Renewal SA has secured Adelaide's&nbsp;West End Brewery with the intention to create a $1 billion, mixed-use community with over 1,000 new homes.&nbsp;

The West End Brewery, which closed in June 2021 after 135 years of brewing operations at the site, is located on Port Road in Thebarton,&nbsp;an inner-western suburb of Adelaide.

The planned precinct will also present significant opportunities for commercial, hospitality, retail and government tenancies, which along with greenspace activations, will create a bustling new economy on the city’s fringe.

Renewal SA will act as master developer of the 8.4-hectare community and work in partnership with industry to deliver the project after being selected by Lion Beer Wine &amp; Spirits as its preferred proponent during a market expression of interest process.

Adoption of a government-led delivery model will provide widespread opportunities for private sector participation in planning, design, civil works, development, building and construction activities while ensuring best-for-state community outcomes.

Renewal SA has begun active discussions with the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation (NHFIC) on funding opportunities specific to the ground-breaking Thebarton development in a bid to assist South Australians in their pursuit of home ownership.

This includes talks to form a bilateral agreement that would cut red tape for Community Housing Providers, identify areas of social and affordable housing need, unlock government land to assist delivery and expedite planning approvals.

Part of the development will likely be the adaptive&nbsp;reuse of the high-profile heritage buildings such as the Walkerville Brewhouse, and activation of the area around Colonial William Light’s first Adelaide home, as well as recognition of Kaurna culture.

Detailed master planning will inform the final land use mix and configuration of the new community, along with feedback from stakeholder and community consultation. It will be people-focused in its intent and aim to exemplify the seven Elements of Great Places–equity, identity, greenery, urbanity, mobility, wellness and resilience–as defined by the United Nations.

As part of its presale preparations, Lion lodged an application for a Code Amendment to rezone the land to a combination of Urban Corridor (Boulevard) and Open Space, which would allow for a myriad of future uses. The site is currently predominantly zoned for Strategic Employment.

Much of the site has already been cleared and remediated by Lion, meaning development can occur quickly. Renewal SA will commence detailed master planning early next year with civil works to follow that process. It will also begin gauging interest from private sector developers and investors, along with CHPs looking to partner with it on affordable rental projects in 2024.

Indicative timelines have construction and property sales starting in 2025, with the first residents moving in by 2027. Key civic spaces and public amenity will also be prioritised within the first stages of development.

Housing and Urban Development Minister Nick Champion said the strategic acquisition of the Brewery site solved a number of state government requirements while providing major scope to rigorously pursue its agenda to increase housing supply along key corridors.

“It is almost unheard of to get an infill site of this scale in any capital city, so we seized the opportunity,” Minister Champion said.

“It is our intention to create a world-class precinct – one which is a catalyst for further local investment and drives housing affordability. We will draw inspiration from other high-quality urban infill projects like Bowden.”

Renewal SA Chief Executive Chris Menz said extensive opportunities for development and construction industry partners to bring their specialist knowledge and innovative solutions to the project would be announced in the coming months.

“We will be looking to leverage the resources and expertise of the private sector including development partners, investors, designers, consultants and builders, to deliver this world-class vision.

“Renewal SA has solid experience in creating investment ready, well-planned, industry leading communities for the state and we intend to secure the most successful and proven development partners to deliver each component of the project – including residential, retail and commercial - through an open competitive process.

"We’ll be looking for the best of local and interstate experience and investment and it’s my firm view that great outcomes are achieved when government and private sector work hand-in-hand, which we have seen at the likes of Bowden, Tonsley Innovation District, and Playford Alive.”

The planned precinct will present significant opportunities for commercial, hospitality, retail and government tenancies, which along with greenspace activations, will create a bustling new economy on the city’s fringe.

Joel Robinson

Renewal SA to develop $1 billion precinct on Thebarton's West End Brewery site

Spyre Group have released the penthouses in their first Melbourne residential development Hampton Ltd.

Hampton Ltd comprises three standalone buildings intertwined with lush greenery. They will home 20 apartments and three townhouses when complete.

Each of the four penthouses have three bedrooms and an open plan kitchen, living and dining area opening to a balcony. The interiors feature finest natural stone, onyx, and European oak timber finishes.

Anchoring the kitchens is a sculptural island bench crafted from Vanilish Pearl Marble. The kitchens also feature integrated Gaggenau appliances and Liebherr wine storage.

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Two of the penthouses will have expansive rooftop terraces with views over Bayside.

Architecture firm MLD Studio collaborated with interiors expert Studio Brent Lee on Hampton Ltd, which is&nbsp;being marketed by Jellis Craig Bayside.

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Jellis Craig agent Melina Scriva said Hampton Ltd was attracting strong interest from long-term Bayside residents who were seeking to move from family homes without sacrificing space.

“People want to maintain their lifestyle and stay in the area,’’ Scriva said.

“They are looking for luxury, and Hampton Ltd delivers with its stunning finishes and spacious layouts.”

Hampton Ltd, on Deakin Street, sits near&nbsp;Hampton Beach, Alexander Park, Trevor Baker Oval, and Hampton Railway Station.

The project is Spyre's first outside South East Queensland, where they have set a number of records across both Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="/news/vic/spyre-group-unveil-first-melbourne-apartment-development-hampton-ltd">Spyre Group unveil first Melbourne apartment development, Hampton Ltd</a>

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Two of the penthouses will have expansive rooftop terraces with views over Bayside

Spyre release penthouses at Melbourne Bayside development, Hampton Ltd

Apartment developer Ceerose have filed plans for a luxury apartment development in Potts Point.

Renowned architect Koichi Takada has put the plans together for a 10-level building across a 1,201 sqm site at 117 Victoria Street, halfway down the treelined street between Kings Cross Station and Challis Avenue, near The Butler. The estimated cost is&nbsp;$19.58 million.

Ceerose snapped up the A-Grade site late last year. It currently homes an original apartment block with 45 apartments which will be demolished.

<img alt="Ceerose Potts Point" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6c3eee2f-115a-4c62-8710-f6b041d39d80" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-09-29%20at%209.59.36%20am.png?VersionId=_H8Gz8e..4BDrKsXGSacx9I3uoj0b1.s" />

In the design statement submitted to the City of Sydney Council earlier this week, Takada said&nbsp;the architecture is taking cues from the existing streetscape while providing something refined and contemporary to the area.

