Forrest Hill

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<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/south-yarra-vic">South Yarra’s</a> latest development is about to strike a blow for excellent and inclusive urban realm design...and not before time.

As far back as <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/prime-time-in-forrest-hill">2014</a> and <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/add-another-to-south-yarras-emerging-forrest">2015</a>, Urban.com.au has highlighted the runaway success of South Yarra's Forrest Hill urban renewal precinct. Unfortunately though as skyscrapers sprouted throughout the precinct, the ground plane and its importance to the success of the overall development was in essence lost.

Scant few recent apartment projects have provided a meaningful expression at street level, and the precinct is the poorer for it.

South Yarra's latest apartment release, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/yarra-one-16-22-claremont-street-south-yarra">Yarra One</a>, will well and truly buck the trend though by way of a new open-air atrium fronting Claremont Street. Apartments will be set above the grand atrium within the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/fender-katsalidis-architects">Fender Katsalidis Architects-designed</a> project, which is on behalf of developer <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/ecoworld-international">Eco World</a>-Salcon Y1 Pty Ltd.

An extension of the narrow and poorly lit Yarra Lane directly opposite, Yarra One's atrium will continue the mid-block pedestrian thoroughfare to Daly Street. Long term it is possible then a new entrance to South Yarra Station would see pedestrians disembarking and transiting Yarra One's atrium through to Chapel Street and by default Forrest Hill.

<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/v05_interior_precinct_lookup_copy_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Interior atrium perspective. Image: Salcon"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="725" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/v05_interior_precinct_lookup_copy_0.jpg?itok=pAlUS6-H" title="Interior atrium perspective. Image: Salcon" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Interior atrium perspective. Image: Salcon</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
There has been a true commitment to making a positive contribution to South Yarra’s growing community with the creation of this atrium.

The atrium is an example of placemaking at its best and will transform the Forrest Hill precinct with its diverse range of amenity for both residents and the wider community.
<cite>Andrew Leoncelli, managing director for residential projects at CBRE</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
Positioned in the centre of the area’s pedestrian traffic between the train station and Chapel Street, the atrium has been designed to be used and embraced by the community.
<cite>Karl Fender, founding director of Fender Katsalidis Architects</cite>
</blockquote>

Cafés, restaurants, and retail spaces are set to act as the atrium's drawcards, with the expectation that Yarra One will become a meeting place. The structure itself also continues Fender Katsalidis Architects' penchant for incorporating trellis-like structures into their high-rise designs; other notable examples include <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/forum/republic-tower">Republic Tower</a> and <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/projects/australia-108-70-southbank-boulevard-southbank">Australia 108</a>.

The timber trellis structure includes draped greenery whilst also allowing ample natural light penetration. Tiered seating is also incorporated as is a stage, allowing for small performances.

The pending excellence of Yarra One's public atrium brings into focus the shortcomings of many surrounding developments in creating a pleasant, interactive and genuinely usable street level interface. It can be argued that planning provisions should have been implemented across the Forrest Hill prior to the precinct's renewal in order to facilitate similarly impressive urban realm outcomes.

Although no one is ever wrong in hindsight, it is nonetheless highly encouraging to see both architect and developer deliver a project that includes much foresight.
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silvermb

Yarra One finally strikes a blow for Forrest Hill's urban realm

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Prolific South Yarra developer Michael Yates has banked upon the continued success of the luxury apartment sector within the suburb by positioning his latest apartment offering squarely at the expanding baby-boomer sector of the market.

After a string of successful apartment and commercial developments spanning the best part of two decades and predominantly within South Yarra's Forrest Hill Precinct, Michael L Yates &amp; Co. have released 55 Claremont with the intention of capturing the “boomer-boom." Discerning the shift of a certain part of the market toward premium apartment living, 55 Claremont will contain a comparatively modest 37 apartments over 16 levels.

