Happy to say that one of Melbourne's finest proposed towers, The Archer at 9-27 Downie St is back!

http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/the_archer.JPGhttp://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/the_archer1.JPG

Initially set to commence Oct last year, construction has been delayed but it seems a change of offices in Melbourne has reinvigorated KSIG, and given the Archer a new web site-and it's a ripper! It had sold over half the apartments previously but it looks like it may be back to square one? Anyway i'll try and find a little more info later on in the week.

http://www.ksig.com.au/images/visit_archer.jpg
http://www.ksig.com.au/archer/ >>check out the 3D tour

what it currently looks like.
http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/archer_20030323.JPG

The 120m (approx) Archer on the right, and the currently selling Eifel (approx 100m) on the left, look set to give Downie St a much needed lift. Add the Markillies redevelopment on Downie/Flinders which is nearly fully sold and Brady recently being announced as the builder for 548 Flinders plus the removal of the King St overpass,Fishmarkets site redevelopment and aquarium extension; what a hive of construction activity it will be in that small enclave.

Also has implications for Sharpe Towers, but we'll just wait until we can get some more info on Archer before we get too excited.

fantastic!

if I had the muller, I'd buy in there, one of the top locations in the CBD!

tays

When is the King Street overpass due to come down and has the MCC made a final decision?

Someone will have to go to DOI and get a copy of the plans :-) I still don't think this tower or Eifel have much of a chance of getting built in the current climate.

Isn't 548 Flinders Street Eifel Tower Apartments?

The King Street overpass is definately coming down, the state government is going to put the old Fish Markets site to tender soon, should be some very interesting proposals for that site.

Grolls, you've got it as 546 Flinders on ss.com and the Brady tender is for 546-548 Flinders. 15 levels and its about to commence construction. It's next to Eifel.

Eifel had a display at the Home Show a few weeks ago and they told me that well over 60% had been sold and constrcution woudl start late this year.

the building on the Eifel site has site office signs on the front so it does look like both it and Flinders Towers at 546-548 will go uc at the same time.

left to right
Markillies redevelopment, boarded Archer site, Eifel site and Flinders Towers site
http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/flinderstowers1.JPG

Can you feel the love ?

who wants to add to this map? :nocrook:

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

mb: where was that residential proposal located on Bourke Street - where the MMBW building is ? next to it ? integrated into it ? (I think the thread where all that info was was purged when they had to cut back on the database)?

tays

you're a little confused Tays

200 Spencer is cr Spencer & Lt Bourke in front of Stadium Apartments, but mmbw is shown as Perin Court (cr Lt Collins and Spencer)

Also the site that a Brady representative told me was under amalgamation a while ago in front of Transport House (cr Collins & Spencer) is sealed up and has Gilfoyle Wreckers signs all over it so a bit of action soon?

<table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by silvermb </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top>you're a little confused Tays

200 Spencer is cr Spencer & Lt Bourke in front of Stadium Apartments, but mmbw is shown as Perin Court (cr Lt Collins and Spencer)

Also the site that a Brady representative told me was under amalgamation a while ago in front of Transport House (cr Collins & Spencer) is sealed up and has Gilfoyle Wreckers signs all over it so a bit of action soon?</td></tr>
</table>

added 200 Spencer - d'oh I meant the old mail centre (Victorian / Georgian / "OLD" building) on the corner of Bourke and Spencer (double d'oh) ;)

So any news on the site next to Transport House? sorry if this has been asked b4. The last I heard was that the government were going to put the site to Auction (heard that mid last year).

Also, where's the old Fish Markets? is that the car park between the rail line and Flinders St?


James

Not sure of the status of the land next to transport House. Yes you're rite about the fish market site localtion.


FROM THE MINISTER FOR MAJOR PROJECTS, MINISTER FOR PLANNING

DATE: Monday, January 13, 2003


YARRA FACELIFT CONTINUES AS DEVELOPERS SHORTLISTED FOR REDEVELOPMENT OF FISH MARKET SITE

Four developers have been short-listed to provide detailed plans for the redevelopment of the former fish market site at the western end of Flinders Street, the Bracks Government announced today.

The Minister for Major Projects and Acting Minister for Planning, Peter Batchelor, said the site represented another major opportunity to enhance the Yarra's city frontage.

"The strong calibre of developers who responded to the call for expressions of interest clearly illustrates the potential of this site," he said.

"Finding a viable, appropriate development proposal for the fish market site will also see the demolition of the Flinders Street Overpass – one of the City's worst eyesores.

"The site's redevelopment will complement the recent benefits enjoyed by other parts of the CBD and ensure changes are flowing through to the western end of the city."

The short-listed developers are:

· Colonial First State Property Group;
· Flinders Edge Development Consortium;
· Oceanis Aquariums and the Far East Investment Group and,
· Stockland Trust Group.

The four short-listed developers will be required to submit detailed proposals by April.

Mr Batchelor said the State Government and the City of Melbourne were committed to turning the Yarra River's north bank into a safe and attractive area for all the community to enjoy.

"Short-listed developers will be encouraged to use innovative and sustainable design in their detailed development proposals. Active frontages to Flinders Street and Batman Park, as well as measures to prevent overshadowing on the Yarra, are also specific requirements," he said.

Mr Batchelor said planning and development work on the removal of the Flinders Street Overpass was underway, with VicRoads managing the work in consultation with the City of Melbourne, public transport operators and neighbouring landholders.

"The redevelopment of the former fish market site is a key part of the Government's Yarra Plan that includes more than $4 billion of public and private projects set to revitalise the Yarra precinct in the lead up to the 2006 Commonwealth Games," he said.


Cheers

Dean - Melbourne

Mondriane:

_________http://www.skyscrapers.com/files/transfer/6/2001/01/121028.jpg

Savoy:

___________http://www.skyscrapers.com/files/transfer/5/2001/02/120632.jpg

Liberty:

___________http://www.skyscrapers.com/files/transfer/5/2000/09/108919.jpg

...and Citypoint :( .

http://www.centralequity.com.au/images_projects/cpback.jpg

The Bow & Arrow is definately looking the goods.. todays Saturday Age had tenders out for construction !!

Not a guarantee particularly in the current climate of expensive building costs but still a very positive sign of progress..

Yes

Shaking the head with the totally inapproprite name.

Demo to start soon on 6-16 Downie St, Melb.

30 level plus plant resi tower on a small footprint.

Brady Contructions. (aka Wills, etc)

How did you find this out Jag?

That's great news, Archer is scheduled to start soon as well so we will have two 30+ level towers U/C in that corner of the CBD.

The Eifel:
http://www.bradygroup.com.au/images/eifel_pic.jpg

cant find anything on ss.com about this one, it doesnt come under 6-16 downie street or eifel tower?
is it at paris end of town/ lol
i think its near Rialto?

Its near the corner of Flinders & Spencer Streets, Melbourne.

You know things are going well when you discover, oh yeah, another 30st job going up.

Seriously, who names these things?

"Eifel" with one "f"?

Let's go for the "Great Pyramid of Geeza Apartments".

Or "Oriental Pearler Tower".

SheesH!

Nice little building, btw.


Cheers,

Adam

Nice one AFO. :D

I think I'd fit right in to the Geeza apartments. ;) :D

Cheers.

It's being advertised frequently ( a 30 second voiceover with images) on the "Hyatt channel" at the Hyatt on Collins.
I thought it was the 'Eife' tower to start with ( expecting a 4 storey rooftop of hair )............

jag works for Baracon, or so i recall.

while im on the topic, new gpo offices off baracon.com.au

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

With the look and quilty of The Eifel and The Archer next door, this is the start of a total revamp of this part of Melbourne's CBD

The King's St overpass will be removed soon and the tenders are very shortly due for the Old Fish Market site directly oposite The Eifel development.

Also on the cards is the Markilies Hotel and the Flinders Appts both next to The Eifel..

btw. Love the glass on the GPO redevelopment

Cheers

Dean

The soomer that Markillies Hotel? (more like a flophouse) site is cleared the better.
It has to be worth a mint just for the land.

better pic:

http://www.skyscrapers.com/files/transfer/6/2002/09/161517.jpg

<table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by silvermb </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top>jag works for Baracon, or so i recall.

while im on the topic, new gpo offices off baracon.com.au

http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/gpo.JPG</td></tr>
</table>

Wow so thats what they're constructing now on the old Chelsea Clothes store plaza there on the corner of Lt.Bourke & Elizabeth ?

Cool I hope thats what is actually built ..

<table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by silvermb </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top>jag works for Baracon, or so i recall.

while im on the topic, new gpo offices off baracon.com.au

http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/gpo.JPG</td></tr>
</table>


ok the cats outa the bag

Im not an employee of Baracon but they are one of our clients.
Were working for Brady Const on this one.
We'll be down there sometime today sniffing about.

But that name ??????? they may as well of called it the ESB.
Ive already bitched to Brady about it.
:bash:

It will be interesting to see how they work out the construction logistics with two 30 story buildings going up dirctly across the Road from each other. Downie Street is really just a laneway and both sites are very tight, we could have duelling cranes and traffic jams of white utes :-)

<table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by CULWULLA </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top>cant find anything on ss.com about this one, it doesnt come under 6-16 downie street or eifel tower?
is it at paris end of town/ lol
i think its near Rialto?</td></tr>
</table>
is this on ss.com? what its alternate name? How tall is it?

cul: yep "The Eifel" 550 - 554 Flinders Street http://www.skyscrapers.com/ex/wm/bu/?l=3&id=149044&st=183260

tays

i hope the scale of this pic is half accurate, it looks massive

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

that pic makes it about ~170m tall.... when it's between 100m and 120m, no ?

Sill though, no matter how tall it is, it'll make a great presence on that corner, as everything else is so low! :D

:rock:

WOW

That building will stick out like a saw thumb. GREAT! :D

Originally posted by silvermb
Happy to say that one of Melbourne's finest proposed towers, The Archer at 9-27 Downie St is back!

http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/the_archer.JPGhttp://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/the_archer1.JPG

Initially set to commence Oct last year, construction has been delayed but it seems a change of offices in Melbourne has reinvigorated KSIG, and given the Archer a new web site-and it's a ripper! It had sold over half the apartments previously but it looks like it may be back to square one? Anyway i'll try and find a little more info later on in the week.

http://www.ksig.com.au/images/visit_archer.jpg
http://www.ksig.com.au/archer/ >>check out the 3D tour

what it currently looks like.
http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/archer_20030323.JPG

The 120m (approx) Archer on the right, and the currently selling Eifel (approx 100m) on the left, look set to give Downie St a much needed lift. Add the Markillies redevelopment on Downie/Flinders which is nearly fully sold and Brady recently being announced as the builder for 548 Flinders plus the removal of the King St overpass,Fishmarkets site redevelopment and aquarium extension; what a hive of construction activity it will be in that small enclave.

