#UC :The Hyde -36st/120m/res (CBD south)

[CULWULLA]

The 20storey/80m 157 Liverpool st building has been approved to be reconstructed into a new apartment block.
The office bldg built in 1972 is a sorry sight and this will improve the vista no doubt. The first 10 floors will now extend to the street and balcs added with rooftop penthouse!
#the bldg was used in an aussie movie made in late 80;s called "the 13th floor" staring Miranda Otto.The lifts in the bldg are posessed by evil and kill everyone !lol
terrible flick.


http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/500/126157liverpoolst.jpg

[Vitriol]

I remember that movie. Didn't the elevator go berserk?

I would say "The Thirteenth Floor" was a notch above the straight-to-television trash, "Coda" starring Penny Cook.

[CULWULLA]

model pic>

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/500/126fromhydepk-med.jpg


http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/500/126167fromabove-med.jpg

[brizer]

It can only be an improvement! It has always been a cheap, dismal building. Many years ago I had the pleasure of going inside on business and talk about mean and depressing interior spaces!
I have been waiting for this for years.
It is not entirely clear what the design of the new building is like from the block model but the basic elements look much stronger. Architect?

[CULWULLA]

PEDDLE THORP WALKER

[Trances]

that movie sounds like a roit
would have been funny
but yes I almwasyglad to see these small over hauls done !
this looks like a good redevelopment and shows the market and intrest are still there

[CULWULLA]

word is today that Stockland who own 157 liverpool st are going to thankfully DEMOLISH the aging 80m office tower and replace with a 110m apartment tower! crone architects are engaged to design. so far no DA has come in but ill keep posted.

[SydneyDude]

oh i misread thinking a 110m apartment tower was to be built in Liverpool. lol DISSAPOINTED!

[CULWULLA]

lol. i think its a brilliant spot for an apartment tower. These spots should be given to devlopers specifically for apartment towers. Located opposite Hyde park, its very NEW York/central park situation. It will be not much shorter than the massive AMEX tower next door which is 120m. Imagine the views north over park to bot gardens ect.

[finn]

So how tall is the tower in the model pic at top? Just from comparisons sake. :)

[Fabian]

So how tall is the tower in the model pic at top? Just from comparisons sake. :)

The original proposal was only 80 metres tall . The 30 metre increase sends up the height almost 30 percent. Cannot wait to see the design.

[CULWULLA]

So how tall is the tower in the model pic at top? Just from comparisons sake. :)
the refurbed 157 Liverpool st is 80m but new tower will be 110m to roof and 120m to side blade "architectural feature" on eastern face! which happens to equal height of Amex!

Heres pic of block model that came in today!! The detailed model which was given to planner looks good! it has wavy balcs aka- Horizon, and has a nice blade at the top to shut out the horrid AMEX sign to its east!

http://img52.photobucket.com/albums/v158/culwulla/fromsouth.jpg

the view north will be amazing!
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid122/p67ec6bcfc76afa8e0a8ab16b1328fb8a/f82fff67.jpg

will create a nice 400ft wall facing Hyde park
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid122/pd2a604affecda8fda9934b0e9a01e17d/f82fff75.jpg

remembering the facade will be wavy balcs so should look abit " North apartments?"

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid122/p7ca70b9c3272550032669740be7a8984/f82fff7a.jpg

[finn]

Oooh, cool! Looking forward to seeing the more detailed design! :) Is the blade really there just to block out the AMEX logo? That logo is damn ugly! Would be pretty cool if that was the reason! ;)

Oh, and will the wall facing the little office building on the end of the block be blank, or will it have some windows or something? It would be a pretty nasty wall if it's all blank!

[CULWULLA]

im pretty sure the west & east walls are blank! maybe some windows? The AMEX apparently is nearing its end for advertising lease. so maybe its just a coincidence.

[Muse]

Now that's more like it! I was wondering about the pip-squeak of a grey model posted earlier that didn't look any taller than what's already there.

[Aussie Steve]

I can't even picture whats on that site now! But this looks good at the moment, but I still want to see detailed plans first before I make a final decision.

[SinCity]

Good riddance to more retro rubbish!

[CULWULLA]

I can't even picture whats on that site now! But this looks good at the moment, but I still want to see detailed plans first before I make a final decision.
its a horrible 1972 scraper, wont be missed! (it was used in the 1988 aussie horror flick-13th floor" starring Miranda Otto.lol

pic>http://img52.photobucket.com/albums/v158/culwulla/157liverpoolst.jpg

[Muse]

its a horrible 1972 scraper, wont be missed! (it was used in the 1988 aussie horror flick-13th floor" starring Miranda Otto.lolHaven't seen but I bet the camera looked up at the facade a few times as if it were a really tall building a'la Americano films.

[waz]

i dont if its just me or are those two girls in the forground of the last pic topless sunbaking in Hyde park. Ive been pointing my camera in the wrong direction.

[Fabian]

I cannot say much but heightwise, it's a very good height for the area.

As for the blank walls, they should place some windows along the sides. Blank walls are so drab and wrecks what could be a fine scraper :bleep: I've seriously had enough of city scrapers containing them, especially if nothing is ever going to rise next to them.

[Trances]

LOL this was taken what day with the girls

[CULWULLA]

for those interested YES the girls were sunbaking! it was 38deg that day i took that pic! lol'
fabian, you must get over "blank walls".sometimes this is only alternative especially with an apartment block. You cant just have windows for the sake of it. You have to take into account privacy and solar access. ect.Also many sites in the city have "zones" are might only have windows allowed on south/north facing property faces.
I wouldnt want to look at a blank wall of a skyscraper (AMEX). get over it fab, Sydney is full of blank walls, so have many of the worlds large cities!

[Trances]

ever going is not that in this city

[Muse]

I wouldnt want to look at a blank wall of a skyscraper (AMEX). get over it fab, Sydney is full of blank walls, so have many of the worlds large cities!That doesn't make it right having them *ahem* grace our great cities.

More height, yay! :) More balconies and big, blank walls, pfffft!! :| If we were allowed to put big 'n brash advetising billboards down and across them great!! ...but ouwhhhh, Council won't allow it, tsk, tsk.

BTW For all those horny devils, there are plenty of websites that are waiting to cater to your every jacking need (derrr, like you didn't already know) :D

[CULWULLA]

official DA will come in soon.

[Trances]

How long until the tower Next door with American express signage will ever gets redeveloped as apartments it so prime with views on to the park

[CULWULLA]

the DA received its stage 1 approval last night. so now detaied model is insitu.
the 36storey apartments look cool.120m to side fin.
will post pic soon.

[CULWULLA]

model
sorry about blur
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v158/culwulla/157livomod.jpg

rear

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v158/culwulla/157livorear.jpg

[zulu69]

Wow looks really good. Very nice. Will miss the american express logo tho ;)

[CULWULLA]

from todays fin rev>

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/500/126157livo.jpg

[fro]

The balconies look a little bit like Siedler's North apartments... Nice little tower we got here. Should really look nice with a good colour scheme.

