Anstey

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In one of our very early articles, Urban.com.au covered what we refer to as the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/anstey-in-development">Anstey precinct</a>: a tract of land adjoining Anstey Station which was and continues to be subsumed by proposed and under construction mid-rise apartment developments. Now the best part of two years on, the former industrial pocket nestled in behind Sydney Road has seen enough redevelopment to pass comment on the respective successes or failures of the area.

There's clearly no doubt that the Anstey precinct has been a hit with apartment buyers, as evidenced by the seven apartment projects finished in recent years. There seems to be no slowing down either, with <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/8-breese-street-brunswick">8 Breese Street,</a> Maycon's <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/26-breese-street-brunswick">Hendrix Apartments</a> and <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/nightingale-apartments-6-florence-street-brunswick">Nighingale Apartments</a> the next in line.

In this regard, a massive tick goes to Moreland City Council for advancing the cause for urban regeneration and higher density living in a totally appropriate area. But what of the street level activation and generally public amenity for all these new residents?

<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/img_6824_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Take that, sensible urban design!"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_6824_0.jpg?itok=ppmyWRqY" title="Take that, sensible urban design!" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Take that, sensible urban design!</figcaption></figure>Quite simply, there is none. Urban.com.au raised the issue during 2013 and 2014, but now as Breese Street in particular continues to fill out, it's evident that all things street level have been completely neglected.

What has become a disappointing norm in the area is the practice of building to site boundaries with no setbacks and little articulation in form. This is the case for all buildings bar two - Anstey Square and The Commons - which incidentally happen to be the two more meritorious developments in Anstey, by way of softening their street level interface.

So big deal if there are no setbacks and zero street level consideration. Well you get the above scenario where there's no greenery, no compromise, no incentive or stimulation for passers by and absolutely no urban design nous. Maybe a little harsh, but is it unrealistic to expect that once in a generation change as is going on in Anstey could bring with it an equivalent level of sophisticated, contemporary street level public amenity? No, the plastic chairs in the above photo don't count!

As new buildings appear, footpaths seem all the more narrowed and barren, while greenery… well, don't bother. For mine, Moreland City Council has missed a trick; surely the Anstey of today was not what they had in mind say three, five or seven years ago? Have they fallen behind the development curve or simply given little credence to the need for a pleasant and safe streetscape to service a rocketing population?

<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/img_6831.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Anstey Square proves something for the eye, within its site boundary of course."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_6831.jpg?itok=tfyNSJVJ" title="Anstey Square proves something for the eye, within its site boundary of course." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Anstey Square provides something for the eye, within its site boundary of course.</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
Ultimately though, it shouldn't be in the hands of the developer/architect to create these spaces of their own volition, but rather adhere to a well formulated green/structure plan devised by Council. If every high density project within Anstey delivered a little of what 12 Duckett proposes, the area would be the benchmark for urban renewal.

In due course Urban.com.au will take a pictorial tour of Anstey precinct, highlighting its hits and misses, and why 12 Duckett Street is so important.
<cite>Mark Baljak, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/giving-something-back-12-duckett-street-brunswick">"Giving something back &gt; 12 Duckett Street, Brunswick"</a> (July 7, 2014)</cite>
</blockquote>

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/nightingale-cca-12-duckett-street-brunswick">12 Duckett Street</a> which the above quote refers to, proposed eliminating vehicle traffic on Duckett Street for the sake of a public piazza between two intended buildings. Incidentally the application received a Notice of Decision to Grant a Planning Permit in the first quarter of 2015.

With the piazza comes a string of ground level tenancies expected to draw in pedestrians to a communal focal point, rather than the transient movements currently witnessed to either Anstey Station or Sydney Road.

<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/image71_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A piazza for Anstey Precinct. Image courtesy MOS Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="371" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image71_0.jpg?itok=LAcbOKr4" title="A piazza for Anstey Precinct. Image courtesy MOS Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A piazza for Anstey. Image courtesy MOS Architects</figcaption></figure>The Anstey precinct to date is an abject let down where arguably it matters most: street level. One thing is certain, it would now take a considerable amount of funding to fix the wrongs as opposed to placing a minimal levy on the sale of each apartment that would go toward public realm works; not an altogether uncommon practice.