Also has implications for Sharpe Towers, but we'll just wait until we can get some more info on Archer before we get too excited.

gawd ... their website takes hours to load ! what is it with these real estate people and their flash ...

Oooh, this one is actually interesting and prominent and in an area that so desperately needs some up-lifting! Great stuff! But what about all that talk about the resitower heat coming off?!

Btw, did Mondriane ever get built? And please somebody remind me (again) what happened to the Savoy?! It seems the hotel market in Melbourne is HEAVILY overstocked.

Mondriane only started a few months ago! It's not BUILT quite yet ;) Still on the go though.

Marko, any more news on this project?

no, but they keep on updating the website

a new pic to mull over, its one of the best proposals going around

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

c'mon Richo you've replied to six different topics in succession, next thing you know ill be calling you Tayser

Marko, they will start calling me Tayser when I reply to 66 topics in succsession - not 6. Hence I only have 90 posts to my name. I would have had about 220 if it wasn't for the deletion of some threads last week.

By the way, thats a good point. I spent a few of hours on the forum replying to a few topics last night, so how on earth does Tays, Fabian etc. post so many replys? They must literally live on the forum.

P.S. I did'nt have much to do last night, as is evident by my 6 or so replys. By the way I don't have much to do this morning either, so I might as well have a gork at the forum again and reply to one or two more before heading off to the "G" this afternoon.

.... I can probably type faster than you ;)

60 wpm @ 97% accuracy to be exact (got tested at a job interview 2 days ago) :)

now back on topic.

nice pic mark (lol)

a ha ha Richo, some news

KSIG has secured financing for the Archer from Australian Financial Solutions who've done a few towers so the money side is taken care of, it looks the goods now and either Abi Group or L.U Simon should be the builder, not long now...

Also over the road the Eifel site has been boarded and demo is supposed to start this week. By default that should mean the Flinders Towers site is also being readied for cons, things are starting to happen down there.

Tays, might be time to rename this the 'OFFICIAL: Downie St' or something similar that encompanies the Fishmarkets site and Aquarium extension in that pocket of the CBD

YESSIR!

Great news! But this is bizzare.. only a month ago I rang the Agent and he reckons sales of units still weren't finalised and ready to go (basically he still didn't have prices)..

I didn't delve further.. but I don't think they've sold apartments yet?

decent design for part of the Markillies redevelopment but i dont like the fact that its about 5m away from the Archer, thought there was legislation in place that resulted from Southbank Central regulating the minimum width between towers. Anyway 97.2m, H2A Architects, Jett Constructions, 64 loft apartments and MCC's only real problem was a request for more glass on the northern facade (facing Archer)

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/510/483jett1.jpg

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/510/483jett2.jpg

check out the pool that hangs over the edge. in the pool during summer looking at Southbank :cool:
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/510/483jett4.jpg

the top of 558-560 should be inline with the top of the blue vertical band on the southern side of the Archer, so the Archer will have a fair height.
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/510/483arch.jpg


A-brain, before KSIG launched the new Archer website, they claimed to have 96 of the 200 apartments already sold - who knows!

sheeshus

uber density if all of this goes up!

Ok, now I am confused. Are there 3 projects (The Archer, 558 - 560 Flinders St & The Eifel) or 2 (The Archer & The Eifel)? And if there are 3, could some kind young man draw me a very simple map, or at least describe for me where these 2 or 3 towers are going to be located? Thank you in advance :D

http://metropolis.tayser.net/misc/downieprojects.jpg

Red: Eifel
Blue: Archer
Fleuro Green: old Fish Markets precinct ( I think )

that's it AFAIK, not 100% accurate, but yeah, 3 seperate projects north of Flinders, and the Fish Markets south of Flinders.

tays

EDIT:

http://metropolis.tayser.net/misc/downieprojects2.jpg

You are the best Tays. Thank you very much. WOW it will be like our Market precinct if all 3 projects get going. And if we add in the old Fishmarket site, then GOD HELP US!

On the corner of Spencer st and Flinders st is the 7/11. Next to it is the Markilles Hotel which will be redeveloped by the same people doing 558-560 flinders st (90m) which is on the western corner of Downie and flinders

Right behind this building is the Archer(on Downie st) (approx 120m) by KSIG.

On the eastern corner of downie and flinders is the eifel by the brady grp.

The Archer and the Eifel will go UC very soon and 558-60 Flinders is still waiting for approval.

Cheers

Dean - Melbourne

oops too late

The building spacing controls only apply to Southbank, in the CBD there are no controls on how far apart buildings can be.

Downie Street is only 8 metres wide so it will be an awesome canyon with 100m buildings right up to the footpath on both sides!

560 Flinders looks very similar to the just approved 212 King Street, both are only 15 metres wide and almost 100m high.

The 15 level Flinders Towers will also be going up at 546 Flinders Street which is right next door to Eifel.

Luckily Eifel will cover up the blank wall in this piss weak rendering :-)

http://www.skyscrapers.com/files/transfer/6/2002/05/148690.jpg

A couple of different renderings of Eifel:

http://www.lankaproperty.net/int_property/intern_p5.gif

http://www.lankaproperty.net/int_property/intern_p2.gif

These developments are marvellous. The SW corner of the CBD is crying out to be 'finished'. The Markillies building particularly is desparately needing alteration; that's a prominent corner down there. All the tourists wandering along crown promenade look across and see...crap, currently. But not for long.

Excellent.

Blue

The 2 buildings on the site of The Eifel are currently being demolished, so I guess construction is not that far off!

Bigger aquarium, apartments in riverfront plan
By Royce Millar
City Reporter
September 25, 2003


The Melbourne Aquarium is likely to double in size as part of a State Government plan to redevelop the north bank of the Yarra River and demolish the much-maligned Flinders Street overpass.

Government and development industry sources expect the aquarium will be named soon as a preferred developer of the former fish market site at the intersection of Flinders and King streets.

The $200 million project will include demolition of the overpass, expansion of the aquarium, construction of a large car park, 350 apartments and shops.

However, disagreement over who should pay for a blow-out in costs for the project has delayed a decision by months.

In January the Government shortlisted four developers. It initially told the bidders that a preferred developer would be chosen by the end of June.

While it has not yet formally announced a preferred group, the Government is negotiating with only one bidder - aquarium owner Oceanis and partner Far East Investment Group.

Development industry sources have confirmed that one of the four, Colonial First State Property, has dropped out. They also said that two others, the Stockland Trust Group and finance giant ABN Amro, had heard nothing from the Government in recent weeks.

The Government and the council had planned that the proceeds from the sale of Crown land at the intersection would pay for the works, including demolition of the overpass.

While the aquarium is believed to have increased its bid for the land, there is still a lack of money to pay for works, including temporary tram services.

The development sites are Crown land and are used by the council for parking. The council stands to lose about $1.3 million a year over the next five years under one of its proposal.

However, the Government says the additional rates of about $665,000 a year from the development itself - and an increase in nearby property values - would compensate the council.

The council has not yet decided if it will bear the costs. But Lord Mayor John So said this week the council may have to be flexible in the longer-term interests of the city.

Development industry sources also point out that the project has been hit by a downturn in the apartment market this year. All bids included substantial apartment components.

Sources close to the project say that the remaining bidders other than the aquarium group have lost enthusiasm because of the softening market.

The King Street overpass was built in 1961 as part of the construction of Kingsway to create an uninterrupted southern gateway into the city centre.

Mat Phelan, a spokesman for Major Projects Minister Peter Batchelor, has refused to comment on the project because the bidding is confidential. Aquarium managing director Peter O'Brien declined to comment for the same reason.

**********************


fair to say they've dropped the aquarium-themed hotel for the apartments. 60m height limit, 350 apartments, sounds alot like another Watergate complex

Sounds like a great project. I can't wait to see it all happen.

Yeah the sooner that bloody overpass eyesore goes the better too!

Riverside project to cost council (http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/09/29/1064819877240.html)
The Age (www.theage.com.au)
By Misha Ketchell
30 September 2003

The Melbourne City Council is expected to agree to give up more than $1 million a year in parking fees so the Flinders Street overpass can be redeveloped as apartments.

A special meeting of council has been called tonight to vote on the plan after the State Government indicated it was willing to pay to tear down the overpass and sell the land to a developer.

The Melbourne Aquarium is the leading bidder for the site, on the south-west corner of the central business district. Aquarium owner Oceanis, with partner Far East Investment Group, is expected to spend close to $200 million expanding the existing aquarium and building a large car park and 350 apartments. The project is expected to be completed early in 2007.

According to financial papers to be presented to the council tonight, a slump in the market for city apartments is likely to leave the State Government carrying significant loss on the deal.

"Council officers were led to believe a significant shortfall exists between the financial offer included in the preferred tender bid and the cost of demolishing the overpass and rebuilding the intersection," the report says.

Before the apartment market declined, the council and the State Government had intended that the proceeds from the sale of Crown land would cover the cost of demolishing the overpass.

A spokesman for Major Projects Minister Peter Batchelor said yesterday he could not comment on the expected loss, or any other aspect of the deal, until tendering was finalised.

The chairman of the council's finance committee, Kevin Chamberlin, said yesterday $1 million a year in lost parking fees was a small price for the council to pay to fix up the Flinders Street overpass and open the west end of the city to the Yarra. The overpass, built in 1961, was initially intended to create a gateway to the southern end of the city.

"We were prepared to accept the loss of revenue from car parking because we believe a redevelopment of the area will be good for Melbourne," he said.

"It will be a tremendous impetus to the south-western end of the city. It will make the river bank far more inviting. It will remove the overpass - which is a dead hand on that end of the city."

Aquarium managing director Peter O'Brien yesterday declined to comment.

