last page of previous thread
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=233930&page=27

far too many projects to note that are upcoming, but current large scale projects outside the inner city with tower cranes are

> westfield
> ivanhoe retail/office complex
> vantage hawthorn
> the well at camberwell
> sackville on burke rd
> box hill hospital
> kingsway@monash

someone posted this pic a while back in dandy, couldn't spot the post - whats currently happening there anyone?
http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/dc img4124bq7.jpg

Are there any renderings available of the Box Hill Hospital?

Also, does anyone know what is planned for the site of the former Box Hill 10Pin bowling centre? It's been demolished and is now fenced off.
Can only hope something decent is going there.

stage one of box hill hospital is u/c over the road from the actual hospital, its four levels of office/consultancy suites and a few sub levels for parking. the new hospital will follow, the white building below is epworth eastern that was finished about two years ago

http://www.easternhealth.org.au/eastern/projects/images/elevation-springSt.jpg

the new hospital might end up like this

http://www.lyonsarch.com.au/projects/m/m05/larges/m05-01.jpg

Who's designing Box Hill hospital?

A project not sure if anyone has mentioned (not sure if I did in the previous thread) is the Burwood Road Development for Swinburne University.

$60M new engineering building/front entrance for campus.

Probably be about 7-9 storeys.

Oh upcoming - currently in design competition. Scheduled to complete construction 2010.

Wow. that sounds scary. I will feel old in 2010.

What will happen to the old Box Hill Hospital?

From the Dandenong Journal, Monday June 25, 2007, p.3:

Big complex gets nod

A $90 million hotel and entertainment complex in Narre Warren has been approved by Casey Council.

Work on the development, Casey Towers, is expected to start next year.

It will be built on a vacant site on the Princes Highway at the gateway of the Fountain Gate-Narre Warren activity centre and include a hotel, convention and reception centre, and gymnasium.

The complex is due to open by December 2009.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/CaseyTowers.jpg

Have they got a render from the other side?

I'm interested to see the parking block that accompanies this.

Have they got a render from the other side?

I'm interested to see the parking block that accompanies this.
Which could be underground or within the building for all we know. Yeah it is the City of Casey, but that doesn't mean surface parking is a given.

Unfortunately, while there is some basement parking, there will also be a parking block of some discription - hopefully isn't too bad to look at.

http://www.jimbyrne.com.au/news.shtml

Car parking will be provided in the basement of both buildings and in a multi-level car park, linked to the hotel by a covered walkway.

Unfortunately, while there is some basement parking, there will also be a parking block of some discription - hopefully isn't too bad to look at.
As long as it is more akin to inner city development rather than the standards we are accustomed to in Fountain Gate, or the "Casey Lifestyle Centre" it will be an improvement.

Casey CC have been mighty quick to process this particular application.

On the 14th of May, 2007 the Dandenong Journal reported that: "Plans yet to be lodged with the council will include a socio-economic impact statement."
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=233930&page=24

And now it's already approved.

Found at: http://www.morelandleader.com.au/article/2007/06/25/16969_cov_news.html

More units on Pentridge site
Lachlan Hastings
25Jun07

WORK on 63 new apartments in Coburg is to start within weeks after a developer paid $42.5 million for part of the Pentridge Prison site in Coburg.

Sydney-based Valad Property Group's vision is to build 1130 units, townhouses and serviced apartments on its 8.5ha section of the site.

The historic site, which the company bought from the Pentridge Piazza developers, would also have a supermarket, shops,and a commercial centre.

Delays have plagued the site for years. It was sold separately to the bulk of the site, now Pentridge Village, after the jail was closed.

Valad residential projects manager Sam Renauf said he expected work to start on the first stage in the next two to four weeks.

Mr Renauf said Valad and its joint venture partner, Abadeen Group, would work with Heritage Victoria to improve and extend the approved site masterplan. "We see the fundamentals of the masterplan as good and sound," Mr Renauf said. "We don't intend to turn everything around."

He said Valad and Abadeen would strive to build good working relationships with the parties involved such as Moreland Council and Heritage Victoria.

Moreland Mayor Mark O'Brien last week welcomed the news, saying he looked forward to the development progressing.

"(I am) absolutely looking forward to meeting (the new owners)," Cr O'Brien said. "It will be good to see that area grow and contribute to the community."

Abadeen managing director Justin Brown said the redevelopment would be the largest mixed-use project in Melbourne's inner north.

^^ Trust Telstra to buck the trend of best practice and stick thousands of workers in the stix...

I htink they are relocating workers from other Telstra offices spread across suburban Melbourne, Head office and Sensis will still stay in the CBD.

It will be across the Road from Manash Uni in CLayton, next to the synchrotron, just a short drive from Eastlink.

This development will be at the cutting edge urban design:
http://nowwearetalking.com.au/Library/Image/Shareholders/img_officeBuildings.jpg

The project is designed to deliver greater returns to Telstra Shareholders, increase the returns delivered to Telstra Shareholders and deliver Telstra Shareholders greater returns.

Stack them on top of each other and shove them into Oakleigh, Huntingdale or Caulfield.

This development will be at the cutting edge urban design:
http://nowwearetalking.com.au/Library/Image/Shareholders/img_officeBuildings.jpg
:lol: :rofl: :laugh:
Cutting edge, more like retro bland 1970s garbage. :ohno:

But its got sunshades and invisible trees - world class

In Clayton that's what we call quality, clearly inspired by Monash Medical Centre. Did you know a Nandos opened up in Clayton a couple of months ago? Speaking of Clayton I might get off my bum and get a few shots of the new Community Centre which is coming along nicely.

Don't forget the pinnacle of Clayton architecture, the Menzies Building.

Stack them on top of each other and shove them into Oakleigh, Huntingdale or Caulfield.
Or better yet, demolish the existing monolithically drab 4 storey Telstra building on the corner of McCrae and Walker Streets in Dandenong, and combine what appears to be 13 stories spread across 3 buildings for this Clayton Proposal, and build a 13+ storey building in Dandenong within walking distance of the railway station, near the tax office perhaps?

Nah, Oakleigh's better - more accessible.

Oakleigh should be going off with 2030 but it's just stagnant - sad really.

I stumbled across this by accident - the horror of a six-story building:

Mentone high-rise bid

Wes Hosking

18Jun07

PLANS for a $9.9 million six-storey mixed-use development in Balcombe Rd, Mentone, have been lodged with Kingston Council.

Mentone residents have vowed to fight the landmark building at 76-78 Balcombe Rd, which has been described as a ``horrendous'' over-development.
Taylors Development Strategists, on behalf of developers Marble Swirl Holdings, has lodged the application which includes plans for a 69-room residential hotel, gymnasium, supermarket, retail premises, 78 residential units and 273 car spaces.
Kingston strategic planning manager Jonathan Guttmann said the council was seeking public comments. ``We want to hear what the community has to say before forming a view on the application,'' Mr Guttmann said.
He said although mixed-use developments were common in inner city suburbs, there were few in Kingston at this time.
There are no height restrictions on the site, which is occupied by the Le Gym building.
Mr Guttmann said the Kingston Planning Scheme mandated that the development would need to fit in with the surrounding area.
The developer did not return calls by the Leader last week but in a May 15 planning application stated the mixed-use development was appropriate for Mentone, which is an activity centre with commercial properties and public transport links. ``The proposed development presents an acceptable planning outcome for the area,'' it stated.
Mentone resident Gavin Roberts said the proposal was a gross over-development.
``This is something you'd expect in St Kilda or South Melbourne, not residential Mentone,'' he said.
Another resident Bob Tyler compared the development with a ``shag on a rock''.
Mentone Chamber of Commerce president Mary-Lou Mansour said any development should fit the village atmosphere of the area.
Friends of Mentone Station and Gardens deputy chairwoman Dorothy Booth said the traffic implications of the development, which also fronts Swanston St, would be horrendous.
A decision is expected to be made at a council meeting within three months. Written submissions can be made to council before June 26.

Mordialloc Leader (http://www.mordiallocchelsealeader.com.au/article/2007/06/18/16522_mcv_news.html)

Seriously, some people - probably the first to whinge about the loss of green land to sprawl.

But the amount of car spaces is a worry though.

The well in Camberwell has had two cranes for a couple of months now. Progressing fairly quickly but still below ground level:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1409/710911739_fb5c0f2737_b.jpg

I htink they are relocating workers from other Telstra offices spread across suburban Melbourne, Head office and Sensis will still stay in the CBD.

You got it in one - Telstra has a major plan to vacate their existing CBD buildings which all have leases expiring around 2010. Over the last 12 months Telstra has probably leased more area than any other occupier in the city - all short-term space though. I'm guessing Clayton will be coupled with another campus building in the Docklands and/or the CUB site.

I thought it wouldn't be long after Telstra were fully privatised that they would want to move to more modern HQ building.

How much space do they need for HQ, 50,000 sqm?

Telstra HQ at 242 Exhibition St has 65,000 sqm. Telstra's move won't be about modernisation per se. It will be about replicating the NAB @ Docklands i.e. getting the density down to sub 15 sqm per person, and along the way, ticking some green boxes.

Well as long as they don't move to Sydney or the suburbs. I am sure they will float the idea of moving HQ to Sydney to get some juicy state govenrment incentives just like ANZ did :-)

I hope somebody reminds Telstra that a well designed skyscraper can be just as green and provide just as much of a cutting edge work environment as a groundscraper :-)

I think Telstra would work also very well at Digital Harbour.

Eastland:
http://web.aanet.com.au/nmharrison/eastland 3.jpg

http://web.aanet.com.au/nmharrison/eastland.jpg

http://web.aanet.com.au/nmharrison/eastland 2.jpg

http://web.aanet.com.au/nmharrison/eastland 4.jpg

^^ Woah! That looks waaaaaaaay too good to be true!!

