Dahua Group Lodges Plans for $220m Residential Masterplan

<div class="row" data-reactroot=""><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>Chinese real estate giant Dahua Group has lodged plans for a $220-million residential masterplan at Waterloo in Sydney’s inner south.</p><p>The multi-faceted development will turn a vacant former industrial site into a cluster of residential buildings encircling a central plaza.</p><p>The 3.5ha site at 903-921 Bourke Street, known as the Danks Street South precinct, is bounded by McEvoy Street to the south and Young Street to the west. </p><p>An application was approved by the City of Sydney in late 2020 to allow the developer to commence early works on the site including demolition, excavation and preliminary remediation of contaminated land.</p><p>Two heritage buildings at the centre of the site, the Waterloo Pumping Station and Valve House, built in 1922 and 1935 respectively, will be retained under Dahua’s plans.</p><p>A village of five new buildings, ranging from six to 20 storeys and comprising 375 units and terrace homes, have now been proposed for the site. </p><p>The tallest of the four buildings, designed by Bates Smart, will rise from a four-storey podium and offer 147 units in one-, two- and three-bedroom configurations across 13,000sq m of gross floor area.</p><p>The high-rise, dubbed Parkfront Tower, will be split into three to deliver low-rise, mid-rise and high-rise floorplates with eight apartments per floor in the lower third of the building, seven per floor at its core and six per floor across its top levels. </p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/ac082d0c-c657-4b18-8e4e-df5f2cebdc22.jpg" width="960"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ Young Street South (top), Parkfront Tower (bottom left) and the new public plaza (bottom right). Image: Bates Smart, Richards and Spence</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>A six-story apartment block, designed by Richard and Spence, will sit next to it after the developer was encouraged to split the building mass in two.</p><p>The smaller “Plaza Building” is a nod to the council’s requirements of the masterplan to better frame the new “heritage square” and provide an appropriate transition in scale across the site.</p><p>The 26-apartment building will front the central public space and offer 300sq m of ground floor retail across six tenancies.</p><p>Two smaller, seven-storey apartment buildings, also designed by Richard and Spence, will round off the site and sit at opposite ends of Young Street. Each will feature ground floor terraces in two- and three-bedroom configurations.</p><p>Young Street South, a triangular building including 32 apartments, will arrow into the corner of Young and McEvoy streets while Young Street North, comprising 21 apartments, is planned for the northern corner of the site.</p><p>Each building will be topped with rooftop gardens with all-day year-round sun for urban agriculture.</p><p>There will be a further two buildings facing Bourke Street, designed by architect Fieldwork in collaboration with MHNDU, comprising 202 apartments and 2100sq m of office space.</p><p>The buildings, ranging from seven to 12-storeys, will be built from red brick, taking cues from its surrounding context—in particular the adjacent heritage pumping station.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/b3880a40-4b48-471e-8c7a-277765ea7163.jpg" width="960"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ The larger building fronting Bourke Street will be built around a retail plaza and will be connected via a level one podium serving as a residents garden. Image: Fieldwork, MHNDU</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>At least 5 per cent of the units across the apartment towers will be designated for affordable housing while 15 per cent will be adaptable to allow residents to age in place, or refit apartments based on ability requirements.</p><p>Dahua is also planning to widen footpaths on Bourke and McEvoy streets and deliver a 4000sq m public square and plaza surrounding the heritage-listed pumping station and valve house as well as a public park.</p><p>The development forms part of the broader Waterloo State Significant Precinct, a 20ha area 3km south of Sydney’s CBD that has been identified for urban renewal.</p><p>The state government is planning to build up to 7000 new homes in the area to the east of the new state-of-the-art metro train station which is currently being delivered by John Holland.</p><p>Above the station a similarly scaled mixed-use precinct, dubbed <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/developers-shortlisted-for-waterloo-station-development">Waterloo Metro Quarter</a>, is preparing to break ground after securing <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/mirvac-john-holland-wateroo-sydney-approval">approvals</a> midway through 2021.</p><p>That state significant development which is being overseen by Mirvac and John Holland will have <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/mirvac-john-holland-waterloo-office-tower-approved">three over-station towers</a>, a podium, shops, community services and public plazas.</p><p>The joint-venture partners are hoping to complete the project at the same time as the opening of the Sydney Metro City and Southwest line in 2024.</p><p>The New South Wales Land and Housing Corporation also has a planning proposal before the City of Sydney for <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/waterloo-estates-new-3000-home-proposal">Waterloo Estate South</a>.</p><p>Under <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/social-housing-waterloo-south">revised plans</a> it would deliver three 30-storey high-rise apartment blocks, a collection of medium-rise buildings between four and 13-storeys, new streets, retail spaces and two parks.</p><p>A total of 3000 units are planned including 900 social housing dwellings, 600 affordable homes for low-income earners and 1500 private dwellings.</p></div></div></div></div></div>

    Chinese real estate giant Dahua Group has lodged plans for a $220 million residential masterplan at Waterloo in Sydney’s inner south...

