Once the ASX-listed developer Mirvac acquired the site of a former hotel across the road from Princes Park in Brunswick, they ticked the location box for prospective off the plan apartment buyers.

Next came the design of the building, and in true Mirvac fashion, as well as designing spacious, light-filled apartments, they wanted to give their residents curated communal spaces within the building, so they didn’t have to solely rely on what was outside their home for leisure or connection.

Mirvac Design worked hand in hand with Bates Smart and Jack Merlo to carefully curate spaces, terraces, and landscaped courtyards, to foster a sense of community just for Prince &amp; Parade residents.

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They started from the ground up, with a café to be integrated within the development fronting Park Street, a strategic amenity for those who will head over to the many walking trails throughout the 40-hectare park with a coffee in hand.

There will be a minimum of two additional commercial spaces on the ground floor, fronting Brunswick Road, which will complement the existing offerings along nearby Sydney Road.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4802 project_image_fid=269387]

A private grand lobby, accessed via the Park Street entrance, features a dedicated building manager to welcome residents home. Amenities include electronic parcel lockers and refrigerated storage for cold deliveries (e.g., HelloFresh). The ground floor also offers a separate meeting room exclusively for residents

The lobby leads through to the lifts with access to the five levels in the South building and nine Levels in the North building that will home 167 one, two, three, and four-bedroom apartments. It also accesses The Commons and The Crown Courtyard, two private central gardens crafted by Jack Merlo to bring the beauty of the park into Prince &amp; Parade.

The private residents’ dining room, with a fireplace and natural stone kitchen, has direct access to the landscaped spaces and can be booked for private events through the building management.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4802 project_image_fid=269385]

While Princes Park offers an abundance of opportunity to exercise with the aforementioned walking trails and various sporting clubs, Mirvac created a private home for resident workouts with a wellness area housing a gym and a yoga studio overlooking landscaped gardens.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4802 project_image_fid=269388]

The Residents’ Library, another purpose-built space for quiet focus or remote work, is designed as a work-from-home space, with shared tables and integrated seating, as well as a carefully curated selection of books that can be enjoyed in the library or back at home.

The crowning glory of Prince &amp; Parade is the rooftop terrace, a private oasis offering expansive views over Princes Park, Royal Park, and the city skyline. Landscaping surrounds alfresco spaces and barbecue facilities, creating the perfect setting for gatherings with neighbours.

Mirvac recently commenced construction on the $280 million, all-electric apartment development, just four kilometers from the CBD and within walking distance to Melbourne’s inner-north suburbs, as well as the University of Melbourne and Royal Melbourne Hospital precinct. Prince &amp; Parade is expected to complete in late 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4802]

Mirvac recently commenced construction on the $280 million, all-electric apartment development, just four kilometers from the CBD and within walking distance to Melbourne’s inner-north suburbs

Joel Robinson

Premium amenities match parkside living at Prince & Parade in Brunswick

Burgeoning Gold Coast developer Polycell is fast becoming one of the busiest developers in Broadbeach.

Polycell is nearing a sellout of <a href="/new-apartments/the-rochester-broadbeach-143-surf-parade-broadbeach">The Rochester</a>, their debut apartment development on the Gold Coast, which they are currently constructing through their newly established construction arm. Just last month, the company <a href="/news/qld/first-look-polycell-approved-for-next-broadbeach-apartment-development">secured approval</a> for its second project at <a href="/new-apartments/167-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach">167 Old Burleigh Road</a>.

Now they've submitted plans for what will be their third project, having successfully completed the buyout of the apartment owners at the <a href="/new-apartments/sandpiper-broadbeach-155-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach">12-level Sandpiper building</a>, also on Old Burleigh Road.

<img alt="Polycell" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="067d3cc5-c1d5-4676-bf18-83a00e38c8ae" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-05-02%20at%209.58.35%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=yca5eX3jeupb_EqtyPZR_kIdcA9tIGCY" />

It's the third time they've called on BDA to handle the designs, after the local architecture firm put the plans together for The Rochester and their other approved project.

