Laurence Dragomir

A closer look at Melbourne's booming hotel sector

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A project <a href="/news/talking-the-talk-386-412-william-street-melbourne">first covered by Urban.com.au way back in 2013</a> has found a new purpose, with owner MIT Group Holdings joining the growing chorus of developers adapting their development intentions to commercial use.

Spanning a 4,000 sqm site at 386-412 William Street on the northern cusp of Melbourne's CBD, the development to be known simply as '388 William' will see a change of use from residential to commercial, with the original hotel component retained as per approved plans.

Already this month we have seen Charter Hall apply for a <a href="/news/charter-hall-unveils-1-5-billion-redevelopment-of-555-collins-street">dual commercial tower scheme across 555 Collins Street and 55 King Street</a> on the western edge of the Hoddle Grid, superseding a failed residential scheme.

Founders of MIT Group Holdings, Shesh Ghale and his wife Jamuna Gurung have retained Elenberg Fraser as the architects for 388 William, with only minor cosmetic changes to the endorsed design and change of use sought. This is to allow for the creation of contiguous flexible floorplates of up to 2,800 sqm.

<blockquote>
"We are just in-filling between the towers for the bigger floor plates required by offices, so we're working in anticipation of approval."

- Shesh Ghale, via the <a href="http://www.afr.com/leadership/afr-lists/rich-list/how-the-rich-invest-shesh-ghale-and-the-stroll-that-saved-him-millions-20190204-h1atyf">AFR</a>
</blockquote>

Overall, 20,000 sqm NLA of A-grade office space will be provided across levels 2-10 with MIT Holdings seeking tenants for the office space - Colliers International and JLL have been charged with the leasing campaign.

A five-star hotel with 290 keys will occupy the remaining floors above, while retail will also be provided to the lower floors within the shell of the existing former Mazda dealership.

<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/388w_office.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="A reimagined 388 William Street. Image: Sinclair Brook" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="487" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/388w_office.jpg?itok=od17WXD8" title="A reimagined 388 William Street. Image: Sinclair Brook" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A reimagined 388 William Street. Image: Sinclair Brook</figcaption></figure>388 William will be targeting a 5 Star Green Star Rating and 5 Star NABERS Energy Rating and featuring a high-tech building management system. Tenants in the building will also have access to the hotel facilities which are set to include a pool, gym, Rooftop Bar, amongst others.

Sinclair Brook has been appointed to manage the project on behalf of MIT with site works expected to commence this year and targeting a 2022 completion. 
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388 William joins the growing chorus of office developments in Melbourne

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Charter Hall has announced it has submitted a planning application for a $1.5 billion office development at 555 Collins Street, Melbourne via its Prime Office Fund (CPOF). Charter Hall acquired the site in October 2018 from previous owner Fragrance Group, who failed to get its 46-storey apartment tower off the ground. 

Located on the prominent corner of Collins and King Street, the 555 Collins Street development occupies a 4,620 sqm site with almost 50m of frontage along Collins Street and 100m of frontage to King Street including the 
adjoining CPOF owned 55 King Street.

Pending development approval and tenant pre-commitments, the combined site provides a unique opportunity for CPOF to stage a redevelopment across the two parcels of land, with a separate application for demolition of the existing Enterprise House on site already submitted.

<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/555c_collins_st.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="555 Collins Street. Image: Charter Hall"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="750" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/555c_collins_st.jpg?itok=Lmp3-XxX" title="555 Collins Street. Image: Charter Hall" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>555 Collins Street. Image: Charter Hall</figcaption></figure>Charter Hall has engaged local architects Cox Architecture to partner with global design and architecture firm, Gensler on the project. The collaboration brings together the partners’ innate local knowledge with a unique global viewpoint of leading workspace design trends. 
According to Charter Hall, the new commercial tower and future precinct represents a rare opportunity to create a lasting legacy of premium grade office buildings in a pivotal location.

Stage 1 of the proposed redevelopment will deliver approximately 45,000 sqm of Premium Grade, technology-enabled office space spanning 35 levels.

The proposed design includes an activated ground plane with connections between Collins Street, King street and Flinders Lane, a premium retail hub with food and beverage outlets and a landmark health and wellbeing offering.

The building will be one of the city’s most sustainable office buildings, targeting 6 Star Green Star, 5 Star NABERS Energy and Platinum WELL certification.

Cox Architecture and Gensler's vision for the precinct responds to a simple question; "what makes a great building?" In responding to this, the development team have taken a people-first approach at 555 Collins Street  - ensuring it becomes a statement of values and beliefs, designed to unlock the full potential of its tenants.