"This proposal takes cues from neighbouring properties on historic Victoria Street and sits modestly within the streetscape context," the submission said.

"The attractive, modern design employs a simple material palette and clean, unassuming forms to create a building that enhances and highlights the site."

Takada said the scheme is centred on celebrating views.

"The generous floorplans, views and direct connection to the street will provide residents the best of inner city living, in one of the most sought after suburbs in one of the most liveable cities in the world.

"Koichi Takada Architects have created a design that will become a benchmark for elegant design and provide welcoming homes for its residents while enhancing the Potts Point neighbourhood character."

<img alt="Ceerose Potts Point" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7bf6d5e6-2221-43c5-b25c-bc1a0bcbfb2b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-09-29%20at%2010.18.29%20am.png?VersionId=Y7.LSZ6OH2HtUxCaAxRJTs1pYjg3FmKf" />

The upper levels of the building will offer unrestricted views of the Sydney skyline.

There are two, three and four-bedrooms proposed, a handful of which span two levels. The two-bedroom apartments start from 110 sqm.

The majority of the apartments are three-bedrooms (15). There's six two-bedroom apartments and a single four-bedroom apartment. A handful of the apartments have plunge pools on their balconies toward the top of the building.

There 26 parking spaces, four of which are for visitors.

"The design relies on simplicity and quality, blending historic forms with modern materials and detailing to create a unique, inviting address for it’s residents," Takada noted.

"The proposed building addresses it’s dual street aspects in two distinctive ways. Victoria Street is treated with a modest façade, featuring recessed windows fronted with brickwork arches and integrated landscaping. The Brougham Street facade departs from the Potts Point vernacular. An irregular arrangement of balconies creates a more haphazard elevation that mirrors the neighbouring sandstone rockface and the rhythm of the adjacent buildings."

<img alt="Takada Ceerose" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1d379ae7-6eb1-4d01-b1a3-c446b7d5757a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-09-29%20at%2010.27.50%20am.png?VersionId=_Gf1GaF0_Z1IWeIRv2QUOveH27ofmmXy" />

The harbourside enclave of Potts Point and the adjoining Elizabeth Bay have been popular for off the plan development of late.

Fortis <a href="/news/nsw/fortis-file-regency-house-elizabeth-bay-apartment-development-plans">filed for 22 apartments across two buildings</a> at 10 Onslow Avenue and 21C Billyard Avenue last month, while Nick Caloumbis' Toohey Miller recently launched their first project,<a href="/news/nsw/toohey-miller-reveal-onslow-place-elizabeth-bay-apartments"> No.1 Onslow Place, on the dress circle Onslow Avenue.</a>

Terra Ferma and Knox Group also <a href="/news/nsw/terra-ferma-and-knox-group-team-up-for-potts-point-apartment-project">recently filed plans for five full-floor apartments on Oak Lane</a>. Melbourne developer Time &amp; Place are still working away on their redevelopment of The Chimes building on Macleay Street.

Late last year they <a href="/news/nsw/exclusive-first-look-time-place-lodge-potts-point-apartment-plans">filed concept plans for a new nine-level building designed by SJB</a> which would replace the landmark&nbsp;mid-20th century building which was designed by Hugo Stossel. The plans are for 45 apartments.

Ceerose snapped up the A-Grade site late last year. It currently homes an original apartment block with 45 apartments which will be demolished

First look: Ceerose and Koichi Takada to create new Potts Point apartment development on Victoria Street

Sydney developer Deicorp has been appointed by Landcom and Sydney Metro to develop the next stage of the residential village that will form part of the Hills Showground Station precinct in Sydney’s Hills District.

Precinct East will be the second lot to be developed at the Hills Showground Station Precinct and is opposite the now under construction 430-unit Hills Showground Village, which Deicorp was also appointed by Landcom and Sydney Metro to develop.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=133881 project_image_fid=209816]

Precinct East, which is the largest lot at Hills Showground Station, will accommodate up to 873 dwellings and 3,200 sqm of public open space including a new park.

Deicorp's founder and Chairman Fouad Deiri said he was delighted Deicorp had secured its third Landcom and Sydney Metro project.

“As Sydney’s leading builder of transport-connected developments, we are delighted that Landcom and Sydney Metro have once again chosen the Deicorp team to deliver this vital new housing supply in the Hills," Deiri said.

"Our experience in successfully delivering activated new urban communities along the metro line will help us achieve another thriving village in The Hills. Importantly, the Precinct East project will see Deicorp deliver beautifully designed, affordable and sustainable housing on the doorstep of the Metro North West Line.”

<img alt="Deicorp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="10c3fec5-a8c4-4d8e-a150-3809ebbe7f44" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-09-28%20at%201.39.23%20pm.png?VersionId=6lZbLZlO52coOLJTTvfsLFupXxbwUhsc" />A render of Precinct East. Image supplied

The Hills Showground Station Precinct, which received concept approval in January 2021, includes three development lots that will accommodate up to 1,620 dwellings, 13,490 sqm of commercial and retail space, new public open spaces and supporting infrastructure.

The first lot already under construction by Deicorp, Hills Showground Village, will include a three level 10,935 sqm retail podium with supermarket, speciality shops and commercial areas that will sit beneath four 20-level residential towers, and a public plaza linking the Metro Station with the rest of the precinct.

Construction is also well underway on the 987-unit mixed-use Tallawong Village project opposite the Tallawong Station on the Northwest Metro that Deicorp was appointed by Landcom and Sydney Metro to develop.

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Hills Showground Village, the first stage of the Hills Showground Station precinct, is already under construction by Deicorp

Deicorp chosen to deliver next residential stage of the Hills Showground Station Precinct

Developer&nbsp;GURNERTM is plotting to create an $800 million mixed-use development on Melbourne's St Kilda Road, having secured a prime site facing Albert Park.

The plan is for between 160 to 180 residences on a 4,651 sqm site corner site at&nbsp;424–426 St Kilda Road which has three&nbsp;frontages on the corner of St Kilda Road, Toorak Road and Queens Lane.

