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Across Australia, housing our growing population in areas close to centres of employment, essential services and desirable amenities is becoming increasingly difficult to do in an affordable way - as a result people tend to seek more affordable areas to live further away resulting in longer commutes, less time for people to spend with families or on social activities.
<img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_702px" height="395" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/316050-house-for-rent_HS.jpg?itok=qr2zr4SX" width="702">
Providing additional amenity in these areas usually takes a long time and costs a lot of money to develop and unfortunately, in today's political climate, will only be developed if these areas are in marginal electorates. I'll leave that discussion for another time.  To combat the housing affordability issue in a more timely and effective manner, the Federal Government created the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS) which commenced in 2008.  It seems to provide a method and incentive for Australian property investors to buy new property (off the plan), whilst stimulating the economy, building industry nationally and improving the availability of quality rental housing in more desirable areas.  
According to the NRAS Australia website, The NRAS has been designed to:
<ul>
<li>
		encourage investors to develop additional new houses for the rental market.</li>
	<li>
		provide an affordable rent program for average Australian wage earners as individuals, couples or families. It is not social housing.</li>
	<li>
		yield higher than usual returns for investors in the residential property market.</li>
	<li>
		increase the number of rental dwellings built through the stimulation of demand and investment, while supporting the building industry, related jobs and the Australia economy.</li>
	<li>
		The Government aims to achieve this by providing a tax incentive for investors in NRAS properties in return for the properties being rented at a discounted rate.</li>
</ul>
It is important to stress that NRAS properties are not designed to be social or housing commission style properties, but more so, they are designed to provide accessibility to affordable rental housing for low to moderate income tenants.  One example of the importance for this scheme is to provide professionals in the essential services sector - such as ambulance officers and firefighters - who need to live close to their work place.
Due to the popularity of NRAS properties, a series of strict guidelines are in place to ensure the people who need these types of properties most are catered for accordingly.  NRAS properties are overseen by NRAS tenancy managers who assess tenant incomes upon initial application and do so on an ongoing basis, ensuring the scheme remains relevant to those most in need.
The NRAS is funded by the Federal Government for up to 50,000 dwellings and will come to an end for new investments on 30 June 2016. Owners of NRAS properties will continue to have access to the tax incentives on offer as part of the scheme for 10 years post the land/strata title transfer date.
 
Sources and further reading
http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/our-responsibilities/housing-support/programs-services/national-rental-affordability-scheme
http://www.nraspropertydirect.com.au/
http://www.nrasaustralia.com.au/national-rental-affordability-scheme-nras-property-what-is-nras
 
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flame

The National Rental Affordability Scheme explained

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Four years have passed since Citta Property Group's proposal to redevelop the contentious St Kilda Triangle site was rejected with the premium Melbourne site still an asphalt car park servicing the hordes of visitors from far and wide so they can grace the St Kilda foreshore and surrounds.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Triangle%20proposal%20looking%20towards%20Palais.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Former St Kilda Triangle Proposal. Image © Citta Property Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="290" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Triangle%20proposal%20looking%20towards%20Palais.jpg?itok=9zNKCsbx" title="Former St Kilda Triangle Proposal. Image © Citta Property Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Former St Kilda Triangle Proposal. Image © Citta Property Group</figcaption></figure>The site was once swampland, yet was transformed into recreational space after the foreshore was drained and reclaimed. During 1906 the St Kilda Council established the Foreshore Trust and the area was re-invented by Carlo Catani into a mediterranean style resort consisting of the iconic Luna Park in and amongst tearooms and a kiosk similar to what was found in Catani's motherland. Today the St Kilda Triangle site is precisely that, a triangular shaped parcel of land bordered by The Esplanade to the north and St Kilda foreshore/Jacka Boulevard to the south. Along with Cavell St, the heritage listed 1920's Henry E. White-designed Palais Theatre forms the eastern border. In a larger context the site is located neatly between the restaurant strip of Fitzroy Street to the north and the once prodominently Jewish enclave of Acland Street now consisting of bars and the popular and famous cake shops.

However for much of the areas existence the publically owned land has been underutilised as an open air carpark which triggered the development of the St Kilda Foreshore Urban Design Framework (UDF) during 2001 in an attempt to increase the area's amenity, and better serve the ever increasing patrons using the foreshore. The UDF identifed several principles for the future of the triangle site with one including a low rise development whilst protecting and enhancing the local culture with provisions for increased public space and ensuring that the area remained consistent with its entertainment history as set out by Carlo Catani.

