Developments

<html><body>
At Property Bloom we are always trying to improve our process.  We put a lot of time and effort into designing our villas, houses or units whether they be for a dual occupancy or multi unit project, we want our finished product to look better than the standard 'investor stock'.
Of course, we need to do this in a cost effective way and so I've found that spending time on key areas like front façades, kitchens and bathrooms can add a wow factor without breaking the budget.
I read this great story about <a href="https://www.houzz.com.au/ideabooks/53600916/list/12-hot-kitchen-trends-set-to-sizzle-in-2016" target="_blank">12 hot kitchen trends</a> and was pleased to see we were meeting seven of the twelve trends in the kitchens we are building right now.
Here's a photo of a kitchen in one of our recently completed developments:
<img src="/images/2015/10/16/Screen%20Shot%202015-10-16%20at%209.45.50%20AM.png" alt="" width="508" height="325">
 
Timber features for kitchens continues to trend. We've used it in our kitchen to add warmth and it was nice to see the report notes that walnut tones  will be trending next year. The timber cupboards we've used are Polytec European Walnut. 
You can also add texture by using a textured product to your cupboards. We did this by using a textured melamine to the timber areas. Which brings me to the next trend - texture.
 Most kitchen manufacturers offer a good choice of textured laminate benches or melamine cupboards and they are usually the same price as flat surfaces.  You can add texture to your splashback tile. We have used a softly lined splashback tile, although it's hard to see in the photo.
We purposely kept the main cabinetry neutral which ticks another trend box. We only wanted two main features for the kitchen which is the use of timber and stone for the benches.
Thin benches are in and it's goodbye to chunky style benches.  This is a relief as we used a thin, engineered stone bench with mitred edges. This was a choice more around cost than trend as the thicker bench tops were more expensive.  
<img src="/images/2015/10/16/Screen%20Shot%202015-10-16%20at%209.46.48%20AM.png" alt="" width="553" height="340">
Engineered stone benches have become so well manufactured that it can be hard to tell the difference from natural materials.In an investment property it doesn't make sense to use real marble or granite so we are meeting the trend to use engineered materials. I love the wider choice of colours and tones you can get from the various supplies of engineered stone benches. It's important your bench works in well with your flooring, especially if you are using a mitred or waterfall edge where the bench will meet the floor.
Speaking of flooring, we've used a stone look floor tile with a polished finish. I like the floor to reflect light which can give the impression of a large, clean space. But perhaps this is not right on trend as I think more natural and matt finishes are in right now.
For our pendant lights, we've used a small white pendant with a silver foil lining inside it. This adds a little touch of glam. So we are only just half ticking the trend of using precious metals. If you really want to be on trend you should incorporate some brass, cooper or gold which may be used in the lighting, tapware, rangehood or splashback.But we didn't want to compete with the natural timber tones that were already a feature. Be careful not to have too many features as they can compete with each other giving you a cluttered or busy look.
<img src="/images/2015/10/16/Screen%20Shot%202015-10-16%20at%209.47.32%20AM.png" alt="" width="436" height="277">
I find designing the kitchens and choosing the colours one of the most enjoyable parts of property development and valuers have told me that a well designed, spacious kitchen with quality features will add value to your property. If you'd like to know just how much this kitchen cost us, then send me an email and I'll be happy to share.      
Jo Chivers is chief executive officer of property development project managers <a href="https://www.propertybloom.com.au/about" target="_blank">Property Bloom</a>.
</body></html>