Opal Tower

<div class="row" data-reactroot=""><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><strong>The much-publicised Opal Tower saga now enters its fifth week of uncertainty with 105 of the buildings 392 apartments declared “unliveable” and structural repairs potentially required on every level.</strong></p><p>The newly-built 36-storey Sydney apartment building was evacuated on Christmas Eve after cracking in precast concrete panels was discovered on level 10, sparking fears that the tower could collapse.  </p><p>While the building has since been declared structurally safe, independent experts investigating the cracked tower have recommended all residents remain in temporary accomodation after being subjected to two separate evacuations.</p><p>Residents were allowed back into the building within 24 hours after the cracking was reported, but on December 27 they were told by the developers the entire tower would need to be emptied again in order for investigations to take place.</p><p>The saga has sparked widespread concerns about the quality of new developments and the approvals process behind high-rise apartment complexes in Sydney and across Australia.</p><p>Related: <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/nsw-bans-combustible-cladding-">NSW Bans Combustible Cladding</a></p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/dafc65e6-6b3a-419c-8199-3a2c2c6f1a83.gif" width="800"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">The Opal Tower at Sydney Olympic Park.</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><h2><br><strong>Construction</strong></h2><p>The $128 million dollar tower, located at the southern end of the Olympic Park Parkview Precinct and part of the <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/2030-sydney-olympic-park-masterplan-say">Sydney Olympic Park Master Plan 2030</a>, is considered a State Significant site and did not require council approval.</p><p>The site has a long and inglorious history housing chemical waste and up until 1976 was used to manufacture the ingredients for Agent Orange, a powerful herbicide.</p><p>The site has since been heavily remediated land with toxic soil extracted as part of redeveloping the area for the 2000 Olympic Games.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/3bfbe345-65f9-43f2-a11f-605891773b4a.gif" width="800"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">Sydney Olympic Park Master Plan 2030.</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>The modified development was approved on December 15, 2015 by the NSW Planning Minister’s delegate.</p><p>The development, which accommodates 3,000 residents, includes a retail precinct and childcare centre for 80 children.</p><p>The unique triangular-shaped tower was designed by Bates Smart and developed by Ecove Group after being selected by the Sydney Olympic Park Authority, who manages the site.</p><p>WSP was selected as the structural engineer and Wood &amp; Grieve Engineers were the hydraulic consultants for the building.</p><p>The tower was eventually signed off by private certifiers McKenzie Group Consulting and completed in August 2018. </p><p>Opal is one of five residential towers to be built at Sydney Olympic Park by developer Ecove, which is also responsible for One30 Hyde Park tower in Sydney&#x27;s CBD. </p><p>Ecove completed the 216-apartment twin-tower Australia Towers I project in 2011, the 25-storey, 287-apartment Australia Towers 2 in 2014 and the 30-storey, 320-apartment One Australia Avenue tower in 2015.</p><p>Related: <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/housing-minister-warns-developers">Housing Minister Warns Developers Losing Public Trust Would Be ‘Apocalyptic’</a></p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/d8df2dd8-0bb7-404c-9585-d137d270acae.jpg" width="800"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">The worst of the damage was found on levels 10 and 4 where cracking occurred at a &quot;connections between prefabricated and in situ poured concrete&quot;.</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><h2><br><strong>Damage</strong></h2><p>Opal residents were evacuated after loud bangs were heard and cracks started appearing on the 10th floor on Christmas Eve.</p><p>Fire and Rescue NSW and police attended the scene and after establishing the presence of a crack on Level 10 of the building, set up a 250-metre exclusion zone.</p><p>The worst of the damage was found on levels 10 and 4 with levels 3, 9, 16 and 26 as well as basement level 3 also subject to investigation and potential structural damage.</p><p>The main cracking on level 10 occurred at a &quot;connection between prefabricated and in situ poured concrete&quot;, according to engineers.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/c1521072-81e5-45ba-bab4-df0b289a6131.gif" width="800"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">Opal Tower&#x27;s garden slots have been central to cracking investigation. </span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>Structural failings had resulted above and below the “garden slots” – recesses in the facade where precast concrete panels joined structural columns.</p><p>Investigators inspected more than 200 similar panels in vertical gardens around the building looking for similar damage.</p><p>Bracing has since been installed as a “precautionary measure” to prop up those damaged areas, but the major work to fix damage on level 10 and level 4 remain ongoing.</p><p>Owners have claimed there is more damage than Icon has admitted, including to apartments on the upper levels and the removal of belongings and furniture without prior approval.</p><p>“I completely understand the residents&#x27; reluctance, in some parts, to move back in to what is essentially going to be, for some time, a building site,” NSW Planning Minister Anthony Roberts said.</p><p>More than 300 apartment owners and residents face further months of uncertainty while others have been allowed to return to the building.</p><p>Related: <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/nsw-sets-up-productivity-commission-to-tackle-regulation">NSW Sets up Productivity Commission to Tackle Regulation</a></p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/cdc858d4-17ee-43f6-941f-2aef1c3db050.jpg" width="800"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">An apartment in Sydney’s Opal Tower with the ceiling and flooring removed and propping equipment installed.</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><h2><br><strong>The report</strong></h2><p><a href="https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/-/media/Files/DPE/Reports/Opal-Tower-Investigation-Draft-Interim-Report-2019-01-15.pdf">An interim report</a>, undertaken by three of the state&#x27;s most senior independent engineers, Professors Mark Hoffman, John Carter and Stephen Foster was undertaken over a two-week investigation and released last week.</p><p>The NSW government appointed engineers revealed concrete panels cracked due to their manufacture and assembly deviating from the original design.</p><p>“We&#x27;ve outlined some matters which should be checked before residents are allowed to move back in. </p><p>“We would recommend [Icon and WSP] have those matters investigated and checked,” Professor Hoffman said.</p><p>They also questioned the location of reinforcing steel, a cut or incomplete steel bar in the area and overhanging precast panels.</p><p>“There is compelling evidence indicating that the wrong size reinforcing bars were placed in this area during manufacture of this particular panel – 20mm diameter bars were used instead of 28mm diameter bars,” the report said.</p><p>“It is likely that a combination of some of the above design and construction issues led to the observed structural damage on level 10.” </p><p>The post-tensioned concrete floors were designed by Australasian Prestressing Services and the precast wall panels were fabricated by Evolution Precast Systems.</p><p>The engineers concluded that a “progressive build-up of load on the structure as the apartments became occupied” could have also furthered pressure on the concrete.</p><p>Engineers agreed the building was “structurally sound” but that “significant rectification works” were required to repair and the building.</p><p>“We thank the government for the preliminary findings of its independent investigation into Opal Tower,” Ecove director Bassam Aflak said.</p><p>“Our first thoughts are for the welfare of the residents.” </p><p>“We need this problem to be fixed, and the residents deserve to be in their homes.”</p><p>Related: <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/national-apartment-market-reveals-rising-owner-occupiers-urbis-">Owner-Occupiers Set to Overtake Investors in Apartment Market</a></p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/23a5216c-e61f-43f4-9ce1-41aacdd80815.gif" width="800"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">A month after evacuation, Opal tower residents have rallied together and refuse to budge after claiming they’re being forced to return.</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><h2><br><strong>Industry concerns</strong></h2></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>Many commentators have highlighted a “systemic” problem rife throughout the industry and have blamed Opal Tower&#x27;s failings as the result of the privatisation of building certification. </p><p>Much of the difficulty around regulating construction – and the consequent lack of accountability – lies in the fact that responsibility spills over state and federal government lines.</p><p>Poor building practices continue to undermine confidence in the multi-billion-dollar construction industry, the strata management industry and in the planning system.</p><p>The Opal Tower fiasco has put the NSW government under pressure with Better Regulation Minister Matt Kean quickly announcing a crackdown on rouge certifiers in an attempt to address the public&#x27;s concern about the state&#x27;s building certification process.</p><p>The move by Kean to introduce sweeping reforms came in the wake of an interim report that found failures in the way the Opal Tower was designed and built.</p><p>“There has been growing community concern about dodgy certifiers and, while the cause of the recent problems at the Opal Tower remains unknown, what’s happened there has put a spotlight on the industry again,” Kean said.</p><p>“The majority of certifiers are doing the right thing, but it’s time for the cowboys to go.”</p><p>Under the new strategy, 30 per cent of the industry will be audited every year and non-compliant or neglectful certifiers signing off on unsafe buildings will be kicked out of the industry.</p><p>A register will also be made public to check a certifiers history and qualify their work.</p><p>While there is no evidence that building certifiers have any link to Opal&#x27;s cracked concrete panels it is important to remember certifiers play no role in assessing structural integrity.</p></div></div></div></div></div>