The unnamed project will&nbsp;offer uninterrupted views over the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain precinct, the city skyline and Albert Park Lake.

Once complete, the project will boast walkability to Anzac Station, Albert Park Lake, the Royal Botanic Gardens and Fawkner Park, and be in easy proximity to South Yarra’s retail and dining precinct.

Residences will be focused on private nature of the precinct for downsizers and lifestyle upsizers with a focus on wellness, and lifestyle, with plans for on-site retail that would complement the project’s prestigious location, and wellness amenities that will promote a healthy lifestyle among residents.

GURNERTM, led by Tim Gurner, secured the blue-chip property through an off-market negotiation after the site was taken to market by JLL’s Josh Rutman &amp; Mingxuan Li and CBRE’s Kiran Pillai and Tom Ryan in late 2022.

The site is currently home to two six-storey commercial office buildings joined by a five-level atrium, which will be demolished at the end of the current leases, to make way for the residential building.

There is a lapsed permit approval on the site, which allowed for an 18-storey building with 339 apartments and 292 car spaces. GURNERTM intends to submit a new planning scheme.

Gurner said he's had his eye on the site for over a decade.

“I have had my eye on this particular site for over a decade, having cut my teeth with Morry Schwartz on 401 St Kilda Road in 2008 across the road so it’s humbling to be able to come full circle with another site now directly across the road some 15 years later, still with the same aspirations to create a new benchmark for residential design just as 401 did at the time."

He said Saint Moritz showed the depth of this end of the market.

"We are excited to evolve and elevate this concept and take it even further with this project. With its prime iconic corner location it will become an iconic landmark for Melbourne so we cannot wait to do this site justice.

Gurner is calling the project a "longer-term play", given there's long-term tenants in the current commercial space.

This is the second acquisition in as many months for the developer after its recent purchase of a significant site in 189 Kent Street, Sydney in July for over $200 million, and is the second seed site in GURNERTM’s Build-to-Sell fund, which is supported by a global institutional investor.

GURNERTM Chief Development Officer Robert Clarke said the team are actively seeking more&nbsp;opportunities in Melbourne and Sydney, with the hope to announce more acquisitions soon.

“It’s a tough environment for developers and commercial asset owners currently, and the effects of interest rate hikes are still yet to really play out across valuations and interest covenants, so we do 
expect to see a continuing trend of office assets being put on the market at discounted 2022 prices.”

The unnamed project will offer uninterrupted views over the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain precinct, the city skyline and Albert Park Lake

Gurner to create "the next St Moritz" at newly acquired St Kilda Road, Melbourne site

When Rothelowman were tasked with designing Stella Maris, the luxury residential development just outside Geelong in Rippleside, their first thought was to incorporate the beauty of the landscape and the significance of the location.

Nick Williams, Senior Associate at Rothelowman, said the design brief from MONNO Projects was to create&nbsp;a dynamic community nestled within the embrace of nature's bounty.

"Our design brief for Stella Maris was to create a dynamic community immersed in nature, with a focus on natural green spaces and a lush garden setting," Williams said, noting the proximity to Corio Bay played a vital role in shaping their vision.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136222 project_image_fid=213722]

The historic St Helen's Mansion, the 1848 stately mansion which sits at the heart of the development, was also a major driver in the design of the surrounding buildings, as were the numerous mature trees which are scattered throughout the three-acre waterfront site.

"St Helen’s Mansion holds the distinction of being one of the oldest remaining homesteads pre-dating the Gold Rush, something Rothelowman took into careful consideration when realising the&nbsp;site vision," Williams said.

"That didn’t mean imitation, but careful consideration to the siting of the four new buildings around it and composing them in a manner that was calm and harmonious in terms of form and&nbsp;materiality."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136222 project_image_fid=213710]

The four new buildings, Nautica House, The Arbory, Park Row and The Acreage, incorporate 54 new apartments and three townhouses. They're built sensitively around St Helen's Mansion, a 3,000 sqm subdivided allotment which will be launching later in the year, with a full restoration and extension planned by Carr.

Williams said the Nautica House building, the closest to Corio Bay, was delivered by formulating a floor plan that granted nearly all apartment bedrooms and living areas a view of Corio Bay through repetitive angled walls.

"Directing the view out east allowed the design to mitigate over-looking St Helen’s Mansions grounds from the apartment bedrooms, creating a more comfortable space for residents."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136222 project_image_fid=213700]

The 'Garden' setting informed much of the Acreage building to the west, Williams added.

"Whilst it is, in reality, a long three-storey apartment building over a basement, it presents as a series of three-storey “walk-up” townhouses facing a heavily planted mews style road and pedestrian way. This meant the Park Row townhouses on Bay Street just sit humbly and comfortably alongside their apartment neighbours with similar materiality and detailing. A&nbsp;magnificent Morton Bay Fig tree separates these three townhouses from the Arbory apartment building providing pedestrian access and vehicular egress from the development."

At the heart of the development is significant resident amenity in the form of a&nbsp;wellness retreat, featuring a 20-metre lap pool and an edible garden, fostering a holistic approach to health and well-being.&nbsp; Adjoining the lap pool is a gym with dedicated yoga space and a steam room.&nbsp;

Read more: <a href="/news/vic/stella-maris-a-haven-of-amenity-and-wellness-on-geelongs-corio-bay">Stella Maris: A haven of amenity and wellness on Geelong's Corio Bay</a>

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There's also a string of sustainability features such as EV charging, high performance glazing, a&nbsp;communal vegetable gardens and fruit trees.

Williams said Stella Maris has a number of sustainable features that represent a greener approach to architecture.

"EV charging will be future proofed in the development to allow for the anticipated adoption of environmentally friendly vehicles. Solar power will be used in common areas of the buildings whilst all dwellings will be powered solely by electricity in lieu of gas."

Demolition is currently underway at 39 Bay Street, Rippleside, with the project 50 per cent sold. A builder is soon to be announced by developer MONNO Projects.

