Spotswood is a thriving suburb with an old soul.&nbsp;

With an industrial and manufacturing history inspiring the innovative and creative suburb into what it is today, the area has carried its rich history of making things through to its cultural and community identity today.

Rapidly gentrifying, Spotswood has a genuine sense of community and togetherness.&nbsp;

Located only seven-kilometres from Melbourne’s CBD, Spotswood is home to a number of notable Melbourne attractions, including Scienceworks, Melbourne Planetarium, an array of bustling cafes and restaurants along with the more recent addition of Grazeland.

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<h2>History at the heart&nbsp;</h2>

Spotswood Yards was originally the Victorian Railway Workshops complex including the former Ways and Works Workshop. A railway line connecting Melbourne with Williamstown opened in 1859, passing through the area that became Spotswood.

By the 1920’s, Spotswood was home to a number of national manufacturing businesses, signalling one of the inner-west’s most significant land transformation opportunity - a blank canvas of 50,000 sqm of absolute, prime, never-to-be-repeated land.&nbsp;

As a major employer over many years, Spotswood Yards still holds a strong community connection.&nbsp;

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<h2>A new beginning&nbsp;</h2>

Set on the enviable Birmingham Street, the family-owned Blue Earth Group are making waves with their latest residential development.&nbsp;

Bringing with it the character and past of Spotswood, Porter has been designed to contribute to the existing neighbourhood.

Through a careful curation of materials and finishes which reflect the suburb’s past, such as brickwork, concrete, steel and glass.&nbsp;

The first stage of the development will deliver a collection of both apartments and townhouses, with the residences split across three releases; the Premier Collection, the Penthouse Collection and the Townhouse Collection.&nbsp;

From its prime site just a stone's throw from Spotswood Oval, 143 residences will be built across the two buildings, Porter and Flagman, with CHT Architects and Sora Interiors handling the designs.&nbsp;

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Residents will be a five minute walk from Grazeland, while Spotswood station is only seven minutes by foot.&nbsp;

By car, residents will have quick and convenient access to the wider Melbourne area, with the CBD just over 10 minutes away, along with the neighbouring and bustling Docklands.&nbsp;

Footscray University and Hospital are also nearby, with both under a 10 minutes drive from Porter.&nbsp;

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The first stage of the development will deliver a collection of both apartments and townhouses, with the residences split across three releases; the Premier Collection, the Penthouse Collection and the Townhouse Collection. 

alisonwarters@gmail.com

From the former Victorian Railway Workshops to a new masterplanned community: How Blue Earth Group is transforming Spotswood Yards

Established in 1975, construction company, Hamilton Marino has had years to master their craft.

Positioning themselves as one of Australia’s leading builders, the group have been behind some of the country’s leading and most impressive residential builds, including the $40 million Marriot Courtyard, 4248 Claremont, and both the River One and River Front buildings.&nbsp;

Further earmarking themselves as a leader in the industry, Hamilton Marino also found themselves picking up a number of projects throughout the construction sector collapse, which saw a number of builders and construction groups fall short during the worker shortage and material-cost hike.&nbsp;

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The latest in Hamilton Marino’s pipeline will see the group work with Blue Earth on their multi-residential project, Porter, bringing to life a collection of residences on the site of the former Victorian Railway Workshops complex.

The Hamilton built-building will&nbsp;offer both apartments and townhouses from its prime Birmingham Street location, a stones throw from Spotswood Oval, as part of the wider masterplanned precinct, which will feature extensive amenity for all its residents.&nbsp;

Porter adds to a long list of projects Hamilton and Blue Earth have collaborated together on, with the duo combining for a whopping 35 projects previously.

Hamilton has even constructed the display suite for the Porter residences, so buyers can get a true sense and feel of the homes and know exactly the level of quality that the apartment will offer when completed.

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Blue Earth have relied on long-time collaborators for the architecture and interiors of the project as well, calling on&nbsp;<a href="/architects/cht-architects" target="_blank">CHT Architects</a>&nbsp;and Sora Interior Architecture and Design, who have worked on 22 of&nbsp;<a href="/developers/blue-earth-group" target="_blank">Blue Earth</a>'s previous&nbsp;developments.

Staged at the first building in the project, Porter will be accompanied by a second building in the future, to be known as Flagman, with 143 apartments penned for the site.

Delivered across three collections, buyers will have a choice between the Premier Collection, Penthouse Collection, and the Townhouse Collection, each offering a differing layout and lifestyle option, appealing to a wide range of discerning buyers.

Much like&nbsp;<a aria-label="Blue Earth - opens in new tab" data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-ext-link="" href="/developers/blue-earth-group" target="_blank" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/blue-earth-group$blueearth">Blue Earth</a>'s previous projects, there's extensive amenity, including a cinema, games room, central garden, co-working space and private offices, and even a dedicated dog wash.

Both buildings will feature a central garden, click and collect services, bike storage and lobby and concierge.

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Residents will also have access to a mobile phone app. The&nbsp;all-in-one Porter App, supported by the in-house concierge, will allow&nbsp;residents to book a range of services and facilities throughout the development.

Access to apartments is granted via the app, through keyless entry, as is the ability to grant remote access to visitors and trades.

The smart apartment app will also allow residents to control blinds, lights, heating and cooling, both from home or remotely.

The emerging Spotswood Yards precinct was originally the Victorian Railway Workshops complex including the former Ways &amp; Works Workshop.