Charter Hall has appointed JLL and Colliers as conjunctional leasing agents for the project, with completion targeted for mid-2022.

<h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
“Our approach to workplace design is entrenched in extensive research into what tenants truly want and need, now and in the future. Through this people-centric approach, we are committed to creating workplace experiences which are designed to foster community, an instinctive way of working and ultimately result in a better workday for our tenant customers.

The vision for the site is to create a workplace experience like no other, where people will feel connected, inspired and engaged with their working day, and we are excited by this innovative methodology and how this development will shape the future of workplace.” 

- Simon Stockfeld, Charter Hall’s Regional Development Director
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
“CPOF is actively growing its existing $5.4 billion portfolio of high quality assets. A redeveloped 555 Collins will further enhance CPOF’s portfolio quality and total return metrics and deliver our Fund investors a coveted new Premium Grade office building in the tightly held western core of Melbourne’s CBD, a location favoured by major corporate, legal and government occupiers.” 

-  Matthew Brown, CPOF Fund Manager
</blockquote>
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Charter Hall unveils $1.5 billion redevelopment of 555 Collins Street

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Located in close proximity to entertainment, food and retail precincts of Acland, Fitzroy and Chapel Streets, SAINT introduces a unique hybrid typology to St Kilda’s apartment market.

Designed by SJB the five-storey complex comprises 51 apartments and four townhouses, with SAINT's defining feature its striking brick exterior, which adds a tactile response to the streetscape.

In conceiving the building's architectural and urban response, the design team adopted cues from the area’s signature brick walk-up flats, using masonry and steel to provide a contemporary interpretation of the neighbourhood’s architectural vernacular.

<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/mr_a_21193_saint_ap_4001.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="SAINT's highly tactile urban response. Image: Aaron Puls"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="437" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mr_a_21193_saint_ap_4001.jpg?itok=IWrPhrvr" title="SAINT's highly tactile urban response. Image: Aaron Puls" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>SAINT's highly tactile urban response. Image: Aaron Puls</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
“SAINT is a medium-sized, modest residential project and the hand-laid brick throughout directly connects materiality, craftsmanship and a domestic scale of construction.

The project aims to create a strong residential community. We encouraged walkability and social interaction by allowing for extensive, light-filled corridors, walkways and gardens.

Cliff makes these rectilinear geometric forms that are strong and planar with organic-looking erosions in them. We worked closely with him on how they could be integrated to almost become part of the structural components of the building.

The beauty of this artwork is that it gives something back to the streetscape, while also engaging with the development’s residents.

We wanted to create a journey punctuated with landscaped moments. From the street front to the rear of the development where the red-brick townhouses are, you journey past and through light-filled and green garden environments that break the walk.

SAINT is about moments – providing visual cues that are strong, simple and highly crafted. You journey from outside to in and the materiality comes with you. It was about taking little moments and marrying the interiors and the architecture.” 

- Tristan Wong, SJB director of architecture 
</blockquote>

The buildings are arranged around private landscaped areas, including an internal courtyard, gardens to the rear of the townhouses and a rooftop garden on level three. According to the architects, the courtyard incision performs multiple functions – it provides light and ventilation to residences, common spaces and a ground level walkway, and a micro-ecosystem.

Defining the project’s Carlisle Street elevation, two cantilevered forms clad in grey brick levitate over a sculptural colonnade created by Melbourne artist Cliff Burtt. Called Section, Burtt’s work is a series of ‘eroded’ Corten steel columns that lead into the building itself, seemingly supporting it.

SJB were determined to fully integrate the work of a local artist into the development, in a way that didn’t feel like simply a token gesture, and which would contribute to St Kilda’s reputation as a vibrant artistic community.

<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/mr_a_21193_saint_ap_245.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The material paeltte draws on surrounding vernacular. Image: Aaron Puls"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="884" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mr_a_21193_saint_ap_245.jpg?itok=2ILwpYbG" title="The material paeltte draws on surrounding vernacular. Image: Aaron Puls" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The material paeltte draws on surrounding vernacular. Image: Aaron Puls</figcaption></figure>Internally, the apartments and townhouses showcases two unique monochromatic and natural themes defined by the materiality of the exterior and Burtt’s sculpture. A warm bronze palette is inspired by Cliff’s Corten steel while a darker coloured palette speaks to the exteriors’ masonry and black steel. The interiors include timber flooring, matching veneer treatments with porcelain benchtops, vanities and tiling.

