On my hunt for 12+ level buildings today along the whole stretch of Beaconsfield Parade (from St. Kilda to Port Melbourne, see this thread: http://skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=9911&pagenumber=4)

I took the liberty of observing some projects ;)

1. "Bayview Apartments"

looks to be 8 - 10 levels, well underway with half looking 6 months from completion:

location:

http://members.iinet.net.au/~tayser/bayviewlocation.JPG

Rendering:

http://www.bayviewportmelbourne.com.au/media/images/building.jpg

2 cranes on site, looks like they're just completing the (far) right section of that rendering above.

2. "Id living"

www.idliving.com

Right near HM@S, looks only to be fairly low-rise (4 - 6 levels)

Id apartments, located just metres from the beach in Port Melbourne, consist of four uniquely designed apartment buildings; Drift, Still, Splash and Tide. Nestled within a lush garden setting, every apartment enjoys tranquil garden, bay or city views. The character of each building is defined by distinctive architecture and interior design which creates its unique individual style.

http://www.idliving.com/images/location/aerial_beachfront.jpg

One thing's for sure, this site is MASSIVE - if anyone's been there recently they'll agree, pity there's too many Nimby's down there now and the buildings are fairly small - oh well, more "urban" beef for Port Melbourne

another aerial:

http://www.idliving.com/images/location/aerial_beachcity.jpg

Orientation Maps:

http://www.idliving.com/images/project/vision.gif

"Drift" Building:

http://www.idliving.com/images/drift/exterior.jpg

"Still" building:

http://www.idliving.com/images/still/exterior.jpg

"Splash" building:

http://www.idliving.com/images/splash/exterior.jpg

"Tide" building:

http://www.idliving.com/images/tide/view_to_CBD.jpg

3. "Victoria on Beaconsfield"

The old Victoria Hotel from 1888 is getting redone into 20 or so residences:

http://www.victoriaonbeaconsfield.com/media/history/history_01.jpghttp://www.victoriaonbeaconsfield.com/media/history/history_02.jpg

www.victoriaonbeaconsfield.com

Also what I noticed from the walk, down the St. Kilda End of Beacy Parade, there's a construction site, asked one of the workers what's getting built and he said 5 storey apartment building, so I kept walking lol :D

Just as I was getting on the tram to get back to the CBD, I noticed "Sandridge" something boards all up next to the bars just south of Beacon cove - I must have walked straight past those boards and not noticed anything, regardless of which it's not going to be tall - due to the recent 8 (?) level height restriction placed on the area. - SOMETHING is going on though!

tays

Wow there is so much going on down there! Construction everywhere. Those new apartments make it look very inviting to leave there much better then the factories that dominated the Beacon Cove area.

It is a pity there is a 8 storey height limit! :bleep:

Originally posted by kasperluke


It is a pity there is a 8 storey height limit! :bleep:

definitely, I wished there'd been a concession for something 20 or so stories with a view that something "architecturally significant" could breach that 8 level limit at go to 20 :(

...think HM@S

if that's not architecturally fucken awesome... then I don't know what is ;)

btw, kasper do you live around the area ? (St. Kilda - Port Melbourne) :?

tays

thanks for those Tays, here's some info on Beacon Cove phase 2:

Mirvac searches for a Beacon of hope on foreshore
Dec 5 Brett Foley

Development giant Mirvac has again revised plans for the second stage of its Beacon Cove development at Port Melbourne, reducing its size by a third.A Victorian Government advisory committee sent Mirvac back to the drawing board over its plan to capitalise on the boom in development on Port Melbourne's foreshore.In June, the advisory committee released a report that objected to the scope of Mirvac's $650 million proposal, expressing fears it would become a private enclave with inadequate public space.Mirvac has responded with its third design, which cuts the number of apartments from 680 to about 440 and scraps plans for an eight-level, horse-shoe-shaped building and marina.Mirvac has also reduced the size of the buildings it plans to erect on the historic Princes Pier and along the foreshore. The initial plans included buildings of up to six storeys, but the latest design reduces them to four and provides for retail, service and community space, as well as open areas at ground level.One of the foreshore towers will still be 12 storeys, but the other towers will be between seven and 10 storeys high to allow greater visibility between them.The new concept allows for about 240 apartments on the shore and 200 apartments on the pier, which are tipped to bring huge prices due to the unique nature of the development.Mirvac's Victorian chief executive, Mick O'Brien, said the company had gone back to the Victorian Government, which is a joint-venture partner with it on the Beacon Cove project through its land holding, with the new designs.
The process has been delayed by the Victorian election, but Mirvac now hopes to obtain a planning permit by March.
"We think the revised scheme is a good scheme and it offers positive benefits to the state government, as well as to us in terms of financial returns," Mr O'Brien said.
"But there are a lot more public benefits to it, with a large park area, extended promenade, more beach area and the base of the pier for public use."
Mirvac is seeking a planning timetable from the government for the project so it can begin public consultation and discussions with the local council.
Mr O'Brien said due to the delicate nature of building on the pier and the restoration work necessary, the development was likely to cost more than $200 million and take up to four years to complete.
If the planning permit is approved, Mirvac will seek to have the foreshore apartments on the market by the middle of next year. The company will also seek an extension to the option it holds on the undeveloped land at Beacon Cove, which expires next August.
The plans are markedly different from Mirvac's first layout for the site, which included a 20-storey tower on the foreshore and residential development on the pier up to nine storeys high.
A spokesman for Victoria's Planning Minister, Mary Delahunty, said she would make a decision based on the recommendations of a working group made up of representatives from Mirvac, the planning department, Port Phillip Council and the community. The report is expected early in the new year.

I still havent had a good hard look up close of Beacon Cove, only ever from Station Pier, or the light rail line!

was going to go up there today, but after walking the length of Beacy Parade, I decided against going any further, only having to double back :D

tays

I know these two aren't bayside, however:

two things within 30 metres of each other I noticed yesterday:

KATZ Apartments:

http://www.katzapartments.com/popup/architecture_large.jpg

the display suite is all boarded up and what looked like having nothing inside of it - might we be seeing some construction soon I wonder ?

http://www.katzapartments.com/

THE-LANE:

http://members.iinet.net.au/~tayser/thelane.JPG

there's been a temporary "hut" been moved on site - there's only 27 apartments in that 12 storey tower - they'd have to be awfully small! Rush to get underway :?

www.the-lane.com.au

anyhow, where they're located:

http://members.iinet.net.au/~tayser/lanekatzlocation.JPG

Blue = Concept Blue
RED = The Lane
PINK = Katz Apartments
GREY = 8 Exploration Place

tays

Originally posted by tayser



btw, kasper do you live around the area ? (St. Kilda - Port Melbourne) :?

tays

I leave further down the bay (brighton/hampton), I ride fairly regularly up the beach from my house to Port Melbourne however! so i know the area pretty well.


That second phase of the development looks good, finally princes peir will be changed!

I wish they'd do up Station Pier.
Maybe they should build a 30 story, glass building right at the end of the pier :):):)

The Bayside suburbs are starting to look good. There should be taller ones! I like around Port Melbourne tho. It looks alright, they just need taller buildings, and some commercial developments!

Station pier could do with a nice redevelopment! The international are is very 50's or 40's! They still have the old luggage ramps, but i think they are under heritage! Is is most of the pier!

Originally posted by kasperluke
Station pier could do with a nice redevelopment! The international are is very 50's or 40's! They still have the old luggage ramps, but i think they are under heritage! Is is most of the pier!

part of the Tram 109 project was / is to extend the Port Melbourne light rail line onto the Pier, that certainly hasnt happened (used the line the other day!) but as for anything else on the pier, dunno.............. it would be nice though :D

tays

http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/02/20/1045638417955.html

Armed police in immigration raid
February 20 2003


Police stormed a Melbourne building site today, discovering 18 illegal workers.

The 18 men, all Chinese nationals, are being held in the Maribyrnong Immigration Detention Centre awaiting deportation or documentation.

Five of the men were working in breach of their visas, the remaining 13 were found to be in Australia illegally.

The Department of Immigration raid, conducted with the assistance of the Australian Federal Police, Victoria Police and Australian Taxation Office staff, had been planned since early January when officials were tipped off about illegal workers on the Port Melbourne building site.

The raids provoked warnings that the presence of weapons on the building site could have ended in deaths or serious injuries.

Victorian Trades Hall secretary Leigh Hubbard said the raid also appeared to be part of the federal government's anti-union campaign.

"Workers on this site were confronted by gun-toting police who singled out all those of Asian appearance and herded them into a shed like cattle," Mr Hubbard said.

Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) Victorian secretary Martin Kingham admitted the detained men were likely to be members of his union.

But Mr Kingham said although the union was not directly aware the workers were illegal, he was sure they were paid their correct wages and entitlements.

The union boss said while the union did not condone the use of illegal workers, there was a shortage of painters, plasters and bricklayers in Victoria.

"Employers are desperate to get workers in those areas where apprentices have not been taking up the trade," he said.

Mr Kingham said the heightened awareness of possible terrorist threats raised further concerns about the way the raids were conducted.

"Suddenly finding armed men in your workplace is just the sort of thing to send people running for cover," he said.

"Running scared is dangerous behaviour in an unfinished building."

A spokeswoman for the Department of Immigration said tax and immigration officials were not armed.

"The Victoria Police and Australian Federal Police officers were not armed beyond their normal standard issue and at no time did they use their weapons," she said.

She also said the employer may be reprimanded for hiring illegal workers.

- AAP

__________

dodgey!

Drove past today.. There is are other apartments going towards middle park, there is are large crane there.. and the name of it has just slipped my mind! I think it might be the 5 storey aparment tower you were talking about! But the crane made it look like it was going to be bigger!

Tays,

What about Bayshore apartments opposite Bayview apartments?
I have been trying to get a picture of model but cannot find anywhere, I cannot even copy pic from their website.
We are selling both apartments - not much left now.
Bayview has 28 apartments left.
Bayshore has 11 apartments left and 10 retail shops to be sold.

Regards,
Mannie.

Looks like their is another development soon to go on the market if The Melbourne Weekly Magazine is anything to go by.

The Muir - Port Melbourne (http://www.themuir.com.au)

more "urban" stuff for Port Melb - I like!

10 years time it'll be quite a dense little pumping place!

http://www.themuir.com.au/images/image_bar.jpg

tays

The Muir - Pt. Melbourne

Sounds good!
Any more information on this? The link on the previous message is not working.
I want to chase this up and see if I can put it on my books.

We will be marketing "ID" in Pt. Melbourne soon. There are four developments in one.

Has anyone also noticed the old Victoria hotel now being sold as apartments? - cnr Kerferd rd and Beaconsfield Pde.

Regards,
Mannie.

forgotten the name of this one........ err maybe Bayview *shrug*

http://members.iinet.net.au/~tayser/portmelb1.jpg

CA-CHING ? :D :D ...complete with "resting" foreman

http://members.iinet.net.au/~tayser/portmelb2.jpg

one HUGE mofo of a site for above development......... lol look at all that turned soil! :D

http://members.iinet.net.au/~tayser/portmelb3.jpg

I think you are right Tays! They are the Bayview apartments! Very original! They are right next to Circus oz arn't they?

What is the name of the the development that is advertised station pier something??

Hard to remember that whole area being oil depots and naval bases 20-30 years ago!

do'h forgot to say - that 2nd pic = "Bayshore Port Melbourne", I think Property Investor's dealing with it (that's what Deano was saying ?)

tays

I was in a bookstore yesterday and was absolutely flabergasted by an architecture book about Darryl Jackson. It had early renderings of the Docklands and a fantastic plan for station pier!! It would have been a few years old now, but it looked just amazing... has anyone seen the book or the plans? The book is one of a series i think as there was also a similar looking one about Harry Seidler,,,, I left it well alone.

MG2

<table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by MG2 </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top>I was in a bookstore yesterday and was absolutely flabergasted by an architecture book about Darryl Jackson. It had early renderings of the Docklands and a fantastic plan for station pier!! It would have been a few years old now, but it looked just amazing... has anyone seen the book or the plans? The book is one of a series i think as there was also a similar looking one about Harry Seidler,,,, I left it well alone.