^^ Got a link, Grollo?

If a 3bed, 2bath, 1car apartment was in the 250-300k range in any of those buildings then it'd be worth it.

The well in Camberwell has had two cranes for a couple of months now. Progressing fairly quickly but still below ground level:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1409/710911739_fb5c0f2737_b.jpg

Edit: just above ground level now.

Love the Ringwood proposals. Now that is what I call a real transit city.

If a 3bed, 2bath, 1car apartment was in the 250-300k range in any of those buildings then it'd be worth it.

Never in a million years!

15 storeys in Ringwood? Keep bloody dreaming...

These are not the final, detailed plans. They give an idea of what will be built under the approved devepment plan for the site. DCM are the architects working on the project.

Those proposals look great, but how about redoing the railway station/bus interchange to fit in with the new town centre? ;)

There is a development plan for the other side of the highway around the station as well, no skyscrapers but that whole area will also be completely redeveloped.

Make it happen. Just don't fuck up my trains in the morning :).

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/82/photo0329eg5.jpg
http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/937/photo0330yd1.jpg

Yay! lets go back to the topic of the extension of Westfield Doncaster
there are 2 other photos of the new proposed look

^^

Sexy!

I have never been to Westfield Doncaster before. Perhaps I should take a trip out there... now it's just a matter of finding public transport to get there...

... it's J.A.F.S.C. ;)

oh my dam! plz do this to ringwood, it totally needs it.
that one before and after shot of the officeworks looks amazin! whoever would say no too these developments are on crack.

just for you favco-san

Select potain for bellwater construction on U108 apartments brunswick
http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/ub200707.jpg

nice catch smb.

Couple of young blokes having a go. Good on 'em.

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/82/photo0329eg5.jpg
Yay! lets go back tothe topic of the extension of Westfield Doncaster
there are 2 other photos of the new proposed look

westfield doncaster was one of the first westfield malls in Australia, and they neglected it for years. this new renovation is going to cost 600 million dollars and is rumoured to be the company's largest investment to date. they want to make it their new flagship store in Australia, the 'new bondi junction'. the southland extension didn't quite go as planned so i guess they want to make up for it. the plans look amazing. half the exterior is going to be all glass. it looks really modern, and really damn good actually. my friend is lucky!!(he lives in Doncaster)

Yeh, im also very excited about the extension of westfield... but im still dissapointed about the fact it is still going to be heaps heaps smaller when compared to chadstone and knox....

by the way, does anyone know if there will be a V-MAX screen cinema at westfield?

Yeh, im also very excited about the extension of westfield... but im still dissapointed about the fact it is still going to be heaps heaps smaller when compared to chadstone and knox....

by the way, does anyone know if there will be a V-MAX screen cinema at westfield?

it will be smaller, but it will have a better layout IMO. knox and chadstone=dog's breakfast.

as for V-Max, who knows. they have included a v-max screen in all their new complexes, but there are only going to be 9 cinemas at doncaster(instead of the 12 originally planned), and that's including gold class; so maybe there will be one gold class, one v-max, and 7 'regular' ones. nobody knows.

wow... thats a quick reply amd thanks for that!!

u seem to know a lot about the extenstion of westfield donny... so ill ask another question:nuts:

i have read that westfield will be getting 2 new discount deparmtent stores... however, ive been only seeing Big W. Are they saying that David Jones is the other one... (i don't consider David Jones as a discount department store coz everything is so expensive....)

and i hope that westfield does get a Vmax:lol:

u seem to know a lot about the extenstion of westfield donny... so ill ask another question:nuts:

i have friends and cousins that live in the area; the centre is only 15 mins away from where i live too :nuts: plus i get a lot of my information from 'reliable' sources.(i.e admin, architects etc etc)

i have read that westfield will be getting 2 new discount deparmtent stores... however, ive been only seeing Big W. Are they saying that David Jones is the other one... (i don't consider David Jones as a discount department store coz everything is so expensive....)

honestly mate, i don't know. K-Mart is getting a new store though, i know that much. But the second discount department store is up in the air. i could find out for you though.(hopefully)


and i hope that westfield does get a Vmax:lol:

if it doesn't it will be a real shame since village have even put V-Max screens in shopping malls recently built in Greece! they can't screw us over all the time(their european cinemas shit all over ours from a great height)

I know that they are putting a coles in. i get there all the time because my family grew up in balwyn/doncaster. See it almost everday from the freeway aswell.
From Website:
Westfield Doncaster will have a cinema complex as part of an exciting new rooftop-access entertainment and lifestyle precinct.
On completion, the Centre will include a new David Jones, plus a further 200 specialty shops and businesses, taking the total to around 400

I basically live across the road from Doncaster shopping town. I can't wait for it's completion. It's a nightmare at the moment.
The place has been a dump for years, I still remember once seeing a movie at the old cinema and I could hear the rain hit the roof.
I don't really care that's it's going to be smaller than Knox or Chadstone. But when you think about it shopping town has limited room to expand.
The new food court will be fantastic, you will get fantastic views of the city. And I really do think moving the Library out of Shopping town is a very bad move though.

Found at: http://www.frankstonleader.com.au/article/2007/07/23/18650_fsv_news.html

Other side of storeys
Deb Morris
23Jul07

FRANKSTON could end up looking like Surfers Paradise if the State Government has its way, according to councillors and community members.

They said high-rise developments would create a "wall of eight-storey buildings, cheek-by-jowl" along the Nepean Highway.

The Government has named Frankston as a priority Transit City and appointed a Priority Development Panel (PDP) to hear submissions about Frankston Council's plans for future development, particularly in relation to recommendations about building height.

The PDP is an advisory body, not a decision maker, the council said.
Under the council's TAFE-to-the-Bay plan, buildings close to the foreshore are allowed to be up to three storeys high, while those back towards the railway line in Young St are limited to 10 storeys.

The proposed controls limited the ability for developments to occupy their entire land footprint, all the way to their maximum permissible building height, and this in turn was bound to prevent "walls of buildings" Frankston Mayor Glenn Aitken said.

Cr Judy Wachendorfer said that any proposal to relinquish height controls in Frankston was totally unacceptable.

Cr Bill McClusky said the very heart of Frankston City was under major threat.

It was "sheer madness to allow Surfers Paradise high-rise developments here", he said. The president of the Friends of Frankston, Richard Laverack, said that he believed the Priority Development Panel would "throw out Frankston's existing structure plan".

But the director of MPRE Harcourts (Frankston), Aaron Frolling, said that "it was about time for high-rises along the beachfront".

Council's general manager of development, Elizabeth Bensz, said Mr Madden wanted to have interim controls in place within three months. The PDP is meeting with councillors this Wednesday, July 25 and hopes to interview stakeholders this month.

AND HEEEEEEEEEERE COOOOOOOME THE NIMBYs!!!!!!!

*tsk* :| It's always "will turn into a little Surfers" or a "mini-Manhattan" scare-mongering. Wish they'd be creative enough to come up with some new analogies.

If Brisbane will eventually combine with the GC, this would be a great way for the same thing to happen in Melbourne thus increasing the area of the city and population. Say Greater Frankston was in 5 years or so become the home of 500,000 people, it's the same distance to Melb as GC is to BNE so Frankston could be better integrated with Melbourne.

Also Aussies who don't like the heat or are looking for a more relaxing place to have a holiday will have an alternative to the GC.

...

Who the frack goes for a holiday in Frankstoned?

And 500k? The locals will need to start prolific breeding - an increased baby bonus should help here.

...

My thoughts exactly.

I basically live across the road from Doncaster shopping town. I can't wait for it's completion. It's a nightmare at the moment.
The place has been a dump for years, I still remember once seeing a movie at the old cinema and I could hear the rain hit the roof.
I don't really care that's it's going to be smaller than Knox or Chadstone. But when you think about it shopping town has limited room to expand.
The new food court will be fantastic, you will get fantastic views of the city. And I really do think moving the Library out of Shopping town is a very bad move though.

Im sure you can always build up!:nuts:
i know im dreaming here... but it would have been good if westfiled had a brige connection and combined with Doncaster Motel which is just across the road

If Brisbane will eventually combine with the GC, this would be a great way for the same thing to happen in Melbourne thus increasing the area of the city and population. Say Greater Frankston was in 5 years or so become the home of 500,000 people, it's the same distance to Melb as GC is to BNE so Frankston could be better integrated with Melbourne.

That's one potential plus, but the idea that Frankston has anything of the character of GC in terms of surf beaches, sunny lifestyles, etc. etc. etc. is fantasy. I can't imagine what the character of such a place would be. Hopefully there wouldn't be too many white buildings.

Whats wrong with Frankston? I love it!

I basically live across the road from Doncaster shopping town. I can't wait for it's completion. It's a nightmare at the moment.
The place has been a dump for years, I still remember once seeing a movie at the old cinema and I could hear the rain hit the roof.

a 'dump' is a little harsh; the upstairs part is still kind of nice, and structurally the place is somewhat sound. But yeah, it has been criminally neglected. no matter. the phoenix-rise-from-the-ashes is just around the corner.:)


I don't really care that's it's going to be smaller than Knox or Chadstone. But when you think about it shopping town has limited room to expand.

the original plan was to build it around 125,000 sqm but they couldn't acquire as many of the surrounding houses as they wanted, forcing them to 'scale down' the project considerably. i'm not convinced 8-9 cinemas is enough personally; they should have stuck with 12.

The new food court will be fantastic, you will get fantastic views of the city.

yeah. that whole glass exterior is pretty futuristic looking IMO, at least judging by the artist impressions.

