Aspial - World Class Land

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<p>Located on the prime location of 70 Southbank Boulevard, Southbank, Australia 108 is just a short walk from the promenade, the Yarra River and the bars and restaurants that line it.</p>

<p>The units are sized between 47 and 391 square metres, have parking spaces and are close to both tram and train lines for those who prefer to explore Melbourne on foot or via public transport. Of course a total of 1,105 apartments can be an intimidating prospect to a buyer who may not have time to meet all of the neighbours, the cloud-breaking design means that everyone will enjoy both peace and quiet while in wonderment at both the heavens and the earth from an almost mystical location.</p>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/australia-108-70-southbank-boulevard-southbank" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/australia-108-70-southbank-boulevard-southbank-0dfe1090ed92cecc5913c9dcea41f3c5.jpg?itok=PtwFdvOJ" style="width: 580px; height: 435px;"></a></figure><p>From architects Fender Katsalidis, the firm responsible for the similarly imposing Eureka building, great detail has been made to honour the country in which this building stands. Featuring a rotating “golden protrusion” two thirds of the way up, inspired by the Australian flag, is just one insight into how entertaining and luxurious this building actually is. </p>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/australia-108-70-southbank-boulevard-southbank" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/australia-108-70-southbank-boulevard-southbank-bdc0d8a283451d69bba973f194099f52.jpg?itok=_onAXaKI" style="width: 580px; height: 435px;"></a></figure><p>All residents have access to the 70th floor facilities inside the Australia 108 golden protrusion named the Star Club including an infinity pool where it’s possible to look down on an Australia Open match, a gym to hone your own body into peak physical fitness, a private movie theatre for when the view just gets too much, virtual golf for when you just don’t want to leave and an outdoor BBQ for entertaining amongst the clouds (or the stars!).<br>
Amenities include:</p>

<p> </p>

<ul>
<li>Virtual golf</li>
	<li>A games room</li>
	<li>Heated infinity pool</li>
	<li>A private lounge and cabana</li>
	<li>Cinema</li>
	<li>Fitness centre with yoga studio</li>
	<li>Sauna, spa and steam room</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/australia-108-70-southbank-boulevard-southbank" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/australia-108-70-southbank-boulevard-southbank-15d8ef231fd758826834e5b1fcc1dc9b_0.jpg?itok=-cIVR07A" style="width: 580px; height: 435px;"></a></figure>
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Elite excellence with soaring views at Australia 108, Southbank.

urban.com.au

Endearing off-the-plan opportunities for Melbourne's hottest new development

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<p>Singaporean developer <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/aspial-world-class-land">World Class Land</a> has formally appointed <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/brookfield-multiplex">Brookfield Multiplex</a> as builder for Australia 108, with on-site piling to commence in October.</p>

<p>The tower will become <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/projects/australia-108-70-southbank-boulevard-southbank">Melbourne's first super-tall skyscraper</a> measuring 319 metres housing 1,105 apartments over 99 levels. A super-tall skyscraper is a building which measures more 300 metres in height.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.urban.com.au/">Urban.com.au</a> has learned that construction will have five stages. The first stage of construction is scheduled to be completed in 2018 and the entire building will be completed in 2020.</p>

<p>The construction stages have the following milestones:</p>

<ul>
<li>Stage 1: up to level 40, 491 apartments, to be completed late 2018</li>
	<li>Stage 2: up to level 56, 252 apartments, to be completed mid 2019</li>
	<li>Stage 3: up to level 66, 162 apartments, to be completed mid 2019</li>
	<li>Stage 4: up to level 86, 120 apartments, to be completed early 2020</li>
	<li>Stage 5: up to final level, 80 apartments, to be completed mid 2020</li>
</ul>
<p>Stages 2 and 3 will be complete in different months in mid 2019 and the awarded construction contract is valued at $500 million.</p>