MG2</td></tr>
</table>
I have that book and a few others in my collection at home. They are great as is Harry's book.

didn't know this thread was around, these are a few weeks old.

bayview nearly complete and the bayshore project over the road. Cant remember the applcation details on the fence, both over 30m though.

http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/bview.JPG

http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/bshore.JPG

not much seems to have changed since I was walking around in late march!

the bayshore (or view ? hah) board:

http://members.iinet.net.au/~tayser/bayviewrender.jpg

Port Melbourne just keeps moving on and on and on and on and on and on and on................. or should I be saying up and up and up and up............. :D

<table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by tayser </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top>part of the Tram 109 project was / is to extend the Port Melbourne light rail line onto the Pier, that certainly hasnt happened (used the line the other day!) but as for anything else on the pier, dunno.............. it would be nice though :D

tays</td></tr>
</table>
Station Pier NEEDS a WORLD CLASS international terminal built, including light rail that goes INDOORS (like Sydney's Olympic train station)! NO ARGUMENT - heritage my arse!!! If it's 1940s "heritage", then don't touch Spencer St Station - it's reminiscient of 1960s Communist Eastern European train stations at the height of the friggen Cold War!

Looks like a good compromise.
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,7597017%255E2862,00.html


Residential beacon's $90m end stage
By JANE HOWARD, Property editor
19oct03

THE $90 million second and final stage of Port Melbourne's Beacon Cove development will include nine houses.

The 300sq m four-bedroom, three-bathroom houses, which will have lap pools or roof gardens, are a rarity.
While most of Melbourne's bayside property is separated from the beach by Beaconsfield Parade or Beach Rd, the new houses will sit on the beachfront.

At more than $2.5 million each, they have attracted intense interest with prospective buyers already registering with developer Mirvac.

An artist's impression of the final piece in the Beacon Cove jigsaw reveals a 12-level tower of 106 apartments beside the houses.









The site takes in vacant land between the waterfront and Beach St. It will extend and link the existing development to Sandridge Beach and Westport parkland.

Public zones along the beach will be upgraded significantly with improvement of sandy areas and planting of native vegetation.

Mirvac sales director Vicki Williams said the final stage was the icing on the cake.

"It will be fantastic," she said. "All the interiors will have a sea, sand and water feel about them."

Ms Williams said the fifth apartment block would mix the best of its predecessors with the new.

"It will be the next generation Beacon Cove because we have not designed anything there for six years," she said. "It won't be more of the same, but it won't be radically different -- it will look like it belongs.

"So while everything will be classic and timeless, it will be more contemporary. Six years on, what people want and how people live has changed -- the apartment market has become more sophisticated and is evolving. For instance, these apartments will be much more open plan."

Prices have not been finalised, but are likely to start at $460,000 for a one-bedroom apartment, rising to $1.4 million for a penthouse.

Since 1995, Mirvac has developed 837 apartments and houses at Beacon Cove, luring more than 2000 residents to the area.

The development has transformed Port Melbourne into one of the city's most desirable addresses with more than 4ha of parkland and new public waterfront promenades.

Deputy Premier John Thwaites last month announced state approval for Beacon Cove's final stage.

The approval followed earlier rejection of a $650 million 680-apartment, eight-level tower second stage and a revised plan for 440 units.

Mr Thwaites said approval had been granted when Mirvac dropped a proposal to build apartments on Princes Pier from the plan.

happened to get down to Port Melbourne last week and had a chat to a few guys from L.U Simon that are doing most of the projects down there.

there's a heap of projetcs u/c, it seems that the area around Bay st will be solid 8-12 level blocks fairly soon.

Nott st apartments, towers either side of Nott st, one side has a tower crane and the other had the raft slab pour last week. second tower crane should be around soon?

http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/nsa.JPG

port melbourne gateway.
first phase, twin 11-level Bayview (rear) was recently completed and Bayshore is the second phase opposite on Bay st, at least one tower crane to go up soon.

http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/bs.JPG

add The Muir and a single block radius around Bay st should have 5-6 tower cranes going next year.

other towers blocks u/c are Aquavita, 55 Danks and ID Project

ID, the site area would be similar to QV, massive block

http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/id.JPG

few more projects such as Beacon Cove 5, Bcton's Park and Sandridge Apartments are in the pipeline as well

might not be tall, but Port Melbourne construction just keeps steaming along

is there ever another chance of getting a tower the size of HMAS Lonsdale down there?

I'd love to see something like this happen to one of the major 'burban centres, Dandy, Franga, Ringwood, Greensborough or Sunshine etc. Or even giving them ALL a swift kick up the arse would be good too :cool:

awesome info & pics!

tays

you're right about the size of the 'id' project silver.. it's massive

and looking forward to Mirvac's stage 2 of Beacon Cove with tower 5 which will be about 10-12 levels.

just think 20 years ago this area was one of the dirtiest scummiest parts of the city.. now u cant buy in with less than seven figures.

i could cry

Cheers

Dean - Melbourne

Originally posted by tayser
I'd love to see something like this happen to one of the major 'burban centres, Dandy, Franga, Ringwood, Greensborough or Sunshine etc. Or even giving them ALL a swift kick up the arse would be good too :cool:

awesome info & pics!

tays

did they increase the densities or R codes or whatever is used in victoria as part of the 2030 plan in suburban CBD's? does the council and/or victoria planning department decide applications for suburban CBD's?

Here is another proposed development for Port Melbourne, but I don't know the address or if it ever got approved!

http://www.gtimages.com.au/images/portfolio/big_port_melbourne.jpg

its 55 danks street above, paint job and fittings so another month or so from settlement

my favoured construction in port melbourne, id project

each side has a different facade over an entire block, all with plenty of detail, sjb architects never miss...

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/510/483id_20040224_5.jpg

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/510/483id_20040224_4.jpg

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/510/483id_20040224_3.jpg

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/510/483id_20040224_2.jpg

bayshore port melbourne, 56 Nott st behind and 95 Nott st's crane to the left...with more cranes to come

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/510/483nsa_20040224_2.jpg

Went and checked out Mirvac's display suite at Beacon Cove with tays and silvermb and was surprised to see that the final stage of the development was already under construction.

apparently the nine beachfront townhouses($4.5mill) were sold in a single day and more than 75% of the 12 level fifith tower is sold. there is also a 6 level building slightly back from the beach and in between the tower and townhouses which is also UC.

What i liked was that they plan to bring in fresh sand and extend the Beach front further out and also to build a great looking promenade contecting it to the existing one in front of the first 4 towers.

Cheers

Dean - Melbourne

just a post script to my above post...

found out that Mirvac did more than $70 million in sales on its opening day of release for its final stage at Beacon Cove.

all doom and gloom in the property market hey??? ... umm... unlikely.

Cheers

Dean - Melbourne

Yeah its good to see this project getting underway at last .It has been a few years since the other 4 towers were completed.

great pics silvermb !

um why are they using those tension wires in a ground slab????

ive seen plans of that victorian hotel looks good!

port melbourne is going off! shame about bodycoporate fees...

concrete has good compressive strength but is weak in tension. the steel at the bottom caries the tensile stress(Stress=force(N)/area(mm2)) in the slab.

The steel is at the bottom of the slab, as the top is in compression(no steel required here) when loaded, and the bottom is in tension.

Cheers

Dean - Melbourne

Originally posted by Dean
concrete has good compressive strength but is weak in tension. the steel at the bottom caries the tensile stress(Stress=force(N)/area(mm2)) in the slab.

The steel is at the bottom of the slab, as the top is in compression(no steel required here) when loaded, and the bottom is in tension.

Cheers

Dean - Melbourne

Gee you are not just a pretty face Dean:angel1:

even bill balarkus is getting into the action!

bump so as thread won't get deleted

long time no update

Beacon Cove
http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/ecv200407.JPG

Bayshore, the second crane should be working soon
http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/pmw200407.JPG

Aquavita, a little project that should get a go due to its amazing design
http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/aqv200406.JPG

aquavita is coolness, baby!

definitely one crazy looking building!

Silvermb great 1st pic of skyline in the misty distance..looks surreal

Here's some mo pics of that 'crazy building in Port Melbourne'

http://users.bigpond.net.au/speckled10/DSC00827.jpg
http://users.bigpond.net.au/speckled10/DSC00828.jpg

It's a bit of a looker!! More cutting edge on the edge of Melbourne..

I'll go for a drive this weekend to Port Melbourne and take a few pics but this project above is excellent!

Beacon Cove
http://img35.exs.cx/img35/6901/MVC-001Xd.jpg

More Port Melbourne
http://img35.exs.cx/img35/1421/MVC-003Xd.jpg

http://img35.exs.cx/img35/6900/MVC-004Xd.jpg

http://img35.exs.cx/img35/8501/PortMelb.jpg

I saw an ad in this months Qantas Inflight Mag (property liftout) about a proposed 12-story office tower that sits right inside the bend where CityLink joins Kings Way in the direction of the tunnel after coming off the Bolte Bridge.

The building is also advertised here: www.propertylook.com.au/31774

But unfortunately they dont have the render online!

I can tell you however it's a pretty modern looking tower that despite only being about 12 storys (and the last 2 or 3 are only a beacon) it will make a huge impact as you drive off the City Link and turn towards the CBD ..

Anyway will try to keep the mag on my way back to Melbourne (from Adelaide) and scan it ..

That'd be awesome A-brain, hopefully you can get the scan!
stu

Beacon Cove:
http://members.optushome.com.au/haksoz/Images/BeaconCoveSEP04/P9131990.JPG

ive never seen a floor slab set up like that??? looks quick

Lol :lol:
Looks like a house of cards!!

beacon cove
http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/ecv200410.jpg

bayshore and aquavita
one for favco 750, westpoint had a second starter tower for bayshore, took it out and concreted right over the top, whats the story?
http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/aq200410.jpg

the only thing missing down there is a genuine, modern cruise terminal...

Beacon Cove:
http://members.optushome.com.au/haksoz/Images/BeaconCoveSEP04/P9131990.JPG

Looks like either "Peri" or "Ishebeck" formwork, imported from Europe and made of Aluminium and composite timber.

Edit, Silver, dunno, does seem strange though. Was there a starter tower in place. I went past today and saw Elite's 300t Grove with luffing fly on out in the street working on the job, and the 1500 that has always been there is still there????

Maybe couldn't find a crane, or realised it would cost too much????? Dunno. I have changed jobs a bit so not so up to speed on the towers. But not much gets past me still.

the only thing missing down there is a genuine, modern cruise terminal...
Yep, I sooooooooooo agree. If only we had the Sydney Harbour Overseas Passenger Terminal in Melbourne. Now that would be exciting!

The northern end of the terminal.
http://www.archmedia.com.au/resources/aa/2003/05/images/110106.jpg

Overview of the redeveloped terminal seen across Sydney Cove.
http://www.archmedia.com.au/resources/aa/2003/05/images/110108.jpg

yeah steve its the one thing that gives me the irrits when i see crappy old station pier

favco, it donsn't get past me either
http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/pmw200402.jpg

Two starter towers as you said. Where fore art thou second crane?????

And you said that the second base has been concreted over??????

concreted right over, at some point they took the tower out and left the legs (whatever they're called) in the slab. nothing special there, seen it before many a time, towers only to return when the crane is required. never seen a builder concrete right over though without the crane...maybe something like tribeca where they cut through the slab for the third crane facing albert rd? btw what was the story with that?

anyway as long as the sucker gets built

Yeah, dunno. I sort of saw the third crane go up and the climbing frame get put on once it came off number two, but maybe the crane was added as an afterthought, or the slab was needed for access for something??? It is unusual to cut through a slab to place a crane there($$$$$) as the cranes are usually organised fairly early on in the piece. Sometimes though, for timing/production reasons, another crane is added to the mix to speed things up, or because someone couldn't count and did some wrong sums.

There is every chance that the starter legs remain in-situ and available for re-use?? But it seems queer to go the effort to design a crane base, pour it, fit starter legs and a tower and then to remove it all. It would only require jack-hammer jack to get into the slab to free the legs up, but it all seems pointless.

Especially now the black thing is there????? Maybe the black thing could be obtained at a better rate??

http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/10/16/1097784097709.html

Time for a pier review
By Nassim Khadem
October 17, 2004

http://www.theage.com.au/ffximage/2004/10/16/pier_1710_ent-lead__200x285.jpg

Princes Pier may be developed.
Photo: Craig Sillitoe

Port Melbourne's Princes Pier could become a thriving commercial precinct and marina under proposals to revive the heritage-listed pier.

Port Melbourne Precinct Committee has released an interim report on future options for the Port Melbourne waterfront, including Princes Pier.

Although the State Government had recommended shortening the pier, the committee has suggested fully retaining its 580 metres as a cheaper option.

Full retention would cost $108 million, but with commercial developments including an 800-berth marina, three-storey serviced apartments, restaurants, retail space and car park, the funding shortfall would be about $26 million.