<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/yate9001_55_claremont_e01_heroa.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hero perspective of the upcoming development"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="1160" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/yate9001_55_claremont_e01_heroa.jpg?itok=67_hgbmp" title="Hero perspective of the upcoming development" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hero perspective of the upcoming development</figcaption></figure>According to the developer the first signs of the strengthening luxury apartment market appeared when fellow Michael L Yates &amp; Co. development Yarra House sold more than 70 percent of apartments to owner occupiers in the over-50 bracket. With Yarra House freshly completed, 55 Claremont has been positioned to absorb the “boomer-boom” defined by their desire for high quality, spacious apartments in inner city pockets.

In excess of 40 percent of stock has traditionally gone to investors in the developer's earlier apartment projects, although with baby boomer demand for apartment living on the rise projects such as 55 Claremont will continue to emerge as the industry steps up to cater for this emerging apartment dweller.

<h2>The boomer shift</h2>

<blockquote>
We ensured our next development, 55 Claremont, ticked the boxes for baby boomers – spacious and flexible floorplans, a boutique development in a prime location and a dress circle view of Melbourne.

Another trend we’re seeing is the downsizers’ desire to merge floorplans. The ability to create your own, bespoke apartment combined with a five-star hotel ambiance has been embraced by empty nesters looking to enjoy their encore years.

With the kids out of home, or retirement on the way, these buyers value being in close proximity to Melbourne’s best restaurants and cafes, cinemas, recreational facilities, parks and the city.
<cite>Michael Yates of Michael L Yates &amp; Co</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/in03_type_b_kitchen_lighta.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Space and more space. 55 Claremont's kitchen area"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/in03_type_b_kitchen_lighta.jpg?itok=SPBbQ5sk" title="Space and more space. 55 Claremont's kitchen area" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Space and more space. 55 Claremont's kitchen area</figcaption></figure>Michael L Yates &amp; Co.'s preferred architect Bird de la Coeur is responsible for the overall design of 55 Claremont, with Hassell appointed to deliver interiors for the premier project that will see a maximum of three apartments over any one floor

Designed with clean finishes, apartments feature and abundance of space, stainless steel Gaggenau appliances, stone-finish island benches and oak timber flooring.

As South Yarra and Forrest Hill in particular continue to develop, Michael L Yates &amp; Co. also consider 55 Claremont's position as a strong selling point. Panoramic, never-to-be built out views are on offer with the CBD a focal point.

<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/yate9001_55_claremont_in02_bedrooma.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A bedroom with CBD views"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="388" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/yate9001_55_claremont_in02_bedrooma.jpg?itok=PF5CxdQ_" title="A bedroom with CBD views" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A bedroom with CBD views</figcaption></figure>One bedroom apartments within 55 Claremont range in size from 41sqm to 53sqm with large two bedroom apartments holding 95sqm. Three bedroom apartments range between 95sqm and 151.5sqm with prospective purchasers having the option of combining floorplans to create bespoke apartments.

With only 37 apartments on offer construction of 55 Claremont is due for completion by the end of 2017.
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The boomer-boom: 55 Claremont targets the luxury apartment market

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South Yarra has consistently been a hot spot for apartment development for some time, yet the suburb's Forrest Hill Precinct continues an unprecedented surge of large-scale planning applications which continue to land with City of Stonnington.

The latest to join the ranks is 37-41 Claremont Street with Artisan Architects last week submitting plans for a 31 level residential tower on behalf of LK Property Group. Sold by CBRE City Sales during June of this year, the 970sqm site will likely see 324 new apartments added toward the northern end of Forrest Hill Precinct.

Incidentally 37-41 Claremont Street is LK Property Group's third current foray into the South Yarra apartment market with Gisele at 300 Toorak Road under construction and the suburb's tallest proposal, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/projects/capitol-grand-257-toorak-road-south-yarra">Capitol Grand</a>, at sales.

