Three projects at planning which could redefine their suburbs
Three towers at planning, three suburbs and the prospect of three new tallest buildings within their respective postcode.
Across Moonee Ponds, Clifton Hill and Highett, these three residential towers are working their way through the approvals process, with some having a seemingly smoother ride than others.
Of the trio, Caydon Property Group's 40 Hall Street Stage 2 within Moonee Ponds is the largest. At 34 levels it is also one of greater Melbourne's largest proposed buildings.
Moonee Valley Leader reported late last week that the Fender Katsalidis-designed tower will be heading to VCAT, given Council's dissatisfaction with the size of the project; so much so Cr Nicole Marshall described it as an "offensive application." Subsequently, Council has urged Planning Minister Richard Wynne to rule upon the tower, although Mr Wynne's department has yet to receive a formal request asking as much.
With the VCAT hearing scheduled for January, the Moonee Ponds project represents Caydon's fifth development in succession that will make a visit to the planning tribunal. Hall Street Stage 2 joins Cremorne's Malt District project, Only Flemington, Ivanhoe Apartments and 40 Hall Street/Mason Square as having visited VCAT.
In Clifton Hill, 249-265 Queens Parade has received feedback from City of Yarra, with altered plans now on public display.
With the intended tower still at 17 levels, changes to the scheme see revised floor plans and a decrease in apartment numbers from 127 to 115, with the intent of increasing the internal amenity within the tower. This move was a direct response to Council's initial concerns for the project which is championed by Salta Properties and Wolf Capital.
Architect in charge, Fieldwork, has modelled the exterior to closely resemble that of its neighbour, 243 Queens Parade, which is also a Fieldwork design.
Highett also figures prominently with 1233-1237 Nepean Highway on display with Kingston City Council after revisions to the initial design.
Spanning 14 storeys, the RotheLowman-designed residential project has sought approval for 242 apartments on behalf of Growland. Covering a 4,300sqm site opposite Southland, the proposal would see a mix of building heights ranging from three to fourteen levels.
A retail strip, gym and pool feature at ground level, as does a four bedroom apartment. At 45 metres, the proposal comfortably outsizes other recent apartment projects within Highett. As part of the proposal, a substantial courtyard faces neighbouring northern properties at ground level, with further outdoor terraces across levels 11 and 13.