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As a major employer over many years, Spotswood Yards still holds a strong community connection and sets to provide an additional vibrant layer to the Spotswood area.

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The latest in Hamilton Marino’s pipeline will see the group work with Blue Earth on their latest multi-residential project, bringing to life an apartment building on the site of the former Victorian Railway Workshops complex.



Buyers of Porter in Spotswood Yards can be confident with Hamilton Marino behind construction

Blue Earth Group haven't just developed a crop of residences in Spotswood, the group has taken to the leafy suburb to deliver a community.&nbsp;

Exclusive to the first stages of Spotswood Yards is 1,875 sqm of lifestyle amenity for residents to enjoy, including central gardens, lobby and concierge services, cinemas, co-working spaces, private offices, games rooms, EV charging, a dog wash, car wash and click and collect facilities.

A number of the amenity offerings at Spotswood Yards incorporate the latest technology, with many of the rooms and services available bookable through the resident’s all-in-one Porter app.&nbsp;

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From co-working spaces to seamless parcel and grocery delivery services, and in-house vehicle and dog washing facilities. Everything is easily accessed and monitored through the Porter App on your phone or tablet and supported by the in-house concierge.

Imagine driving home from work knowing your groceries will be waiting for you, the dry cleaning picked up and delivered, and no more missed Australia Post parcels. With bookings, orders and notifications through the Porter App, life is organised and integrated for every resident.&nbsp;

One of the many bookable spaces within Porter are the co-working spaces, designed to provide all the benefits of a city office, with the need to commute.&nbsp;

With working from home more common than ever, the fully-equipped spaces include individual offices, meeting rooms and communal spaces, creating the magic pairing of work/life balance with work/home separation. An outdoor extension of the co-working space is also provided, giving even greater flexibility to the working day.

Porter is also home to a range of entertainment zones, designed to suit every lifestyle, from kids to adults, to movie buffs and sports fans, there's something to fulfil every leisure time activity.&nbsp;

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Residents will be able to soak up the sun and enjoy the fresh air in the central gardens, which act as an extension of the homes, providing a private leafy sanctuary within the community. The latest&nbsp;blockbuster can also be enjoyed on the big screen, with the resident's cinema bookable through the Porter building app. A pool table is also included within Porter, along with a table tennis table and a number of arcade games, for a more relaxing way to pass the time.&nbsp;

An on-site car wash provides residents with a functionality often lost in residential developments. Queue-free washing can be reserved in the Porter app, with all the latest technology incorporated into the offering.&nbsp;

Spotswood Yards has also been developed as a pet-friendly community, with residents allowed to let their furry-friends roam around the grounds with them at any time.&nbsp;

Blue Earth hasn't forgotten about the future with Porter, with electric charging stations for shared use and, more importantly, capacity for chargers to be easily added to car spaces in the future provided throughout.

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Porter apartments provide the latest in secure and convenient apartment access, with keyless entry and the ability to grant remote access to visitors and trades, with the smart home app also allowing residents to control the blinds, lights, heating and cooling, both from home or remotely.

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How the Porter App will make life more convenient for buyers at Blue Earth's Spotswood Yards

A 53 residential-project and reimagining of a historic mansion and former Catholic convent as a private home is on track to create Geelong’s most expensive waterfront real estate.

After a number of years under the name CostaFox, the group are establishing themselves under a new identity, MONNO, and relaunching with a luxury Geelong project, Stella Maris.

Spearheading the team is Managing Director Geno Hubar, along with partner and CostaFox co-founder and Chairman, Robert Costa, with the group currently boasting seven live projects.

MONNO’s latest residential project joins a pipeline amassing a diverse $1.2 billion portfolio of residential and commercial projects in premium locations across Greater Melbourne and the Bellarine Peninsula.

<img alt="Render of the Stella Maris development on the Geelong coastline" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2eef508b-5e97-4902-89a7-8fa3de60c66d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/COST2002_Stella%20Maris_IV13%20Balcony.jpg?VersionId=8hXF2nT9rqIyqIDTmVpF5eEAjc3cdtNw" />Render of the Stella Maris development at 39 Bay Street.

Stella Maris takes inspiration from the site’s Italianate heritage mansion which will be returned to its former glory , setting up shop along Geelong’s waterfront at 39 Bay Street, Rippleside.&nbsp;

Offering unencumbered views of Corio Bay and the Geelong city skyline, the $125 million development will deliver 50 generously-sized apartments, along with three exclusive townhomes.&nbsp;

Designed by award winning architects Rothelowman, in collaboration with Carr Design, Stella Maris is one of the most premium apartment or townhouse offerings to hit the Bellarine Peninsula, positioning itself as the first truly luxurious waterfront residential development in Geelong.&nbsp;

The Italianate mansion at the centre of Stella Maris was built in 1848 and was one of the earliest mansion houses in Geelong. Known as St Helens, it was originally a substantial coastal private residence prior to being acquired by the Sisters of Mercy in 1923 and renamed Stella Maris – “Star of the Sea” – to be used as a convent and teaching institution.