[Brizer]

This model is only indicative though it looks fairly thought through. See paragraph 8 of the FR article and the reference to the need to launch a design competition.

[Randwicked]

nice height

[CULWULLA]

theres a comp onatm for this project. developers want best design for the prime posi.ill let you know when winner is chosen. probably within a month.

[demanjo]

I hate balconies like that... So so so so sooo much, sorry...

[CULWULLA]

:righton: :sly: turning torso.... coming soon http://skyscrapercity.com/images/smilies/naughty.gif

[Blue_Copper]

CULL you little devil you know something now!!!! and you have posted this turning building every were i cant tell where it is now ggggrrrrrr. ;)

[CULWULLA]

^ it will go here! at 157 liverpool st. the twist truns from street and east as it goes up to get views over hyde park. model and renders should be in next month. exciting

[Blue_Copper]

oh it will look great from the war memorial

[Muse]

CULL you little devil you know something now!!!! That's our CUWULLA! ;)

[zulu69]

^ it will go here! at 157 liverpool st. the twist truns from street and east as it goes up to get views over hyde park. model and renders should be in next month. exciting

Cool! I'll be awaiting the model. Hope its a good design.

[Blue_Copper]

Will it still be the stockland HQ?

[CULWULLA]

detailed colour model come into just for a photo shoot. looked bloody awesome!!! had a nice twist in it.definatley a unique skyscraper for not just sydney but Australia! its roof had a 10m high glass box with treess ect.hopefully DA will come in soon and ill post pix.

[Avatar]

I hate balconies like that... So so so so sooo much, sorry...

I agree this building is downright ugly - now we have seidler-esqu towers going up that aint even by seidler - how depressing.

This city needs som cutting edge and exciting residential developments not a glut of ugly buildings that look as though they belong to a time several decades ago.

[CULWULLA]

av- the design you see above was just an early concept. im happy to say its long gooooooooone.
now the "turning torso" concept has been accepted, so its a totally new tower. When the model came in for shoot it looked unreal.It had a twist so the whole 40storeys turned 45deg.you will see.
hopefully DA will be in soon.

[Muse]

CULWULLA, is that Stage 1 or 2 DA for the turning torso design?

[SinCity]

av- the design you see above was just an early concept. im happy to say its long gooooooooone.
now the "turning torso" concept has been accepted, so its a totally new tower. When the model came in for shoot it looked unreal.It had a twist so the whole 40storeys turned 45deg.you will see.
hopefully DA will be in soon.

At 40 storeys with a twist. Its architecture thats long overdue in Sydney. The Europeans have some fine things in the pipeline and I'm glad this is an idea that is being considered for our city :yes:

[CULWULLA]

muse- its just stage 1 which means its the bldg envelope. Now stage 2 will come in which is the DA. It will be the turning torso tower. This will be one of Sydney's great apartment towers. a first for Australia!

[SinCity]

Here is pic of the 57 storey "Turning Torso" currently under construction in Europe (Sweden). To give some idea on what is being proposed for Sydney ..... :)

http://www.bizzbook.com/hamnen/bilder/TurningTorso/turningTorsoWest.jpg

http://www.bizzbook.com/hamnen/bilder/TurningTorso/turningTorsoSouthEast.jpg

[fro]

:eek2: :omg:

!!!!!

Thanks Sincity,that's amazing!!! Cul, does it look anything like that!?

[CULWULLA]

^ well Turning Torso has a 90deg twist, and 157 liverpool will have a 45deg twist, so not quite as dramatic. but still a great design.

[CULWULLA]

heres a diagram my work collegue draw up. Its a concept turning torso
the first one is a tower with 45deg twist and gradual floor reduction (this is 157 liverpool st design) .
the middle tower is 45deg twist (same floor plate) thus it overhangs base .
The 3rd tower is the swedish tower a full 90deg twist!

http://img272.echo.cx/img272/6890/turningtorso3fs.jpg

[Grollo]

It tapers and torques just like Freedom Tower :-)

[zulu69]

^exactly. Should look sweet from Hyde Park. Would be look unreal, we are really getting some great designs as of late.

[SinCity]

At 40 floors it also a great height to appreciate such a design. :)

[a__d]

The views are amazing... Here's 3 images....

http://www.basic-illusion.com/157/1.jpg

http://www.basic-illusion.com/157/2.jpg

http://www.basic-illusion.com/157/3.jpg

[CULWULLA]

^ yeah fab views right across Hyde park to St marys and Opera House!
never to be built out! does it get any better?

[CULWULLA]

Stockland are coming in next week for another photo shoot with the new model tower.
DA lodgement must be getting close.

[SinCity]

I hope its a really innovative design. :)

[CULWULLA]

i think it is. its a first for Australia, so it will have its critics once unveiled.

[MILIUX]

Is 120m the height limit?How far can the architectural features can go?

I would like the top feature similar to this:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v705/altind/P1000773.jpg

[CULWULLA]

bad news guys. the turning torso design has been shelved. the model cam eintoday for a shoot and its straight up and down. the 110m tower has a 15m glass box on top, thus 125m high.balcs look like wavy seidlers. the southern elevation is interesting with stepped setbacks.

[Mephisto]

@#$%

[Trances]

:'( but expected ( same as the kidney )

[andypandy]

cul - any idea why this was shelved? is it simply a matter of cost to the developer?

[Cariad]

Another uninspiring boring design for Sydney ... oh joy of joys *sigh*

[CULWULLA]

no idea why they didnt go with turning torso. cost maybe? shame

[SinCity]

Pity. :(

[fro]

@#$%

:lol:

I feel the same :(

[christarrant]

so will it be higher than the AMEX tower if it goes ahead at this height ?

[christarrant]

I don't really give a shit if it's "turning torso" or not, I just quality architecture. I think a tower really needs to be 150m+ to have the turning torso effect really come into its own.

[Vitriol]

LMAO - will we ever see quality architecture in Sydney? I can't believe anyone got their hopes up for this. We should know better by now.

[CULWULLA]

^ theres heaps of quality architecure in sydney! pull your head out and have a l00k!
COVE,WT,E&Y,CIVIC,DEUTSCHEBANK,KENS and soon to be REGENT PLACE. thats just to name a few over past couple of years!!

[Aussie Steve]

Hey Mr C, any more news on this one going ahead?

[CULWULLA]

^ hey steve. well it will go ahead probably late 2006. Developer Stocklands are very eager to start this baby but atm deciding on a design. Its one of finest locations for a resi tower. nver to built out facing north over Hyde park and harbour.

[nOchAos]

Any news on this one?

[CULWULLA]

the 5 comp entrants are being assessed as we speak.the winner will be chosen soon and DA will come in.the DA will then go to council for stage 2 and get approval for construction to start 2007.it was to be a turning torso but now looks like a 110m horizon look -alike with 10m glasshouse on roof.

[cammo2004]

bad news guys. the turning torso design has been shelved. the model cam eintoday for a shoot and its straight up and down. the 110m tower has a 15m glass box on top, thus 125m high.balcs look like wavy seidlers. the southern elevation is interesting with stepped setbacks.

The turning torso's been done anyway. It's getting old.