The much publicised Opal Tower saga now enters its fifth week of uncertainty with 105 of the buildings 392 apartments declared "unliveable".

dad31a7f-d868-4b05-9b69-ae469feaec01

<div class="row" data-reactroot=""><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>Pallas Group have purchased a prominent corner site in Melbourne’s Clifton Hill for $32 million, flagging plans to redevelop the site into a $300 million commercial precinct. </p><p>The property, at 592-600 Smith Street, will house a 37,000sq m mixed-use development made up of commercial and retail space, including a casual dining precinct across three levels. </p><p>The Bates Smart-designed project &quot;Foundry&quot;—so named in honour of the site’s industrial heritage—will feature five different facade types that break up the commercial, retail and market hall into unique buildings.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/9af86303-2b68-47db-8c76-eae137847eb0.jpg" width="800"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ Pallas Group has purchased a former foundry site at 592-600 Smith Street in Melbourne’s Clifton Hill for $32m, with plans for redevelopment as a commercial and retail space.<br></span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br><a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/pallas-group-acquires-melbourne-firm-gravitas-group">Pallas Group</a> director Charles Mellick said the site, located 3.5km northeast of the CBD, was the largest being developed by the group in Melbourne.</p><p>“The $120 million new build has the potential to create a thriving landmark that will elevate the area as a whole,” Mellick said.</p><p>Scheduled for completion in 2024, the development will include two towers offering a combined commercial space of 23,000sq m, along with a 7,000sq m food and beverage offering, and three levels of basement parking. </p><p>The deal comes on the heels of Pallas Group’s plans for a new HQ on a corner site in Sydney’s <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/double-bay-site-transacts-32m">Double Bay</a>, snapped up for $32 million in November last year.</p></div></div></div></div></div>

Pallas purchases former foundry site in Clifton Hill for $32m ...