And I really do think moving the Library out of Shopping town is a very bad move though.

i heard the library is going to be in the new centre once it's built.

Im sure you can always build up!:nuts:
i know im dreaming here... but it would have been good if westfiled had a brige connection and combined with Doncaster Motel which is just across the road

They should have built an overpass walkway before the building works started, as a lot of people park across the road at the Motel, as there is very limited parking now at the centre. It's dangerous for pedestrians crossing as some cars who are turning do not give way to pedestrians and stuffs traffic flow.
Though technically only patrons of the Motel are allowed to park at it's car park, if your not your vehicle could be towed.

the original plan was to build it around 125,000 sqm but they couldn't acquire as many of the surrounding houses as they wanted, forcing them to 'scale down' the project considerably. i'm not convinced 8-9 cinemas is enough personally; they should have stuck with 12.

Wow... 125,000 sqm.... that would've been awsome!! They should've considered building upwards if they couldn't aquire more land

I dont really mind how many cinemas there is... i just want a Vmax! :nuts: :nuts:

Apologies if this has been seen before, and from what pinoslios has said it is now out of date anyway. From Westfield's 1st quarter report, published in May 2007

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1114/898298512_e972f830f2_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/8632321@N07/898298512/)

^^i heard about the change to the floorspace area in around may actually. however, i also heard the centre was going to be around 105,000 sqm in 06, then 109 sqm at the start of the year. for some reason, the details are sketchy and inconsistent, at best. westfield have remained tight lipped. as it's their largest single investment in a commercial retail project ever, you would assume that more information would be available to the general public, esp since work has already commenced. i know a few--approx.3--attached to the project, as well as 3-4 that actually work in the centre, and even they don't know as much as they should. they find the whole situation frustrating. of course i haven't ruled out the possibility that my 'inside contacts' are simply not allowed to reveal more info to me. it's definitely likely. But then again, i don't know any of the head honchos, organisers etc who are privy to this sort of information. at the moment i'm trying to find out exactly what's happening to the Westfield tower.

^^i heard about the change to the floorspace area in around may actually. however, i also heard the centre was going to be around 105,000 sqm in 06, then 109 sqm at the start of the year. for some reason, the details are sketchy and inconsistent, at best. westfield have remained tight lipped. as it's their largest single investment in a commercial retail project ever, you would assume that more information would be available to the general public, esp since work has already commenced. i know a few--approx.3--attached to the project, as well as 3-4 that actually work in the centre, and even they don't know as much as they should. they find the whole situation frustrating. of course i haven't ruled out the possibility that my 'inside contacts' are simply not allowed to reveal more info to me. it's definitely likely. But then again, i don't know any of the head honchos, organisers etc who are privy to this sort of information. at the moment i'm trying to find out exactly what's happening to the Westfield tower.


I wrote an email to westfield quite a while ago - - over a month ago in fact.
they said that they would create a website dedicated to the extension of westfield and was anticipated that it would be launched this month...... however from what i can see... nothing new is up...

I wrote an email to westfield quite a while ago - - over a month ago in fact.
they said that they would create a website dedicated to the extension of westfield and was anticipated that it would be launched this month...... however from what i can see... nothing new is up...

ok. let's wait and see then. I, for one, am curious to find out exactly what a 'refurbishment' of the Westfield tower entails. it's strange the way they are building 'around' it too, to the point where it looks almost obscured from certain angles.

maybe westfield are keeping quiet about this development so the hype will build naturally, instead of the usual artificial bollocks we are so used to nowadays.

Such a shame Shoppo is not getting a rail connection.
Maybe with the change of Premier, Chaddy and the Donnie line will get built, but thats wishful thinking.

Any word on the development of the old brick mill in East Burwood? Things are moving very very slowly with that.

^^ couldnt agree more with the rail connection. mabye we can bombard john brumby with threatning letters. i would really like to see a doncaster/chadstone line (preferably a subway:) )

^^ dream on fellas. it is not going to happen anytime soon. imagine how expensive the manningham district would be if it was serviced by rail? it's bad enough as it is, so i don't even want to think about it! If Doncaster and Bulleen had trains, i doubt Box Hill would have gone up as much.

i'm not for trams though; they are too goddamn slow. it already takes long enough to get to the city from box hill and nth.balwyn let alone doncaster/templestowe/bulleen etc etc. manningham needs trains, and that's the end of it. i guess i shouldn't care as much, since i no longer live in the area, but i grew up there, and still go back regularly, so i'd like to see a massive public transport upgrade. the area deserves it. it's long overdue.

^^ dream on fellas.
i'm not for trams though; they are too goddamn slow. it already takes long enough to get to the city from box hill and nth.balwyn let alone doncaster/templestowe/bulleen etc etc. manningham needs trains, and that's the end of it.

The Bus service during peak in and out of the city to Doncaster is passable, it only takes a max of 45min. Taking a tram would be a lot longer. I would guess taking a train into the city from Doncaster would take around 30min during peak.

True, but I've always believed that the different types of public transport are as much about perception as speed. Trains and trams are much more accessible and "friendlier" than buses. Ask anyone who lives near a tram or train line, and they rarely take the bus unless they are going to, say, Doncaster :P

Yep, tramline outside my front door, take that a lot to the station, two stations within walking distance (on two lines) and a bus route to chaddy near me. I have caught the bus once in my life, and that was only 4 stops heh.

Found at: http://www.berwickleader.com.au/article/2007/07/31/19329_blv_news.html

Shopping explosion
31Jul07

FOUNTAIN Gate is set to become the shopping capital of Melbourne.

Retail giant Westfield has lodged a permit application for a $200 million expansion of Fountain Gate shopping centre.

If the massive redevelopment gets the green light from the city, it is expected to create 1300 construction jobs and 1000 retail positions when complete.

The move comes less than a month after Casey Council fast-tracked a Grossi and Cardamone Group proposal for a $90 million hotel, entertainment and lifestyle complex, creating 1000 construction jobs and 200 ongoing retail jobs at Fountain Gate.

The Westfield redevelopment will add more than 20,000sq m to its 80,000sq m retail floor space, creating 117 new stores, one of which is expected to be a major department store, Westfield corporate affairs manager Julia Clarke told the Leader.

Together the two developments will rival Victorian shopping mecca Chadstone, which has a retail floor space of 132,000sq m.

The expansion is earmarked for the Narre Warren North Rd car park area and will include another 1200 car spaces.

Ms Clarke confirmed the application was with the council.

Casey planning director Peter Fitchett said council officers had been working with Westfield and its consultants for some time on a range of issues. He said councillors would be briefed on the proposal soon.

Casey councillor Michael Farley said it would be a "huge boon" for the area.

"This is fantastic news," he said on Friday. "It will generate an enormous amount of jobs, both during construction and into the future, which is something the area desperately needs."

Construction is expected to start in October next year.

oh my god. :ohno:
hopefully chadstone responds and doubles!

If I'm not mistaken, Chaddie are also planning a massive expansion.

the current one is miniscule. a tiny little outdoor shopping area and bicicle showers.

If I'm not mistaken, Chaddie are also planning a massive expansion.

You are not mistaken... and it's well past planning, they are currently building (although still at hole-in-the-ground stage now).

Stu

:ohno: Argh!
I thought that westfield doncaster would be able to catch up to other centres such as Chaddy, Knox and FountainGate.... looks like doncaster will never catch up

If Westfield had any brains, they'd expand Airport West or Southland as they actually have some form of useable PT, unlike Fountain Gate.

If Westfield had any brains, they'd expand Airport West or Southland as they actually have some form of useable PT, unlike Fountain Gate.

Westfield Airport West has the 59 tram which goes the wrong way that most shoppers go. The bus services in the area are completely useless, and run by two sad excuses for bus operators.

Westfield Southland has reasonable bus services, but the major public transport link that would definately cut through the main catchment areas is the Frankston railway line, which passes along the perimetre of it. It needs a station, fuck catching buses from Cheltenham.

Westfield Fountain Gate is about 15mins walk from Narre Warren Station. The buses in the area around it are shitful and are completely in need of a re-design from scratch. With 3 bus routes passing Narre Warren Station and a below-average 30min train frequency it should be possible to have a frequent bus service during shopping hours between the two, but in reality that isn't the case, such as recently when I took a train (on-time) to Narre Warren and went to the bus stop and saw the next train wasn't for over 20 minutes, as a bus goes 5 minutes before the train:ohno:

If I wanted your opinion, Oscar, I would've asked for it.

No-one cares about your ranting about Southland station.

If I wanted your opinion, Oscar, I would've asked for it.

You didn't say specifically who you wanted to reply to your post, moron.

No-one cares about your ranting about Southland station.

Nobody cares about your fairytale stories about bus changes that will never happen, but I never said anything.

The Westfield redevelopment will add more than 20,000sq m to its 80,000sq m retail floor space, creating 117 new stores, one of which is expected to be a major department store, Westfield corporate affairs manager Julia Clarke told the Leader.

Together the two developments will rival Victorian shopping mecca Chadstone, which has a retail floor space of 132,000sq m.

According to Westfield's own documents, Fountain Gate already has 140,146 sqm of lettable floorspace, making it the second largest shopping centre behind Knox City with 146,630 sqm. An extra 20,000 would make it easily the largest in the southern hemisphere (ignoring any developments in the pipeline at other centres).

http://westfield.com/corporate/pdf/presentations/Appendix_4E_Dec2006.pdf

Doesn't that include the Bunnings and the bulky goods/homemaker places in the carpark too, though?

:ohno: Argh!
I thought that westfield doncaster would be able to catch up to other centres such as Chaddy, Knox and FountainGate.... looks like doncaster will never catch up

size isn't everything, i'm sure doncaster will have a better floorplan; Knox+chaddy, in particular,=dog's breakfast the artists's impression of the 'exterior' make it look more 'classy' than those centres too. And i seriously question the assertion that Knox has 140,000 sq m of retail space. it certainly doesn't look or feel that big.