I think this thread should be renamed NORTHBANK projects.

From The Age:

Facelift for north bank of Yarra
October 1, 2003 - 12:05PM

Melbourne will have the biggest aquarium in the southern hemisphere under a $170 million development of the north bank of the Yarra River.

Victorian Premier Steve Bracks announced today that the existing Melbourne aquarium would be extended across Kings Way and the development would include new residential apartments and retail shops, car parking and an art studio.

Mr Bracks said the development also would include the removal of one of the greatest blights on the Melbourne landscape - the Flinders Street overpass.

The project will create more than 500 jobs during construction and 150 on-going jobs at the aquarium and shops.

Work should begin in 2005 with the first stage of the new aquarium set to open by mid-2006.

The entire development is due for completion by the end of 2008.

Looking at the completeion dates, I think we will be waiting a long time for any apartment towers to get built. Hopefully they will pull down the overpass before they start selling apartments and the site for the apartment building won't be left as yet another giant hole in the ground.

Great news lets hope that OP goes pretty soon.
Looks like they will try to open the aquarium before the CG games.

Great news because the Melbourne Aquarium is one of the best anywhere in the world for *quality* .. it beats Sydneys easiler IMHO for colour and presentation ..

But it gets outdone because of it's size - which hopefully this redevelopment will fix so it will become one of the worlds greatest..

Originally posted by A-brain
Great news because the Melbourne Aquarium is one of the best anywhere in the world for *quality* .. it beats Sydneys easiler IMHO for colour and presentation ..

But it gets outdone because of it's size - which hopefully this redevelopment will fix so it will become one of the worlds greatest..

wow you seem to think every second thing in melbourne is the best in the world... you must be either very lucky and have done and seen alot around the world to judge that or you like making big statements/judgements...?
anyways I went to melbourne aquarium and thought it was great though in my opionion not as good as the perth and singapore ones...

also you know what they say 'size doesen't matter' go for quality....

Originally posted by chrisaus
wow you seem to think every second thing in melbourne is the best in the world... you must be either very lucky and have done and seen alot around the world to judge that or you like making big statements/judgements...?
anyways I went to melbourne aquarium and thought it was great though in my opionion not as good as the perth and singapore ones...

also you know what they say 'size doesen't matter' go for quality....

Size isn't everything, but size and quality can equal greatness.
Why shouldn't this aquarium be up there with the best in the world? A lot of Australia's attractions and facilities already are. Melburnians are lucky to be living in such a great city.
Sure, other Aquariums may be up there in terms of greatness too - the more the merrier.

Does it make you feel better to write at least one derogatory comment about Melbourne or Melburnians each day Chrisaus?

Originally posted by DrDan

Does it make you feel better to write at least one derogatory comment about Melbourne or Melburnians each day Chrisaus?
wasn't derogatory just questioning how valid the opinion was, its easy to get carried away about your home town in relation to others...

Channel 9 just had the "Northbank" development on their bulletin, in a nutshell:

looks great, there's still going to be a bridge over Kings Way (south of Flinders) - pedo bridge, apartments look about 10 - 15levels high... but I'm still stumped to try and work out as they said on the news snippet, "traffic flow will also improve in the vicinity with the overpass gone" - how would it improve when they're moving the intersection to -at grade- ?

any open space?
is it only that bridge not the railway between flinders station and spencer street being changed?

the Rail viaducts won't be removed anytime soon, no.

no idea regarding open space, however silvermb: looks like the plans might be at DSE ("DOI") now, so get cracking ;)

Originally posted by tayser
the Rail viaducts won't be removed anytime soon, no.

no idea regarding open space, however silvermb: looks like the plans might be at DSE ("DOI") now, so get cracking ;)

oh spew I was thinking that whole area would be opened up:rant:
any way this is a good start, though I can't fully remember this area anyone got any pics or maps handy?

go back a page ;)

oh its that thing, yeah good news that part of town was kinda confusing to get around. they are doing the same thing along the perth foreshore ie. the william street bridge and making a level intersection, its probably going to make the traffic worse but skrew the people who take there cars...

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE PREMIER

DATE: Wednesday, October 1, 2003

$170 MILLION FACELIFT TO REINVIGORATE CITY'S WEST END

An extension to the Melbourne Aquarium, residential apartments, a hotel and retail shops will feature in a $170 million development to revitalise Flinders Street's former Fishmarket site, the Premier, Steve Bracks, and Lord Mayor, Cr John So, announced today.

Mr Bracks said the development would help transform the CBD's West End and would greatly improve safety and local amenity in an area currently shunned by many Melburnians.

He named Oceanis Holdings (operators of the Aquarium) and Far East International as the winning bidder to develop the site on the Yarra's North Bank following an extensive tender process.

"This is a great outcome for a great site – integrating it with the CBD, improving safety, providing better pedestrian links and upgrading one of the State's most popular tourist attractions," he said.

"The development will create more than 500 jobs during construction and a further 150 ongoing jobs through the expanded Aquarium and other on-site businesses.

"Together with the $700 million redevelopment of Spencer Street Station, and the ongoing works at Docklands, this project heralds an exciting future for the West End of the CBD."

Mr Bracks said in order for the development to proceed, the Government had committed a capped contribution of up to $6.5 million to the demolition of the Flinders Street overpass and the Melbourne City Council had agreed to forgo $1 million annually in lost revenue from car parking.

The development of the site is contingent upon the preferred tenderer achieving financial close based on the sale of apartments.

"This project will see the removal of one of Melbourne's worst eyesores - the Flinders St overpass," Mr Bracks said. "It also meets a key objective of the Government and the Council, which is making this area more attractive and safer for people to visit."

The Lord Mayor, John So, said removing the overpass would make walking between the West End of the CBD, the Melbourne Aquarium, World Trade Centre and the Yarra River more attractive and appealing.

Details of the development include:
· A 6,000 sq ms extension to the Aquarium on both sides of Kings Way, linked by a pedestrian air bridge allowing for new exhibits, rock pools, and educational facilities;
· Up to 35,000 sq ms of apartment buildings;
· Up to15 shops and one large showroom;
· Arts studios facing out on to Batman Park and
· Car parking for 470 vehicles.

Mr Bracks said Far East International had undertaken several significant development projects in Victoria, and had worked well with Oceanis Holdings to deliver an overall development package tailored to the site's specific requirements.

"With work set to start in 2005, the first stage of the Aquarium is set to open in mid 2006, and the entire development is to be finished by the end of 2008," he said.

Traffic flow through the west of the city will be disrupted during the demolition of the overpass.

Lord Mayor of the City of Melbourne, Cr John So, said he looked forward to watching this exciting development takes shape over the coming years.

"Complying with site requirements, the height of the residential towers has been restricted to ensure there will be no overshadowing of the North Bank of the Yarra," he said.

"The development of the former Fishmarket site is part of the City of Melbourne's vision to make Melbourne one of the world's greatest riverfront cities.

"We want to make the Yarra River, our city's lifeline, as accessible and enjoyable as possible and the upgraded Aquarium will help do this."

Before you start celebrating the demise of the Spencer Street overpass you should read the fine print:

The development of the site is contingent upon the preferred tenderer achieving financial close based on the sale of apartments.

Which means if they don't sell 70% of the apartments the whole development will be on hold indefinately :-( In the current market I think it would be 50/50 that they will reach this target any time soon. Having said that it is being developed by Far East International who have successfully developed Royal Domain Tower and Flinders Wharf, I expect to see the FEI trademark fireplaces in all apartments :-)

Grollo I think the great position of the project may just buck the trend and dont forget even in a slight downturn there will always be buyers esp from OS.

Does anyone have any news on this area of the CBD??? I hope some of these projects get off the ground!

Hope it goes ahead. And they should have a stunning aquarium in the foyer (perhaps instead of a glass wall)!

There was an update article in the Age today. The development will be called H2O on Flinders.

The aquarium is being expanded along King Street to front onto Flinders Street with a new entrance to the east of the existing building fronting Enterprize Park. Across the road on the old Fishmarket Site there will be one apartment tower (now with 400 to 500 apartments!), retails showrooms, shops, carpark, riverfront artist studios and a 'portal' apanning Kingsway and connecting the sites.

A marketing suite will be buit in part of the ground floor of the existing aquarium after should be open after Christmas and the construction date will depend on the level of presales.

Sounds good if it can get off the ground that area sure needs an upgrade.

There are some basic renders out now. Check them out at http://www.melbourneaquarium.com.au/stagetwo/index.htm also check out the PDF attachment for a more detailed map...

The bridge across King Street looks interesting.

Cheers
Homer

thanks for that homer!

Aye, it does look interesting, a hell of a lot different to what's there now!

http://www.melbourneaquarium.com.au/stagetwo/images/stagetwo1.jpg

and the Flinders Street vista

http://www.melbourneaquarium.com.au/stagetwo/images/stagetwo2.jpg

:banana2:

This development will certainly make the southern end of King St a hell of a lot nicer.

The new buildings look much nicer than what's already there. Don't really like the green but I guess it's appropriate.

Wow I'm excited! :cool:

All except for the f'n horrendous traffic jam that's gonna result on Kings Way with the overpass coming down :rant:

im disapointed... as its only a 1000 times better than what already there. lol. i was hoping for a million times better. hehe

Cheers

Dean - Melbourne

Originally posted by A-brain
Wow I'm excited! :cool:

All except for the f'n horrendous traffic jam that's gonna result on Kings Way with the overpass coming down :rant:

Yeah...I was wondering the same thing? They say (government I have read it somewher) that it will 'help' traffic flow??? Is it really going to do that? If so how!

King St as well as Spencer St are supose to be down graded to the likes of Russell, Exhibition and Lonsdale Sts. If there is a traffic jam (just because there is now 1 extra set of lights) then tough luck. If people are still using King Street to bypass the city, then they deserve to be stuck in traffic. Use our excellent freeway system!

The Eifel tower site looks set to become a construction site in 2004.

All proper boarding's are up with Brady on the side and Construction huts are in place..

Nice bit of extra 100m beef for the Rialto end of town..

^^ Yes, this tower is a definite goer. Brady have advertisments all over the Moonah Links Course at the Australian Open Golf about the 'Eifel'



...and this sounds good, as well, for the Northbank

Sea monsters for the Yarra
By CHRIS TINKLER
21dec03

THE Yarra is to be transformed into a Disney-style water wonderland.

