On the right track: Ormond Place gets the green light

On the right track: Ormond Place gets the green light
Laurence DragomirSeptember 19, 2017

The development of a 13-storey apartment building as part of a larger site development at Ormond Station to be called Ormond Place can proceed following approval from Planning Minister Richard Wynne. The approval comes following a public hearing held at Planning Panels Victoria and based on advice from a Standing Advisory Committee in and which drew strong community backlash against what has been dubbed the 'Sky Tower.'

Ormond Place will be delivered by VicTrack and developer DealCorp who has engaged architects Clarke Hopkins Clarke to develop a concept for a mixed-use scheme above Ormond Station. The station's rebuild was completed last year as part of the Level Crossing Removal project.

The development peaks at 13 storeys along North Road and drops to 6 storeys further away from the major thoroughfare. A supermarket and shops are expected adjacent to the station entry, whilst townhouses will be developed along Newham Grove, concealing the car parking beyond.

On the right track: Ormond Place gets the green light
The 13-storey over site development (OSD) to be developed above Ormond Station. Image: VicTrack

A material palette has been employed which draws on the local context and character of the area, featuring timber, red brick and a more contemporary light brick, with an integrated landscape strategy to soften the buildings visually.

Ormond Place aims to build on VicTrack's mandate of developing surplus rail land into higher density outcomes with traditional developers brought in as development partners. IKON Glen Waverley is complete, while Jewell Station and Hampton Station precinct are also in the works.

Jewell Station 

On the right track: Ormond Place gets the green light
Jewell Station's new Urban Village. Images: BKK Architects

A partnership between VicTrack and Neometro, the redevelopment of the Jewell Station precinct in Brunswick seeks to create a "New Urban Village." following approval of plans of the station precinct development in 2016.

As part of the development, existing derelict buildings on VicTrack-owned land will be replaced by two 8-storey mixed-use buildings, containing ground floor retail and 122 one, two and three bedroom apartments.

The development will help fund improvements to the station forecourt and public realm with the historic Jewell Station building forming the centrepiece of this key civic space. The station forecourt will also feature a community garden area and artistic and cultural spaces for the local community.

Access to the station will also be improved as part of the development with a new ramp and stairs, increased bike parking, and the upgrade of the Upfield bike path.

Hampton Station precinct

On the right track: Ormond Place gets the green light
A working image for Hampton Station precinct. Image: epc.Pacific

Developer epc.Pacific is working with VicTrack and the Department of Health and Human Services to deliver a new $120 million predominantly residential precinct alongside Hampton Station.

Intended to become an exemplary residential project, Village @ Hampton as it has been dubbed sits on a 7,056sqm tract of land. Apartments along with a new retail/entertainment and new public plaza are envisaged.

According to epc.Pacific's website "the design of the project is being undertaken by internationally recognised and highly awarded Australian Design companies, Ashton Raggatt McDougall (ARM) Architects, Jam Architects and Rush Wright. Fronting Koolkuna Lane, the overhaul is slated to begin shortly.

Laurence Dragomir

Laurence Dragomir is one of the co-founders of Urban Melbourne. Laurence has developed a wealth of knowledge and experience working in both the private and public sector specialising in architecture, urban design and planning. He also has a keen interest in the built environment, cities and Star Wars.

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