By mid 2007, the Port Phillip City Council and the State Government had awarded a tender to lease and redevelop the St Kilda Triangle to Citta Property Group in partnership with the then Babcock &amp; Brown following an expressions of interest process that took some years to complete. As part of the redevelopment, Citta Property Group gathered a clutch of designers and advisors in order to provide the most appropriate outcome for the site's setting. Local architecture firm Ashton Raggatt McDougall joined the team, known for their unique and interesting interpretation of architecture and its relationship with street level amenity.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/leading%20to%20the%20foreshore.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="View to the St Kilda Foreshore. Image © Citta Property Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="290" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/leading%20to%20the%20foreshore.jpg?itok=0O-exGqA" title="View to the St Kilda Foreshore. Image © Citta Property Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>View to the St Kilda Foreshore. Image © Citta Property Group</figcaption></figure>A boutique hotel, TAFE campus, retail outlets with a mixture of local and chain establishments, various nightclubs and bars (including Ministry of Sound) were in the mix which also included public open space in the form of an extensive grassed area above the retail outlets and underground car parking spaces.

Invariably along with the announcement of this proposal came a flood of local community opposition to the scale of the development in a much loved area of Melbourne, primarily lead by the action group UnChain St Kilda. Accordingly to the <a href="http://www.unchain.org.au" target="_blank">group's website</a> they are an incorporated body of people that were brought together by the proposed overdevelopment of the St Kilda triangle site. They contend that community discontent surrounding the proposed development were a result of poor governance at local and state levels. UnChain St Kilda lead the community backlash against the proposal which culminated in fiery council meetings which packed out the Port Phillip Council Chambers and created headlines across print, TV and radio media at the time. At the height of local discontent during 2007 their overdevelopment message was supercharged by local celebrities such as Dave Hughes and Rachel Griffiths to name but a few, with a documentary titled <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/tv/Current-Affairs/Triangle-Wars-2862204" target="_blank">Triangle Wars</a> also highlighting the amount of anger and vitriol present at the time. The film followed the journey of a number of key figures in the battle including the diminutive vocal Frenchman, Serge Thomann who went on to win a seat at Port Phillip City Council in 2008 following the UnChain St Kilda campaign.

When talking about the St Kilda Triangle saga, we cannot leave out Dick Gross, at the time a former Port Phillip City Councillor who gained local notoriety as a supporter of the failed Citta Property Group proposal. Both Thomann and Gross have maintained a long standing feud that revolved around the St Kilda Triangle site development. During 2007, Gross said of the proposal "I was part of the Council that had the culture of saying no to everything. And by saying no we got a feeling of virtuous righteousness, but we were as impotent as a pre Viagra 70 year old. We were getting nothing done." He went on further, "My fear is that if you say no too often, State Government will come in and impose a solution which will be worse. I promise you that it will be worse."In a way Dick Gross was and still is correct, one of the roles of local government is to be the first port of call for its local constituents for issues affecting the immediate community and acting upon those needs quickly and maturely in the interest of their rate payers.

In the aftermath of the bitter rangling over the future of the Triangle site, the new Council commissioned feasibility studies and conducted a total of four consultations with the community to develop the 2012 St Kilda Triangle Framework. Unsurprisingly, former Councillor Dick Gross was uninspired by the document saying that the lack of details was a disgrace. However on the flip side, Thomann was somewhat more sympathic to the document saying that "it is a little vague, but is looking forward to getting back onto council and expending as much energy on developing this plan and turning it into something more real."

The key features of the document as stated on the Port Phillip Council are as follows:

<ul>
<li>Landscaped public space</li>
	<li>Views of the foreshore</li>
	<li>Low scale sustainable development</li>
	<li>Land for future Palais Theatre improvements</li>
	<li>Principles to guide development of the site</li>
	<li>Live music and performance opportunities</li>
	<li>Improved beach access for pedestrians</li>
	<li>Links to transport, Acland and Fitzroy Streets</li>
	<li>A possible underground carpark</li>
	<li>A funding and implementation strategy</li>
</ul>
These key findings appear reasonable options for the future of the site, but the aspects that really needs to be considered far more in my opinion are transport links and the conduit that the site should provide between Acland and Fitzroy Streets. I believe that this connection is vitally important, leading to the completion of the urban fabric of St Kilda. All efforts should be made to enhance the public realm whilst minimising further auto traffic attracted to the eventual development.