The architects sought to create a good example of hybrid multi-residential living, proving that art and architecture, craftsmanship and sustainability, can be seamlessly integrated to create a healthy, happy community. It's fair to say they have succeeded.

Lead image: Aaron Puls
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No sinner - SJB's latest apartment project brings a craftman's touch to St Kilda

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The City of Melbourne via its Future Melbourne Committee last night resolved to provide support for an amended design to Lendlease's Melbourne Quarter Tower in Docklands.

Replacing an earlier endorsed scheme for a 27-storey office building of 92,086 sqm (GFA), the revised design would instead rise 32-storeys above Wurundjeri Way for an overall height of 147.15m and a GFA of 101,998sqm, thus making it Docklands' tallest building.

Height and GFA aside, the form of the tower has also changed with Woods Bagot adopting a 'curved' sweeping form that is concave in plan to the west and a concave to the east. This replaces DCM's more rectilinear scheme which also included a protruding volume at its summit, known as the 'Sky Room'.

Internally the new scheme also features four x three-storey terraces above level 21, where the low-rise lift banks drop-off, though City of Melbourne believes these could be better expressed externally to aid in reducing the visual mass of the tower further.

<blockquote>
"Noting the visibility of the form particularly from across the Fairfax building, we encourage the more direct expression of the terrace and common areas where the low rise lift drops off above Level 21. The expression of 
these spaces in the elevation would greatly enhance the presentation of this long elevation through creating ‘moments’ of interest centrally within the façade, with depth, shadow play and vegetation visible. A shift to a legible winter garden or louvred glazing approach would be strongly encouraged."

- City of Melbourne's Urban Design team
</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/mqt_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A reimagined Melbourne Quarter Tower. Image: Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="884" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mqt_0.jpg?itok=512liRq0" title="A reimagined Melbourne Quarter Tower. Image: Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A re-imagined Melbourne Quarter Tower. Image: Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure>The City of Melbourne's Urban Design team was otherwise supportive of the design changes highlighting the curvilinear form as adding to the diversity of the architecture in the area.  According to the Urban Design Team, the introduction of fins to add shade and depth and an ordering grid was also a welcome addition however, encouraged further development of this.

Meanwhile, work continues on another Woods Bagot-designed commercial tower in the precinct - the 25-storey Two Melbourne Quarter, with the first of the facade panels installed.

Two Melbourne Quarter joins Fender Katsalidis' East Tower which is shooting up to its eventual height of 143m and 41-storeys.

<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/redden_2mq.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="L-R: Two Melbourne Quarter | East Tower. Images: redden"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="216" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/redden_2mq.jpg?itok=3D2McpxK" title="L-R: Two Melbourne Quarter | East Tower. Images: redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>L-R: Two Melbourne Quarter | East Tower. Images: redden</figcaption></figure>Lendlease has already completed One Melbourne Quarter and stage 1 of the SkyPark, with the second stage to be delivered as part of Melbourne Quarter Tower.

With City of Melbourne's support in hand, the final planning hurdle to overcome remains Planning Minister Richard Wynne, although this would appear to be a mere formality.

It is expected Lendlease will look to secure an anchor tenant or significant pre-commitment for Melbourne Quarter Tower prior to commencing construction.
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City of Melbourne provides support for revised Melbourne Quarter Tower

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This week Apartments.com.au reaches a significant milestone with our podcast cracking a half century. My guest today is Catherine Sietkiewicz, Senior Content Manager at <a href="http://www.neuemedia.com.au/">Neue Media</a>. In a wide ranging chat Catherine and I discuss:

<ul>
<li>Catherine's role at Neue Media and her history with the company having started there from day 1</li>
	<li>What Neue Media does and what a typical day looks like in the Neue Media office</li>
	<li>Moving to Melbourne from Auckland</li>
	<li>The change from freelancing to full time work.</li>
	<li>Catherine's flexible working arrangements and Neue Media's support of flexible working</li>
	<li>Catherine's perceptions/observations of the property and development industry</li>
	<li>How her view and experience of Melbourne has changed as a result of working within the industry.</li>
	<li>Her favourite neighbourhoods and features of Melbourne including her love of the Yarra River.</li>
</ul>
<iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/614472516&amp;color=%23ff5500&amp;auto_play=false&amp;hide_related=false&amp;show_comments=true&amp;show_user=true&amp;show_reposts=false&amp;show_teaser=true" width="100%"></iframe>

Look out for next week's podcast with Andrei Dolnikvo, CEO and Founder of <a href="https://www.binyan.com.au/#/">Binyan Studios</a>.