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Nick Williams, Senior Associate at Rothelowman, said the design brief from MONNO Projects was to create a dynamic community nestled within the embrace of nature's bounty

"A dynamic community immersed in nature" How Rothelowman designed MONNO's Stella Maris

In an environment where many projects have stalled or are unable to secure a builder, Chevron Island’s newest tower, Tapestry, is forging ahead after Siera Property Group expanded its own in-house construction team to deliver the $135 million state-of-the-art project.

This week the future residents of Tapestry got behind the shovels to turn the first sod to mark the start of construction, joined by Cr Darren Taylor and UDIA Queensland CEO Kirsty Chessher-Brown.

The 22-storey sculptural tower has been designed by local architecture firm BDA as a ‘cultural continuation’ of the neighbouring HOTA precinct.

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SIERA Founder and Managing Director, Brent Thompson, said more than 90 per cent of Tapestry’s purchasers were owner-occupiers, making the construction commencement milestone particularly special.

“Tapestry’s design reflects and celebrates its proximity to both the cultural precinct and the Surfers Paradise beachfront, both of which have become icons of the Gold Coast,’’ Thompson said.

“The building’s defining architectural features pay homage to HOTA with its curved blade walls, while cantilevered balconies rising above the landscaped podium level will frame views to the Nerang River, Surfers Paradise skyline, Gold Coast Hinterland and the arts precinct.

“Our purchasers are excited about what the future will bring living in the heart of this vibrant yet exclusive enclave. They can’t wait to see it come out of the ground.”

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Local newlyweds Carla and Joel Papas-Karanges purchased an apartment at Tapestry in June last year.

“We could see how underrated Chevron Island was and we knew we had to get into Tapestry,” Carla said.

“It’s so liveable with the amount of green space nearby and we can walk anywhere with our dog. Everything we need is here on the island. We feel like it’s going to be the next Burleigh or James Street.

"Tapestry’s design was a big drawcard for us and we love the rooftop. The easy access to HOTA markets and the beach - Chevron Island has everything you need, and the building has everything you need.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108641 project_image_fid=192964]

Thompson said the group’s decision to deliver Tapestry as a developer-builder provided certainty and progress in a volatile construction market.

“SIERA has always been a developer-builder so the decision to deliver Tapestry ourselves is a natural fit,” he said.

“For Tapestry, it afforded us with a unique opportunity to expand our existing in-house team with established builders who have a track record of delivering multi-storey developments on the Coast.

“This combined team will be supported by a handpicked group of skilled sub-contractors and will be one of the best resourced projects on the Gold Coast.’’ Designed in collaboration with innovative local architects BDA, Tapestry comprises 113 luxury two and three-bedroom apartments and a standard of rooftop amenity unrivalled on the Gold Coast.

“Tapestry sets itself apart from all other developments because of its incredible facilities for residents,’’ Thompson said.

“The highlight of these will be the infinity-edge pool with its breath-taking views across Surfers Paradise beaches to the hinterland.’’

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108641 project_image_fid=192961]

Tapestry’s rooftop delivers more than 700 sqm of separate recreation zones for residents to relax, connect and engage in the elevated landscape. It includes a private dining space and kitchen, lounge and fire pit, yoga lawn, pool, spa and sundeck, barbecue and alfresco area, gym, sauna, steam room, and lounge area separated by extensive landscaping.

The rooftop will also feature an edible rooftop garden complete with a tool shed and composting facilities.

Remaining apartments for sale at Tapestry start from $939,900.

The $135 million Tapestry project will be constructed on the 1,518sq m site at 39 Darrambal Street. SIERA’S other Gold Coast projects include Pipis, an 11-storey beachfront residential building on Golden Four Drive in Bilinga, which has just commenced construction, and a 25-storey tower on Enderley Avenue in Surfers Paradise that will be released to the market in 2024.

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The 22-storey sculptural tower has been designed by local architecture firm BDA as a ‘cultural continuation’ of the neighbouring HOTA precinct

Siera kick off construction at Chevron Island apartment development, Tapestry

Prolific Bayside townhome developer Sloane has launched its latest project, in the area's most affluent suburb.

Sloane, led by longtime developer Adam Sloane, has launched 111 Carpenter, a collection of just seven townhomes in one of Brighton's most connected pockets.

"It was all about the location," Sloane said of the Carpenter Street address.

"Brighton offers one of the best lifestyle offerings in Melbourne. There’s the beach, the parks, the café culture, cinemas, retail… it has it all.

"I knew 111 Carpenter was a fantastic, central site for a townhouse project based on the tree lined streets, shops, schools and transport which are all at your door. It is the ideal spot to base your family and explore all that bayside has to offer."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7517 project_image_fid=222382]

Sloane had go-to architectural partner Chris Megowan design 111 Carpenter. Megowan’s brief was to design high calibre, sophisticated and vibrant family homes that capitalise on the site’s expansive northern exposure.

All seven townhouses are north-facing, and some feature a master bedroom on the third level which overlooks neighbouring rooftops.

Each townhouse has either three or four bedrooms across two of three levels. The open plan living area opens through bifold doors to private landscaped gardens by&nbsp;John Patrick Landscape Architects. Each home has a double garage.

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Megowan, a Brighton local, said he knew exactly how to design to what people in the suburb want.

“The key spaces of each home were strategically oriented to the north and designed with optimised passive solar and ventilation in mind," Megowan says.

“It’s rare to find a development in Melbourne where every dwelling has an ideal orientation and access to at least two exposures for ventilation”.

The terraces and living areas at 111 Carpenter have been designed to receive the optimal amount of sunlight throughout the day which dramatically increases the energy efficiency and thermal comfort of each home. They're positioned so there will be no need for artificial lighting during the day and northern sun is much easier to mitigate in the summer months through the use of eaves and overhangs.

"Lastly, for those who enjoy greenery, a north-facing terrace is ideal for plants to thrive allowing for a more vibrant and verdant outdoor environment."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7517 project_image_fid=214119]

111 Carpenter is the fifth partnership between Sloane, Megowan, and Jellis Craig Projects with Sales Director Stephen Bowtell.

Bowtell says both Sloane and Megowan know exactly&nbsp;what to deliver when it comes to Bayside townhouse developments.

"Adam has a deep expertise in this typology," Bowtell says.

