Northbank

The mixed-use Riverlee development Seafarers is one of the most anticipated apartment and hotel combination&#39;s to hit Melbourne in recent years.

The development will home Australia&#39;s first 1 Hotels, along with 123 apartments which have already <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/vic/entrepreneurs-and-executives-favour-hotel-lifestyle-as-seafarers-docklands-sales-surge">been a hit with entrepreneurs and business executives</a>.

Designed by the international architecture studio Fender Katsalidis, Seafarers is expected to be completed in late 2023.

Urban recently spoke to&nbsp;Gabriella Castelmore, a published author who recently moved back to Melbourne having lived overseas for the last 26 years and has found a home in Seafarers.

How did you discover Seafarers?

I first discovered Seafarers when I was in Paris. At the time, I wasn&rsquo;t ready to buy a property in Australia as I was still living overseas. When I did finally make the move, I had a good sense of the market and made the decision to look into Seafarers further. After visiting a few different developments, Seafarers was the obvious choice. The location and value for money exceeded my expectations.

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What attracted you to Seafarers?

Riverlee went straight to the top shelf in appointing the architect and interior designer, and that really stood out for me. I also liked the 1 Hotel component and its high standard of sustainability.

Location was important - I wanted to be central as in the past I had long commutes to work. Now, I will be in close proximity to the office and able to walk or ride to work easily. Coming from Paris where most people live in apartments, it&#39;s comforting knowing there is a beautiful rooftop garden terrace, river views and access to the public park.

&nbsp;

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What qualities were you looking for in a home?

First and foremost I was looking for quality fixtures and fittings, as well as floorboards and carpets. Moving to Melbourne, I had to factor in the need for storage. I was able to secure two units of storage in addition to a car park space.

Other qualities that were important were the amenities - having access to the gym, pool and sauna.

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What are you looking forward to most about living at Seafarers?

To be honest, I am really looking forward to the sheer comfort and luxury Seafarers offers. My apartment is really spacious with a big bathtub and lots of storage for me to keep everything organised and out of sight. I am also looking forward to using the hotel, inviting friends for coffee or a drink and experiencing 1 Hotel in Melbourne.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/vic/what-buyers-need-to-know-about-the-newest-northbank-project-seafarers-five-minutes-with-riverlees-david-lee">Read more:&nbsp;What buyer&#39;s need to know about the newest Northbank project Seafarers: Five minutes with Riverlee&#39;s David Lee</a>

Are there elements you customised when designing your new home?

I spent a bit of time changing the floorplan and Riverlee was really accommodating throughout the whole journey. I took out the laundry sink which I moved to the large en-suite with access via the hallway. By removing this, I was able to build a substantial study nook large enough for two people with built in cabinetry and shelving.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27728 project_image_fid=73043]

We also finished the study area 20cm short from the kitchen allowing full floor to ceiling cupboards in the kitchen instead of a wall, and providing an enormous amount of additional pantry space.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/vic/the-design-details-fender-katsalidis-architects-discuss-riverlees-mixed-use-docklands-development-seafarers">Read more:&nbsp;The Design Details: Fender Katsalidis Architects discuss Riverlee&#39;s mixed-use Docklands development Seafarers</a>

What attracted you to the Northbank area?

Accessibility to the city and knowing everything is within walking distance, from the variety of great restaurants and bars Melbourne has to offer to the Arts Precinct and Botanical Gardens. Being a big tennis fan, I am also looking forward to being able to walk to the Australian Open when it&rsquo;s on.

I was also attracted to the bike tracks located directly around Seafarers and liked the fact that I&rsquo;ll be able to easily access the South Melbourne and Queen Vic markets.

Are there features at Seafarers that surprised you? 

Yes, the heritage aspect really surprised me, with the building retaining as much of the original site as possible. In today&#39;s world we need to be more conscious about our waste, and knowing this is something Riverlee is prioritising is very much aligned with my values.

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Urban recently spoke to Gabriella Castelmore, a published author who recently moved back to Melbourne having lived overseas for the last 26 years.



Joel Robinson

Why I bought a Seafarers, Melbourne apartment: Buyer Q&A

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<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/wowowa-architecture">WOWOWA</a> and <a href="http://yarrapools.com/">Yarra Pools</a> have unveiled a proposal for a public pool at Melbourne's Enterprize Park as part of Hong Kong Business of Design Week. First announced as a concept in 2016, Yarra Pools is a not-for-profit community led proposal to re-establish recreation and water activities along the Yarra River's edge and transform an underutilised section of Melbourne's Northbank into a thriving community space.