Click <a href="/guides">here</a> to listen to all 49 previous podcasts.
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Podcast - Episode 50: Neue Media's Catherine Sietkiewicz

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This week I sit down with Lucent Development Manager Sophie Whittakers. This follows on from Apartments.com.au being invited on <a href="/news/urban-goes-onsite-with-lucent-at-lt-miller-nightingale">a site tour of Lt. Miller &amp; Nightingale last month</a>, which Sophie was kind enough to facilitate. 

Sophie and I chat about a range of topics including:

<ul>
<li>How Sophie and her team went in the Oxfam 100km Trek</li>
	<li>Sophie's professional background from studying interior design to working abroad at an architecture firm to studying construction management and;</li>
	<li>Sophie also provides a bit of background on how she found herself working at Lucent and its history</li>
	<li>Has planning become a bit of a box ticking exercise in Victoria</li>
	<li>Are planning outcomes clearly communicated in the planning scheme</li>
	<li>We touch on Lucent's next project - <a href="/buildings/the-stewart-collective-269-stewart-street-brunswick-east">The Stewart Collective</a> and;</li>
	<li>I also ask Sophie which projects (if any) she admires or would have liked to have worked on.</li>
</ul>
Listen below for the full interview.

<blockquote>
"Density is an important thing, because we can't keep continuing to have cities sprawling out the way they do..."
</blockquote>

<iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/603737448&amp;color=%23ff5500&amp;auto_play=false&amp;hide_related=false&amp;show_comments=true&amp;show_user=true&amp;show_reposts=false&amp;show_teaser=true" width="100%"></iframe>
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Podcast - Episode 49: Lucent's Sophie Whittakers

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MAB’s 7 Ormond development at University Hill has proven to be a success with medical professionals including specialists in paediatrics, psychology, gastroenterology and endoscopy snapping up suites in the $18 million project.

Positioned between the Austin Hospital in Heidelberg and the Northern Hospital in Epping, 7 Ormond is surrounded by universities, private schools and a major retail precinct in a rapid growth corridor 18 km north of the Melbourne CBD.

In the last seven months, the first stage has seen 16 out of 22 suites sold, with approximately 60% of the sales attributed to medical occupants, many of whom are relocating or expanding from medical suites located in Melbourne’s north.

<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/mabc9791_bundoora_precinct_ia01_lobby_updated.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Interior render of 7 Ormond lobby. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mabc9791_bundoora_precinct_ia01_lobby_updated.jpg?itok=5fhp_Gxe" title="Interior render of 7 Ormond lobby. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Interior render of 7 Ormond lobby. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure>Dr Luke Sammartino, one of the busiest paediatricians in Melbourne’s north, purchased a 150 sqm suite after outgrowing his current clinic, with the new location allowing him to open a multi-modal ‘one stop shop’ clinic.

Joining Dr Sammartino at 7 Ormond will be Professor Antonio Paolini, a Clinical Neuroscientist and the CEO of higher education provider ISN Psychology, who was one of the first purchasers in the development.

According to Professor Paolini, the appeal for him was 7 Ormond's strategic location within an emerging medical hub, and its proximity to the existing teaching facilitie nearbys.

MAB released the second stage of 7 Ormond in February and says it expects to draw further interest from medical professionals.  Stage two will have its own entry, dedicated lift and amenities with office suites ranging in size from 65 - 130 sqm.

Construction commenced on 7 Ormond in November last year and is expected to be completed in September 2019.

<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/mabc10235_9_ormond_e01_hero.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The low-rise development has been a big hit with the medical sector. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="348" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mabc10235_9_ormond_e01_hero.jpg?itok=Kv_-flec" title="The low-rise development has been a big hit with the medical sector. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The low-rise development has been a big hit with the medical sector. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
“There are many reasons we are excited to be moving to 7 Ormond - the schematics of the building are absolutely beautiful. University Hill is becoming a medical precinct and this particular purpose-built building will allow us to expand to have five additional staff.

7 Ormond has afforded us the flexibility of size and location and is easy to get to from north, south, east and west with plenty of car parking. The proximity to other medical professionals will also provide a sense of collegiality within a commercial hub environment.”

- Dr Luke Sammartino, Paediatrician
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
“Bundoora, and especially University Hill, is well positioned as a major access point for a growing population. The medical hub emerging at Bundoora and 7 Ormond, will help us grow our service offerings and utilise cutting edge treatment options for mental health. 