<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/12189526_1146896592007142_6297621148415691697_n.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Street level perspective of the proposed tower. Image courtesy Artisan Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="511" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/12189526_1146896592007142_6297621148415691697_n.jpg?itok=eRlu9feR" title="Street level perspective of the proposed tower. Image courtesy Artisan Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Street level perspective of the latest addition. Image courtesy Artisan Architects</figcaption></figure>The Forrest Hill tower will also accommodate 182 vehicles and 920sqm of commercial floor space within a building holding 36,546sqm of GFA, placing it among the precinct's largest. 37-41 Claremont Street is also another collaboration between architect and developer, following on from Opus Tower on City Road which has all but topped out.

<h2>Forrest Hill by the numbers</h2>

Currently the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments?field_lga_tid=120&amp;items_per_page=10">Forrest Hill subcategory</a> within the Urban.com.au project database is holding 13 high-rise residential towers which are at various stages of the development cycle, with a combined yield of 3,010 apartments. Yarra House and Lucia are at the tail end of construction while Claremont Manor's floorplate is above ground. The remainder are at planning, approved or registrations &amp; sales.

The four most recent planning applications lodged with City of Stonnington do tell a story of a more adventurous Forrest Hill Precinct of late. 42-48 Claremont, 671 Chapel, 37-41 Claremont and 16-22 Claremont are all considerably taller than the average Forrest Hill build over the history of the renewal precinct, and account for 1,216 dwellings or 40% of all apartments currently monitored by Urban.com.au.

<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/syarra.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The most recent quartet looking for their place within Forrest Hill"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="384" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/syarra.jpg?itok=G-_14HMy" title="The most recent quartet looking for their place within Forrest Hill" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The most recent quartet looking for their place within Forrest Hill</figcaption></figure>The largest of all apartment developments within the precinct is yet to appear publicly. According to <a href="http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/property/fridcorp-harry-goles-plan-apartment-towers-worth-800m-in-melbourne/story-fnko7zi0-1227439130820">The Australian</a>, Fridcorp's 627 Chapel Street will hold roughly 550 apartments in a $500 million mixed-use tower that will rival neighbour Capitol Grand at approximately 150 metres in height.

An overview of all current major apartment developments within South Yarra's Forrest Hill Precinct is seen below.

Lead image courtesy CBRE City Sales
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Forrest Hill's apartment numbers are big and getting bigger

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As South Yarra's Forrest Hill Precinct churns out apartment towers seemingly at will, developers have of late continued to push the limits of their projects in the pursuit of increased returns. While a string of taller towers at either planning or approval have lined up along Chapel Street, 16-22 Claremont Street is the most recent proposal that would have a marked presence in the South Yarra skyline.

Proponents K&amp;E Rogers Pty Ltd have sought to usurp a current planning permit set to expire during October 2016 with a recently submitted residential scheme. At 13 levels and 51 metres the permitted office design is well short of the asked for tower which would have 31 levels and measure 98.5 metres.

<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/claremont.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of 16-22 Claremont Street above all others"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="784" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/claremont.jpg?itok=38b5nuEa" title="Artist's impression of 16-22 Claremont Street above all others" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of 16-22 Claremont Street above all others</figcaption></figure>First seen on Skyscrapercity, early images of the proposal see a predominantly blue edifice with twin 20 level angular 'wings' jutting out from the oval-shaped tower. With a nominal value of $140 million, 16-22 Claremont Street which is believed to be a MGS Architects design encompasses 399 apartments and stands considerably taller than any surrounding buildings.

16-22 Claremont Street is a large rectangular plot located centrally within the Forrest Hill Precinct. Split between a low-rise commercial building and at-grade car park, the proposal is neighboured by existing residential buildings which include Lilli Apartments, Prime Tower, Ella, SXY2 and 50 Claremont Street, all of which range between 15-20 levels.

<h2>Not before time</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/image33_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Frontages to Daly and Claremont"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="347" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image33_1.jpg?itok=S4aYZ_wk" title="Frontages to Daly and Claremont" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Frontages to Daly and Claremont</figcaption></figure>Readers with knowledge of the area will recognise the dearth of anything remotely organic along Claremont Street.

