640 Bourke Street

Ethos Urban was engaged by Far East Consortium following the acquisition this prominent Central Melbourne site with an existing planning permit for a mixed-use development at 640 Bourke Street, Melbourne.  

The existing permit presented challenges in that any amendments were limited by subsequent changes to the underlying planning scheme. 

Ethos Urban provided expert advice, managed negotiations with DELWP and City of Melbourne and prepared detailed planning reports and application material in support changes to the permit via a S72 Amendment. Key features of the amended scheme included changes in building uses and upper-level apartment layouts, to improve marketability and changes to the external façade detailing without increasing the envelope. Integral to these changes was the substantial rearrangement of vehicle access to preserve the amenity of the abutting Langs Lane, which is to be upgraded as an activated pedestrian space.

Following the approval of the amended permit, Ethos Urban has continued to provide expert advice and services in relation to conditions discharge and numerous extensions of time to the permit. This has been integral to ensuring the permitted development remains viable through the disruptions to the local market as a result of COVID-19.