They said in the design statement the project presents an exciting opportunity to create a landmark residential tower within the vibrant, high-density Broadbeach precinct.

"The proposed fifty two storey residential apartment tower will feature a timeless façade inspired by the surrounding coastal context, establishing it as a unique sculptural addition to the Broadbeach skyline," BDA noted.

"Carefully designed to respect the character of Broadbeach’s high-density precinct, the project addresses key opportunities presented by the site.&nbsp;The design highlights exceptional architecture, thoughtfully designed public edges, boutique communal amenities, and lush subtropical landscaping, making it a valuable and sustainable addition to the Broadbeach area."

<img alt="Polycell" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="65075f78-0815-44ec-a2bc-cc3910ba4ed7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-05-02%20at%2010.05.47%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=y9KN87EyiDZQgwFqxVZW.z64bviqXB.g" />

They said the spacious apartments&nbsp;are designed to accommodate a range of varying demographics, with an emphasis on maximising natural ventilation and light.

Of the 216 apartments, 146 (or 67 per cent) will be two-bedroom. The plans incorporate 65 three-bedroom apartments, three four-bedroom apartments, and two five-bedroom, full-floor sub-penthouses, each spanning 736 sqm.

The lower portion of the tower will comprise just six apartments per floor, while&nbsp;the upper levels offers a selection of larger apartments.

<img alt="Sandpiper" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="87ca0e97-e014-4224-9a41-80739744b838" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-05-02%20at%209.58.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=N.PPsXAs7sa..3Qrjyg0OjcwcIA_ldzD" />

Much like The Rochester, Polycell has proven themselves to be committed to a high-level of resident amenity, and Sandpiper will be no different.

There will be three levels of dedicated facilities, starting from the&nbsp;podium level which will feature a lap pool with floating day beds, a communal kitchen, dining and lounge area, a gym with a yoga room, a games room with a golf simulator, and a wellness area with a spa, hot and cold pluinges and a sauna and steam room.

The 33rd and 34th level of the building will be home to the residents club that will have similar amenity to the podium level, but also meeting rooms, a two-level club lounge with a spiral staricase, a wine room and ajdoining private dining areas, a library, and a cinema.

&nbsp;

It's the third time they've called on BDA to handle the designs, after the local architecture firm put the plans together for The Rochester and their other approved project

First look exclusive: Polycell files Sandpiper redevelopment plans after owner buyout

An atypical masterplanned community in Australia is typically located 20 kilometres or more from our capital cities, where land is more abundant in growth corridors that are already, or soon to be, connected to the city by transport. These communities offer the most vacant land to expand outward rather than upward. In contrast, developers within capital cities are usually limited to smaller sites—around 2,000 sqm compared to 20 hectares—and therefore have to build upwards.

In recent years, however, some of Melbourne’s top developers have managed to carve out enough space in the inner-ring suburbs to offer the best of both worlds: partly going up, and partly going out.

Milieu, Sunkin, and Hamton are each working on neighbourhood-style precincts in Elsternwick, Highett, and Hawthorn.

Elsternwick Gardens by Milieu is the design-driven developer’s largest project to date. They secured the former ABC Studios site on Gordon Street in Elsternwick—a prime 11,740 sqm block located next to the heritage-listed Rippon Lea Estate, whose gardens are over 140 years old.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136535 project_image_fid=288412]

Milieu embraced the proximity to Rippon Lea, cleverly creating a private gate between the new development and the estate, accessible exclusively by Elsternwick Gardens residents. They went to great lengths to create an extension of the gardens, which, once completed, will be maintained by the Rippon Lea Estate gardeners. Residents will also enjoy private, direct access to the historic gardens.