Perhaps removing car parking along Breese Street in certain areas in favour of remodelled footpaths and/or water-sensitive urban design raingardens is in order; City of Yarra alone has in excess of 50 <a href="http://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/environment/Saving-water/Water-Sensitive-Urban-Design-WSUD/">on-street raingardens</a>. If no forethought, then a little retrospective effort at least would go along way to bringing the Anstey precinct up to scratch.

<h2>Extrapolating the Bend</h2>

In some small way there is a viable comparison between Anstey, Docklands and Fishermans Bend.

Where vast areas of Docklands were delegated out to a single developer with the purpose of creating a masterplanned outcome along with the associated services and public amenity, Anstey is much like Fishermans Bend in that there are many sites within the area under the control of a multitude of developers. Anstey is a clear example of what occurs if there is no cohesive overarching plan to which developments need to adhere to, particularly regarding the public domain contributions.

Both Anstey and Fishermans Bend are industrial areas finding a new purpose by way of higher density redevelopment. In certain quarters Fishermans Bend has already been likened to another Docklands: should Fishermans Bend fail to get the critical public realm right in addition to its built form, it may worse yet be likened to Anstey.
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silvermb

The Anstey precinct failing at a basic level

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Here at Urban.com.au we consider <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/anstey-in-development">Anstey precinct</a> in Brunswick to be the vanguard in terms of middle-ring, higher density urban regeneration. Wedged between the Upfield rail line and Sydney Road, the area until recently was dominated by low-rise industrial premises.

Anstey was subject to two articles on Urban.com.au last year: <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/anstey-in-development">"Anstey in Development"</a> and <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/blockhead-concept-this-little-piggy-went-to-market-on-his-fixie">"This little piggy went to market (on his fixie)"</a>. While both articles were supportive of the areas higher density path, questions were raised over the distinct lack of associated greenery and street level activity.

<blockquote>
The lack of incorporated greenery through these new apartment developments is highly noticeable. Coupled with an already desolate streetscape, these new apartment developments add very little greenery resulting in a somewhat hostile environment at ground level.
<cite>Mark Baljak, <a href="/development/2013/05/14/anstey-in-development">"Anstey in Development"</a> (May 14, 2013)</cite>
</blockquote>

Enter a game-changing current planning application covering both sides of Duckett Street within the precinct.

<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/Image10_12.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Overview of the abnormally shaped sites. Image © MOS Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="263" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image10_12.jpg?itok=DFJRQznf" title="Overview of the abnormally shaped sites. Image © MOS Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Overview of the abnormally shaped sites. Image © MOS Architects</figcaption></figure><h2>Application highlights</h2>

<ul>
<li>12 Duckett Street, Brunswick: two development sites</li>
	<li>Design: MOS Architects</li>
	<li>Four buildings between 5-8 levels</li>
	<li>184 apartments with 1/2 BR options</li>
	<li>191 car parking spaces over 3 basement levels</li>
	<li>Seven home office spaces &amp; eight retail spaces totalling 1799 sq.m</li>
</ul>
<h2>A new urban Piazza</h2>

With two unusually shaped development sites on offer, MOS Architects have elected to utilise the space between both with a new urban piazza over Duckett Street. Pedestrian and car movements have been separated, active frontages and high site permeability included, green walls incorporated while building setbacks from the Upfield bike path creating a sense of widening.

<blockquote>
The piazza is integral to the success of this development. We identified our subject site as a significant contributor to the high quality emerging developments within the close proximity. Integration with the existing shared Upfield path is established as the site opens up to this path, promoting alternative movements and significant pedestrian activity.
<cite>MOS Architects</cite>
</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/Image11_14.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Piazza, activated bike path and void signifying the rail line. Image © MOS Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="328" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image11_14.jpg?itok=Oe31-wHo" title="Piazza, activated bike path and void signifying the rail line. Image © MOS Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Piazza, activated bike path and void signifying the rail line. Image © MOS Architects</figcaption></figure><h2>Enhancing the urban experience</h2>

Breese Street being the main thoroughfare through Anstey is little more than a transitional way at the moment; upon leaving your dwelling, you either walk or drive elsewhere. Not necessarily the worst outcome at this moment, but as more projects are completed/proposed, the population will eventually reach a point where this becomes unacceptable.