^ I don't really know the area, but from looking at a map it seems that their figure includes Knox O-zone across the road, which consists of various detached buildings separated by roadways. Actually the Fountain Gate figure probably does include the homemaker etc stores in the carpark too - they all seem to be listed in the online store directory.

If I wanted your opinion, Oscar, I would've asked for it.

No-one cares about your ranting about Southland station.

Dude, you've obviously forgotten that this is a public forum, where people are entitled to share their opinions, whether one asks for them or not.

Personally, I think a station at Southland would be a good idea, considering the location. And I fail to see where BroadGauge "ranted" about it. He gave feedback to an opinion that you provided.

A bit of maturity might help next time. And yes, that applies to both you and BroadGauge.

I dunno why some are obsessed with building bigger shopping malls, they are really big and dull anyway, why make them even bigger and duller. At this rate Chaddy will be 20 stories in 50 years.
They all have the same boring feeling whatever one you go to.

Actually chaddy can't go up, due to it's foundations, so it'll just spread out.

How many Pet's Paradise's & Matchbox Stores can 1 city sustain!

Doncaster, couple of cranes down there
http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s59/rock_k/d1.jpg
http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s59/rock_k/d2.jpg
http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s59/rock_k/d3.jpg
http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s59/rock_k/d4.jpg
http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s59/rock_k/d5.jpg

This is one HUGH JASS project!!

It's going to bring even more cars to an already busy part of Doncaster in regards to traffic. They really need to start improving PT to Shoppingtown ASAP.

Actually chaddy can't go up, due to it's foundations, so it'll just spread out.
What? What's wrong with the foundations? Chaddy is on top of a hill, and there are 2 office buildings on the site both 4 or 5 levels high, so I don't understand your comment. Anyway, the views to the CBD are fantastic from Chaddy. If it only had apartments and more office on top.

Wow.. shoppingtown looks great!
By the way... does anyone know if Westfield Doncaster will have something similar to Knox's Ozone? It would be great if they did!

Another question, for those living around Doncaster... do u remember an advertised apartment called "The Pinnicle"? It was at 632 doncaster road i think... all they have at the moment is the audi car dealer there.... did they stop the plans of building it coz i cant seem to find anything about it.

it looked like this:
http://img374.imageshack.us/img374/6513/untitledjo7.th.png (http://img374.imageshack.us/my.php?image=untitledjo7.png)

Wow.. shoppingtown looks great!
By the way... does anyone know if Westfield Doncaster will have something similar to Knox's Ozone? It would be great if they did!

Another question, for those living around Doncaster... do u remember an advertised apartment called "The Pinnicle"? It was at 632 doncaster road i think... all they have at the moment is the audi car dealer there.... did they stop the plans of building it coz i cant seem to find anything about it.

it probably got canned along with several other projects due to 'low interest'; doncaster USED to be a popular area once upon a time, but due to distance from CBD, a problem compounded further by piss-poor P.T, the interest level dropped, and with it the plans to increase the density of the general area. in other words, people don't move to suburbs like Doncaster to live in apartments. the attraction of the area in the past, also applicable to the entire manningham district, is/was space, and the opportunity to build larger homes that went along with it. now couples are moving out to cheaper areas to do this, and cashed up youngsters would rather live closer to the city(don't blame them). so basically what i'm saying, in a rather long-winded fashion, is that almost all the attempts to turn doncaster into 'apartment land' have failed, and come to think of it, have always failed; it took a while before the investors saw a decent return on 'The Crest'(a large apartment complex, and one of the first i remember erected in the outer suburbs) and that was built in the mid 90's. at the time that was far from being a crap hole. the interest just wasn't there.

btw, this is another reason why the shopping centre extension was delayed for a while too.

New plan not end of storeys (http://www.progressleader.com.au/article/2007/08/07/19408_ppv_news.html)
By Nick Bowen
7 Aug 2007

BOROONDARA Council, residents and traders have vowed to continue their fight against a proposed 14-storey complex at Camberwell Junction, despite amended plans submitted for the site.

The proposed development at the former Henley Honda site at the corner of Riversdale and Burke Roads, would include a three-storey retail and commercial podium, with two towers of residential units on top, one 11 storeys and the other six storeys.

The amended plans reduce:
* the size of the building from 15 to 14 storeys but increase its height by 3m;
* the number of apartments from 116 to 106; and
* the size of commercial office space from 6000sq m to 5000sq m.

But Boroondara Mayor Phillip Healey said the council, which rejected the original plans lodged by the site's former owners Wilbow Corporation in August last year, would continue to "strongly oppose" the new plans.

Cr Healey said the council's urban design framework for the site recommended buildings fronting Riversdale Rd be a maximum of two storeys and buildings at the site's rear be a maximum of six storeys.

"This building would be almost double the size of any other building at Camberwell Junction and would basically stand out like a sore thumb," Cr Healey said.

Wilbow appealed against the council's decision at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, but sold all of its assets to FKP in September 2006.
FKP was granted leave by the tribunal to submit revised plans for the site in December last year.

The Boroondara Residents Action Group and Camberwell Traders Association, who opposed Wilbow's original application, have also opposed FKP's new plans.

But FKP Victorian general manager Jason Smith said the amended plans addressed the majority of concerns raised about the original plans. Mr Smith said the height of the podium had been reduced by one storey so it did not exceed the height of the site's heritage-listed English, Scottish and American bank building and the neighbouring Camberwell Baptist Church.

He also said the complex had now been set further back from the bank building to give it "the prominence it deserves".

_______________________________________________
Actor Rush dubs tower an 'eyesore'

A PROPOSED 14-storey complex at Camberwell Junction will be an "eyesore" and exacerbate the area's traffic problems.

Academy Award-winning actor Geoffrey Rush, the Boroondara Residents Action Group (BRAG) and Camberwell Traders Association all opposed the original 15-storey development proposed for the site at the corner of Riversdale and Burke roads.

Amended plans, recently lodged by the site's new owners, FKP Property Group, have not appeased them.

Rush, a Camberwell resident, said: "The developers call it a landmark but I call it an eyesore."

BRAG vice-president Mary Drost said the site's heritage-listed English, Scottish and American bank building and the neighbouring Camberwell Baptist Church would become "invisible" alongside the complex.

Camberwell Traders Association president Henk Kelly-Kobes said traders opposed the complex despite the fact its 106 apartments would house more potential customers.

"We have to think of the long-term and we think it will ultimately hurt the strip because these new residents will mean there is even more traffic coming in and out of the area," Mr Kelly-Kobes said.

"People are already staying away from Camberwell to avoid the major parking and traffic problems."

English Scottish & American? oh deary me Mrs BRAG.

More customers and activity will hurt a retail strip. People are staying away from the strip because so many people coming to the strip and causing major parking and traffic problems. :nuts:

NIMBY's....you gotta love em, especially when they don't get their way!

People are actually dumb enough to believe that a new building will create more traffic congestion... :nuts:

Well, admittedly it would increase the number of cars in the area as more people are coming/going from the new building that there are to the current arrangment yeh?

People are actually dumb enough to believe that a new building will create more traffic congestion... :nuts:

People are actually dumb enough to beleive anything that comes out of Jarf... :nuts:

Oh ffs keep your arguments on railpage.

touché

14 stories is a bit to much for Camberwell, it will not look right. I like Camberwell the way it is, to many high rise developments will destroy it's character, I can understand the local residents concerns. This could open the flood gates for similar developments.

It's what's needed if Melbourne wants to keep its housing prices reasonable! It will have to happen sooner or later!

People are actually dumb enough to believe that a new building will create more traffic congestion... :nuts:

Because it will with people living in it and more retail shops. We live in a country crazy about car travel. Camberwell is bad at the moment with car traffic, which is funny considering it's one of the best suburbs for PT.

It's what's needed if Melbourne wants to keep its housing prices reasonable! It will have to happen sooner or later!

Yes but 14 is stories to much, half that I reckon at tops.

Here's the site in question:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1112/1039162280_616d145589_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1339/1043880319_58e7680c2d_b.jpg

I've seen a render and what's proposed wraps around the historic corner building to have both a Bourke St and Riversdale Rd frontage. In fact as far as the render goes it provides an excellent canvas for the Henley Honda Art Gallery, being light and glassy that contrasts well with the dark brick. It's defenitely better than the car yard that's currently there. Also it mirrors the modern design of the Penguin/Sofa workshop and Country road corners of the junction.

I understand concerns about height but it will be not much taller than the ugly building at the top of the hill that you can see to the left. If NIMBYs want to do something positive they should be campaigning to have all these monsters torn down, not opposing this development.

Camberwell is the ideal place for a development of this kind. Three tramlines, a train station, large and varied amount of retail, full range of public amenities, this is Melbourne 2030 writ large.

I will go to any meeting/rally to support this, and no longer wave to Mr Rush as he jogs down my street!

^Have you got a link to that render?

The key to these kinds of sites is not so much the height, as the treatment of the street frontage. I saw the previous render a while ago (i think it was for this site) and it had a southbank style car park podium, which I think is completely inappropriate for these types of locations (or any location).