Investa, Oxford Unveil $500m Tower in North Sydney 105 Miller Street

<div class="row" data-reactroot=""><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>Fund manager Investa, with joint venture partner Oxford Properties Group, is pushing ahead with a major North Sydney project, lodging plans for a $500 million commercial tower.</p><p>The development is slated for a 6,650sq m site, running between 105 to 151 Miller Street, currently occupied by the 63-year-old MLC Building. </p><p>The 27-storey development will be known as 105 Miller Street and, if approved, will add 74,000sq m of net lettable area to the fast-growing North Sydney office market.</p><p>The proposed tower will sit within an emerging cluster of high-rise towers being developed around the planned Victoria Cross Metro Station.</p><p>The development, earmarked as North Sydney’s first net zero commercial building, is targeting a 6 Star Green Star office design rating and 5.5-Star NABERS Energy Rating.</p><p>The design of the facade will manage summer solar heat gain while providing daylight, views and natural ventilation while on site renewable energy will be generated via solar photovoltaic panels on the buildings northern face. </p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/822a98e1-e0de-473c-86a8-3526b1d00e1e.jpg" width="800"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ The project is expected to create 1,700 jobs during construction and 6,200 jobs when completed and fully occupied.</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>The proposed A-grade office building will feature floorplates ranging from 5,000sq m at the base of the building tapering to 1,300sq m at its peak.</p><p>Over half of the site will be dedicated to public amenity with 3,800sq m planned as civic and community areas, as well as 120 car parks at the base of the building along with spaces for 802 bicycles.</p><p>The tower&#x27;s proximity to the North Sydney Rail Station and the under construction Victoria Cross Metro Underground Station is also expected to be a drawcard for prospective tenants. </p><p>Investa head of commercial development Mark Tait told <em>The Urban Developer a</em> working group dedicated to exploring the future of work practices had now been established to explore innovations in tenant workplace design and flexible workspace products in response to the ongoing pandemic.</p><p>“This ongoing body of work and its integration into the design is fundamental to the quality of office space proposed for 105 Miller Street development,” Tait said.</p><p>“It includes new smart building initiatives such as contactless technology at the base building level, including options for touchless taps, entry doors and bathroom facilities, as well as technologies to enable real-time tracking of occupancy numbers. </p><p>“These post Covid-19 future ways of working considerations will be further explored within the next phase of design development.”</p><p>Tait said the project would be the first significant redevelopment since North Sydney Council announced stage two of their North Sydney CBD Public Domain Strategy.</p><p>The once-daggy commercial precinct of North Sydney is currently undergoing a renaissance, with several new developments recently completed or under way which are expected to transform the suburb and entice thousands of new workers to the area.</p><p>Projects including <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/dexus-completes-north-sydney-tower-secures-leases">100 Mount Street</a> being delivered by Dexus, Winten&#x27;s <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/winten-wins-tallest-tower-title-with-12-bn-1-denison-street-top-out">1 Denison Street</a> and CBRE Global Investors&#x27;s <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/cbre-north-sydney">118 Mount Street</a> project have now completed construction while Lendlease&#x27;s $1.2 billion <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/property-heavyweights-shortlisted-for-tower-and-sydney-metro-contract">Victoria Cross Tower </a>over the Metro Station recently <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/victoria-cross-metro-lendlease-42-storey-tower-approved">received approval. </a></p><p>Sydney developer Thirdi has listed a mega development site—comprising five buildings between 2-4 Blue Street and 1-5 William Street— slated to be home to a $330 million development.</p><p>Other groups such as Mirvac have also used the strata renewal strategy to access commercial sites in North Sydney.</p></div></div></div></div></div>

Fund manager Investa, in conjunction with its partners Oxford Properties Group, is pushing ahead with a major North Sydney project...

Toga plans to build a 16-storey, red tower with office and retail in Sydney’s 278-hectare Green Square Town Centre

<div class="row" data-reactroot=""><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>Toga Group plans to build a 16-storey, red tower with a timber “heart” in the centre of Sydney’s Green Square Urban Renewal Area.</p><p>The $141-million development within the town centre takes inspiration from sawtooth-roofed industrial buildings with its splayed roof.</p><p>The design by Bates Smart included 28,751sq m of office and retail, a single-level basement, 498sq m end-of-trip facilities and terraces on its roof.</p><p>There was also a through-site link in the development at 6-12 O’Riordan Street, 320-322 and 324 Botany Road, Alexandria.</p><p>Two buildings would essentially be built on the 3,275sq m site, connected by a centralised core creating a “social heart” made of cross laminated timber, with natural ventilation.</p><p></p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/74bbd5c5-9282-4822-8c70-ee55bb023866.jpg" width="800"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲Toga&#x27;s red office tower has a maximum height of 79.8m and is inspired by red-brick, sawtooth-roof industrial buildings.</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>Next door to this development is Leading Group’s 10-storey office development—<a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/326-328-botany-road-alexandria-development">stage two</a> of the project was lodged in July.</p><p>Rounding out the end of the block is a Value Suites hotel and Markham’s office campus development at 22 O’Riordan Street, <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/markham-secures-22-oriordan-st-alexandria">approved</a> in mid-2020.</p><p>These developments are part of the Green Square Urban Renewal Area, <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/bvn-day-night-school-green-square-design-competition">transitioning </a>one of Sydney’s oldest industrial hubs into a 278ha hectare mixed-use neighbourhood.</p><p>The town centre of the precinct, 4km south of the CBD, included 16 sites to accommodate 5850 residential and 9300 workers.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/f6374383-3fa6-4251-a179-c548d52001d8.jpg" width="800"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ The Green Square Town Centre lots, in pink is Toga&#x27;s office building with it&#x27;s through-site-link.</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>The building was selected for the site because it was effective in breaking up the building mass and introducing variety.</p><p>“It was concluded that the central wintergarden hub space combined with its connection to the lift lobby and use of CLT achieved design excellence,” according to the application.</p><p>“The scheme reflected an interesting built form, particularly due to the splayed rooftop and height.”</p><p>Toga is also working on an unsolicited <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/toga-plans-redevelopment-sydney-tech-hub">proposal </a>in the Sydney Central Station precinct, a Darlinghurst <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/toga-ashe-morgan-lodge-da-for-sydneys-oxford-street">hotel </a>and various mixed-use <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/urban-property-group-add-110m-high-street-plans-to-penrith-block">projects</a> in Penrith.</p><p></p></div></div></div></div></div>

Toga plans to build a 16-storey, red tower with a timber “heart” in the centre of Sydney’s Green Square Urban Renewal Area designed by Bates Smart...