Milieu recently launched the first stage of <a href="/new-apartments/elsternwick-gardens-by-milieu-8-gordon-street-elsternwick-vic-3185">Elsternwick Gardens</a>, named Gordon Place, which includes the first two of six buildings planned for the community. These buildings have been expertly designed by Woods Bagot, in collaboration with K.P.D.O. for interior design, and Oculus for landscaping. Brady Constructions was recently appointed as the builder for the first stage, with construction set to begin later this year.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136535 project_image_fid=288414]

Milieu Managing Director Michael McCormack describes Elsternwick Gardens as a "once-in-a-generation opportunity," highlighting the project's scale and the historical significance of its location.

"The sheer scale of the project, alongside the historical and cultural importance of the site, renders this our most significant undertaking to date."

There are one, two, and three-bedroom apartments on offer at Gordon Place, designed with a focus on indoor and outdoor living, as well as sustainability. All apartments will be fossil fuel-free, powered by renewable energy, and feature provisions for EV charging and water harvesting. Elsternwick Gardens will also include amenities such as wellness facilities, dog wash, and a hospitality offering.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136535 project_image_fid=288416]

Developer Sunkin is dedicating over 40 per cent of its 9.63-hectare Highett site—one of the largest privately held sites in Melbourne—to parkland. The interspersed homes, a mix of apartments and townhouses, will be surrounded by a conservation area and a new one-hectare public park.

Construction on <a href="/new-apartments/highett-common-37-graham-road-highett-vic-3190">Highett Common</a>, led by SK Constructions—Sunkin’s building arm—is well underway, with the first tranche of residents set to move into the initial stage in the coming months. Once complete, Highett Common will be home to over 1,000 people. The precinct will also feature a new two-level public library, part of the Bayside Community Facility, which will include study areas, rooms for community classes and meetings, and an adjacent café.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108019 project_image_fid=300077]

Resident amenities are divided into two zones. The Northern Residents’ Amenity will include an indoor lap pool, a gym with a wellness area, and a bookable private dining room. The Southern Residents’ Amenity will offer another gym with green views, an outdoor swimming pool, wellness hubs, and a cinema.

Sunkin has recently launched The Luxury Collection—just 12 residences that represent a new benchmark in quality and design for Highett. Each home in the collection includes three bedrooms, offered in a variety of layouts to suit different lifestyles—from penthouse-style apartments with wraparound terraces and Bayside views, to townhouse-style homes with direct access to landscaped grounds and children’s playgrounds.

To accompany the release, Sunkin is offering a range of incentives for Luxury Collection buyers, including a $12,000 furniture voucher from interior design experts Coco Republic, along with a complimentary styling consultation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108019 project_image_fid=331189]

Masterplan developer Hamton is the latest to unveil a nature-driven new precinct. They recently launched Scotch Hill Gardens (above), located on a former University of Melbourne campus site in Hawthorn. Approximately 40 per cent of the neighbourhood—over 6,500 sqm—will be dedicated to landscaping, including the planting of 151 new trees. Additionally, 77 established trees will be retained, providing tree canopy views from several of the apartments and the communal rooftop terrace, with sightlines back to the Melbourne skyline.

<a href="/new-apartments/scotch-hill-gardens-hawthorn-147-robinson-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Scotch Hill Gardens</a> will comprise six buildings, ranging from four to eight levels. Architecture firm Woods Bagot drew inspiration from the organisation of lily pads on a pond—organic formations that are discrete yet interconnected, sitting lightly within their context. This approach aligns with the principles of "nature-based cities," integrating nature, amenity, wellness, and community into the urban fabric.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149097 project_image_fid=327630]

The architecture of Scotch Hill Gardens reflects the heritage of Hawthorn, with each residential pavilion taking on a unique identity inspired by Victorian, Edwardian, and Federation styles. Woods Bagot has created a cohesive language that complements the natural landscape.

Interior design leader Cara Gabriel emphasises the importance of framing views of nature, stating, "We wanted the apartments to have a sense of quiet luxury, to allow the residents to look outside and appreciate the nature they’re surrounded by."

The development also prioritises sustainability, with features such as energy-efficient designs and the use of local materials. The integration of extensive green spaces not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also promotes environmental sustainability and community well-being. Construction on stage one is set to start in Q3 2025 and complete in early 2027.