Whether it's 5 or 15 storeys, it is critical that developers are forced to create an active frontage to at least 60% of the facade. If that means having to mechanically ventilate carparks or (heaven forbid!) reduce the parking, then so be it. I don't think many people will disagree that for all its density, Southbank at street level is NOT the type of environment we should aim to create.

http://brag.asn.au/BRAGmambo/images/stories/cambjunction/2006_06_honda_site_plan_500.jpg

From:
http://www.brag.asn.au/BRAGmambo/templates/sk_business1/images/sk_business1_01.jpghttp://www.brag.asn.au/BRAGmambo/templates/sk_business1/images/sk_business1_02.jpg (/www.brag.asn.au/)
Before:
http://brag.asn.au/BRAGmambo/images/stories/cambstation/2005-05-camb-digby-orig1-sml.jpg

After?:
http://brag.asn.au/BRAGmambo/images/stories/cambstation/2005-05-camb-digby-fake1-sml.jpg

^And that render shows exactly the problem I was talking about. The vast majority of that podium will be carpark, with absolutely no activity in the first few levels. This is all to save on having to excavate a basement, and shouldn't be tolerated in an area like Camberwell, as the value of the flats would well and truly provide enough returns to justify the expense.

They should be forced to provide active frontages to the carpark similar to New Quay or Yarra's Edge.

http://www.brecknockconsulting.com.au/05_photofile/IMAGES/photofile_melb_12.jpg
http://www.landscapephotography.com.au/images/gallery/large/yarras-edge.jpg

This was the first plan that was refused:
http://brag.asn.au/BRAGmambo/images/stories/cambjunction/2006_06_honda_site_plan_500.jpg

It was a poorly designed development and deserved to be refused. If this plan was reduced to 7 levels it would still be bloody awful.

Design is far more important than height. A poorly designed and sited 7 storey building would be a much worse result than a well designed development including a 14 storey tower.

Hopefully the new plan is much better.

The render I saw was nothing like that. The tower component curved around behind the heritage building, kind of like Yve. Now that I think about it I don't remember seeing the podium, so yes there are valid reservations about how it'll work. The fact that they say it will have retail gives me good hope that it will engage with the street. Even one shop would be better than what's there now.

I understand the needs to stop urban sprawl and the need for high rise developments. But they should be concentrating on building high rise developments in the CBD, Docklands and Southbank and not the suburbs. I do believe a development like this will open the flood gates.

Are high-rises ok in the city because you never go there? Why are you against suburban activity centre consolidation & redevelopment?

Ruins their view of the houses on the other hill.

More buildings around activity hubs please, specially transport hubs. Bring 'em on.

I don't want to see 10, 15 or 20+ storey buildings at Camberwell Junction, but I know the area can accommodate 5-8 stories of office and apartment and dare I say, hotel developments. Its a vibrant activity centre with excellent public transport. There is no need to build a car spot or two for every apartment and sqm of office floor space. If you build more cars, then there will be congestion. Development is not a dirty word, although many feel it is. I also find it ironic when people say "I’m not against development, I am against inappropriate development" In other words, I only want 1 or 2 stories in activity centres and single story houses in the burbs. How unrealistic is that? And why shouldn’t others have the right to maximize on their investment to a reasonable level?

I don't want to see 10, 15 or 20+ storey buildings at Camberwell Junction, but I know the area can accommodate 5-8 stories of office and apartment and dare I say, hotel developments. Its a vibrant activity centre with excellent public transport. There is no need to build a car spot or two for every apartment and sqm of office floor space. If you build more cars, then there will be congestion.

Definately agree with all that, particularly around the heights. I think a good measure in Melbourne is that there's a certain height a building can go before it will need a setback/podium arrangement. I think that this is too high for many of these centres.

The reason for this is that towers require a fair bit of space around them, and would end up losing the strength of the street layout of places like Camberwell Junction.

Ironically, that "After" image from the NIMBY group is (although a crap image) close to how development should occur around Camberwell - that is a more European style of layout:
-a continuous building line
-6-10 storey development (no podiums)
-active street frontage
-similar or a gradation of roof heights

If done correctly, you can actually achieve a similar level of density to a podium and tower arrangement, as you don't need all the setbacks of a tower arrangement.

^^ Agree, the second image which they are using to scare people actually improves the street scene. :lol:

http://brag.asn.au/BRAGmambo/images/stories/cambstation/2005-05-camb-digby-fake1-sml.jpg

Yes, despite the individual pieces, the streetscape is great! It really is that European megacity scale of things.

Are high-rises ok in the city because you never go there? Why are you against suburban activity centre consolidation & redevelopment?

I'm in the city all the time.
I just don't like the idea of having big high rise developments in certain suburbs, especially old developed suburbs like Camberwell, where it's sure to destroy the image of the area, and no I don't mean that in a snobby way, in case you jump to silly conclusions again.
Some people here seem to like the idea of having high rise developments everywhere.
14 stories is way to much for Camberwell, it should be half that at the most.

Yeah, although I think a uniform 7 stories for the inner suburbs would be a good target. Planning restrictions price poorer people out of the inner suburbs and contribute to sprawl, car use and inefficiency of public transport.

I'm in the city all the time.
I just don't like the idea of having big high rise developments in certain suburbs, especially old developed suburbs like Camberwell, where it's sure to destroy the image of the area, and no I don't mean that in a snobby way, in case you jump to silly conclusions again.
Some people here seem to like the idea of having high rise developments everywhere.
14 stories is way to much for Camberwell, it should be half that at the most.

Have you seen Camberwell lately? It's one of the biggest balls ups in Melbourne, a complete mishmash. So many unispired awful developments have been let through, this one is the Taj Mahal in comparison.

Have you seen Camberwell lately? It's one of the biggest balls ups in Melbourne, a complete mishmash. So many unispired awful developments have been let through, this one is the Taj Mahal in comparison.

Yeah there is some crap in Camberwell, but I'm just concerned about the height of this development that's all.

http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/20m-maths-science-school-for-clayton/2007/08/12/1186857347045.html

VICTORIA is set to get its first maths, science and technology school as part of the State Government's push for a more selective public education system.

The $20 million John Monash Science School — for up to 650 year 10 to 12 students — will open in 2010 and be built on Monash University's Clayton campus.

But the move has already proved contentious, with some teachers warning that neighbouring mainstream schools would lose their best and brightest students.

Education Department eastern region manager Jim Watterston said the John Monash Science School would favour students who showed an aptitude for maths and sciences.

Students would probably be selected from a combination of academic results, portfolio and interview, he said.

"We wouldn't want students who weren't capable of doing the work to be there, so there will be some academic focus in addition to interview and evidence of prior learning," Mr Watterston told The Age.

The school, to be built on the campus' south-western car park, will sit in a suburban science hub which includes the synchrotron, the CSIRO and the National Stem Cell Centre.

Students at the science school will have access to the university's lecture theatres, science laboratories, equipment and academic staff who could participate in some classes.

Mr Watterston said business and industry's contribution to equipment costs could "be quite significant", echoing federal Education Minister Julie Bishop's controversial push to get business more involved with schools.

By the time the science school opens in 2010, the number of select-entry state schools will have doubled to four after the arrival of two new academically selective schools in Melbourne's inner north and outer east. Maribyrnong College in Melbourne's west has also been developed into a specialist sports school.

But as the number of select-entry and specialist schools rise, the state's teacher union has warned neighbouring schools could suffer, as the elite schools attract better resources and more academically talented students.

Australian Education Union state secondary vice-president Meredith Peace said the union would seek assurances that state schools neighbouring specialist and select-entry schools would not be disadvantaged.

"We wouldn't want to see one school being resourced better than another," Ms Peace said. "All schools should be properly resourced, whether they are a specialist school or a standard secondary or primary school."

The union's concerns come as Monash University vice-chancellor Richard Larkins confirmed the university was also keen to have a secondary school at its Berwick campus.

Professor Larkins said the university had a 54-hectare site, the former Casey airfield, which it would consider selling or leasing to a state or private school.

"We like the idea as it helps transition to have secondary school students on the site of universities," Professor Larkins said. "Many of the students (around Berwick) come from families that wouldn't have gone to universities, so it wouldn't have entered their thinking (but) if they are on the same site they could recognise the possibilities."

Go Clayton! Yeah!1!!

dandenong rd
http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/cng200708.jpg

the well
http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/cz200708.jpg

How'd you get on the gantry at the Carnegie site Silver? And thanks for reminding me, I should take more shots of this soon, when a bit more work is done.

He's finally learnt how to defy the laws of gravity.

SilverMB! You in my hood *****! Fashizzle!

How they where on May the 3rd:

Corner of Burwood Rd and Power St Hawthorn:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/182/482175801_267f1544d0_b.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/170/482175821_8481d7a6ae_b.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/189/482175809_29e111581e_b.jpg

And corner of Burwood Rd & Barton St:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/181/482175787_7bafe0c4db_b.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/187/482175795_d28ba37d4b.jpg?v=0


And how they're looking now. Not long to go:

Corner of Burwood & Power:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1426/1134494792_94f7a6db28_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1295/1134494778_b6274b5046_b.jpg

Cornrr of Burwwod & Barton:
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1309/1134494768_a0c6e6eafe_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1306/1134494752_47d8aab798_b.jpg

And this is where the Bunnings is going, a little further east up Burwood Rd; another big hole:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1253/1134494810_f7d6bc65c2_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1010/1134494802_b07d5e2809_b.jpg

Forgive me if this was talked about before, but does anyone have any information about Mirvac's project in Moonie Ponds?

some sort of shopping centre, i think cinemas and i remember something about a 10L residential, but i doubt it will happen. had initial approved plans for 3* 50-60m towers but will get Watergardens instead i guess - happy days for the local bogans

this is about 1/3 of the site
http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/mpx200708.jpg

Thanks mb. I read something on the net that said Mirvac had scaled back the resi plans to only 30 (!) apartments, so yes probably not 10 floors. Other than that I read 3,000 sqm office and 10,000 sqm retail. That's why I was wondering if anyone knew anything else about it.

So Moonee Ponds is no longer an area designated for high density??