MONNO engaged Rothelowman to reimagine the 1.25 hectare waterfront site with contemporary residential buildings centred around the retained and celebrated St Helens. Carr is tasked with returning the mansion back to its former glory as a single coastal residence paired with a contemporary rear addition with all the mod-cons synonymous with luxurious and contemporary living by the sea.&nbsp;

One-bedders in Stella Maris will start at $595,000, with the six three and four-bedroom penthouses ranging from $4 million to $6 million.&nbsp;

<img alt="Render of the wellness centre set for Stella Maris" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f59ac893-d566-4057-ae5d-c18834901139" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/COST2002_Stella%20Maris_CV04%20Pool%20Vignette.jpg?VersionId=2JCsPUEXuoXa9dhQgTZirZVnvZ7cgZkM" />Render of the wellness centre set for Stella Maris.

The project will include layered and textured landscaping, as well as sustainability features throughout, with the development boasting a fossil fuel free status.&nbsp;

As per all luxury developments, a host of residential amenity offerings will find a home within Stella Maris, with a comprehensive wellness centre planned, inclusive of a lap pool, gym, yoga and steam room, in addition to an edible garden, dog washing facilities and EV charging bays.&nbsp;

Hubay said the group was incredibly confident to bring Stella Maris to the market.

“It’s an exceptional coastal enclave that offers striking architecture with a new kind of living that the Bellarine Peninsula has not seen before. The project’s size and location are unique for Geelong and we’re excited about launching this November,” Hubay said.&nbsp;

Construction is set to commence in Q3 of 2023, with completion forecast for 2025.&nbsp;

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MONNO launch new brand with Geelong development Stella Maris in the pipeline

Following its full project sell-out amid commencing construction just last month, Third.i’s $180 million project, Balfour Place has taken home the win for two awards at this year’s PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards.

The Lindfield project was officially named the Best Low Rise Mixed Use Development of 2022 along with receiving the country award for Best Mixed Use Development (Australia) in the grand final.

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The award-winning project sold over $100 million in sales in its launch weekend alone, shortly securing the final sales thereafter to achieve its sell-out status.

After conducting market research and listening to the needs of the community, Third.i reduced the number of apartments on its development application as there was high demand for spacious living arrangements.&nbsp;

As a result, apartment numbers were dropped from 70 to 59, with the residences set to sit atop a new 4,500 sqm Coles Supermarket, a cafe and a heritage building that will be restored and leased as a commercial office space and beauty offering.

Balfour Place comprises a collection of one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments with sweeping views to the south-west, topped by a residents-only rooftop garden with communal facilities and a central podium courtyard with fresh greenery.

Construction crews have now kick-started works to bring the award-winner to fruition, with Australian builder Conquest appointed to the build, with completion slated for November 2024.

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Third.i. Co-Founder, Luke Berry said Balfour Place is a prime example of how the group is building communities that align with the needs of the market.&nbsp;

“The level of design and architecture has been carefully curated and I think it’s struck a chord with buyers who have recognised that we had larger living spaces on offer in an idyllic location&nbsp; with lifestyle amenities on your doorstep," he said.

“It truly will be a legacy destination for the area and we couldn’t be more thrilled to commence construction,” concluded Berry.

Balfour Place comprises a collection of one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments with sweeping views to the south-west, topped by a residents-only rooftop garden with communal facilities and a central podium courtyard with fresh greenery.

Balfour Place named best mixed-use development at PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards

Electric vehicle (EV) chargers are becoming a standard inclusion in many apartment developments nowadays.&nbsp;

Demand continues to increase for EV outlets across the country as more Australia’s move toward a more economical and sustainable future.

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Last month, Building and Energy Ministers from across the nation agreed to update the National Construction Code (NCC) minimum energy efficiency requirement from six to seven stars to ensure the homes built now are equipped for the future.

The reforms, which will commence from May next year, will include additional energy efficiency measures, including additional insulation, high quality glazing, increased focus on solar orientation, energy efficient appliances, roof-top solar and batteries, all of which will improve amenity and drive down energy bills.

The Ministers also agreed it was critical to make new homes electric vehicle-ready to avoid the costly exercise of retrofitting chargers.

Federal Industry Minister Ed Husic said new apartment buildings would also have to incorporate base infrastructure for future cabling and control-point installation to make them EV charger-ready.

One development group buying into planning for tomorrow is ASX-listed, Cedar Woods.

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Cedar Woods’ environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) strategy has resulted in the early adoption of many new environmental measures that will soon be required under the new NCC.

From achieving 7-star NaTHERS ratings, incorporating solar energy, zero landfill technology and EV infrastructure across a range of residential and commercial properties nationally, Cedar Woods recognises the role for developers to create sustainable communities that seek to minimise carbon emissions.

Cedar Woods’ Managing Director Nathan Blackburne said the property developer was proud of its reputation for being environmentally and socially responsible.

“We continually look for ways to reduce our ecological footprint and think about tomorrow,” Blackburne said.&nbsp;

“We are constantly assessing the design of all of our projects to ensure they adapt to the changing world in which we live and meet the needs of purchasers now and in the future.”

In Victoria, EV chargers have already been installed at Cedar Woods’ Huntington Apartments and are proposed for Aster Apartments at Jackson Green in Clayton South.&nbsp;

Residents at Aster and Huntington Apartments will also be able to hire an electric vehicle, a Tesla Model 3 by the hour. As the first car share initiative for Cedar Woods, the developer is hoping the program will encourage the uptake of EV’s in Australia.&nbsp;

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Blackburne said at Glenside, in Adelaide’s east in South Australia all apartments were designed EV ready and there are two chargers at Botanica Apartments for resident use.&nbsp;

Monarch Apartments, situated within the development, is also the first to incorporate new Cedar Woods’ apartment standards.