The proposed 16-22 Claremont Street will do its part to address this by introducing a trellised feature to both Claremont Street and Daly Street. Finished with greenery, the articulate and inviting podium feature is in contrast to its surrounds while also providing an enhanced thoroughfare which acts as an extension of 'Yarra Lane' directly opposite.

The proposed 16-22 Claremont Street thoroughfare completes the activated mid-block link between South Yarra Station and Chapel Street, the only issue being the lack of an actual northern entry point at the station; a topic which has been pondered for some time.

<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/image32_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The plaza connecting Claremont and Daly"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="365" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image32_0.jpg?itok=yx0GlkRf" title="The plaza connecting Claremont and Daly" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The plaza connecting Claremont and Daly</figcaption></figure><h2>Claremont on a high</h2>

Claremont Street itself is a hive of development activity as site after site finds new use as a high-rise residential development. Claremont Manor's jump form is above ground as Hickory Group undertake its construction while Buildcorp Commercial have all but completed Alto South Yarra directly opposite.

<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/image29_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Claremont Street line-up"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="218" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image29_1.jpg?itok=PnEif9Eg" title="The Claremont Street line-up" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Claremont Street line-up</figcaption></figure>Further north along Claremont Street and Little Projects recently released <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/38-40-claremont-street-south-yarra">The Elfin</a> for public sales while <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/projects/55-claremont-street-south-yarra">55 Claremont Street</a> is due for a planning decision. The latest of Michael L Yates &amp; Co's many South Yarra projects, 55 Claremont Street would include 39 dwellings over 16 levels and present as one of the area's smaller developments by apartment numbers.

Also at planning is 42-48 Claremont Street, South Yarra on behalf of Claremont Co Pty Ltd. With a nominal development value of $40 million, another substantial residential developments looks to be in the offing.
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Add another to South Yarra's emerging 'Forrest'

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Two new planning applications with Stonnington City Council are seeking to continue the trend of increasingly taller towers making their way into South Yarra's Forrest Hill Precinct. Lodged during late June, CBD-based entity Lantern River Pty Ltd is behind a proposal located at 671 Chapel Street which would see a 30 level residential tower replace a low-rise retail outlet, while Fridcorp have also sought approval for a mixed-use development at 627 Chapel Street.

Design firm Architecton has drawn inspiration form fine jewellery and faceted forms in order to conceive <a href="http://www.architecton.com.au/34556/7097762/select-projects/chapel-street-south-yarra">671 Chapel Street</a> with the predominantly black tower contrasted by bronze highlights. Abutting Melbourne High School and with a nominal value of $115 million, the proposal adds to the rapidly evolving streetscape within the Forrest Hill Precinct which has seen the northern stretch of Chapel Street subject to multiple tower proposals.

<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/da4b74f0b938098d9fcb9964b6af56bc.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of 671 Chapel Street. Image courtesy Architecton"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/da4b74f0b938098d9fcb9964b6af56bc.jpg?itok=Mi385Bal" title="Artist's impression of 671 Chapel Street. Image courtesy Architecton" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of 671 Chapel Street. Image courtesy Architecton</figcaption></figure><h2>671 Chapel Street overview</h2>

<blockquote>
The design seeks to deliver on one of the key objectives of the DDO control which is… 'to provide tall slender building forms rather than bulky, monolithic buildings in order to minimise visual bulk'.

The site context has been carefully analysed and considered, which has generated a sculptural building form that responds to key influences within its surrounding context.

The project leverages the incredible view amenity offered by the location of the site and its location within the Forest Hill North Precinct. The proposed development will create public interface that provides a vibrant, attractive and safe pedestrian connection through the Forrest Hill Precinct.

The proposal provides new residential apartments over 30 storeys and a 6 level basement carpark inclusive of residential amenity spaces such as shared lounges, rooftop bar, pool, library, gymnasium and yoga room. Activated public realm at Chapel Street with highly exposed retail and commercial spaces all integrated via a landscaped porte cochere.