Found this:

Developer finally starts project
January 31, 2007 9:57 AM

http://mymooneevalley.com.au/2007/01/developer_finally_gets_crackin.php

By Goya Bennett


GROUNDWORK will finally start on an eight-storey hotel in Moonee Ponds - four years after plans were first submitted for the Coles Myer site.

Works are expected to start by April on the 13,115-square-metre development that extends across MtAlexander Road and Puckle, Homer and Hall streets.

Described as a ''momentous achievement'', the green light was given to applicant Mirvac last Thursday for the massive retail, residential and commercial project.

Most of the development - 9675 square metres - has been set aside for shops, with 2259 square metres for office space.

The project will include a pedestrian arcade and at least 534 parking spaces.

A boutique hotel' will be built under stage two. It will have reception and conference facilities and about 30 dwellings over four stories.

Moonee Valley Mayor Ben Opie said the council's approval was the final step in a long planning process.

''This development has been a long time coming.

''As mayor, but particularly as representative of McCracken Ward, I believe this to be an incredibly important project.''

Cr Opie said the Mirvac project had significant benefit for Moonee Ponds.

''In particular, stage one of the development will provide a much-needed pedestrian link between Puckle Street and the northern section of the centre, reinforcing the economic role and attraction of the centre to residents and businesses in the north-west of Melbourne.

''By combining retail, office, residential and other related uses within the centre, it helps make Moonee Valley a great place to live, play and do business.''

The development is expected to generate more than 1000 vehicle movements during peak times.

There's a large hole on Cotham Rd Kew near the top of Glenferrie Rd, the old Ford site. Any ideas on what's going there? Also the apartments on the corner of Cotham and Bourke Rds at the CBM site has finally begun and is progressing well. The mid-east (no not that one is starting to see some density.

^ 115-133 Cotham Road did have an approval for a handful of shops and about hundred apartments, but it's been going on for a few years now I think and I don't know what's become of it.

^ 115-133 Cotham Road did have an approval for a handful of shops and about hundred apartments, but it's been going on for a few years now I think and I don't know what's become of it.

Well they've dug a big hole so I guess it's going ahead. 100 is quite alot. How high would that be - 6, 8, 10?

If you are thinking about the site on the south east corner of Cotham Rd & Charles St, it was purchased by Trinity Grammar School, so there will be no apartments or major highrise redevelopment there.

^^ thats not it steve

If you are thinking about the site on the south east corner of Cotham Rd & Charles St, it was purchased by Trinity Grammar School, so there will be no apartments or major highrise redevelopment there.

Nope not that one. That's the old caryard/used furniture store. The one I'm talking about is further east.

FYI the Burwood east development (one next to RSPCA) is undergoing major earthmoving works...

Ah, so finally its getting underway.
What was the end plan for the project?
IIRC cinemas are involved.

^^ Is it the new Readings complex?

More news on Doncaster Hill

Boulevard and Public Art Fence project wins PLA Award
21 August 2007
The Doncaster Hill Boulevard and Public Art Fence project has been announced the winner of the Parks and Leisure Australia (PLA) Management Award for Open Space Development in the Victoria and Tasmania Region in the PLA's Annual Awards for Excellence. The presentation of the award was made at the PLA Victoria and Tasmania Regional Council 2007 Annual General Meeting on 20 August.

The Doncaster Hill Boulevard and Public Art Fence is now a finalist for the National Parks and Leisure Awards in the Open Space Development category, which will be announced at the PLA National Conference Gala Dinner in September.

The project was jointly funded by Council and the Department of Sustainability and Environment, through the Creating Better Places program, with support from Doncaster Primary School. It was completed in June and launched by Cr Kitchingman and Brian Tee, MP Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region.

http://www.doncasterhill.com/Media_Centre/Image_Library/Boulevard.JPG
http://www.doncasterhill.com/Media_Centre/Image_Library/ArtFence.JPG
http://www.doncasterhill.com/Media_Centre/Image_Library/ArtFenceAtNight.JPG

And here is a picture of Westfield in June... I know it's a bit late... but i just found it :nuts:
http://www.doncasterhill.com/Media_Centre/Image_Library/Construction_0607.JPG

^^it's about time they fixed that boulevard. it was looking pretty crappy before. they still got a bit of work to do, but it's looking better than it has in a while, perhaps ever.

as for shoppingtown, i was going to post an update myself. nice one. i'll upload a pic next month or something. quite a bit of work has been done since june.

westfield in recent days - colossal. 7 cranes, anyone know the size of the site?

1st pic shows about half of the new carpark and office space, the gap to the left will vanish soon enough. 2nd/3rd - centre expansion which i think needs to open before they build over the current entry which is the only part of the centre yet to be touched

http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/wdx200708.jpg

They should have built apartments, hotel or offices ontop of this new extension at Doncaster. The views from up there are AMAZING.

silvermb, what's the address of that Westfield? I want to have a look. Thanks.

Cnr Doncaster & Manningham Roads, Doncaster.

Thank you.

Cnr Doncaster & Manningham Roads, Doncaster.

Or Doncaster & Williamsons Rd's to be precise.

that's the one.

:lol:

They should have built apartments, hotel or offices ontop of this new extension at Doncaster. The views from up there are AMAZING.

true. the 'views' are advertised in the apartment sales in the area though, as major selling points. the view at the top of 'The Crest' is quite spectacular.

Silvermb: the centre is going to be around 109,000m², more than double the previous size of 51,000. as for the size of the actual site itself, including parking area etc, i have no idea.

They should have built apartments, hotel or offices ontop of this new extension at Doncaster. The views from up there are AMAZING.

Westfield don't do residential.

Thanks for the pics - - Westfield is looking great so far!
i dunno if i asked this before, but does anyone know if there would be something like the Knox's Ozone (a street with shops and an entertainment area...)?

Btw... does anyone else feel that Westfield Doncaster will be 3 levels - -the pics sure make it look like it

Most shops will be spread over two levels.

It'll probably have something like "The Street" that Southland has, or "The Piazza" at Whitford City, but all I know is that it will have some kind of entertainment area with the 9-screen Village Cinemas. I hate O-Zone!!

bensons second stage for the lombards site next to the tulla/flemington rd interchange, first stage looking very slick

FK design, 20L office block. there a display studio on the east side of chapel st opposite pran central - large model, impressive design 80-90m?

http://www.bensonsproperty.com.au/current/pic/stage38a.jpg

webpage>>
Stage 2 will complete the master plan for this landmark site. As proposed, Stage 2 will comprise a residential component of 226 apartments and an exciting new office complex of over 16,000 m2, which together will add energy and economy to a flourishing neighbourhood. The anticipated completion value of Stage 2 is approximately $210 million.

Travancore on the Park will have exceptional features for both residents and commercial tenants - access to major arterials, close proximity to the CBD, rail and tram public transport, and great exposure put together in an architecturally savvy new development.

Renowned architects Fender Katsilidis will continue the themes established in the first stage of Travancore on the Park - with a real commitment to quality, aesthetic appeal and function. Together, Bensons and Fender Katsilidis are committed to a development which is a stylish and modern entry to the city, in keeping with the freeway public art elements.

http://www.bensonsproperty.com.au/current/pic/stage38t.jpg

The facade of the office tower looks a bit like Eureka.

The Well Camberwell:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1162/1210980966_b407938e30.jpg?v=0

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1268/1210980942_0e1316ade5.jpg?v=0

http://www.bensonsproperty.com.au/current/pic/stage38a.jpg



A NIMBY magnet!

A NIMBY magnet!

I don't think so. Who is going to complain about a 20 level office project when you've got a handful of 20 level housing commission flats on one side and 10 lanes worth of freeway on the other side.

This is an excellent project IMO.

Moonee Valley ıs also one of Greater Melbournes more pro desnıty councıls, along wıth Mannıngham.

When is construction meant to start?

Looking good there, it'll cover up those commie blocks on the way into the city, which is fantastic. Now we just need a bunch of other buildings like this lining city link on the western side. heh.

^^ Yes, would be good to eventually get a few more projects up in the area, otherwise that development will be pretty much on its lonesome for quite a while. Needs to be the kickstart for a future hub.

Although not an awe-inspiring design (@ least by the little renders), it's cool enough to be part of the gateway intro'ing folk to 1 very.modern.Melbourne.

30,000 sqm a nice lil whack...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v190/Muse11/AustralandFinRevArticleA.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v190/Muse11/AustralandFinRevArticleB.jpg

WESTFIELD Group has sold a half share of its Doncaster Shoppingtown centre for $738 million to LaSalle Investment Management, and the funds are being ploughed back into the retail giant's development pipeline.

Westfield, the world's biggest retail landlord, will retain management control of the centre, which is undergoing a $200 million refurbishment. On completion the project will be valued at about $1.48 billion.

Doncaster in Melbourne's east will now be owned by a joint venture between Westfield and LaSalle, a unit of Jones Lang LaSalle, which manages more than $45 billion of property assets worldwide.

Goldman Sachs JBWere's property team said the latest deal strengthened Westfield's balance sheet and was earnings positive, given the group can pay down Australian debt at rates above 6 per cent with funds that are in effect being raised at 4.7 per cent.

The deal comes as Westfield today announces its interim result, which is forecast to show a net profit of about $800 million-plusfor the six months to June 30.

In a statement yesterday Steven Lowy said Westfield would continue in its development, design and construction role, on behalf of the joint venture, at Doncaster.

The joint venture has also appointed Westfield as the property, leasing and development manager of the centre.

That allows the group to retain a flow of management fees as well as a slice of the retail sales through its half share ownership of the centre.