jochivers-wq5Bp59R5a

Is your property development ticking kitchen trends?: Jo Chivers

<html><body>
<img src="/images/2016/05/10/Holdencapital_banner.jpg" alt="" width="608" height="128">
SPONSORED POST
We often see small to medium sized property developers struggle for cash flow and, in our experience, it is the single biggest reason for developers going under and as they say, “cash is king”!
The very nature of property development is that a project will only incur costs throughout its lifecycle until the construction is complete, titles are available and the properties are sold and settled.  In most cases, this process takes some 12 to 18 months and that is a long time to be expending money, even if it is borrowed and not receive any income. 
By definition property development is a capital-intensive and cash flow poor industry and developers who don’t have an ancillary business that provides them with an alternative source of income need to work smarter at what they do.
Some property development cash flow strategies to consider
1.    Be smart and replace some of your equity during the project lifecycle
How and when you utilise your capital can greatly reduce the demand on your cash flow and it is important to remember that in most instances, project risk reduces as the project progresses. It therefor follows that the earlier in the project timeline that you borrow money, the more expensive that money will be. 
Obviously, the most capital-efficient way would be to use other people’s money (OPM) as much as possible, however that comes at a cost and delaying the point in time when you ustilise OPM will reduce this cost.
As an example, in the current market environment the cost of funds for any ‘non-mortgage secured’ money i.e. risk equity, will reduce over time as shown below:
2.    Schedule projects efficiently
If you only have enough equity to develop one project at a time the ability to maintain a consistent flow of projects and resultant profits is significantly reduced. By taking advantage of the above principals you may be able to make an “equity redraw” and introduce OPM to replace some of your existing equity once you have secured the development approval and some pre-sales.  This will then allow you to utilise the capital released to secure your next project without having to wait until the current project is completed.
This approach leverages your equity to make it work more efficiently as well as bringing forward the income streams for future projects and there for improving your cashflow by shortening the timing between project completions and the resultant profits.
3.    Keep your overheads low
A very effective strategy many small to medium size Developers use is to engage a multitude of project-specific consultants. By doing this, those consultants are a direct cost to a specific project and the developer avoids carrying ongoing salaries as part of his overheads. In some instances there is also the potential to delay some of the payment for the costs involved to coincide with project milestones further improving the project cashflow.
4.    Include a Development Management Fee
By including a development management fee into your project feasibility, you allow yourself to receive income during the project lifecycle. In many instances, the first mortgage construction finance provider will allow a periodic development management fee to be advanced from the loan as part of the professional fees but remember that it needs to be kept reasonable, reflecting your contribution to the project.
5.    Negotiate your settlement terms
During the early stages of a typical development project lifecycle, the most capital-intensive part will be the settlement of the development site. By negotiating favourable settlement terms, you can potentially delay paying for the property until you have substantially removed the Approval risks associated with it. This in turn will improve the funding costs and the project cash flow in general.
6.    Have a safety net
If possible, have another business that you can operate in parallel with the development operations. This applies more to smaller businesses that are largely undertaking one project as a time and do not have the capital to smooth out the resultant cash flow lumpiness. Having a small income generating business that requires minimal capital and operating overheads such as a real estate rent roll, small equipment hire business or similar means that when the market is in a serious downturn and you need to be able to just “sit on the beach” and wait it out, this alternative income can be a real godsend.
All of this is important but the real challenge is to actually put it into practice. Sitting down with your accountant and lawyer is a good start but they tend to be reactionary and can only provide some of the answers. 
A critical piece of the process is having a clear understanding of the finance and capital structures that are actually available to you and then building your strategy around the reality of those solutions rather than developing a concept and then having to compromise it to meet the market realities. This is where a professional construction finance broker can really add value to your business so the real question is, will you do something about it today or wait until it becomes a regret?
This article was written by Dan Holden of HoldenCAPITAL, who are a bespoke construction finance firm, they arrange construction finance and invest in projects through their equity fund, Queen Street INVEST. To discuss your project finance requirement please call (07) 3171 4200 or visit HoldenCAPITAL <a href="https://www.holdencapital.com.au/" target="_blank">here</a>.
</body></html>

firstname-zEygzUaHDN

Cash flow the biggest killer of property developers

<html><body>
Based on Urban data, these are the top 5 suburbs in the country with the most development listings available on our site per state and are amongst some of the most viewed by users. 
As activity centres expands and housing affordability fluctuates, these Australian suburbs have one major thing in common, they are booming.

 

<h2><a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/footscray-vic">FOOTSCRAY, VICTORIA</a></h2>

The inner West suburb of Footscray in Melbourne, Victoria, is seeing unprecedented growth as a major activity centre and cultural hub. Footscray’s population of 20,000 people is set to almost double in the next decade and comprises of Vietnamese, Italian, Chinese, Sudanese, Ethiopian and Sri Lankan migrants with Victoria’s fourth highest proportion of residents born in South-East Asia.  
The developing suburb is a hub of creativity, culture, music and international cuisine and has been chosen as a major activity centre for the Western suburbs of Melbourne. Median housing prices are at $845,000 with median rent costs at $470 per week.