Australia's Oldest Skyscraper Maintains 100pc Occupancy

<div class="row" data-reactroot=""><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>Australia’s oldest skyscraper, Melbourne’s Orica House, has maintained its enviable long-term 100-per-cent occupancy rate despite the turmoil in the office sector. </p><p>This compares to the Melbourne CBD at <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/melbourne-cbd-office-oversupply-crisis-looming">89.6 per cent</a> as the city contends with lockdowns and waits for vaccination rates to rise so workers can return to the office.</p><p>One Nicholson Street in East Melbourne, formerly known as ICI House, has had extremely high occupancy rates since it was built in 1958. </p><p>It was designed by Osborn McCutcheon of Bates Smart and McCutcheon—today Bates Smart has offices in the building and describe it as having a Mad Men feel, in reference to the popular TV series set in the advertising world of New York in the 1950s to 1970s. </p><p>Although it is Australia’s oldest skyscraper, many modern elements were used in its design, including creating public gardens on the site.</p><p>It also had a cafeteria on the top level which was recently converted to a coffee and co-working space.</p><p></p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/3a1bc01e-4629-467e-9529-0cdcc65fe5dd.jpg" width="1024"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ Australia’s oldest skyscraper was originally known as ICI House and is on the corner of Nicholson and Albert streets.</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p></p><p>Extensive renovations have kept the 19-storey tower up to standard while retaining its original features, including the offset elevator core.</p><p>The building, owned by Charter Hall, has 16,965sq m of net leasable area, 18 floors of office and ground floor retail. </p><p>Bates Smart director Jeffery Copolov said that at the time it was built, the idea of the building was fairly alien and possibly even threatening to a lot of people—but not his family.</p><p>“I’ve always had a great affinity for the building for as long as I can remember,” Copolov said.</p><p>“My grandfather was a modernist and I know from family tales he would bring the family on excursions on a weekend to see this incredible tower going up.</p><p>“First and foremost it had to work brilliantly as one beautiful, unencumbered floorplate.</p><p>“It meant that every single person within the building was no further than 8.5m from daylight—you could have a totally open floor environment or have a series of offices along the perimeter.”</p><p></p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/f6c1c0d7-d764-4f1e-afb1-b2a7313acd1b.jpg" width="960"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ Many of the fundamentals of the 1 Nicholson Street building tick the boxes for modern offices today.</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>Charter Hall acquired the building in 2010 when the Macquarie <br>Funds Platform was transferred to the group.</p><p>Charter Hall portfolio manager Nicole Ward said it has had 100 per cent occupancy for most of its history, including throughout the pandemic.</p><p>“The eastern precinct is a government precinct at the top of the city that typically has a lower vacancy rate,” Ward said.</p><p>“So if space comes up we tend to see the government absorb it, along with large industry superannuation groups.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><iframe sandbox="allow-forms allow-scripts allow-pointer-lock allow-same-origin allow-top-navigation allow-presentation" class="embed-responsive-item" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" style="max-width:574px" width="100%" height="323" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4vDBP_GVkI8?rel=0"></iframe></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>“We’ve been in and out of lockdowns for 18 months now and every time we come out of lockdown there’s just such a want for people to get back to normality.</p><p>“The pent-up demand is there, there’s still briefs coming through, tenants still want to inspect they just can&#x27;t at the moment.</p><p>“Melbourne went from having the lowest vacancy rate about 18 months ago to having the highest vacancy rate we’ve ever had.”</p><p>The office portfolio manager said the group had been quite resilient with long term leases and were working through pre leasing new assets.</p></div></div></div></div></div>

Australia’s oldest skyscraper Orica House in Melbourne has recorded a rare feat achieving long-term 100 per cent occupancy...

Mercure Melbourne Treasury Gardens Hotel

<div class="row" data-reactroot=""><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><strong>Cbus Property has submitted a development application for a residential tower on Spring Street in Melbourne’s CBD.</strong></p><p>It is the second residential development on Spring Street for Cbus after <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/cbus-property-bates-smart-unveil-melbournes-new-tower-power">launching 35 Spring Street</a> – designed by Bates Smart – in early 2017. </p><p>The project, also designed by architecture firm Bates Smart, offers 84 apartments over 35-storeys – less than two and a half apartments per floor. Cbus acquired the site in September for about $70 million in an off-market purchase. </p><p>The site is currently home to Spring Street’s Mercure Melbourne Treasury Gardens Hotel. </p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>Cbus’ proposal includes six one-bedroom, 24 two-bedroom and 48 three-bedroom apartments ranging from 133sq m to 207sq m. Six whole-level four-bedroom apartments and a dual-level penthouse will make up the remainder of the building’s units.</p><p>Related reading: <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/city-shapers-podcast-episode-one--cbus-property-ceo-adrian-pozzo">City Shapers Podcast: Episode One — Cbus Property CEO Adrian Pozzo</a></p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/4fcdbf70-ded6-4a99-a914-0a7d06cdfddb.jpg" width="1900"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">Cbus Property1</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>Melbourne’s Spring Street has experienced a lot of development activity recently with Australian Unity’s headquarters mid-construction and Golden Age Group’s <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/luxury-spring-street-development-golden-age-feel-launches-melbourne">recent launch of their $500 million, 39-storey residential project</a> at 85 Spring Street. </p><p>The $110 million Australian Unity building, designed by John Wardle, will become the new headquarters for the country’s largest healthcare property fund.  </p><p>Cbus recently secured a $1 billion-plus development opportunity close to the Spring Street site, acquiring Singapore’s Chip Eng Seng embattled Tower Melbourne skyscraper as part of a massive aggregation of sites. Cbus paid $170 million for the four sites. </p><p></p><p><em>The image featured is of the site that&#x27;s currently occupied by the Mercure Melbourne Treasury Gardens Hotel</em></p></div></div></div></div></div>

Cbus Property has submitted a development application for a residential tower on Spring Street in Melbourne’s CBD. 