“Our new requirements mean EV infrastructure must be installed in a way that services all cars in the building. This includes switchboard sizing, off peak load management and cable trays for future EV charging installations by the purchasers,” Blackburne said.

Coupled with a multitude of other environmental features, the future proofing consideration of the building contributed to its early success, achieving 70 per cent sold out within three months of launching, and a 7.7-star NatHERS rating.&nbsp;As a result, the apartments began construction five months ahead of schedule.

“We recognise that our customers are becoming more environmentally conscious and increasingly they are expecting energy efficient features in homes.

“Planning for tomorrow will future-proof today’s projects, with all aspects from initial design through to approvals and the cost of electricity to be considered in development projects that are currently in the early-stages,” Blackburne added.&nbsp;

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Head of Energy and Infrastructure at the Electric Vehicle Council, Ross De Rango said that planning and preparation for a world with electric vehicles needs to happen now.&nbsp;

“EVs are the way of the future, so it is important we set up that future now. With the new National Construction Codes all apartment buildings will soon be required to incorporate readiness for electric vehicle chargers into their developments,” Rango said.

“It is far easier and cheaper to set up EV chargers during the construction process than installing them later down the track, particularly for large scale apartment developments.

<h2>Advantages of Electric Vehicles</h2>

Rango says that recent research shows that even if EV was charged by coal-fired electricity, it would still generate lower net emissions than internal combustion engine vehicles.

“As electricity grids become cleaner, so will EVs,” he said.&nbsp;

Reduced operating costs were also a significant motivator for people wanting to buy an EV, 
which are sometimes up to 10 times cheaper to run.&nbsp;

Rango said that the move to EVs would ultimately result in the $50 billion per year currently 
spent on importing fuel for road transport being redirected. With some distributed to the electricity sector to generate and deliver the extra electricity needed, a majority will instead be tracked back into the pockets of Australians.

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<h2>Supply and demand issues</h2>

Rango suggested there was no doubt Australian consumers wanted to buy EVs.&nbsp;

“The problem is we have a supply issue and the reason for this is because every other developed country, other than Australia and Russia, have minimum requirements for fuel efficiency standards and the introduction of EVs.”

The current supply issue is the key limiting factor preventing Australians from getting into EVs faster. In 2020 just 0.75 per cent of new car sales in Australia were EVs, in comparison to Norway, who boasts the biggest proportion of all new cars sold, with EVs comprising 70 per cent of the market.

<h2>Cost implications&nbsp;</h2>

Rango said the way forward was for developers to begin installing the EV stations during construction when the cost was significantly lower, compared to installing after.&nbsp;

“It is expected the cost of installing chargers during development will have a minimal impact on prices,” he said.

“However, if there is one resident who has an EV after the apartments are developed, the cost to incorporate a charging point could weigh heavily on everyone else in the building, with upgrades potentially costing tens of thousands of dollars.

“Incorporating charging infrastructure into construction projects will help to break down barriers to EV ownership and boost consumer confidence in EVs.”

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<h2>Preparing for tomorrow</h2>

In addition to incorporating chargers, Rango said developers would also need to have a plan for how charging will work in their apartment projects.&nbsp;

“If every car in the complex was charging at the same time, it would be very costly. Developers need to include systems that will schedule the majority of EV charging to off-peak times, when electricity will be cheaper, such as at night when residents are sleeping and there is spare network capacity.”

“There is also a need to incorporate costs in a way that doesn’t impact residents who are not using EVs. This could be done through specified strata fees or an external network provider,” Rango said.

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Cedar Woods’ environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) strategy has resulted in the early adoption of many new environmental measures that will soon be required under the new NCC.

Cedar Woods commits to build for tomorrow, today

Inspired by its coastal topography and local maritime history, Merchant Apartments are situated in the heart of AVJennings masterplanned community, Waterline Place.&nbsp;

As the grandest and final release within the community, Merchant comprises one, two and three-bedroom apartments, along with an exclusive collection of luxury Sky Homes on the upper levels.&nbsp;

Envisioned by internationally acclaimed architectural firm Elenberg Fraser, Merchant’s facade is inspired by the expansive views and coastal environment that envelopes it.

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From the upper levels, a glance in any direction presents aspects to either the waters in the south, the lights of the CBD to the east and far-reaching views across Williamstown and beyond to the west.

Set to be home to 14 residential buildings when completed, which will bring around 510 apartments and townhouses to the sought-after Williamstown pocket, the masterplanned community is all brought together by a series of active and pedestrian friendly streets and laneways - with&nbsp;Merchant Apartments at the centre of it all.

Offering a lifestyle with&nbsp;bayside&nbsp;charm, suburban vibrancy and ultimate connectivity, Merchant sits just 12 kilometres from the CBD, with Williamstown Train Station just a short walk away.

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With a rich maritime history, this picturesque&nbsp;bayside&nbsp;suburb is situated within Hobson Bay and offers cafes, restaurants, supermarkets, shops, swimming beaches and renowned boating clubs, all within walking distance or a short car-ride.&nbsp;

Residents can take the West Gate Freeway to access the city or surf the coast,&nbsp;or catch&nbsp;a&nbsp;ferry for a scenic journey across the bay.