Other options listed include:

- Truncating the pier 100 metres, refurbishing the gatehouse and including space for a promenade and 100-berth marina (cost $57 million, shortfall $44 million).

- Truncating the pier 230 metres, refurbishing the gatehouse and including space for a promenade, 400-berth marina, 40 serviced apartments, cafes and a car park (cost $78 million, shortfall $35 million).

- Full demolition ($23 million).

The pier, which opened in 1916, has a long association with Australia's military history through the world wars, and was later a major point at which migrants arrived in Australia.

But the pier has suffered 14 fires in the past three years and urgently needs repair.

Last September the State Government rejected a proposal by developer Mirvac to build apartments on the pier, but approved other residential development at Beacon Cove.

Precinct Committee chairman Paul Jarman said that while the cost to the State Government would be reduced through commercial development on the pier, this would increase traffic and create parking issues.

Port Phillip Mayor Dick Gross said the trouble was balancing commercial development with the needs of residents.

"It could be fantastic, but it's right in the middle of people's front yards," he said.

"It's not going to be easy to put it under intense use because access is basically through a residential suburb."

Michael Blyth, president of the Beacon Cove Neighbourhood Association and precinct committee member, said a large marina would create access problems. "If 800 people are mooring their crafts within this boat harbour/marina what do they do with their vehicles?" he said. "Whilst the views of apartment owners are not necessarily paramount... their voice cannot be ignored."

Janet Bolitho, president of Friends of Port Melbourne Foreshore and precinct committee member, said full retention of the pier and large-scale commercial development was a controversial option and residents might be opposed.

"It was always envisaged that this would not just be a local destination, but a lively area for the whole of Melbourne to visit," she said. "But some people may not want that. The fact is that there is residential development around the pier and that constitutes a constraint."

She said the option of shortening the pier 230 metres and having limited commercial development and a medium-size marina could be a compromise.

Cr Gross said the council had not endorsed a particular option on Princes Pier. It was waiting to hear community views. The community will be invited to make its submissions on preferred options from tomorrow.

the ten-year esplanade saga is over, it's now under construction;imagine if becton got the original up, 35 levels in st kilda.

does anyone know if the palace-luna park site will take anything of height?

think gateway is slow? they've managed five levels at bayshore this year
http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/pmw2004111.jpg

mirvac must think its all too easy down at beacon cove. the last pic makes me laugh. lay down a base slab, erect a few precast panels and sell each beachfront apartment for a few million each. i'd like to know the profit margin just for those apartments
http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/ecv2004111.jpg

RE: Beacon Cove

Silver, do you know the price tag on the end townhouse that makes up the building running towards willy and resembles a fricking squash court????

How about roughly $7 mill, and i think it's already sold.

Whats the espy up to??? How long before a crane goes up.

damn favco, didn't realize you had that much money to burn (he he he)

espy site cleared this week so assuming they keep on going, piling soon and you'll probably get the crane up late jan - not an large site...
each level averages out to ten apartments at a million a pop, niot a bad strike rate!

Not me, crane can put itself up for all I care???

Re Beacon Cove, I just bought one for a tax break, some genius reckons I can negative gear it, or something like like that, but I'm not sure what they mean. I only lift up heavy things.........................

Beacon Cove
http://img51.exs.cx/img51/5319/PC022840.jpg

http://img51.exs.cx/img51/7664/warren.jpg

Nice pics Hacks.

what are the heights of these going to be? similar to the other there along beacon cove?

kasper, the crane at Beacon Cove is at the right height, so the building will come up to the underneath of crane, or within a couple of meters anyway.

I think this translates to the same height as it's mate next door.

God, I'd almost kill to live in the housing commission flats next door let alone be able to afford the new Beacon Cove condos themselves.

Nice pics Hacks.

what are the heights of these going to be? similar to the other there along beacon cove?
looks like the latest is 40m tall with 13 floors.

stats from ss.com
Buildings of Beacon Cove

Building /Height /Floors /Year
Beacon Cove 3 45m/14 2000
Beacon Cove 4 45m/14 2001
Beacon Cove 5 40m/13 2004 UC
Beacon Cove 1 36m/12 1998
Beacon Cove 2 36m/12 1998

http://www.theage.com.au/news/National/Tenant-outcry-over-St-Kilda-music-venues/2004/12/12/1102786956227.html

Tenant outcry over St Kilda music venues
By Daniella Miletic, Rachel Wells
December 13, 2004

Developers and Port Phillip Council are a step closer to giving St Kilda's entertainment precinct a make-over, after both the Palace and Palais' tenants were last week ordered to quit their premises in March 2006, when their 50-year leases expire.

But the move has angered tenants and live-music advocates who say the buildings are integral to Melbourne's musical heritage and should not be touched.

Under the council's "St Kilda's Edge" plan, the Palace live music venue could be knocked down to make way for a public piazza. The heritage-listed Palais would remain.

Port Phillip Mayor Darren Ray said the serving of notices to quit on Palace and Palais tenants meant the next stage of the re-development process could get under way. "Now that there is clarity about the leases . . . expressions of interest to redevelop the triangle site (which takes in the two venues and a car park) will be called for, probably early next year," Cr Ray said.

However, depending on the new plans for the precinct, which occupies government-owned land, Palais tenants may be able to renew their leases and stay on. Palace tenants may be allowed to remain beyond March 2006, until the venue's fate is decided.

Palace spokesman Allan Evers-Buckland said that the present tenants planned to unveil their own designs for the site - and had enlisted the help of architect Daryl Jackson.

Although he would not elaborate on the plans, Mr Evers-Buckland said they would retain the Palace building.

Cr Ray said that expressions of interest would be sought internationally for the redevelopment of the prime real estate site.

"The vision is pretty clear: we want a live-music venue on that site. The division is that we don't necessarily say that it should be in the current (Palace) building," Cr Ray said.

Mr Evers-Buckland said the Palace, which caters for audiences of up to 2000 people, was ingrained in St Kilda's character. It has hosted bands such as Rage Against the Machine, Nirvana and Queens of the Stone Age.

Stephen Newman, of Cornwall Stodart Lawyers, acting for Palais director Carolyn Harper and Tymbook Pty Ltd, said his client had received a serving notice to quit and was considering her legal position.

A Department of Sustainability and Environment spokeswoman said "expressions of interest will be called for inviting parties to register their interest in submitting a tender for the lease. The sitting tenants will be invited to participate".

Lobby group the Esplanade Alliance has called on the council to protect the site's heritage.

"We want to see the heritage of the Palais protected and enhanced . . . and we'd like to see live-music maintained because that is part of the history of St Kilda," said spokeswoman Helen Halliday.

Sam Wareing, from the Fair Go 4 Live Music lobby group, said it was crucial a live-music venue was retained.

"That precinct is famous for its live music and the Palace is one of the only venues of its size in Melbourne," she said.

"It's crucial for the nurturing of the live-music scene."

_____

Darryl Jackson? that says two things to me, either:

a) [more] boob tube(s) for St. Kilda ( :lol: )
http://www.urbantransport-technology.com/projects/australia/images/MELBOURNE-6.jpg
or
b) a post-modern impression of Luna Park / Palais.
http://www.gfethers.com.au/glass/images/small_120collins.jpg

:)

Sound familiar to anyone?? There is a very inner city suburb in Brisbane that suffers the same dramas called Fortitude Valley. It is like St Kilda in many respects, right down to the girls plying their wears on Brunswick St.

The same situation occurs up there where people moved to the Valley because they are attracted to the close proximity to music, clubs and food. Now those people are getting older and there priorities change, they have kids etc so no longer do they like LOUD music, hence the protests and howls of late night shenanigans.

I suppose if you buy a house next to an airport and then complain about the noise??????????????????? Those people who don't like the area anymore would be more better off looking for a place that does suit their new lifestyle.

Beacon Cove, 3 January 2005:

http://users.bigpond.net.au/ozfrog/pics/melbourne/nye2004/MLNA0017.jpg

I believe The Muir (in Bay st) is starting late january. It's a very nice development from what I've seen and should be of a higher standard to that of other projects in that area. The architects are Fender/katsalidis so it should be a quality building.

Miserable day today:
http://img184.exs.cx/img184/5896/p12850408eb.jpg

Any chances for more talls along the bay or have the instated a height limit along there too???

I think there's an 8 storey height limit Bay st Port Melb.

Tower crane at Beacon Cove being pulled down right now by Boom's Demag AC665 250t with luffing fly on it.

beacon cove - don't work too hard fellas!
http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/ecv200503.jpg

bayshore
http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/pmw200503.jpg

both the muir and esplanade are u/c so more cranes on the way

More Beacon Cove:
http://img199.exs.cx/img199/1787/P3240279.jpg

http://img199.exs.cx/img199/2235/BC5.jpg

Espy crane is up Silver

????????????????????????????

might just be favs

http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/esn200504.jpg

the ten-year esplanade saga is over, it's now under construction;imagine if becton got the original up, 35 levels in st kilda.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/510/379becton1.jpg

:no:

Beach at Beacon Cove coming along nicely...
http://img70.exs.cx/img70/1226/P4130508.jpg

Half of the building's been painted now too.

esplanade, like that tram

http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/esn 200505.jpg

then why don't you catch it? :cool:

^^LOL. Easy Chops... Now lets not start a 'Holy War' OK.

Cheers

Dean - Melbourne

beacon cove completed

http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/ecv200506.jpg

are people going to be able to swim at that beach if they dredge the bay with water cleanliness issues etc...

great photos there guys, he hacksaw how did you get those pics from up above, from the apartment?

and i saw the beach development yesterday, will they continue this all the way round past the other side of the the old pier there, or does it stop where the old pier is?

^^Well you'd be have to be game to swim there now.. ouch what was that that I stepped on....

What you se is what you get. There will be no more highrise towers along Beach Rd/Beaconsfield Pde.

With the 8 Story height limit that is now imposed in Port Melbourne does that extend all the way down Beaconsfield Parade and into St Kilda despite existing towers that are already taller along parts of the parade?

Is there any chance taller towers will be developed based on design merit?

There is no chnace of anything taller then 2-3 stories along 90% of the beach front.

And the logic behind that would be??

Heritage Overlay

And the logic behind that would be??
to piss us tall building enthusiasts off??lol

It is a good thing IMHO! Our skyline is the CBD and immediate surrounds being Vic Harbour and the Yarra. I would rather keep our beaches 'scraper free rather than built up and somewhat overshadowd like the GC. It works there, it doesn't here, Melbourne is not a resort. I think the 8 storey limit is good, allows for some nice medium density development without worrying about destrrying the views and heritage value of what is existing along the beach.

Stu

And the logic behind that would be??

No real logic to 2-3 storeys, but keeping the height limit to 8 storeys will help beaconsfield parade stay more like a european sea front like Nice or Brighton. The problem is that it faces south west, which means that you can't go very high before you start to shadow the main pedestrian promenade or the beach. We wouldn't want Gold Coast style shadows throughout the day. I even think that beacon Cove is a bit to high for so close to the water, and facing that direction.

Go down in winter and take note of how much sun the waterfront infront of those towers gets - none.

^^ The local residents would also find their property prices decreasing if all of a suden their views where blocked. This wouldnt happen in an affluent area

Beaconsfield Parade:
http://www.realestate.com.au/objects/props/9692/401609692ml1119319808.jpg

...needs trams and more towers.

HEH :D

no it doesn't! tell 'im he's dreamin' etc. :)

I live in one of the towers in Beacon Cove, and I agree that there shouldn't be too much new high-rise development heading east back to St Kilda, however heading west, there shouldn't be any limits at all. Past Beacon Cove, Port Melbourne turns into a bit of a wasteland, with one incredibly shabby commission housing area, and then just windswept foreshore. What heritage is there to protect? It's just empty space, and would be better as high-rise with a view of the docks and the Westgate Bridge than as the bleak and desolate waste of space that it is at present.

Are there many other factors that I haven't considered?

How about overshadowing the beachfront along Sandridge? I don't want to see more shadows over the beach then we already have. There is no need for more highrise towers west of Beacon Cove.

I live in one of the towers in Beacon Cove, and I agree that there shouldn't be too much new high-rise development heading east back to St Kilda, however heading west, there shouldn't be any limits at all. Past Beacon Cove, Port Melbourne turns into a bit of a wasteland, with one incredibly shabby commission housing area, and then just windswept foreshore. What heritage is there to protect? It's just empty space, and would be better as high-rise with a view of the docks and the Westgate Bridge than as the bleak and desolate waste of space that it is at present.

Are there many other factors that I haven't considered?

