 86.2m to roof line</li>
	<li>Apartment mix: 27 x 1BR, 26 x 2BR, 37 x 3BR</li>
	<li>2 retail tenancies of 117sqm and 86sqm</li>
	<li>539sqm of office accommodation within the podium</li>
	<li>79 vehicles and 88 bicycles within 4 basement levels</li>
	<li>2 amenities levels: pool, gym, lounge, dining area</li>
	<li>Estimated development cost: $50 million</li>
	<li>NSA: 10,400sqm</li>
</ul>
<h2>Speaking the Carlton language</h2>

<blockquote>
The building speaks two languages, one to its cultural heritage neighbours (both the building and Carlton’s Victorian terrace housing) and another, towards its younger and taller companions for centralised, city living. The geometric facade is conceived as an analogy of Carlton’s architectural typology.

A cascading diagonal motif set at the scale of an apartment integrates the balcony condition into the envelope. A brick podium provides an anchor point whilst subtly referencing its context.

<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/image18_18.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Seeking a new CBD-Carlton nexus. Planning image: Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="416" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image18_18.jpg?itok=1s3SDScL" title="Seeking a new CBD-Carlton nexus. Planning image: Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Seeking a new CBD-Carlton nexus. Planning image: Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure>The tower form along the northern elevation is highly agitated, synonymous with the Carlton verandah depth, however, the south facade is flattened reflecting the city’s restrained geometric qualities.
<cite>Urban context Report</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Ground plane activation</h2>

The application seeks to do its part in overhauling the currently poor street level experience along McKenzie Street.

23-29 Victoria Street's podium toward the west utilises white flemishbond brick, referencing the adjoining Horticultural Hall’s red-brick facades. The balance of the design's ground floor is clear glazed and expressive toward the streetscape, whilst mature trees will sit atop the terraced western podium.

Landscaping plays a key part across the tower's lower levels, with four separate design aspects proposed to enhance the pedestrian network. MacKenzie Street's pavement would be widened in order to introduce planterboxes whilst the MacKenzie and Victoria Street intersection is earmarked for overhaul by way of a pocket urban forest.

A new string of trees to Victoria Street and an upgrade to Bell Place's connectivity are also on the cards as part of the development team's bid to gain approval.

<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/image14_12.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="McKenzie Street perspective. Planning image: Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="428" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image14_12.jpg?itok=zynOYeZk" title="McKenzie Street perspective. Planning image: Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>McKenzie Street perspective. Planning image: Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure><h2>23-29 Victoria Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Perri Projects</li>
	<li>Architect: Woods Bagot</li>
	<li>Town Planning: Contour Consultants</li>
	<li>Landscape Architects: Oculus</li>
	<li>Heritage Consultant: GJM Heritage</li>
	<li>Traffic Engineer: GTA</li>
	<li>Waste Consultant: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>ESD: Sustainable Development Consultants</li>
	<li>Acoustic: Acoustic Logic</li>
	<li>Wind Engineers: MEL Consulting</li>
	<li>Structural Consultant: Webber</li>
	<li>Services Consultant: O'Neill Group</li>
	<li>Building Surveyor: PLP</li>
	<li>Land Surveyor: Taylors</li>
</ul>
</body></html>

silvermb

Perri Projects and Woods Bagot seek a new northern CBD focal point

<html><body>
<blockquote>
How do you tie together a modern icon like the Rialto with an immediate next door neighbor, a gem of Victorian architecture, in a way that reflects the place of this building in the city and its future uses. The whole team has done a remarkable job in achieving that vision.
<cite>Lord Mayor, Robert Doyle</cite>
</blockquote>

The words of Melbourne's Lord Major ring true for many locals. Rialto Towers is instantly recongisable as one of Melbourne's enduring built form icons, with the adjoining InterContinental Melbourne and York Butter Factory lower in stature but equally as important.

Now 31 years old, the Rialto Towers complex is nearing the end of an extensive facelift which has sought to better connect the hulking towers with the surrounding streetscape, whilst also adding value to the asset which is jointly controlled by Grollo Group and the Kuwaiti government-backed St Martins Properties.

Internal fit-outs continue, but the majority of works for the 8,000 square metre regeneration project are now complete and open to public perusal.

<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_2876.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rialto's new exterior perspective"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_2876.jpg?itok=GOCby1vF" title="Rialto's new exterior perspective" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rialto's new exterior perspective</figcaption></figure>Shops, cafes, restaurants, bars and offices are on show as part of the development, including the first Australian Mercedes me store.

The works of Woods Bagot, Rialto's new addition presents for the most as a uniform structure linking the ornate and timeless InterContinental Melbourne on Collins Street with King Street's former York Butter Factory. Atop the new retail and commercial building, a new rooftop areahas greenery and entertainment areas.

According to a recent <a href="http://www.businessnewsaus.com.au/articles/melbourne-s--200m-rialto-project-nears-completion-after-10-years-of-plannng">interview</a> with Grollo Group CEO Lorenz Grollo, the redevelopment spanned 10 years from conception to completion and has had at least 10 different architects involved at varying points. The new addition has sought to bring the ground plane into the 21st century, whilst the towers were still operating at near full occupancy.

Overall the refurbishment saw roughly $200 million split between the new build and upgrading the existing Rialto Towers.