What we really need another building that shouts SYDNEY - one that's fairly unique to us.

Won't happen for this site, though.

[Muse]

CULWULLA, that doesn't make sense. 5 competition entrants' designs are being assessed yet you already know it's Horizon-like??? Are all 5 designs similar?

:?

[MILIUX]

Oh please not another Seidler design. PLEASE!!!

I want the turning torso. Bring back my Turning Torso!!

[CULWULLA]

i just know which scheme they like. its not a seidler but has curvy balcs. apparently it cant be too snazzy due to the nearby war memorial.

[Muse]

:| There's always some reason....

Can't build Seidler's CBD1 supertower as it would overpower the Harbour Bridge

Can't build 61 York St 15m higher as it would upstage the nearby (ex) AWA Tower

Can't add more floors within the cage to Foster's Deutsche Bank Place tower as it would cast a shadow over The Domain

Can't add more floors to Angel Place as it may cast a shadow over an already pretty shadowy Martin Place

Can't, can't, can't...

[CULWULLA]

^yeah, sydney is getting pretty conservative. shits me sometimes.

[ncik]

^^ As long as there's quality I'm happy, although being taller is a PLUS!!

Just look at the recently completed scrapers we got, can't complain.

[gazmo]

apparently it cant be too snazzy due to the nearby war memorial.

Was that written in the design comp's guidelines or hear-say?

Since the competition is still in progress, we shouldn't prejustice or pre-judge the result.

Muse, you make very clear point over the "can't" issue.

Look at at Australia Square from the pics you posted off the SMH dvd:

http://image.sl.nsw.gov.au/apa/30/d7_30027.jpg

Would today's council have approved something that was so promient or made an excuse that it can't be built???

Council has to stick it's neck out sometimes, push the boundaries, otherwise progress will never be made.

[Muse]

^^ My point, it's a point.

If it's quality, we should all be satisfied. At least @ its height, it will cover the western (virtually) blank 120m high wall of the AMEX Tower (http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=108233) @ 175 Liverpool Street, instead of the current 80m tower on the 157 Liverpool St (http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=203732) site.

...

[CULWULLA]

the 40storey DA is coming in soon by Stocklands. They want to start on this in 2007.

[gazmo]

I saw the 'block' model pic you posted in the pic of the day thread - jeez - it *is* a block!

[CULWULLA]

yeah, it will basically be a 110m tower setback from livo st, with wavy balcs. a sort of light brown colour with 10m glass box on roof. didnt look too bad but the design for a turning torso was too distracting for the nearby war memorial apparently.heritage issues ect.

[Brizer]

Historical note: Lend Lease had the devil of a job getting Australia Square approved so don't be deceived into thinking it was all plain sailing back around the early 1960s. The 150 foot/c.45m barrier had only just been breached (1963, for the AMP Building: 362 feet/c.110m) and all the usual doom sayers were predicting the descent of the wrath of God and the destruction of civilization as we know it, etc.
See Book 1 on the work of Harry Seidler for some of the permutations the design went through.

[CULWULLA]

157 liverp00l st will rise where the ugly black bldg is now (to right of AMEX), up to the same height of approx 120m. not a bad location for a resi tower. sort of like a an apartment tower facing NYCs Central park.The 14storey bldg will be pulled down next year and apparently a TV doco is being made about it.

http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/5622/00004989ij.jpg

[christarrant]

yeah, it will basically be a 110m tower setback from livo st, with wavy balcs. a sort of light brown colour with 10m glass box on roof. didnt look too bad but the design for a turning torso was too distracting for the nearby war memorial apparently.heritage issues ect.

Is it a similar colour and design to the wide side of Harry's COVE apartment tower - minus the metal balconies ?
Light brown is a bad colour because AMEX is a wall of brown !!!!

[CULWULLA]

^ who knows. the design might be dif again. should be in soonish.

[Trances]

In what sense you mean
A TV doco is being made about pullind down the building ？

[CULWULLA]

+yes, we got an enquiry a few weeks ago about what will be tallest bldg to be pulled down in near future. i told them this one and maybe about 5 for the bligh st project which has the 17storey Bligh house. hopefully it will be on free to air tv. probably next year sometime.

[MILIUX]

I just found out couple of months ago that building used to be where my dad worked.

Is this building called "Agriculture House?"

[MILIUX]

157 liverp00l st will rise where the ugly black bldg is now (to right of AMEX), up to the same height of approx 120m. not a bad location for a resi tower. sort of like a an apartment tower facing NYCs Central park.The 14storey bldg will be pulled down next year and apparently a TV doco is being made about it.


It's an amazing place to build an apartment.

In the foreground you'll see the Hyde Park.

In the midground you'll see the Chifley Talls lined up

In the background you'll see the Sydney Opera House

[Trances]

Opera House is long way off
dont think it will be visible for most of the residents

[papervagina]

I noticed yesterday that they've removed the black cladding in the north east corner of the top floor and replaced it with floor to ceiling glass; any ideas why they've done this? Could it be a display suite or something to give people an idea of the views?

[CULWULLA]

^yes possibly. the DA is supposed to be in soon and demoolishment of existing bldg will start soon after.maybe early2007?
you will be bale to see Opera house from upper floors.
sight line to operahs
http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/3238/157livoviewzz8.jpg

[CULWULLA]

DA is coming in next week!

[Avatar]

I wish they would just build a glass block. I am so sick of curvy balconies.

[Brizer]

Glass may look glamorous but in our climate, you have to be very careful with it as I discovered: great view but had to spend a small fortune on blinds to make the area bearable, so you lose the view anyway in hot weather.

[Gargarensis]

^^ i agree... for eg. the wide use of blinds at Latitude ruins the look of the glass facade, externally at least.

and the configuration on world tower's upper floors (some rooms with curtains closed, some with curtains half-closed, some with curtains open), kinda makes the already complicated top of the tower, even more of a visual hodge podge

[Avatar]

^^ i agree... for eg. the wide use of blinds at Latitude ruins the look of the glass facade, externally at least.

and the configuration on world tower's upper floors (some rooms with curtains closed, some with curtains half-closed, some with curtains open), kinda makes the already complicated top of the tower, even more of a visual hodge podge

I agree too - those curtains look like beriut. This is why they should use reflective glass more often ... it hides a multitude of sins by day. The designers should have been shot for not putting reflective glass on the top... those blinds are the ugliest thing I have seen in sydney after star city. They are so visible and so distasteful.

If they can build smooth glass walled towers in every major city of the world I can't for the life of me see why Sydney is any different - maybe just more mindful of environmental concerns. Many cities have more extreme weather and still manage to create a pleasing design with smooth glass walls and integrated balconies.

[Avatar]

I just get depressed when I look at asian cities and their ability to build tacky towers with no balconies. I love the way they wack up anything and everything and always with a reflective skin. In Jakarta for instance...

http://img137.exs.cx/img137/5269/resizeofdsc014560hi.jpg

[MILIUX]

That looks like commie blocks but with reflective glass covering it up.

[Avatar]

That looks like commie blocks but with reflective glass covering it up.

