Capitol Grand

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Following on from Urban.com.au's in-depth look at the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/the-rise-and-rise-of-melbournes-spencer-street">development activity along Spencer Street</a> on the edge of Melbourne's CBD, today we turn our attention to the development shaping one of Melbourne's renowned High Streets - Chapel Street.

The street which stretches through South Yarra, Prahran and Windsor before crossing Dandenong Road into St Kilda, has been previously characterised as a retail strip, but has struggled in recent years due to high rent sought by landlords which has in turn had an impact on the street's liveliness.

According to Stonnington Mayor, Councillor Steve Stefanopoulos, the City of Stonnington is excited about the private and public capital investment being injected into the Chapel Street precinct.

Chapel Street is currently undergoing massive growth and change, he says, with the State Government having commenced construction of the eastern portal of the Metro Tunnel. Redevelopment of the entrance to South Yarra Station (the busiest outside the CBD) and the construction of accessible trams stops out the front, will hopefully commence in the new year.

The South Yarra section of Chapel Street in particular has started to evolve with a more diverse mix of retail offerings and further introduction of food and beverage outlets. The construction slated over the next 3 years will have further impact on the street in the short term but will ultimately enhance and contribute to the street's vibrancy in the long term, according to Beller Commercial's Fred Nucara.

The projects which are due to have the greatest impact on the streetscape are highlighted below:

<h2>Capitol Grand </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/capitol_grand_redden_aug18.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Capitol Grand beginning to make its mark on the corner of Chapel St and Toorak Rd. Images: Bates Smart | Urban member redden"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="264" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/capitol_grand_redden_aug18.jpg?itok=vHdqHT21" title="Capitol Grand beginning to make its mark on the corner of Chapel St and Toorak Rd. Images: Bates Smart | Urban member redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Capitol Grand beginning to make its mark on the corner of Chapel St and Toorak Rd. Images: Bates Smart | Urban member redden</figcaption></figure>LK Property's towering edifice is beginning to take shape on the corner of Chapel Street and Toorak Road, with the development's sinuous forms beginning to emerge from behind the construction screens as the first traces of glazing also begin to appear. After months in the ground constructing the basement levels, head contractor Multiplex is now well above the street on the dual tower development which will top pot at 50 and 10-storeys respectively.

<blockquote>
The 180m residential tower brings together three elliptical forms, ensuring that light and shadows play across its surface. The design creates an elegant, slender composition of dynamic character, changing with one’s viewpoint and the weather. The tower top is expressed differently by reducing the mass to create a unique iconic tower worthy of its landmark location.

- Bates Smart
</blockquote>

<h2>627 Chapel 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/627_chapel_before_and_after.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Before &amp; after - 627 Chapel Street. Images: Melbourne Acquisition | COX Architecture "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="335" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/627_chapel_before_and_after.jpg?itok=Irp42uPv" title="Before &amp; after - 627 Chapel Street. Images: Melbourne Acquisition | COX Architecture " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Before &amp; after - 627 Chapel Street. Images: Melbourne Acquisition | COX Architecture</figcaption></figure>Currently at planning, the 24-storey COX Architecture-designed office building would replace the current office building which was sold by Fridcorp to Goldfields in December last year.

Should it receive approval in its current guise, 627 Chapel street would rise to a height of 89m and provide a '3d ground plaza' setback from Chapel Street. 

<blockquote>
The design proposal for 627 Chapel Street takes the opportunity to make the most of this unique island site in Forrest Hill.