<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_3196.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A vastly different street level"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_3196.jpg?itok=D88SFOXf" title="A vastly different street level" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A vastly different street level</figcaption></figure>According to construction firm Built, the project was not without its challenges:

<blockquote>
Located on the corner of Collins and King Streets in the heart of Melbourne, the Rialto Regeneration project draws on all aspects of Built's expertise. Whilst preserving the working experience of 8,000 current building occupants, the project involves new construction of 5,000m² of commercial office space, complex refurbishment of the existing structure and lobby space, and high end office fitout works.

A new 6 storey office construction on the corner of the site is considerate of the existing tower design, with floor spaces connecting into the tower providing up to 3,000m² of office floor plates.
<cite>Built, Rialro Regeneration Project head contractor</cite>
</blockquote>

 With a build value of $74 million, the Rialto Regeneration Project has scored a MBA for Excellence in Health &amp; Safety.

<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_3197.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Canopy with Rialto towers and the new addition visible"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_3197.jpg?itok=qbVqqMAh" title="Canopy with Rialto towers and the new addition visible" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Canopy with Rialto Towers and the new addition visible</figcaption></figure>Of most intrigue from a design perspective is the new canopy that joins Rialto Towers with InterContinental Melbourne and the new low-rise building. Providing coverage from the elements, the grid shell format immediately draws the eye from the Collins Street entry point. Capable of being illuminated, the canopy sits above a substantial forecourt which is open to the public and has the ability to host exhibitions and/or events.

The deep blue of Rialto Towers' facade has been emulated across the the new building, opposed by offset, less translucent panels.

Upon first inspection, the new additions strike a balance between flair and function, particularly behind the new street facade, whilst also adding a more intimate "Melbourne' laneway experience to a local classic.

<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_3201.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rialto Towers' entry point has also been refashioned"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_3201.jpg?itok=hDy-i5pp" title="Rialto Towers' entry point has also been refashioned" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rialto Towers' entry point has also been refashioned</figcaption></figure>
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Rialto's regeneration done and dusted

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<a href="/developers/cbus-property">Cbus Property's</a> announcement prior to Christmas that it had signed a third tenant for its $1 billion <a href="/buildings/collins-arch-447-collins-street-melbourne">Collins Arch</a> project takes the amount of floor area leased to 20,000sqm or just over 40%. Australian law firm Gadens has committed to 5,000sqm of space over levels 11-13, equating to just over 10 per cent of the 49,000 square meters available.

Gadens will join fellow legal eagles King &amp; Wood Mallesons and HWL Ebsworth within the tower.

<blockquote>
Collins Arch was designed to be a signifier of leading design and instantly recognisable as a statement of Melbourne’s premier status globally. We are pleased to welcome Gadens to Collins Street’s new pinnacle address and, as a law firm committed to positioning itself as a best practice organisation and employer of choice, we are confident Collins Arch will offer the best place to grow and demonstrate these commitments.
<cite>Adrian Pozzo, Chief Executive Officer, Cbus Property</cite>
</blockquote>

With construction progressing on site following demolition of the remaining structures and plaza, Apartments.com.au took the opportunity to discuss the project's conception with Cbus Property CEO Adrian Pozzo.

<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/collins_arch_uc.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Site works at Collins Arch are progressing. Photo by Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="385" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/collins_arch_uc.jpg?itok=ejLXNN7L" title="Site works at Collins Arch are progressing. Photo by Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Site works at Collins Arch are progressing. Photo by Ryan Seychell</figcaption></figure>Apartments.com.au: What was the appeal of the Collins Arch site to Cbus Property? What were the initial aspirations for the site and the role it can play within the city’s future?

Adrian Pozzo: It’s not often a landmark site such as this comes along. It’s a rare privilege to have a whole city block, but even rarer when it’s in one of the self-proclaimed premier streets of Australia. Collins Street is a premier location for head offices, retail flagships and the best of the best choose to locate themselves here.

It is also in the sweet spot of Melbourne’s legal precinct. With that in mind, we always believed our site had to be an example of the best this city could offer.

This is a globally significant address and we’ve ensured the design reflects that with the architectural collaboration of <a href="/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> and <a href="/architects/shop-architects">SHoP Architects</a>. These are global firms who together bring a deep sense of Melbourne and premier global developments. As a mixed use site, with residential apartments, commercial office accommodation, a five-star hotel, retail and public spaces, Collins Arch will be a meeting point for local Melbournians and visitors alike.

With dual towers connected by a sky bridge, the very form of Collins Arch will be instantly recognisable and have a significant place on Melbourne’s skyline.

UM: Cbus Property’s recognition of the site’s significance became apparent when they invited architectural firms to compete in a design competition. What was the process for selecting the firms and the brief provided to the architectural teams?

AP: Cbus Property held a tender process, asking local architects to work together with an international partner in developing their concepts for the site. This was always going to be the most significant development project in Melbourne and we thought that a collaborative approach would make teams think outside the box.

There are some very exciting projects being built around the world and we believed Melbourne warranted the same design excellence.

Woods Bagot, already a globally respected architectural firm but with a particularly strong base in Melbourne, teamed with SHoP to come up with something we believe really is world class, both from an aesthetic and functional design perspective.

UM: What was it about the joint Woods Bagot and SHoP scheme that stood out from the other design teams?

AP: There was a real focus from the duo on functionality of design. They respected the southern views across the Yarra and Port Phillip Bay, as intrinsically Melbourne as it gets, and developed floor plans and concepts that resonated with what we wanted to achieve for the site. The credentials of both firms are well documented and working together, their plan for Collins Arch creates a real destination. 