Well that's a start at least it doesn't look like a commie block with wavy balconies. :P

[MILIUX]

Quality means from inside out. Lumiere fits the definition so nicely. Sturdy, solid and balanced. In Hong Kong and Dubai, they just put corregated iron as flooring with narrow concrete to hold it up. Short floor to ceiling height and so on.

I think you got the messege Av.

[CULWULLA]

design comp happening very soon. will keep you informed.

[CULWULLA]

WE HAVE A WINNER! nice design by great architects. see website>
http://www.wohadesigns.com/

DA lodged today!
Architects -WOHA from Singapore.
height-120m (roof-110m)
floors-35 above
basements-(8 below or 26m deep!)-bloody deep
carparks-178
units-131 (3 per floor)
cost-103$mil

renders

http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/5042/0000600ev2.jpg

hanging gardens of babylon

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/6446/0000601ps7.jpg


model pix
nide detailed model

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/7027/0000605us9.jpg

rear
http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/8183/0000606el3.jpg

sorry out of focus

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/9675/0000607mn0.jpg

[shaggers_jr]

I like it - solid and pricey looking. Very Manhattanish.

[papervagina]

This is pretty disappointing if it's the result of a design competition... the other entries must've been pretty bad. It reminds me of the awful Museum Towers for some reason.

It's a pity about the turning torso thing - it would've been nice to have something that doesn't just add to the ugly wall at the end of Hyde Park.

[wowsim]

Very VERY generic looking =/
Can't half tell its come out of Singapore....

[Lord_Bertrum]

The back end looks more interesting than the front end.

[Cariad]

I actually don't mind it, and as long the "hanging gardens" are put in place, it will certainly soften the building and tie it into the park.
Do we know what the other entries looked like?

[CULWULLA]

WOHA architects are apparently brilliant and designed the bldg from the inside out.
they were restricted with the site envelope. it was allowed to be striking at ll due to nearby war memorial.silly i know. but floor plans look good and materials are top quality.
i saw a couple of entries and this was best. it supplements the Connaught opposite side of AMEX.

better render>
http://img83.imageshack.us/img83/8858/157ib3.jpg

[zach24]

very singaporean (boring, zero creativity = a box)

[Gargarensis]

well its not really a box, looking at the south side, the stepped rooftop, plus the fact that the site is probably too compact to really try anything not boxy - without compromising the already minimal space...

very nice. love the base, and love the top - shame it cant be seen from ground level like in that last shot.

the model's north side looks similar to ernst & young, but the renders say otherwise

[Brizer]

Singapore boring? Maybe we have seen different Singapores, but the one I saw has some stunning buildings. WOHA is well respected internationally for their work.

[MILIUX]

I don't mind it. i like the greenhouse at the top.

[shaggers_jr]

Not every building that doesn't have any obviious novelty is a "boring box". Sometimes a building has to perform a function as part of a larger fabric of the city. This is one of those buildings, and I think it does the job quite well.

[Brizer]

Well said, ShaggersJr. We are talking about architecture here, not entertainment.

[papervagina]

I wasn't loking for novelty - I was looking for something to break up the wall at the sothern end of Hyde Park. Having a huge wall 100m away from the war memorial detracts from it far more than any 'striking' design ever could - it's not much of a backdrop. The greenhouse (now there's a novelty) looks like a pretty piss-poor effort at disguising the plant room, too.

The ivy part at the bottom looks interesting in the render, but the model seems to be a bit different to that part of the render.

[CULWULLA]

BIG STORY in todays fin review about this baby! its now called THE HYDE and selling like hot cakes! already $100mil in sales.
really good render also. can someone post or scan article?

[CULWULLA]

http://www.stockland.com.au/Apartments/NSW/Sydney/TheHyde/Views/

[MILIUX]

Property
Buyers flock to luxury site
Robert Harley
436 words
24 October 2006
Australian Financial Review
First
56
English
© 2006 Copyright John Fairfax Holdings Limited. www.afr.com Not available for re-distribution.

Despite the weak demand for Sydney units, Australia's largest residential developer, Stockland, sold $100 million of apartments over the weekend in its new CBD project, The Hyde.

In just five hours, contracts were taken on 87 apartments - everything on offer in the first release - by a select group of Stockland customers and pre-qualified buyers.

Stockland's national general manager, apartments, Hugh Martin, said the overwhelming success of the release showed that high-quality apartments in prime locations would still sell well, in spite of the slow residential market.

"We have been working for over two years to create a world-class residential development in this iconic location and we believe this project sets a new benchmark for inner-city living in the Sydney CBD," he said.

The Hyde will be developed at 157 Liverpool Street, in a "never to be built-out" position at the southern end of the CBD, looking across Hyde Park to the Harbour and an easy walk from bustling Oxford Street.

Mr Martin said the 131-unit proposal, by Stockland Design House and Singapore-based architects WOHA, had resulted in first-class urban design and sustainability.

All apartments would face north over Hyde Park and the building would be the first high rise to comply with the NSW government's BASIX multi-unit energy saving program and the first to introduce co-generation for energy use.

Prices ranged from $3.1 million for a three-bedroom apartment, to $1.6 million for a two-bedroom with study, and to $715,000 for a one-bedroom.

Average prices were around $17,500 a square metre for the three-bedroom, $12,300 sq m for the two-bedroom and about $9500 sq m for the one-bedroom on offer.

Kramer Property and Colliers International handled the sales. Marketing included an apartment mock-up on the site. The site is occupied by a 32-year-old office building, which now houses Stockland's headquarters.

Stockland will move to Piccadilly early next year, paving the way for the demolition of the building. The Hyde is expected to be completed by 2010.

Further stages will be released in "coming months".

Stockland holds its annual general meeting this afternoon. In the past year the group's stock price has risen from $6 to a high of $7.78 earlier this month.

The group has 10 apartment projects under way along the eastern seaboard, including the Allisee development on the Gold Coast and the Waterfront development on Canberra's Kingston Foreshore.

[CULWULLA]

ta miliux

[MILIUX]

i will try to get the pic via factiva.

[A r c h i]

i will try to get the pic via factiva.

How do you do that? I've been trying to get pics via factiva but can't seem to be able to.

[papervagina]

Wow, that's quick. Given the money to be made it's a pity they couldn't have gone/weren't allowed to go for a more striking design. All that clear glass is going to make for an ugly mess of blinds, curtains and junk...

[CULWULLA]

^its a great design. so much better then the others. WOHA from Singapore are brilliant architects.this one will be a great addition to the southern skyline!

[Cariad]

Woohoo go Basix!! ( my team ) :o)

[Brizer]

Fun & Games at the first release off-the-plan, all 78 apartments gone, but not without a furore. See Domain in SMH Saturday 28 oct, Pp. 4A-5A, "The Hyde of it all". It seems not all of us are short a dollar.

[MILIUX]

Here you go:

Domain - Apartments
The Hyde of it all
Susan Wellings
1430 words
28 October 2006
The Sydney Morning Herald
First
4
English
© 2006 Copyright John Fairfax Holdings Limited. www.smh.com.au [http://www.smh.com.au] Not available for re-distribution.