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/leading%20to%20the%20foreshore.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="View to the St Kilda Foreshore. Image © Citta Property Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/leading%20to%20the%20foreshore.jpg?itok=uECFS-1C" title="View to the St Kilda Foreshore. Image © Citta Property Group" typeof="Image"></a>

So after years of bickering, campaigns and consultations after consultations, a question that sticks in my mind is what are peoples motivations behind all of this? Some say the community have concerns about crown land being handed to developers to, in their words, build a "Chadstone by the Sea". Were local residents worried that the development would introduce more alcohol fuelled violence to an area that historically has had a problem with such problems? Then there's the loss of vistas over the bay for residents fronting The Esplanade and the loss of "open space" where in fact, the development would have delivered additional useable open space as aforementioned in this article, whilst the design purposely proposed to be low rise as to not lose these much treasured vistas. I believe it was a combination of a lot of different factors but my favourite line came from my former employer during 2008 (and long time St Kilda resident) after a long day in the field when I asked him what he thought of the St Kilda Triangle, he replied by saying "I hate it", naturally I asked why? He responded with "It will reduce the amount of car parking for the locals". As you can imagine at the time I was a little bemused knowing that the development proposed additional car parking as well, but I guess it shows that everyone had their own views on the site, informed or otherwise.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Internal%20courtyard.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Former St Kilda Triangle Proposal. Image © Citta Property Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="290" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Internal%20courtyard.jpg?itok=6udMMJrt" title="Former St Kilda Triangle Proposal. Image © Citta Property Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Former St Kilda Triangle Proposal. Image © Citta Property Group</figcaption></figure>Ultimately, and I hate to be the bearer of bad news for some, but I feel the community backlash was not the deathknell for this project that many has suggested. In fact, something that may be considered the elephant in the room in all of this, would be the impact the global financial crisis had on this project going ahead. I would assert that if the GFC didn't hit the global markets at the time of the proposed Citta development moving toward leasing and eventual construction, would we be hanging out at one of the many restaurants at the newly developed Triangle site on a sunny Saturday afternoon sipping sangrias... more than likely.

But it was not to be and the site remains an open air car park and one of the most prized, underdeveloped waterfront locations in Australia. In hindsight, I feel that the Citta proposal was somewhat excessive in context , however when this development eventually does occur I sincerely hope is that the site is not underdeveloped as a result of a community angst still apparent from the events of 2007. Finding the right development balance is the vexing question. Ideally I see the Triangle site linking both Fitzroy St and Ackland St whilst also satisfying the needs of visitors, the local community and the Melburnians at large. We want something to be proud of!

The key features of the framework document provides merely a starting point and much more needs to be done to ensure an outcome that is fitting of this premium location. In finishing I leave you with two points. Firstly, the St Kilda foreshore belongs to everyone and not those that have the means and privilege to be able to live in what is now an exclusive beach side area. Secondly, I would like to reflect on the sentiment of Dick Gross' words, if we say no too often then we run the risk of ending up with an outcome that is worse. Compromising the benefit/enjoyment of the wider community by pandering to the vocal objections of a few could constitute a bad outcome.

<h2>Sources and further reading</h2>

<ul>
<li>http://stkildatriangle.com/</li>
	<li>http://www.unchain.org.au/</li>
	<li>http://www.citta.com.au/pages/projects/st_kilda_triangle.php</li>
	<li>http://stkildanews.com/the-st-kilda-triangle-wars-continue/</li>
	<li>http://vicmps.greens.org.au/content/st-kilda-triangle-development</li>
	<li>http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/aug-2012-media_4668.htm</li>
</ul>
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St Kilda Triangle site: The missing link

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Over the last decade or so, petrol prices have more than doubled and the amount of available and accessible agricultural land has decreased mainly due to suburban sprawl extending further and further away from the major city centres where the majority of our population reside. This invariably has placed cost pressures on the price of fresh produce, increases the environmental impacts through greenhouse gas emissions and puts pressure on the cost of living. To combat this, the most sensible option would be to bring accessible agricultural land closer to the city centres however a combination of high land prices and a shortage in suitable farming land makes this option close to impossible to achieve.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image gallery-all" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/NYC%20farm.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Eagle Street Farms overlooking New York City. Image credit: rooftopfarms.org"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/NYC%20farm.jpg?itok=DSivgd2p" title="Eagle Street Farms overlooking New York City. Image credit: rooftopfarms.org" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