UM: Is it fair to say the current design is unlike anything seen in Melbourne before? Was this a design response to a unique site and constraints of the planning scheme controls? Do you see it as proof that the new controls still allow and possibly even encourage innovation?

AP: Melbourne’s skyline will change with this building and Collins Arch is certainly a daring design. I think it’s a culmination of a great team with a vision, and that vision being supported at a higher level with planning and urban design. If you look back at the building boom of the 80s and 90s, there was a definite lack of opportunity for projects like this to get over the line. I think timing is important.

Both the interim and proposed planning controls will continue to enable and encourage innovative design.

UM: Even as early as the 295m scheme there has always been a push to provide a significant component of public realm. Where did this desire come from?

AP: Melbourne is the world’s most liveable city and we want it to stay that way. When you are introducing such an exciting development to a city, you want to be able to share that and have it benefit as many people as possible.

<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/1475722913969.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Collins Arch's new 1,500sqm park. Source: Cbus Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="322" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1475722913969.jpg?itok=zgGy4uv9" title="Collins Arch's new 1,500sqm park. Source: Cbus Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Collins Arch's new 1,500sqm park. Source: Cbus Property</figcaption></figure>UM: Cbus Property has already signed on a number of tenants in Gadens, King &amp; Wood Mallesons and HWL Ebsworth. Are there any other significant signings on the horizon?

AP: We believe this is Melbourne’s most enviable office address. This office tower will also be the city’s first WELL-rated office space, so there is definitely discussions occurring with a number of prospective tenants.

UM: What type of retail tenancies are expected within the project?

AP: There will be a mix of dining and shopping on offer at Collins Arch. As the development is in its infancy, we have not yet analysed the mix of retail tenancies.

UM: What has been the initial response in sales for apartments thus far?

AP: Initial interest has been very positive, as you would expect with such a landmark opportunity and location. 

Construction of Collins Arch is expected to take head contractor Multiplex approximately three years.
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Laurence Dragomir

Cbus Property boss Adrian Pozzo discusses Collins Arch

<html><body>
Cbus Property has sought to challenge the concept of typical apartment design with the completion of Assembly, a low-rise, architecturally designed development on the fringe of the CBD. It is the first in a series of design-led apartment projects by the developer and has been targeted at the owner occupier market.

Bordered on three sides by Capel, Courtney and Queensberry Streets in North Melbourne, Assembly creates a boutique address across four distinctive buildings, in a unique residential enclave.

<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/fullsizerender_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Assembly as seen from the corner of Capel and Queensberry Streets."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/fullsizerender_0.jpg?itok=sux_zfkE" title="Assembly as seen from the corner of Capel and Queensberry Streets." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Assembly as seen from the corner of Capel and Queensberry Streets.</figcaption></figure>The $80 million development has been designed by architects Woods Bagot and comprises 138 apartments across a series of highly crafted metallic forms, organised around a central common landscape, with the smallest building containing just 20 units.

Adrian Pozzo, CEO of Cbus Property has identified that the Gen X and Y market is largely under-serviced by property developers and is focusing his strategy on servicing this demographic, citing the demand for design-led, generous, fringe CBD apartments.

Assembly is almost completely sold out with only three of the 138 apartments left for sale.

<blockquote>
Assembly is a different kind of project for Cbus Property and one we can be proud of.
We deliberately chose a low rise design to respond to the surrounding area and create a community residential feel. The market has responded enthusiastically to this unique project, with only three apartments left for sale.
There is an owner occupier market in the inner fringe that has largely been forgotten as the industry has raced to fill investor and downsizer needs. There are a lot of young professionals, couples and affluent singles in Melbourne willing to pay more for generous, well-designed and quality apartments where they can live and entertain.
Providing this type of owner occupier product is a focus for our business in the current market, as we can see this segment is greatly under served.

<cite>Adrian Pozzo, Chief Executive Officer, Cbus Property</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/fullsizerender_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A common internal landscape ties the four volumes together."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="773" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/fullsizerender_6.jpg?itok=d__ccDk-" title="A common internal landscape ties the four volumes together." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A common internal landscape ties the four volumes together.</figcaption></figure>Creating a development both unique to its surroundings but with an element of familiarity, Assembly draws on North Melbourne’s architectural vernacular and the materiality of the area, comprising a series of low rise sculpturally formed buildings interconnected by common landscaped laneways. The intent was to create a collection of distinctive buildings, of a similar architectural expression which foster a community feel.

In order to address the requirements of residents and the planning scheme with regard to privacy, natural light and ventilation, a strategy was adopted to split the site into four buildings. This allowed ample separation between the buildings which in turn provided access to natural daylight and ventilation in apartments.

Through the crafting of raw, honest materials, which draw on the surrounding neighbourhood, the buildings have their own individual identity via the use of a variety of tones for the metal and zinc external cladding. This provides the development with a contemporary industrial aesthetic.

<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/fullsizerender_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The metallic forms of Assembly with steel reveals to windows."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="773" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/fullsizerender_2.jpg?itok=Yk89Qhm8" title="The metallic forms of Assembly with steel reveals to windows." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The metallic forms of Assembly with steel reveals to windows.</figcaption></figure>Woods Bagot Principal and lead designer Peter Miglis said it was important to express this meticulous crafting through the design of the development.