<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/victoria_one_footscray.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rendering of Victoria Square, Footscray by Kavellaris Urban Design and Developer Growland."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/victoria_one_footscray.jpg" title="Rendering of Victoria Square, Footscray by Kavellaris Urban Design and Developer Growland." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rendering of Victoria Square, Footscray by Kavellaris Urban Design and Developer Growland.</figcaption></figure><a href="https://www.urban.com.au/projects/victoria-square-8-hopkins-street-footscray">Victoria Square</a> is among many of the developments springing up in Footscray and is led by Developers <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/growland-group">Growland</a> with 939 dwellings across six buildings. 
Blending into the community fabric of Footscray, Victoria Square will become a new destination for laneway dining with 3000sqm dedicated to cafes and restaurants to be enjoyed by the public. 
The complex features world class amenities such as Australia’s first above ground 400m arterial running track, a resident’s cinema, games rooms, gymnasium, lap pool, private lounge and dining rooms and a sky garden connecting the towers, creating an engaging community amongst the residents.

Prices: 
1 bed, 1 bath, 0 car - $385,000

2 bed, 1 bath, 1 car - $540,000

3 bed, 2 bath, 1 car - $599,000

 

<h2><a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/liverpool-nsw">LIVERPOOL, NEW SOUTH WALES</a></h2>

Set to become one of Sydney’s third biggest CBD’s, Liverpool is developing strong economic and residential opportunities within the heritage structure of the city centre. 
With a population of over 28,000, the Western city is one of the oldest settlements in Australia with strong community engagement. 
Less than 30% of Liverpool’s population were born in Australia, creating a multicultural environment to which thrives by the Georges River. 
The median housing price in Liverpool is $729,000 with a weekly advertised median rent at $450 with over half of Liverpool residents living in apartments and units.

<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/the_foundry_liverpool.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rendering of The Foundry by SJB Architects."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="390" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/the_foundry_liverpool.jpg" title="Rendering of The Foundry by SJB Architects." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rendering of The Foundry by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB Architects</a>.</figcaption></figure><a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/the-foundry-32-34-shepherd-street-liverpool">The Foundry</a> is one of the many developments setting a precedent for inner city centre expansion and with rezoning change to mixed use in 2018, Liverpool is inviting improvements to underutilised and undeveloped sites across the city. With 198 dwellings across 17 floors, the building also features a double height lobby, a landscaped central atrium, private rooftop garden and pool with city and rivers edge views. 
The building is incorporated into the Paper Mill development which is comprised of multiple buildings along the Georges River in the city centre surrounding the 150 year old heritage listed Paper Mill building which will become the new cafe and dining quarter.

Prices:

1 bed, 1 bath - $497,000 to $601,000

2 bed, 2 bath - $580,000 to $704,000

 

<h2><a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/brisbane-qld">SOUTH BRISBANE, QUEENSLAND</a></h2>

South Brisbane is one of the busiest riverfront suburbs of Brisbane home to the Queensland Museum, Streets Beach, a giant ferris wheel and offers culture, galleries, science exhibits, a vast promenade nightlife and weekend markets. Home to over 8,000 residents and tens of thousands of daily and nightly visitors, the suburb is an important destination connected by the Victoria Bridge to Brisbane CBD.

With a median age population of 30 years old, South Brisbane retains its heritage charm and vibrancy with a large amount of big name developments jumping across the river for the waterfront lifestyle and tropical cultural charm. 
Median unit and housing rents are at $510 per week with a median housing price of $994,000. 
Most residents live in apartment dwellings which have a median price of $447,000.

<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/the_standard_south_brisbane_woods_bagot.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rendering of The Standard by Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/the_standard_south_brisbane_woods_bagot.jpg" title="Rendering of The Standard by Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rendering of The Standard by Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure><a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Wood Bagot</a>’s architecturally designed apartment tower, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/the-standard-13-17-manning-street-south-brisbane">The Standard</a> is South Brisbane’s latest development standing 105 metres above ground level and comprising of 261 new one, two and three bedroom dwellings. 
The cylindrical tower includes such amenities as a rooftop pool, private dining rooms, theatre, a 240sqm fitness centre, rooftop wine bar, coffee lounge, a spa and wellness centre with sauna and three complementary Tesla vehicles for exclusive resident use.

Prices start at $500,000 for a one bedroom and can range up to $1,200,000 for a penthouse.