The concept has been inspired by urban river swimming projects both locally and globally, with the proponents behind the proposal citing global examples such as Copenhagen Harbour Baths, New York's Plus Pool, Paris' Canal Swimming Pool and Helsinki's Allas Sea Pool as sources of inspiration. The Yarra Pools proposal however, has a distinctly Australian context, reflected in the inclusion of wetlands, a natural leisure pool and native vegetation.

<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_v02-overview.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial overview of the Yarra Pools proposal. Image: WOWOWA"><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_v02-overview.jpg?itok=5ieJGJLl" title="Aerial overview of the Yarra Pools proposal. Image: WOWOWA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial overview of the Yarra Pools proposal. Image: WOWOWA</figcaption></figure>The latest concept is based around five design principles and within those a series of themes, established via the first stage of user needs analysis. These are listed below:

<ul>
<li>Health and Well-being</li>
	<li>Place and Community</li>
	<li>Sustainability, Environment and Heritage</li>
	<li>Economy, Jobs and Innovation</li>
	<li>Strategic Alignment</li>
</ul>
The purpose of the user needs analysis was to uncover, explore and validate the design principles while also collating ideas from key stakeholders to ensure any proposal meets the requirements of the community and can be used year long. Peak bodies that were consulted included existing traditional owners, Yarra River users, existing Enterprize Park users and the wider community in addition to peak sports, health and education bodies amongst others.

Established in 2002, Hong Kong Business Design Week is touted as "Asia’s premier annual event on design, innovation and brands...(providing) a valuable platform for business and creative leaders to exchange ideas, network, and explore new business opportunities." For 2018, Melbourne is the partner city for the event and 'the largest presence within the conference's exhibition space,' according to <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/art-and-design/a-pool-on-the-yarra-90-melbourne-designs-showcased-in-hong-kong-20181127-p50inf">The Age</a>.

<blockquote>
"Our vision is to have Melburnians talk about our river differently. To be proud of the Yarra, and to see it as an active place of nature, recreation and play.’"

- Matt Stewart,  Yarra Swim Co.
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
"This project builds on decades of work to return the Yarra back to the people. We dine, ride, run and row along the Yarra. Now it’s time to get back in.'"

- Michael O’Neill, Environmental Scientist and Co-founder of Yarra Pools
</blockquote>

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="610" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/leGedpI7icU" width="100%"></iframe>

To the west of Enterprize Park a <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/rebecca-walks-long-awaited-transformation-set-to-finally-get-underway">revamped Rebecca Walk</a> is 'Opening Soon' according to its <a href="http://www.rebeccawalk.com.au/index">website</a>. Combined both projects would go a long way in activating the rail viaduct under croft and currently underutilised spaces.
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Laurence Dragomir

WOWOWA and Yarra Pools unveil public pool proposal for Melbourne's Northbank

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Following <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/third-time-lucky-for-riverlees-731-739-flinders-street-development">support from the City of Melbourne earlier in the year</a>, developer Riverlee is free to commence work on its $450 million redevelopment on the Northbank of the Yarra, following Ministerial approval.

Set to be called Seafarers Place, the project includes an extensive revitalisation of the former industrial waterfront site into a new mixed-use precinct, based around a high quality public realm in the form of a new 3,500sqm public park, including restoration of the historic wharf and heritage-listed crane.

<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/riverlee_northbank_pontoon.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Riverlee's Seafarer's Place is due to commence construction in 2019. Image: Riverlee"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/riverlee_northbank_pontoon.jpg?itok=wfBZLzOL" title="Riverlee's Seafarer's Place is due to commence construction in 2019. Image: Riverlee" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Riverlee's Seafarer's Place is due to commence construction in 2019. Image: Riverlee</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
At Riverlee, we pride ourselves on urban renewal. We are committed to rebuilding connections between people and places by delivering a masterplanned precinct that is rich in history, adding to Melbourne’s vibrant culture

 This regeneration project is significant in many ways and has been collaboratively designed with all of our partners and important government stakeholders, including the City of Melbourne, Department of Planning, Department of Treasury and Finance, Heritage Victoria, and many others.

We are excited to deliver the revitalisation of this historic wharf precinct. With never-to-be-built-out views of the Yarra River and Docklands Park, this underutilised site will transform into a world-class waterfront precinct bridging Melbourne CBD and Docklands.