<blockquote>
We wanted to build on the history of North Melbourne, with its light industrial warehouses, as well as the neighbourhood’s emerging sense of cool. The design draws inspiration from the North Melbourne skyline's silhouette of pitched church roof profiles and re-imagines them with a contemporary twist.

Carefully considered elements and details are brought poetically together from the walls, cladding, window reveals to the ceilings, providing a sensitive human scale for residential living. The individuality of each building enables occupants to identify their own home within the overall development.

Assembly seeks to discover a more personalised and intimate scale through the use of punch windows in each apartment which frame a view and create a piece of art within the interior experience,

Drawing on the architecture of the area, Assembly features a series of laneways that make the buildings permeable. Each building features its own foyer and once residents step off the lift, there is a view back down onto the central courtyard, making the entire space enjoyable for its inhabitants.
<cite>Architect Peter Miglis, Principal, Woods Bagot</cite>
</blockquote>

Inspired by the local warehouse architecture, the interiors have been considered with a robust, industrial material palette employed consistently throughout. The concrete soffits to living spaces provide apartments with an industrial feel which expresses the construction process employed.

The formwork used during the construction visible on the soffits. These complement the timber floors while the open plan kitchen and living areas are loosely defined by kitchen bulkheads. The finishes used for the balconies extend to the periphery of living areas acting as an extension of the living spaces, while projecting bay windows highlight and frame views beyond.

The communal rooftop terrace has also been carved into the building as a result of strict planning requirements and features timber bench seating, plants and BBQ area for residents. The CBD views from this area are expansive and impressive, allowing residents a glimpse of the hustle and bustle and bright lights of the city beyond.

<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/fullsizerender_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The view of the north of the city from the rooftop."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/fullsizerender_8.jpg?itok=uOhhBANI" title="The view of the north of the city from the rooftop." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The view of the north of the city from the rooftop.</figcaption></figure>Assembly adds to Cbus Property's growing repertoire of quality, inner city apartment projects, including Volaire in West Melbourne, which is about to start construction in September and caters to the same demographic of owner occupiers, Classic East Melbourne and a yet-to-be-revealed project in Collingwood.

Woods Bagot, in collaboration with SHoP Architects of New York, has been engaged by Cbus Property to deliver the design for Collins Arch at 447 Collins Street. Cbus Property held a ceremony to mark construction commencement on Collins Arch this morning.

<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/collins_arch.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Collins Arch, 447 Collins Street. Image courtesy Woods Bagot + SHoP"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/collins_arch.jpg?itok=RksT1UqZ" title="Collins Arch, 447 Collins Street. Image courtesy Woods Bagot + SHoP" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Collins Arch, 447 Collins Street. Image courtesy Woods Bagot + SHoP</figcaption></figure>
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Woods Bagot and Cbus Property's Assembly

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Following news last week that <a href="http://www.afr.com/real-estate/deloitte-to-move-to-mirvacs-collins-street-tower-20160503-gokw2w#ixzz47dSTkXYT">Deloitte has all but signed up</a> to Mirvac's 477 Collins Street project, another large-scale commercial office build is nearing reality with a construction tender released for the new Victoria Police Complex.

Located alongside the near new Melbourne West Police Station, the Victoria Police Complex at 311 Spencer Street would consist of approximately 40,000sqm of office space. With the calling for construction tenders, Cbus Property and project partner Australia Post now look set to realise the project following extensive negotiations with the Victorian government.

Both the Melbourne West Police Station and Victoria Police Complex share an 11,750sqm site which was previously utilised by Australia Post.

<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/image30_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Street level perspective of the Victoria Police Centre. Image: Department of Treasury and Finance"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="372" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image30_6.jpg?itok=vxx5Zufa" title="Street level perspective of the Victoria Police Centre. Image: Department of Treasury and Finance" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Street level perspective of the Victoria Police Centre. Image: Department of Treasury and Finance</figcaption></figure>Created by architecture firm Woods Bagot, the new $300 million police headquarters has been designed to complement its $240 million neighbour which was completed during 2015.

According to <a href="http://www.dtf.vic.gov.au/Infrastructure-Delivery/Market-led-proposals">Department of Treasury and Finance details</a>, 311 Spencer Street was cleared during February 2016 to move to phase four of the development process after first being put forward during May 2015. Phase four involves the negotiation and assessment of a final offer between the State government and development team.

The market-led development would see Cbus Property and Australia Post fund and develop the new Victoria Police Centre in return for a substantial long term lease from Victoria Police, given the force's current lease within Docklands' World Trade Centre expires during 2020.

<blockquote>
The proposed development creates a unique opportunity for Victoria Police to co-locate and consolidate their Melbourne CBD operations into one stand-alone precinct.

The features of the site combined with landscaping, urban design interventions, built form initiatives and invisible technologies will provide Victoria Police with a secure facility that remains integrated into the wider streetscape. The site is within close proximity to Southern Cross Station and provides excellent access and egress to arterial road networks.

The precinct will be a Melbourne landmark, creating new opportunities for the Victoria Police to engage with the community, whilst also enabling more effective services to be delivered to the community. 
<cite>Market-led Proposals Guideline: Victoria Police Centre Project Overview</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/cbus.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="313 Spencer Street with the adjoining vacant 311 Spencer Street. Image: DCWC"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/cbus.jpg?itok=O32_Gx9D" title="313 Spencer Street with the adjoining vacant 311 Spencer Street. Image: DCWC" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne West Police Station with the adjoining vacant 311 Spencer Street. Image: DCWC</figcaption></figure>Incidentally 412 St Kilda Road which formerly served as the St Kilda Road Police Complex has been subject to a separate development process with ARM Architecture heading plans to convert the commercial building into luxury apartments.