You're kinda spot on. Webb dock should become the next new docklands (in 20 years) - it's too good land to waste on a few docks. For those who aren't familiar this is the area west of the last housing in Port Melbourne, hemmed in by the West Gate Bridge to the north and the river to the west.

As there's no beach after sandridge then height is not a problem - along Beaconsfield it would be because you'd end up shading the beach and promonade, which would ruin it. Sandridge beach itself (infront of the awful english looking commission houses, has such a wide foreshore, that it could handle taller buildings.

And yeah, put trams along Beaconsfield definately - but not a tourist one as suggested. That's just stupid. They should extend the 79 to Station Pier, the 109 to St Kilda Junction, and the 1 down to Acland St.

>> bit of a who's who of development

PBL joins queue to go dancing at Palais
Maurice Dunlevy
June 23, 2005

KERRY Packer's Publishing & Broadcasting Ltd has set its sights on Melbourne's St Kilda Palais Theatre in a $100 million development bid involving promoter Paul Dainty.

The two are believed to be among leading bidders for development rights to the St Kilda "triangle site", one of the Melbourne waterfront's most sought-after pieces of land. Neither could be contacted yesterday.

They are among 15 local, interstate and international groups - also understood to involve a consortium between Lindsay Fox and Max Beck's Becton - seeking control of the 2.6ha site, alongside Luna Park. Built in the late 1920s, the Palais Theatre is a spectacular art deco picture-palace theatre that has been a venue over the years for the likes of Joan Sutherland, the Bolshoi Ballet and the Rolling Stones.

Although declining to name bidders, City of Port Phillip Mayor Darren Ray said yesterday the high calibre of interested parties reflected the importance of the site.

Expressions of interest closed almost a week ago, with a short list expected by the end of July. Short-listed consortia will have another 14 weeks to present more detailed proposals.

The short list is expected to include Andrew Rettig's R Corporation, which successfully redeveloped the former St Kilda Railway Station into a mixed-use retail and apartment complex, Mirvac and Australand.

A successful bid would give PBL control of major concert venues in Australia's two largest cities after PBL paid $26 million in September for management rights to the Sydney SuperDome, a 21,000-seat venue built for the 2000 Olympics.

PBL and promoter Paul Dainty jointly operate Melbourne-based Dainty Consolidated Entertainment.

Becton and Lindsay Fox are also expected to be frontrunners, despite past bad blood between Becton and the City of Port Phillip over the developer's attempts to build a high-rise apartment tower on the Esplanade Hotel site. Becton managing director Hamish Macdonald could not be contacted yesterday for comment. Mr Fox was also unavailable.

Under the redevelopment deal proposed by the City of Port Phillip, the successful bidder will lease the site, on crown land that has been effectively assigned to the council.

The council will have no other involvement in the project.

Bordered by Jacka Boulevard, Cavell Street and the Esplanade, the site, as well as the Palais Theatre, includes a nightclub building that is expected to be demolished, and an open-air car park.

While the council is opposed to both residential and high-rise development, a boutique hotel and shops are likely.

A good impression of Miami:

http://www.realestate.com.au/objects/props/5907/102495907ml1119478500.jpg

Has Woolies jumped in to rescue The Muir?
July 5, 2005

Woolworths is reportedly sniffing around the Port Melbourne site designated for Bay Street Corporation's high-profile waterfront apartment development, The Muir.

Much speculation has surrounded the $123 million project's status since TEAC Australia, a private business part owned by developer Gavin Muir, was placed into administration. One minute it's a goer, the next it has fallen in a heap.

Sources close to the deal say Bay Street has taken two proposals to the financier, Bank of Scotland. One is a $21 million offer from Woolworths. This would allow Muir to repay the long-suffering investors 89¢ for every dollar they've put in so far.

A second proposal comes from The Brady Group, which has been conducting due diligence on the project for the past month. But it is believed the developer, headed by Tony Brady, has altered the terms of its original rescue proposal after learning that the level of qualified apartment sales is actually lower than first thought.

Both Muir and Woolworths were tightlipped on the offer. But Muir said he was in talks with several parties to ensure the project went ahead.

The Brady Group is still interested, but has yet to sign a deal.

Beacon Cove should be completely finished by the end of this year at the very most plasters are now up on level 12 in the main building and have reaches top levels on beach 1 and 2, earth works around apartments in prepration for driveways,landscaping have begun, townhouses are crawling along, plaster just finished in first, the last is preaty much still an empty shell, hopefully they will catch up soon.

Like the look of the beach they're dredging.

yeah looks preaty good now up close, only thing is and i think its been brought up before in this thread, the shadow from apartments behind it casts a terrible shadow from the sun :(

Does anyone know about the project on Station Pier? I want to have some information and photo on it! It will be great if some guys can send me some infomation. Thanx!
My email: xizhou07@msn.com.

Go to www.mirvac.com.au for all the info on the development near Station Pier.

Thanks dude!! :)

Dose anyone know what kind of foundation system use in the reclaimed land in Station pier? If they want to build a 12 storey apartment building on it?? what i know is the soil underground all sand,right? And the rock is laying 60m under!! 60m!!! I m thinking using bored piles foundations, but not sure how depth should go?....: (
(I m a student in NZ at monment, and i m doing some project development for port Melbourne, also including the Princes Pier and Station Pier)
Thans anyone can provide me some idea and info. or photoes....... thans

:jk:
Dose anyone know what kind of foundation system use in the reclaimed land in Station pier? If they want to build a 12 storey apartment building on it?? what i know is the soil underground all sand,right? And the rock is laying 60m under!! 60m!!! I m thinking using bored piles foundations, but not sure how depth should go?....: (
(I m a student in NZ at monment, and i m doing some project development for port Melbourne, also including the Princes Pier and Station Pier)
Thans anyone can provide me some idea and info. or photoes....... thans

http://www.realestate.com.au/objects/props/3785/102573785ml1122688643.jpg

It that what they goona build on the princes pier?
What i hear about is there should be a 4 stories apartment building in front of the 12 stories apartment!! Turth?

The latest talk is the end of the pier will be demolished and the remainder will remain an open area.

new crane up at becton site

http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,16441264%255E2862,00.html

Grand plans for triangle
Geraldine Mitchell and Kate Uebergang
31aug05

ST Kilda's lucrative triangle site is to get an upmarket revamp, and property developer R Corporation is listed as a front-runner.

The developer of St Kilda's Metropol Bar on Fitzroy St has joined forces with the van Haandel family, owners of the Prince Hotel and award-winning restaurant the Stokehouse.

The consortium is believed to have hired architects Wood Marsh, designers of the Bourke St Bridge and Shadowfax winery and Mansion Hotel in Werribee, to create an entertainment hub on the beachside site bounded by Luna Park, St Kilda beach and The Esplanade.

R Corporation would not comment on its proposal yesterday, citing a confidentiality agreement but a spokeswoman said the company was thrilled to be shortlisted.

Citta Property Developers (Commonwealth Games village) and Mirvac (Beacon Cove residential apartments in Port Melbourne) are also shortlisted to redevelop the site -- home to the Palais Theatre, the Palace and a car park.

Citta has hired architects Ashton Raggatt MacDougall to develop a concept that preserves the views of the beach and is working with the owner of the Richmond restaurant, Pearl.

But trucking magnate Lindsay Fox, who was part of a consortium that bought the adjacent Luna Park in June for $7 million, missed out.

The Palace spokesman Alan Evers-Buckland fears the popular music venue could be demolished after its plans failed to make the list.

The Palace has refused to allow council officers to inspect the building and is fighting the moves in court.

The owners of the Palais Theatre are also refusing Government requests to inspect the building.

Government lawyers fighting for access to the theatre appeared at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal yesterday. They say Caroline Harper, who has run the St Kilda venue since 1985, is holding up moves to refurbish the theatre.

The last Beacon Cove tower turned out all right:
http://img.domain.com.au/img/4786/2005194541_1_FS.JPG?mod=051003-202246

Just like the render:
http://img.domain.com.au/img/4786/2005194541_2_FS.JPG?mod=051003-202248

http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,16441264%255E2862,00.html

Grand plans for triangle
Geraldine Mitchell and Kate Uebergang
31aug05

ST Kilda's lucrative triangle site is to get an upmarket revamp, and property developer R Corporation is listed as a front-runner.

The developer of St Kilda's Metropol Bar on Fitzroy St has joined forces with the van Haandel family, owners of the Prince Hotel and award-winning restaurant the Stokehouse.

The consortium is believed to have hired architects Wood Marsh, designers of the Bourke St Bridge and Shadowfax winery and Mansion Hotel in Werribee, to create an entertainment hub on the beachside site bounded by Luna Park, St Kilda beach and The Esplanade.

R Corporation would not comment on its proposal yesterday, citing a confidentiality agreement but a spokeswoman said the company was thrilled to be shortlisted.

Citta Property Developers (Commonwealth Games village) and Mirvac (Beacon Cove residential apartments in Port Melbourne) are also shortlisted to redevelop the site -- home to the Palais Theatre, the Palace and a car park.

Citta has hired architects Ashton Raggatt MacDougall to develop a concept that preserves the views of the beach and is working with the owner of the Richmond restaurant, Pearl.

But trucking magnate Lindsay Fox, who was part of a consortium that bought the adjacent Luna Park in June for $7 million, missed out.

The Palace spokesman Alan Evers-Buckland fears the popular music venue could be demolished after its plans failed to make the list.

The Palace has refused to allow council officers to inspect the building and is fighting the moves in court.

The owners of the Palais Theatre are also refusing Government requests to inspect the building.

Government lawyers fighting for access to the theatre appeared at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal yesterday. They say Caroline Harper, who has run the St Kilda venue since 1985, is holding up moves to refurbish the theatre.
wood marsh = coolness

That Beacon Cove tower = Dock2.5

^You took the words right out of my mouth, it must have been while.... we won't go there. :lol:

Plans are being developed by Museum Victoria along with a few other institutions, namely the Botanic Gardens and Performing arts museum, to develop a 'Treasure House' Collection Storage centre. The concept is for a large proportion of the collections from these institutions to be displayed to the public. Museum Victoria (with government support) has purchased the former ACI site, beside Scienceworks (Spotswood, western side of West Gate Bridge). The estimated project size is between $80million and $160million depending on the funding provided by the State Government. It is intended that this site be developed as a gateway to the west of Melbourne/Hobsons Bay.

Fox joins hunt for St Kilda triangle
Maurice Dunlevy
October 18, 2005

TRUCKING magnate Lindsay Fox's unsuccessful $100 million bid to redevelop Melbourne's St Kilda triangle foreshore site has been kept alive by a legal twist that threatens to derail the tender process.

Mr Fox's bid was cut from a City of Port Phillip expressions-of-interest process in which three rival consortia, including Mirvac and Babcock & Brown, were short-listed from a field of 15.

The Fox bid was revived yesterday with the Bracks Government tipped to effectively abandon the current tender process by "calling in" the controversial project in a move that would transfer control to state Planning Minister Rob Hulls.

Mr Fox had been considered a frontrunner for the triangle site after earlier paying around $8 million for the adjoining Luna Park site.

But in a snub to the transport and property magnate, the council rejected his bid, instead opting for Mirvac and Babcock & Brown's bids as well as one from high-profile Melbourne developer Andrew Rettig.

Until now, the City of Port Phillip has managed the redevelopment of the prime crown land site on behalf of the state Government, but a new round of protracted legal action foreshadowed yesterday by the operators of the Palace nightclub, Melbourne's most popular live music venue, is likely to force a change.

Bradto Pty Ltd, which operates the Palace on land it leases from the state Government, announced it would appeal a decision last Thursday in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal denying it access to government documents claimed to reveal that a 50-year lease due to expire in March next year had been superseded by a longer 60-year lease effective from about 1969.

In a second action, Bradto plans to make a "bias" application against judge John Bowman, who made last week's ruling and is due to hear the Government's case against both the Palace nightclub and adjoining Palais theatre in a case to be heard on November 5.

At that hearing, the state of Victoria will seek access to both sites for soil and asbestos testing to allow the short-listed bidders to finalise their offers.

But with the latest legal moves afoot, one lawyer yesterday described the tender process "as dead in the water", with the Government already indicating through its lawyers that it would "call in" the project if it could not get access to the site.

Government affidavits already indicate that the project has been delayed by six months because of the Palace's refusal to allow access to the site.

Court costs are understood to have already passed $500,000 and are increasing by at least $50,000 per day in a government-instigated action which started over access to the site, but has become a dispute about possession.

The Palace's nightclub owners have operated their business for more than 20 years and, like the lessees of the adjoining Palais theatre, want to stay on beyond the March 31 departure deadline set by the Government.