MOS Architects assert within the application that 12 Duckett Street will be a great place to work, live and experience. The firm has given heavy credence to retail/dining along an otherwise desolate cycling path with approximately 80 metres of active frontage, while also implementing two large first floor tenancies either side of Duckett Street fronting the path. Essentially dual/tri level glazed/open, active tenancies to the train line. Interesting!

As for the intended public realm landscaping, if the below examples provided within the report are anything to go by, they will be a quantum leap forward over anything currently provided within Anstey precinct. As MOS Architects state - and as is the case elsewhere - generous landscape design allows for a significant greenery to soften the sometimes harsh urban environment and make for a more pleasant external space.

<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/Image15_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Yes please! Image © MOS Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="300" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image15_6.jpg?itok=C9CgwPlo" title="Yes please! Image © MOS Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Yes please! Image © MOS Architects</figcaption></figure><h2>Comment</h2>

This planning application looks to be a panacea of sorts for Anstey precinct; it could be argued that 12 Duckett Street ticks many boxes that have been neglected to date by many developments in the area, leading me to liken Anstey to a little Southbank.

Ultimately though it shouldn't be in the hands of the developer/architect to create these spaces of their own volition, but rather adhere to a well formulated green/structure plan devised by Council. If every high-density project within Anstey delivered a little of what 12 Duckett proposes, the area would be the benchmark for urban renewal.

In due course Urban.com.au will take a pictorial tour of Anstey precinct, highlighting its hits and misses, and why 12 Duckett Street is so important.
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Giving something back > 12 Duckett Street, Brunswick

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First off a proposal of huge proportions relative to its surrounds. Developer <a href="http://www.meydan.com.au/property-development/" target="_blank">Meydan Group</a> is running with the image below on their website for an intended mixed use development located in Fawkner. Seemingly on the western flank of the Hume Highway and near Gowrie Station, the proposal seeks a 15 level mixed use development with retail components, office space and 120+ apartments included. On a stretch of the Hume dominated by car dealerships and associated trades, yet ripe for redevelopment, a 15 level complex would surely make a statement - time will tell.

<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/Fawkner.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Fawkner proposal. Image © Meydan Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Fawkner.jpg?itok=4ggC-8rb" title="Fawkner proposal. Image © Meydan Group" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

Closer to the big smoke and a swag of residential towers have been approved by Melbourne City Council of late. Among them a 17 level, 296 apartment development at 28-38 Pearl River Road, Docklands which gained approval on June 28th, as did a 16 level, 240 apartment development nearby at 3-43 Waterfront Way, Docklands. A final planning permit was issued for <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/33-north-33-racecourse-road-north-melbourne" target="_blank">Babylon Apartments</a> located at 33-39 Racecourse Road, North Melbourne during May while the nearby proposed 66-apartment <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/15-17-racecourse-road-north-melbourne" target="_blank">15-17 Racecourse Road</a> appears in the UrbanMelbourne.info database for the first time. May 30th saw <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/coventry-haus-33-coventry-street-southbank" target="_blank">33 Coventry Street, </a>Southbank given notice of a decision to grant a permit while the nearby development at 25-27 Coventry Street, Southbank revived its final permit also during May. More on these projects in due course.

Following up on this <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/the-wilson-street-microcosm" target="_blank">article</a> posted early last month, Salta Properties via SJB Planning have in recent days formally lodged plans with Stonnington for 31-41 Wilson Street, South Yarra. The image below by Fraher Design 3D depicts the Rothe Lowman-designed complex in situ along Wilson Street. Seeking approval for 88 apartments over 9 levels, more information on the project can be found <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/essence-35-wilson-street-south-yarra" target="_blank">here</a>.

<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/Image2666_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="31-41 Wilson Street, South Yarra. Image © FraherDesign 3D"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image2666_0.jpg?itok=2_GaQnnl" title="31-41 Wilson Street, South Yarra. Image © FraherDesign 3D" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

Elsewhere in South Yarra, Melbourne High School have lodged plans for an underutilised piece of land at 661-663 Chapel Street. Designed by Bird de la Coeur, the four level building seen below will house an education centre and student accommodation, with retail fronting Chapel Street. This proposal is in line with developer Michael Yates' plans for the adjoining site, the outline of which can also be seen below. Initially submitted with two schemes, Michael Yates will seemingly pursue the lesser of the two proposals, details of which can be found <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/take-it-either-way-661-chapel-street-planning-application" target="_blank">here</a>.