The open spaces and public park are designed to give the waterfront back to the community and celebrate the unique character and history of the site.”

The overall design is bold and striking - the result of what has been a truly collaborative process. This project will be a new iconic waterfront destination for Melburnians and visitors to enjoy.\

-  David Lee Riverlee Development Director
</blockquote>

Seafarers Place comprises 150 luxurious residences, a 5-star hotel with 280 rooms and a 1000-seat function centre, along with a host of retail amenity transforming the site while remaining sympathetic to the Shed’s industrial past.

The site’s historic Goods Shed known as ‘Shed 5’ will be restored and repurposed into a premium waterfront event space, designed to celebrate and highlight its original roof trusses. Riverlee will also retain and restore the site’s iconic, heritage-listed crane to its former glory.

Designed by Fender Katsalidis and  OCULUS, the Northbank Goods Shed project represents one of the final undeveloped waterfront sites in Melbourne’s CBD.

According to Riverlee, it is committed to unlocking the potential of what is a currently underutilised precinct to contribute significantly to Melbourne’s expanding urban composition.

One of the other key ambitions of the project is to provide the “missing link” between the CBD, Docklands and the Yarra Promenade.

Wharf restoration works began in February and are expected to be completed in the coming months. Crane restoration works have commenced with construction slated for mid-2019. 
 
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Riverlee's Seafarers Place gains Ministerial Approval - construction to commence in 2019

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First mooted early last year, the long awaited facelift to Rebecca Walk looks set to proceed following a call out for "40 energetic street food traders" back in January of this year and planning approvals.

New plans were conceived for the largely empty row of pods which occupy the under croft of the Flinders St Viaduct adjacent to Batman Park on the CBD's Northbank. Rebecca Walk takes its name from the schooner ‘Rebecca’ which John Batman sailed into the Yarra and celebrates the historical connection between 'Batman' and 'Rebecca'.

<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/rebecca-walk2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The existing condition of Rebecca Walk. Image: https://cityplanningbrisbane.files.wordpress.com"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/rebecca-walk2.jpg?itok=VqpR24_2" title="The existing condition of Rebecca Walk. Image: https://cityplanningbrisbane.files.wordpress.com" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The existing condition of Rebecca Walk. Image: https://cityplanningbrisbane.files.wordpress.com</figcaption></figure>Developed in parallel with Far East Consortium's Northbank Place development on the site of the former Fish Markets, Rebecca Walk was envisioned as a catalyst and drawcard for Northbank which activated an otherwise underutilised space.

Businessman Arthur Zurcas announced plans last year to rejuvenate the area into the city’s “newest explosive food and entertainment hot spot”.

The proposed plan would replace the existing pods with purpose built micro-kitchens, and semi-permanent shipping containers, transforming the area into a street food hub.  Other features would include outdoor entertainment, and activities, street art, an outdoor cinema and an elevated deck overlooking Batman Park.

<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-1.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="233" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img-1.jpg?itok=7KWYp3B5" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ground Plan of Rebecca Walk showing occupation of car parking. Image: rebeccawalk.com.au</figcaption></figure>The plans indicate the food hub will extend beyond the current boundary occupying a greater footprint and replacing a number of car parking spaces while also creating a shared pedestrian/vehicle space in place of a service driveway.

An application was lodged last year for 2-92 Rebecca Walk for the "Erection and display of artwork on a hoarding" (City of Melbourne reference TP-2016-1045) followed by a further application (TP-2016-1118) on the 29th December which was for:

<blockquote>
Partial demolition and development of the land for the purpose of a food and drink premises (excluding hotel and tavern) and for the construction and display of internally illuminated business identification
</blockquote>

A permit was issued on the 4th August which paves the way for Rebecca Walk's transformation to proceed. It appears to be a case of when not if the rebranded Rebecca Walk will proceed but one hazard's a guess it should be up and running in time for summer.

<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-2.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="233" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img-2.jpg?itok=agQ8Q723" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rebecca Walk is set to become a street food and outdoor entertainment hub. Image: rebeccawalk.com.au</figcaption></figure>For further information check out: http://www.rebeccawalk.com.au/

 
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Rebecca Walk's long awaited transformation set to finally get underway?

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With a sizeable amount of development activity expected to occur in the immediate area over the next few years, it's an appropriate time to have a look at one of Melbourne's eyesores. Collins Square, Melbourne Quarter, North Wharf (not shown in model) and the former Convention Centre site are at varying stages of development, Crowne Plaza to my thinking should be next in line.