The form and facades of the proposed tower have been influenced and moulded by the key heritage components of the immediate precinct, resulting in an architectural language which is responsive and deferential to the sites surrounding history, yet embracing the changing characteristics of Chapel Street, but also avoiding the unreasonable visual bulk of new development when viewed from surrounding areas by ensuring appropriate scales, form and articulation.
<cite>Architecton website</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/chapelh.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial perspective of Chapel Street's Forrest Hill Precinct. Image courtesy Architecton"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="237" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/chapelh.jpg?itok=RNWB_8dP" title="Aerial perspective of Chapel Street's Forrest Hill Precinct. Image courtesy Architecton" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial perspective of Chapel Street's Forrest Hill Precinct. Image courtesy Architecton</figcaption></figure>Fridcorp's proposal for 627 Chapel Street would see a tower with a nominal cost of $130 million delivered, consisting of retail, hospitality and residential uses. Both 627 Chapel Street and 671 Chapel Street are in and amongst a handful of current projects intent on redefining South Yarra's emerging skyline.

Next to 671 Chapel Street Malaysia's Gamuda Land has launched <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/661-chapel-street-south-yarra">661 Chapel Street</a> within Malaysia, with a local sales campaign expected to begin during September. Valued at $146 million, Gamuda Land's first foray into the Melbourne residential sector will see 169 apartments delivered with one, two and three bedroom layouts available.

Adjoining 661 Chapel Street is <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/royal-como-663-chapel-street-south-yarra">Royal Como</a> at 21 levels while <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/esque-649-chapel-street-south-yarra">649 Chapel Street</a> at 20 levels and with an estimated value of $50 million is still under planning assessment. Rounding out the spike in development along this pocket of Chapel Street is LK Property Group's <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/capitol-grand-257-toorak-road-south-yarra">Capitol Grand</a> which recently gained planning approval, and at 50 levels will stand as the suburb's tallest building.
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Hitting the heights on Chapel Street

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With the spectre of South Yarra Station's entrances and street interfaces <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/comment-south-yarra-platforms-for-melbourne-metro-rail-ruled-out">remaining unchanged</a> a real possibility in the near to medium term and with a booming high-density population centred around South Yarra's Forrest Hill Precinct, there remains a real likelihood that necessary infrastructure upgrades - such as a norther entry to the station - vital in meeting population increases in the area will not be delivered.

While South Yarra remains a prime example of infrastructure upgrades lagging behind population growth, there remains a broader opportunity to implement over a host of Melbourne railway stations a quality interface between these intensified places and surrounding neighbourhoods with the State Government's level crossing removal program. To that end, Urban.com.au spoke with Hayball Principal Sarah Buckeridge in order to garner her opinion on what factors are necessary in creating value for surrounding communities through integrated infrastructure upgrades, with rail at the heart of the discussion.

Having worked on proposals such as <a href="http://www.hayball.com.au/projects/proposition-3047/">Proposition 3047</a> and with a current apartment tower under construction in South Yarra's Forrest Hill, Sarah Buckeridge and Hayball at large are qualified to offer considered opinion on the matter.

<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/f107_3595.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Forrest Hill looms large. Image courtesy wongm.com"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="338" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/f107_3595.jpg?itok=D70BPyvd" title="Forrest Hill looms large. Image courtesy wongm.com" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Forrest Hill looms large. Image courtesy <a href="http://wongm.com/">Marcus Wong</a></figcaption></figure>With an expanded South Yarra Station - adding two new platforms on the Melbourne Metro Rail tunnel - dismissed as too expensive, attention now is shifting toward making the current structure user friendly. While the potential removal of the Cranbourne-Pakenham line from the existing station once the Melbourne Metro Rail project is complete may reduce the numbers of people connecting between lines at South Yarra, Sarah notes that South Yarra Station is very much a single directional facility interfacing only with Toorak Road.