Inside Melbourne's new nature-based neighbourhoods

Brisbane developer Stockwell is planning more apartments in <a href="/developments/west-end-qld-4101">West End</a>.

The developer, who has delivered over 700 apartments in West End alone, has sought to add another 132 more.

They've filed plans to the Brisbane City Council for a 15-level tower on <a href="/new-apartments/33-vulture-street-west-end">33 Vulture Street</a>, on the site of the former&nbsp;Queensland Can Factory. The proposal retains two of the 1939 factory facades along Paris and Turin streets.

<img alt="Stockwell" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9d1995f6-7dc6-4128-9230-a782f07036a6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-05-01%20at%201.27.36%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=xPeG9a5ZlNt_lIM7greLwk4EgO4CZkxg" />

The apartments will sit above two levels of retail that will activate the Vulture Street frontage. The first floor tenancies have an outdoor balcony which overlooks Vulture Street and are accessed by their own lift and staircase. The residential tower is set back from the character walls and the new brick façade.

Residents will have private access to the rooftop where there will be a 16m infinity pool, adjoining deck with day beds and a sauna, and a spa. The roof will also home several outdoor dining areas and barbecue spaces, as well as a multi-use function space and a gym. The rooftop of the car park levels will have a dog park and a herb garden.

<img alt="Stockwell" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0c73291e-14a7-46dc-9951-9523f17f2249" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-05-01%20at%201.27.40%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=H6sExxvZpPZlFjqo8D7FoJZs1EDGvfJK" />

The Design Statement by Mode said the Vulture Street residential façade is split into two distinct elements with a vertical planted break which also allows natural cross ventilation to the residential corridors.

"Each of the two elements of the façade has a different treatment in terms of color and balustrading to provide identity and reduce visual mass," the statement noted, adding that the&nbsp;architectural language and expression of the retail component is derived from the character factory walls and the brick façade of the West End State School.

<img alt="Vulture St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a3fcb4da-3e73-409d-869b-879be2824878" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-05-01%20at%201.28.06%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=l4lSHGix.IF5dN0TiuT7bXYBI2O1dZlu" />

Stockwell's latest development is in West End. They are currently selling Bankside, 78 one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments.

<a href="/developers/stockwell">Stockwell</a>, which was founded in the early 1950s as a construction company, are also behind Cremorne on Fish Lane and Croft on Fish Lane, in the popular new precinct in South&nbsp;Bri​sbane.

First look: Stockwell files for new Vulture Street, West End apartment tower

For years, Michelle and Wade had cruised the Broadwater, often docking at the Main Beach Yacht Club and dreaming of a life closer to what they call their second home.

What started as a holiday habit quickly turned into something more permanent when they discovered <a href="/developers/drew-group">Drew Group</a>’s dual-tower apartment development, <a href="/new-apartments/lagoon-main-beach-11-23-cronin-avenue-main-beach">Lagoon</a>, in <a href="/developments/main-beach-qld-4217">Main Beach</a>.

For Michelle and Wade, long-time Broadbeach locals and passionate boating enthusiasts, the decision to downsize wasn’t made overnight. But when the opportunity arose to call Lagoon home, it felt like everything fell perfectly into place.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108747 project_image_fid=221592]

The couple recently secured a three-bedroom plus multipurpose room residence in the Sunrise Tower of Lagoon,&nbsp;with panoramic views and an enviable connection to the Broadwater lifestyle they adore.

“We live on our boat just as much as we live at home,” Michelle said.

“We were spending holidays at the yacht club just around the corner. It was during one of those stays we first came across Lagoon—started looking at the floorplans and just thought, ‘We can really do this.’”

`The couple live in a five-bedroom, two-level home in Broadbeach Waters, but Michelle was ready for a change. She couldn’t convince Wade when they first looked at Lagoon, but they came back a year later when the project began rising from the ground and they could see extensive progress in construction.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108747 project_image_fid=204524]

“Once we saw it in real life, it all just clicked”, Michelle recalled.