Keep in mind these concepts are very high level and have been developed in a matter of a few hours; unfortunately I'm a bit too time poor at the moment to dedicate more time and brain cells.

In addition to the Crowne Plaza building I've also looked at the parking structure along Flinders Street within the former WTC complex. With the news that Victoria Police will likely vacate the complex in favour of new digs on Spencer Street, this would provide a perfect opportunity to reassess the complex of buildings completely. I'll leave the concept for a complete overhaul for another 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/wtc_crowne_plaza.png" rel="gallery-all" title="WTC Northbank and Cronwe Plaza."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="227" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/wtc_crowne_plaza.png?itok=LRzQMJ0c" title="WTC Northbank and Cronwe Plaza." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>WTC Northbank and Crowne Plaza.</figcaption></figure>These two sites were considered for the various opportunities they present. The car park's footprint could be maximised further with the addition of additional office space above, while also allowing for stronger links to the Mission to Seafarers building via the introduction of open space.

Similarly one of the great criticisms of the Crowne Plaza building is it's relationship (or lack thereof) to the Yarra River and how it forms a visual and physical barrier between the city and the river. To address this I looked at separating the existing structure into what would effectively be two separate buildings.

<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/image13_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ideas diagram for Crowne Plaza's rebirth"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="321" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image13_10.jpg?itok=QfI_fYy2" title="Ideas diagram for Crowne Plaza's rebirth" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ideas diagram for Crowne Plaza's rebirth</figcaption></figure>Separating the building would allow sunlight through to the promenade and reduce the visual bulk when viewed from Southbank, while opening up new views to the developments beyond. Further to this the provision of a north facing park is suggested, with retail interfaces and access to sunlight during midday.

This would most likely have to be raised public space which would terrace down to the Northbank promenade to allow for vehicular circulation and entry, and to accommodate a porte cochere and parking below.

The 'new' towers would be reskinned with a modular facade system which creates serrated edges to the tower forms maximising views to the bay and city. Tower 1 would accommodate hotel rooms and facilities with a consistent vertically static expression across up the facade, an extrusion of the floor plate the full height of the tower.

This would be capped with a green roof and rooftop hotel facilities and amenities such as infinity pool, bar, function space, etc.

<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/diagrams_wtc_page_3.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Crowne Plaza diagrams"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/diagrams_wtc_page_3.png?itok=r0MdU19K" title="Crowne Plaza diagrams" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Crowne Plaza diagrams</figcaption></figure>Tower 2 is more mixed use with a combination of residential apartments and hotel which employs a similar facade strategy, but with a sense of movement applied to it drawing on the movement and currents of the Yarra River. Hotel rooms would be located in the lower levels with apartments above. New circulation and services and VT cores would be built to the north.

For the expansive WTC car park, the addition of 10 new office floors would result in a structure with an overall height of 98 metres which would not provide any additional overshadowing to the Northbank promenade. Locating the core to the west where the existing car park core also resides deals with the intense western sun particularly in summer.

A greenwall treatment, envisaged as a vertical extension of the new neighbouring park between the car park and the Mission to Seafarers, would give the elevation depth and soften an otherwise sheer concrete wall.

<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/diagrams_wtc_page_2.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Office tower diagrams"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/diagrams_wtc_page_2.png?itok=wzQ0BcQy" title="Office tower diagrams" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Office tower diagrams</figcaption></figure>A "shadow gap" between the car park and new office levels helps reinforce the idea of a podium or base with tower on top. Providing a wrap of office and ground floor retail to Siddeley Street would go some way to helping activate the street beyond being just a thoroughfare for vehicular traffic passing through the WTC Complex.

These ideas for redevelopment are merely that, but my hope is they provoke some thought. With surrounding areas undergoing a development renaissance, Crowne Plaza will soon enough become an even worse blight on Northbank's evolving landscape. It a prospect worth avoiding.

To finish off I shall leave you with an aerial render of the two sites in context.

<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/wtc_cp_finish.png" rel="gallery-all" title="In-situ with Melbourne Quarter, 7-23 Spencer St and Collins Square"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="325" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/wtc_cp_finish.png?itok=q51jGzCw" title="In-situ with Melbourne Quarter, 7-23 Spencer St and Collins Square" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>In-situ with Melbourne Quarter, 7-23 Spencer Street and Collins Square</figcaption></figure>
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