<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/aus_108_site_rs.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Australia 108 site in August. Image Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/aus_108_site_rs.jpg?itok=Ve-I7-vk" title="Australia 108 site in August. Image Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Australia 108 site in August. Image Ryan Seychell</figcaption></figure>
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Alastair Taylor

Brookfield Multiplex appointed builder for Australia 108, piling to commence in October

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<p>While one of 2014's tallest residential developments looks to have been brought down to size, another has stepped forward to avail itself as 2015's first 200 metre plus proposal. Breaking the apparent inner-city lull in large-scale proposals during recent months, Southbank may well host one of Melbourne's tallest structures with a 280 metre residential tower proposed according to project architect Crone Partners.</p>

<p>Conversely images have been published online of a revised residential scheme for 54-64 A'Beckett Street in Melbourne's CBD which show a drastically reduced tower as the likely outcome. Sans 30% of its original height, the proposal still maintains its distinctive pinkish facade as envisaged by architects Elenberg Fraser.</p>

<h2>295 City Road</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image30_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="295 City Road. Image © Tim Kirkhope"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="369" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image30_1.jpg?itok=LniU3vYI" title="295 City Road. Image © Tim Kirkhope" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>295 City Road. Image © Tim Kirkhope</figcaption></figure><p>Appearing on architect Crone Partners website in the latter part of 2014, 295 City Road is a residential tower at 261 metres over a 1,161sqm site in Southbank, diagonally opposite the 244 metre <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/projects/elysium-54-clarke-street-southbank">Elysium Tower</a>, a planning application for 295 City Road was shown as lodged with the State government two weeks ago.</p>

<p>Featuring 532 apartments and retail space fronting City Road, Maretree Pty Ltd has been listed as the applicant with Urbis acting on their behalf. </p>

<blockquote>
<p>The project has been rigorously designed in accordance with preliminary advice from the Planning Ministers department and is soon to be lodged for approval with the DPTLI. The development is targeting 532 apartments and seeks to maximise amenity for the residents, neighbours and the broader Southbank community. Crone Partners has worked closely with a team of top tier consultants to ensure the design is robust and functional.</p>

<p>The design skilfully works within the irregular site to optimise the yield, while ensuring the apartments are carefully planned to avoid overlooking whist maximising the spectacular views. Externally, a delicate seraphic frit is applied to a high performance curtain wall to create a diaphanous skin, which cloaks the apartments to offer protection, shade and glare control.</p>
<cite>Crone Partners website</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>54-64 A'Beckett Street</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image34_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Then and now. Image © Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="538" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image34_1.jpg?itok=PG3vB_tp" title="Then and now. Image © Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Then and now. Image © Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure><p>Also lodged during December 2014, a revised 54-64 A'Beckett Street's renders have recently surfaced. <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/projects/australia-108-70-southbank-boulevard-southbank">Australia 108</a> developer Aspial - World Class Land is also behind the A'Beckett Street project, with the initial scheme seeking approval for a 253 metre residential tower yielding 300 one bedroom and 450 two bedroom apartments.</p>

<p>Situated over a 1,280sqm site, Elenberg Fraser have visually condensed the initial scheme from 81 levels to 56 levels, bringing the project in line with the neighbouring MY80 Silver Skies at approximately 175 metres in height. The decrease in scale for the project is in response to feedback from planning authorities, where a Melbourne City Council report stated:</p>

<blockquote>
<p>The key issues of concern are the excessive scale, height and built form of the proposed building, inadequate internal amenity and failure to appropriately respond to development of adjoining sites. A lack of setbacks to site boundaries and limited tower separation to adjacent developments will result in an exceptionally poor outcome for current and future residents.</p>
<cite>Report to the Future Melbourne Committee </cite>
</blockquote>

<p>Both projects are in the long queue of planning applications awaiting a decision from Minister Richard Wynne's office.</p>
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silvermb