Deutsche Bank said Westfield had completed in excess of $7 billion in capital raisings globally (listed and wholesale) in the past six months. The wholesale and joint venture capital contributed $3 billion in sales in Australia and Britain for the first half of 2007, followed by the $3 billion in new equity it raised last month.

In addition, Westfield had opened a £530 million ($1.3 billion) British wholesale fund last month, had sold interests in malls in Missouri and had bought two new centres in Florida, Deutsche said.

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/ffximage/2007/08/28/doncaster29807_wideweb__470x258,0.jpg

Westfield, the world's biggest retail landlord, will retain management control of the centre, which is undergoing a $200 million refurbishment. On completion the project will be valued at about $1.48 billion.

200 mill my ass. it's closer to 500 :) interestingly enough, similarly related articles claim the centre will now be 120,000 sqm.

200 mill my ass. it's closer to 500 :) interestingly enough, similarly related articles claim the centre will now be 120,000 sqm.

Is it possible if you post some links to the other articles - - really interested to read anything about westfield doncaster at the moment
thanks

City of Glen Eira (http://www.gleneira.vic.gov.au/Page/Page.asp?Page_Id=986)

The Melbourne Racing Club (MRC) is seeking Council’s agreement to exhibit a proposal for high density retail/commercial/residential development between the Caulfield Racecourse and the railway line. The land includes land owned by the MRC and some Crown Land.

According to documents submitted by the MRC, part of the proposal would be up to 15 storeys high [Between 59 - 92 metres high]. The development would include over 1,000 residential units. It is not clear how many of them would be dwellings or hotel rooms or student accommodation. In addition, the proposal would involve a major new shopping centre. It would include 35,000 square metres of retail and office development. That would be three times bigger than the Glen Huntly activity centre.

In relation to much of the retail development proposed, no off-street car parking would be provided. Council considers that such a retail development should provide for the cars it is attracting. Council is also concerned that parking might be located on the racecourse which is Crown Land and which is supposed to be available to the community as a public park and recreation ground.

Council is concerned with the zone that is proposed by the MRC for this land, which is a Priority Development Zone (PDZ). If such a zoning was approved, the individual planning applications for individual developments would not be advertised to the public because:
when the community has the chance to comment early in the process, there would be little to comment on; and
if/when more details about specific proposals were available down the track, there would be no opportunity for the public to comment.
You would have a situation where a planning permit for a single storey dual occupancy in nearby Normanby Road would be advertised in the normal way but a 15 storey retail and office building would not. There would be no right of appeal to VCAT.

In addition, the proposal provides little detail about how the development will ultimately look or likely land uses, certainly in terms of intensity. The level of detail is basically limited to building heights, number of storeys and set backs only. Given the lack of detail, it is impossible for Council or the community to come to an informed view about the impact of the proposal. The community (and Council) cannot meaningfully comment on what are largely concept plans. The PDZ would prevent further involvement of the community when a detailed proposal eventually comes forward.

At the Council Meeting on 4 September 2007 Council resolved to:
Not seek authorisation from the Minister for Planning to prepare the amendment as proposed by the Melbourne Racing Club in its current form.
Write to the MRC stating that Council is prepared to initiate meaningful community consultation by exhibiting either:
a) an amendment which deals satisfactorily with all the matters listed in Attachment 3 to this report or;
b) an amendment to rezone part of the subject land(Smith Street precinct) to a Mixed Use/Business Zone and include the Incorporated Plan as a Reference Document only in the Planning Scheme.
Write to the Minister detailing Council’s position and reasons and proposing meaningful community consultation by requesting Ministerial authorisation for exhibition of 2(b)above.
Council is strongly of the view that if/when a ‘real’ development is proposed, it should be capable of going through a normal town planning process which includes public notification.

Council’s preference is for the MRC to firm up the detail of its proposals and proceed through the local town planning process in the normal way.

The alternative path some developers take is to lobby the State Government to remove Council from the decision-making process and establish a Priority Development Panel to approve development.

More details (http://www.gleneira.vic.gov.au/Files/Attach-item8-4.pdf)

This, especially the 15 storey tower will have a big and I mean BIG challenge getting off the ground. I live in Caulfield and from what I can see Caulfield is one of Melbourne's biggest and most vocal NIMBY strong-holds. I can list dozens of projects that have been knocked back due to NIMBYs in my suburb.

Good luck to the developers on this!

All I can say is Priority Development Panel (http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/DSE/nrenpl.nsf/LinkView/772B4917A2450378CA256FA9007AD632706E7682A0D0E6C9CA2572FF000BF58E)

The maximum height would be 102.5m AHD or 55m above ground level.

There would be three towers 40m, 45m and 55m high across from the station with the rest of the site between 3 and 6 levels.

Is it possible if you post some links to the other articles - - really interested to read anything about westfield doncaster at the momentthanks

hey. i'm not posting links because i have issues with firefox. i'll post quotes with the appropriate references though. btw, the 3rd 'supermarket' in the new centre is Aldi. that was just recently announced. there will also be a JB HI-FI store, and maybe 10 pin bowling. i heard the bowling plans were cancelled, but the rumoured has gathered new momentum of late. we'll see. anyway, there is conflicting info about how much money is actually being invested in the centre, and how big it's going to be upon completion. so without further ado:



New Zealand Herald:Westfield Group will sell half of an Australian mall, capping US$7.5 billion ($10.6 billion) of securities and asset sales in eight months to fund expansion of the world's biggest portfolio of shopping centres.

A unit of Jones Lang LaSalle, the world's second-largest commercial real estate broker, will invest A$738 million ($859 million) to help redevelop the Doncaster shopping mall in Melbourne by the end of 2008.

Westfield's sales of stakes in Australian and UK malls this year let the company cut funding costs by tapping equity in the more than A$60 billion of retail centers it manages.

Managing Director Peter Lowy in June said Westfield has more than A$14 billion of projects planned or already under construction.

The Australian: Westfield has described its Doncaster redevelopment as the "Bondi Junction of Melbourne".

"Westfield Doncaster is set to become our flagship centre in Victoria and is reflective of the landmark destinations that the group is creating through innovative development globally," group managing director Steven Lowy said.

Australian head of retail investments for Jones Lang LaSalle, Simon Rooney, who negotiated the Doncaster deal on behalf of LaSalle, said the yield, likely a record low, reflected the projected growth of the centre.

Mr Heithersay said that, with a catchment population of 365,000 and income 20 per cent above the Melbourne average, APF was confident the centre would appreciate in value.

The redeveloped centre, due to open in October next year, will have an area of about 120,000sqm, with retailers such as Myer and David Jones department stores, Coles and Safeway supermarkets, Big W and Kmart discount department stores and Village Cinemas. The centre will also include 400 specialty stores.

SMH:WESTFIELD Group has sold a half share of its Doncaster Shoppingtown centre for $738 million to LaSalle Investment Management, and the funds are being ploughed back into the retail giant's development pipeline.

Westfield, the world's biggest retail landlord, will retain management control of the centre, which is undergoing a $200 million refurbishment.

^^
Thanks for ur quotes!
Here are some new pics I found on the Doncaster Westfield site

http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/8562/zoomjv3.th.png (http://img530.imageshack.us/my.php?image=zoomjv3.png)

http://westfield.com/doncaster///images/page/getting_a_makeover4.jpg

^^
Thanks for ur quotes!
Here are some new pics I found on the Doncaster Westfield site

http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/8562/zoomjv3.th.png (http://img530.imageshack.us/my.php?image=zoomjv3.png)

http://westfield.com/doncaster///images/page/getting_a_makeover4.jpg

eh? that first one is different to the original design. not as good either. oh well. But it will have to look good, regardless, because this is going to be their new flagship store. they are under a certain amount of pressure to make it look and seem impressive. i guess any change will be an improvement over the last centre, but that's not the issue here. after the long delay, setbacks, screw ups and empty promises, anything less than great will be a disappointment IMO. we'll just have to wait and see.

^^
Maybe the pic above is just a different view - - not at the intersection

http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/8183/carparkjj3.png

^^ i was literally about to post that letter.

eh? that first one is different to the original design.

I think its just the red bit thats a little visable on the left of this pic
http://www.doncasterhill.com/images/westfield.gif

This might interest some - I got it at the races a few weeks back and forgot to upload it:

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t248/vincentmisiti/scan0001.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t248/vincentmisiti/scan0002.jpg

There's a model floating around which may be at the Caulfield races Saturday week, though it was in the members concourse last I saw it.

I think its just the red bit thats a little visable on the left of this pic
http://www.doncasterhill.com/images/westfield.gif

nah mate. it looks like a totally different design. the glass is assembled differently, the fittings look different etc. it looks much cheaper. i hope i'm wrong.

^^ i was literally about to post that letter.

:nuts: LOL... i beat you to it! Hehehe

^^
I dunno... i still reckon that the picture isn't in the same place - - - I agree with ezza (heart) melbourne because of the trees in front of the centre.

The interior of Westfield Doncaster looks really nice tho! why does it take them so long to release pictures! i wanna see them now!:nuts:

Westfield should not have built all that extra car parking. The money spent on that should have been spent on extending the Balwyn tram to the shopping centre.

the money shot

http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/wdx200709.jpg

:drool:

^^ Is that Doncaster?

yip.

Got a crane up at carnegie.
I was surprised while driving down koornang road when I saw it. Didn't get close enough to see what type or anything, but I might grab some photos later today when I wake up.
(for the site on the corner or Koornang and dandenong roads)

Here is another Westfield Doncaster pic which was taken from the doncaster hill site - thought that some of you guys might find it interesting.

http://www.doncasterhill.com/Media_Centre/Image_Library/nth%20view%2020Sep07_3.JPG

Havn't seen a shopping centre development this big since Westfield Southland. How will this compare to Southland?