"The experience in developing townhouses designed around liveability and family lifestyle, is what really sets Sloane apart from other developers"

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7517 project_image_fid=218198]

Bowtell is anticipating interest from the family buyer, given the Carpenter St address sits within the catchment to a number of the areas best schools.

"There's apartments in Brighton which are meeting the needs of the downsizer, and then there's the grand mansions Brighton is known for. There's a gap in the market for this type of product, offering house like proportions with lower maintenance in a highly desirable location."

Sloane are looking to start construction early next year, forecasting completion mid-2025.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7517]

Architect Chris Megowan’s brief was to design high calibre, sophisticated and vibrant family homes that capitalise on the site’s expansive northern exposure

Sloane launch Brighton townhouse development 111 Carpenter

Paul Conrad is well known in the property world as being one of the go-to architects for the well-heeled across Melbourne's most affluent suburbs.

He's created some of the best homes in the Toorak and wider Stonnington area, while also carrying an enviable workbook overseas. He's designed mansions in Los Angeles and New York, while also lending his interior eye to the Dubai Hotel.

Seldom is there an opportunity for an apartment seeker to call a Paul Conrad design home. Cue ADA Toorak, the project from longtime Melbourne developer Buxton Projects.

ADA Toorak, just 22 apartments on Malvern Road, sits in landscaping by renowned landscape architect Jack Merlo.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=92806 project_image_fid=175567]

Jellis Craig Project Sales Director Stephen Bowtell said Conrad's name is attracting those from the local area who either own, or have an affinity with, high end homes.

"Some of those showing an interest in ADA Toorak have either worked with Conrad before, or have friends or family who have," Bowtell says, adding that Conrad has brought his smarts from luxury homes into a luxury apartment design.

"The designs and configurations of ADA Toorak are heavily weighted to the downsizer or empty nester," Bowtell says.

"The island benches are three meters long, they all have butler's pantries, two dishwashers, everything you'd find in a typical family home. This focus on spacious and functional design is a hallmark of Conrad's work."

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Conrad was inspired by the grand garden residences of Toorak, the prestigious, long-standing homes that have defined Toorak’s reputation.

"ADA borrows the sense of stature, proportion, and dignity from these homes and combines it with modern technology and contemporary stylings to create light-filled spaces that offer calm and respite," Conrad says.

"Residents at ADA can expect a living experience that is more akin to a stand-alone home than an apartment. We’ve taken each and every element from our luxury home projects and adapted them for more convenient, low-maintenance apartment living.

"From the feeling of space conferred by the generous layouts, to the relationships between the spaces, to the views to greenery and nature, everything has been carefully considered for its positive impact on everyday living."

The interiors of ADA Toorak are a testament to Conrad's design philosophy, which prioritises longevity and sophistication over fleeting trends. He draws inspiration from a wide range of architectural history, from classical to mid-twentieth-century design.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=92806 project_image_fid=175570]

Conrad's holistic design process sets ADA Toorak apart from other similar developments. He doesn't draw any distinction between architecture and interior design.

"Both elements are equally important to the look and feel of a home, and they need to work together seamlessly. This means every detail is considered in relation to the project as a whole; the façade of the building, the orientation of a room, or the door handles—everything has to speak to each other and resonate with the occupant."

From ground-level homes to the canopy residences, Conrad ensures that ADA Toorak residents experience living that's more akin to a stand-alone home than an apartment.

"We’ve taken each and every element from our luxury home projects and adapted them for more convenient, low-maintenance apartment living," he said.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=92806]

Seldom is there an opportunity for an apartment seeker to call a Paul Conrad design home.

Paul Conrad brings new lens to Toorak apartment living with ADA Toorak development

The Andrews Labor Government is getting on with a package of reforms to the planning system to clear the backlog of approvals and build more homes, faster.

Right now, the system just isn’t working like it should – and decisions aren’t getting made fast enough. Over the last year, the number of dwellings approved across the state fell by 26.1 per cent.

At a council level, there’s a backlog of around 1,400 planning permit applications for multi-unit housing that have been sitting with councils for more than six months waiting for a decision. Some 550 of those applications have been waiting for more than a year.

Of these, 78 projects have a development cost of more than $10 million – and would deliver around 4,900 new homes.

Premier Daniel Andrews said "building, buying, renovating or renting shouldn't be this hard."

"We need to build more homes, with the best design standards, where people want to live. And that means going up and out – not just out," Mr Andrews said.

Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny said&nbsp;Victorians deserve a planning system that works with them – not against them.

"It should be a clear, transparent and accountable system – because Victorians deserve to know who is planning our city and state.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5495 project_image_fid=210547]

New data shows Yarra Council progressed just 38 per cent of all applications within the required timeframe – with an average processing time of 188 days.

Stonnington City Council rejected almost one in five planning permit applications – often citing&nbsp;‘neighbourhood character’ when matters are heard at VCAT.

The status quo is not an option. Unless we take bold and decisive action to build the homes people need now, Victorians will be paying the price for generations to come.

We’ll begin the work to clear the backlog of 1,400 housing permit applications that have been stuck with councils for more than 6 months.

By November, we’ll have a&nbsp;dedicated&nbsp;team up and running to work with project proponents, local councils, and referral agencies to resolve issues delaying council decision-making – to avoid projects ending up in VCAT and to get homes built.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139856 project_image_fid=217344]

The unit in the Department of Transport and Planning will rapidly review multi-unit developments with development costs above $10 million. Once we have a clearer picture of projects and if decisions keep lagging, the Minister for Planning won't hesitate to call them in.

We’ll expand Victoria’s&nbsp;Development Facilitation Program&nbsp;(DFP)&nbsp;–&nbsp;making the Minister for Planning the decision maker for significant residential developments that include affordable housing.

The expanded DFP will streamline the planning process for medium to high density residential developments that meet the set criteria: constructions costs worth at least $50 million in Melbourne or $15 million in regional Victoria, and delivering at least 10 per cent affordable housing. This will include new build-to-rent projects.

If these projects do not meet this criteria, the Minister for Planning can still approve a project if it delivers more than 10 per cent affordable housing, or if it demonstrates best practice design and environmental standards – working to support more longer term rental options for Victorians.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138768 project_image_fid=214857]

Changes to the DFP will mean around 13,200 additional homes will be brought to market that would otherwise be delayed – and it’ll cut application timeframes for these types of projects from more than 12 months down to four.