For the couple, Main Beach and Lagoon offers everything they need.

“We feel like we’re not losing anything by downsizing, in both the space offered at Lagoon as well as the facilities like a lagoon style swimming pool and a top-tier gym.”

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108747 project_image_fid=221590]

Their new home at Lagoon offers a low-maintenance, lock-and-leave lifestyle that supports both relaxation and activity. “When we’re home, I want to be on the boat, and not mowing lawns,” Wade said. “Lagoon gives us that freedom.”

They liked the peace and quiet of Main Beach compared to neighbouring suburbs, but also loved the fact it still has significant waterside amenities on The Spit and an increasingly thriving hospitality and retail precinct on Tedder Avenue and at Marina Mirage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108747 project_image_fid=284864]

One of the main drivers in purchasing off the plan was what friends and locals said about those behind the project.

“Everyone knows Hutchies as a builder,” Michelle said. “Drew Group was a new name to us, but everyone we’ve spoken to in the local community has nothing but praise for Jon Drew. Friends who know people in the industry spoke very highly of him and we value their opinion.”

Hutchinson Builders is approaching topping out of the two towers. Drew Group expects Lagoon residents to move in over the summer.

Michelle and Wade took part in Urban's Buyer Q&amp;A series which focuses on the driving factors behind buying off the plan property in Australia

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108747]

From Broadbeach to Main Beach: Why local downsizers are making the move to Drew Group’s Lagoon Main Beach

<a href="/developers/sma-projects">SMA Projects</a> believes in flexibility when it comes to property development, making it easier for their purchasers, the majority of whom are downsizers, to transition from their family home into a new apartment.

As well as offering <a href="/news/vic/why-the-ability-to-customise-is-a-crucial-offering-in-the-off-the-plan-apartment-market">customisable floorplans to suit a buyers' needs</a>, the lifestyle developer also offers a stress-free way of downsizing.

Their 'Settle When You've Sold' initiative allows those coming from another home to wait until they have sold it before settling on their new apartment, removing the complexity of coordinating the sale of their current home in time for building completion.

The flexible scheme is available to buyers at its latest apartment development <a href="/new-apartments/the-regent-fitzroy-340-fitzroy-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">The Regent Fitzroy</a>, a reimagination of the old Regent Theatre which once stood on the <a href="/developments/fitzroy-vic-3065">Fitzroy</a> Street site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24824 project_image_fid=304614]

The Regent will comprise 64 one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, with two-bedroom, two-bathroom residences starting from $725,000.

Designed by acclaimed architecture firm <a href="/architects/hayball">Hayball</a> with interiors by <a href="/interior-designers/studio-tate">Studio Tate</a>, The Regent is a tribute to Fitzroy’s storied past and dynamic present. It features two distinct interior schemes: the Classic Collection, a Nordic-inspired light palette, and the darker, moodier Arthouse Collection.&nbsp;

Each residence is crafted to evoke the cinematic glamour of the original Regent Theatre, from arched ceilings and art deco-inspired detailing in the foyer, to expansive living areas that open onto private balconies or terraces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24824 project_image_fid=304767]

Residents at The Regent will enjoy access to a 315 sqm rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city skyline, complete with BBQ and dining spaces.

A resident guest suite offers a hotel-style option for visiting friends and family, while pet owners will appreciate the convenience of an on-site dog wash.&nbsp;

The inclusion of a resident workshop also reflects SMA Projects’ dedication to supporting a lifestyle that is both creative and practical.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24824 project_image_fid=304766]

The Regent will rise from a prime corner site bordering Fitzroy and Johnston Streets, one of the most walkable developments currently being delivered in the area. Think walking distance to artisan cafes, independent boutiques, leafy parks, and renowned restaurants.&nbsp;

Currently off the plan apartment buyers in Victoria can purchase with no stamp duty, but only until the end of October 2025.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=24824]

The Regent will rise from a prime corner site bordering Fitzroy and Johnston Streets, one of the most walkable developments currently being delivered in the area

SMA Projects makes downsizing easier at The Regent Fitzroy with ‘Settle When You've Sold’ initiative

Golden Age Group&nbsp;has appointed Figurehead as the construction partner for its Box Hill South townhouse development, Wembley Hill.