A massive, interactive Monsters of the Deep attraction, three new leisure strips and plans for a tall ship opposite Crown have been unveiled.
More pleasure vessels and ferry services will be enticed to the water under a Parks Victoria plan to raise speed limits and add more berths.

Hundreds of thousands of visitors are expected to flock to the multi-million dollar Monsters of the Deep centre, to be built as part of Melbourne Aquarium's expansion and due to open in early 2006.

Visitors will enter through a realistic sea cave, leading into the Valley of the Monster Eels, where giant open-mouthed robotic eels will slide past their faces.

Further into the maze, visitors will be able to discover and interact with an array of robotic sea life, including a sperm whale and a giant squid, as well as real underwater creatures.

Beaches, rubber reefs, rock pools and ice caves will be created, with massive simulated waves breaking overhead.

A Monster Theatre, including a whale-cam, will allow visitors to experience life as a diver. Computer technology will enable them to design their own sea monsters.

"This will be a major drawcard, making the aquarium the biggest Southern Ocean experience in the world," aquarium chief Peter O'Brien said.

Bids from international animatronics experts are being considered for the development.

Outside the venue, the aquarium and Parks Victoria are working together to recreate Melbourne's maritime history on the Yarra by bringing a tall ship into the turning basin opposite Crown. The basin, where the first European arrivals unloaded their cargo and livestock in 1835 and ships subsequently dropped anchor for many decades, was rebuilt in 1997.

Parks Victoria chief Mark Stone said: "We are very keen to get a tall ship into the turning basin.

"It could be static, or possibly be able to do a lap of the basin. It would be a great tourist attraction and educational facility, and would raise the profile of the area."

It was unlikely Polly Woodside ship could be moved from South Wharf, Mr Stone said, because he believed its hull was too badly damaged.

The Enterprize, an operating replica of the ship that brought the first settlers to Melbourne, would be an option, he said, adding other vessels were also being looked at.

The aquarium will double in size under the $170 million redevelopment, which will see the Flinders St overpass demolished.

The aquarium also revealed:

A GIANT roof-top function centre will be built, looking out across the river.

THE CBD grid will be extended to the banks of the river, with Catherine Place and Downie St developed as thriving laneways lined with shops and cafes.

TO THE eastern side of Princes Bridge, the derelict century-old vaults under Federation Square will be refurbished as another leisure precinct within 12 months.

Federation Square management chief Peter Seamer said 12 businesses had expressed an interest in moving in.

A decision on how to revamp the vaults would be made early in the New Year and the new-look strip was due to open by the end of next year, he said.

Cheers

Dean - Melbourne

Bring it on!!:pepper:


_______________________________
I collect therefore I am:cool:

sounds fantastic !

Melbourne is certainly the place to be!

Chicks Love it !

lozza :dooby:

There are workers huts on the north-east corner of Flinders St & Downey St. Does this mean there is going to be some action in this precinct early in 2004? I hope so.

The 97.2 metre high, 30 storey tower at 560 Flinders Street has been approved! It's great that the City of Melbourne has recently been approving these big towers on very small sites in teh Western end of the CBD. If these developments keep getting proposed and built the western end of the CBD will get a huge density boost :-)

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/510/483jett1.jpg

More great news for the south-western end of the CBD. Yipeee :D

That's the site of the Mackilles (I can't spell that lol) Hotel isn't it?

3 x 30 level towers already on that tiny little street!

:banana2:

Keeps getting better and better

http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/01/02/1072908908390.html

Designers eye bridge over railyards
By Royce Millar
City Reporter
January 3, 2004

http://www.theage.com.au/ffxImage/urlpicture_id_1072908904471_2004/01/02/3n_so,0.jpg

Lord Mayor John So overlooks Flinders Street from the Ramada.
Picture: Simon O'Dwyer


A private consortium, believed to include leading Melbourne architect Daryl Jackson, has proposed to build a bridge over the Flinders Street railyards to connect the Yarra River to the city.

Government and business sources have confirmed that the scheme was lodged with the Department of Infrastructure just before Christmas.

The consortium is believed to have proposed a pedestrian bridge about 30 to 40 metres wide with shops and cafes along both sides.

The new bridge would join the heritage-listed Sandridge Bridge that diagonally crosses the Yarra from Crown Casino to the north bank. It would continue the diagonal route across the railyards to the old Flinders Street railway building near the intersection of Flinders and Elizabeth streets.

Melbourne City Council and the State Government have already announced they will transform Sandridge Bridge into a footbridge.

Sources say the consortium includes figures behind the $240 million apartment redevelopment of the former Victoria Brewery in East Melbourne.

The apartments will be known as Tribeca. French designer and multi-billionaire Philippe Starck is involved in the project.

The Bracks Government is facing growing pressure to clean up Flinders Street and to honour its commitment to upgrade the north bank of the Yarra.

In a separate bid yesterday, Lord Mayor John So called for a radical upgrade of the station, including a Federation Square-style piazza over the tracks between Swanston and Elizabeth streets. He also wants to open up the station buildings on Flinders Street to the public.

Cr So said the station in its current form was a "barrier" between the city and the Yarra River.

"We need to open up the station to create a people's meeting place that links the city to the river and Southgate," he said.

Cr So said Southgate and Federation Square were now drawing crowds back to the Yarra. But Flinders Street had not kept pace.

"The city is coming alive. We would like to see Flinders Street come alive like Federation Square," he said.

Cr So said the Government should capitalise on the resurgent interest in the city by upgrading the area.

"The station is the jewel in Melbourne's crown but it needs a bit of polishing to return its former sparkle," Cr So said.

None of the key players behind the Flinders Street bridge plan were available for comment yesterday.

Brent Hooley, a spokesman for Transport and Major Projects Minister Peter Batchelor, said the minister had not seen the scheme and could not comment.

The proposals come as the Government and Flinders Street Station manager Connex are at loggerheads over the management of the station and the future of its heritage-listed ballroom.

Connex took control of the station in 1999 as part of the Kennett government's public transport privatisation process.

At the time, the company said it wanted to transform Flinders Street into a retail hub of upmarket designer stores and cafes, and to build a boutique hotel.

But Connex has gone cold on the idea. This week company chairman Bob Annells said he wanted to return the 93-year-old station to the Government to run.

But the Government doesn't want the station back and said Connex must fulfil its contractual obligation to manage the complex.

Wowy!

This is extremely exciting to hear.

I've been worried that with Spencer Street Station getting the revamp that Flinders St will be forgotton a bit - with the government pushing for Spencer St to be the main Melb. transport hub leaving Flinders St as secondary.

though i think people will still use Flinders St more.

I've often thought that the rail line should go underground between Flinder St station and Spencer Street.

Bring on the redevelopment. I'm all for it!

:)


James.

I'd like to know what the hell has happened to the upgrade of Elizabeth Street outside of Flinders Street station??

That was meant to happen months ago, and nothing has even looked like happening, and its all gone very quiet. They need to do something there fast, it's a disgrace!

Eifel is now UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Finally!

http://www.bradygroup.com.au/images/pic.gif

Download the cool project video, 5meg: http://www.bradygroup.com.au/images/BradyEifel-full300k.mpg <-- right click, save target as

and the photographic evidence:

http://metropolis.tayser.net/projects/cbd/northbank/northbank3001041.jpg

Well, they've started to market this one again via letters (Gee, you make a call, post a reply or send an e-mail and suddenly your info. is sold ten-fold!!).

Anyway, it's asking me to "Own my own Little Piece of The World's Most Liveable City".

Some 'bits' with 'me' own obvious editorial.......

"Minutes away from 216 Restaurants (not 215 or 217, but 216), 83 cafes (not 82 or 84, but 83), 47 bars, 493 shops, 9 parks (a sure-fire), 2 museums and 3 Universities...."

"It's a ten-miunte drive to Port Philip Bay, and 15 minutes to the Airport (yah right lol). Nearby Spencer St Station (Southern Cross not-even?) services the city and the suburban rail loop (livin' downtown, why would I want the suburban rail loop? - oh yeah, to visit tays ;) )

Enough of the barbs already...serious business:

On calling:

* Out of the 170 odd apartments, 60% plus of units sold/pre-committed

* Anticipated completion date: late '05, early '06

* Medina to run 14 storey first stepped section

* Of course the Flinders overpass gazetted to come down soon for the Commonwealth Games and Downie St to be extended down to the Yarra as a landscaped walkway only. The 2 Flinders St Platforms nearest the Yarra to come down as well for the boardwalk (this/these are possibly known by some of you already)

Link to Eifel construction pics: Downie St Projects (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?threadid=39374&perpage=20&pagenumber=5)

Brady is financing the digging of the foundations of Eifel via Wills apartment sales. Sensible and methodical cycle - Some fuel feeding the fire.

hang on? i thought melb was heading for massive over supply in highrise res units??? Lot of Docklands arent selling ect. Some in Southbank have been shelved. whats the story? why has this started back up?

Originally posted by CULWULLA
hang on? i thought melb was heading for massive over supply in highrise res units??? Lot of Docklands arent selling ect. Some in Southbank have been shelved. whats the story? why has this started back up?

The rumours of the death of the Melbourne apartment market have been much exaggerated.

Basically investors have fled (or are trying to flee) the market due to negative press articles in the press rtaher than poor market fundamentals.

In the medium-long term there is a huge desire to live in city apartments and as they become slightly more affordable, more and more people will consider the move. Of course if 100 apartments come into the market in one month then the vacant rate will leap in that month because obviously you are not going to lease 1000 apartments within a month.

But they will be filled, no doubt about it, If I didn't work in Mornington I would be into an inner city apartment in two seconds flat :-)

without having to say it again and again, Cul you need to evaluate your sources more critically.

Originally posted by tayser
without having to say it again and again, Cul you need to evaluate your sources more critically.
lol,im only going off what EVERYONE is saying? is that good enough? lol
but its good how melb are still erected them.death to all the doom sayers!
:guns1:

but what EVERYONE says isn't always exactly correct, and usually doesn't take into account that many projects have sold out a long time ago and have been waiting for construction resources so they can proceed - case in point Eifel, Mondriane, Verve501.