A 3m setback pushes the building back from Chapel Street, this allows for greater public space at street level and ensures that the Capitol remains visible on approach. The podium is defined by the green landscaped arbor - a permeable screen that wraps the building and connects through to the Daly Street landscaped street

- COX Architecture
</blockquote>

<h2>Jam Factory </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/newm9968jam-factory-stage-2ia01main-square.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of the Jam Factory's main square. Image: Floodslicer"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="322" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/newm9968jam-factory-stage-2ia01main-square.jpg?itok=183sbNDq" title="Artist's impression of the Jam Factory's main square. Image: Floodslicer" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of the Jam Factory's main square. Image: Floodslicer</figcaption></figure>Owner of the Jam Factory, Newmark Capital is free to proceed with its substantial redevelopment of the landmark site receiving planning approval. Under the approved plans prepared by Bates Smart, the landmark South Yarra site will be transformed it into a significant commercial hub supported by a network of retail laneways.

According to Bates Smart, the vision for the Jam Factory redevelopment is for a highly permeable site that is an extension of the local context.

<blockquote>
An ensemble of buildings will embody and reflect the site’s rich character, establishing a new commercial workplace, but also creating an activated space where the public can enjoy a variety of new hospitality venues.

The redevelopment has been designed to be open and inviting and will deliver a new elevated public realm for the community to enjoy. The precinct’s character provided inspiration for the design.

The existing materiality of the Jam Factory is characterised by solid, authentic materials and industrial rawness. The new façade will reflect the factory typology and structured design language. The public realm on the ground floor will incorporate laneways and a central courtyard and will act as an extension of the urban context and street network.

- Bates Smart
</blockquote>

<h2>671 Chapel 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/671_chapel_street.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="671 Chapel Street has approval in hand. Image: Architecton"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="378" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/671_chapel_street.jpg?itok=tfKzVRCI" title="671 Chapel Street has approval in hand. Image: Architecton" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>671 Chapel Street has approval in hand. Image: Architecton</figcaption></figure>Amended plans for a 21-storey residential tower at 671 Chapel Street were approved earlier this year, permitting 158 dwellings to be built replacing a single storey building.

The original application lodged with City of Stonnington during 2015 sought approval for a 30-storey building comprising 352 apartments, at an average of 12 apartments per floor. 

<h2>Esque - 649 Chapel 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/image10_18.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Site works are currently underway at Esque. Images: Valeo Construction | Mark Baljak"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="280" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image10_18.jpg?itok=nas5uwlg" title="Site works are currently underway at Esque. Images: Valeo Construction | Mark Baljak" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Site works are currently underway at Esque. Images: Valeo Construction | Mark Baljak</figcaption></figure>Bulk excavation and piling works commenced onsite in January of this year that will ultimately deliver 72 apartments across 20 floors on a narrow site along the northern reaches of Chapel Street.

Valeo Construction is at the helm of the Fender Katalidis-designed tower for developer Mitraland, with the core set to grace the South Yarra streetscape by year's end.

<h2>Aloft - 402-416 Chapel 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/aloft_streetview.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Aloft hotel will change the Chapel Street streetscape. Image: Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="308" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/aloft_streetview.jpg?itok=njyelKgC" title="The Aloft hotel will change the Chapel Street streetscape. Image: Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Aloft hotel will change the Chapel Street streetscape. Image: Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide</figcaption></figure>The stage is set for Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide to debut its Aloft brand in Melbourne, following the demolition and site clearing works in preparation of builder Crema Constructions taking occupation and commencing construction works on the 176-room hotel.

The hotel will anchor a mixed-use development located at 402 Chapel Street designed by international architect Tim Kobe of Eight Inc.

<h2>430-438 Chapel 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/430-438_chapel_street.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="430-438 Chapel Street will replace the 'huts' site in South Yarra. Image: Franze Developments"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="352" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/430-438_chapel_street.jpg?itok=tr3FEcwJ" title="430-438 Chapel Street will replace the 'huts' site in South Yarra. Image: Franze Developments" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>430-438 Chapel Street will replace the 'huts' site in South Yarra. Image: Franze Developments</figcaption></figure>Franze Developments' joint venture with development partner Sampieri Group would see South Yarra's 'huts' site transformed into an 8-storey mixed-use development designed by Jackson Clements Burrows.