COVER STORY

It was the apartment block everyone wanted to buy into ... so up went the prices midway through the VIP launch.

It started with the delivery of truffles, an exclusive invitation, a beautiful presentation pack and a red carpet laid to the entrance to what will one day be a stunning new apartment block in one of Sydney's prime locations.

But, for some, it ended in anger, disappointment, tears, recriminations and threats of legal action.

In what's set to become one of Sydney's most memorable launches, last weekend's VIP sales of off-the-plan apartments in The Hyde, a building planned for the Museum Station corner overlooking Hyde Park, have unleashed a controversy.

On the Saturday, some of the first set of well-heeled buyers were forced to wait while the schedule was temporarily suspended for prices to be increased. Then all the Sunday appointments were cancelled at the last minute because sales targets had already been met, 78 of the 131 apartments selling in the first five hours the previous day for a total of more than $100 million.

"The devil may wear Prada, but God help the Gucci-wearing purchasers of The Hyde," says strata lawyer Stephen Goddard, the chairman of apartment owners' association the Owners Corporation Network. "It's the Quay Grand misadventure all over again."

THE BUILDING

The outcry centred on the VIP launch of The Hyde, the proposed new $210 million apartment block at 157 Liverpool Street, just along from Sydney landmark The Connaught. The 19-storey building is developer Stockland's headquarters; the plan is to demolish and erect in its place one of 34 levels.

The "envelope" of the building - its height and dimensions - has city council approval, but there has yet to be design approval for the plans drawn up by award-winning Singapore architects WOHA, headed by Australian Richard Hassell.

When completed in mid-2010, it looks likely to be a handsome addition to Sydney's list of stand-out addresses, with a linear design, high ceilings, balconies and winter gardens, an infinity-edge pool, gym and spa on the eighth floor, feature plantings up its facade to reflect the greenery of Hyde Park and 18-hour concierge. "It's real design excellence," says Hugh Martin, Stockland's national general manager of apartments. "It's going to be a world-class building."

Most of the buzz, however, emanates from its location on the edge of Hyde Park, facing north, which will give many of the apartments spectacular views over the park and to the harbour beyond. In addition, it's within walking distance of the CBD, Oxford Street, Paddington, Surry Hills, Chinatown and Circular Quay.

"It has an exclusive Hyde Park address [and] unique lifestyle on the cusp of four distinct precincts," Martin says. "It's a fantastic location."

THE BUYERS

The project was released via a "whispering campaign" to a VIP list of potential customers, comprising past purchasers of Stockland properties, shareholders, some staff, corporate clients and the 500-strong VIP lists of real estate sales agents Colliers and Cramer's.

Possible purchasers were sent truffles and a presentation pack along with an invitation to attend a viewing of a display suite, a 3D model of the proposed block and artists' impressions of various features. All were asked to deposit $10,000 in a trust fund as a prerequisite of making an appointment to view last weekend.

Those arriving for the first appointments at 8am on Saturday were shown plans of apartments that ranged from the low $400,000s for a one-bedroom unit to $3 million for three bedrooms and a study, with prices not set for the 420 sq m penthouse and 220 sq m sub-penthouse.

THE BUST-UP

The instant enthusiasm took Stockland executives by surprise, with more people turning up than had been planned for single appointments and some making multiple buys. Trading was suspended about 11am; prices were raised.

Business resumed an hour or two later amid frenzied scenes, with buyers almost fighting over apartments, arguments breaking out and one woman crying in a corner after missing out. For many, it brought back memories of the skirmishing over the Quay Grand apartments in 1996, when customers lined up along the street, fighting over their places in line, paying others to queue for them and arguing about their buys.

"It's how it used to be in the good old days," Martin says. "They don't come around very often, particularly in this market."

By that afternoon, contracts had been exchanged on 78 apartments in more than $100 million worth of deals. Trading was then stopped and all appointments made for the Sunday were cancelled, leaving many of those people angry they had been denied their chance to take a stake.

"It's unfortunate that some people missed out but it was a fantastic result for us," says Martin, who reveals the planned release to the public next February probably will be postponed.

THE BLOW-OUT

The successful buyers were delighted with their purchases. Sotheby's Australia chairman Justin Miller, for instance, bought a 30th floor three-bedroom-plus-study apartment priced at $3 million.

"It was very busy indeed there," he says of his visit. "There was so much activity. I was very happy to get something I liked which should have remarkable views." Those who missed out, however, were furious (see box).

Macquarie Bank's head of property research, Rod Cornish, says that while banks' financing deals often make it a condition that a certain proportion of apartments be pre-sold, developers won't sell more than those in order to maximise return.

"A purchaser will generally pay more for a finished project in a strong market," he says. "It would be a reasonably significant amount."

Others were angry at the sudden hike in prices, with some observers threatening legal action and claiming they rose by up to 20 per cent. Martin denies it was that much and says it's common practice to raise prices in response to demand.

"To be honest, I didn't realise how many we would sell and how strong demand would be," he says. "The vendor has the right to escalate prices during the sale process if apartments are moving rapidly. We need to capture market value as much as we can. It's Stockland's responsibility to maximise value for its shareholders."

Cornish says this has happened occasionally back in the boom days. However, Michael McNamara of Australian Property Monitors says he has never heard of prices being hiked during an appointments day.

"But pricing is a very inexact science and something that's very difficult to do," he says. "Stockland have to maximise value for their shareholders. You can't blame them for that."

But owners' advocate Goddard calls it "another example of developer abuse of consumers".

"Potential purchasers are deluded into believing they are being given a pre-market offering, then the price is adjusted in what's become an entire market offering," he says.

"The outcome of such misleading conduct is a trampling of everyone and the developer ending up looking dodgy."

LEFT HIGH AND DRY

MBF Group research manager Sam Everingham was left fuming after his dream of buying an apartment in The Hyde as a retirement nest-egg came to nothing when his $10,000 appointment to sign up was cancelled at the last minute.

He'd registered his interest months before, had happily deposited the cash into the trust fund and had been reassured he'd be able to exchange contracts when his time came on the Sunday morning. Then, on the Saturday afternoon, sales agent Colliers rang to cancel.

"I felt so frustrated and disappointed that we'd paid the money to get in early, we'd been told a Sunday viewing was fine, and then we were told it was off," says Everingham, 39. "I was shocked at the ethics of that. It's a very odd way to do business. You can't help feeling that you needed to know someone to get in even earlier."

Stockland apartments general manager Hugh Martin said it was simply that demand had been far greater than supply. "It's unfortunate that some people missed out," he says. "But a lot of staff missed out, too."

Everingham wants an apology from Stockland. "We've been treated very shabbily. Buying property hasn't changed from the bad old days."

[Brizer]

Thank you.

[Fabian]

And there's a render of the tower in the Herald's Domain liftout. Looks nice :)

[Muse]

If all being true, not the best PR job all round for a company that's quite active in the media and development-wise ATM.