<a href="/new-apartments/the-mayfair-412-st-kilda-road-melbourne">Outlined by Urban.com.au earlier in the year</a>, the project is the latest local foray for Malaysian developer UEM Sunrise with approximately 180 apartments set within the refashioned building, which will be clad largely in bronze coloured cladding. According to City of Port Phillip's Online Planning Register, 412 St Kilda Road received a council-issued permit during March 2016.
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The new Victoria Police Centre looks set to become reality

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Upholding a long standing political tradition of announcing newsworthy items just prior to extended break periods, news surfaced last Thursday evening of Planning Minister Richard Wynne's decision to reject Cbus Property's proposed skyscraper at 447 Collins Street. This is the second such refusal for the developer on what is a marquee development site.

Referred to as the 'Pantscraper' in Fairfax publications due to the unique shape of the now defunct proposal, Minister Wynne's refusal of the project is one of boldness or foolishness… depending upon one's perspective on the matter of course!

There are valid arguments for both approval and rejection of the building, which if approved would have most definitely given Melbourne's skyline a unique focal point from various angles. The matter has been and continues to be hotly debated on Apartments.com.au's forum, a petition is circulating in the vain attempt to save the design; it's altogether very emotive topic for what is generally a cut and dry sector.

So was Minister Wynne's disapproval a wise decision?

I lean towards no, based upon how vocal Lord Major Robert Doyle has been in the days since the decision was made public. For so long the 'canary down the mine shaft' on all major inner city development proposals, Melbourne City Council are always willing to sing a song of discontent when it came to assessing the worth of any given planning application.

That they were fully behind this particular proposal said enough in itself.

<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/image70_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Schematics of the rejected proposal"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="359" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image70_2.jpg?itok=hc8FNVw5" title="Schematics of the rejected proposal" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Schematics of the rejected proposal</figcaption></figure>Now invariably comes the compromise design that will try to conjure the best possible outcome for all involved. But why should it?

From Cbus Property's perspective the entire exercise has been an expensive one thus far, particularly in terms of securing the site and funding the subsequent onsite demolition which was overseen by Probuild. Any revised development scheme would require that initial outlays be recouped, along with any expected return on investment.

Can this be achieved with the notional parameters now set over the site? 120 metres being the approximate height at which any towers could reach prior to stumbling into overshadowing issues.

Thus far it has been a case of Cbus Property seeking dispensation for height in return for maintaining 2,000sqm of open space fronting Collins Street; an excessively rare chance to provide Melbourne's premier thoroughfare with a new park.

No height dispensation should essentially equal no 2,000sqm park fronting Collins Street; at least that would be my stance if I were in the shoes of Cbus Property - fool me once, fool me twice… or something along those lines.

In order to reap what they expect from the site I wouldn't be surprised if the development takes on a more typical design outcome, say similar to Cbus Property's past development at Grand Central (181 William Street). While it wasn't architecturally stunning it got the job done, and that may just need to do for a revised 447 Collins Street… unfortunately.

<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/image71_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="SHoP Architects' render of 447 Collins Street from a ground level perspective"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="227" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image71_2.jpg?itok=Bk5v05dQ" title="SHoP Architects' render of 447 Collins Street from a ground level perspective" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>SHoP Architects' render of 447 Collins Street from a ground level perspective</figcaption></figure>So as it stands the 'Pantscraper' looks to be a very rare opportunity to deliver a unique built form and unique urban realm that will go unfulfilled.

It will be fascinating to see if any compromise can be reached from this point on; no Collins Street park would be an exceptionally poor outcome if it were to go that way. Lord Major Robert Doyle described 447 Collins Street's rejection as a terrible result for the city and I tend to agree.
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No pants and no park: where to now for 447 Collins Street?

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Located less than six kilometres from the Melbourne CBD, Flemington Racecourse occupies a 125ha site in an area undergoing significant transformation and growth. Managed by the Victoria Racing Club (VRC), a long-term master plan was developed for the facility during 2009, with the aim of maximising revenue opportunities for the ongoing investment in facilities for the racecourse and significant capital expenditure undertakings such as replacement of the Member's Old Grandstand.

Part of this master plan involved the sale of non-core land to generate the funds for investment in new facilities.

Enter Greenland Group, China's largest real estate developer which acquired two sites covering a combined 40,000sqm. Known as Flemington Green and Epsom Road, these land holdings were surplus to the needs of the VRC and were offloaded to Greenland Group with the expectation of large-scale development.

The revenue from their sale would then be invested towards the development of the new Club Stand seen below.

<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/829.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Club Stand. Image courtesy of Bates Smart."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="287" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/829.jpg?itok=kjfb93Bn" title="The Club Stand. Image courtesy of Bates Smart." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Club Stand is expected to be built shortly. Image courtesy of Bates Smart.</figcaption></figure>Flemington Green occupies 30,000sqm of land, situated between Fisher Parade and Leonard Crescent. The site is located at the high point of the promontory above the Racecourse and the Maribyrnong River. The site's existing uses consist primarily of open lot car parks and three dwellings along Fisher Parade.