<figcaption>Eagle Street Farms overlooking New York City. Image credit: rooftopfarms.org</figcaption></figure>Roof-tops are generally seen as the most ideal locations for setting up farms as they are usually the least occupied areas and have generous amounts of sunlight and rain which are essential to a thriving garden. In recent times, there have been many initiatives to incorporate community gardens in existing areas and residential buildings including the Pop-Up Patch located at the Federation Square car park where inner city dwellers rent out veggie patches made from apple containers and pay a modest fee. Another noteable example is the Eagle Street roof-top farm located on a warehouse roof in Greenpoint, Brooklyn in New York City (pictured above). According to the farms fact sheet, the farm comprises of an approximate area of 6,000 square feet (approximately 557 square metres) and provides ultra local fresh produce to the North Brooklyn community along with providing educational programs on how to grow and maintain an urban farm. Furthermore, the initial start up costs for getting the farm up and running was approximately AUD$9.52 per square metre (USD$0.90 per square foot based on a conversion rate of $1 AUD to $1.05 USD) however it was noted that this costing was far cheaper than a standard installations due to the use of recycled materials where possible.

The aforementioned examples demonstrate how existing structures could potentially be utilised to incorporate roof-top farms however the next challenge is to incorporate these roof-top farms into new developments and potentially introducing planning policies or state government tax cuts to encourage developers to incorporate community farms into proposed residential developments. Some of the potential benefits for such initiatives could include:

<ul>
<li>Local food production for the community living within the residential building which will be available to all residents and could even potentially be used as a source of income.</li>
	<li>Increased community engagement by residents with them working together to care for the farms.</li>
	<li>Increased health and well-being.</li>
	<li>Reduced rainwater run-off from the roof as the water will be either captured in the garden beds and/or captured in rainwater tanks which could be used during the drier months of the year.</li>
	<li>Environmental impact may be reduced due to the elimination of the need to transport the produce from a farm in a provinicial area to the city centres.</li>
	<li>Through the use of educational programs, residents can learn new farming skills and pass those skills onto others.</li>
</ul>
A group of Melbourne urban professionals teamed up recently to consider the viability of establishing an urban rooftop farms. Inspired by the <a href="/new-apartments/melbourne-vic">City of Melbourne</a>'s ambitions to be a "green city"; Pippa Howard, Nicky Scheltus and Alex Houlston have combined their powers along with Russell Hughes, to come up with a plan to develop a sustainable rooftop farm. "imagine rooftop gardens and other dead spaces being put to use growing fresh fruit and vegetables for sale to city swellers" said Pippa, an architect and part time lecturer in environmental design.

The group is preparing a business model for developing an urban farm over the Queen Victoria Market car park which is approximately 2.5 hectares in area. "The Queen Victoria Market is a fantastic case study of how you can make a city much more self-reliant in terms of food supply as well as creating a vibrant and exciting urban space" said Alex who has a strong background in urban design. Further: "Our case study will examine opportunities such as building a lightweight, tiered structure on top of the car park, or potentially redeveloping the site for the community's advantage with a rooftop produce garden, bio-digester and cogeneration boiler. The goal would be to provide food products to vendors at the market for a management fee, meaning we would not compete with stallholders and we would save on transportation costs and emissions".

This is one example of how under-utilised spaces in inner city Melbourne could be activated into productive, vibrant areas.

Further to this, recent residential proposals, in particular the <a href="/new-apartments/footscray-vic-3011">Footscray</a> Market Redevelopment which will be constructed by <a href="/builders/hacer-group">Hacer Group</a> and due for completion by 2014, comprises a two stage redevelopment including the refurbishment of the existing Footscray Market and the addition of a five storey residential component built using an ultra light weight steel frame. The communal courtyard incorporates a sun filled roof top farm which looks back to the areas history as a fresh produce market whilst looking forward as a sustainable inner city farming solution.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/project4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Proposal Footscray Market Redevelopment including communal roof-top farms. Image credit: http://www.bureau-ua.com/footscray"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="891" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/project4.jpg?itok=i4KfL0kn" title="Proposal Footscray Market Redevelopment including communal roof-top farms. Image credit: http://www.bureau-ua.com/footscray.html" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Proposal Footscray Market Redevelopment including communal roof-top farms. Image credit: http://www.bureau-ua.com/footscray.html</figcaption></figure>Although roof-top farming can be seen as simple and easily applicable response to Melbourne's sustainability vision, the biggest challenge for stakeholders and policy makers will be engaging and motivating our community to see these types of approaches as the "way of the future" and as a necessary "way of life". However in my opinion, I believe that in the not too distant future that these types of initiatives will be a necessity rather than a option as we grow into a more sustainable, urbanised Melbourne.