450 Queen Street, Melbourne

<div class="row" data-reactroot=""><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>Jeff Xu’s Golden Age Group has been given the final ministerial tick of approval to develop a 21-storey tower within Melbourne’s historic Queen Victoria Market precinct.</p><p>Construction of the $150-million development on a 1016sq m site at 432-450 Queen Street is expected to begin in the second half of this year.</p><p>The Bates Smart-designed tower—to be known as 450 Queen Street—was endorsed by the City of Melbourne in June last year and recently given the go-ahead by planning minister Richard Wynne.</p><p>The green light has been granted despite concerns over the precinct’s redevelopment and fears surrounding high-rise projects will “overshadow”, “homogenise” and “kill” the market, which has been operating for almost 150 years.</p><p>Under the approved plans, the existing building on the site will be restored and integrated into the development.</p><p>The new 67m tower will comprise 129 one- and two-bedroom apartments, with 10 per cent allocated for affordable housing, as well as three lower levels of retail space.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/42e8e109-b6d1-4e5d-8a73-9df5bed55f84.jpg" width="800"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ Under the approved plans for Golden Age Group&#x27;s new 21-storey tower, the existing building on the Queen Street site will be restored and integrated into the development.</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>Bates Smart director Julian Anderson said the project’s design was undertaken “with residents, visitors and the market community in mind by providing engaging spaces to live, work and play”.</p><p>“We have taken great care in designing an enduring and well-crafted addition to this neighbourhood, respecting the site’s historical context while being mindful that this development will have a role in shaping the future character of an evolving and diverse urban fabric,” he said.</p><p>Anderson said masonry would be applied to podium forms to complement the existing building and vitrine windows incorporated into the ground-floor retail as a contemporary interpretation of shopfronts in the market precinct.</p><p>Also, a triple-height, north-facing atrium would provide natural light and activity to the lower and upper ground retail tenancies, he said.</p><p>Golden Age managing director Jeff Xu welcomed the project’s ministerial approval as “a fantastic start to 2022”.</p><p>“Receiving approval is a reflection of the level of confidence the state government has in us as co-developers of this city,” he said.</p><p>“The project is located in a significant area of the Queen Victoria Market precinct and we’re excited to develop a project that will further contribute to this ever-evolving pocket of the city.”</p><p>The tower plans also include a basement level with 180 bicycle parking spaces, but no car parking spaces.</p><p>The council endorsed the development last year with some amendments, including the retention of more of the heritage facade.</p><p>At the time, City of Melbourne deputy lord mayor Nicholas Reece rejected claims the proposed tower looked like “a spreadsheet in the sky”, saying it was a high-quality development that would add value to the area.</p></div></div></div></div></div>

The green light has been given for construction to begin on a 21-storey tower as part of the redevelopment of the Queen Victoria Market precinct...

Landream build to rent tower build next to Blender Lane one of Melbourne's iconic graffiti laneways.

<div class="row" data-reactroot=""><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>Landream’s plans to enter the build-to-rent market are under way after its planned $105-million tower was approved by the City of Melbourne.</p><p>The 41-storey tower near the Queen Victoria Market was originally going to be a build-to-sell project and was approved late last year, but the plans for 100-106 Franklin Street, Melbourne were amended.</p><p>However, there were concerns voiced about the development as artwork on half of Blender Lane, one of Melbourne’s iconic graffiti laneways, would be demolished.</p><p>The plans by Bates Smart detail 267 apartments setback 12m from Franklin Street’s heritage buildings plus 1684sq m of retail space, 1777sq m of office space as well as a basketball court. </p><p>The 1696sq m site is currently home to the five-storey Burbank House and two-storey warehouses, some of which were built in the early 1900s and which would be partially demolished under the plans.</p><p>GU Investments Group and Burbank Holdings Australia (Franklin)  currently own the land, which links to Therry Street.</p><p>The minister for planning Richard Wynne referred the application to the Future Melbourne Committee, who supported the plans while unanimously voting to find a way the council could have a role in protecting street art in the future.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/9251fe63-479f-4872-92e9-2fd0903ad0a4.jpg" width="800"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ The lower part of the tower and the remaining graffiti laneway on Blender Lane at Landreams 100 Franklin Street Development. Image: Bates Smart</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>Deputy lord mayor Nicholas Reece said the area was gaining a lot of attention from developers lately and the design for this project was of a very high standard.</p><p>“The west side of the building that faces onto Blender Lane does look and seem to work very well, it&#x27;s very modern in its design which juxtaposes well with the heritage of Burbank House,” Reece said.</p><p>“This project delivers some significant upside ... the widening of Blender Lane and active frontage that will provide a through block link … literally right to the entrance of the dairy produce hall at Queen Victoria Markets.</p><p>“It was also very positive to see the build-to-rent component and the basketball court as well which as I understand it is publicly accessible.”</p><p>Cr Rohan Leppard agreed with the deputy lord mayor and was optimistic the council could find ways to promote and protect street art in the future without over-regulating artists.</p><p>“At a personal level of course I am devastated by the potential outcome here as chair of the arts for eight years,” Leppard said.</p><p>“I’m very familiar with the importance of Blender Lane, the artist studio and the role these laneways play to emerging artists, to the street art culture generally and art in Melbourne full stop.</p><p>“It’s simply the case though, that our planning controls cannot regulate ephemeral art and require the non demolition of spaces that have not been graded as having heritage value.”</p><p>Leppard said if the laneways were declared a special place with special character they would require special permission to paint and the street art community would go elsewhere.</p><p>Melbourne Heritage Action president Tristan Davies said there could have been an opportunity to incorporate the laneway wall to stay there, to add to the city’s character.</p><p>“We simply asked again that an additional brick wall along the laneway be retained, just one wall with much of its 1920s brick character of course overlaid with some really important street art,” Davies said.</p><p>“It does allow the developer to make a pretty tidy profit from this site and have just about everything they want but retain an iconic laneway feel rather than something pretty generic that you could find in any city of the world.”</p></div></div></div></div></div>