Williamstown Botanical Gardens also sit just a short stroll away from Merchant, along with the many cafes scattered along Nelson Place.&nbsp;

Construction has commenced. Buy now and save on stamp duty.

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The vision for Waterline Place was to be a village within a village

How Merchant Apartments compliment the Williamstown community

Having recently launched it's latest project Lumina in Stones Corner, Brisbane developer Oakridge have their sights on their new project.

The Andrew Niven-founded private developer has lodged plans for The Pavilion in Upper Mount Gravatt.&nbsp;

A two-storey residence, which currently occupies the site, will be demolished to make way for three residential towers, set to comprise 144 apartments.

There's a full mix of configurations; 52 one-beds, 72 two-bedroom apartments, and 20 three-bed offerings.

Oakridge engaged architects MAS to design the residences, which take on a sub-tropical design.&nbsp;

<img alt="r" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3bfaacc9-7528-46e2-8a69-f7b3bf18a5f9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202022-12-08%20at%2010.19.09%20am.png?VersionId=1K.sx7luuedsErnasiQFt34wQeLgq6fh" />

Towers one and three span the majority of the site, with a predominantly rectangular footprint, located along the south and north boundaries. The central tower, on the other hand, has a predominant square shape, aligning to the west boundary.

A central courtyard will be used as a common recreation space, with barbecue facilities and a swimming pool, which are threaded together with softened landscaping and meandering footpaths that arrives at each tower lobby.&nbsp;

Orientation and solar aspect are front of mind in the project, with deep balcony overhangs and fenestration to combat the effects of the Australian sun. The west orientated faces of the building are treated with louvred screens that work to both filter sunlight and add privacy to the western neighbouring complex.&nbsp;

A subdued and refined material palette including off form concrete coupled with black and white tones has been selected to allow the vertical greenery elements be the focal point of attention.

Timber tones have been utilised on balcony roof ceilings along with secluded and muted dark tones which accentuate the presence of the highly densely populated gum trees. Tinted and clear glazing is interwoven with dark structural elements, adding contrast and texture, while powder-coated elements accent the external envelope, either in vertical or horizontal orientations.&nbsp;

<img alt="r" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4e8a0e0c-754c-467a-9a42-dbd590157406" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202022-12-08%20at%2010.20.19%20am.png?VersionId=8LSvdNQQuIyi2Qp1A1ihZ3YWPuxLzcbA" />

Access to the residential basement level occurs on the south side of the site, at the bottom end of Hibiscus Place, with the volumetric level transitioning between body, podium and basement to become a visual experience as well as tying into the verdant surrounds.

Offering a well-connected lifestyle, The Pavilion is situated approximately 11-kilometres from Brisbane’s CBD, and within walking distance to Griffith University and Westfield Mt Gravatt.

Oakridge are soon to demolish the&nbsp;landmark Freemason building in Stones Corner, replacing it with a 12-level glass-swathed tower with 97 apartments.

<img alt="Lumina" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="238742d5-0fbd-46c1-85fc-9e9bebd9a821" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Stones%20Corner%20Rooftop%20View%2001%20Final%20www.nordstudio.com_.au%20-JPG%20%28lower%20resolution%20for%20email%20use%20only%29.jpg?VersionId=NY9iIXmoR8TAO9Wd6x.osvqZ0fI1cLP9" />

Lumina, at 17 Cleveland Street in Stones Corner, just south of the Woolloongabba Olympic precinct, will also feature two ground level retail spaces and an impressive rooftop amenity.

On the roof is a&nbsp;dedicated kids play area, with an acrylic or astro turfed floor which will be netted. There will be a roofed area for further activity, as well as two pools, a spa, private dining space with kitchen, barbecue areas, a communal garden, and a gym with a sauna.

NMDS Architecture has drawn up the plans for the tower, which has been orientated to take in extensive views. The bigger three-bedroom units, which are expected to appeal to the family demographic, face both the park and the city.

Lumina will also offer a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, to cater for&nbsp;all types of buyers, from investors and first home buyers to rightsizers, downsizers, and families.

A two-storey residence, which currently occupies the site, will be demolished to make way for three residential towers, set to comprise 144 apartments

First look: Oakridge lodge plans for Upper Mount Gravatt apartment project, The Pavilion

The luxury eastern suburbs apartment developer Clutch Capital has lodged plans for their latest residential development.&nbsp;

The group, who have a string of projects across Bellevue Hill, Bondi Junction and Rose Bay, will develop just seven apartments on a large 1470 sqm block at 440 Edgecliff Road.

PBD has handled the architecture, aiming to blend the new&nbsp;six-storey building seamlessly with the surrounding context.

Four three-bedroom apartments and three penthouse-size apartments will be on offer, each extending onto generously-sized balconies or terraces, positioned to flow from primary living spaces and take advantage of the sites northernly aspect.

A modulated facade will front Edgecliff Road, with a central void space at the lower ground floor and ground floor levels. Levels four to six will reduce the perceived external bulk and scale, with setbacks applied to the front, sides and rear of the building. 

Tying in with the Edgecliff locale, an exisiting sandstone wall will be preserved on the site, with masonry cladded blade walls used as a unifying element to the upper and lower levels of the building.