Epsom Road on the other hand occupies approximately 10,000sqm of land and is adjacent to the intersection of Epsom, Racecourse and Ascot Vale Roads, at the end of the Racecourse Road Activity Centre. The site is currently undeveloped with the exception of a single level building: the heritage listed Former Jockeys’ Convalescent Lodge which will be retained as part of any future development onsite.

Greenland's plans for the sites were revealed late last year when - together with the VRC - it submitted a Planning Scheme Amendment Request with the Minister for Planning, which sought to change the planning controls for both sites. This would allow for the developer to move forward with plans for its 'Flemington Life' development, consisting of four towers ranging in height from 14-storeys (AHD 73.7m) to 31-storeys (AHD 123.9m), supported by medium-density dwellings across a further six buildings.

<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/flemington_life_dwelling_types.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Flemington Green height and dwelling types. Image courtesy Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="331" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/flemington_life_dwelling_types.jpg?itok=xdP57VOE" title="Flemington Green height and dwelling types. Image courtesy Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Flemington Green height and dwelling types. Image courtesy Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure>An Indicative Development Concept (IDC) has been prepared for both sites which provides extensive details on the type of development that could be accommodated across the two sites. These do not represent the final form of any development on the site, but rather reflect the type, scale and siting of built form that maybe be permitted within the parameters proposed under the new planning controls.

The building envelopes shown in the proposed Comprehensive Development Zone for the low-rise component only allow for variations in height and setbacks.

The IDC for the Flemington Green site, as prepared by <a href="http://www.woodsbagot.com/">Woods Bagot</a>, seeks the development of 736 dwellings, based on a built form that comprises three residential towers, two street level podia and a lower density precinct containing townhouse and apartment buildings up to 4-storeys. The proposal also includes scope for a small amount of ancillary retail, commercial space and community facilities that will provide local services for residents.

<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/image45_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Flemington Green as rendered from Fischer Parade. Image courtesy Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="370" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image45_1.jpg?itok=WVtqZp8H" title="Flemington Green as rendered from Fischer Parade. Image courtesy Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Flemington Green as rendered from Fischer Parade. Image courtesy Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The architectural design response adopts a rectilinear architectural language at the perimeter of the master plan and transforms this language to a curved formal language in the centre. This curved formal language continues into the tower geometry, referencing Flemington Racecourse’s distinctive curvilinear shape.
<cite>Woods Bagot</cite>
</blockquote>

The three towers which are expected to form Flemington Green are all distinguished by individual responses to articulation of facades, which draw on the characteristics of the racecourse. These are summarised below:

<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/flemington_green_facades.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Facade reference images. Image courtesy Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="228" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/flemington_green_facades.jpg?itok=49qo4s3A" title="Facade reference images. Image courtesy Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Facade reference images. Image courtesy Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>
Tower 1, 25-storeys - The Veil: The design concept for the new facade expresses the Flemington’s fascination with fashion.The entire building is enclosed by a skeletal metal frame, which like a veil conveys a mysterious and ambiguous definition by discreetly revealing what is behind. The veil creates a dynamic gesture and form.</li>
	<li>
Tower 2, 20-storeys - The Farrier: The facade design concept is derived from the materiality and tectonic nature of the farriers tools. This is represented by the curvaceous external balconies forms which are asymmetrically offset to create a sculptural form.</li>
	<li>
Tower 3, 14-storeys - Silks: The facade design concept references the silky shiny colours of the jockeys outfit. The smooth curved form of the floor plan is emphasised by glassy exterior treatment, this is contrasted by the striking colours which highlight the recessed balconies.</li>
</ul>
The IDC for the Epsom Road seeks to deliver a high quality, high-density residential development at the apex of the Racecourse Road Activity Centre and Flemington Racecourse, providing a gateway to the precinct. The IDC allows for a 31-storey proposal with a total of 398 dwellings, based on a built form that comprises of a typical tower and podium format.

<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/flemington_life_epsom_rd.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Epsom Road Indicative Development Concept. Image courtesy Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="318" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/flemington_life_epsom_rd.jpg?itok=zpBcHn5c" title="Epsom Road Indicative Development Concept. Image courtesy Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Epsom Road Indicative Development Concept. Image courtesy Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure>While heavy with detail, it is worth noting that the above designs and images still designated as development concepts created to provide an indication of the planning controls that Greenland Group and Woods Bagot are seeking push through. Whether the development team largely retain the above designs once each land parcel is subject to individual planning submissions remains to be seen.
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Horses for courses: Greenland Group's Flemington Life in detail

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A traditional industrial pocket of West Melbourne looks set to join the likes of Footscray and Fishermans Bend in receiving a high density repurposing. Developer Perri Projects is behind a scheme that would also look to overhaul the majority of West Melbourne's frontage to the Maribyrnong River.

Spread over 2.8 hectares and directly opposite Footscray's Joseph Road Precinct urban renewal area, the site which is loosely addressed 150-250 Kensington Road West Melbourne is also bound by the Kensington Road rail bridge, Dynon Road and the aforementioned Maribyrnong River.

The Dynon region was identified during 2015 as a <a href="http://planningschemes.dpcd.vic.gov.au/schemes/melbourne/ordinance/21_mss15_melb.pdf">new potential urban renewal area</a> under the Melbourne Planning Scheme, with Perri Projects' Kensington Road Precinct site earmarked as one of four zones within Dynon that would be suitable for renewal. This has been made possible due to the rationalisation of rail and industrial activities within the area.