True success for the adjoining Forrest Hill Precinct is largely dependent upon meaningful integration with South Yarra Station and that requires at least another station entrance towards its northern end in order to better serve Melbourne High School and the surrounding apartment buildings. Quizzed as to Forrest Hill Precinct's overall success, Sarah notes that in the truest sense it has achieved what the original policy shift had intended: the transformation of a former industrial pocket into a high-density residential hub in a relatively short period of time.

While the towers may be new, Sarah Buckeridge also cautions on the need for public realm expenditure to mirror that of private investment. Hand in hand with South Yarra Station's increased functionality is the need for City of Stonnington to address key public realm needs within Forrest Hill Precinct such as footpaths, greenery and general amenity. Only then can Forrest Hill Precinct be judged in its entirety.

<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/project-gallery_prop30471.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Integration with a station's surrounds is key. Image courtesy Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="379" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/project-gallery_prop30471.jpg?itok=Di-3c8pp" title="Boradmeadows: integration with a station's surrounds is key. Image courtesy Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Broadmeadows: integration with a station's surrounds is key. Image courtesy Hayball</figcaption></figure>Switching from the microcosm of South Yarra to a broader Melbourne context, Urban.com.au posed the question of whether existing rail lines and stations could/should be sunk with air rights above offered for development. Sarah explains that there is no 'one size fits all' solution, citing the $70m Ikon Glen Waverley development and pending transformation of Brunswick's Jewell Station as prime examples of public-private partnership which can bring an enhanced outcome to both a given station and its surrounds, without necessarily sinking rail infrastructure.

It's this cooperation between the public (Victrack) and private spheres which Sarah considers vital in producing exciting, integrated infrastructure nodes with long lasting community benefits. Asked if new technologies such as Cross Laminated Timber (which Hayball has used successfully elsewhere) has a place in the building of new railway stations, Sarah replied it remains a possibility owing to its many beneficial characteristics but ultimately the station must be first and foremost functional and integrated with its surrounds.

<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/project-gallery_prop30474.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A reworked Broadmeadows Station. Image courtesy Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="215" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/project-gallery_prop30474.jpg?itok=AiqIGTHE" title="A reworked Broadmeadows Station. Image courtesy Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A reworked Broadmeadows Station. Image courtesy Hayball</figcaption></figure>Overarching the discussion was Hayball's work on devising an integrated outcome for Broadmeadows Station and its surrounds. Initially devised during 2006 as part of Architectural Review Australia’s ‘Proposition’ competition, <a href="http://www.hayball.com.au/projects/proposition-3047/">Proposition 3047</a> saw the redevelopment of the existing Broadmeadows train station with community, sustainability and accessibility at the crux of the design.

Winning the People’s Choice Award and the jury’s first prize at the time for the new inter-modal transit interchange and mixed-use development, it facilitated a new masterplan for a host of key sites within the greater Broadmeadows Transit City area. Prepared for the Department of Planning and Community Development, the 2011 Transit City plan also amounted to nothing, much to the disappointment of Sarah Buckeridge.

Sarah notes that rail station redevelopment can often act as a catalyst for further investment in the immediate area, as it's a central piece of infrastructure that naturally draws people toward it. The Broadmeadows plan was to have been a physical connector in an otherwise disjointed area, bringing with it a raft of community benefits such as increased, useable and engaging public spaces.

Described by Sarah as one of Hayball's best pieces of design, Proposition 3047 is nearly a decade old. Infrastructure investment by the State Government in Broadmeadows in particular has been limited to say the least over that period. As an stand alone design Proposition 3047 was valid then and still is now as an example of not simply redeveloping a given rail station, but taking it beyond to encapsulate a raft of features that can benefit the wider community.
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Sarah Buckeridge on integrated rail investment

South Yarra is experiencing an apartment construction boom at the moment with no less than thirteen major apartment developments sprouting skyward. Comfortably surpassing the established might of Southbank, South Yarra is second only to Melbourne&#39;s CBD in terms of the number of major projects under construction.

