The next wave: 20 freshly approved projects that will further redefine our city
In the planning sense, Melbourne currently finds itself coming off an all-time high. Whilst numerous large-scale projects are either at construction or have just been delivered, developers have been somewhat more hesitant to plough on with larger planning applications over the course of 2017.
In between project delivery and initiating the planning process for the next generation of noteworthy buildings, there still remains a mass of applications lodged during 2016 at arguably the tail end of the recent apartment development boom which only now are finding resolution. This tranche of large but not exceedingly large apartment and mixed-use projects will form the backbone of construction across Melbourne in the years to come.
After the turn of the new financial year, an abnormally large number of these pending projects have been given the green light across metropolitan Melbourne, making for a plumper development pipeline.
A cross-referencing of the Urban.com.au Project Database with the planning platforms of various councils has yielded a substantial number of projects that have been approved in the past two months. Thousands of new apartments and hundreds of student accommodation beds across 20 major projects are now clear to proceed at the discretion of the respective developers.
Whilst August boomed for approvals, part one of this focus on the new wave of approvals will account for July 2017.
Highett on top
VCAT paved the way for a planning permit to be granted during July for Highett's new tallest building.
Developer Growland has commenced soft marketing for what will eventually become HoriZon Highett. At 13 levels the Rothelowman-designed building opposite Southland comfortably out does any existing Highett buildings for height, and is expected to contain 200 plus dwellings.
PDG Corporation primed
Two of developer PDG Corporation's four forthcoming developments gained the green light during July.
West Melbourne's 17-37 Abbotsford Street and 611-681 Elizabeth Street shape as two substantial projects for the developer who's current interests also include the Munro site at adjacent to QVM and a prospective Barkly Street, Brunswick apartment block.
As initially submitted, 17-37 Abbotsford Street included 200 apartments and a healthy retail aspect, whilst the reworked Elizabeth Street development on the current Melbourne City Toyota site will also yield hundreds of new dwellings.
Suburban infill
The Interlandi Mantesso-designed 31-43 Puckle Street can now be delivered after receiving a planning permit.
Receiving a Notice of Decision during July, the project is spread over 10 levels and includes 84 apartments and an arcade that will host over 1,000sqm of retail space. The project's stand out feature is its multicoloured facade treatment to its southern and western facades.
Another infill development project adding to its respective suburb's apartment-driven credentials is 10-16 Lilydale Grove, Hawthorn East. With both Lilydale Grove and the adjoining Montrose Street receiving higher density apartment projects in recent years, 10-16 Lilydale Grove is the latest to add to the area's rapidly evolving streetscape.
Residence Company Pty Ltd is behind the Ellis Group Architects-designed project that includes 86 apartments and a single retail tenancy.
St Kilda duo
The now demolished Greyhound Hotel at 1 Brighton Road, St Kilda has received approval for a residential development. Initial plans for the prominent corner site saw Terry Harper Architects design an 8 storey building incorporating 43 apartments above 5 retail tenancies.
Approved by VCAT during July, site demolition has been undertaken despite an attempt by Port Phillip Council to gain heritage protection for the landmark structure.
Also nearly, 190-192 St Kilda Road gained the green light. It is noteworthy simply for its design prowess; small in stature consisting of limited commercial space plus a sole dwelling, the project is big on character with Peddle Thorp the design force.
Tomorrow Urban.com.au will highlight the altogether more robust list of approvals granted during August 2017.