<h2>Sources and further reading</h2>

<ul>
<li>http://www.csl.org.au/2009/11/urban-farming/</li>
	<li>http://www.nockdoig.com.au/diy-rooftop-gardens/</li>
	<li>http://www.bureau-ua.com/footscray.html</li>
	<li>http://rooftopfarms.org/</li>
</ul>
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Roof-top farming: Part of the future of inner-city living

<html><body>Increased densification of Australia’s major cities as we move into the 21st century will require clever urban thinking to ensure that land that is ripe for residential development complements the existing surrounds. In Melbourne, historically the inner city was home to our beating manufacturing heart of yesteryear that powered our local economy much like a coal powered locomotive, however the glory days of manufacturing seem to have passed as Melbourne’s urban and economic needs have evolved.

Apartment buildings seem to be popping up across the inner and middle ring suburbs faster than you can say bonanza with many developments being built on former industrial sites and factories. In Fitzroy North, approximately 3.2 kilometres from the central business district where many inner city hipsters and artisans like to call home, the cleverly designed Roi Apartments located on Bik Lane has set a new benchmark for residential development in the inner north. The six star energy rated building was designed by Bird de la Coeur Architects and delivered by Probuild Constructions on a rare city acre. Located behind a row of shops facing Nicholson Street and behind swathes of houses to the south, east and north the initial proposal for the site was met with considerable concern from local residents over the proposed size and potential impact that the building would have on traffic, parking and overshadowing in the immediate area. The developer and architects took these concerns into account and have designed a building which is sympathetic to its surrounds. 

Roi apartments sits atop a former engineering factory which made machinery parts that consisted of an outer double bricked wall with a height of approximately 10 metres. The developers and architects collaborated and decided that the most suitable outcome would be to keep the factory wall and use it as a sound and visual barrier as well as an architectural feature. The building has been designed with energy and water conscious features including drought tolerant plants in the central north facing courtyard, solar assisted hot water heating and rain water harvesting. Each apartment has been designed to maximise the available natural light based on its orientation with south facing apartments above the internal garden featuring frosted north facing windows. 

The design of Roi apartments demonstrates that even in an inner city area with existing low rise residential dwellings and pre-conceived fears pertaining to increased traffic, reduced on-street parking and decreased local amenity, the relevant stakeholders can work together to produce an outcome that fits in with its surrounds with minimal impact. This development, along with other recent inner city residential developments, have set a great example for future inner city residential developments moving forward.</body></html>

A Rare City Acre in Fitzroy North

Just a few months after acquiring a prime Broadbeach site on the corner of First Avenue and Surf Parade, family-run developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/raptis">Raptis</a> has filed fresh plans for a new apartment development.

Raptis is seeking to deliver a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/17-19-first-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4217">29-storey tower with 73 apartments</a> on the 818 sqm site. It will be the developer's seventh project in the suburb, as they are approaching completion of The Sterling on George Avenue.

There will be a pool, barbecue and outdoor dining area, residents lounge and dining, sauna and steam room, gym, and a Yoga and Pilates studio.

<img alt="Raptis" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b554da3f-7344-49aa-b1c9-44cf459af0d7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-05%20at%2010.41.45%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=zzjWu1iO1wnuYv4EV4fyOyf5nSXjGYut" />

Raptis Joint Managing Director, Evan Raptis, says they remain&nbsp;committed to developing quality infill sites across the Gold Coast in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

"This project continues our long track record of delivery in Broadbeach, and we look forward to bringing another premium development to this thriving precinct."

The announcement follows strong delivery momentum for Raptis, with The Sterling Broadbeach nearing completion and construction well underway on the final stage of the Waterpoint community adjacent to Harbour Town. The developer's continued investment in the Gold Coast reflects confidence in the region's apartment market fundamentals, underpinned by sustained Southeast Queensland population growth.&nbsp;

The outlook for the region is further bolstered by infrastructure investment tied to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, which is expected to drive continued economic and population growth across the SEQ corridor.&nbsp;

Subject to a favourable response from Gold Coast City Council, construction on the new First Avenue tower is targeted to commence before the end of 2026.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/it-s-all-in-the-family-four-decades-later-raptis-continues-to-shape-the-gold-coast-skyline">It’s all in the family: Four decades later, Raptis continues to shape the Gold Coast skyline</a>