 

<h2><a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/belconnen-act">BELCONNEN, ACT</a></h2>

Belconnen is the inner city suburb of Canberra with a metropolitan population of over 96,000 people. 
With Canberra City Centre’s restricted height and development laws, Belconnen is a designated sub-city which in recent years has developed into a mixed used activity precinct with 40% of residents born outside Australia, the sixth highest for any Canberra suburb.

Surrounding the Ginninderra Lake, Belconnen is home to the John Knight Memorial Park, a 300 store Westfield and the University of Canberra. 
Belconnen remains one of the most affordable districts in Canberra with a median house price of $431,000 and a median weekly rent amount of $410.

<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/high_society_belconnen_geocon.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rendering of High Society Apartment towers designed by Fender Katsalidis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/high_society_belconnen_geocon.jpg" title="Rendering of High Society Apartment towers designed by Fender Katsalidis" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rendering of High Society Apartment towers designed by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/fender-katsalidis-architects">Fender Katsalidis</a></figcaption></figure>The <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/high-society-1-edmonstone-place-belconnen">High Society Apartments</a> are one of Belconnen’s recent development that showcases the large amount of growth happening in the suburb.  
Designed by Fender Katsalidis, the two 27 storey towers rise with sweeping uninterrupted views of Lake Ginninderra and Greater Canberra and comprise of 541 apartment dwellings ranging between one, two and three bedrooms. Residents will be able to enjoy a rooftop park, barbeque area, wine cellar and cinema. The development also features a 135 room hotel on site which will establish Belconnen City Centre as the major destination it is becoming.

Prices: 
1 bed, 1 bath - $345,900

2 bed, 1 bath - $439,400

3 bed, 2 bath - $692,400

 

<h2><a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/adelaide-sa">PORT ADELAIDE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA</a></h2>

Approximately 14 kilometres from the Adelaide CBD sits Port Adelaide, a suburb that once was Adelaide’s most important and main supply link for the city and is now becoming a site for urban renewal. 
Traditionally a working class suburb, much is maintained in terms of the heritage and long standing public pubs and bars that line St.Vincent and Lipson Street. 
As one of the oldest settlements in Adelaide, the cultural significance of Port Melbourne is shown through its characteristic taverns and buildings, built in the late 1800’s as well as the vast amount of museums. 
Museums include the National Railway Museum, South Australian Maritime Museum, Aviation Museum, Austbuilt Maritime Museum and the Australian Museum of Childhood. 
Port Adelaide’s median housing prices range in the $570,000 range with a weekly median rent of $388.

<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/dock_one_port_adelaide.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rendering of Dock One Townhomes by Starfish Developments"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="343" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/dock_one_port_adelaide.jpg" title="Rendering of Dock One Townhomes by Starfish Developments" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rendering of Dock One Townhomes by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/starfish-developments'">Starfish Developments</a></figcaption></figure><a href="https://www.urban.com.au/projects/dock-one-lot-213-todd-street-port-adelaide">Dock One</a> is just one of the many developments happening in the Port Adelaide area, and it is quite a large one with 750 planned townhomes and apartments all ranging two and three bedrooms across one to five levels. 
The architecture, designed by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/enzo-caroscio-architecture">Enzo Caroscio</a> embraces the city’s heritage character and is very much inspired by local history, culture and art. With waterfront or park facing views, residents will be able to enjoy the best of both worlds and its close proximity to the bustling working class heritage centre of Port Adelaide.

As well as a vast landscape for residents to connect and socialise, the development will also refurbish waterfront heritage buildings that need repair.

Prices can range between $400,000 to $650,000.

 

<h2><a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/perth-wa">PERTH CBD, WESTERN AUSTRALIA</a></h2>

Perth has a vast array of developing suburbs but one that will see the most change will be its very own central district. The Perth CBD the city’s largest economic and cultural hub with facilities such as the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the State Library of Western Australia, the State Theatre Centre, The Perth Concert Hall and many more.

Perth CBD is home to just over 10,000 residents which is set to triple in the next decade as infill apartment development by the waterfront has encouraged an influx of movement and growth. 
To accommodate this growth, Perth has turned to revitalising the waterfront with Elizabeth Quay, creating Perth Link, a development on the edge of the city that features the new Perth Arena and strengthening its retail and commercial hub.