The Government will also streamline assessment pathways, creating a range of new&nbsp;Deemed to Comply&nbsp;residential standards for different types of homes.

This will speed up decision-making immediately. Fourteen of the current residential development standards will be codified – including north-facing windows objective, overshadowing open space objective and street setback.

The remaining 39 will be reviewed and finalised by September 2024, following targeted consultation. Deemed to Comply matters wil no longer be considered by VCAT.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112174 project_image_fid=199598]

These changes will mean council planners can quickly approve permits for houses that meet the residential standards – and they‘ll only assess aspects of a permit that don’t comply with those standards.

We’ll expand the&nbsp;Future Homes&nbsp;program to encourage more new builds, creating more ready-made architectural designs which can be purchased by developers and adapted to a site through a streamlined planning process.

Currently,&nbsp;Future Homes&nbsp;are plans and processes are only available in the City of Maribyrnong. We‘ll expand the areas where they can be used – extending&nbsp;Future Homes&nbsp;to all general residential zones where development is within 800 metres of an activity centre or railway station.

We’ll also make changes to the types of homes that require planning permits. Single dwellings on lots bigger than 300 square metres, and not covered by an overlay, will no longer require a planning permit.

Single dwellings on lots smaller than 300 square metres, where an overlay doesn’t exist, will be ticked off within 10 days through VicSmart.

For many, the burden of getting a planning approval has put building a second small home, also known as a granny flat, in the too hard basket. We’ll make it easier to build a second small home on your property, with dwelling garden units exempt from the permit process if they’re less than 60 metres.

We’ll also introduce more permit exemptions for single dwellings for things like extensions to sheds and carports.

We’ve already strengthened Victoria’s apartment design standards, with previous reforms improving the internal and external design of new builds. But we know there’s more to do, so we’ll strengthen the existing standards to make sure they deliver the variety of homes Victorians want into the future.

Our clear new standards will ensure appealing, comfortable, sustainable, and fit-for-purpose homes. Stronger design guidance will mean more apartments better suited to families, better accessibility and more functional internal spaces and storate.

Activity centres are prime locations for more housing supply, and more housing choices for Victorians – given how close these centres are to jobs, transport, community spaces and other essential services. But we’ve heard from industry that the rules for individual permits can be too slow, causing bottlenecks with approvals.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=105114 project_image_fid=210528]

We’ll introduce clear planning controls to deliver an additional 60,000 homes around an initial 10 activity centres across Melbourne by the end of 2024, with the Minister for Planning taking over the planning work from councils in these areas.

Activity centre plans will guide investment in the things a growing suburb needs like community facilities, public spaces and parks. The program will also consider the best way to incentivise more affordable housing.

The initial 10 activity centres identified are Broadmeadows, Camberwell Junction, Chadstone, Epping, Frankston, Moorabbin, Niddrie (Keilor Road), North Essendon, Preston (High Street) and Ringwood.

Over the longer term and as part of a new plan for Victoria, we’ll look to extend these planning controls to other activity centres across Melbourne, and possibly regional Victoria – boosting housing supply and giving local communities greater certainty over how their suburbs grow.

The Minister for Planning will also lead the work to overhaul the&nbsp;Planning and Environmental Act 1987&nbsp;to create a modern, fit for purpose planning system – with the review’s timeframes to be established in the coming months.

To support the changes above and give industry greater certainty, the Department of Transport and Planning will bolster its resources in the coming months – including by bringing on 90 new planners.

Premier Daniel Andrews said "building, buying, renovating or renting shouldn't be this hard."

Andrews Labor Government to ramp up apartment approvals across Melbourne

For most new apartment buildings, the Owners Corporation starts life with little more than a bank account and the first quarterly strata levies.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/9-gay-street-castle-hill-9-gay-street-castle-hill-nsw-2154">9 Gay Street</a> in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/castle-hill-nsw-2154">Castle Hill</a>, it starts with around $7 million in reserve.

It's an unusual legacy of what was once one of Sydney's highest-profile apartment remediation projects. When the development, originally known as Skyview and built by disgraced developer Top Place, came under scrutiny by then NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler, an $11 million remediation bond was negotiated to ensure any building defects could be fully rectified.

The building underwent an 18-month remediation program, during which around $4 million of that bond was spent bringing the building up to the standard it should have been in from the outset.

After extensive inspections, all active rectification orders have been lifted. What's more, around $7.2 million remains secured for the Owners Corporation for the next 15 years.

In a twist few would have predicted, what began as a significant concern for purchasers has left the building with something almost unheard of in the apartment market: a multi-million-dollar financial reserve from day one.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359136]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a> Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said the structure offers buyers a level of certainty that is difficult to replicate.

"The $11 million bond established for the Skyview Castle Hill development represents exceptional value, providing genuine financial security for purchasers," Huxley said.

"Unlike a standard insurance policy, this bond consists of real funds held in trust for the Owners Corporation, offering a tangible layer of protection and added peace of mind."

The apartments themselves have been designed with a focus on practical, contemporary living. Interiors feature Smeg appliances, stone benchtops, tiled living areas, carpeted bedrooms, 2.7-metre ceilings, floor-to-ceiling glazing, and ducted heating and cooling throughout.

Residents also have access to a range of shared amenities, including two rooftop barbecue areas, a swimming pool, children's playgrounds, secure building access, storage cages, and visitor parking.

The location continues to be one of the project's strongest drawcards. Castle Hill Metro Station sits virtually on the doorstep, providing direct connections across Sydney's expanding Metro network, while Castle Towers offers extensive retail, dining, entertainment, and service amenities within walking distance.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359127]

The building, now named after its location at 9 Gay Street, comprises a diverse mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments starting from just under $600,000.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett said demand in the Hills District continues to be driven by buyers seeking convenience and connectivity.

"Interest from both owner-occupiers and investors in Castle Hill remains exceptionally strong, with buyers consistently prioritising developments in close proximity to the Metro station and Castle Towers Shopping Centre," Hamblett said.

"There is a clear trend in the market, with purchasers seeking convenient access to transport and lifestyle amenities that support a seamless, low-maintenance way of living."