We were also impressed by the design of the building - its elegant exterior and position presents an element of style and tranquility.”

- Professor Antonio Paolini, Clinical Neuroscientist and CEO of ISN Psychology
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
“University Hill in Bundoora is definitely becoming a key medical precinct within Melbourne’s fast growing northern suburbs. MAB is pleased to contribute well designed and flexible office space that enables medical professionals to grow their practices.” 

- Raphael Poggi, Development Manager MAB
</blockquote>
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MAB attracts medical professionals to its University Hill development

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In this week's episode, I chat to Castran Gilbert Directors Michael Lang and David Howard about the current state of the market. We cover a lot of points from Michael's <a href="/news/debunking-the-bad-market-myth">Debunking the 'bad market' myth</a> piece that he penned on Apartments.com.au at the beginning of the month.

Topics covered also include the factors which come into play when looking at the health of the market, the types of development models which tend to perform well in any market and why the current conditions reflect a 'normal' market not a catastrophe.

<iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/596562852&amp;color=%23ff5500&amp;auto_play=false&amp;hide_related=false&amp;show_comments=true&amp;show_user=true&amp;show_reposts=false&amp;show_teaser=true" width="100%"></iframe>
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Podcast - Episode 48: Castran Gilbert's Michael Lang and David Howard on the state of the market

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Construction has commenced on GPT Group's $300 million office development at 32 Smith Street in Parramatta with representatives from the development team and anchor tenant QBE on hand to mark the occasion at a ground breaking ceremony last Friday.

<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/0d3a9232.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="L-R: Matthew Faddy, GPT Head of Office &amp; Logistics Renee Roberts, QBE Australia Pacific Chief Operating Officer Mark Curzon, Director at Fender Katsalidis. Image: Supplied" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="451" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/0d3a9232.jpg?itok=grpuRi-B" title="L-R: Matthew Faddy, GPT Head of Office &amp; Logistics Renee Roberts, QBE Australia Pacific Chief Operating Officer Mark Curzon, Director at Fender Katsalidis. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>L-R: Matthew Faddy, GPT Head of Office &amp; Logistics Renee Roberts, QBE Australia Pacific Chief Operating Officer Mark Curzon, Director at Fender Katsalidis. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure>The 29-storey tower has been designed by Fender Katsalidis Architects (FKA) and joins the growing chorus of projects reinvigorating Parramatta and reinforcing its credentials as a design-led city.

Located on a 2,439 sqm gateway site on the corner of Smith and Phillip streets, 32 Smith Street, is just a stone's throw away from the $1.2 billion Riverbank cultural and entertainment precinct, and the $2 billion Parramatta Square.

Parramatta Square represents NSW's largest urban renewal project and will upon completion, provide new chambers for Parramatta City Council, a public library and a vertical campus for Western Sydney University.

These projects,together with pother major commercial and residential projects, including the restoration of the historic, 700-seat Roxy Theatre are leading the charge for Parramatta as it sets its sights on becoming Sydney’s second CBD. 

On the design front, FKA have conceived a tower which it says gracefully opens up the site’s ground level to the public with a set-back podium and two softly rounded, pebble-like forms that encourage pedestrian usage.

According to FKA, the tower is simple in form and has been shaped as a building in the round, with its curved pebble form reducing glare and wind to create a "friendly sculptural tower."

<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/fkmed_17020_6262.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="32 Smith Street's forecourt. Image: Supplied" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="425" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/fkmed_17020_6262.jpg?itok=VZacbr8g" title="32 Smith Street's forecourt. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>32 Smith Street's forecourt. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure>The Fender Katsalidis design was selected from a competitive jury process led by the Parramatta City Council with its sense of civic contribution amongst the design's strong points.

The tower is imagined as a glazed form which rises above this civic ground level, creating what will become the most translucent building on the Parramatta skyline.

32 Smith Street has also been designed with an eye on the future. Its car parking is raised 12m above ground, to a full-height storey, allowing for future conversion to commercial programme.

Located above the car parking is an “oasis level” featuring an outdoor terrace that provides views to the Parramatta River, as well as a datum which responds to the existing scale of the street wall, highlighting the base of the tower.

At its summit, the building is crowned by a tree-lined open-air terrace, allowing tenants elevated views of Parramatta River and the emerging Parramatta skyline beyond.

Insurer QBE will move into the building as its major tenant, when it is completed in late-2020.