They accuse both the Government and council of hiding behind confidentiality and secrecy, under the guise of probity, and claim the planning overlay for the triangle site includes the removal of third-party rights, meaning the community will have no right to object to any development.

Although the historic Palais theatre building will be retained, the Palace nightclub will go in a move described yesterday by Palace spokesman Mr Alan Evers-Buckland as anti-competitive and a "kick in the guts" to the live music industry.

Mr Evers-Buckland said that with so many large venues turned over to poker machines, Melbourne now had only two venues capable of accommodating 1500 live music patrons.

Neither Mr Hulls, the city of Port Phillip, nor Mr Fox could be contacted yesterday.

esplanade
http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/esn200512.jpg

Are they doing the pub up too? Its quite a let down. Over rated!

How good is this:

http://www.realestate.com.au/objects/props/8868/401938868ml1134959673.jpg

http://www.realestate.com.au/objects/props/8868/401938868al1134959675.jpg

http://www.realestate.com.au/objects/props/8868/401938868bl1134959677.jpg

Nice! Very clean and smooth... looks deserted though...

Stu

I'm not sure if the beach and promenade is officially open yet, looks like they still have some construction fencing up.

Looks like some mighty fine sand they've got there. Looking forward to building a few sandscrapers there.

That's an amzing turn-around, what it used to be, look how wide the beach is now!!!!

does melbourne have any sand-drift problems like Adelaide? or does your sand just sit there the whole time?

does melbourne have any sand-drift problems like Adelaide? or does your sand just sit there the whole time?

The north part of the bay suffers from total loss of beach from time to time. Middle Beach is being rebuilt now after being washed north.

just wait to the entrance to the bay is 100ft deeper. Middle Park beach will be somewhere near Altona

Beacon Cove.
http://img67.imageshack.us/img67/5866/P1126094.jpg

http://img67.imageshack.us/img67/8566/P1126117.jpg

Salta's approved office complex next to Bolte
http://www.axiomstudio.com.au/ind-07.jpg

http://www.axiomstudio.com.au/ind-04.jpg

Bayshore, Westpoint's swansong
http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/bvs20060323.jpg

Esplanade
http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/esn20060323.jpg

another one that's taken a while, well worth it though (Bayshore).

Yeh, Port Melbourne has had some great additions to its skyline in the last 5 - 10 years. There are still many more sites that could accommodate additional buildings and it will happen.

I am pleased about the new development behind the Espy, but having seen it in real life last weekend during the triathlon, I must say, that I would have preferred it if the tower was a little higher, to give it great separation between the old and new. But beggars can't be choosers!

Oh, one other thing. I would love to see more high-rise offices between the Tulla/West Gate interchange and the Melb Exhibition Centre. There is plenty of scope for wonderful buildings close to the city, but without having to be too high and overpowering the CBD. 15 - 20 stories would be great and possible too!

Million-dollar babies: bayside homes boom
By Ben Schneiders
March 28, 2006

BUOYED by the booming sharemarket, strong business profitability and a shortage of quality homes, the top end of the residential property market continues to thrive around Port Phillip Bay as buyers become increasingly bullish.

This year the number of $1 million-plus sales is up nearly 15 per cent in the bay area from St Kilda to Portsea, according to Real Estate Institute of Victoria data.

In Brighton and Brighton East, there have been 41 sales above $1 million since the start of the year, compared with 32 a year ago.

"A lot of this money is coming out of the sharemarket or people who have built their business through 10 years of stable government," Peter Kennett, principal of Hocking Stuart in Brighton, Sandringham and Mentone, said.

Mr Kennett said that two years ago there were often only one or two bidders for the more expensive properties. But today three of four bidders were more common.

Sales of properties between $1 million and $5 million through his office had increased by nearly a quarter from the second half of last year compared with a year earlier, he said.

ANZ senior economist Ange Montalti said it was no surprise the top end of the market was getting a fair bit of support, after more than a decade of economic growth.

"At that sort of level, it's a fairly specific market. It's probably a combination of general incomes growth and good growth in the small to medium-sized business sector," he said.

James Buyer Advocates director Mal James said he would have bought at least 20 properties worth more than $1 million in the past year. He said buyers were prepared to pay more for top-quality homes and this end of the market had risen steadily since 1999.

"At the moment there's a good demand for properties and because I would assume they have made a fair bit of money from the stockmarket, they (buyers) are confident," he said.

Mr Kennett said another factor was a lack of top-end stock, with councils getting tougher on development.

The sharp rise in demand for top properties around the bay contrasts with the general picture across Melbourne of steady demand for expensive property.

Most bayside suburbs reported strong growth in sales above $1 million.

In Sorrento there have been seven, while Black Rock, Mornington and Mount Martha all reported increases.

KEY POINTS

■$1 million-plus home sales are up nearly 15 per cent.

■Confident buyers are prepared to pay more for top quality.

■A shortage of top-end stock contributes to price jump.

bump (slipping away on the 5th page :))

Hi,

Does anyone have any renders/info on the 8 level development at 95 Dow Street (fronting Bay Street) Port Melbourne? The info listed on the planning permit is:

"The development and use of shops and a food and drink premises (ground level), a restricted recreation facility (Level 1), offices (Levels 2 & 3), 37 dwellings and associated car parking in an 8 level building with a frontage to Bay Street. 2."

Cheers
Homer

no pictures but im assuming this the the site of The Muir that went belly up along with parent company TEAC

95 Dow Street was the old marketing suite for The Muir, I think the site is generally referred to as 102 - 106 Bay Street. First State Developments purchased the site two years ago for $20 million and are planning a 93 unit development.

St Kilda triangle tangle in court (http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,21709087-2862,00.html)
Ben Butler
May 11, 2007
Herald-Sun

A LAST-ditch bid by the Palace nightclub leaseholder to derail the $300 million redevelopment of the St Kilda triangle site will be heard today.

The Palace, and the Palais Theatre next door, sit on a prime piece of foreshore property on the Esplanade that is owned by the state and leased to the venue operators.

Court of Appeal judges Justice Peter Buchanan and Justice Alex Chernov will today decide whether Palace nightclub operator Jerry Pilarinos should be allowed to appeal against a court decision that found he had no continuing rights to the site.

Supreme Court Justice David Harper found on Wednesday that the operator of the Palais, Carolyn Harper's company Tymbook, was not entitled to an extension on the lease of the Palais.

Tymbook referred inquiries to its lawyers, who did not return phone calls.

The Tymbook decision mirrors one last month, when Justice Harper found that Mr Pilarinos' company, Bradto, did not hold a valid lease over the Palace Nightclub site, next door to the Palais.

Bradto immediately applied for leave to appeal to the Court of Appeal.

The Government wants to demolish the Palace.

The Palais Theatre is heritage-listed and cannot be demolished.

Mr Pilarinos has fought the redevelopment since mid-2004.

He has battled the State Government and its agent, the City of Port Phillip, in legal action before the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal and the Supreme Court, as well as through a public campaign.

Palace spokesman Alan Evers-Buckland said that if Mr Pilarinos were unsuccessful today a High Court challenge was not out of the question.

When are these objectors going to give up!!!!

That site is being wasted completely at the moment. St Kilda has so much potential and they want to keep it down.....home for crime, druggies etc....

This is a prime location for Melbourne. The development can really push the area back into its glory days....tourism, more activity and a refreshed feel. I am sorry, this is not just for St kilda residents it is for all Melbournians as it is the prime Melbourne waterfront location (which has just been neglected for years).

The Palace is a dump.

Besides, isn't it going to be replaced with a Ministry of Sound?
So it's not like all those people who use the Palace won't have it replaced with something better!

The Palace should be pulled down....The Palais theatre restored...New development/nightclub etc. hugging side and rear walls of the Theatre...they are ugly. Luna Park restored as old world amusement park...rebuild giggle palace with moving floors, giant slides, funny mirrors, distorted rooms etc...rebuild River caves and Ghost train and penny arcade....probably with modern game machines...Then linked to triange site over across behind Palais with modern hi tech theme park rides...would have been a great place for Docklands Wheel??? Make it Melbournes playground again....Hmmmm..most St.Kilda residents would prefer it as their own village I know!

I thin KSt Kilda is not just for St Kilda residents. The bay is for all of Melbourne. That project will do the whole area and Melbourne good. What do you have right now ? a run down beautiful old theatre and a DUMP of a nightclub on prime beach view real estate ? compare that to what they have done in Barcelona for example ? it has soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo (apologies getting emotional) MUCH POTENTIAL!!!!!!

That's what I mean..to have nearly that whole site vacant for so many years in such a prime location by the bay and vibrant mecca of diversity that St. Kilda is is beyond belief....Luna Park is small but still a part of Melbourne that kids can enjoy but to expand it for all ages including other uses other than more shops, restaurants or apartments...let the people have the use of it...not just a few who can afford the location.I know Sydney residents of apartments complained and won when their Luna Park built a huge roller coaster... complete with shreeeiiking thrillseekers!!! So whatever is built has to fit all requirements.....just do it!

BUSINESS
The Palace dispute goes High
Ben Butler
15 May 2007
Herald-Sun

THE stoush over a prime St Kilda foreshore site looks set to continue all the way to Australia's highest court.

Leaseholder of The Palace nightclub Jerry Pilarinos will apply to the High Court for special leave to appeal against last week's Victorian Court of Appeal decision effectively ordering his eviction.

It is unlikely the High Court would hear the application before June 15.

On Friday, the Court of Appeal refused to hear an appeal by two of Mr Pilarinos' companies, Bradto and Palais De Danse, against an earlier Supreme Court judgment.

That judgment upheld a Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal decision handing the site back to the State government.

The Palace sits on the so-called St Kilda Triangle site, a healthy wedge of foreshore next to Luna Park on The Esplanade.

The state wants to demolish the nightclub and its carpark and redevelop the site.

On Friday, lawyer for the government Greg Garde QC told the court the development would cost about $300 million.

Bradto holds a 50-year lease on the site that the State claims expired on March 31 last year.

But the company claims that an order made by then-governor Sir Rohan Delacombe on April 15 1969 formed a binding contract between the State and the then-leaseholder of the site, Palais De Danse Pty Ltd.

The Victorian government -- and the Court of Appeal -- disagreed.

The history of the site is legally complex, even though it has been occupied by only three buildings since 1956.

A reception centre known as the Stardust Room was added to the original dancehall in 1961.

Both buildings burnt down in late December 1968, sparking fresh discussions over the lease.

On Friday, counsel for both sides led Justices Alex Chernov and Peter Buchanan through the half-century-old trail of correspondence between Palais De Danse and the government in the months after the fire.

Counsel for Bradto and Palais De Danse, Cliff Pannam QC argued that the letters showed an intent to enter into a new contract for a lease.

Mr Garde argued they showed the opposite.

The court found for the state, but stayed eviction ahead of the High Court appeal.

Bradto and the operator of the Palace, Maztan -- a company controlled by Mr Pilarinos and venue manager Con Sarrou -- were required to give an undertaking allowing the government and shortlisted developers access to the site on 24 hours notice.

In 2005, Mr Pilarinos took a proposal for the site, which would retain the Palace, to the City of Port Phillip.

Designed by architect Daryl Jackson, it featured an underground carpark, a small-scale hotel and a single row of shops.

The Palace would have been retained, but given a facelift.

In return, it was proposed that Bradto be given a 99-year lease.

Port Phillip rejected the proposal in mid-2005.

"We indicated at that time . . . we would be having an open tender process in order to get the best possible result," City of Port Phillip chief executive David Stokes said.

A short-list of three consortiums was announced at the end of August 2005.

In December 2006, developer Mirvac and trucking magnate Lindsay Fox had their bid dumped for being too retail-heavy.

Of the two remaining bids -- one by merchant bank Babcock & Brown and developer Citta Group, the other by developer Andrew Rettig's R Corporation -- the Babcock & Brown pitch is the front-runner.

Announcement of the winning bid has been held up by the long-running legal stoush.

Both Citta Group managing director Stephen McMillan and Mr Rettig declined to comment, citing confidentiality agreements.

Signed-up tenants are understood to include nightclub owner Michael Delany, Hotel Terzini, restauranteur Geoff Lindsay of Pearl and Carlton cakeshop kings the Angele family.

Also believed to be included are Spanish tapas specialists MoVida and Albert Park Hotel publican Julian Gerner.

A live music venue is to come from the operators of Sydney jazz and blues joint the Basement.

It has been reported that UK superclub brand Ministry of Sound will operate a nightclub on the site.

But BusinessDaily understands the UK club is not directly involved.