Combined, these thirteen projects are according to the Urban.com.au Project Database delivering 1,784 new dwellings to South Yarra, with an assumption that this would equate to approximately 3,500 additional postcode 3141 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_5330.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The epicentre that is Forrest Hill"><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_5330.jpg?itok=Hi6lYAVY" title="The epicentre that is Forrest Hill" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>The epicentre that is Forrest Hill, as seen from Claremont Street</figcaption>
</figure>

At the core of South Yarra&#39;s apartment success is Forrest Hill; the once low-rise industrial and commercial pocket was earmarked as an urban renewal precinct during 2005. While a steady trickle of projects have seen tower cranes populating the precinct ever since, it&#39;s only a decade later in the early stages of 2015 where Forrest Hill&#39;s full might is on display.

Seven of the current crop are located within Forrest Hill precinct, including <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/lucia--chiara-4-daly-street-south-yarra">Lucia/Chiara</a> and <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/central-south-yarra-3-yarra-street-south-yarra">Central South Yarra</a> who between them account for 782 of the overall 1,784 apartments under construction. The image above capturing Forrest Hill&#39;s Claremont Street holds <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/prime-tower-47-claremont-street-south-yarra">Prime Tower</a>, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/claremont-manor-7-claremont-street-south-yarra">Claremont Manor</a>, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/alto-apartments-10-claremont-street-south-yarra">Alto</a> and <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/ella-2-claremont-street-south-yarra">Ella</a>; all at varying stages of construction and cumulatively contributing a further 668 apartments.

<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_5344.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Central South Yarra rising above it all"><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_5344.jpg?itok=2nrVnope" title="Central South Yarra rising above it all" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Central South Yarra rising above it all</figcaption>
</figure>

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/yarra-house-18-yarra-street-south-yarra">Yarra House</a> also finds itself in Forrest Hill precinct, with the remaining projects under construction spread throughout the suburb. Projects west of Chapel Street include <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/six-murphy-6-murphy-street-south-yarra">6 Murphy Street</a>, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/eight-murphy-8-murphy-street-south-yarra">8 Murphy Street</a>, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/the-hill-apartments-1-davidson-street-south-yarra">The Hill Apartments</a> and <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/her-majestys-apartments-52-davis-avenue-south-yarra">Her Majesty&#39;s Apartments</a>. <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/gisele-300-toorak-road-south-yarra">Gisele</a> and <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/pure-apartments-42-wilson-street-south-yarra">Pure Apartments</a> find themselves to the east of Chapel Street with the latter located in the emerging Garden/Wilson Street area.

While the current level of construction is robust in South Yarra, the next wave of projects heading toward construction in the near to medium term is impressive in itself. Of those apartment projects at registrations or sales, the list is headlined by LK Property&#39;s <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/projects/capitol-grand-257-toorak-road-south-yarra">Capitol Grand</a> which at 193 metres in height would be South Yarra&#39;s signature built form.

Others included at registrations or sales are <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/wilco-34-wilson-street-south-yarra">Wil&amp;Co</a>, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/ralston-22-toorak-road-south-yarra">Ralston</a>, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/essence-35-wilson-street-south-yarra">Essence</a> and <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/38-40-claremont-street-south-yarra">The Elfin</a>. Also watch out for <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/661-chapel-street-south-yarra">661 Chapel Street</a> progressing in the not too distant future.

<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/image19_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Capitol Grand, 661 Chapel, Wil&amp;Co. Images courtesy Bates Smart, BDLC, McLaren"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="283" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image19_0.jpg?itok=NfMaG6ly" title="Capitol Grand, 661 Chapel, Wil&amp;Co. Images courtesy Bates Smart, BDLC, McLaren" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Capitol Grand, 661 Chapel, Wil&amp;Co. Images courtesy Bates Smart, BDLC, McLaren</figcaption>
</figure>

With many projects still to be added, the current overall list of 28 apartment projects within South Yarra can be found on the Urban.com.au <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments">Project Database</a>.

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