<img alt="Render of the proposed building" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32c680f5-0bd3-41a1-bbf2-4e0fef3561ae" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202022-12-09%20at%209.44.16%20am.png?VersionId=qrODsE5LYByQ1C64pX5OiHq.CAjMLOEh" />

Cross flow ventilation has been maximised where possible, while overhang depths and recessed balconies will provide shade in the summer months and promote thermal heat gain during the winter months.&nbsp;

Energy efficient appliances and fixtures are provided with low maintenance, long lifecycle and reusable materials, with communal recycling and waste management facilities are provided for on-site rainwater detention and re-use.

A close collaboration with renowned landscape architect Myles Baldwin has resulted in a synthesis of building design and it's natural surroundings, with the landscape design drawing upon the unique ecological character of Edgecliff. 
 
A communal open space will also be featured in the project, complete with a pool, lounge and outdoor seating, in addition to landscaped areas which have been created to promote social interaction and create a sense of community within the building.&nbsp;

The site is also located within close proximity to a number of convenient facilities including public transport, supermarkets, educational and leisure facilities as well as schools and healthcare.&nbsp;

Clutch are behind Bellevue Hill's newest project MIRA, as well as NOVE, DUSK and OPUS in Rose Bay, and BRONTE and PORTER in Bondi Junction.

PBD has handled the architecture, aiming to blend the new six-storey building seamlessly with the surrounding context

Luxury developer Clutch Capital lodge plans for Edgecliff apartments

Hyecorp's latest apartment development Audrey, has been purposefully designed to cater for every buyer demographic.

First home buyers have shown significant interest in the entry-level apartments, which start from $860,000, due to the extra multi-purpose rooms on offer.

The two and three-bedroom apartments each also have a multi-purpose room. The two-bedders start from $1.45 million and three-bedroom apartments from $2.15 million.&nbsp;

The inclusion of multi-purpose rooms in every apartment was a conscious effort from Hyecorp to offer more than what is on offer elsewhere in the area. Potentially even acting as a second bedroom, the MPR is primarily targeted at those who are still frequently working from home, and want a separate office room away from their every day living space.&nbsp;

Construction at the Canberra Avenue site, across the road from Newlands Park, is set to commence this month, with the prominent lower north shore developer targeting a mid-2024 completion date.

The St Leonards tower will home 80 apartments across 12-storeys, with local architecture group SJB on board to handle the architecture.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110379 project_image_fid=198685]

Some of the one-bedroom plus multi-purpose-room apartments offer a car space, and start from $975,000. They have over 60 sqm of open plan living space, where residents will be able to enjoy an amplified sense of space that seamlessly flows from indoor to outdoor living.

The two-bedroom residences have 105 sqm of internal living space.

The multi-purpose room offerings provides buyers with an additional space in their homes, suited to all lifestyles, with the room fit to be utilised for a multitude of options including as a separate study space, a nursery or a guest bedroom.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110379 project_image_fid=208406]

Positioned in the heart of the home, the kitchens feature pull out pantries, along with a spice rack and Miele appliances, including a fully integrated refrigerator and dishwasher.&nbsp;

Bespoke joinery extends from the kitchens into the open plan living by incorporating a built in entertainment unit and integrated storage.

Buyers will also be able to customise each apartment if they purchase before construction commences later in the month, with Hyecorp’s point of difference, the Live your Way service, which offers buyers a five-hour consultation with the group’s Interior Designer in which they can customise their home.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110379 project_image_fid=192150]

Taking inspiration from five-star resorts, Audrey will also be home to a suite of residential amenity, including an onsite day care and cafe.&nbsp;

Crowning the tower will be a resident’s rooftop, complete with barbecue facilities, dining room, personal training studio, music room, cinema, a pool and a spa.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=110379]

The multi-purpose room inclusion drawing buyers to Hyecorp's St Leonards apartment development, Audrey

Queensland builder-developer MAYD has revealed the first look at its major North Kirra beachfront development, lodging amended plans that reduce the number of apartments and increase the proportion of larger residences.

The project is planned across a substantial 4,742 sqm amalgamated site spanning seven lots at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/2-6-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">2-6 Pacific Parade</a> and 27-33 Golden Four Drive in Bilin​ga, directly opposite Nor​th Kirra Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD</a> secured the site for $32.5 million in 2025, in what was one of the Gold Coast's largest property transactions of the year.

The development will be delivered across two stages, with the first stage carrying an estimated gross realisation value of around $360 million.

The latest amendments seek to reduce the overall apartment count and shift the project further toward the owner-occupier market, with larger residences designed for buyers wanting considerably more space than traditionally offered in a beachfront apartment.

The residential mix will include townhomes, oversized two-bedroom apartments, substantial three-bedroom residences and four-bedroom homes.

MAYD has appointed Cera Stribley to lead the architecture and interiors, with the Melbourne-based design practice drawing on the beachfront setting through a series of ocean-facing terraces and heavily landscaped balconies.

Strong horizontal forms and curved balconies will define the exterior, with subtropical landscaping integrated throughout the building to soften the built form and increase the connection between the residences and the beachfront.

The project will also include an extensive collection of resident wellness and lifestyle facilities, continuing the broader shift across the Gold Coast's luxury apartment market toward larger homes supported by resort-style amenity.

<img alt="MAYD" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1bcbb05-e659-4b47-8bd4-1e595315e2ad" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%202.05.03%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=jj0XEud1X1DuLt7_KyElhjMdZGOXmLHP" />

MAYD Founder Todd Mould said North Kirra was increasingly appealing to buyers attracted to the more established, lower-density character of the southern Gold Coast.