Landream's build to rent tower next to Blender Lane one of Melbourne's iconic graffiti laneways at 100 Franklin Street near Queen Victoria Market

City Tatts Club Pitt Street

<div class="row" data-reactroot=""><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>ICD Property has revealed the architecture shortlist for its <br>$271 million mixed-use redevelopment of Pitt Street’s City Tattersalls Club in the Sydney CBD.</p><p>ICD is developing the tower alongside the City Tattersalls Club and equity partner First Sponsor, a Singapore-listed property developer providing <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/icd-property-secures-jv--construction-finance-for-tatts-redevelopment">sole construction financing</a> for the project.</p><p>The architecture shortlist has a decidedly <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/architects-put-nsw-government-on-notice-after-powerhouse-announcement-">local feel</a>—with just one international firm rounding out a five-team shortlist: Candalepas Associates, BVN, Bates Smart, Hassell and Scott Carver partnering with Singapore-headquartered DP Architects. </p><p>The six shortlisted firms now have a five-week window to present their respective schemes for the 49-storey skyscraper at 194 Pitt Street. </p><p>ICD received stage one envelope <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/city-tattersalls-club-redevelopment-200m-tower-approved">approval</a> for 246 apartments and a 100-key hotel above the historic Tattersalls Club site in November. The developer’s original plans were <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/new-270m-skyscraper-plans-lodged-for-sydney-cbd">rejected</a> by the NSW Land and Environment Court on heritage grounds.</p><p>Related: <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/architects-put-nsw-government-on-notice-after-powerhouse-announcement-">Architects Put NSW Government ‘On Notice’</a> </p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/4d080a9a-0a44-4861-9637-66b10af788ae.png" width="1154"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ An indicative render of the 194-204 Pitt Street skyscraper. Image: Fjmt.</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>The competitive design process—a mandatory requirement of the  City of Sydney for projects of significance—will take the heritage impact of the 126-year-old club into account.  </p><p>ICD development director Alice Smith said the brief is to deliver a tower that sensitively integrates the heritage component and contributes to Sydney’s “urban fabric”.</p><p>“The six shortlisted firms were chosen based on their expertise with hotels and residential projects, heritage architecture and experience with the Sydney CBD,” Smith said.</p><p>The Tattersalls Club project is ICD Property’s first in the Sydney market, the developer has a 50-storey <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/woods-bagot-wins-200m-design-competition">skyscraper under way</a> in Auckland, a 1200-lot greenfield project in Geelong and has <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/central-market-arcade-set-for-400m-redevelopment">recently partnered</a> with the City of Adelaide on a $400 million tower above the city’s Central Market Arcade. </p><p>In May, an <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/aspire-melbourne-unearths-histin-archaeological-dig">archeological dig </a>temporarily halted construction at ICD’s $440 million <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/icd-appoints-builder-on-aspire-tower">Aspire Melbourne site</a> after uncovering relics from 19th century girls school.</p><p>Pending final approvals, ICD expects to kick off construction on the Pitt Street skyscraper in early 2022. </p></div></div></div></div></div>

ICD has unveiled a largely local architecture shortlist for its multi-million-dollar skyscraper redevelopment above the City Tattersalls Club ...