<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/the_towers_at_eliz_quay_fart_east_consortium.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rendering of the almost completed Towers at Elizabeth Quay by Far East Consortium."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="290" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/the_towers_at_eliz_quay_fart_east_consortium.jpg" title="Rendering of the almost completed Towers at Elizabeth Quay by Far East Consortium." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rendering of the almost completed Towers at Elizabeth Quay by Far East Consortium.</figcaption></figure><a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/the-towers-at-elizabeth-quay-1-riverside-drive-perth">The Towers at Elizabeth Quay</a> are part of the grand urban renewal project set to attract over 12 million visitors annually. The development includes two residential towers, the first Ritz Carlton for Perth and a vibrant waterfront with water park, green space and new connecting bridges.

Located at the head of the precinct, the towers stand as the gateway jewel to the CBD. 
With 379 residential dwellings across two <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/cottee-parker">Cottee Parker</a> designed towers, residents will be able to take advantage of full panoramic views of the city and water. Amenities include a pool, gym, cycle cafe, restaurants at ground level, roof gardens and amphitheatre which will host much of the public events around the quay.

Prices: 
1 bed, 1 bath - $793,000

2 bed, 1 bath - $1,283,000

3 bed, 2 bath - $2,541,000

 

 

 

 
</body></html>

Nick Dante

Booming Australian Suburbs according to Urban

<html><body>
Melbourne looks set for another bumper year in 2019 with a host of key projects around the city - of both the small and tall variety - changing not only the skyline's silhouette but more importantly its ground plane.

Today's piece focuses on a selection of projects which in some way will contribute to improving Melbourne's built environment and public realm. These projects represent a cross section of skyscrapers and key public realm projects.

<h2>435 Bourke 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/435_bourke_street.png" rel="gallery-all" title="435 Bourke Street. Image: Cbus Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="483" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/435_bourke_street.png?itok=cCtrBuco" title="435 Bourke Street. Image: Cbus Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>435 Bourke Street. Image: Cbus Property</figcaption></figure>Cbus Property delivered an early Christmas package to the City of Melbourne when it submitted an application for a $1bn 55-storey commercial tower at 435 Bourke Street, in the heart of the Melbourne CBD.

Designed by Bates Smart, the development comprises approximately 64,500 sqm of premium grade office space on the corner of Bourke and Queen Street.

Cbus amalgamated sites at 140 and 150 Queen Street, 423 Bourke Street and 27 McKillop Street to allow for the development. 

According to Cbus, it intends to launch 435 Bourke Street in early 2019 and commence construction later this year pending planning approval.

Read more <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/cbus-property-submits-planning-application-for-its-landmark-435-bourke-street-site">here</a>.

<h2>Southbank by Beulah / The Green Spine</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/southbankbybeulah.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Green Spine - the competition winning entry for Southbank by Beulah. Image: UN Studio"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="568" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/southbankbybeulah.jpg?itok=xUv8mVto" title="The Green Spine - the competition winning entry for Southbank by Beulah. Image: UN Studio" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Green Spine - the competition winning entry for Southbank by Beulah. Image: UN Studio</figcaption></figure>Beulah International revealed the six entries in its Southbank by Beulah competition during its symposium in July 2018, before Cox Architecture + UN Studio's Green Spine scheme as the winning design.

The design team and Beulah then embarked on a study tour which included stops in Shanghai and New York to assist in informing the design.

It is expected that following a process of design refinement and development a planning application will be lodged for the site at 118 City Road, Southbank.

Should the project retain a maximum height of 356m and should it be viewed favourably by the Planning Minister's office, construction could commence on what would become Australia's tallest tower in 2020 at the earliest.

The winning concept for Green Spine featured a mix of uses including residential, commercial, hotel, a school and a highly permeable ground plane which extends the Southbank Boulevard linear park (see below) into the site and extends up the length of the towers.

For more details on the Green Spine and to view the other entries <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/southbank-by-beulah-the-winning-design-for-australias-tallest-tower-revealed">click here</a>.

<h2>Yarra Pool</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/wowowa_v01-overview-1024x576.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="WOWOWA + Yarra Pools' concept for a public pool at Enterprize Park. Image: Yarra Pools"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/wowowa_v01-overview-1024x576.jpg?itok=8-cgUwOj" title="WOWOWA + Yarra Pools' concept for a public pool at Enterprize Park. Image: Yarra Pools" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>WOWOWA + Yarra Pools' concept for a public pool at Enterprize Park. Image: Yarra Pools</figcaption></figure>Designed by WOWOWA and inspired by urban river swimming projects both locally and globally, Yarra Pools is a community-led proposal which seeks to transform an under-utilised section of the Yarra River's Northbank into a thriving community facility centred around water-based activities.