The first release of the 143 townhouses at the Hay Street development will start construction soon, and are expected to be completed in Q3 2026.

The appointment of <a href="/builders/figurehead-construction">Figurehead Construction</a> is the second time Golden Age has partnered with the Melbourne-based firm to deliver a residential community, following the successful completion of the Floret townhome project in Glen Waverley.

&nbsp;

"We are excited to partner again with Figurehead Construction for the construction of <a href="/new-townhouses/wembley-hill-15-hay-street-box-hill-south">Wembley Hill</a>, a development that embodies our commitment to creating sustainable, high-quality living spaces," Golden Age Group Development Director, Damien Hehir, said.

"This project is set to redefine modern living in Melbourne's eastern suburbs, supplying families and home buyers an opportunity to invest in a vibrant, connected community."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=104627 project_image_fid=222327]

<a href="/developers/golden-age-group">Golden Age</a>&nbsp;has released the next stage of Rothelowman-designed townhouses. The new collection, Amber, draws&nbsp;inspiration from the liquidambar trees planted throughout the streetscapes, creating vibrant green links that connect different sections of the community masterplan.

Families and couples have been the most active buyers at Wembley Hill, drawn to&nbsp;its prime location amenities, sustainability focus, and design-led, cost-effective living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=104627 project_image_fid=222319]

Sustainability and design are at the heart of the project, imagined by <a href="/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a> and acclaimed landscape architects <a href="/landscape-architect/tcl">TCL</a>. The expansive 13,000 sqm of landscaped gardens, tree canopies, and native greenery create a transition into the nearby Gardiner’s Creek Trail.

TCL’s design responds to the adjacent KooyongKoot (Gardiners Creek) corridor, with a planting scheme that supports local biodiversity, flora and fauna. A rich mix of new trees, shrubs, and grasses contributes to the project’s long-term ecological and community value.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=104627]

Families and couples have been the most active buyers at Wembley Hill, drawn to its prime location amenities, sustainability focus, and design-led, cost-effective living

Golden Age Group appoints Figurehead to build Wembley Hill, Box Hill South townhouses

Barry Morris’ <a href="/developers/morris-property-group">Morris Property Group</a> has been central to the transformation of the nation’s capital since their first investment in the late-1970s.

Now the developer is onto their 78th project, having already delivered over 7,000 apartments over the last four decades.

Their most recent development, <a href="/new-apartments/iris-belconnen-53-benjamin-way-belconnen-act-2617">Iris</a>, will bring 239 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments to the heart of <a href="/developments/belconnen-act-2617">Belconnen</a>. 

Iris, designed by <a href="/architects/guida-moseley-brown-architects">Guida Moseley Brown Architects</a>, will feature four low-rise buildings on Benjamin Way, a stone’s throw from the growing town centre.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149774 project_image_fid=346516]

The apartments all feature the must-haves in apartment living, like hybrid timber flooring, double-glazed windows, ducted reverse-cycle air conditioning systems, and large sliding glass doors that open up to private balconies.

Kitchens will feature European appliances by Franke, and Cassa Luso tapware will be used in both the kitchens and bathrooms.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149774 project_image_fid=346512]

Iris residents will be well-serviced with a full 1,875 sqm retail precinct on the ground level, as well as a range of private resident facilities like a gym, yoga lawn, sundeck, and swimming pool. 

The one-bedroom apartments, with over 60 sqm of living space and a parking spot, start from $479,900 — well below the near-$600,000 median of units in Canberra.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149774 project_image_fid=346511]

Iris will rise from a prime 8,000 sqm-plus site on Benjamin Way, walking distance from Westfield Belconnen, home to over 270 specialty retail, food, and beverage outlets. It is also a short walk to the newly revitalised Capitol Food Market, which brings local businesses and farmers together to support the local community and enjoy fresh produce and multicultural cuisine.