One up, one down in the residential tower stakes

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<p>Last week it was announced <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/melbourne-vic">Melbourne's</a> tallest skyscraper was set to be released for sale domestically in February with the remainder of apartments expected to be snapped up after the project's successful launch in Asia. Developed by World Class Land Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of Singapore-based <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/aspial-world-class-land">Aspial</a>, Australia 108 is expected to carry an end value of $1 billion.</p>

<p>With the initial hype and comment over the public launch subsiding, now presents an opportune time to pour over the figures that define Melbourne's next landmark structure.</p>

<h2>From the ground up</h2>

<ul>
<li>Located at <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/projects/australia-108-70-southbank-boulevard-southbank">70 Southbank Boulevard</a> in busy <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/southbank-vic">Southbank</a>
</li>
	<li>100 levels and 319 metres in height</li>
	<li>Designed by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/fender-katsalidis-architects">Fender Katsalidis Architects</a> as an accompaniment to their earlier Southbank project, the 297 metre Eureka Tower</li>
	<li>Retail and lobby/concierge located at ground floor plus porte cochere access</li>
	<li>10 levels of podium car parking: 558 car parks and 310 bicycle spaces</li>
	<li>Level 11 lap pool, sauna, steam room and private theatre as well as indoor and outdoor entertaining areas and external deck</li>
	<li>944 apartments below the starburst including:</li>
	<li>Three studio apartments ranging in size from 53.6 to 57.8 square metres
	<ul>
<li>418 one bedroom, one bathroom apartments ranging in size from 47.1 to 65.7 square metres</li>
		<li>105 two bedroom, one bathroom apartments ranging in size from 57.8 to 66.3 square metres</li>
		<li>418 two bedroom, two bathroom apartments ranging in size from 59.6 to 128.2 square metres</li>
		<li>​Level 70/71 starburst with dual level residential facilities</li>
	</ul>
</li>
	<li>161 Sky residences above the starburst which include:
	<ul>
<li>Three bedroom apartments with either two or three bathrooms. Size ranges from 120.6 to 211.4 square metres</li>
		<li>Penthouses (they are also 3 bed 3 bath) – range from 355.4 to 391.6 square metres</li>
		<li>Penthouse 100 (top floor) – the tallest residence in the southern hemisphere. Customisable, it is 797.4 square metres</li>
	</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2>Exterior</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/tpa8467_australia_108_e01_hero_elevated-2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hero perspective of the Southbank behemoth. Image supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="878" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/tpa8467_australia_108_e01_hero_elevated-2.jpg?itok=znmOAPJ6" title="Hero perspective of the Southbank behemoth. Image supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hero perspective of the Southbank behemoth. Image supplied</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Deep blue facade with white stripes enveloping the facade, and which have integrated LED lighting at visible outside daylight hours</li>
	<li>Starburst feature located 210 metres above ground, inspired by the Federation Star on the Australian Flag</li>
	<li>Similar design impetus to the neighbouring Eureka Tower whose exterior drew inspiration from the Eureka Stockade</li>
	<li>11-level podium features large glazed planter boxes and heavy with greenery providing contrast to City Road's drab frontage</li>
</ul>
<h2>Apartment interior design</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/resisences_06.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Interior of a typical apartment. Image courtesy australia108.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="361" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/resisences_06.jpg?itok=D7erNq20" title="Interior of a typical apartment. Image courtesy australia108.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Interior of a typical apartment. Image courtesy australia108.com.au</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Floor to ceiling windows over all apartments</li>
	<li>Apartments interiors delivered by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/carr-design">Carr Design Group</a>
</li>
	<li>Two colour palettes on offer - Starlight &amp; Sunlight</li>
	<li>Starlight (light scheme) comprise a white palette and strong geometric lines. Kitchen design incorporates a slender benchtop and island breakfast bar, which is finished in a grey porcelain slab. Bathrooms feature custom-designed wall-hung basins with integrated storage, finished in a finely-crafted solid surface material</li>
	<li>Sunlight (warm scheme) follows the same architectural line of the concept, but encompasses an off-white porcelain benchtop and splashback, complemented by timber effect laminate cabinetry</li>
	<li>Residents above the Star Club with find Carrara marble and limestone options, bespoke joinery and stone bathtubs as standard</li>
	<li>Miele appliances as standard, with premium Miele in upper level apartments</li>
	<li>Flooring in premium apartments comprise engineered timber flooring throughout, with woven carpet or wool carpet in bedrooms</li>
</ul>
<h2>Communal facilities</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/star70_06_l.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Lounge area within Australia 108. Image courtesy australia108.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="357" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/star70_06_l.jpg?itok=fIdAin2D" title="Lounge area within Australia 108. Image courtesy australia108.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Lounge area within Australia 108. Image courtesy australia108.com.au</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Three levels of communal facilities with a total of 3000 square metres available for use</li>
	<li>Level 11 includes pool, sauna, steam room, golf simulator, theatrette plus an outdoor entertaining space and external deck</li>
	<li>Star Club over levels 70 and 71 provides two separate communal facilities, with one reserved exclusively for use residents living above the starburst</li>
	<li>Differing finishes define the two levels with HBA designing the premium zone for upper level residents</li>
	<li>Premium zone includes an infinity pool in a double height space with floor-to-ceiling views, private dining room, club rooms and lounges</li>
	<li>Carr Design Group has designed the other zone for lower level residents, comprising an infinity pool with Port Phillip Bay views</li>
	<li>Dining rooms, private theatrettes and bars are common to both communal levels</li>
</ul>
<p>As foreshadowed by <a href="http://www.urban.com.au">Urban.com.au</a> last year construction giant Brookfield Multiplex holds the upper hand with contractual negotiations between developer and builder reported as in progress last week. With commencement of works a few short months away Australia 108 is due for staged completion through to 2019.</p>
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Facts and figures that define Australia 108