<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/fkmed_17020_6266.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="32 Smith Street's street level interface. Image: Supplied" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="420" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/fkmed_17020_6266.jpg?itok=TqahkZNf" title="32 Smith Street's street level interface. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>32 Smith Street's street level interface. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
“GPT is excited to be delivering such a well-designed and future thinking asset into Parramatta. 32 Smith will be Parramatta’s standout office building and will play an important role in the transformation of the Parramatta CBD that is now underway.”

- Matthew Faddy, GPT’s Head of Office &amp; Logistics
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
 “Parramatta is currently undergoing a marvellous urban renewal and it’s notable for the quality of design on a number of significant cultural and commercial projects. 

We are extremely proud of this project and believe it makes a significant contribution to the design-led renewal of Parramatta. Both the City of Parramatta and the NSW Government are driving this with a strong vision for the city to become a world-class business, arts and education centre with excellent design underpinning the emerging precinct.

We recognised the way pedestrians currently move around the site, which is on Parramatta’s primary north–south axis, and wanted to both open up the corner and provide a strong visual connection to the river.

The pedestrian flow-lines began to shape the podium into soft, pebble-like forms. These open up the river vista and create an impressive north-facing urban ‘room’, an open-air gathering space given shelter and shade by the building’s main tower form.

We worked hard at transforming the existing street wall into one cohesive, dynamic public realm and commercial environment.”

- Mark Curzon, Fender Katsalidis director
</blockquote>

 
</body></html>

32 Smith Street's construction continues the rise of Parramatta

Prominent Bondi developer RnB Property Group is making its mark in Byron.

The developer, who is currently delivering boutique developments Mangata and Allara in Vaucluse, has filed for a boutique shoptop development on Byron Bay's dress circle Marvell Street.

The near $11 million plans, for an amalgamated site across 5 Marvell Lane and 8 Marvell Street, will see 10 three-bedroom apartments developed across a four-level building, above two ground floor retail spaces and basement parking, accessed from Marvell Lane.

<img alt="Marvell Ln, Byron Bay 2481 NSW" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="621b55e5-5b0a-40c0-984a-47d716814e1b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Byron%20bay%20da%20pers.png?VersionId=MJyJqMzfMqom4a.l9EIiIZW8cYP24Mf1" />

The apartments, designed by&nbsp;SRH Architecture, will range in size between 114 sqm and 220 sqm.

SRH’s architectural plans indicate a contemporary façade treatment with varied setbacks to address both Marvell Street and Marvell Lane frontages.&nbsp;

Landscaped common areas are proposed, including 134 sqm of gardens, while deep planting is incorporated to improve the interface with surrounding properties.

BASIX commitments show the project exceeding NSW sustainability targets, achieving a water score of 49 against the target of 40, and an energy score of 61 over the target of 60. All apartments have been designed to achieve compliance with thermal performance standards.

<img alt="Marvell Ln, Byron Bay 2481 NSW" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="be1365f4-91b0-4c79-9e30-b91c6867140b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Marvel%20St%20byron%20bay.png?VersionId=PXxTyxp.HkNEQxiIwuUDlbQn2f.UC_l5" />

The development would involve the demolition of a single storey cottage on the site.

RNB Property Group has developed across Sydney's affluent eastern suburbs for decades. They met with the Byron Bay Council prior to the recent submission. They only received one written submission from locals, who requested a redesign of the building to respond more&nbsp;to the local context through form, material palette and native landscaping.

Changes to aspects of the design have been undertaken in response to the feedback.

Joel Robinson

Eastern Suburbs developer heads north to Byron's Marvell Street

Once home to MacRobertson’s Garage and Workshop, a small corner of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/fitzroy-vic-3065">Fitzroy</a> is soon to host a new sculptural landmark, with its design intent rooted in the textures and stories of the streets around it.

Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/chapter-group">Chapter Group</a> in partnership with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/cdl-australia">CDL Australia</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/crema-group">Crema</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/fitzroy-fitzroy-411-421-smith-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">Fitzroy Fitzroy</a> comprises 63 one, two, and three-bedroom apartments behind the heritage brick façade.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=14394 project_image_fid=183064]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dko-architecture">DKO Architecture</a> led the design process with a clear vision.

“What really inspired our vision for Fitzroy Fitzroy was to create almost a sculpture that could sit on the actual heritage base itself,” says Koos de Keijzer, Founder and Principal at DKO.&nbsp;

The design team shaped the western side of the nine-storey building into a chamfer, opening interiors to light and views while defining the building’s distinctive form.