<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/40_project_tile_1000x1000px_wmw.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of a new Maribyrnong River frontage. Image courtesy Perri Projects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="523" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/40_project_tile_1000x1000px_wmw.jpg?itok=OyCHf5g8" title="Artist's impression of a new Maribyrnong River frontage. Image courtesy Perri Projects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of a new Maribyrnong River frontage. Image courtesy Perri Projects</figcaption></figure>Perri Projects have enlisted NH Architecture and Woods Bagot as architects for the project which is located 3.5 kilometres from the CBD. KPMG also forms part of the development team acting in an advisory role while Oculus have been installed as landscape architects.

In its initial guise the project sees multiple mid-rise buildings with the tallest looking to exceed 15 levels and be situated at the northern tip of the site against existing rail lines.

Multiple access paths and laneways also look to traverse the development with vehicular movements for the most located away from the riverfront.

<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/40_desktop_gallery_1800x1000_wmw_03.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The new development as seen from the Maribyrnong River. Image courtesy Perri Projects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="334" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/40_desktop_gallery_1800x1000_wmw_03.jpg?itok=CpKKqKSk" title="The new development as seen from the Maribyrnong River. Image courtesy Perri Projects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The new development as seen from the Maribyrnong River. Image courtesy Perri Projects</figcaption></figure>As part of the paper outlining Dynon as a potential renewal area, built environment guidelines were outlined and included:

<ul>
<li>Ensuring new development along the Maribyrnong River and Moonee Ponds Creek enhances the recreational and environmental amenity of these waterway corridors and has appropriate setbacks.</li>
	<li>Enhancing open space and recreational opportunities along the Maribyrnong River and Moonee Ponds creek.</li>
	<li>Encouraging buildings fronting Dynon and Footscray Roads to have active and attractive frontages.</li>
</ul>
Project renders show a vastly different Maribyrnong River bank with extensive landscaping and recreational areas introduced by Oculus, superseding the current narrow bike path that runs along the river bank. The project may also see two docks introduced as part of the overhaul.

<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/image17_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The site in question and current art installation. Image courtesy Perri Projects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="272" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image17_1.jpg?itok=An9hXVK8" title="The site in question and current art installation. Image courtesy Perri Projects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The site in question and current art installation. Image courtesy Perri Projects</figcaption></figure>For the time being a number of buildings on-site have been transformed with Perri Projects initiating the Shed 180 project.

Australian and international street artists were utilised to transform various blank surfaces on-site into an outdoor art gallery. The artworks will remain until the site's mixed-use redevelopment is initiated.
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Industrial West Melbourne the latest urban renewal contender

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Should Melbourne City Council likely provide its support for the revised 447 Collins Street proposal put forward by Cbus Property, it will then require Minister for Planning Richard Wynne to use his powers of intervention to approve the project which transgresses the recent <a href="/tag/planning-scheme-amendment-c262">Amendment C262</a> planning controls.

A joint architectural effort between Woods Bagot and New York-based SHoP Architects, the project has been heavily reduced in height form its initial 295 metre submission to 165 metres. Even so the proposal would be prohibited under Amendment C262 in that it would still cast a shadow over the north bank of the Yarra River.

The development team have requested dispensation in order to facilitate the uniquely shaped development, with the project potentially set to be the first to receive a Ministerial waiver since the September implementation of the revised planning controls.

<h2>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/image39_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hero perspective of 433-455 Collins Street. Image courtesy Woods Bagot/SHoP Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="651" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image39_1.jpg?itok=g-OxVWTA" title="Hero perspective of 433-455 Collins Street. Image courtesy Woods Bagot/SHoP Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hero perspective of 433-455 Collins Street. Image courtesy Woods Bagot/SHoP Architects</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Plans dated October 27, 2015.</li>
	<li>5,926.6sqm site, currently vacant post recent demolition.</li>
	<li>2,000sqm of new public space at ground level.</li>
	<li>Expected project cost of $1.25 billion.</li>
	<li>Dual 47 level towers connected via skybridge with an overall height of 165 metres.</li>
	<li>269 hotel suites and 315 apartments.</li>
	<li>68,365sqm of A-grade office space.</li>
	<li>500sqm of retail space.</li>
	<li>Basement allowance for 487 vehicles and 501 bicycles.</li>
	<li>161,740sqm GFA.</li>
	<li>Plot ratio of 24.2:1.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Open space for all</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/image46_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Proposed ground plane activation without Market Street. Image courtesy Woods Bagot/SHoP Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="345" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image46_3.jpg?itok=UJ26Odys" title="Proposed ground plane activation without Market Street. Image courtesy Woods Bagot/SHoP Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Proposed ground plane activation without Market Street. Image courtesy Woods Bagot/SHoP Architects</figcaption></figure>Ground level is slated to hold a tree grove, promenade and ampitheatre which will form the backbone of the project's publicly accessible spaces. Retail outlets will feature around the differing podiums and each will be individually framed with increased design presence to discern themselves form typical glass fronted retail stores which define many contemporary developments.

The natural gradient of the site will see Flinders Lane act as lower ground level with project vehicular access confined to one crossover.

In addition to contributing $500,000 to the possible discontinuation of Market Street toward Collins Street, the development team have allowed for the likelihood of the 1,500sqm parcel melding with 447 Collins Street's new public realm. For their part Melbourne City Council have indicated that the mooted discontinuation of Market Street would cost approximately $3 million and take up to two years to implement.

<h2>Bridging the divide</h2>

Both towers will be separated by a 14 metre span with the project's signature design element, a glass encased 'bridge' at the summit.