[Tony P]

Sam Everingham is "fuming" and "shocked at the ethics" because he thinks "you needed to know someone to get in even earlier" than he was able to, to an invite only VIP session that he was invited to, but not normal members of the public, to buy apartments at what is expected to be a discount, compared to what the public will pay in the future, when they are allowed in.

Nice ethics there yourself Sam.

Fuckwit.

[Lord_Bertrum]

Right on Tony.

[Trances]

Just noticed this one
Hope its more white than cream

[gazmo]

Reminds me of the orginal model of E&Y Latitude when it had the glass plantroom.

WE HAVE A WINNER!

model pix
nide detailed model

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/7027/0000605us9.jpg

[MILIUX]

oh yeah!!!

It does.

Thanks for bringing that up.

The Goodsell replacement building has that glass feature like greenhouse.

[gazmo]

This rendered was in a SMH article today:

http://www.smh.com.au/ffximage/2006/11/04/hydeapptments_narrowweb__300x340,0.jpg
Tower of power ... an artist's impression of the yet-to-be completed, 34-storey apartment block.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/somewhere-to-hyde-133-if-you-can-afford-3m-and-a-long-wait/2006/11/04/1162340097184.html

Somewhere to Hyde … if you can afford $3m and a long wait

Michelle Singer
November 5, 2006

THE most highly anticipated residential building to be released in Sydney in a decade is a magnet for the city's rich and famous.

Stockland is building the 131-unit block, in Liverpool Street.

Sources say prices for the units, from $400,000 to $3 million, have already risen 20 per cent even though the building won't be occupied for four years.

The two-level penthouse and sub-penthouses in the 34-storey block have not yet been valued.

High-profile buyers in the $210 million building include Hugo's restaurant owner and close friend of model Elle Macpherson, Dave Evans.

Others who have bought off the plan include architect Kim Crestani - one of the creators of the pod system home renovation concept - and the chairman of Sotheby's auction house, Justin Miller.

It is understood Colliers International's Justin Brown and developer Bob Ell have secured units.

Almost 70 of the apartments were sold at an invitation-only launch late last month.

The position, opposite Hyde Park, with views to the Opera House, was the main drawcard for Mr Evans, who is reported to have bought more than one apartment.

"There's nowhere else that has that northerly aspect over the park, has a view of Sydney Harbour, borders the CBD and also provides the benefits of the eastern suburbs," Mr Evans said.

Despite not having bought an apartment off the plan before, Mr Evans was not concerned about investing his money four years before the project was finished.

"I am very comfortable buying off the plan. I think it comes from my experience with opening restaurants. You have to be able to envisage the end result prior to the building process even beginning."

Stockland general manager of apartments Hugh Martin said plans for a stage-two launch were yet to be finalised.

He said the speed at which the units had sold had taken the company by surprise. "I think the location and the product and the design attributed to the success," said.
WHO'S IN

■ Restaurateur Dave Evans.

■ Architect Kim Crestani.

■ Auctioneer Justin Miller

■ Colliers' Justin Brown.

■ Developer Bob Ell.

[Fabian]

I read that article this morning. There hasnt been so much talk over a resitower in years :)

The market for prestige housing in Sydney hasn't been too badly affected by the downturn and I'm not too surprised that the units are being snapped up. To get that result at an early stage is impressive :)

[CULWULLA]

i can only imagine how much penthouse will go for. will set a record i reckon.
this and aspect will be only new res towers in 2008/9

[Tony P]

I'll bet the owners of the Amex building next door to The Hyde are suddenly thinking of the benefit$ of going re$idential. Amex could sell up and get a beautiful spot in the Bangakangaroo Bay area.

The Hyde park boundary is wasted on offices. It should be bordered solely by residential and hotels, imho. Leave the offices for the innards if the city.

[sydney_lad]

If units.....sorry...."apartments" keep selling pretty much as soon as they go on sale, we're just going to see more and more of it in the inner-city.

[Brizer]

In the 2006 RAIA National Architecture Awards WOHA has just won an International Award Jury Citation for a house on Rochalie Drive, Singapore. See Architecture Australia Aa Nov/Dec 2006 vol 95 no 6.
It's a Very Cool house.

[christarrant]

If units.....sorry...."apartments"

LOL !
In the 1970's it was "flats", in the 1980's it was "units", 1990's "apartments" and now they're "skyhomes"...........:lol:

[CULWULLA]

and in america they call them condos. in the end they all need vacuuming.

[neilo63]

and in america they call them condos. in the end they all need vacuuming.

Zing.

[gazmo]

...or perhaps it will place more pressure (in addition to the shortage in large continuous office space over multiple floors) to create the critical mass of demand to initiate the next building cycle.

If units.....sorry...."apartments" keep selling pretty much as soon as they go on sale, we're just going to see more and more of it in the inner-city.

[sydney_lad]

...or perhaps it will place more pressure (in addition to the shortage in large continuous office space over multiple floors) to create the critical mass of demand to initiate the next building cycle.

We can only hope :D

[SinCity]

Not a bad addition to this part of town. :okay:

[CULWULLA]

bump

[Muse]

With Stockland already settling into Piccadilly House, I guess the few other tenants (if any), need to have their leases expire.

BTW Here is another WOHA apartment tower in Bangkok going up. Similar elements as you will see...

The MET (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=13729707#post13729707)

[Brizer]

I thought The Hyde was impressive but The MET is a knockout. The use of plants is extraordinary though I guess it is easier to experiment with all these imaginative horticultural adventures in Bangkok's hot and humid climate (which I hate!!!) so Win Some Lose Some.

[LanceDriver]

with all the hype about this one, where has it all gone? i agree that areas around hyde park are far more suited to apartments/hotels than offices. i'm hoping that the residential refurb of that office building on college st goes ahead aswell. also, i reckon the area behind this building and amex should be allowed to go somewhat higher than those fronting the park.

[CULWULLA]

actually they height limits step down after initial skyscrapers that face the park. behind amex and others have a 90m limit, then down 50m.
read the last paragraph on front page.here.>

http://www.stockland.com.au/Apartments/NSW/Sydney/TheHyde/About/

[LanceDriver]

^ wouldn't it make sense to step up a little from that location so it looks better. i know surry hills is behind there but a few rows back would be ok wouldn't it? there's no parks/public places until the police station. i'm sure one day there will be pressure on that area to go upwards (just like some areas in haymarket). there would be a few suitable sites available aswell.

[CULWULLA]

actually they height limits step down after initial skyscrapers that face the park. behind amex and others have a 90m limit, then down 50m.
read the last paragraph on front page.here.>

http://www.stockland.com.au/Apartments/NSW/Sydney/TheHyde/About/

see link,. sounds like they had to hold off on sales due to being so damn popular. really, it has to be one of the best adresses/views in town.

[A r c h i]

Apparently Grocon is building this. Demolition of existing building was supposedly going to begin this month. They also have a different render on their site. See here (http://www.grollo.com.au/pdfs/sydney/157_Liverpool%20St_Sydney.pdf)

[CULWULLA]

6thanks for link. seems like earlier design? im sure the current render and model is the winning design by WOHA.
but thats great that Grocon are building it. The existing bldg needs to be pulled down asap. Im pretty sure a documentary is going to be made about this project , from demo to construction.i was asked about it last year and gave some info to a tv show.