A local operator has obtained a license to use the Ministry name, and has an option on a lease.

Architects Ashton Raggat McDougall will design the site.
____________________________________________________

Guy doesn't know how to take no for an answer.

BUSINESS
Triangle key to George's future
Ben Butler
15 May 2007
Herald-Sun

THE future of St Kilda's George Cinemas complex is up in the air due to uncertainty over the redevelopment of the St Kilda Triangle site.

The Fitzroy St complex is up for sale, but tenant Palace's lease expires soon and the arthouse cinema chain is worried that any cinema slated for the nearby triangle site might take business away.

"If that (the triangle development) comes to pass we'll have to consider our options over the St Kilda site," Palace chief financial officer Michael O'Connell said.

He said a large, mainstream cinema would not hurt Palace, but an arthouse-style operation would have an impact.

"It will be a matter of what that offering is and how large that offering is," he said.

Palace was part of the ill-fated Mirvac/Lindsay Fox bid for the triangle site, knocked on the head by the City of Port Phillip in December last year for having too much retail space.

The George complex has three screens over 1125sq m with a total capacity of 750 people and is expected to fetch more than $4 million.

The cinemas are owned by Ralamar Nominees, a company controlled by Ralph Taranto of St Kilda.

The complex sits among apartments and shops in the George building on Fitzroy St.

Formerly a hotel, the building was redeveloped in the late 1980s as part of the gentrification of the run-down Fitzroy St area.

Palace's 10-year lease expires in December 2010, with an option for another 10 years.

Current net income is $391,000 a year, implying a yield, at the quoted price, of 9.775 per cent.

Teska & Carson director Michael Ludski, who is running the tender process, said: "There's a risk in everything you do and when you buy a specialised site -- I suppose that's why the yield is commensurate with the risk."

He said interest in the complex had been good.

Tenders close on Thursday May 24.

This is most unacceptable. High Court...come on. I hope the development goes ahead!!

Remember the fiasco with the St Kilda sea baths ? I think that devleopment has really helped lift that part of the St Kilda foreshore (which was not used and lets face it was a bit dumpy before it was developed). However it took forever to get it done. We need developments like that!!!!....I love the docklands, but I also think having a beautiful St Kilda waterfront will be a HUGE PLUS for Melbounre. You will have a beautiful foreshore from Port Melbourne through to St Kilda through to Brighton....My personal view is that our foreshore once developed will match Sydney Harbour (I just think it has been so ignored!!!!!:bash: )...

Lets take it out of the dumps....I mean I see these people like that radio guy fighting to keep the triangle as is....what is that ?????? what are you keeping a dump on our waterfront ? The Palais has so much potential if it is restored...and to leave the Palace (a complete dump) on prime waterfont...what are these people thinking ?:bash:

Does anyone have photos of the esplandae and the stretch recently ....I live in London and haven't seen it for a while....

Your right..this pic is not real new....but the triangle site ...never changes! http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/6485/m072mediummv7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

This guy is using the "evil developer is fucking me over" routine, when all he cares about is the effect this will have on his hip pocket!

Many thanks for the pic......

Imagine if this boulevard was upgraded and was as beautiful as St Kilda Rd (with the appropraiate architecture).....

Guess we should expect to see some renders soon:

Party over for Palace? (http://www.theage.com.au/news/music/partys-over-for-palace/2007/05/24/1179601549051.html)

Clay Lucas
May 24, 2007 - 4:57PM
The Age

St Kilda's Palace entertainment complex is to close next month after giving up a long-running battle over a planned $350 million redevelopment of the site.

The venue's operators, Bradto Pty Ltd, today released a statement announcing The Palace would close on June 12.

Some of the 20 concerts and events due to be staged at the complex up to December 31 would be cancelled, according to the statement.

Upcoming events listed on The Palace website include a concert by American indie band The Shins.

Over the years some of the world's biggest rock acts — including Nirvana and The Ramones — have played at the Palace.

Sorry for 'destruction'

"Bradto wishes to apologise to the people of Victoria for not being able to prevent the closure and destruction of The Palace," the statement reads.

"We submit that the people of Victoria and in particular the people of St Kilda do not want the Palace to close, and this is evident by the hundreds and thousands of Victorians who have frequented The Palace.

"The Palace is one of the last true live music venues in Victoria and the loss of The Palace will have a significant and adverse affect (sic) on the live entertainment industry..."

Plans for a $100 million makeover of the St Kilda "triangle site" - the land next to Luna Park - on which the Palace sits stumbled last month.

Under the development plans, the Palace was expected to be bulldozed and the neighbouring Art Deco Palais Theatre refurbished.

GOODIE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:


BUT what do they mean by stumbled ???

I want to see some renders.............:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ :) :) :) :) :) :banana: :banana:

todays big paper

$300m plan chosen to transform St Kilda triangle

Cameron Houston
May 25, 2007

A $300 MILLION scheme by Sydney developer Citta Property Group will today be announced as the winner of the long-running tender process to redevelop St Kilda's triangle site, while legendary rock venue the Palace is destined for the wrecker's ball.

Sources have confirmed that the plan, designed by Melbourne architects Ashton Raggatt McDougall and financed by Babcock & Brown, received the stamp of approval from Port Phillip Council yesterday.

Planning Minister Justin Madden will announce the decision this afternoon.

Citta's proposal is believed to have narrowly beaten a rival bid from Melbourne developer Andrew Rettig because it had more public spaces and a stronger focus on environmental design. A third consortium, led by trucking magnate Lindsay Fox and listed developer Mirvac, was eliminated in January.

While members of the winning consortium have booked St Kilda's Cafe Di Stasio and Donovans restaurant to celebrate today's announcement, the operators of the Palace nightclub have finally conceded defeat.

After a three-year legal challenge that is believed to have cost more than $5 million, the down-at-heel nightclub — renowned for its sticky carpets and raucous rock music — will close its doors for the last time next month.

Spokesman Alan Evers-Buckland yesterday ruled out a High Court challenge. He said the operators would vacate the site on June 12, despite previous threats to barricade himself in the building and stage a resistance gig.

"The legal battle has been like David versus Goliath," he said. "It has been a small businessman tackling a government with an endless budget."

But live music is poised to find a new home, with Palace owner Jerry Pilarinos believed to have made an offer of about $10 million for the Metro nightclub in Bourke Street.

Under the winning Citta-ARM bid, the foreshore site next to Luna Park will become a multilevel commercial development with more than 30,000 square metres of shops, cinemas and a supermarket.

The building will have interconnecting plazas leading to a staircase, based on Rome's Spanish Steps, leading down to Jacka Boulevard. A source said the stairs would be named the Catani Steps, after Italian engineer Carlo Catani, who designed much of St Kilda's beachfront.

The rear of the heritage-listed Palais Theatre will be developed into the Hotel Terzini, named after Melbourne restaurateur Maurice Terzini, who founded South Yarra's Caffe e Cucina.

The $35 million hotel will have more than 80 rooms, a ground-floor bar and a rooftop restaurant, to be known as the Rainbow Room.

The owner of Richmond's Pearl Restaurant, Geoff Lindsay, has registered interest in the foreshore area, while there are also plans for a second MoVida restaurant, a Brunetti cafe and a pub by Julian Gerner, who runs the Albert Park Hotel.

I'll be interested to see what ARM have come up with for this site.

At last, now get on with it.

Sounds great! Plaze spaces and even a hotel... if they do this well it will be a huge boost for the area!

Good ridance Palace!

The triangle site design has been announced, finally.....:)

http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/triangle_site.html is the page on the Port Phillip site, and it includes a nifty 1:12sec video fly around of the site.

It looks busy, interesting, complicated, but includes some exciting looking designs - if delivered to a high standard.

Will hold judgement until more detail is released, but I do hope it doesn't kill the rest of St Kilda by dragging all activity into the site (some would argue the gentrification has already killed much of St Kilda!).

Californian*. First word that came into my head when I saw the images.

* will refine when I can watch the video at home :)

^^ Don't like it.

What don't you like about it?

^^ coz he don't fink it "hawt" ;)

Looks truly amazing & if all goes accordingly, only 3 years away!! Even if it turns out 1/2 as great as the flyaround, then it would be "all systems go" IMO. Got vertigo from the flyaround BTW :nuts:

The addition to the back of the Palais is a white-laced organic version of the angular white tubes of the new MTC. Also the retail/eatery level facing The Bay is soooooo looooooong.

Some of the key features listed in the above link, along with the already established Palace George Cinemas, a number of small independent live theatres & live music venues all being in the surrounds, this will become "Melbourne Cultural Precinct Mark II". Not many world cities can claim that.

The proposal does look incredibly "busy, interesting & complicated" as Goyougoodthing stated so there will be heaps to do and heaps to see. Once this has established itself surley it will become a huge drawcard, surely!

...

Ministry of Sound to open in Melbourne (http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,21792832-5005961,00.html)


May 25, 2007 05:02pm
The Herald Sun

INTERNATIONAL dance club brand Ministry of Sound will open its first Australian venue at one of Melbourne's latest developments.
Part of the historic St Kilda seafront is set for a $60 million makeover, which will also restore the resort's heritage-listed Palais theatre to its former glory, Port Phillip mayor Janet Bolitho said today.

The 15,000 square-metre "Triangle'' site will also feature a rabbit warren of rambling lanes, promenades and walkways linking entertainment venues, art spaces and retail outlets once completed.

"This is a clever and considered use of the space, a who's who of Melbourne and Australian architects, hospitality, fashion and live music industries,'' Ms Bolitho said today.

"It's everything you love about St Kilda, only more of it.''

A consortium led by Babcock & Brown was today named as the winning bidder to develop the dilapidated site.

The new design would remain true to Federation-era St Kilda architect Carlo Catani, the City of Port Phillip said.

"This is a truly remarkable result ... it (the Triangle) is certainly known as a tired and iconic site, which will be turned into an inspiration,'' Victorian Planning Minister Justin Madden said.

The development has not been without some controversy, however, with iconic rock venue the Palace set to be replaced by new entertainment venues, including a Ministry of Sound dance club and The Basement jazz club.

State Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu said the Palace would be missed and called for the site's development to be sensitive in keeping with the vibe of the foreshore.

"It's been an awful long time since I rocked and rolled at the Palace. It's been a very popular venue and I hope another venue which serves the same purpose can be found,'' Mr Baillieu said.

"I haven't seen the details of the design, but I think whatever we do there has to reflect the foreshore, has to retain the views and has to retain the entertainment heritage in the area."


St Kilda seafront set for 'facelift' (http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/st-kilda-seafront-set-for-facelift/2007/05/25/1179601653643.html)

Leo Shanahan
May 25, 2007 - 5:30PM
The Age

Melbourne's much loved Palais Theatre will receive a $20 million upgrade as part of the Victorian Government's planned redevelopment of the St. Kilda triangle.

As part of the plan the iconic Palace music venue will be replaced by a cinema complex and a new nightclub as well as a jazz bar.

The details of the redevelopment of the St. Kilda triangle were released today by the Minister for Planning, Justin Madden, after the management of The Palace yesterday announced they would leave the live music venue after a long legal fight.

The ageing Palais Theatre, which stands next to the Palace, will be renovated to maintain its role as a live music venue, Mr Madden said today.

The Government, who will gain possession of the land on June 12, will replace The Palace with a $300 million redevelopment that will include a six-theatre Dendy cinema complex, a Honky Tonks nightclub and the first Australian franchise of The Ministry of Sound nightclubs.

The Government stressed that live music would still have a presence in the new complex with a nightclub, a jazz bar and a cabaret lounge forming part of the project.

Space for new shops and restaurants is also included in the redevelopment, which the Government claims will create 500 new jobs.

Space has also been allocated to a open space which will include "grassy slopes" along the upper esplanade and a "traditional European style square".

The development has not been without some controversy, however, with iconic rock venue the Palace set to be replaced by new entertainment venues, including a Ministry of Sound dance club and The Basement jazz club.

State opposition leader Ted Baillieu said the Palace would be missed and called for the site's development to be sensitive in keeping with the vibe of the foreshore.

"It's been an awful long time since I rocked and rolled at the Palace. It's been a very popular venue and I hope another venue which serves the same purpose can be found," Mr Baillieu said.

"I haven't seen the details of the design, but I think whatever we do there has to reflect the foreshore, has to retain the views and has to retain the entertainment heritage in the area.

"We supported a redevelopment there. It's public appearance now is certainly less than attractive. It's a pretty grumpy old car park most of it and it doesn't do the area any good."

Construction is expected to be completed within three years.