<blockquote>
The bridge link will result in a spectacular architectural form that will be uniquely Melbourne and will set this proposal apart from other contemporary architectural responses in this city.

The unique form is separated from the lower tower elements through variations in glazing type, punctuation of balconies to provide texture and the use of balustrades running vertically in line with the tower separation. The upper portion of the bridge link will also incorporate the textured chevron design to further add visual interest and break down the mass ans scale that might otherwise be experienced.
<cite>Urbis: Planning Report</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>MCC planners in favour</h2>

<blockquote>
The key issues in relation to this amendment are built form, provision of publicly accessible space and overshadowing. The amendment enables the development of the site with a unique building that is generally acceptable in terms of its architecture, height, setbacks, tower separation, internal amenity and façade activation.

A significant amount of publicly accessible space is to be provided within the site which has good access to sunlight, will achieve comfortable wind conditions, incorporate (where applicable) landscaping with deep soil planting and provide true public street connections.

The proposal did comply with the sunlight to public spaces requirements prior to Amendment C262. The amendment is now prohibited because it casts additional shadow across the north bank of the Yarra (15 metres north from the Yarra River’s edge). The application documentation shadow analysis shows that the extent (length) of shadow is significantly reduced when compared with the previous amendment.

<cite>Report to the Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee</cite>
</blockquote>

It has been recommended that Melbourne City Council support the Master Plan for 447 Collins Street, all but clearing one of the largest hurdles toward the project becoming reality. Minister for Planning Richard Wynne now shapes as the pivotal factor in the approval process.
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A new Melbourne icon squarely in Minister Wynne's hands: 447 Collins Street

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A recent Friday 13th article published by the Australian Financial Review carried news that Walker Corporation's 2-12 Batmans Hill Drive or Tower 5 had <a href="http://www.afr.com/p/business/property/lang_walker_collins_square_tower_YNKR2WnpgqywfnnWEm6OsJ">received approval</a> from the Victorian State Government. Inauspicious dates aside and somewhat incredulously the Monday thereafter, deep foundation contractor Vibropile was on site, beginning construction on what is the sixth building within the Collins Square precinct.

This miraculously quick turnaround suggests that Walker Corporation's dialogue with government representatives had been positive prior to public approval, prompting the developer to ready the necessary contractors to begin works immediately upon approval. While piling has commenced, a head contractor has not been announced as yet.

<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_5416_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Piling underway at 2-12 Batmans Hill Drive"><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_5416_0.jpg?itok=uRp0vyGj" title="Piling underway at 2-12 Batmans Hill Drive" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Piling underway at 2-12 Batmans Hill Drive</figcaption></figure>Covered by Apartments.com.au <a href="/news/and-then-there-were-five-tower-5-collins-square">when at planning</a>, 2-12 Batmans Hill Drive features a swale taken from the tower's most prominent aspect facing Wurundjeri Way. Described as a 'signature' tower in a key location and visible to the masses of commuters entering Melbourne via the Westgate Freeway, 2-12 Batmans Hill Drive will stand at 111 metres upon completion and add 34,700sqm of premium office space to the Melbourne market.

2-12 Batmans Hill Drive joins fellow Collins Square tower 727 Collins Street at construction, with the latter destined to be one of Docklands tallest buildings at 145 metres upon completion. Together the two towers will add 90,000sqm of commercial space to the precinct.

Further both buildings when complete will see contiguous retail spaces joined to create a cavernous and highly activated retail precinct at ground level, including a new internal passage dubbed Walker Laneway.

<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/image57_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="727 Collins Street's progress as compared to a project render"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="423" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image57_1.jpg?itok=fPoEwIjy" title="727 Collins Street's progress as compared to a project render" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>727 Collins Street's progress as compared to a project render</figcaption></figure>Spotted in recent days atop Collins Square Tower 1 are the initial test facade panels which will eventually provide 727 Collins Street with its distinctive facade and 'crown'. Far from silver in appearance, the seemingly blue faceted panels will clad the top volume of the tower and are quite similar to the Sissons-designed <a href="http://www.sissonsarchitects.com/project/?p=0010&amp;type=c">Lantern Building</a> seen above, which acts as the entry point to the Collins Square precinct.

<blockquote>
Externally the building exhibits two distinctive forms with a rich façade expression resulting from the varied materials and finishes. The lower east elevation offers a particularly well resolved and carefully detailed façade proving a strong presence to Village Street.

To the upper levels the building provides an overhang to the north and west, providing an interesting architectural form.
<cite>727 Collins Street Planning report</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/img_0103_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Test facade panels atop Tower 1, Collins Square"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="345" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_0103_0.jpg?itok=zAAtEXdK" title="Test facade panels atop Tower 1, Collins Square" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Test facade panels atop Tower 1, Collins Square</figcaption></figure>While no tenants have been made public for 2-12 Batmans Hill Drive, a number of organisations are seeking new office digs with the Sate Government (25,000 sqm) and Herald Weekly Times (11,000-13,000sqm) headlining the list. It could be that Walker Corporation intend to press ahead with construction of 2-12 Batmans Hill Drive in the hope that they may steal a march on competing prospective office developments.

727 Collins Street on the other hand has both KPMG (27,000sqm) and Maddocks (6,000sqm) as signed tenants although the AFR article cited earlier suggests that the tower will not be ready until the early stages of 2017, a delay of some months.
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