The proposal would include (amongst other things) wetlands, a natural leisure pool, 50m lap pool, kids pool, cafe and pavilion.

Yarra Pools is currently seeking support to advance the project through a community-led, multi-staged design and construction process. You can read more about the Yarra Pool concept <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/wowowa-and-yarra-pools-unveil-public-pool-proposal-for-melbournes-northbank">here</a> or give your feedback on the new design <a href="https://yarrapools.typeform.com/to/IPZews">here</a>.

<h2>Southbank Boulevard + Dodds 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/sthbank_blvd.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The City of Melbourne's Southbank Boulevard project is now underway. Image: City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="336" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/sthbank_blvd.jpg?itok=sQWKEQQk" title="The City of Melbourne's Southbank Boulevard project is now underway. Image: City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The City of Melbourne's Southbank Boulevard project is now underway. Image: City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>The first stage of City of Melbourne's significant project for Southbank has commenced with tram infrastructure works already completed between St Kilda Road and Sturt Street. 

Construction is now underway on the remainder of Southbank Boulevard between Sturt Street and City Road. This portion of the project will be undertaken in a number of stages and will see the west bound carriageway discontinued to create new public open space, and the current east bound one way carriageway converted to two way traffic.

The first stage is due to be completed in August of this year. Upon completion, the six stages of the project will create 2.5 hectares of public space and neighbourhood parkland within Southbank, which has become Melbourne's most densely populated suburb.

<h2>Elizabeth Street South</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/elizabeth-street_south.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Work is set to commence on Elizabeth Street South in the coming months. Image: City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/elizabeth-street_south.jpg?itok=a7n5fZW6" title="Work is set to commence on Elizabeth Street South in the coming months. Image: City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Work is set to commence on Elizabeth Street South in the coming months. Image: City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>Work is finally set to commence by the middle of this year on the City of Melbourne's long mooted pedestrianisation of Elizabeth Street South which will replace a stretch of road surface with a new tree lined public space.

Originally due to begin early last year, the project was delayed to allow for construction of an office development at 276 Flinders Street.

The 10-storey development is nearing completion and has direct frontage to the section of Elizabeth Street to be transformed, limiting Council's ability to build the new public space immediately while maintaining pedestrian safety around the construction site.

The City of Melbourne has set aside $2.2m to complete the project which will include the creation of better public realm with new bluestone paving, street furniture, lighting, trees and drainage improvements. 

<h2>Market Street Park</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/market_st_park_collins_street_interface.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Market Street Park will deliver much needed open space into the heart of the city. Image: City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/market_st_park_collins_street_interface.png?itok=C1SNgDwu" title="Market Street Park will deliver much needed open space into the heart of the city. Image: City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Market Street Park will deliver much needed open space into the heart of the city. Image: City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>Being delivered as part of Cbus Property and ISPT's $1.3bn Collins Arch development currently under construction, the Oculus-designed park along Collins and Market Streets will add much needed green space to the heart of Melbourne's CBD. 

To facilitate development of the park, City of Melbourne is contributing part of the Market Street road reserve while Cbus Property and ISPT are contributing part of their development site.

The new 1,900 sqm park comprises five distinct zones; Collins Street Interface, Northern Lawns, Playful Terrace, Central Plaza, and City Garden.

Upon completion the park will be vested back to the City of Melbourne for public use and management.

<h2>Melbourne Square - Public park, Hilton Hotel and future stages</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/melbourne_sq_update_jan19.png" rel="gallery-all" title="L-R: Melbourne Square Public Space | Floodslicer; Indicative model showing future stages | Colliers; Construction photo | Urban forum member redden "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="132" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/melbourne_sq_update_jan19.png?itok=gV2JrG16" title="L-R: Melbourne Square Public Space | Floodslicer; Indicative model showing future stages | Colliers; Construction photo | Urban forum member redden " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>L-R: Melbourne Square Public Space | Floodslicer; Indicative model showing future stages | Colliers; Construction photo | Urban forum member redden</figcaption></figure>Construction at Melbourne Square is racing ahead at OSK Property's $2.8 billion Melbourne Square project in Southbank.

The six-tower project comprises four residential towers, an office building and a hotel sited around a new central public space.