It looks fantastic overall.

my only concern(albeit a small one) is the rather bland looking building wedged between the very cool black hotel and the back of the Palais. looks a bit weird with all those blank walls.

but overall only about a millions times the improvement to the current state of the site.

Ministry of Sound to open in Melbourne (http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,21792832-5005961,00.html)


May 25, 2007 05:02pm
The Herald Sun

INTERNATIONAL dance club brand Ministry of Sound will open its first Australian venue at one of Melbourne's latest developments.
Part of the historic St Kilda seafront is set for a $60 million makeover, which will also restore the resort's heritage-listed Palais theatre to its former glory, Port Phillip mayor Janet Bolitho said today.

The 15,000 square-metre "Triangle'' site will also feature a rabbit warren of rambling lanes, promenades and walkways linking entertainment venues, art spaces and retail outlets once completed.

"This is a clever and considered use of the space, a who's who of Melbourne and Australian architects, hospitality, fashion and live music industries,'' Ms Bolitho said today.

"It's everything you love about St Kilda, only more of it.''

A consortium led by Babcock & Brown was today named as the winning bidder to develop the dilapidated site.

The new design would remain true to Federation-era St Kilda architect Carlo Catani, the City of Port Phillip said.

"This is a truly remarkable result ... it (the Triangle) is certainly known as a tired and iconic site, which will be turned into an inspiration,'' Victorian Planning Minister Justin Madden said.

The development has not been without some controversy, however, with iconic rock venue the Palace set to be replaced by new entertainment venues, including a Ministry of Sound dance club and The Basement jazz club.

State Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu said the Palace would be missed and called for the site's development to be sensitive in keeping with the vibe of the foreshore.

"It's been an awful long time since I rocked and rolled at the Palace. It's been a very popular venue and I hope another venue which serves the same purpose can be found,'' Mr Baillieu said.

"I haven't seen the details of the design, but I think whatever we do there has to reflect the foreshore, has to retain the views and has to retain the entertainment heritage in the area."


For all their lauding of the architects, they still didn't once mention their name >(

Unless you're FKA it seems to happen quite a bit. ARM aren't credited with One East Melbourne either.

BTW What were the red pods that were proposed for the area that had CGI renders posted a few months ago?

Tent like structures? I think they were a concept for a cheaper alternative for the site?

This development looks great !!! way better than what's there now...not just a shopping centre!!!

Unless you're FKA it seems to happen quite a bit. ARM aren't credited with One East Melbourne either.

Yeah, no that's what I meant ;)

Media always shuns architects :( the unsung heros....:fiddle: etc

Yeah, no that's what I meant ;)

Media always shuns architects :( the unsung heros....:fiddle: etc

Aren't you the marketing rep for your firm? If so I guess you know all about it.

re: flyaround. The view from a tram on the Esplanade is very Venice-beachy LA and the opposite side is very Vivo-City Singapore (I dare say the archis were influenced by Vivo).

good mix, very happy. build build build.

I got a very Barcelona-ish feel from it. This is an excellent outcome IMO.... Any city in the world would be lucky to get this development...

The view from a tram on the Esplanade is very Venice-beachy LA

:ohno:

Bloody palm trees.

:lol:

Barcelona, LA, Adelaide - anywhere with an esplanade and beach really.

:)

:lol:

Barcelona, LA, Adelaide - anywhere with an esplanade and beach really.

:)

Actually I change my mind, its totally Geelong Waterfront!! It's "Must Sea" you know....

I THINK THIS IS GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

THIS IS GOING TO HAVE A HUGE IMPACT ON MELBOUNRE & ST KILDA (FOR THE BETTER BY FAR)!!!! I AM SO HAPPY TO SEE THE DUMP AND THE PALACE (WHICH IS A DUMP) GO.....:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ :) :) :) :) :)

AND COWFACE I LOVE PALM TREES :bash::bash: ...... WE NEED MORE OF THEM IN MELBOURNE :banana: :banana: :banana: :lol: :lol: :lol: :) :) :) :) :)

Again, palm trees must die.

Great news It will make one of the "worlds most livable cities" even more so.I love the idea of refurbing the massive 3000 seat Palais Theatre which will give Melbourne another wonderfull picture palace/live venue back to its former glory like the Regent.
BTW the Palais was never finished in the first place in the first place(sounds familiar lol) as the owners ran out of money due to the depression so it will be interesting to see if it is finished this time to the original plans.

http://www.skhs.org.au/SKHSbuildings/3.htm

http://www.palaistheatre.com/

Based on the renders on P.3 in The Age today I'll stick my neck out and say I think it's a really good outcome! Love all the hanging gardens and the new little subterranean street with the domes of the Palais as a book mark.

The Esplanade Alliances's Krystyna Kynst instantly knee-jerked, damning it as a "shopping mall" and a missed opportunity - but it looks much much more than a shopping mall to me: 15,000 sq m of open space, Spanish steps, and the retail tucked away. Lots of music and cultural/entertainment facilities, some cutting edge elements and I also like the look of the vertical garden around the hotel.

You wonder just what could have been done that would have satisified everyone on this site - probably impossible - but I think Ashton Raggatt McDougall have come as close as conceivable. Kind of exemplar in real creative architectural solutions imho, and it all ties together.

Damn, the renders are not The Age online, but I'll scan if someone doesn't come up with them in the meantime. This $300m project will end up as another big precinct boost for Melbourne I'll venture to say.

Very exciting development. This will put St Kilda and Melbourne on the map even more I'm sure.

Looks great, love the fact that Ministry of Sound is coming also. We just become more international by the year.

This is the best I can do for a render scan from The Age atm. The total image is a bit too large for my scanner:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v460/Bronteboy/triangle.jpg

I too love it. An excellent outcome. My mum hates a black building being close to the beach. Had a spirited sicussion with her about it. Oh well :)

It is a very 'Melbourne' outcome for the site. I think it will make St. Kilda the best urban waterfront precinct in Australia with such a high standard of design, heritage, character and broad mix of uses.

Lifted from the City of Port Phillip website:

The new forecourt for the Palais which gets a big refurbishment too:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v460/Bronteboy/o243361.jpg


The cinema and William Angliss campus, design inspired by Sidney Nolan's Luna Park painting

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v460/Bronteboy/o243351.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v460/Bronteboy/o243311.jpg


Looks like the bottom of the Catani Stairs
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v460/Bronteboy/o243331.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v460/Bronteboy/o243321.jpg

Krystyna Kynst sounds like a barrell of fun doesn't she? I'm not blindly pro-development by any stretch, but as Bronteboy pointed out, how could you expect a more generous ratio of public space or diversity of use on the site? Even if it turns out half as good as the renders promise, it will be superior to any urban beachfront development in Australia or California, Miami or Barcelona for that matter! As for palm trees, I think we're blessed to live in a city that enjoys cooler, temperate 'english' style gardens as well as the more flamboyant Mediterranean / sub-tropical aspect!

wow that is awesome! and complete by mid 2010 w00t woot! :banana: :banana:

This is great, the Palais has been neglected for way to long, and this development will be a great new hub for the area without compromising existing areas of St Kilda.

Anyone wonder how on earth they will fit so much on this parcel of land!? I know it's a fairly large amount of land, but the size of the development begs to differ...

Good to see it looks like they will put a decent overhead walkway over the road.

3 year construction timeline, I've heard that before....

Where are all the NIMBY's? I have only seen Dave Hughes comment on it...

I think the NIMBY's need to apologise to the councilors and planning staff at the City of Port Phillip for the abuse they have heaped upon them during the process.

There will be a couple of basement levels with the supermarket, some of the shops and car parking in the basement levels similar to QV.

Hopefully the tram line from Port Melbourne down Beaconsfield Parade and the Prince Pier redevelopment will be completed by the time this development is completed.

Melbourne will have an awesome 'world class' waterfront stretching all the way from Port Melbourne to St. Kilda.

It is a very 'Melbourne' outcome for the site. I think it will make St. Kilda the best urban waterfront precinct in Australia with such a high standard of design, heritage, character and broad mix of uses.

agree
I do like the public spaces and the intention to have commanding views over the bay & the city.. this is awesome

at first when I looked at the render (from Sun Herald) - my initial impression was -- hmm not imposing enuff.... yet when i look the render from the AGE - i thought that the grand Palais must not be overshadowed - yet should be enhanced surround it.....

what do you think with the carpark & tafe - black design.. will it fit in?
very cutting edge nevertheles !

I think the NIMBY's need to apologise to the councilors and planning staff at the City of Port Phillip for the abuse they have heaped upon them during the process.

I think that's pretty right. But they'll never do it. You have to wonder at the mindset sometimes - they have been really selfish and churlishly negative throughout this.

There's no doubt pressure groups often contribute to achieving good outcomes for the public - but they should also be prepared to recognize and acknowledge a good outcome when they see it.

I have to say CoPP has really worked hard, tirelessly, on the foreshore, consulted and listened at every stage: huge amounts of effort have also put into into the planned boardwalk and West Beach pavilion, which are the linear continuation of the Triangle precinct.

Overall its a vast improvement on what;s there and will enhance St Kilda and Melbourne - cograts to all involved, as well as the City of port Phillip.

But.. my only disappointment is that Luna Park is not esentially ignored in the plan - I would have liked to see Cavell Street closed with some integration of Luna Park into the plan. An enlarged plaza at the front of the Palais, exending feeding into both the theare and Luna Park would have been great and would have provided a cleaner connection to the Acland Street precinct.

Its a minor issue, but potnetially an option for the future.



.......Oh and for what its worth, I like the palms!

go the palms!

to all those who hate them....why?

Yes exactly go the palms. I love english gardens and currently live in London - but I miss the Melb palm trees! So lucky to be able to enjoy both (very rare).


All please go to the city of port phil website and give some positive feedback via the online feedback form they have set up to put the NIMBYs back in their place(I am sure they will try to put some neg feedback via the form - we need to balance it out).

I bet other developers are going to now come up with other great projects around the are - rejuvination here it comes - the glory days of st kilda are coming back!! GREAT!!!

to all those who hate them....why?
Fugly and unnatural.

If the Palm trees must go...what would you like to replace them?? I remember when Beaconsfield Parade was barren.....The drought has been hard on all plants ..would you like Tea Tree ??? not sure what trees...native ..would survive along there. I think the Palms are ok !

It's by the beach, palms are fine. The avenues by the water wouldn't be the same with gum trees running down them.

Fugly and unnatural.

Agreed.

Replace them with the ones on St Kilda road, whatever they're called.


Looking wannabe European is less pretentious than wannabe LA.

Canary Island Palms are suited to temperate climates and are common in Spain, Italy, Denmark, Greece, western France, Australia and South Africa. They are not a tropical palms and are not generally planted in tropical climates.


Canary Island Palms have been a part of the St. Kilda landscape for almost 100 years (just as old as the palms in LA) and are a distinctive part of the character of the area. Why would you want to change this and plant the same old Plane Trees that are planted everywhere else?

Canary Island Palms have been a part of the St. Kilda landscape for almost 100 years and are a distinctive part of the character of the area. Why would you want to change this and plant the same old Plane Trees that are planted everywhere else?

We should just have no trees, make it desolate and windswept and horrible. You know, to match the character of the rest of the city, right cowface?

Canary Island Palms are suited to temperate climates and are common in Spain, Italy, Denmark, Greece, western France, Australia and South Africa. They are not a tropical palms and are not generally planted in tropical climates.


Denmark? I think hell will freeze over before you'd see palms of ANY type in Denmark!

OK, ze palms work fine in St Kilda.

I just have a slight distaste for them - anti-bleak trees that they are.

Docklands doesn't help - from an industrial hellscape to palm trees just hurts.

Agreed.

Replace them with the ones on St Kilda road, whatever they're called.


Looking wannabe European is less pretentious than wannabe LA.

London plane trees would be completely inappropriate for a bayside location, as they would be constantly damaged by the excessive wind and sea air.

I can't quite see what your problem is with these palms, as they are as much a part of Melbourne as the Plane or Elm trees. Look out the window, its less than 4 weeks from the winter solstice and we're still having sunny days around 20 degrees.

That would be considered warm in places like Lisbon, Barcelona, Nice, San Francisco, etc..

I think it would be nice to have a few more natives near the beach, but more in the dunes. Definately not as street trees. Palms or maybe some types of conifers (norfolk Island pines like Manly) are by far the most appropriate for the climate.

London plane trees would be completely inappropriate for a bayside location, as they would be constantly damaged by the excessive wind and sea air.

I can't quite see what your problem is with these palms, as they are as much a part of Melbourne as the Plane or Elm trees. Look out the window, its less than 4 weeks from the winter solstice and we're still having sunny days around 20 degrees.