[papervagina]

I was just poking around the JPW site (http://www.jpw.com.au/) and found their design comp entry for this site. It looks a lot less like Museum Towers than the winning/chosen design. I like it.

http://www.jpw.com.au/Projects/Images/CRT-01.jpg

[AltiusAltiusAltius]

Love it. Hopefully the Avery building will also be pulled down soon to clear the way for another apartment tower. Who knows, maybe the AMEX building will have the same faith. You can understand those developers, the area around Hyde Park is the most desirable place to live...

[Fabian]

Looks good. I'd love to see a five star hotel built along that strip. It would be the best hotel in Sydney. The AMEX Building looks idea for one.

[Joelby]

Just out of interest, what are the height restrictions for the southern end of Hyde Park? Surely there'd be no shadowing limitations. It'd be great to reach up to 200m for the views down to the Opera House alone.

[CULWULLA]

Its 110m+ roof feature.not sure why.

[AltiusAltiusAltius]

Looks good. I'd love to see a five star hotel built along that strip. It would be the best hotel in Sydney. The AMEX Building looks idea for one.

I agree completely. The AMEX must go down one day and a luxury hotel (or mixed use) building could be the best replacement.

I hope Mandarin Oriental can do it one day! Their high rise U.S. hotels are fantastic: TWC NYC, 345 California Center SF or the upcoming Chicago hotel. They also run a great hotel & residences near Hyde Park in London, maybe they could add Hyde Park Sydney to their portfolio?!

Another one I would like to see is Grand Hyatt Hyde Park. Sydney has been neglected by major hotel developers since the Olympics and it's kinda sad....

[CULWULLA]

yes we realy do need a new tall hotel.
just on AMEX tower. its simply to massive to be a residential tower.way to thick to be converted to resi.(65m x 40m).remember resi towers need to be thin for sunlight access to most rooms.most resi towers range from 20m-30m deep.

[Fabian]

I agree completely. The AMEX must go down one day and a luxury hotel (or mixed use) building could be the best replacement.

I hope Mandarin Oriental can do it one day! Their high rise U.S. hotels are fantastic: TWC NYC, 345 California Center SF or the upcoming Chicago hotel. They also run a great hotel & residences near Hyde Park in London, maybe they could add Hyde Park Sydney to their portfolio?!

Another one I would like to see is Grand Hyatt Hyde Park. Sydney has been neglected by major hotel developers since the Olympics and it's kinda sad....

The problem is that the hotel market went into oversupply post 2000, and hence led to closures of hotels across the city particularly in Kings Cross.

Serviced apartments have also become more popular for visitors to Sydney since 2000 i.e Rialto, Meriton Tower and World Tower and that takes away people who would normally stay in a hotel.

[nismo33]

Looks good. I'd love to see a five star hotel built along that strip. It would be the best hotel in Sydney. The AMEX Building looks idea for one.

Sheraton on Elizabeth St,
Mariott, Hyde Park Tower or whatever,
+ a couple more..

Sheraton is worthy but the rest Im not sure

[AltiusAltiusAltius]

yes we realy do need a new tall hotel.
just on AMEX tower. its simply to massive to be a residential tower.way to thick to be converted to resi.(65m x 40m).remember resi towers need to be thin for sunlight access to most rooms.most resi towers range from 20m-30m deep.

I wouldn't keep the AMEX shell. It should go down! And then build a small version of the mixed use TWC (including the glass enclosed shopping centre! The ANZAC Memorial would look better through the glass than Columbus Circle Column or Maine Monument!)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/7/11154318_746d681b8f_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/25/46131042_25a4c5d395_b.jpg

I would do the same with Number One Oxford Street which I particularly dislike! That one should turn all resi tower with sensational NW views :lol:

[papervagina]

The crane for this one went up today. I stopped to watch them put the jib up and at one point it looked like it was pretty close to being blown into the American Express building. So I suppose the status can be changed to under construction (or demolition).

[CULWULLA]

^thanks, yeah the crane permit was asked for a few weeks ago.
there is to be a tv doco done on the demolition of this bldg. should be interesting. not sure what channel of program. will try to find out.
cheers

[CULWULLA]

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1217/874339714_015f6aee88_b.jpg

[Muse]

Awww. I liked that relic. :(

Thanks Cul.

[MILIUX]

While they are in the middle of demolishing it, demolish the American Express building near it.

[CULWULLA]

why? we need our big office towers.

[Fabian]

Good to see it go. It belongs in skyscraper hell.

[CULWULLA]

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1187/993119550_0f92b18f71_b.jpg

[OzFrog]

^^ I can see my old school in that photo!

[Muse]

Walked by today and 157 Liverpool is now pretty well all covered in green mesh and scaffolding, front & back - the back being Clarke Street. It didn't take them long as CULWULLA only posted the above pic only 9 days ago.

[CULWULLA]

close up
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1109/1122675704_5ed19ab168_b.jpg

[CULWULLA]

Hyde should complete the 400ft wall.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1094/1156298734_a2d04609a0_b.jpg

[finn]

I know the project manager on The Hyde development and he said it will be a long time coming: 3 months for demolition, 6-9 months for excavation and then a good two years for construction, so completion will be around late 2010. At least the process has gotten underway now!

[CULWULLA]

^wow, only 3 months for demo? i would have thought 6? well thats good. as for excavation, yeah its 8 levels deep? i thought that would take 6 months.as for construction, i would have thought 12 months for a simple tower like this.? i suppose it will be topped out in 12 and then will take a few months to externally compelte as well as internal which i think most people mean when they say it will take 2 years to complete.
I think it will be part of sydneys skyline early 2009.
cool

[lawson18]

culwulla do you know or have any renders of the ivy project on george street

[CULWULLA]

if you go in 20storeys and under thread you will find info on the lowrise shit happening in town.
Ivy, now boarding..lol
http://www.myspace.com/ivycrew

[lawson18]

thanks for that, apparently the cops want to take away the alcohol license for that project so the investor might pull out

[CULWULLA]

really? wonder why

[lawson18]

they believe the area will cause too much trouble for the police ,Ill post up the article in the low rise thread

[Brendan]

Good to see it go. It belongs in skyscraper hell.

x 2

[CULWULLA]

the LMR is now gone.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1237/1308160179_553967ed15_b.jpg

[CULWULLA]

the little top cat is working busily. top floor gone.
19 to go;
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1157/1377133210_c791671101_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1345/1377131924_fdac844345_b.jpg

[Kirribilli]

Some major demolition work happening there!!

Photo from flickr dmarcus 13
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1044/1383337101_0e745fddcf_b.jpg

[CULWULLA]

wow, great shot. but i cant think of a more teadious and labourous way to demolish a highrise. wish we just drop it like they do in states.
cheers

[Tony P]

Some major demolition work happening there!!

Photo from flickr dmarcus 13
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1044/1383337101_0e745fddcf_b.jpg

The demolition of that Meriton apartment building behind and to the left in that photo looks well underway too.