I hope I don't have to point that the next time a tower starts construction when either you or someone else brings it up, again.

Originally posted by tayser
but what EVERYONE says isn't always exactly correct, and usually doesn't take into account that many projects have sold out a long time ago and have been waiting for construction resources so they can proceed - case in point Eifel.

I hope I don't have to point that the next time a tower starts construction when either you or someone else brings it up, again.
please point it out. :D sorry tays

An interesting slant on the current state of play.

http://smh.com.au/articles/2004/03/17/1079199293378.html


Stats muffle sound of bubble bursting
By Alan Kohler
March 18, 2004


Is the Australian property market collapsing? No one knows.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported this week that finance commitments for investment property fell 15.5 per cent in January, the third consecutive fall. Stephen Koukoulas, of TD Securities, promptly sent a note to clients headed: "The Australian property bubble has burst - the fallout will be ugly."

But it's not that simple. The Australian property market is a vast mystery, a swamp where the hopeful and the predatory mingle in darkness.

The total lack of up-to-date, accurate information about real estate is, in fact, a dangerous scandal; if there really is a downturn going on, the 19th century standard of the information flow will make it far worse.

Take this week's stuff from the ABS. Investment property loan commitments for January were $3.7 billion, compared with $5.3 billion in December - 31 per cent lower. The ABS then adjusts the data, because lending in January is usually quieter than December, to come up with a seasonally adjusted fall of 15.5 per cent.

The ABS gets each lender to fill out a form listing loan commitments for each state; working fast, the statisticians can add it all up in 28 days from the end of the month. So the first problem is that the data is at least a month old.

But also loan commitments are only a rough guide to what is actually borrowed. Was the extra lending in December actually taken up? Will the commitments in January ever be drawn down? Who knows? They certainly haven't been drawn down yet. What's more, refinancing arrangements, where loans are consolidated or split, are counted by the ABS as new loan commitments, when they are nothing of the sort.

Old, approximate and adjusted lending data is one thing. The real problems start when you try to find out what's going on in the market itself.

There are two broad sources of data on prices and sales volumes: State Valuers-General and real estate agents. The ABS mines the former, and two research firms, Residex and Australian Property Monitor, collect material from the V-Gs and by ringing agents up.

Most of the V-Gs are pretty good; they send out their data about 35 days after each settlement has been filed with them. Victoria, however, waits up to 200 days before sending it. And don't forget settlement is between 60 and 120 days after the property is actually sold.

So, even on the best case, property sales are reported four or five months after a transaction, and in Victoria it can be nearly a year.

That's what I call dangerously useless information. Residex and APM also ring the agents, and provide more up-to-date information, which is why APM could put out a survey of capital city median prices for the December quarter on February 14 that is entirely at odds with an ABS release of the same data for the same period on March 4 (price moves ranging from 3.2 per cent to 12 per cent versus minus 1.6 per cent to 9.3 per cent).

None of the figures is reliable.

There is no requirement on agents to supply any information about sales other than to notify the Titles Office of settlement, and there is no way of knowing that what they say to those who ring them is true.

Apart from the efforts of Residex and APM, who do a good job selling information products and analysis to the public and institutions, the situation is utterly hopeless.

Compare this with the sharemarket, which is both smaller and less important than the property market. On the stock exchange there is real-time market information and a strictly enforced disclosure regime. And all of it is free.

No doubt it will take an absolute debacle of some sort to prompt governments to introduce some timely, accurate and free information regime into property.

So is Stephen Koukoulas right? Is that property debacle now unfolding? Yesterday, I asked two people who ought to know - Robin Matters, of Mortgage and Estate Realisations, who handles most of the repossession sales for Australian banks, and Ian Graham, who runs the largest mortgage insurer, PMI Australia.

Matters keeps a low profile - in fact, his business is not even in the phone book - but he rings at least 20 agents around Australia every day and sees most of the bank mortgage defaults.

He says he has had an influx of defaults in the past three weeks from around the country, although fewer from Victoria. He says he has some concerns about inner-Sydney apartments, but hasn't seen any distressed selling in that sector in Melbourne yet. He is, however, worried about the Melbourne rental market.

But Matters also senses a lot of pent-up demand, especially outside Sydney and Melbourne, to the point where he reckons that if there is no further rate rise, the market will kick up again.

Graham says unemployment is still too low for there to be any major problems with defaults, and thus with distressed selling and claims on mortgage insurance.

Another kick-up? He doubts that very much, but from where he sits, the market is not even close to a major turning point yet. Apartment investors still have a lot of equity left in their homes and, for the moment at least, most believe it's better to accept a low rental than to sell.

But then again, markets sometimes unravel unexpectedly and quickly.

In fact, it might be happening right now. We'll find out in a few months, after it's too late.

akohler@fairfax.com.au

Brady haven't commenced Eifel as yet, Brady Constructions have started Flindrs Tower which is part of the same site, but a different development.

it has the smallest footprint for a 15-level tower and at 2 levels it already has my vote as the cheapest, most inglorious dog-box in town

orrite orrite, settle the confusion silvermb,

http://metropolis.tayser.net/projects/cbd/northbank/northbank2603041.jpg

can you use that for a base and show us where the Eifel project is going to look like it's split in two / show us all the towers proposed etc.

from today's Age

KSIG have gone into administration, but are formulating a plan to get a Quensland investor on board with some big money. If this works the Archer and Sharpe Towers seem safe, if it doesn't proceed then both sites will be sold.

Construction tenders were sought for Archer, so if the site is sold, the new developer could go ahead and build the tower on the back of good sales. the article also said a world's tallest mixed use tower was designed for Sharpe, obviously no more!

KSIG were an absolute joke, a start up company with ne experience trying to build the tallest building in the world, what a joke! The sooner the site is sold to a real developer the better.

Australia's tallest would be great but a world's tallest for the site is just way too ambitious. Hopefully Katsalidis/Grollo/Fried will buy the site and do a mixed use follow up to QV and Eureka :-)

Would still love to see the plans for Sharpe Towers.

Tenders have also been called for the demolition of the Flinders St flyover Kings St. Yipeeee We may see development on the northbank within the next 12 months!

bump so as thread won't get deleted

a Brady crane is being mounted above Downie to work on Flinders Tower and then Eifel, piling on Eifel should start fairly soon. while im on topic Brady have been tendered to build Dominion Lifestyle on City rd, starts soon.

dodgy pic
http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/eifel.JPG

Could someone tell me what this little thing is that has just toped out?

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/2590/northbank2603041.jpg

And is Flinders Tower on the west side of Downey St (left side of the pic above) on the corner of Flinders St and Eifle Tower on the opposite site (right side in the pic above)?

Brady Group are developing Eifel, Brady Group subsidiary Brady Construction are building Flinders Tower (developer : MBIC) and of course Eifel. They share a common building site and you've circled Flinders Tower which still has about 8 levels before topping out. The remainder of the same site is Eifel's footprint, so the crane goes above the road and will work on both projects

the opposite corner with the 2-level brown building is 556-558 Flinders which is a 100m pencil-thin tower that won't see the light of day any time soon

Thankyou silvermb :D

is that a bradyboy development?

is that a bradyboy development?
it sure ain't a BLABBYboy development!!! :runaway:

http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/fto 200406.JPG

I heard a rumour that Downie St itself was going to get a facelift. I own an apartment in Morgan Place (547 Flinders Lane) and this could happy things to its value. But is the rumour true?

Brady Group are developing Eifel, Brady Group subsidiary Brady Construction are building Flinders Tower (developer : MBIC) and of course Eifel. They share a common building site and you've circled Flinders Tower which still has about 8 levels before topping out. The remainder of the same site is Eifel's footprint, so the crane goes above the road and will work on both projects

the opposite corner with the 2-level brown building is 556-558 Flinders which is a 100m pencil-thin tower that won't see the light of day any time soon

Well actually Mark, 556 Flinders is 30 levels and about 92m and is only 67-68 loft style appts. The developer is a friend of a business partner of mine and he has about 20 or so pre-sales and ive been told he has arranged the finance and this should go ahead, but im not sure of the time frame.

Cheers

Dean - Melbourne

hey koshu, most of the pics/info on Downie are in the other pages of this thread

quickly, the above pic is Flinders tower, between it and Morgan will be the 100m Eifel apartments to start construction very soon. the other side of downie street will see the redevelopment of the Markillies and the International Shipping Centre is proposed to become a 130m tower. basically although eventually Downie street will be flooded by apartments, Downie and surrounding areas are to be redeveloped/relandscaped into a user-friendly enclave with shops/hotels ect. if you bought into Morgan as an investment, good work

Did anybody ever manage to get an exact height for Eifel?

merged Northbank and Eifel Tower threads.

the best view of this site is undoubtedly from a train on the viaducts, even though there's basically only a concrete shell there thus far, it just looks that much better with the elevation :lol:

Pretty cool how it straddles Downie Street :cool:

http://thehoddlegrid.net/projects/updates/cbd/northbank/northbank2706041.jpg

:) Sunday Herald sun July 4th. Page 86


Tower an Eyeful, Building has Started on Eifel Tower.

Lets hope this means there may be more action in this precinct sooner rather then later.

Downey Street
http://img64.exs.cx/img64/156/Downey.jpg

i think that's my anus horribilis.

i think that's my anus horribilis.

Not a pretty thought :-(

But it is probably the worst residential tower to go up recently in the CBD, luckily it is pretty small and will be completely overshadowed by Eifel.

Looks like piling has begun so Eifel is officially U/C!!!

Eyesore a hitch to aquarium plan
Fiona Hudson
11aug04

A PLANNED $170 million extension of the Melbourne Aquarium is in danger of stalling, according to developers.

They say the ugly Flinders St overpass near King St is scaring away potential tenants in the redevelopment.
The much-maligned flyover, built in 1961, is widely regarded as one of the city's worst eyesores.

Melbourne Aquarium managing director Peter O'Brien said VicRoads had allocated millions of dollars to demolish the overpass. "But they won't start until we have a tenant, and we can't get a tenant, in this market, until they demolish it," he said.

Mr O'Brien said if tenders weren't called soon, the project would not be finished in time for the Commonwealth Games.


Aquarium developers signed a contract agreeing to find a tenant before the demolition would proceed.

