Urban.com.au's Top 5 Picks: Planning Assessment July 2013
The editor's picks from the project database: Planning Assessment status, July 2013. See our top five picks for Under Construction in June 2013.
5. 204-210 Ballarat Road, Maidstone
Why do we like it? Maidstone/Braybrook/Sunshine is the possibly one of the last regions of Melbourne the average Joe would think apartments would have a place. But when you see a project like this pop up, you have to sit up and take notice. 5 levels and on a major road which has the capacity to be a major East-West Bus Rapid Transit route into and out of the Footscray CAD, 204-210 Ballarat Road is sure to set a precedent.
4. Packington Apartments - 44 Packington Street, St Kilda
Why do we like it? Excellent Public Transport links nearby, low-rise and epitomises the type of building which the Transforming Australian Cities strategy calls for in or near appropriate public transport corridors all over Melbourne.
3. 81 Argyle Street, Fitzroy
Why do we like it? Another perfect TAC example - low-rise, increases density, superb public transport links nearby on Nicholson and Johnston Streets. I'm calling it: it looks as if it will become a hidden gem - much like how it's possible stumble upon multiple interesting buildings in the CBD when you navigate labyrinth of laneways, 81 Argyle, positioned back from the main thoroughfares, will provide ample surprise factor for people who choose to go meandering in the back streets of Fitzroy. Wood facade? Yes please!
2. 150 Turner Street, Port Melbourne
Why do we like it? 150 Turner only popped up on the radar as early as this week. Kudos to the architect for boldly going with a green facade - it's not a colour one would say has been executed all that well in Melbourne to date. Nevertheless, looking at all angles the building has many appealling features: no single facade will be the same, a unique podium facade will add to street-level interest and overall the height, bulk and general characteristics look to, on paper, agree with much of what the City of Port Phillip have outlined as part of the Montague Structure Plan (albeit, this tower is proposed in the adjacent Lorimer precinct) - this is definitely one to watch.
1. Queensbridge Tower - 1-23 Queensbridge Street, Southbank
Why do we like it? Bates Smart. The name commands respect - after all they are one of this country's oldest firms - of Royal Exhibition Building, ICI House and adjacent Freshwater Place (to name but a few) fame. Where certain soundbites will pan the height of new skyscraper developments almost universally, we say: Queensbridge Tower will add to the collection of towers on Southbank already as high and as diverse as the entire Perth CBD furthermore enhancing Southbank's own evolving hyper-density identity.
The urban tall is just as important as the urban small.
Agree or disagree? Let us know!