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<blockquote>
<p>I wouldn't be surprised if in the next five or six years the height of the Eureka Tower is exceeded with a building in Melbourne, I fully expect that. I just hope it's a better looking building, a better architectural outcome than Eureka and then it deserves to be the tallest building in Melbourne.</p>
<cite>Daniel Grollo, 'Super tower to top Eureka: Grollo', The Age, March 19, 2011.</cite>
</blockquote>

<p>For so long it has teased and been hinted at, with Daniel Grollo in particular predicting that a 300 metre tower in Melbourne would become a reality in the not-too-distant future. And so in 2014 we find ourselves facing the prospect of not one but four separate 300 metre plus buildings gracing the Melbourne skyline in the next few years.</p>

<p>In what could be described as a classic case of sibling rivalry, two Singaporean brothers appear determined to outdo one another with competing towers. A third developer has its eyes set on transforming the western edge of the Hoddle Grid while Crown/Schiavello are looking to extend the footprint of the Crown with a giant mixed-use tower.</p>

<h2>250 Spencer Street / Ritz Carlton - Far East Consortium</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/250spencer_zpsada55b2d.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ritz Carlton at 250 Spencer Street. Image © Far East Consortium "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="967" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/250spencer_zpsada55b2d.jpg?itok=o5_-atR-" title="Ritz Carlton at 250 Spencer Street. Image © Far East Consortium " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ritz Carlton at 250 Spencer Street. Image © Far East Consortium</figcaption></figure><p>Having completed two towers at Upper West Side, with another two at various stages of construction and a fifth on the verge of beginning, Far East Consortium has set its sights on its next big project at 250 Spencer Street. With demolition progressing well, the erection of a display suite earmarking the commencement of the sales and marketing campaign should occur early in the new year.</p>

<p>Four towers ranging in height from 205-300 metres have been approved, and the first cab off the rank would appear to be a 90-storey, 300 metre tower with Far East consortium securing Ritz-Carlton to anchor the premium hotel space located over the top 15 levels. Cottee Parker after designing all five towers at Upper West Side have also been charged with conceiving the 250 Spencer development plan.</p>