Even though it is a massive redevelopment, Doncaster will still be a bit smaller than southland.

Westfield Southland's total retail floor area is approx 128,000 m²
I believe that Westfield Doncaster's total retail floor area will be approx 109,000 m²

Southland claims to have 502+ stores... Doncaster should have around 400 stores i think

Havn't seen a shopping centre development this big since Westfield Southland. How will this compare to Southland?

Southland - 502 Shops
Doncaster - Around 400 Shops (When complete)

Carnegie
http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s59/rock_k/P9220416.jpg
http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s59/rock_k/P9220423-1.jpg

Sorry if this has been already asked, but what is going up on this Carnegie site?

Thanks for the pics rock_k, I didn't get a chance to go for a walk yesterday or today.

@ghmelb, Carnegies second safeway (about 500 meters apart) a bunch of shops and a basement carpark.

Thanks Drunkill

This project is being built by the owners of "Spotlight" fabric stores in case anyone's interested.

I think they decided against the spotlight store to go there.

I think there will be an anaconda camping store, safeway and a liquor store there, about 30 meters away from the TAB owned drive through bottleshop.

The Caulfield Mixed Use Area Incorporated Plan (http://www.gleneira.vic.gov.au/Files/Caulfield_Mixed_Use_Area_Incorporated_plan_07.pdf) has a number of excellent plans done by Cox that show the proposed development potential of the area.

Westfield should not have built all that extra car parking. The money spent on that should have been spent on extending the Balwyn tram to the shopping centre.

Firstly, a private company would not fund a public transport line. Secondly, most shoppers at Westfield Doncaster come from the City of Manningham, and secondly from Whitehorse and Banyule/Nillumbik. Not from Boroondara where the tram comes from, so it would be useless to most shoppers.

A good example of this would be the Airport West 59 tram. 8-minute tram service to Westfield, very few shoppers use it (average tram load: <5 passengers). Reason being that the tram only services the inner areas, and most shoppers there come by car from outer suburbs.

Firstly, a private company would not fund a public transport line. Secondly, most shoppers at Westfield Doncaster come from the City of Manningham, and secondly from Whitehorse and Banyule/Nillumbik. Not from Boroondara where the tram comes from, so it would be useless to most shoppers.

A good example of this would be the Airport West 59 tram. 8-minute tram service to Westfield, very few shoppers use it (average tram load: <5 passengers). Reason being that the tram only services the inner areas, and most shoppers there come by car from outer suburbs.

Do you think any lines or part of any lines will ever be closed one day? Such as the end of the Airport West line or the line (don't know which one) that partly routes Ballarat Rd Footscray?

Do you think any lines or part of any lines will ever be closed one day? Such as the end of the Airport West line or the line (don't know which one) that partly routes Ballarat Rd Footscray?
Good luck ever closing a tram line - it'd be political suicide.

Not to mention the greenies would have a fucking fit...

Do you think any lines or part of any lines will ever be closed one day? Such as the end of the Airport West line
That was only opened in 1992! It previously terminated inside Essendon Airport, so I guess terminating at Westfield is a much more useful location, even if it is very little use to shoppers.

or the line (don't know which one) that partly routes Ballarat Rd Footscray?
That's the 82. I can't imagine it being closed, or anything happening to it really.

The new Westfield Doncaster site is up... be sure to check it out!
http://westfield.com/newdoncaster/vision/experience/fashion.html

I will upload some of the photos on the site later

Here are some pics which were obtained from the new westfield doncaster site:
http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/1782/westfield1yd1.png (http://imageshack.us)
http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/6756/westfield2pd7.png (http://imageshack.us)
http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/4620/westfield3lw3.png (http://imageshack.us)
http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/8366/westfield4gh9.png (http://imageshack.us)

Looks like city of Manningham lost the battle to get active street frontages to the corner of Doncaster and Williamsons Roads :-) Blank walls at ground level will not do much to help Doncaster become and urban village.

Reminds me of a ever so slightly funkier version of parts of a shopping centre beginning with C.

Nothing like Chadstoned.

http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/8366/westfield4gh9.png (http://imageshack.us)

"Sally (above, lower right) in her Witchery baby blue looked in on awe, pondering the fruitful variety of stores to quench her aspirational consuming habits... however something was not right. 'No heavy rail under my feet!' - She later pondered this injustice over a cup of Gloria Jeans."

It's JAFSC.

Some photos I took at Westfield Doncaster back in January. Look how much it's changed already!

http://img362.imageshack.us/img362/9969/shoppo1gf6.jpg
http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/1087/shoppo2vl2.jpg
http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/8738/shoppo3wh0.jpg
http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/5320/shoppo4wg6.jpg

"Sally (above, lower right) in her Witchery baby blue looked in on awe, pondering the fruitful variety of stores to quench her aspirational consuming habits... however something was not right. 'No heavy rail under my feet!' - She later pondered this injustice over a cup of Gloria Jeans."

:lol: :lol: :lol:

:speech: Apple Superstore will open at Chadstone probably sometime next year. :)

It took me about 30 seconds to realise you mean Apple as in steve jobs/ipods. I wondered what the hell an apple superstore would be, can't you just go to a supermarket? Then it hit me.

:speech: Apple Superstore will open at Chadstone probably sometime next year. :)

Bad, bad location for it.

An ideal location for it is the old Nike store on the corner of Swanston and Bourke.

It should be CBD.

:speech: Apple Superstore will open at Chadstone probably sometime next year. :)

YEA BABY!!!
Sorry, i am like a HUGE apple fan.
Check out their other stores
5th Avenue, NYC
http://images.apple.com/retail/images/home-fifthavenue-081407.png

Regent Street, London
http://images.apple.com/retail/images/home-regentstreet-081407.png

San Fransico
http://images.apple.com/ca/retail/images/home-photo-sf.jpg

Sydney
http://images.appleinsider.com/as-sydney-070209-1.jpg

But im guessing chadstone will look like the Rome Store
http://images.apple.com/it/retail/images/home-photo-romaest.jpg

An ideal location for it is the old Nike store on the corner of Swanston and Bourke.


Welcome Telstra: :ohno:

I wish someone would just nuke Chadstone. It'd be doing a service to everybody. Went through it last Monday and couldn't beleive how bad the traffic in the carpark was.

Welcome Telstra: :ohno:

..... a Telstra store?



oh la la?

..... a Telstra store?



oh la la?

And a Times Square style advert screen.
It's going to become the Telstra Discovery Center...
exotic?

I wish someone would just nuke Chadstone. It'd be doing a service to everybody. Went through it last Monday and couldn't beleive how bad the traffic in the carpark was.

What do you expect during the School holidays. It's bad on a normal day.

And a Times Square style advert screen.
It's going to become the Telstra Discovery Center...
exotic?

Oh dear lord. The sound of that makes me think of the Springfield Elementary excursion to the box factory.

"No, We only make boxes to ship nails!"

I would've expected this. Normally the stores that open first in Chaddy follow up with opening a CBD store, so I wouldn't worry. It looks more likely that it will now happen instead of none at all.
However, the trend recently has been Chaddy first - Melb Central next, and I would prefer any CBD store to be independent of a shopping mall.
By the way what's happening with the old bank on the corner of Collins Elizabeth (I can't remember what it was - NAB, ANZ?). It a beautiful old building and I heard it was going to be turned into shops. Has this happenend?

Friend at apple told me that they were investigating several CBD sites including -uh oh- digi harbour in docklands. :ohno: good news is that they are investigating.

Friend at apple told me that they were investigating several CBD sites including -uh oh- digi harbour in docklands. :ohno: good news is that they are investigating.

are or were investigating?

hopefully were.

hopefully were.

Yes but it's been confirmed that Chaddie will be the first location.

I still think Chapel St would be an ideal location.

they need a cbd one.

Yes but it's been confirmed that Chaddie will be the first location.

I still think Chapel St would be an ideal location.

At Chapel St, it'd fit in really well with all the other overpriced stores that mark up their prices just because they're in a trendy location.

The best Apple store is the online one. It's also the only place you can get your educational discount, and my laptop got delivered straight to my door. :D

By the way what's happening with the old bank on the corner of Collins Elizabeth (I can't remember what it was - NAB, ANZ?). It a beautiful old building and I heard it was going to be turned into shops. Has this happenend?

I guess not.........

are or were investigating?

Well there's positions for Genius Bar staffers on seek.com.au at the moment which pretty much seals the deal, since none of the resellers are allowed to use that term.

By the way what's happening with the old bank on the corner of Collins Elizabeth (I can't remember what it was - NAB, ANZ?). It a beautiful old building and I heard it was going to be turned into shops. Has this happenend?

The redevelopment of the banking lobby of the old NAB HQ at 271 Collins was almost finished and looking fantastic the last time I was in the city. It is very similar in style to the GPO redevelopment.

http://www.271collins.com.au/

The ANZ bank on the corner still remains the Royal Bank branch of the ANZ however though.

The redevelopment of the banking lobby of the old NAB HQ at 271 Collins was almost finished and looking fantastic the last time I was in the city. It is very similar in style to the GPO redevelopment.

http://www.271collins.com.au/

Whats with the pics of the horrid 80's campus office building on Elizabeth and Flinders Lane?

Unless the buildings are linked?

The buildings are all part of the same complex.

Thanks alot Grollo - a good source of information as usual.
Anyone know who the retail tenancies will be?

The Well, Camberwell:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2175/1523744536_52e679ee9a_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2039/1523733948_a3500c04b1_b.jpg

^^ Lol! Controversy City is starting to shape up!

Nimby-ville.

main area of moonee ponds central and the other facing puckle st

http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/mpc200710.jpg

Whats actually being constructed there?

From my understanding it is a coles and other specialty shops, is that correct? or is there more to this development?