The façade’s rhythm is broken by recessed loggias.

"We feel quite strongly about loggias, an outside area that sits inside and is quite protected from the wind and from the sun. We've also got these Juliet balconies where&nbsp;the wall starts to open up just to captivate the outdoors and bring it indoors.”

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=14394 project_image_fid=183066]

Inside, DKO crafted flexible layouts to encourage residents to live their own way.

“We really wanted to create something which people have an individual say on how they live,” says Michael Drescher, DKO's Interior Design Director.

Kitchens feature two contrasting stones, a durable surface at the cooktop and a natural stone island, with abundant storage and built-in banquet seating to encourage shared meals and socialising.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=14394 project_image_fid=183071]

Bathrooms carry the same stone for a cohesive aesthetic, informed by hotel design cues to create “a high level of glamorous” while remaining highly functional.

On levels seven and eight, apartments are tucked behind the building’s chamfer, creating outdoor terraces that range from expansive entertaining areas to sheltered, intimate spaces beneath the pitched rooflines.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=14394 project_image_fid=1010]

Residents also have access to a rooftop retreat with panoramic views, alongside the Smith Club, a private lounge for social gatherings, and a laneway arcade linking Smith and Leicester Streets, a deliberate nod to Melbourne’s arcade culture.

For de Keijzer, the outcome is a project that feels inherently local, that that is “truly authentic in a Fitzroy context”.&nbsp;

Fitzroy Fitzroy is already 70 per cent sold, attracting predominantly local owner-occupiers. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/cobild">Cobild</a> is expecting to complete construction in Q4 2025, with residents moving in shortly after.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=14394]

For Koos de Keijzer, Founder and Principal at DKO, the outcome is a project that feels inherently local, that that is “truly authentic in a Fitzroy context”

Fitzroy Fitzroy: Designed by locals, rooted in place

Chevron Island is set for a little slice of New York with the upcoming completion of Greenwich, the newest development by Ention Properties.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/greenwich-surfers-paradise-30-anembo-street-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Greenwich</a>, a boutique 15-level development with just 46 apartments on Anembo Street, just off Chevron Island Park, has been designed by Ferro Chow to look like Manhattan's famous Flatiron Building.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6647 project_image_fid=171555]

Ention has refined the design and the make-up of the building over several years, reducing the number of apartments and increasing the internal floor areas of the apartments.

The remaining apartments for sale, which start from over 100 sqm and range in size up to the 209 sqm, penthouse-style offering, start from just over $1,129,000. There are a handful of two and three-bedrooms remaining, each with views over the Gold Coast skyline and waterways from the balconies and living areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6647 project_image_fid=183797]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ferro-chow-architects">Ferro Chow Architects</a> led the design, placing emphasis on curved forms, expansive arched floor-to-ceiling windows, and a natural palette that connects the interiors with the parkland and river landscape.&nbsp;

Each apartment features wide-plank oak flooring and a refined materials palette, including marbled stone kitchens and premium Miele and V-ZUG appliances.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6647 project_image_fid=183798]

Greenwich’s amenity is anchored by a rooftop pavilion dedicated exclusively to residents, comprising an infinity-edge pool, daybeds, poolside cabanas, a BBQ area, and a yoga and relaxation lawn.

The elevated vantage point offers sweeping city and water views, complementing the project's positioning at the quiet residential end of Chevron Island, but also just off the Thomas St village strip.

Jayde Pezet, Director at Pezet Matheson, says buyers have been drawn to the central location of the development, abutting public open space, with water and skyline views.&nbsp;

"Greenwich offers residents unparalleled walkability to HOTA, waterways, Surfers Paradise golf course, beaches and dining precincts.&nbsp;Also the stunning architectural design of the towers facade coupled with exquisite rooftop amenity has drawn attention from buyers and local residents alike."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6647]

Jayde Pezet, Director at Pezet Matheson, says buyers have been drawn to the central location of the development, abutting public open space, with water and skyline views

Ention Properties release final Greenwich, Chevron Island apartments ahead of September completion

Three years after completion, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> on the Parramatta River remains one of the suburb's most distinctive residential towers, not just for its 46-storey presence on the water, but for its integration of the Southern Hemisphere’s first fully robotic car park, now well-proven in daily use.

Delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a> and EQ Construction and designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the $300 million development brought 414 apartments to Parramatta’s CBD fringe at a time when the city was undergoing rapid transformation into Sydney’s second CBD.