"We're seeking a variation to our agreement with the State Government," Mr O'Brien said.

A government spokesman said: "As far as the Government is concerned, everything is on track."

A VicRoads spokeswoman said tender documents would be circulated soon.

From: http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,10406709%255E2862,00.html

ahhh, the article has been moved in here.....was wondering what happened to it...... :runaway:

I say just demolish the overpass now, you can almost be guaranteed to get a tenant with it gone, it would be very hard to convince someone of investing with something like that in the way, its served its purpose, now be gone with it.

Yes, demolish the overpass now and open up that end of the city to the river. The removal of the overpass will stimulate redevelopment of that south west corner of the CBD.

Nuff said. Torn down, it must.

But if they remove the overpass what will that do to Flinders street traffic? I agree it is an eyesore that is hindering further development but there has to be a solid plan in place considering it's replacement/ alternative.
stu

What do you mean by replacement or alternative? The plan is to bring Flinders St back down to earth. Recreate the ground level Flinders Street that existed prior to the 1960s.

well, demolish it, but they need to put the tracks somewhere, underground? make it go down at the end of Flinders street, and resurface just before Southen cross, maybe under thebridge of collins street.
or what?

What do you mean by replacement or alternative? The plan is to bring Flinders St back down to earth. Recreate the ground level Flinders Street that existed prior to the 1960s.

Correct me if I am wrong, but there are roads and other such things under that stretch of Flinders St, it would require a lot more planning than simply pulling the overpass down. Underground as mentioned my be an option too.

stu

^Why? The point is to make the area pedestrian friendly, rather than the dank, dark hole it is now. There aren't any significant 'roads and other such things' there. There are a few car parks (which aren't needed) and the only major road crossing under Flinders Street at that point is King Street, which could cross Flinders with a simple at-grade intersection, of which there are multitudes in the CBD already.

Hey, fair enough... all I'm saying is that it may be more complicated that it appears. We'll wait and see what is done about it.
stu

well, demolish it, but they need to put the tracks somewhere, underground? make it go down at the end of Flinders street, and resurface just before Southen cross, maybe under thebridge of collins street.
or what?

I think you are getting confused....they are only pulling down the elevated section of Flinders St that goes over King St. They are not pulling down the railway viaducts. I doubt that will ever happen unfortunately.

the cost just will not justify putting 6 tracks underground - if anything, if there's a need to string another pair around from Flinders to Spencer Streets, they'll go underground, but no-one in their right mind would want to finance such a frivolous project. The space underneath the rail viaducts just needs to be utilised instead of being just a car park wasteland - think Banana Alley Vaults.

$0.02

Now you see it, now you don't!

http://img29.exs.cx/img29/1659/untitled394.jpg

oh just the road...silly me. well in that case its good then, gets rid of carparks, and brings that end of the city back down to earth, no longer up in the sky, and ignored. but a while in the future it would be good too see those viaducts with the train tracks on them to slowly dissapear.

Sorry, no can do. There is no way you can put those train lines underground without putting all of Flinders Street Station underground, and that ain't gonna happen!

And anyway, I like the feel of that area with the trains above ground on old viaducts. Its very New York. But the artea can certainly be improved a lot more.

Rubbish, just because you have an overground station doesn't mean you can't have some of the trains rising up to the platforms as they enter the station.
Also if you were to install seperate underground lines you just need to catch some escalators down to the track levels, no need to change the station at ground level at all.

Ideally the tracks would be underground from Southern Cross Station and start coming up to ground level after Banana Alley vaults/Market street. Can't ever see it happening though

The Banana Alley Vaults are on the Victorian Heritage Register and could not be demolished (internally & externally), so there is no way you could build an underground train line because of the steep grade you would need to get the train up. And there is no room on northbank for the trains to surface, as there are so many roads that cross the river.

The red lines are roads/bridges that must remain open and the blue areas are heritage buildings that can not be demolished. Where to you put the tunnell portals?

http://img58.exs.cx/img58/5791/untitled217.jpg

From the Spencer Street Station planning report:

The possible removal of the Flinders Street viaduct has received some attention recently with the view of freeing up land on the north bank of the Yarra. This would require undergrounding of the
existing viaduct tracks between Spencer Street and Flinders Street. It is technically challenging, and therefore costly, but feasible and has been considered as a possible future
scenario impacting on redevelopment at Spencer Street."

Without demolishing the interior of the Banana Alley Vaults and causing great drama with Heritage Victoria, I don't know how else they could do it!

They could possibly lower the platforms so the trains don't have to come up so far. This would also give them the ability to put a roof over the whole station to give a feeling similar to that of the massive stations in Europe (or SX). I think it could be done without hitting any snags with heritage restrictions as it wouldn't affect the exterior of the station at all.
There isn't anything under banana alley, if they only just surfaced at the end of the platform it could definitely be done. It would be a massive project though, bigger than Southern Cross.

Given that though: there are far more pressing Public Transport projects needing to be financed. The same amount of money could probably build Alamein-Chadstone-Monash-Rowville and a Doncaster branch line off the Clifton Hill group down the Eastern FWY (proposed in the 70s).

Well they most certainly need a line that has a Monash (Clayton) station, would be quite a revenue earner I would think, a helluva lot of students would use it.
stu

hmmm that would be a good thing for chadstone they might put in osme money if it ever were to happen, seeming it would draw people from the northeastern suburbs to chadstone. and it would also get a few passengers if it went north south (well in that general direction anyway) then people dont need to go into the loop or into the city to get north or south.

From the Spencer Street Station planning report:

The possible removal of the Flinders Street viaduct has received some attention recently with the view of freeing up land on the north bank of the Yarra. This would require undergrounding of the
existing viaduct tracks between Spencer Street and Flinders Street. It is technically challenging, and therefore costly, but feasible and has been considered as a possible future
scenario impacting on redevelopment at Spencer Street."

Frankly, I don't want to see the viaducts undergrounded: they add some great character to the city, some grittiness (but good grittiness)! Not to mention some great, slowly-moving views. ;) But most important of all, where would the MCC hang its blue flouros?!

If extra tracks were needed between F- and SSS, they could go underground (barring mishaps like destroying the vaults).

(I suppose that the older of the two viaducts isn't heritage-protected in any way, otherwise this suggestion wouldn't have survived - I was under the impression it might have been. Oh well).

I got an email responce from DOI (a while ago) regarding underground rail between Spencer and Flinder St Stations, and I was told that it's in the contract for Spencer St Station that they make allowances for future development underground.

I would be happy to keep some of the above ground viaducts, but for future growth to underground, I would alos like to see the newer above ground line to be removed if additional lines are added underground. The Northbank needs to be freed up somewhat. I'd also like to see the remove of a couple of Flinders St platforms on the Yarra side to be replaced with new sub ground platforms. When Southern Cross station opens, the rest of Melbourne metro stations (including city circle stations) are pretty shoddy - well, most are in need or updating anyway.

Given that though: there are far more pressing Public Transport projects needing to be financed. The same amount of money could probably build Alamein-Chadstone-Monash-Rowville and a Doncaster branch line off the Clifton Hill group down the Eastern FWY (proposed in the 70s).
I agree with that, Tays. FAR more pressing PT projects...

Hey guys..

Not sure if this is the right thread but apparently EIFFEL is now under construction!!!

A mention was made in Domain today in The Age and there is now a Brady full crane onsite behind that little 8 story concrete building they put up in front.

I can't see the building fitting onto that site but apparently it's all go!?

Thanks to Tayser for the pic

As you can see, its been under construction for a little while now.

http://thehoddlegrid.net/projects/updates/cbd/northbank/northbank2706041.jpg[/QUOTE]

The Eiffel??? What is that?

The Eiffel??? What is that?

Have a look back through earlier parts of the thread for details, I'll repost a couple of pics put up by Grollo so you know what we're looking at:

http://www.lankaproperty.net/int_property/intern_p5.gif

http://www.lankaproperty.net/int_property/intern_p2.gif

stu

So can someone still explain to me how Eifel will fit on that site ??

As I said they have built that little 10-story pre-fab thing in the corner of the site - yet in the renders I can't see how that fits in with Eifel ??

Thanks Sakor1!! Looks interesting!

The Archer has gone quiet again, for a 2nd big time.

The Archer has been quiet for months and months. I have a funny feeling it has fallen in a heap! Pitty, cos it would have been a great building, designed by a great architect and given that southwest corner of the CBD some height and bulk!

The Archer has been quiet for months and months. I have a funny feeling it has fallen in a heap!I meant from 2 years ago as opposed to this time around, earlier this year.

It just seems to be one of those projects that will never get off the ground.

KSIG, the developer of Archer, has fallen in a heap and will not proceed with the tower. It has a current planning permit so if the site is sold maybe another developer will give it a shot.

:okay:

Hrrmmm, shame about that. It was a cut above...

That explains why the website is down (from page 1 of the thread).

time for an update

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

1 - $100 million upgrate/redevelopment of certain parts of Trade Centre

2 - failed redevelopment, mortgagee auction soon as an L-shaped development site Nov 18th
http://www.realestateview.com.au/pics/119/474119a.jpg

3 - 558-560 flinders st, dean knows the people behind it and tells me its still going ahead
http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/558560.jpg

4 - the Archer, ive read the site will go to mortgagee sale

5 - fishmarkets 15-level residential approved or office development of late

6 - flinders tower
http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/fto.jpg

7 - eifel, sub-core and ground works amlost done

8 - development site

i wouldn't be too fussed about Flinders Tower. it'll be flanked north and west by Eifel apartments, east by one of the best development site in town which boasts these views
http://www.realestateview.com.au/pics/119/474119bo.jpg
the south facade facing flinders is visible but hey, its going to covered by the fishmarkets development over the road, so no harm done! ive also read that the site next to waterside hotel is also subject to a residential tower. and dont forget the aquarium extension either side and over king st, which is to start after the flyover is demolished. in about 5 years this will be an amazingly dense part of town

so now everyone knows where everything goes

KSIG, the developer of Archer, has fallen in a heap and will not proceed with the tower. It has a current planning permit so if the site is sold maybe another developer will give it a shot.

I personal thinks its good thing that the developer, is not proceeding with the development at moment, as there too many apartments on the market. Or else the property market will burst, and its bad for Melbourne long term future. As well as for the people who have purchase there apartments. However, it would good development does proceed in two years time. Or another larger apartment design takes it place.