"North Kirra presents one of the most compelling luxury residential opportunities currently emerging in Australia, combining absolute beachfront with the character and authenticity that buyers are increasingly seeking, and the same sense of tight-knit community that defined Burleigh and Currumbin perhaps 10 or 15 years ago," Mould said.

"With Gold Coast Airport on its doorstep, it also offers a level of accessibility that broadens its appeal across almost every market demographic."

The project comes as the southern Gold Coast continues to attract an increasing share of high-end apartment development and buyer activity.

Kirra in particular has emerged as one of the region's more tightly held beachfront markets, with its relatively low-density character, established surf and hospitality scene and proximity to Gold Coast Airport differentiating it from the higher-density markets further north.

Mould said those characteristics had informed the approach MAYD and Cera Stribley had taken to the project.

"We've worked closely with Cera Stribley to create a vision that is deeply connected to its surroundings," he said.

"Inspired by the coastline itself, the architecture has been shaped around space, privacy and resort-style living, creating a collection of homes that reflects the next generation of luxury on the southern Gold Coast."

MOTIV Managing Director Carly Cottam, who has been appointed to market the project, said buyer attention had continued to move south along the Gold Coast.

"Purchasers who may once have defaulted to Broadbeach, Main Beach or Surfers Paradise are increasingly recognising the value of a genuine beachfront location that offers lower density, strong amenity and a more established sense of community," Cottam said.

"Kirra has a powerful combination of growing demand and genuine scarcity. Beachfront supply is inherently constrained, the area remains relatively low density, and buyers are increasingly placing a premium on locations that feel established, uncrowded and authentic rather than heavily developed."

Cottam said the proximity to Gold Coast Airport was also proving increasingly important for interstate and second-home buyers.

"Being minutes from Gold Coast Airport makes it particularly compelling for interstate buyers, frequent travellers and second-home purchasers who can access an authentic coastal lifestyle almost immediately after stepping off a flight."

The acquisition takes MAYD's active development portfolio to more than $500 million, with the North Kirra project representing one of its largest undertakings to date.

MAYD is targeting an early 2027 launch.

Joel Robinson

First look at MAYD's North Kirra mixed-use precinct

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Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.

But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.

Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377679]

The project will comprise three residential towers alongside a hotel, restaurants, cafes and a skybar, more than 1,600 sqm of ground-floor retail and almost an acre of landscaped gardens.

It represents the largest project undertaken by Reve Group, the development arm of the Kassis family, which has been building across the Hills District for more than 30 years through Kassis Homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]

Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.

Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.

Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]

Reve Group Managing Director Sam Kassis said the project reflected the family's three decades of building in the Hills, which has evolved from trophy homes on quarter-acre blocks to larger-scale apartment development.

"Grand Rêve was our first apartment project here and it showed us what this pocket of Castle Hill could be. Nova Rêve is the refinement of that idea: not just apartments, but a place the whole suburb can use," Kassis said.

A key part of that approach is the hotel, which has been designed to operate as an amenity for the wider Castle Hill community rather than solely hotel guests.

It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.

At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.

Almost an acre of gardens designed by Land and Form Studios will run through the precinct, incorporating pathways, seating, barbecue areas and children's play spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377680]

Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.

"There are gardens with pathways, barbecues, seating and play areas, shops and cafes opening onto the street, and a hotel with restaurants and a skybar that anyone in Castle Hill can walk into," Georges said.

The project's elevated position on one of Sydney's highest ridgelines will also provide apartments with outlooks toward the Sydney skyline, surrounding parkland and the Blue Mountains.

More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.

&nbsp;

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Nova Rêve arrives as Reve Group bets on Castle Hill's next growth phase

A collection of just 25 large-format apartments and penthouses overlooking Goodwin Park is entering the Coolangatta market, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marea-residences-coolangatta-27-27a-dixon-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Maréa Residences</a> combining a low-density, residential-only approach with uninterrupted park and Pacific Ocean outlooks.

Located at 27 Dixon Street, Maréa comprises three and four-bedroom residences alongside a limited number of dual-level penthouses, with the project positioned between Goodwin Park and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/coolangatta-qld-4225">Coolangatta</a>’s coastal precinct.

Construction has commenced, with completion currently estimated for late 2027. Three-bedroom residences are priced from $1.8 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374005]

The project has been designed around its northern outlook across the park, with the building’s architecture, landscaping and material palette intended to establish a connection with the neighbouring green space. The residences have been configured to maximise natural light and views across Goodwin Park towards the ocean.

Inside, the material palette incorporates timber, stone and brushed brass, complemented by curved detailing and ambient lighting. Kitchens and bathrooms carry the same natural material approach, while residences also include basement parking, storage and lift access.

Maréa’s penthouses are arranged over two levels and include private pools, adding another layer to the project’s focus on larger-format apartment living. Across the development, residences are configured with three or four bedrooms rather than the broader mix of smaller apartment types commonly found in larger projects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374010]

Resident amenity is concentrated at rooftop level, where landscaped entertaining terraces and pools take advantage of elevated views across Coolangatta and the Pacific Ocean.

The project has so far been particularly well received by local owner-occupiers and downsizers, according to Urban Activation Property Sales and Marketing Director Matt George, with the residential-only format, construction quality and northern park outlook among the features resonating with purchasers.