949c30a5-3408-4136-a12c-0628aaec8ec0

<div class="row" data-reactroot=""><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><strong>Singapore-based real estate investment group M&amp;L Hospitality has announced that Hilton will make its debut in the Melbourne CBD later this year.</strong></p><p>The hospitality group is backed by Singapore-based real estate billionaire Michael Kum, whose wealth was originally acquired in shipping.</p><p>Kum paid $30 million for the heritage-listed Equity Chambers building at 472-478 Bourke Street in June 2017, in an attempt to expand his hotel holdings in Melbourne.</p><p>Plans were quickly set about for a new Bates Smart-designed 244-room hotel, which is currently under construction, building upon the current five-storey building.</p><p>M&amp;L&#x27;s $250 million hotel development will now play host to American hotel chain Hilton, which has been without a location since 2017 when the 396-room Hilton Melbourne South Wharf was rebranded as the Pan Pacific Melbourne.</p><p>Related: <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/construction-complete-on-sydneys-newest-hilton">Construction Complete on Sydney&#x27;s Newest Hilton</a></p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/ca04bf2a-0773-459d-90d4-a460344c6783.jpg" width="1772"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:left;opacity:0.8">Singapore tycoon Michael Kum’s plans to launch the Hilton Hotel at his Bourke Street development.</span><span style="float:right;opacity:0.8">Image: Bates Smart</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>The heritage-listed building, built in 1931 on the site of Melbourne’s first synagogue, has since operated as the longest continuously occupied barrister chambers in Australia.</p><p>The site, which has changed hands three times in the last five years, has seen two unsuccessful apartment projects lodged, before being bought by M&amp;L and pitched as a hotel offering.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><hr/></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><h2><strong>The timeline so far</strong></h2></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>• M&amp;L Hospitality purchased the property in 2017, with an existing planning permit taking the building to 17-storeys with 215 apartments.<br>• An amendment to the original planning permit approved in May 2018 changed its use into a hotel and office plus 151 apartments.<br>• New setback controls required M&amp;L to alter plans and remove three hotel rooms from level-five and an outdoor terrace on level-six.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><hr/></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>Bates Smart director Julian Anderson said the hotel development is an outstanding example of the exotic revival architectural style popular in Victoria during the inter-war period.</p><p>“We were mindful of the heritage character of the site,” Anderson said.</p><p>“The new building provides a respectful backdrop and is designed with a calm and ordered facade system that responds to the uses within. As the building rises the façade’s glazing increases to make the most of the surrounding city views.”</p><p>M&amp;L and Bates worked closely with Heritage Council of Victoria to ensure the heritage significance of the building was showcased, restoring key elements to their original 1930s grandeur.</p><p>The Bourke Street Hilton in Melbourne&#x27;s CBD, due to open in late 2019, will be the second flagship hotel from the brand in the city, following the 600-room Hilton part of Malaysian developer OSK’s $2.8 billion Melbourne Square project in Southbank.</p><p>Hilton currently operates the DoubleTree hotel at 270 Flinders Street opposite Flinders Station, as well as three other DoubleTree branded venues in Cairns, Darwin and Alice Springs.</p><p>M&amp;L currently boasts high-end hotels in Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and Europe largely managed by Hilton, as well as Australia&#x27;s biggest hotel, the recently enlarged Hyatt Regency in Sydney&#x27;s Darling Harbour.</p><p>In Sydney, M&amp;L opened the new 182-room West Hotel, which is managed by Hilton as part of its Curio Collection.</p><p>M&amp;L Hospitality also owns the Swissotel in Sydney’s Market Street, the Novotel in Perth and the Double Tree by Hilton in Melbourne’s Flinders Street.</p></div></div></div></div></div>

M&L Hospitality, the Singapore-based real estate investment group, has announced that Hilton will make its debut in the Melbourne CBD later this year.

Woodlink1

<div class="row" data-reactroot=""><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><strong>Plans for a $360 million residential development on Melbourne’s busy St Kilda Road precinct has been unveiled by Melbourne developer Woodlink.</strong></p><p>Designed by architect Bates Smart, “Illoura House” will feature 163 residential apartments, including five penthouses and nine sub-penthouses.</p><p>Woodlink’s project has launched at a time where residential development in the St Kilda Road market is reaching its natural peak, with current projects including UEM Sunrise’s Zaha Hadid-designed Mayfair apartments, the Shakespeare Group’s <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/kerry-stokes-backed-developer-steps-in-to-finance-struggling-collingwood-project">three-tower St Boulevard development</a> and Gurner’s <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/melbourne-apartment-market-swarms-gurner-140-million-sales-result">Albert Place Residences</a>. </p><p>The Chinese-backed developer has also struck a deal with Marriott, incorporating 176 five-star executive apartments in the tower’s first five levels.</p><p>Related reading: <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/apra-scraps-investor-loan-growth-cap-">APRA Scraps Investor Loan Growth Cap</a></p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/042bc029-c7e7-4d0b-8c59-31d3fd4b6c9b.jpg" width="1417"/></picture><div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>Woodlink Project director Antonio Tarros says thoughtful projects such as Illoura House are driving a new dawn for St Kilda Road. </p><p>“Which in 10 years we believe will be a luxury shopping, residential and dining district with the feel of a Parisian boulevard,” Tarros said. </p><p>“We have a lot of confidence in this vision for St Kilda Road as does Marriott International, which recognises the continued evolution of this area.”</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/af65748e-e99a-4967-8c69-ee25c85b3e7f.jpg" width="760"/></picture><div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>The proposed 18 level tower will provide hotel-style amenities at ground level including a 20-metre pool, gymnasium, spa and sauna. Reaching 59 metres tall and holding an approximate gross floor area of 55,500 square metres makes Illoura House one of Melbourne’s largest current residential projects by net sellable area. </p><p>Related reading: <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/rfs-750m-urban-regeneration-live-city-kicks-off">R&amp;F’s $750m Urban Regeneration ‘Live City’ Kicks Off</a></p><p>The aim of this project has always been to create a “true landmark,” explains Tarros, emulating “the grandeur of the St Kilda Road boulevard from its early days when it was lined with opulent mansions.”</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/59beea82-bd2f-4961-a9c0-298ff9486d57.jpg" width="800"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">Illoura House</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>Related reading: <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/trenerrys-300m-west-end-project-ready-to-go">Trenerry’s $300m West End Project Ready to Go</a></p><p>Woodlink acquired the site in late 2015. </p><p>The site has been subject to similar grand intentions in the form of residential developments but has not been fully utilised until now. </p><p>The evolution of St Kilda Road from a major office sector 20 years ago to a boutique apartment strip today has been well documented.</p></div></div></div></div></div>

Plans for a $360 million residential development on Melbourne’s busy St Kilda Road precinct has been unveiled by Melbourne developer Woodlink.

BATES SMART