Read more: <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/raptis-secures-prime-surf-parade-site-for-next-broadbeach-apartment-development">Raptis secures prime Surf Parade site for next Broadbeach apartment development</a> 
&nbsp;

Gold Coast developer brings seventh Broadbeach project to market, targeting construction commencement before year end

Joel Robinson

First look: Raptis lodges plans for new 29-storey Broadbeach tower 

Brisbane development veteran Kevin Seymour's Seymour Group is set to deepen its presence on one of Brisbane's most tightly held riverfront addresses, lodging revised plans for a luxury apartment development on Oxlade, just a few doors down from The Oxlade, which it completed in 2024.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/70-72-oxlade-drive-new-farm-qld-4005">new project at 70-72 Oxlade Drive</a>, directly north of The Oxlade, will have 27 apartments across a seven-storey building&nbsp;overlooking the Brisbane River and Merthyr Park. It's a revision from a 2021-approved design.

Designed by bureau^proberts, the project has evolved from the previously approved 26-apartment scheme, introducing an additional penthouse level while maintaining a low-density, boutique character. The development will comprise 26 three-bedroom apartments and a single four-bedroom penthouse, supported by two basement levels with 86 car spaces and 34 bicycle spaces.

The architectural response is centred around two distinct building forms separated by a landscaped open-air atrium.&nbsp;"This dual composition captures and embraces Brisbane’s subtropical environment whilst breaking down built form and scale," the submission to the Brisbane City Council noted.

<img alt="First look: Seymour Group returns to Oxlade Drive with revised riverfront apartment plans in New Farm" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c12d84d0-bc11-4067-b46f-5bd2d786a34d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/new%20farm%20landscape.png?VersionId=YEPc2k5CAdh6aAPlu4uVpgZadh4MEfRd" />

A defining feature of the design is a deep landscaped void running through the centre of the building, creating what bureau^proberts describes as a "natural ravine" that enhances airflow, daylight penetration and resident amenity. The design report notes that the separation of the two building volumes is intended to maximise natural light, cross-ventilation and outlook while strengthening connections to the surrounding riverfront setting.

Curved balcony edges, integrated planting and extensive landscaping throughout the façade reinforce the subtropical design approach. The building's façade is softened by elevated gardens and planter beds, creating a green edge that complements the established landscape character of Oxlade Drive and neighbouring Merthyr Park.

New Farm has become one of Brisbane's most sought-after suburbs for developers delivering premium downsizer-focused apartments.

GRAYA has been particularly active in the precinct, completing both Chalk and York in recent years, while construction of Moray House, being delivered for Spyre, is now nearing completion. Architect-turned-developer Joe Adsett recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/arcilla-new-farm-by-joe-adsett-28-maxwell-street-new-farm-qld-4005">Arcilla on Maxwell Street</a>, an exclusive collection of just nine apartments.

First look: Seymour Group returns to New Farm's Oxlade Drive with riverfront apartment plans

A new residential tower will be the first piece of a broader mixed-use precinct set to reshape a prominent Newcastle West site, with local developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> bringing its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/cambridge-quarter-newcastle-west-12-denison-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Cambridge Quarter</a> vision to market.

The first release, Tempo, will introduce 87 apartments across a 24-storey tower, marking Stage 1 of the residential component of a larger urban regeneration project planned for the western end of Newcastle's city centre, encompassing the former Cambridge Hotel site.

Positioned on Denison Street, Tempo has been designed as the inaugural building within Cambridge Quarter, a precinct that will ultimately combine apartments, retail activation and revitalised public spaces including the revamping of the Cambridge Hotel.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368856]

The tower will comprise a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, including layouts with multipurpose rooms, catering to a broad cross-section of owner-occupiers. Apartment sizes range from around 60 sqm to 192 sqm, with a number of residences oriented to capture views across Newcastle Harbour, the city skyline and coastline.

GWH has emphasised liveability in the design, with open-plan layouts extending to generous balconies and terraces. Residents will have a choice of two interior palettes, while specifications include engineered stone benchtops, SMEG appliances, full-height bathroom tiling and secure building access. Premium upgrade packages will also be available

Multiple rooftop resident retreats will provide communal outdoor space overlooking the harbour and city, offering an elevated amenity layer above the activity of the precinct below.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368851]

The broader Cambridge Quarter vision extends beyond the residential tower itself. Ground-level retail activation and landscaped public areas are planned throughout the precinct, creating a walkable neighbourhood environment connected to the surrounding renewal of Newcastle West. The Cambridge Hotel is also earmarked for future redevelopment into a family-friendly hospitality venue integrated with the new precinct.