“The uninterrupted northern aspect overlooking Goodwin Park has been a key point of difference, with buyers attracted to the sense of serenity and open space the park provides, while still enjoying easy access to the ocean and being within walking distance of the lifestyle and amenities Coolangatta has to offer,” George said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374002]

“The combination of high-quality construction, a residential-only building, park outlook and proximity to the beach has resonated strongly with the local downsizer market.”

The Dixon Street address is within walking distance of Coolangatta Beach and the broader southern Gold Coast coastline, including the surf breaks at Snapper Rocks and Kirra. Coolangatta’s cafés, restaurants and retail are nearby, while Gold Coast Airport is also within close proximity.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150999]

Maréa Residences brings parkside apartments to Coolangatta

Melbourne developer PDG has secured Victorian Government approval for its $1.5 billion Southbank development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-one-1-queens-bridge-street-southbank-vic-3006">The One</a>, clearing the way for the long-dormant riverfront site opposite Crown to finally be developed.

The Minister for Planning has approved the project at 1-29 Queens Bridge Street, with the Department of Transport and Planning issuing the planning permit following its assessment.

The approval will allow PDG to develop the prominent 5,059 sqm site with a major mixed-use tower comprising premium apartments, including branded residences, a luxury hotel and boutique office space.

PDG acquired the site in late 2024, with its position directly opposite Crown's main entrance and near Melbourne's Arts Precinct making it one of Southbank's most significant remaining development opportunities.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3933013e-6332-4386-b9be-089df05caf17" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.22%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sITIgBqDL0N3VNSMwWEmF5UA.uvcsRyu" />

Designed by COX in collaboration with ODO and PDG, the tower's architecture draws on the movement of the Yarra River, with six vertical pleats running the height of the sculpted facade.

The project will also see the heritage-listed Queens Bridge Hotel restored and incorporated into the development&nbsp;with new hospitality and public uses, including a rooftop venue.

A significant component of The One will be its residential amenity.

More than 5,000 sqm of resident facilities will be delivered across a single level, making it one of the largest consolidated residential amenity offerings proposed in an Australian apartment development.

The planning approval also incorporates a major upgrade of Queensbridge Square, which PDG will deliver in partnership with the City of Melbourne.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73167fcd-1031-4b6f-a408-a064cfe45ed1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.17%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Pf1AEWxw6SNmBqR0zQW5lyEze.MtxgFp" />

The existing square will be revitalised as a new civic and pedestrian space along the Yarra River, strengthening the connection between the project, Southbank and the riverfront.

PDG Founder and Managing Director Vince Giuliano said the approval represented a major milestone for a site which has remained largely underutilised for more than 15 years.

“This is the most significant Planning Permit approval Melbourne has seen in recent years,” Giuliano said.

“For more than 15 years, this site has remained underutilised. This approval enables us to deliver a project that will contribute meaningfully to the revitalisation of Southbank, restore and reactivate an important heritage building, and create a new civic and hospitality destination for Melbourne.”

The latest approval follows an earlier planning permit issued by the City of Melbourne covering demolition works across part of the site at 9-29 Queens Bridge Street. Those demolition and early works are already underway.

PDG has also started generating early interest in the residential component from owner-occupiers ahead of a planned public launch in early 2027.

PDG secures approval for $1.5bn Southbank apartment development, The One

Local developer Harridan is seeking to turn its Woolloongabba apartment project into the first stage of a broader transformation of Burke Street, using a new 16-storey mixed-use building to establish a greener pedestrian connection toward the rapidly evolving Boggo Road transport and knowledge precinct.

The South East Queensland developer has filed plans for 154 apartments on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-burke-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">southern side of Burke Street</a>, where its proposal has been designed alongside a wider vision by LatStudios for the street.

That vision positions the southern side of Burke Street for buildings of 15 storeys and above, while envisaging lower-rise development of up to five storeys on the northern side to transition into Woolloongabba's existing character housing. It also proposes wider pedestrian verges, deep planting, new street trees and upgrades to the pedestrian approach to Boggo Road Station.

The Harridan development itself has been designed by Brisbane-based Arqus Design and will comprise 154 apartments across 16 storeys. The mix is weighted heavily toward two-bedroom apartments, with 121 proposed alongside 10 one-bedroom and 23 three-bedroom residences. There will typically be around 14 units per floor.

A lower-ground car park and three podium levels will accommodate 156 resident parking spaces, along with visitor and commercial parking. There will also be 154 resident bicycle spaces and 40 visitor bicycle parks.

&nbsp;

Harridan is a family-owned developer and part of the Holmwood Highgate Group, with more than three decades of development activity across South East Queensland. Its portfolio spans residential, commercial and industrial property, with current residential projects including Riverbank on Byron in Bulimba, Esperance Residences in Carina and The Precinct at Kinross Road in Thornlands.

Wooloongabba has been popular for apartment developers, particularly since the announcement of the 2032 Summer Olympics games in Brisbane.

While there have been a lot of development applications, it has failed to materialize into real supply.&nbsp;

Sarazin has been the major player in the area. They are under construction at Murcia Residences, on the fringe of East Brisbane and Woolloongabba. They have just launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-stanley-residences-woolloongabba-8-trafalgar-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">The Stanley Residences</a>, in Woolloongabba on Trafalagar Street. They also have Nuage coming soon on the nearby <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nuage-woolloongabba-14-wellington-road-woolloongabba-qld-4102">Wellington Road</a>.

Alison Warters

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