On top of the long-term protection afforded by the remaining $7.2 million bond, Equitifund is offering a limited-time stamp duty rebate on selected apartments.

Eligible purchasers can also secure finance options, including a 3.99 per cent two-year variable rate, loan-to-value ratios of up to 90 per cent, and interest-only lending options through EquitiCredit.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=147685]

Why this Castle Hill apartment building starts with a $7 million advantage

For much of the past few years, conversations about Australia's property market have centred on the rapid growth seen in Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Perth. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic-3004">Melbourne</a> has followed a different trajectory.

That relative underperformance is now encouraging some buyers to reassess the city, particularly those willing to look beyond short-term market movements and focus on quality property in established locations, along with the long-term growth prospects of a city expected to overtake Sydney as Australia’s most populous.

John Bekiaris, Research &amp; Market Insights at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Projects by Equitifund</a>, said Melbourne's current position is attracting increasingly sophisticated purchasers.

"Melbourne continues to present one of Australia's strongest long-term investment stories," Bekiaris says.

"While other capital cities have experienced stronger recent growth, that relative underperformance is exactly what's attracting sophisticated counter-cyclical investors."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363268]

Equitifund isn't just commenting on Melbourne's property market, it's investing in it.

The Sydney-headquartered capital partner has taken over the remaining apartments at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/victoriana-melbourne-20-queens-road-melbourne-vic-3004">Victoriana</a>, the recently completed glass-encased development opposite Albert Park Lake in Melbourne's tightly held St Kilda Road precinct.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> and built by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hickory">Hickory</a>, Victoriana places residents between one of Melbourne's most recognised parklands and the CBD, offering oversized two and three-bedroom apartments aimed at owner-occupiers seeking a genuine alternative to a traditional family home.

The development comprises 232 completed residences alongside a suite of resident amenities, including a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, landscaped entertaining areas, resident lounges, EV charging, secure basement parking and a concierge-style arrival experience.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363229]

The apartments have been designed with owner-occupiers firmly in mind.&nbsp;Open-plan living and dining areas flow onto generous balconies framing views across Albert Park Lake, Fawkner Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Melbourne skyline.

Kitchens feature Gaggenau appliances, stone benchtops and generous preparation space. Bedrooms include built-in robes, while bathrooms feature full-height textured tiling. Hardwood flooring and ducted air conditioning complete residences designed for long-term living.

Rothelowman's architecture takes its cues from the landscape opposite the site. Sweeping horizontal glazing references the movement of Albert Park Lake, while generous balconies and expansive glazing strengthen the connection between the apartments and the surrounding parklands. The result is a building designed to deliver the scale and amenity expected of luxury apartment living, while offering the larger floorplans increasingly sought by owner-occupiers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363284]

The location is one of Victoriana's defining characteristics. Positioned on Queens Road, residents are directly opposite Albert Park Lake and within easy reach of Fawkner Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens, South Melbourne, St Kilda Road and the CBD. With few comparable development opportunities remaining in the precinct, buyers are increasingly placing value on outlooks that are unlikely to be interrupted by future construction.

Greg Huxley, Founder of Equitifund, believes those qualities become even more valuable over time.

"Premium real estate has always rewarded buyers who take a long-term view," Huxley said.

"Victoriana represents the kind of asset that's increasingly difficult to recreate today, particularly in an established location like Queens Road."

He said rising construction costs are also changing the way buyers assess completed developments.

"When you combine an irreplaceable location with thoughtful architecture and premium finishes, you create something that becomes increasingly difficult to reproduce as construction costs continue to rise."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363228]

According to National Sales Director Ben Hamblett, enquiry has been driven largely by Melbourne downsizers and buyers upgrading from smaller apartments.

"Interest in Victoriana continues to build, with strong buyer focus on the larger owner-occupier residences within the development," Hamblett says.

"Enquiry is increasingly driven by local buyers who recognise the rarity of what's on offer: park-facing apartments in an established neighbourhood where new development opportunities are becoming increasingly scarce. At Victoriana, the view is not just a feature; it's an appreciating asset in its own right."

He said interstate enquiry has also strengthened as buyers reassess Melbourne's position within the national property cycle.

"Melbourne currently stands as the most compelling entry point of any major Australian capital, and discerning buyers are beginning to recognise what those who move early always understand: the best opportunities are taken before the price rise confirms them."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=1979]

Why now is the time to buy in Melbourne's premium apartment market

Developers and apartment buyers have a narrowing window of opportunity before Brisbane's Olympic infrastructure pipeline begins competing directly with residential construction, pushing up costs, tightening labour supply and making new projects increasingly difficult to deliver.

While Brisbane's apartment market continues to benefit from strong population growth and limited housing supply, industry research suggests the years leading up to 2027 could prove to be the most important period for developers looking to secure builders and buyers hoping to purchase before the next wave of price increases.

A new Colliers report, Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games: Creating Solutions, highlights the scale of the challenge. While thousands of new homes are planned across South East Queensland, the Brisbane Olympic Athletes Village alone will deliver more than 10,500 beds during the Games before being converted into around 1,750 to 2,000 apartments. Equivalent to almost two years of typical inner-city apartment supply, the project will also absorb a significant share of the construction workforce and building materials.

The broader construction pipeline paints an even clearer picture.

Construction Skills Queensland's Horizon 2032 report forecasts Queensland's annual construction pipeline will average $69 billion over the coming years before peaking at $75 billion in 2027-28. Demand for construction workers is expected to increase by 17 per cent to almost 150,000 people, with the industry facing an annual shortfall of around 19,000 workers that could blow out to as many as 35,000 during the peak construction period.

The Olympic venues, athletes village and supporting infrastructure will account for billions of dollars worth of work across South East Queensland through to 2032, creating intense competition for labour at a time when Australia's residential construction sector is already under pressure.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=373834]

Colliers Queensland Residential Director Andrew Scriven said the convergence of these projects is creating a clear window of opportunity for both developers and buyers.

"From 2027 onwards, the market will shift dramatically," Scriven said.

"Labour will increasingly be locked into government-led infrastructure and Olympic projects, which means private residential developments will face higher costs and tighter margins. The developers who move now are the ones most likely to get projects off the ground."