The project is strategically positioned within walking distance of Newcastle Interchange, providing access to light rail, regional rail services and direct connections to Sydney. Residents will also be close to Honeysuckle, Newcastle Harbour and the city's beaches and coastal walkways.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368852]

For GWH, Cambridge Quarter represents one of its most significant Newcastle developments to date. The locally based developer, which has operated in the Hunter region since 1995, describes the project as a new chapter in the ongoing transformation of Newcastle West.

GWH Executive Director Jonathan Craig said the project had been shaped by a focus on creating lasting community connections.

"We take pride in creating places that last. Spaces where people feel connected, comfortable and a genuine sense of belonging," Craig said.

"Cambridge Quarter is something we are truly proud of, a place shaped by local knowledge, built with care and designed to be part of Newcastle's next chapter."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135876]

GWH unveils first release at landmark Cambridge Quarter precinct in Newcastle West

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ss-projects">S&amp;S Projects</a>,&nbsp;Rainbow Bay's busiest developer,&nbsp;has officially lodged plans for the largest development in its booming local portfolio, seeking approval for a further 88 apartments on Boundary Street.

The proposal&nbsp;at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">209–213 Boundary Street, Coolangatta</a>,&nbsp;marks the next chapter in the developer's transformation of the southern Gold Coast beachside precinct. It will be its fifth in the area, having already delivered Flow, Awaken and Esprit, while construction continues on the 38-apartment Radia. The new project would rise 57 metres above a consolidated 1,518 sqm site, on the same street as Radia and Esprit.

&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, the proposed development comprises 88 two and three-bedroom apartments across a contemporary podium-and-tower form that integrates extensive landscaping from street level through to the rooftop.

The tower would be delivered above a basement and multi-level podium accommodating resident and visitor parking, with the residential component commencing from level three. The design incorporates cascading planting throughout the façade, landscaped podium edges, and deep planting zones along the Boundary Street frontage.

<img alt="First look: S&amp;S Projects lodges plans for 88-apartment wellness tower at Coolangatta's Boundary Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="677e6615-b5c0-4b6c-b4f9-efb14fcde1a6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ss%20da%20pers.png?VersionId=YOnPKQm7IFXv0M5H326djEpxk80500Hi" />

A key feature of the development is its expansive rooftop wellness and recreation precinct. Plans reveal a resort-style pool deck, gymnasium, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, rooftop terraces, barbecue areas and landscaped relaxation spaces positioned to capture views across the southern Gold Coast coastline.

The rooftop wellness focus builds on the vision S&amp;S Projects first outlined when it acquired the site for $20.25 million last year.

"We are taking every advantage to create a truly unique rooftop wellness experience with a natural feel for residents, offering stone features throughout and an underlying theme that emulates a botanical garden," S&amp;S Projects founder and director Paul Gedoun said at the time.

The proposal seeks a 57-metre building height, representing a 50 per cent uplift on the site's mapped 38-metre height limit. Planning documents argue the additional height is consistent with recently approved and emerging towers in the immediate Boundary Street and Rainbow Bay precinct.

Urbis, acting as planning consultant, said the development would provide "88 dwellings, comprising a mix of two and three-bedroom apartments, contributing to housing choice and supply within an established medium to high-rise coastal urban neighbourhood."

The scheme has undergone extensive pre-lodgement consultation with the City of Gold Coast, with the design refined following feedback relating to architectural expression, landscaping, traffic access and podium treatment.

<img alt="S&amp;S" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a2d70fd-62ac-4b83-97c6-b798fc1243dd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-05%20at%209.16.31%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=yHmghUwKM3IVGpBktQU1mE.0Lpf3WimG" />

The architectural team is led by Brisbane-based Cottee Parker, one of Australia's most active residential design studios, with landscape architecture by Dunn + Moran. The consultant team also includes ADG Engineers, Windtech and Acoustic Works.

S&amp;S Projects has become one of the most influential private developers operating on the southern Gold Coast. Since entering Rainbow Bay in 2022, the company has assembled a portfolio exceeding $1 billion in end value, establishing itself as a key player in the area's evolution into a premium apartment destination. Pezet Matheson will again handle the sales for S&amp;S.