<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/Image5651.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne High School proposal. Image © Bird de la Coeur"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image5651.jpg?itok=n3K5tyxb" title="Melbourne High School proposal. Image © Bird de la Coeur" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

Moving to Brunswick now and two separate planning applications seek to continue the Anstey in development theme as outlined in this <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/anstey-in-development" target="_blank">article</a>. 26 Breese Street is a seven level complex yielding 64 apartments while 216 Albion Street nearby is seeking approval for an eight level apartment complex. Together these developments would add well over 100 apartments to an already booming pocket of Melbourne. West Brunswick hasn't been left behind either with a proposal for a nine level apartment complex with three levels of basement car parking at 1-5 Olive York Way. It would sit opposite the recently completed, seven level 2-6 Olive York Way developed by National Sterling which yielded 140 apartments.

Finally Fraher Design 3D feature again, having produced this image of the Mayven development at 56-58 St Georges Rd, Northcote. A nice new development right next to the Melbourne Anarchist Club - enough to put a smirk on this urbanist's face.

<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/RENDER001_Exterior_01.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Mayven - Image © FraherDesign 3D"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/RENDER001_Exterior_01.jpg?itok=vGt1e-GI" title="Mayven - Image © FraherDesign 3D" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

Watch out later this week as I take a look at one of the best planning applications I've seen for many, many a year - sure to impress!
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Lucky number 13 - new developments in the pipeline

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As a follow-up piece to my recent <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/anstey-in-colour" target="_blank">Anstey in Colour</a> piece, today we'll dissect the growing number of apartment buildings surrounding Anstey Station and the subsequent change in the area's urban character. Below the reader will find more questions than answers, designed to provoke thought more than anything else.

Firstly though a brief outline of the area's recent and ongoing renewal into an apartment enclave.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="375" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://maps.google.com.au/maps/ms?msa=0&amp;msid=211205020527797360410.0004dc970867eec7df460&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;t=m&amp;ll=-37.762437,144.961295&amp;spn=0.005937,0.00912&amp;z=16&amp;output=embed" width="100%"></iframe> View <a href="https://maps.google.com.au/maps/ms?msa=0&amp;msid=211205020527797360410.0004dc970867eec7df460&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;t=m&amp;ll=-37.762437,144.961295&amp;spn=0.005937,0.00912&amp;z=16&amp;source=embed" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">Anstey in Development</a> in a larger map

Completed (Yellow)                                         Under construction (Red)                                            At sales (Green)

20 Breese Street - Anstey Square                 <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/the-commons-7-florence-street-brunswick" target="_blank">7 Florence Street - The Commons </a>                            <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/the-wilkinson-33-breese-street-brunswick" target="_blank">33 Breese Street - The Wilkinson</a>

10-12 Breese Street                                        <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/geox-37-breese-street-brunswick" target="_blank">37 Breese Street - Geox Apartments</a>                          <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/host-of-brunswick-8-hope-street-brunswick" target="_blank">10-14 Hope Street - Shimalli</a>

32 Breese Street                                              <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/westside-4-west-street-brunswick" target="_blank">4 west street - Westside Apartments</a>

28 Breese Street                                              8 Hope Street                                                                  Impending development (Purple)

3 Florence Street                                                                                                                                         26 Breese Street

208 Albion street                                                                                                                                         16 Hope Street

Revisiting Anstey in Colour, I noted that light industrial inner city areas such as Anstey are ripe for higher density apartment living. Sandwiched between Sydney Road and the Upfield rail line in an already highly desirable area to live, Anstey is dominated by single level factories and presents a golden opportunity to implement a sustainable higher density outcome while still being sympathetic to the area's urban character.

Currently the area has a very much unscripted feel about it. Florence and Breese Street below typifies the contrast of older dwellings heavy with charm and newer, albeit far more sterile apartment complexes. Given these new developments carry little of no retail offering and seemingly shun street activity, the average passer-by is left with little to no stimulus.

<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/Img_7873.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The contrast of Florence Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_7873.jpg?itok=frgq0Wqm" title="The contrast of Florence Street" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

The under construction Westside Apartments (below Left) is very much symptomatic of the new wave of apartment developments in the area. A small block leads to full site utilisation with little room for other features or meaningful street activation. Aesthetically OK when viewed in isolation, the issue arises when multiple versions of developments such as Westside meet wall to wall and maintain the same lack of street level acknowledgement.