Scriven said the same dynamic would also affect buyers, with fewer apartment projects expected to launch once construction capacity tightens.

"If you're looking to change your lifestyle over the next five years, now is your window of opportunity to buy."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150713 project_image_fid=373827]

Developers are already positioning themselves ahead of that window.

Following the success of Monarch at Toowong, Consolidated Properties is preparing to launch two new Brisbane apartment projects in the second half of 2026. They include <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/gloriette-30-bedivere-street-yeerongpilly-qld-4105">Gloriette</a> at Yeerongpilly Green, a 25-storey tower within one of Brisbane's key Olympic precincts, and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castile-47-skyring-terrace-newstead-qld-4006">Castile</a>, a recently approved 25-storey riverfront development at 47 Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

Hutchinson Builders will deliver both projects, with early works already underway at Yeerongpilly and Newstead expected to commence later this year.

The timing comes as Brisbane's fundamentals continue to strengthen, with strong interstate migration, population growth and vacancy rates remaining below 1.5 per cent.

Colliers Queensland researcher Pragya Sharma said Greater Brisbane is forecast to require around 40,000 new apartments between 2021 and 2031.

"There's a real mismatch emerging between when housing is needed and when it will be feasible to build," Sharma said.

"As a result, the period leading up to 2027 presents a key window of opportunity for developers to secure approvals, funding and construction capacity, while buyers will have greater choice before supply constraints intensify."

Colliers research outlines a critical pre-2027 window to start residential projects before labour squeeze: now is the time to buy

Developers, buyers on watch in South East Queensland ahead of construction crunch: Colliers

It's taken less than nine months for developer Sherpa Property Group to sell out all 51 apartments in its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-oasis-palm-beach-7-9-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Oasis</a> development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a>, over a year before its anticipated completion.

&nbsp;

Located at 7-9 Sixth Avenue, the $67 million development has resonated strongly with both local owner-occupiers and downsizers seeking high-quality apartments within walking distance of the beach, dining precincts and everyday amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357458]

Christie Leet, Founder of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Group</a>, said the sell-out reflected both the strength of the Palm Beach market and the success of Sherpa's community-first approach to development.

"The sell-out of Oasis is a fantastic outcome and reinforces the strong demand we're seeing for thoughtfully designed apartments in lifestyle locations," Leet said.

"From the outset, our vision was to create a development that genuinely enhanced the Palm Beach community while providing residents with exceptional homes and wellness-focused amenities.

"We've been incredibly encouraged by the level of local support throughout the campaign, 72.5 per cent of buyers are locals, with a significant proportion of purchasers choosing Oasis as their future home rather than an investment."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357463]

Construction is now progressing following development approval, with trusted builder LPS Group delivering the project and completion anticipated in Q3 2027.

Oasis forms part of Sherpa Group's successful Flourish collection, which has become recognised for its focus on wellness, community and elevated coastal living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357469]

Residents will have private access to a rooftop amenity space featuring a pool, gym, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, spa and barbecue facilities.

"The success of Oasis demonstrates that buyers continue to prioritise quality, location and lifestyle," Leet said.

"We are proud to have delivered a project that has resonated so strongly with the market and look forward to bringing Oasis to life for our future residents."

Sherpa recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a>, its third instalment of the Flourish brand in Palm Beach following Flourish Oasis and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151449]

Sherpa sells out Flourish Oasis in booming Palm Beach

Urban Property Group's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-vera-macquarie-park-94-talavera-road-macquarie-park-nsw-2113">La Vera</a> is leading the next phase of Macquarie Park's residential evolution, with the new apartment development set to become the first of several new apartment projects in the precinct to complete.

The 169-apartment building has now topped out ahead of its scheduled completion in the third quarter of 2026, as new residential investment continues to reshape one of Sydney's largest employment hubs into a true mixed-use precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=368645]

Cox Architecture has designed La Vera to capture the best of its unique positioning on Talavera Road, orienting the building towards Lane Cove National Park.&nbsp;The building features a sculpted northern façade with flowing curves inspired by the surrounding landscape, while its city-facing elevation adopts a more structured architectural expression to maximise skyline views.

"The vision for the project was to conceive a building that adopted an organic and curvilinear form to the northern portion that faces the Lane Cove National Park," <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a> Director Felipe Miranda said.

"The residents that reside in the northern portion of the building benefit by having beautifully crafted curved balconies that speak to the natural context and heighten the relationship of their internal living spaces to the external balconies."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=358802]

La Vera offers a diverse mix of one, two, three, and four-bedroom configurations, with prices currently starting from $740,000. Buyers so far have been a mix of Sydney-based investors,&nbsp;metro commuters, owner-occupiers and downsizers from surrounding North Shore suburbs.

Both investors and owner-occupiers have been drawn to La Vera's proximity to Macquarie University, Macquarie University Hospital, Macquarie Centre and the Sydney Metro, infrastructure that supports both strong rental demand and a convenient lifestyle for residents.

The apartments feature full-height glazing, timber flooring throughout living areas, stone kitchen benchtops, SMEG appliances, floor-to-ceiling bathroom tiling and ducted air conditioning.

Residents will have access to a rooftop recreation level featuring a swimming pool, sauna, barbecue facilities and landscaped relaxation areas, complemented by additional communal space at ground level. Many apartments enjoy uninterrupted views across Lane Cove National Park, reinforcing the project's connection to its natural setting.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=364551]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a>, a family-owned developer and builder with nearly four decades of experience, holds a 4.5-star iCIRT rating and was Australia's first developer to introduce 10-Year Latent Defects Insurance (LDI). La Vera is the first apartment development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/macquarie-park-nsw-2113">Macquarie Park</a> approved to offer the additional insurance protection, alongside a five-year warranty on SMEG appliances.

Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias said the additional protection reflects changing buyer expectations in the off the plan market.

"Consumers are a lot more weary and a lot more concerned in buying off the plan than they ever have been. Having LDI is a tool to portray the confidence that we have in our product, and a confidence we want buyers to share," Elias said.

Following completion of the building later this year, buyers will move into their apartments well before Christmas.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134951]

Joel Robinson

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