[COM] 377-379 King William Street | 50m | 16lvls | Apartments

[Vee]

Looking back, a quick scan of the thread for this development is like a roller coaster ride but a fascinating timeline of significant changes in proposals which mirror different thinking, vision, changing economic times (incl GFC) and planning regulations - changing height limits and approvals. (ACC DAP)

During this time the tram extension was completed, Repco site redeveloped and nearby Wave and Edge buildings constructed.

Recap based on forum contributions.
What started out as a proposal for a 12 level tower of mixed office and residential in 2006, with total demolition of the Caledonian Building went through many changes before the development in progress we see today.

The next change saw a redesign which eliminated the residential in favour of offices. The site was sold and an 11 level mixed office/residential plan emerged in 2007. Building height maximum level in this area at this time was 40m. Forum members debated the merits of the design and demolition or integration of the facade of the existing building.

The ACC DAP approved the proposal in 2008 to replace a dilapidated building with a $6.5 million mixed use new build, with then Lord Mayor Harbison extolling the virtues of this development as contributing to the regeneration of the City South precinct. (The proposal was nearly deferred to consider incorporation of the facade of the CB.)

The forum published renders of the new build mixed use and an alternative rumoured 15 level hotel, incorporating the facade, in April 2009.
Meanwhile internal demolition was proceeding but the ACC was yet to approve total demolition. Instead the CB had been included in the 300 buildings to add to the ACC heritage list.

Roll on, July 2010. New application. Cost $13 million. Category 2 ACC.

And on. Oct 2011. New application and huge height reduction. Retain facade. 7 (or8?) storey serviced apartments. (Pretty bland design. Possible option to top up height at later date?)
Feb 2012, refused.

March 2012 - proposal for a new taller 10 level building for serviced apartments with a more interesting design, incorporating the facade.
May 2012 - variation: add 3 more levels plus mezzanine floor.

June 2012 - ACC expected to grant approval to amendment to additional height - 16 level building, 50m height.
Demolition of rear exterior commences.
Temporary deferral of approval until heritage impact assessment for recent heritage listing of building at 383 KWS completed.

Piling work commenced Aug 2012.
Feb 2013 Photos show Facade support columns, foundations completed. Work re-commenced. Hammerhead crane up March 2013.

April 2013 news emerges of Quest involvement in leasing serviced apartments in the building.
May - July 2013 rapid development.
Aug 2013 - building close to topping out at 16 levels.
Q. Can that April 2014 completion date be brought forward a month earlier to take advantage of the demand for accommodation during our Mad March?

Summary:
It's taken a long time and the proposals/designs and use have varied considerably over this period but the end result is much better IMHO than many of the other proposals in the extraordinary gestation of this building.

[[Shuz]]

This one certainly has quite a history to it.

However, I don't think it's 50m tall. It looks shorter than 400KWS, and that's 47m tall from memory.

[Will]

This one certainly has quite a history to it.

However, I don't think it's 50m tall. It looks shorter than 400KWS, and that's 47m tall from memory.

I don't think its topped out yet.

[aeon]

[Ben]

Great Pic!

[ghs]

It's gone up really quick. It looks really impressive from the area near Vic square and the post office.

[serca]

This builder copped a massive spray on today tonight this evening about an unsafe site and not complying with safety regulations

[DaveAdl]

This builder copped a massive spray on today tonight this evening about an unsafe site and not complying with safety regulations

Can't say I saw TT - have they actually had any incidents - I have a suspect this might be another big builder/union tip off - they have no where near the usual site setup having said this its been progressing really well how a building should - mind you I could be completely wrong (have been before) could be a complete death trap for workers but would doubt it

[Ho Really]

Saw TT, and it doesn't look good for this builder. I wouldn't want to be the shop owners next door risking one of those prefab slabs coming down through their roof! They showed a whole lot of gyprock (plasterboard) that had fallen down the elevator shaft. If there were any workmen in there they would have been killed. Safety seems to be very lax on this site. Not good at all. Let's pray that no one gets hurt from here on and that these people sort these issues out quick.

Cheers

[EBG]

a couple of pictures taken Saturday 14 September shows west side and south side

[skyliner]

South side quite disappointing as it is on the approach to the CBD from Melbourne and Vic. Must be expecting another high rise on this side. North side good impression from Vic Sq.
What is it like now from the east side?

ADELAIDE - TOWARDS AGREATER CITY SKYLINE

[slenderman]

Hey guys, long time lurker, first time poster. I got a picture of this building yesterday, apologies for the rubbish phone quality:



I think it's pretty close to topping out, if it hasn't already. I think it's now taller than that glass box opposite.

[EBG]

The south side is now painted a cream colour off set by some dark grey panels.

[[Shuz]]

Oh dear god. So many facepalms.

[Phantom]

Oh dear god. So many facepalms.

They ran out of white Lego bricks and have to use the gray ones instead, Shuz.