[Avatar]

I'd have to agree with u tony. What shit.

[CULWULLA]

yes the Museum Apartments has to be the ugliest block of flats in sydney

[LanceDriver]

maybe we need to start a movement against meriton. there would be thousands of disgruntled people who would join us, it wouldn't be hard to find haters!

[CULWULLA]

now down to height od adjacent bldg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1336/1431309724_ef77841d21_b.jpg

[Fabian]

and a good crowd on hand to watch it come down :)

[papervagina]

The sound is more impressive than the view. They use the lift shaft as a rubbish shute, and the sound of concrete being dropped from that height is pretty good.

[CULWULLA]

now down to roof of 155 liverpool which is 60m high
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2319/1511468769_6ebf894b14_b.jpg

[CULWULLA]

now 3 floors below cnr building.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2146/1682715953_66ec256b24_b.jpg

[CULWULLA]

this will be great spot to watch the hyde grow

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2260/1753524902_011fded50d_b.jpg

[CULWULLA]

today
view from st martins tower
going going gone.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2311/1796981252_019332c5d9_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2251/1796228299_de358f9156_b.jpg

[CULWULLA]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2097/1896167919_9c7564577e_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2216/1896169815_852b480b05_b.jpg

[CULWULLA]

not long to go
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2175/2010172849_ebc13e6eb0_b.jpg

[CULWULLA]

looks like there demolishing 2 floors per week.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2072/2051036053_713d7ed486_b.jpg

[CULWULLA]

5 to go!
the hyde park tower behind this one must be getting great views north for now.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2134/2069750329_8ac34e6fe0_b.jpg

[Fabian]

Today

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v28/Fabian/Construction/DSCF0944.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v28/Fabian/Construction/DSCF0943.jpg

[Trances]

LOL thats the first non CULWULLA post for this active thread in months
Seems noone need to comment or has interst in this one coming down
Guess waiting till it goes up.

[CULWULLA]

4 floors to go
my next photo in late jan should be all gone.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2369/2099776382_253e2fcd11_b.jpg

[Joelby]

Wow that's gone down quickly (no jokes please :P ).

I hope this turns out well - hopefully it'll make the Amex building look like a show up and start them thinking about a nice little external re-furb. We deserve so much better around Hyde Park, and behind that amazing War Memorial.

[LanceDriver]

Is amex too fat to be resi because it is in a perfect resi spot?

[Brendan]

This erection has finally gone down. :lol:

[CULWULLA]

2 floors left
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2406/2126223448_1e90cd9e58_b.jpg

[CULWULLA]

going going gone
i had a look thru hoarding and they have started demolishing basements

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2100/2229265371_fbe3a558ca_b.jpg

[Fabian]

Another building consigned to skyscraper hell. :D I hope that the new tower rises as quickly.

And a small crowd on hand too.

[Brendan]

LOL Fabian don't be silly, skyscrapers don't have souls!

[CULWULLA]

^this one did. It was possessed in the movie THE 13TH FLOOR
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094591/
1988 flick staring Aussies Miranda Otto, georgie parker. they showed heaps of the city and the lift in the building kept killing people. lol
it was crap.

"prey you dont reach the 13th floor"
http://www.horroria.com/i/nposters/00/48/4868-YE.jpg

[CULWULLA]

just had a look at the old plans for the "parkview" which was just demolishged.
It has 6 basements which reach 8.5m deep, so bit of demolishing to go.
The NEW basement will go down 8 levels or ANOTHER 17m, thus 25.6m in total.

[Joelby]

LOL Fabian don't be silly, skyscrapers don't have souls!

http://server5.dedicateduk.com/~ace/thb/smilies/29.gif

Some do. I don't think this one did, though...

[finn]

just had a look at the old plans for the "parkview" which was just demolishged.
It has 6 basements which reach 8.5m deep, so bit of demolishing to go.
The NEW basement will go down 8 levels or ANOTHER 17m, thus 25.6m in total.

Well at least the existing basement excavations will give them an 8.5m head start! So the current period of basement demolition is also the start of the excavation process.

[CULWULLA]

^yes, good point.

[papervagina]

Here's an angle of the site we haven't seen before - the view from one of the apartments in 21 Alberta Street (taken from a real estate listing (http://www.mcgrath.com.au//index.cfm?fuseaction=buying.details&listing=58186)). I wonder if buyers will be disappointed when their Hyde Park view disappears in a few months.

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k160/papervagina/157LiverpoolFrom21Alberta.jpg

[LanceDriver]

^ lol - that's almost got to be false advertising.

[Fabian]

There isnt much of a view anyway but as they say 'never buy an apartment for the views'

[Lightness]

I'm surprised they don't build really tall ones just behind the first wall of buildings by the park. The location is good and some lucky apartments will get a park view, either in between buildings on the first row, or else they could build them a bit higher and give the top apartments the view. What's the hight limit in the block between Liverpool and Goulburn Streets?

[CULWULLA]

110m

[Muse]

"Hyde Park view" Vag? More like "glimpse". Arghh, imagine having to look @ the back of the (now) ex-Remington Centre aka ex-Amex building every morn. :ohno: - but, doesn't the wall along Liz St look smart!?! Anyway, once this one is built, neighbours can play sexy peek-a-boos across the way (which is quite a common preoccupation) in lieu of the glimpse.

[CULWULLA]

hole getting deep. the excavator was siting on a large cantilevered stage. looked cool

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3009/2474638733_5746b6cab5_b.jpg

[papervagina]

The crane went up today - let construction begin!

[CULWULLA]

great stuff.

[LanceDriver]

i'm guessing over time old office blocks all around hyde park will either be converted to apartments or replaced with apartments. it seems to be the trend and makes sense.

[CULWULLA]

yeah but i cant see the neighbouring remmington centre being converted. its just too big.

[LanceDriver]

^ would a replacement resi building be allowed the same height, or higher even?

[CULWULLA]

not sure. i thought that area had 110m height limit. maybe wrong. would be great for a 200m thin tower.

[LanceDriver]

using my simple and possibly incorrect grasp on math, a 200m tower that was only 50% the current width of amex (ie, 50% of 60m width at 120m height) would probably actually mean a net gain of sunshine in the area behind.

[CULWULLA]

aint much behind anyway.no parks.ect.

[LanceDriver]

^ but it is very dark and dinghy in there.

[Muse]

yeah but i cant see the neighbouring remmington centre being converted. its just too big.I believe some of the floors are being converted, just not the exterior.

[CULWULLA]

The crane went up today - let construction begin!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3066/2861131831_ef66cf91e9_b.jpg

[abc]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/emerbot/IMG_1775.jpg

[CULWULLA]

managed to sweetalk my way up to lev13 next door. first basement is built with core a few floors high. going well
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3065/3006441261_dc317c2727_b.jpg

what views and only 13 floors up

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3072/3007299368_eb11bf2290_b.jpg



http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3050/3007299372_c28ec548ba_b.jpg

[artuo10]

they will be at ground floor around christmas\new years with a 4 day turn around between slabs