<h2>70 Southbank Boulevard - Aspial/World Class Land</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/aus108_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Australia 108. Image © Fender Katsalidis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="878" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/aus108_0.jpg?itok=LL5JK5Ee" title="Australia 108. Image © Fender Katsalidis" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Australia 108. Image © Fender Katsalidis</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
<p>We are all born with the ability to soar, but only the brave trusts their wings. Australia's tallest tower will go where no development has gone before, offering a cloudbreaking lifestyle 319 metres above the glittering Melbourne streetscape. With the city's amenities within easy reach below and the boundless freedom of endless sky above, those who reside here will be part of a world that few others can imagine.</p>

<p>Australia 108 is a highly sculptural residential tower unlike any other in Australia. Its slender form is highlighted at the Cloud Residences levels by a golden starburst expression and then morphs into a curvaceous profile against the sky. The starburst which contains the resident facilities is inspired by the Commonwealth Star on the Australian flag and is an obvious celebration of the sense of community within the building.</p>
<cite>Karl Fender</cite>
</blockquote>

<p>The once 108 level, 388 metre giant has been scaled back on a number of occasions, with the final height now sitting at 319 metres and floor count at 99-storeys, following the purchase of the site by Koh Wee Seng's World Class Land. Still displaying the DNA of Eureka, the design has evolved into a much more streamlined and curvilinear form, with the 'star burst' evident in earlier schemes signaling the tower's shift from right angled to curvaceous.</p>

<p>The project's sales campaign is expected in the new year.</p>

<h2>555 Collins Street - Fragrance Group</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/555_collins_street.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="555 Collins Street. Image © Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="975" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/555_collins_street.jpg?itok=ZMIAoqhw" title="555 Collins Street. Image © Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>555 Collins Street. Image © Bates Smart</figcaption></figure><p>Following an unsuccessful attempt to redevelop the site in a joint venture with Grocon, property developer Harry Stamoulis sold the existing 24-storey commercial building at 555 Collins Street to Koh Mee Seng's Singapore-listed Fragrance Group for $78 million. While not aiming for the 404m height flagged by a previous commercial scheme for the site, the 83-storey tower is still proposed to rise 305 metres above the corner of Collins and King Streets - stealing the crown of the Rialto directly opposite, which has dominated the Hoddle Grid for nearly 30 years.</p>

<p>The contentious proposal seeks approval to overshadow the southern bank of the Yarra, much like CBUS's 447 Collins Street development. An amendment of planning controls that would have allowed the 404 metre scheme to proceed is currently being reviewed.</p>

<blockquote>
<p>555 Collins St, overlooking both Southbank and the Yarra River, is perfectly positioned to create a unique destination, a place where people can truly work, live and play within a mix of office space, residential apartments and hotel environment.</p>

<p>The 83 storey tower splits into two intersecting rectilinear forms working in a north-south direction, reflecting the well known Melbourne grid. The twinned expression of the tower reduces the building mass and accentuates the elegant, transforming and vertical nature of the building. The sinuous form also serves to reduce the wind load effect on such a tall building, as well as softening and anchoring the mass of the building.</p>

<p>The facade of the building features a combination of soft transitioning forms that create openings for the office, hotel and residential apartments. The proportion and size of openings vary strategically to reflect the uses within, opening to important views and registering key datums of the surrounding context. The resulting play of patterning creates an additional layer of complexity and interest. As the openings vary and create shadow, the softness and movement of the building form is accentuated.</p>