The nine-level basement, combining three conventional parking levels with six automated levels, was designed and installed by German firm Lödige Industries using its Cubile technology. The system has now been in continuous operation for three years, handling 327 vehicles through five transfer cabins.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=5369]

Residents drive into the cabins, and flat robots move their cars to available bays without ramps or human intervention. The technology is compatible with all common cars and SUVs up to 2.5 tonnes and typically retrieves vehicles within minutes via a smartphone app.

By storing up to 60 per cent more vehicles than a conventional design, the automated format reduced excavation depth during construction and continues to deliver operational benefits, including lower emissions from underground vehicle movements and improved resident safety.

NOVM CEO and Executive Director Adrian Liaw said the decision to adopt the technology was aligned with the team’s focus on both efficiency and resident experience.

“For The Lennox we wanted both a modern functionality and timeless aesthetic combined with our customary meticulous quality and craftsmanship. The automated parking technology from Lödige Industries offers both the innovative functionality and luxurious user experience we were keen to create and the performance we needed to see.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=5371]

The Lennox offers a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, all designed with open-plan living areas that extend to private balconies.&nbsp;

Interiors are finished in neutral tones, complemented by engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops and integrated appliances, while many residences on the upper levels enjoy expansive river and district views.

Resident facilities are centred around The Watermark precinct, a 20-metre indoor heated pool, outdoor terrace, BBQ areas, gym, fitness studio and conference room. Ground-floor retail fronts the river walk, linking directly to public open space.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=5370]

Since The Lennox’s completion, Parramatta has continued to experience population growth and infrastructure investment, with the light rail under construction and the Metro West line expected to link the CBD to Sydney in around 20 minutes.&nbsp;

Waterfront residential opportunities remain limited, with most prime sites either developed or earmarked for public use. In a market where on-site parking ratios are trending down in new approvals, The Lennox’s combination of a high-capacity robotic car park and established riverfront address continues to differentiate it among completed stock.

A limited selection of apartments at The Lennox remain available, with immediate occupancy.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

Riverfront living with Australia’s most advanced residential parking system at The Lennox, Parramatta

Melbourne-based developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/progressio-developments">Progressio Developments</a> has timed the launch of its latest residential project to perfection.

Their new development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-camberwell-936-938-toorak-road-camberwell-vic-3146">Crest Camberwell</a>, taps into a significantly undersupplied market in Camberwell, where new apartment projects are increasingly rare. Progressio is not only filling that gap but also catering to a broader range of buyers—something that's uncommon in boutique apartment buildings, which typically feature uniform configurations and price points.

Located on a prime Toorak Road site, just a short walk from the bustling Burke Road commercial strip, Crest Camberwell comprises just 12 exclusive apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=9177 project_image_fid=350647]

Prices at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-camberwell-936-938-toorak-road-camberwell-vic-3146">Crest Camberwell</a> start at $770,000 for the one-bedroom apartments. The two-beds are priced at $1.49 million, and the large three-bedroom residences, with two parking spaces, are $1.66 million.

Designed by Melbourne-based architecture studio <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/splinter-society">Splinter Society</a>, Crest’s architectural expression draws on Camberwell’s heritage character, incorporating brick-inspired materials and bronze detailing.&nbsp;

The building’s massing and orientation are designed to capture green views while integrating with the established streetscape.&nbsp;Natural materials including travertine, textured concrete and timber feature throughout, both externally and internally.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=9177 project_image_fid=350647]

The interiors prioritise scale and natural light, with open-plan layouts that extend to large balconies equipped with full-height sliding doors.&nbsp;

Integrated appliances from Fisher &amp; Paykel and V-ZUG, along with custom joinery, brass tapware and stone benchtops, are standard inclusions across all residences.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=9177 project_image_fid=350650]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-camberwell-936-938-toorak-road-camberwell-vic-3146">Crest</a> incorporates landscape design by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/john-patrick-landscape-architects">John Patrick</a>, with a focus on low-maintenance planting and visual cohesion between the building and surrounding environment.&nbsp;

At ground level, greenery softens the building’s street presence and enhances resident privacy.

The development has been designed with energy efficiency in mind, achieving a 7-star rating. Features include double glazing, solar passive design principles, and materials selected for thermal performance and durability.

Farey &amp; Co is marketing Crest Camberwell. They are fielding enquiry from local downsizers predominantly, those who are looking for a well-located apartment in a small block with few neighbours.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=9177]

Laurence Dragomir

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