Enter the current eastern side of Breese Street (below right). The sum of the whole seems to be a far worse outcome than what each development brings in isolation. No setbacks, narrow footpaths, wide roads (in parts) and no street level activation - is smart urban design present here?

<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/Img_4997_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Westside apartments (left) with Breese Street. Render © westsideapartments.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_4997_1.jpg?itok=2ulvHBUs" title="Westside apartments (left) with Breese Street. Render © westsideapartments.com.au" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

What could have been achieved though with minor changes at minimal expense? The image below shows the Anstey Square redevelopment with 10-12 Breese Street to its right. Simple changes or Council clauses could have been incorporated during the design and approval process to make this a far superior outcome to what was built in recent years.

Given the areas impressive catalogue of street art which will diminish over time as more sites are developed, the precast panels for instance facing Breese Street would have represented a perfect opportunity to allocate each panel to an artist for a tasteful mural, possibly recognising the site or the immediate area's history. This would have brought vibrancy and an element of interest to the street scape.

<a href="http://urbanmelbourne.info/development/2013/04/01/is-this-melbournes-best-new-residential-development" target="_blank">7 Florence Street</a> aside, the lack of incorporated greenery through these new apartment developments is highly noticeable. Coupled with an already desolate streetscape, these new apartment developments add very little greenery resulting in a somewhat hostile environment at ground level. Creepers over the fence line or vertical gardens heading up the buildings precast concrete elements would have provided immense urban returns for minimal outlay. And what of simple fixed planter boxes along the roof line of these buildings?

<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/Img_4990.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="20 Breese Street / Anstey Square with 10-12 Breese Street to the rear"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_4990.jpg?itok=yUkbQXJ1" title="20 Breese Street / Anstey Square with 10-12 Breese Street to the rear" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

Where does City of Moreland stand in this? This area demonstrates rapid-fire development without a cohesive, overarching structure plan. It may well have one, but if it does it's average at best. Herein lies the worth of development structure plans, height limits aside they should seek to enrich the urban character of an area, to make an area better than what is was prior . Is it worth Council imposing a minimal levy per every apartment sold from this point on in order to fund improvement works? Simple and relatively cheap options such as removing every fifth parallel carpark and replacing those spaces with water sensitive raised garden beds doubling as seating allows the built form to be broken up,  increases amenity/shade and a provides place for individuals to congregate and interact.

Ultimately the purpose of this article is to portray the notion that minor changes, even retrospectively can lead to major urban gains. Anstey Station's surrounds still has tremendous scope for development, here's hoping that's matched with an shift in attitudes by developers, architects and council alike.

To that end Laurence will reveal a spectacular Blockhead concept for the redevelopment of Brunswick Market tomorrow. Central to the Anstey area and the primary driver in attracting people traffic through the immediate area, the concept will try to balance commercial realities with heightened environmental, urban and design principles.

 

Further images of Anstey below
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Anstey in Development

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7 Florence St, aka The Commons is a development of 24 apartments over five levels abutting Anstey Station, Brunswick. Designed by Brunswick firm Breathe Architects for developer Small Giants, it carries a list of ESD features as long as it is impressive, they include:

<ul>
<li>An incredible 8-star energy rating.</li>
	<li>Solar power &amp; solar hot water.</li>
	<li>Hydronic heating system.</li>
	<li>Rooftop garden and communal vegetable patch, acting as insulation for the building.</li>
	<li>Natural ventilation (no airconditioners installed).</li>
	<li>Extensive use of recycled building products, including recycled timber floors.</li>
	<li>First zero-car residential development outside the CBD, GoGet Car Share available.</li>
	<li>Yearly Myki card included.</li>
	<li>Vertical vegetation over northern facade, acting as sun shade.</li>
	<li>Double-glazed windows.</li>
	<li>Shared laundry room to minimise space and waste.</li>
	<li>Chrome and aluminium replaced by copper, brass and mild steel, providing a better enviornmental outcome.</li>
	<li>Use of cafe by residents as a communal area after business hours.</li>
	<li>Extensive bike parking located internally &amp; externally, including parking within the ground floor cafe.</li>
</ul>
<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/Image21.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Commons, front and rear. Image courtesy Eco Citizen Australia"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image21.jpg?itok=nHwvNSP6" title="The Commons, front and rear. Image courtesy Eco Citizen Australia"></a>