That would be considered warm in places like Lisbon, Barcelona, Nice, San Francisco, etc..

I think it would be nice to have a few more natives near the beach, but more in the dunes. Definately not as street trees. Palms or maybe some types of conifers (norfolk Island pines like Manly) are by far the most appropriate for the climate.

You can argue that point until you're blue in the face, but owing to its position in Australia, most people from the more northern climes refuse to accept that fact that Melbourne has a warm climate also...

Aren't you the marketing rep for your firm? If so I guess you know all about it.

Yes...exactly...making it an even larger axe to grind?

OK, ze palms work fine in St Kilda.

I just have a slight distaste for them - anti-bleak trees that they are.

Docklands doesn't help - from an industrial hellscape to palm trees just hurts.

As you look across the melbourne landscape now it's coode island to modern LA to an old european city! Talk about all in one.

That's what makes it Melbourne - not LA not San Fran and not a European city ! It has its own character and charm - you get best of both worlds!

Been away for a few days. Just caught up on the news with this site.

Fantastic!

Take a bow City of Port Phillip and ARM. Absolutley worth all the delays and heartache.

BTW, great to see Sydney's Basement club getting involved, that's one franchise i can deal with - i think a dedicated venue for live jazz / latin / hip hop will go down well in St Kilda - the city & inner north are better covered for that setup. I feel a bit sorry for the owner of The Palace - after opposing the development for so long on the grounds it will put a big dent in the local live music scene (fair enough) the developers are putting in a brand new 1,500 seater for rock music along with everything else, you'd have to call that a checkmate!

History Repeats !!! This triangle site used to have amusements..I remember riding dogem cars there around late 50's...then this developer wanted to build Palace complex!!! it would ruin St. Kilda..etc..etc...etc..!

For the record again.......GO the:
PALMS!!!!

:dance: :carrot: :pepper: :moods: :moods: :moods: :moods: :moods: :moods: :moods: :moods: :moods:


:banana: :banana:

The Palms are just part of St. Kilda...as much as the pier, Fitzroy st etc....been there forever....over 100 years anyway...and just have had some more added as funds were available..as others have said they are right for our climate..not tropical palms!

Looking out from my house, I can see palms by the Merri Creek and they look fine.

We've got this awesome development and all you guys can talk about are those damn palms. :lol:

You are right...it's just that I am a big passionate supporter of more palm trees being planted in Melb (particularly the bay area and at docklands) ^^ .

They are such an uplifting feel good plant.....:)

You are right...it's just that I am a big passionate supporter of more palm trees being planted in Melb (particularly the bay area and at docklands) ^^ .

They are such an uplifting feel good plant.....:)

Except when the fronds get caught in the mower!!!!

I hope that all these new shops don't kill off the trade in Acland St. Especially all the delicous cake shops. YUM!

I like the palms, 'slong as they're those fat melbourne ones not the skinny coconut jamaicanmecrazy palms...

there's even some near my house (north fitzroy) and that's nowhere near the beach! I like them, they look out of place but not in a wannabe way, just in a bizarre way :)

Palms are a mans best friend :)

I think in some places they just grow randomly.

YES...more palm supporters...I love it...go the palms.....:) :) :) ^^ ^^ :banana: :lol: :lol:

theres alot of palm trees in Mildura

enough with the palms! sheesh...when is the project going to start construction?

its funny coz I started it all by saying "go the palms"

they say construction will be complete by mid-late 2010 so probably soon.

I saw some random palms growing along the Murray River around Renmark and Mildura, a stand near the Vic/SA border is even marked on a Houseboat navigation map they gave us. Never actually boated to it but must be a decent grove for it to be marked.

Well, The Port Phillip Leader hits our mail box with the corners of its mouth turned down, and its arse dragging on the ground.

Coverage of the Triangle redevelopment is entirely negative. News section appears under tags of 'Era Ends.'

Page 6, "Swan Song for an Icon" ...

mourns the passing of the Palace live music venue: "It's a shame," says a spokesman for the operator. "Basically we've just said goodbye to a playground and we're putting in a shopping centre by the beach." (article mentions, almost as a bye-the-bye at the end, that the new developoment will have a 1500 capacity band room, a Ministry of Sound nightclub, jazz bar and clubs by Prahran's Boutique and the CBD's Honky Tonks).


Page 7"Traders Fear Triangle"....

reports St Kilda Village Traders Association's fears of the effect on their businesses on the complex's 181 shops. President Doug Bear laments that even people who have been opposed will go to see it (!!) Palais spokesman calls it overdevelopment that doesn't fit into St Kilda, and expresses fears of "chaos." Former councillor Andrew Hanos doubts that people want to go to the beach to shop, and says it could be a white elphant for St Kilda.

If you knew Andrew - well, let's just say if he's agin, I'm for it.

Second article reports present Palais operator Caroline Harper abandoning her last-ditch legal action, "bitterly disappointed" with the outcome, which will see the Palaise get a $20m refurbishment, a beautiful new forecourt,
and Linden Gallery in the vault I think under the Esplanade's rise.

But the one I really like is the Letters page, 'Opinion':
Stand back for St Kilda East resident Gareth Williams - he really gives the fading battle cry "Chadstone by the Bay' one last go-round :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v460/Bronteboy/Triangle.jpg

Now, far be it for me to deny Gareth his right to an opinion, but I've lived in St Kilda, apart from odd postings away, for 24 years - and does that ARM render look like Chadstone to you?

He says it will all be at the expense of diversity, uniqueness, culture and St Kilda's vibe.

No mention of the William Angliss TAFE campus, the art spaces, the cinema, the 1500 capacity bandroom, clubs, pubs, the laneways, 1500 squares metres of open space, hanging gardens, vertical garden Terzini hotel, Catani Stairs etc. etc. The fact that the retail is well tucked away.

It's a terrible thing, developers and the govt injecting $300m+ into our run-down, dusty beachfront precinct like this. Damn.

Anyway, sorry everybody - no mention of the palms!

I THINK IT IS CRITICAL THAT THE SUPPORTERS OF THIS PROJECT RAISE THEIR VOICES IN SUPPORT...THE COUNCIL HAS A WEBSITE FOR SUBMITTING YOUR VIEWS..THESE NAY SAYERS :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash: ARE TRYING TO DESTROY ONE OF THE BEST THINGS THAT CAN HAPPEN FOR ST KILDA.....

This Chadstone by the Bay accusation is lame & tired already - it sounds disengenuous & hollow. How will the new development hijack the vibe or 'soul' of the neighbourhood? All it will do is add a welcome new layer - after years of gentrification & some sterile development in the area this will, if anything, help make St Kilda more interesting & diverse again, which ironically seems to be the bulk of the argument against it!

It doesn't matter, it's going ahead now, the owners of Palais lost there last court appeal. Will be getting refurbished.

Gee I didn't know that Chadstone had live music venues, an arts centre, a TAFE, a boutique hotel and 15,000 square metres of public areas including lanes and an urban square. I really should go back to Chadstone one day because I had no idea what I have been missing out on.

St Kilda is such a hole it needs a development like this to go ahead, IMO ;). The NIMBYs make no proper point.

I THINK IT IS CRITICAL THAT THE SUPPORTERS OF THIS PROJECT RAISE THEIR VOICES IN SUPPORT...THE COUNCIL HAS A WEBSITE FOR SUBMITTING YOUR VIEWS..THESE NAY SAYERS :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash: ARE TRYING TO DESTROY ONE OF THE BEST THINGS THAT CAN HAPPEN FOR ST KILDA.....

You can send an opinion letter to The Leader at theleader@leadernewspapers.com.au

I've sent one, because I live here and these troglodytes annoy me - but I'm not really worried. This project is going to be done.

Gee I didn't know that Chadstone had live music venues, an arts centre, a TAFE, a boutique hotel and 15,000 square metres of public areas including lanes and an urban square. I really should go back to Chadstone one day because I had no idea what I have been missing out on.

That said, Chadstone would be great (and a place where I could go for leisure and not just to buy stuff) if they had live music venues, an arts centre, lanes and an urban square, all of them designed by ARM. Knock down some stores, or the carpark, if they have to. Or the entire shopping centre.

Then again, Dandenong Plaza has a brand new theatre next to it but the presence of the arts hasn't made it any better. :D

To be quite honest, I think any major development that is designed all by the one architect has a very real potential to be bland and personality-less.

By definition, a uniform approach can never achieve diversity.

Sure the area needs redevelopment, but I'm not that overwhelmed by the renders or what I've read of it so far. In my mind, new does not always equal better.

[QUOTE=spin doctor;13588512]To be quite honest, I think any major development that is designed all by the one architect has a very real potential to be bland and personality-less.

By definition, a uniform approach can never achieve diversity.[QUOTE]

Yes that could be a problem with some architects but ARM are the best architects in Australia and there work has never been accused of being bland or personality-less ;-).

Surely this project is better than the built form that is currently on the site which signfincatly detracts from the charater and 'vibe' of St. Kilda.

ARM are the best architects in Australia???? I personally find many ARM designs both bland and personality-less. I think some of their architecture is great and interesting, but 'best architects in Australia' is fairly arbitrary praise.

Regardless, I reiterate that even if this was designed by 'the best architects in Australia', if a major development is designed by one architect, it will still produce a uniform approach. It's not the quality of the individual buildings that I'm disputing, it's the fact that consistent designers = consistent result, as opposed to the diversity (which yes comes at a sacrifice of overall consistency) achieved in areas such as Docklands.

I think what gives character to an area is diversity - obviously in established/older areas the time span of design/construction means that by necessity, diversity in architecture is achieved. This is the major problem I see with major new developments, they cannot help but be uniform, and I think that is where I agree with Chadstone by the Bay esque comments.

New developments CAN be done well, but painting everything with the same brush is not the cautious and well-planned approach necessary for success.

^^ We're talking about a relatively small area here...I think the result is outstanding. I can't help but feel if it were pieced together by more than one architect firm it would be too inconsistent and messy for the size of the site. Too many chefs...

spin doctor, i was about to make the same point as wowism - the triangle site is too small to carry a multiplicity of styles, and somehow the accent is on making the built form development over much of the area unintrusive when viewed from the Esplanade.

I also think ARM has achieved some diversity within their overall plan, the vertical garden to surround Terzini's boutique hotel, and more particularly the cutting edge
TAFE campus and Dendy cinema complex behind the Palais (although some are concerned about the black of that at a beachfront).

Somewhat supporting your point in another way, however, i was a bit surprised to realize that ARM are also doing the West (St Kilda) Beachfront and pavilion re-development just down the road on Beaconsfield Parade.

I feel the two things combined WILL give the foreshore a somewhat generic ARM look - however, i live quite adjacent to West Beach, and considering what has been neglected there over so many years, I'm not unhappy about it.

In fact, because I like ARM's work, I still think the triangle, particularly, is an outstanding result.
Anyway, here's a couple of renders of what ARM is proposing with West Beach. I'm not sure if all this yet has CoPP approval, particularly the larger buildings in the lower left foreground - and last I heard there was a VCAT appeal from local residents over parking.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v460/Bronteboy/beach_large1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v460/Bronteboy/overview20011.jpg

If you took the exact same sized area and overlaid it over any 'older' area of Melbourne, it would most likely contain varied architecture styles (from different architects, eras, etc). To me that is the ultimate goal, and one that won't be replicated in a development like this.

I infinitely prefer inconsistent and messy to integrated cohesion and a 'slick' outcome.

Sorry, I just am very passionate about this aspect of design/planning. I hate to come off as anti-progress. And yes the designs could have been a lot worse pending the architects behind it. Though I'm still not completely sold on ARM.

actually I'm hit by a sudden uncertainty about whether the ARM proposal for West Beach is the one selected: it looks very familiar and I should know ...I'll check with our local group and find out...I don't think that little island in the lower render of the previous post is a goer, nor the buildings (parking station with underground entry?) over Pier Road.


this is another image of it on ARM's website, which actually doesn't make the status clear.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v460/Bronteboy/beach200220copy1.jpg

Sorry, I just am very passionate about this aspect of design/planning. I hate to come off as anti-progress.

More diverse opinions from people in the biz like you is what's needed around here. Continue!

Spin Doctor forgets that the single largest building in this triangle site is the Palais and that is not an ARM designed building! :)
By the way I like the fact that Spin Doctor contributes to this forum as well!

Have a look at the latest issue of AR Magazine to see why ARM are considered one of the best architectural firms in Australia by their peers.

I think the current site is wonderful. The small street, the car park with palms, adds diversity.