Coolangatta is entering another wave of apartment development, following the delivery of several prominent residential projects in recent years.

John Kearney's Immerse Projects will launch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kaiya-kirra-beach-5-haig-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Kaiya on Haig Street</a>&nbsp;soon, meanwhile, Palm Beach-based Sherpa Property Group is preparing to bring its debut Coolangatta development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-viver-87-griffith-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Flourish Viveré</a>, to market later this year, subject to approvals.

First look: S&S Projects proposes 88-apartment wellness tower at Coolangatta's Boundary Street

A landmark former orphanage site in Surrey Hills could be transformed into a new residential community under plans lodged by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/antipodean-land-developments">Antipodean Land Developments</a> that would deliver 76 apartments and townhouses while restoring some of the suburb's most significant heritage buildings.

The burgeoninng Melbourne-based developer has submitted plans for the 9,158 sqm site at 1 Kent Road and 24 Durham Road, home to the former St Joseph's Home for Destitute Children, a historic institutional complex dating back to the late 19th century. The proposal seeks to adaptively reuse several heritage buildings while introducing two new four-storey residential buildings set within extensive landscaped grounds.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> and Kerstin Thompson Architects, the project has been conceived as a contemporary residential village embedded within a restored heritage precinct. The development team describes the design approach as "The Village in the Garden," with new buildings positioned among mature landscaping by OCULUS and significant heritage structures.

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="44ec8c1b-c0b6-44ae-859e-5811b3e6a023" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29.png?VersionId=p.p1_KFh4iQoV4nisdnPfQBAsWNi7m79" />

The proposal would deliver 76 dwellings comprising a mix of apartments and duplex-style residences, significantly increasing housing supply on one of the largest privately held residential landholdings in Surrey Hills. The development includes 127 car spaces, 24 bicycle spaces and more than 1,000 sqm of communal amenity, with the existing chapel building earmarked for conversion into resident facilities.

According to the planning submission, the project centres on the restoration and adaptive reuse of the site's most significant heritage assets, including the original c.1889 St Joseph's building, the chapel designed by architect Augustus Andrew Fritsch, and the historic brick perimeter walls and entry gates. The proposal also incorporates the retention of other contributory buildings including the former infirmary and school building.

Tract Consultants, in the planning report accompanying the application, said the scheme had been shaped through extensive heritage analysis and design development.

"The shared vision for the Site by the project team has culminated in a scheme which successfully breathes life back into a historic site while delivering upon the objectives of Victoria's Housing Statement in a carefully curated and contextually responsive manner."

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7263b7d8-95ea-400f-9531-6ca7d22c3c33" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29.png?VersionId=4cR1tiWOsDpgxEOwZi5vVFcyvvOsYkIE" />

The proposal is being assessed under Victoria's Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway. As part of the application, three per cent of the project's residential development cost would be contributed to the Social Housing Growth Fund. The development would also provide a diverse mix of one, two and three-bedroom residences targeting a broader range of buyers than typically found in Surrey Hills' detached housing market.

Sustainability initiatives include an anticipated 66 per cent BESS score, natural cross-ventilation to 80 per cent of apartments, 28 per cent deep soil landscaping and a canopy cover outcome exceeding local planning requirements. The proposal also sets aside more than 1,083 sqm for communal indoor and outdoor resident amenity spaces.

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="33fad46f-fe26-4d0a-acfd-6b776e1c6a3d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design.png?VersionId=D9F6WVSyYCtGvSUmith35LRp6R7PQkw_" />

Planning documents describe the property as one of the largest underutilised residential sites in Surrey Hills, arguing it presents a rare opportunity to introduce "missing middle" housing in an established inner-eastern suburb while preserving and revitalising a significant heritage precinct.

Antipodean Land Developments has built a reputation for design-focused residential projects across Melbourne, particularly in the medium-density sector. Previous developments include Neighbourhood in Brunswick East, delivered with Breathe Architecture, and Balfe Park Lane, designed by Kerstin Thompson Architects.

They've been very active in site acquisition as they build out their future development pipeline. They recently launched Thornubury House, 45 apartments above a mix of commercial, retail, and food and beverage tenancies, and have plans for a boutique project in Fitzroy and another <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/vic/antipodean-plan-apartments-for-deepdenes-missing-middle-on-whitehorse-road">"missing middle" project</a> on Deepdene's Whitehorse Road.

Chris Peska

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