The $55 million project will include the retention of the heritage facade on site, while also providing a new pocket park on Bray Street designed by Aspect Studios incorporating water sensitive design

<h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
We have developed a structure plan for the precinct entitled Chapel ReVision, which guides future development of the largest commercial precinct outside the CBD.

Council is also investing over $60m in its largest capital project in 160 years, converting the 10,000sqm car park behind Chapel Street, Prahran into a contemporary European-style plaza due to open in mid 2019.

- Cr Steve Stefanopoulos, Mayor of Stonnington
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
Chapel Street is at the bottom of a bell curve at the moment. These major developments within the precinct are detracting from the usual vibrancy, because of the inconvenience, noise and distraction of the construction.

On a positive note, these major infrastructure investments are scheduled for completion in 2019 and 2020.

- Fred Nucara, Director Beller Commercial
</blockquote>

For a full recap from Beller Commercial's Fred Nucara listen to our <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/guides/chapel-street-podcast-on-the-phone-with-beller-commercials-fred-nucara">podcast interview</a>.

Lead image: Jam Factory Redevelopment Bates Smart/Floodslicer
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Laurence Dragomir

The changing face of Chapel Street, South Yarra

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Capitol Grand, South Yarra has announced it is set to commence demolition works after its initial 120 luxury apartment sales.
Melbourne's developer community however believed the $800 million South Yarra tower, Capitol Grand project, which is now offering up to two million Qantas Frequent Flyer points to off-the-plan buyers, was too expensive to succeed, according to the Australian Financial Review.
The Fairfax Media newspaper also added the Qantas deal was viewed as "an ominous sign as incentives usually creep into markets when demand falls or there is an over-supply."
<a href="https://apartments.lkproperty.com.au/capitol-grand-melbourne/?gclid=CMjohY3RjcsCFQF_vQod6c0MXw" target="_blank">Apartments in Capitol Grand</a> start from $610,000 for a 50 square metre one-bedder with two-bedders starting from $1 million.
The most expensive penthouses are priced at an "eye-watering" $25 million, which the paper noted made it more expensive than the $20 million paid for the penthouse atop Australia 108, the Southbank skyscraper now under construction which will be the tallest in the Southern Hemisphere upon completion in 2019.
The project received development approval at VCAT in July last year after the height was raised from 38 to 50 stories, which at 180 metres will be the tallest building outside the Melbourne CBD. It is on the former Capitol Bakery site.
LK Property Group's Larry Kestelman, the founder of internet provider Dodo, told The Australian Financial Review 120 out of the 400 apartments had now sold, the majority to local buyers. 
"We have enough sales on the board to commence demolition in next couple of weeks.
"A demolisher has been appointed and the site's been hoarded up.
"We're half-way through the tend process to appoint a builder," he said.
The project, at the corner of Toorak Road and Chapel Streets, will be funded by Mr Kestelman's "independent financial arrangements" and does not have international stakeholders or partners.
"The news will surprise some in Melbourne's developer community, who believed the project was too expensive to succeed," the paper reported adding the Capitol Bakery site had a track record of failed projects, the most recent in 2011. 
Some $100 million in sales were inked in the first 10 days of sales last August after a Melbourne appearance by actor Charlize Theron, who spruiked the development at the Australian Grand Prix.
Capitol Grand South Yarra won the prestigious Best Luxury Development Asia Pacific award at the iProperty.com Awards, held by one of Asia’s largest online real estate portals.  
Three years ago, LK Property Group created the partnership with Qantas Loyalty on other projects.
“We have had an excited response about the Qantas partnership from buyers in our other developments," a spokesperson advised.
"Potential buyers walk into an apartment and start talking to the agents about their travel plans, so we know it’s a great partnership to have been able to secure with Qantas Loyalty.
"Capitol Grand South Yarra buyers could take advantage of the offer to escape the Melbourne winter and put points towards the longed for European sojourn."
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