<p>At street level the whole corner will be animated with activity, generated by the multiple functions of the building. Escalators provide a connection to the first level where the restaurant and hotel amenities are to be located and 24 hour concierge service will be available. The movement of the escalators both activates the space and improves safety for guests and residents.</p>
<cite>Bates Smart</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Queensbridge Tower / Crown Residences - Schiavello &amp; Crown JV</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/queensbridgetower.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Queensbridge Tower or Crown tower 4? Image © Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="892" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/queensbridgetower.jpg?itok=jY9SxgaG" title="Queensbridge Tower or Crown tower 4? Image © Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Queensbridge Tower or Crown tower 4? Image © Bates Smart</figcaption></figure><p>The project with an ever expanding footprint and one which gained attention initially due to its proximity to residents in Freshwater Place has since expanded again in recent times, consuming the site once mooted for The Falls residential development. Maintaining the quad elliptical form of earlier iterations, the introduction of a glazed lift shaft running the height of the tower and a bridge connecting to the existing Crown Complex has seen it thrust into the spotlight again with the City of Melbourne not impressed in particular with the idea of a bridge spanning Queensbridge Street.</p>

<p>The Bates Smart-designed project still remains at the planning stage.</p>

<h2>Comment</h2>

<p>There's an argument to be made that 300 metre towers aren't necessary, but if developers keep seeking to build higher and higher within the guidelines then I certainly won't be complaining. Ultimately only Australia 108 might chart the 300m height with a final height for Far East's Ritz-Carlton tower to be confirmed and 555 Collins Street no guarantee of being approved at its current height.</p>

<p>Nevertheless the Melbourne skyline is about to take its next big step into the world of the Supertall.</p>
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Laurence Dragomir

Melbourne set to join the 300 club

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<p>Lodged for approval during June, Aspial-World Class Land Pty Ltd have sought to amend an existing planning permit for 54-64 A'Beckett Street with a taller, grander residential project put forward.</p>

<p>Designed by Elenberg Fraser, the pinkish-red tower would hold a slender, easily recognisable form in Melbourne's northern skyline, discerning itself with a diagrid facade which 'collapses' as the form reaches ground level. Planning application documents suggests that the revamped design would provide an increased positive contribution to the northern precinct of Melbourne's CBD in terms of design livability and visual amenity.</p>

<h2>54-64 A'Beckett Street summary</h2>

<ul>
<li>Site area: 1,280sqm</li>
	<li>Current use: 1 &amp; 3 level commercial buildings</li>
	<li>Previously approved: 50 level residential tower of 502 apartments</li>
	<li>Current application: 81 levels @ 253.65</li>
	<li>750 apartments (300 1B + 450 2B)</li>
	<li>126 car spaces and 370 bicycles</li>
	<li>1,862sqm communal area over three levels</li>
	<li>90sqm retail space</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.urban.com.au/forum/cbd-avant-54-64-abeckett-street-melbourne-172m-residential?page=1">See more images of the striking 54-64 A'Beckett Street within the forum thread</a>.</p>

<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/image28ab.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Surface phenomena. Image © Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="549" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image28ab.jpg?itok=Z9882zO1" title="Surface phenomena. Image © Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Surface phenomena. Image © Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure><h2>Surface phenomena</h2>

<blockquote>
<p>The design proposal uses a treatment that expresses the structural charactersitics of the building. This treatment has been applied as a surface treatment nad then modulated to wrap around the entire building, creating as super surface.</p>

<p>The super surface treatment resembles a weave like pattern that wraps the mass, compressing as it reaches the ground and being extruded as stretches towards the to of the building. The treatment is made up of a network of white aluminium fins.</p>
<cite>Elenberg Fraser</cite>
</blockquote>

<p>54-64 A'Beckett Street's corners are also chamfered within each facade segment, emphasising the prevailing pattern while also allowing winds to work around the building in an easier fashion. With the neighbouring MY80 residential tower in close proximity, directional fins have been applied to the blush-coloured facade, thus negating overlooking between towers while still maintaining resident view lines for the most.</p>

<h2>From the ground up</h2>

<p>Elenberg Fraser have designed the ground floor with "direct reference to the buildings across A’beckett Street." The provision of a double height, clear glazed foyer is designed to reference the height of the buildings opposite while also enclosing a cafe courtyard.</p>