The first stage is 75% sold and features two residential towers of 231m and 179m respectively, the public park and a full line Woolworths - Southbank's first full line supermarket.

The 3,700sqm park has been designed by Taylor Cullity Lethlean and encompasses more than 20 per cent of the overall site  Read more about the park <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/melbourne-square-to-add-some-much-needed-green-infrastructure-to-southbank">here</a>.

It was also recently reported in the <a href="https://www.afr.com/real-estate/commercial/hotels-and-leisure/hilton-to-return-to-melbourne-with-600room-flagship-at-melbourne-square-20190117-h1a6c5">AFR</a>, that OSK was negotiating with Hilton Hotels &amp; Resorts to operate a 600-room flagship luxury hotel with an anticipated opening date of 2022.
</body></html>

Laurence Dragomir

Melbourne's Headline Acts for 2019

<html><body>
A new generation of 'urban escapists' are choosing to build in a new area rather than live in inner ring suburbs, according to developer Rawson Communities.
Rawson Communities general manager Ben Hogan, said this demographic, between 25-40 years of age was a key driver of outer urban growth in areas like Sydney’s burgeoning Marsden Park, with this precinct has recently been highlighted as the fastest growing residential postcode in New South Wales.
“These Urban Escapists are seeking a contemporary lifestyle and family-orientated neighbourhood in a great location with accessible connections to shopping and community hubs, schools and recreation areas," he said.
“We are seeing huge growth in this demographic and expect it to drive sustainable development in the local area over the next 18 months.”
Rawson Communities are the developers of Horizon in Marsden Park, 12 kilometres to the west of Rouse Hill Town Centre and six kilometres from Schofields Station, with direct trains into the CBD with  lot sizes ranging from 225 sqm to 450 sqm, with price points starting from $614,300.
For more information <a href="https://horizonmarsdenpark.com.au" target="_blank">click here</a>.  
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Urban escapists eyeing off western Sydney developments

<html><body>
Dalian Wanda, the Beijing-based conglomerate's hotel and apartment project proposal for Sydney's Circular Quay has received the City of Sydney Council unanimous approved.
Wanda's development proposal is for a 57-storey 184-apartment residential tower and a 179-room hotel at the 4040sq m site bounded by 1 Alfred Street, 19-31 Pitt Street and 31A Pitt Street.
The apartments will range from 50 sqm to 600 sqm in size.
Wanda plans to launch the apartments for sale next year.
Local architect Crone Partners' Greg Crone will be working with Kerry Hill Architects on the project which will commence construction in 2017 after the demolition of Gold Fields House at 1 Alfred Street.
</body></html>

Dalian Wanda gets Circular Quay project go-ahead

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Melbourne's first interactive playground Harmony Garden has been revealed at Point Park on Yarra's edge, just moments from Melbourne's CBD.
The interactive playground, created by real estate investment group Mirvac, allows children to compose music using sculptural bells and gongs which are integrated into a playground environment.
Constructed from timber, the large wall features 16 stainless steel gongs, eight anodised aluminium harmonic bells and three cube drumming seats that combine to create an interactive musical instrument spanning 11 metres.
The innovative playground was designed by co-creator of Birrarung Marr's Federation Bells Neil McLachlan, artist and sculptor Emilia Storm and landscape designer Simon Ellis.
Dotted throughout the landscaped park are 11 multi-sensory interactive bell sculptures inspired by indigenous coastal plantings and situated within native gardens.
Children use a specially-engineered colourful soft plastic stamen to play the bells.
Mirvac’s Head of Residential, John Carfi, said the Harmony Garden will be a unique and fun way to bring children and adults together.
Federation Bells co-creator, Neil McLachlan, also an Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, said the park would encourage children to play cooperatively.
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Mirvac unveils Melbourne's first interactive musical playground at Yarra's edge

<html><body>
A Melbourne developer has paid $18.18 million for a 1,722sqm property on Whitehorse Road, Box Hill with the intention of building an apartment block.
The site, <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-box+hill-501678429" target="_blank">820 Whitehorse Road</a> was sold at a land value price of $10,558sqm, above the previous price benchmark of around $8200sqm set a few weeks ago.
Savills Australia director, Nick Peden, who brokered the deal with Jesse Radisich and Clinton Baxter, said they received more than 150 enquiries and received 17 individual Expressions of Interest from a range of local and off-shore developers.
</body></html>

Developments

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Developments

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News