9 - 27 Downie Street "Prime CBD Development Site" is up for sale.

Tenders close 10 December 2004

Strategic site in the west end of the CBD
Close to Crown Casino and Docklands
Site area 1187m2 approx
Permit for 32 Level development
Existing improvements
Develop now or landbank for the future

If I can find the photo on the net, I will post it, otherwise grrrrrrr

The long-mooted CBD residential converstion of the former Markille's Hotel at 562-564 Flinders Street, is to be offered for sale at auction on 18 November 2004.

http://www.realestateview.com.au/pics/119/474119a.jpg
Flinders Street Frontage

The five-story building has been undergoing a substantial redevelopment as student accomodation, comprising 71 studio apartments. The redevlopment was to include the construction of an additional level. The 2450 sqm building on aprox 507 sqm of land has additional frontage to Downie St.

http://www.realestateview.com.au/pics/119/474119c.jpg
Downie Street Frontage

From The Saturday Age.

I really hope a developer aquires both sites and does a really good intergrated development.

Has anyone else noticed that there is ground work being done in the Fish Market car park next to the Flinders Street overpass?
The beginning of the Fish Market development or demolition of the overpass, or both? :)

Its the demolition of the overpass over the holiday break.

Its the demolition of the overpass over the holiday break.
Now that is great Christmas surprise gift!
:cucumber: :banana: :carrot: :pepper: :cheers2:

$500m call to enliven 'Northbank'
By JANE HOWARD
02jan05

FLINDERS St Station, Melbourne's most famous landmark, is sadly neglected and in dire need of a $500 million-plus redevelopment, according to new Melbourne City councillor Peter Clarke.

An architect and planner, Cr Clarke's vision for Flinders St includes:

UPGRADING heritage buildings on the site.

CONVERTING the main building into a three-level, 400-bed, four-star hotel (including the now derelict grand railway ballroom) that would run along Flinders St.

CREATING a vibrant Southbank-style complex of retail, restaurants, cafes and a walking promenade on the north bank river frontage.

A LARGE retail plaza at the western end with bridges continuing over the rail tracks and linking into Banana Alley.

FURTHER bridges across the air space running along Swanston St, Flinders St and the Yarra.

A SPECTACULAR glassed roof enclosing a central atrium.

Cr Clarke said he hoped the State Government, Connex and Melbourne City Council would co-operate on the project.

Private sector funding would be needed for the upgrade and Cr Clarke said he would fight for the MCC to offer financial incentives.

He hoped the private sector would be offered the opportunity to tender for the project on the basis of a 99-year lease.

Connex chairman Bob Annells was keen to look at ways of upgrading the station, he said.

The remodelled station should include a Qantas Club-style facility for commuters and the thousands of students who pass through it daily.

It should boast customer lounges with Internet access for students and other commuters to work on laptops.

Bike parking bays, change facilities for families, a pick-up point for motorised scooters for the disabled and a children's playground could also feature.

Cr Clarke said opening up the northern river frontage would allow Melburnians access to a river site and views denied them since the station was built.

Wow ! Long time coming in that while in Melbourne, in 1991, I received the word that an ambitous redo by Merlin (w/architect Darryl Jackson) had just been scuttled.

A Hotel's probably the best use for those extremely long corridors!

Just open up the Flinders Street facade a little more, it's so dank, dark and ... dead.

w00t.

Yeah, I want the hotel and REALLY want the glass atrium..

This is the one i want.
http://www.melbournephotos.net/misc/FlindersFesMarket.jpg
Something that isnt some stupid stunt and actually mixes with the current building.

I agree. I love this 1988 Daryl Jackson proposal.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: I hate that proposal! Thank god it's dead.

I'd like somthing similer, how about extend the original facade over to the other side and the front (swanstone street and have arches to let people though)
and then ontop have the hotels, or, have the hotels in the buildings, and the facade/buildings go all the way around the platforms.



Flinders street
=========================
=------------------------------= if you get that, small lines are the platforms
=------------------------------= and the equals signs are the buildings going around.
=------------------------------=and maybe leave the west end open.
=------------------------------=
=------------------------------=
=------------------------------=
=========================
Yarra River

Of course, the only way that a project will happen at the moment is as a PPP (Public Private Partnertship), which no private consortium will touch given the state of Southern Cross station.

It will take a change of government to get any state money behind a project of that scale. I'll give it a 2010 start...

Oh, and DJ's proposal stinks - it is silly 80's postmodernism and makes the original station look bad. Good basic idea though

Oh, and DJ's proposal stinks - it is silly 80's postmodernism and makes the original station look bad. Good basic idea though

i hear u!!!!!!!

very little needs to be done flinders st station only really the foreshore connection

the roof should not be touched...

the view from the trains to southbank should be retained...

I agree on river connection, I disagree on the roof - well the roofs that are there now are shite, completely remove them and build trainsheds over the top of the platforms, such as the unusually alligned sheds in that 80s proposal. And get rid of the awning along Swanston Street and Flinders Street.

And get rid of the awning along Swanston Street and Flinders Street.
So we can all have fun when it rains :) Unless you meant replace them with something better, something made of glass would be nice.

We're all forgetting the biggest problem though - those tacky basement shops next to the main entrance, and that pokies place. Whoever allowed that to sneak into the station obviously wasn't looking.

Yes that awning should be replaced with 'replica' wall that fits in with the rest of the station. It is just shocking at the moment, especially now that fed square frames that area so well.

Hope Cr Clarke's push starts something. The main problem is connex being put in charge of the site, with no incentive to develop it!

maybe Bracksy will announce something by the time of the next election, that's the only thing I think we can hope for

I think you will find there will be a number of infrastructue announcements by the Bracks Govt from the middle of this year onwards to the election in Nov 2006,

The Govt is currently sitting on about $5 billion of useable surplusses so they will have plenty of dough to spend on election goodies.

from TheAge:

Yep, more progress. The comm games are good for that.

Northbank projects to hit Games deadline
By Royce Millar
City Reporter
January 8, 2005


Major projects on the Yarra River's shabby Northbank, including the demolition of the Flinders Street overpass and the refurbishment of the heritage-listed Sandridge Rail Bridge, will be completed in time for the Commonwealth Games next year.

The State Government and the Melbourne City Council plan to start work within weeks on the eyesores that have put a blemish on the city for decades. But other key Northbank projects, including expansion of the aquarium and redevelopment of the former fish market site in Flinders Street, have stalled, caught by a slump in the city apartment and office market.

This week the Government was tight-lipped about the overpass project but sources confirmed it would be finished - including a new King and Flinders Street intersection - by March 2006. Premier Steve Bracks plans to announce a start to work when he returns from holiday.

The Melbourne City Council has confirmed that it will next week appoint contractors to revive the heritage-listed Sandridge bridge as a pedestrian link across the river, and create a "youth precinct" and new walkway on Northbank. It vowed to have the work finished by March 2006.

Since the early 1980s governments and city councils have bemoaned the fact that Melbourne historically turned its back on its waterways. The Cain government made its mark with the Southbank development; Docklands became a symbol of Jeff Kennett's can-do approach. But, overshadowed by skyscrapers and bridges, the area between Swanston and Spencer Streets, resisted change.

Yesterday property owners in the dingy south-west corner of the CBD were celebrating the news that the overpass was definitely coming down.

Former AFL footballer Stuart Wigney, the general manager of the Waterside Hotel on King Street, said removal of the overpass would pave the way for more improvements at the once infamous wharfie pub.

The former fish market site, which has languished as an open-air car park since the late 1950s when the Victorian market buildings were demolished, has continued to defy progress, in the short term at least.

Late in 2003 the Government chose Oceanis Holdings (operators of the Aquarium) and partner Far East International, as preferred developers for the site bounded by Spencer and Flinders Streets, Kingsway and Batman Park. The developers proposed a $170 million apartment complex and aquarium extension. Payment to the Government for the fish market site, which is Crown Land, would help to pay for removal of the overpass, while the Melbourne City Council would lose $1 million a year in parking revenue.

At the time Mr Bracks said the overpass demolition depended on the developer selling enough apartments off the plan to gain financial backing.

But with the city apartment bubble about to burst, the timing for such a deal could not have been worse. Documents seen by The Age reveal that within weeks of the Premier's statement, the developer dropped the apartment plan and started work on a large office scheme instead. Again timing was bad. In late 2003 a string of major new office and retail developments were under way in the CBD and Docklands and Melbourne was awash with vacant commercial space.

Sources have confirmed that the developers have failed to meet a deadline on financial decisions and that the Government has given them a two-year extension. The Government, it seems, will have to find more money to pay for removal of the overpass in the meantime.

Yesterday council planning committee chairwoman Catherine Ng called on the Government to go ahead with the overpass removal and to unhitch it from the fish market redevelopment. "There are times when we need to drop the market-led approach and get critical civic projects like the removal of the Flinders Street overpass and the upgrade of the Northbank promenade going. The city has turned its back on the river for too long."

Government spokesman Toby Hemming said that the Government, the developer and the council were still committed to removing the overpass and redeveloping the fish market site.

- with Jewel Topsfield

'Blighted' end of city set for revival
By Jewel Topsfield
January 8, 2005

On March 4, 1963, Melbourne City Council approved "Operation Revival", an ambitious plan to revive a fading part of the city.

The chairman of the Building and Town Planning Committee, E. L. Curtis, said the £1 million scheme was designed to rejuvenate the area "blighted and made derelict" by the Flinders Street overpass.

A hotel closed soon after the overpass opened in 1961 and vacant shops and showrooms facing the tatty piece of land had been on the market for months.

The council's strategy involved widening Flinders Lane so that Flinders Street businesses could move their frontages to Flinders Lane. A small railway station between Flinders and Spencer would also help revitalise the area, the councillors decided, and resolved to approach the Railway Commissioner for its inclusion.

"This seems a commonsense way of trying to revive the area," Cr Curtis said.

More than four decades later Operation Revival appears to have failed. There is no King Street station. Between William and Spencer streets, many old buildings are boarded up and empty. The former Markillies Hotel, a gracious five-storey heritage building slated for residential conversion, was passed in at auction on December 9.