<p>Parking for 128 vehicles is found over levels 2-8, with apartments fronting the A’Beckett Street podium in order to maintain a degree of activity. The general shape of the tower is that of a ‘L’ shape, in keeping with the site while setbacks are included to all boundaries, excluding a small portion of the east boundary.<br><br>
Within the tower, single bedroom apartments fall within the 40-50sqm bracket while two bedroom apartments are generally within the 50-60sqm range according to the planning report development summary. It can be suggested that based upon the apartment mix and sizes, investor/rental stock will play its part in 54-64 A'Beckett Street's overall composition</p>

<h2>‘Vertical living’ – analysis of residential amenity</h2>

<blockquote>
<p>A key aspect of the amended design has been the focus to improve the internal amenity of the apartments and that generally of the overall development for future residents. High rise housing is becoming commonplace throughout the Melbourne CBD and inner renewal areas as a result of both the population increases and strong desire by the market for inner city accommodation options.</p>

<p>We are now seeing the emergence of ‘vertical communities’ which provide important outdoor and communal spaces for residents of these new apartment buildings.</p>
<cite>Urbis</cite>
</blockquote>

<p>Improvements over the initial design sees the deletion of internally facing podium apartments, replacing studio and borrowed light apartments within the podium with layouts allowing for natural light and ventilation plus the provisions above which negate privacy concerns.</p>

<p>1,862sqm of communal space is located over spaces at ground level, L10 and L80. A gym, group fitness studio, lap pool and associated recreation area (sauna, wading pool, steam room and sauna) and outdoor balcony/ urban landscaped terrace consue the useable area over level 10.</p>

<p>Designed as a mass entertaining space, level 80 will hold two dining rooms and catering kitchens able to be booked by tenants, a large outdoor communal garden terrace, viewing room, poker/games room, lounge and entertainment room, informal dining and BBQ area. Urbis contends that the high level of internal amenity in forthcoming projects such as 54-64 A'Beckett Street will in part reduce additional demand placed on surrounding areas of public open space as the CBD's population increases.</p>

<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/image26ab.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Lobby render taken from the planning application. Image © Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="689" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image26ab.jpg?itok=OwGgi-Cx" title="Lobby render taken from the planning application. Image © Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Lobby render taken from the planning application. Image © Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure><p>54-64 A'Beckett Street joins the much discussed <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/projects/australia-108-70-southbank-boulevard-southbank">70 Southbank Boulevard</a> as Aspial - World Class Land's two initial Melbourne developments; 70 Southbank Boulevard being the abrogated Australia 108 project. While sales for what will be Melbourne's tallest tower on Southbank are expected to start in the new year, the Singaporean-backed local arm last week submitted their third Melbourne development for approval.</p>

<p>385-405 King Street was scooped by ­Aspial last year for $41.5 million and is now subject to an application seeking a 23 level residential tower. The current commercial building is to make way for the expectation of 392 apartments and a host of retail tenancies.</p>

<p>Combined the three projects yield Aspial - World Class Land a development pipeline of 2247 apartments in Melbourne.</p>

<h2>Project team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Client: Aspial Corporation - World Class Land Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Architect: Elenberg Fraser</li>
	<li>Town Planner: Urbis</li>
	<li>Façade Consultant: Aurecon Group</li>
	<li>Traffic Consultant: TTM Consulting</li>
	<li>Wind Consultant: MEL Consulting</li>
	<li>Structural Consultant: Winward Group</li>
	<li>Services Consultant: Murchie Consulting</li>
	<li>Quantity Surveyor: Slattery Australia</li>
	<li>ESD Consultant: Murchie Consulting</li>
	<li>Aviation Consultant: Thompson GCS</li>
	<li>Waste Consultant: Leigh Design</li>
</ul>
</body></html>

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