<figcaption>The Commons, front and rear. Image courtesy Eco Citizen Australia</figcaption></figure><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/Rooftop3-1024x870_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Vegetable garden. Image courtesy Eco Citizen Australia"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Rooftop3-1024x870_0.jpg?itok=RXGGxtoW" title="Vegetable garden. Image courtesy Eco Citizen Australia"></a>

<figcaption>Vegetable garden. Image courtesy Eco Citizen Australia</figcaption></figure>Incorrect skyline graphic aside, the rooftop area (above) is designed to be more than a typical communal area that are generally underutilised areas in far too many apartment buildings. Seemingly designed to be functional rather than elegant, the communal vegetable garden in particular should lead to this area being a well used, rather than wasted space.

Currently Kubic Construction are well along the path to completion. Salvaged brickwork from the factory which used to stand on site is due to be making an appearance throughout the ground level soon. Held onsite, these bricks represent increased efficiency while lowering waste. Those readers who understand the area will know that many of these bricks as with many others in the area are sporting extensive street art and graffiti tags, so when reconstructed the brick walls should carry an ecclectic colour pattern, adding visual interest.

<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/Img_1651.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Commons - construction progressing nicely"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_1651.jpg?itok=7T879lBg" title="The Commons - construction progressing nicely"></a>

<figcaption>The Commons - construction progressing nicely</figcaption></figure>Upon completion Dead Man Espresso will move into the cafe space, this being their third Melbourne outlet following those in South Melbourne and Seddon. At that point they will where possible source produce from the rooftop garden, enforcing the notion of a self-sustaining building while residents can access the street via a stair well entry inside Dead Man Espresso fostering the notion of a communal hub. Also included throughout the ground floor will be three artist spaces.

So there you have it, an apartment building that's ideally situated and sized, ticks all the ESD boxes, is visually enjoyable and symapthtic to its history and surrounds - a strong enough case to make the most ardent higher density living / apartment critic sit up and take note. What becomes more difficult is scaleability, that being taking the ethos and features of a building such as The Commons and applying them to a 50 level apartment tower, not an easy prospect. Something else to consider, why don't more apartment buildings of similar size to The Commons carry similar ESD features? A question for planning authorities and responsible legislative bodies I suspect.

To answer my initial question, is this Melbourne's best new residential development? I say absolutely!
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Is this Melbourne's best new residential development?

Anstey Station - a few short years ago I would have required a map and compass to find it, yet now the surrounding area could be considered the crux of all that is good and bad with higher density development in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/melbourne-vic">Melbourne</a>. By way of Anstey Square (completed 2010) and subsequent apartment developments, I&#39;ve wandered through with camera many times over to discover there was far more to this area than meets the eye.

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Anstey carries a certain character and urban grit that&nbsp;cannot be easily replicated elsewhere in Melbourne. Granted i&#39;ve focused primarily on the local street art through the slide show below, but the area offers much more on a basic level. The bustle of <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/brunswick-vic">Brunswick</a> market, local coffee roasting houses, a multitude of Middle Eastern bakeries and stalwarts such the the Royal Nut Company provide a feast for the senses. The people are no less interesting; ageing inhabitants of European or Middle Eastern descent mixed with the contemporary Brunswick hipster type and all that lies between. Streets and laneways adorned with a variety of art also adds to the eclectic feel of the area.

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<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/Img_5320.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_5320.jpg?itok=J-lSjKiO" typeof="Image" /></a>

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Yet it&#39;s quite conceivable that all this could be lost soon enough as the area falls under the ever expanding gaze of apartment developers. I would be the first to argue that a light industrial inner city area such as this is ripe for higher density apartment living. Sandwiched between Sydney Road and the Upfield rail line in an already highly desirable area to live, Anstey is dominated by single level factories and presents a golden opportunity to implement a sustainable higher density outcome while still being sympathetic to the areas urban character.

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And therein lies the problem. Enjoy the images below as many will seemingly be lost soon enough. In next weeks sequel to Anstey in colour, <a href="http://www.urban.com.au">Urban.com.au</a> will look at the new developments sweeping through the area and the resultant change in urban character (generally for the worse), plus what could be implemented to achieve a greater urban outcome.

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Anstey

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