But with the Commonwealth Games looming, the site once described by former lord mayor Peter Costigan as the ugliest spot in the city, appears to be about to be spruced up.

This week Melbourne City Council and the State Government pushed ahead with their own operation revival, promising to demolish the maligned overpass in time for the games next year.

A group of past and present footballers, including Nick Riewoldt, Nathan Brown, Wayne Campbell, Stuart Wigney and the Gale brothers, Michael and Brendon, bought the Waterside Hotel for $3.85 million last year.

Mr Wigney, the general manager, said they bought the pub, the traditional haunt of wharfies and barflies, after learning the overpass would be demolished.

"The biggest thing for us will be sunlight, natural night. The overpass coming down will make it a whole new place."

The Waterside's new owners are also considering offering accommodation upstairs and opening a beer garden.

Similarly, the Brady property group decided to build a 30-storey residential tower, Eiffel Apartments, near Markillies Hotel. Brady Group general manager of sales George Keith said the group had sold 60 per cent of the 284 apartments.

"As the city centre starts moving towards the waterfront, this will become a very desirable area," Mr Keith said.

melbourne city cant afford to pull down a overpass ;)

just waiting for bracks id say!!!

i saw the picture and was not hugely amazed...

I walked past there today from the Aquarium and noticed some work next to the overpass on King Street (Aquarium side, on both sides of the road too). Anyone know what they're doing there?

Probably preparation of some kind for demolishment of the overpass.

Stu

Probably preparation of some kind for demolishment of the overpass.

Stu

Yeah, that's what I thought. But The Age articles says work won't start for a few more weeks and nothing has officially been announced etc.

i drove past and all the equipment was either multipipe or j.a dodd? anyway that means its remedial work for all the neglected systems underground and i'd bet they'd be expanding the drainage/sewers to cope with all the new develolmenht planned in that pocket of town. so once the overpass comes down, all thats required will be to lay the new intersection so as not to have king/flinders closed longer than necessary

eifel apartments, not far off a core box as its an older pic
http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/eif200412.jpg

and one from above

http://thehoddlegrid.net/projects/updates/cbd/northbank/eastend2401052.jpg

not much has happened on the overpass

http://thehoddlegrid.net/projects/updates/cbd/northbank/eastend2401051.jpg

What's happening with the overpass? Pardon any ignorance.

:bash: :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash:

it's getting torn down - they're just taking their sweet time

bash indeed plotto.

edit: ahhh I know why it's still there, AusOpen = lots of Touros, & lots of touros = city circle tram packed. no overpass = no city circle tram (temporarily), thus touros unhappy. moral? fuck the touros! LOL

[/potty mouth]

Probably preparation of some kind for demolishment of the overpass.

Stu

I'm too lazy to scroll up a couple of notches :)

i drove past and all the equipment was either multipipe or j.a dodd? anyway that means its remedial work for all the neglected systems underground and i'd bet they'd be expanding the drainage/sewers to cope with all the new develolmenht planned in that pocket of town. so once the overpass comes down, all thats required will be to lay the new intersection so as not to have king/flinders closed longer than necessary

eifel apartments, not far off a core box as its an older pic
http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/eif200412.jpg
silver, would there be a corebox now? im just updating all the diagrams for feb 1 status. maybe?

No box as yet Mr C. :( But almost!

I posted a picture from Rialto just above cul.

So I gather we're going to have an intersection now for King and Flinders Streets? They would naturally just rebuild the tram tracks through the intersection wouldn't they?

Yes and yes.

level 2 in jump form

http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/eif200502.jpg

I think this is the only significant tower that is currently U/C that we don't have a height for.

Grol, last year when this one started, i enquired with planner at Melb council and she quoted 95m above ground.thats the height i put on ss.com.;-)

thanks for pic silver. i was just updating march diagrams. lev2 it is.

was it 95m to roff or spire?

she didnt mention a spire. it was to roof. is there a spire now?
ill contact her again for update.

i contacted site office at Eifel today and 95m was confirmed as roof height. no spire is in design.

They should remove the spire form the rendering on their website then ;-)

when did we last have a slip form core?

A little progress! Not much.

http://members.optusnet.com.au/lukekasper/eifel.jpg

blurb in the little paper today, king street overpass vanishes next month and the aquarium extension also commences there after . . . . about time

Eifel
larger core for apts and the smaller core behind the hut is for separate 15L serviced apts building
http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/eif200504.jpg

Lots of commie block style buildings in kasperlukes pic, yuck!

looks light a tight fit on the site, Brady haven't quite caught on with te whole self promotion thing, there's only about 20 Brady signs around the block

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

do you think a planning permit for such a dismal tower could be granted again?

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

should it? no.
could it? :lol:

Brady haven't quite caught on with te whole self promotion thing, there's only about 20 Brady signs around the block

Yeah, and this bold statement in post-tastefulism on the side of 270 King...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v474/mugley/bradypimp.jpg

Taken the 16/05/05

http://members.optusnet.com.au/lukekasper/eifel.jpg

The nuking/crushing/destruction of the Flinders St overpass began this morning and will take several months. This will hopefully start the re-vitalisation of this SW area of the CBD, and lead to the old fishmarket site geting some activity happening on it. ie the Aquarium expansion etc.

Good to see works on the Sandridge Bridge in full swing now and Queensbridge sqaure at least half finshed. The northbank should look much better by com games time.

Cheers

Dean - Melbourne

say bye bye!

http://www.vicsig.net/trams/photos/20050519-king-st-sw6-b2.jpg

(VicSig)

[QUOTE=tayser]say bye bye!

bye bye or GOOD RIDDANCE!!

Aye :yes:

been thinking (what's that ticking sound? :D) - after the overpass is gone, what about some permanent arch over King's Way just where the road becomes bridge to cross the river?

or've we had enough of barriers?

http://203.26.51.178/cracker/70566934_1.jpg

:)

Aye :yes:

been thinking (what's that ticking sound? :D) - after the overpass is gone, what about some permanent arch over King's Way just where the road becomes bridge to cross the river?

or've we had enough of barriers?

:)

Wouldnt work because of the viaduct blocking the view from one direction.... I could handle a spearmint rhino billboard spread right across either side of the viaduct, that would be a much more suitable greeting for king street :rock:

I would like to see the blue neon light along the 1970s viaduct extended over King St to the corner of Flinders & Spencer Sts.

http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/rsrc/Images/cityprojects/yarraturn/3turningbasin-viaduct.jpg?0.8887364390472308

Address: 9-27 Downie Street, MELBOURNE, VICTORIA

Auction: 22 June 2005, 12.00pm, On-site Wednesday

# Existing two (2) level building on a site area of 1,187 sqm approx.

# Permit in place for 32 level residential tower (202 apartments)

# Gateway location with excellent proximity to Docklands, Crown Casino, Southern Cross - Spencer Street Railway re-development and Aquarium

# Opportunity to landbank or refurbish and redevelop existing site

# Huge frontage of 48 sqm to Downie Street

http://www.propertylook.com.au/listings/DTZ/DTZ_89/300/DTZ_89_41075_31985.jpg

Total m2: 1,187

c'mon someone? anyone?
http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/archer.jpg

I hope that The Archer project goes ahead. It looks great.

Maybe the Brady Group will take it up! They seem to love their precincts.

theres no height for this one on emporis. 32storeys + top section maybe 110m? cant be much higher. looks 160m in render?

http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=149047

Nice looking building!
Cant wait for the King Street overpass to be gone!!!

Once a year, The Archer reappears on OZScrapers. lol

Just build the damn thing already!!

say bye bye!

http://www.vicsig.net/trams/photos/20050519-king-st-sw6-b2.jpg

(VicSig)

so what will happen to all the traffic that passes over that bridge? that will be one nightmare intersection in peak hour without that overpass, and also there will still be the ugly train overpass anyway, so i dont understand the point of getting rid of one ugly structure and leaving another ugly structure just behind it, does not make a whole lot of sense to me.

so what will happen to all the traffic that passes over that bridge? that will be one nightmare intersection in peak hour without that overpass,....All the traffic arrangements etc are explained here:

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=199459

There are already traffic lights at this intersection, so it will be no worse, and no better. And anyway, the through traffic should be using the Westgate and Tulla.

There are already traffic lights at this intersection, so it will be no worse, and no better. And anyway, the through traffic should be using the Westgate and Tulla.

Yeah agree. The harder it is for traffic to drive through the CBD the better. In 10 or 15 years I can see them putting in a congestion charge, like London. Alot of people here in London hate it but it gives a good run to buses, taxis and cycles, so you rarely get traffic jams during the day.

yeh but london has 8m people will be awhile til Melbourne hits that mark *fingers crossed*, i dont think the traffic is that bad in the CBD in peak hour, its kings way that is a pain in the neck!

I think the reason for putting the overpass over kiing street was because king street used to be a major traffic route through to the tullamarine (before citylink owned it). Bearing in mind at this stage there was no bolte bridge / citylink and no westgate freeway, King St was the major route of travel linking the western suburbs as well as tullamarine and essendon airports. I think with the bolte and westgate bridges in place there is no longer a need or desire to have high volumes of traffic flowing through the city.

jib, your right.

yeh but london has 8m people will be awhile til Melbourne hits that mark *fingers crossed*, i dont think the traffic is that bad in the CBD in peak hour, its kings way that is a pain in the neck!

Yeah true London is double the population, but it definately doesn't have double the cars. Don't forget in Melbourne only 10% percent of trips are made on PT. In London on the other hand 34% are by PT, 1% by bicycle and 21% by walking - which means only 43% of trips are by car. It's also a lot more compact a city, so the distances people travel are much less than Melbourne.

check this out - if only Melbourne could seriously head in this direction for PT(apart from the prices, which make you wonder why Melburnians complain so much)

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/pdfdocs/ltr/london-travel-report-2004.pdf

When I last arrived in Melbourne, it took me 2 and a half hours to get from the airport out to Ringwood - and I had always told Londoners how good the road network is. It was peak hour, but that was unheard of without major disasters 10 years ago - add that kind of vehicle usage growth for another 10 years and it will be worse than London - if it isn't already.

Some overpass action...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v474/mugley/opass01.jpg

It's all fun and games until someone loses an eye :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v474/mugley/opass02.jpg

:lol:

splat.