The rest of Canberra can be accessed easily via the Belconnen Bus Interchange, next door to the Westfield.

Morris Property Group’s in-house construction business will be responsible for the delivery of the build.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149774]

Iris will rise from a prime 8,000 sqm-plus site on Benjamin Way, walking distance from Westfield Belconnen, home to over 270 specialty retail, food, and beverage outlets

Morris Property Group continues Canberra transformation with new Belconnen apartments

The small Gold Coast suburb of <a href="/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a> has been one of Australia’s most in-demand locations for new apartments since 2020. Much of the suburb’s development has taken place— and continues to take place—along the Gold Coast Highway and just off the beachfront, where apartments are now achieving prices that would have seemed unthinkable just five years ago.

When Sydney-based developer <a href="/developers/abadeen-group">Abadeen</a>&nbsp;decided to introduce its luxury brand to the Gold Coast, it took a different approach. The group secured an amalgamated site on Mawarra Street, toward the northern end of Palm Beach and on the western side of the Gold Coast Highway. While not directly on the sand, the site is just 400 metres from the beach, allowing Abadeen to offer a broader mix of apartment configurations and price points—something rarely seen in a market where new apartments often start from $3 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106840 project_image_fid=336441]

<a href="/new-apartments/villea-palm-beach">Villea</a>, Abadeen’s debut Gold Coast project, comprises just 69 two and three-bedroom apartments, priced from $995,000 to $2,715,000. Residents will enjoy the laid-back Palm Beach lifestyle—without the beachfront premium.

Now well advanced in construction and on track for completion before Christmas, Villea is located less than 400 metres from Palm Beach’s northern sands. Its position also places residents just a 10-minute walk from Tallebudgera Creek, the natural waterway dividing Palm Beach from Burleigh Heads.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106840 project_image_fid=336449]

Affectionately known by locals as Tally Creek, this lifeguard-patrolled inlet is one of the Gold Coast’s most beloved family-friendly beaches. The calm, bay-like waters are ideal for swimming and paddleboarding, and there’s even a section of the sand designated as an off-leash dog area.

Just 600 metres from Villea is Canvas Palm Beach, one of the Gold Coast’s most popular cafés. Doubling as a boutique homewares store, Canvas serves breakfast, lunch, and drinks until 3pm daily.

While Palm Beach’s wider lifestyle offerings are a major drawcard, Abadeen has also prioritised on-site convenience. Villea will feature a ground-floor retail precinct, including a café and several yet-to-be-announced boutique retail tenancies, delivering everyday amenity right at residents’ doorstep.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106840 project_image_fid=336445]

Connectivity will soon be another key advantage. The proposed Nineteenth Avenue light rail stop—part of the $4.4 billion G:Link extension—will be located just 650 metres from Villea’s entrance. Once complete, it will provide direct links south to Coolangatta and north through Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise, all the way to Helensvale.

Families are also showing strong interest in the project, thanks in part to Villea’s close proximity to Palm Beach State School, located just 300 metres away, as well as the large floorplans that range in size up to 163 sqm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106840 project_image_fid=336442]

Villea will also feature several resident-only facilities, from a resort-style swimming pool to a fully-equipped gym.

Builder Emicon is soon to top out the eight-level structure which was designed by local architecture firm BDA.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=106840]

Abadeen finds untapped Palm Beach pocket for debut Gold Coast apartment development, Villea

Respected builder-developer DASCO has unveiled its highly anticipated Danks St District, set to become the largest and most design-focused residential and retail village in the heart of Waterloo.

DASCO, a family-run company founded over three decades ago by Daniel and Salim Nicolas as a construction and design firm, secured the large disused 1.7-hectare site on the corner of Bourke, Young, and McEvoy Streets in 2023.

They have now launched the first stage of the precinct. The precinct comprises the delivery of six new residential buildings, and later the restoration of two heritage-listed structures: the 1922 Pumping Station and the 1935 Valve House.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=111820 project_image_fid=344700]

The new buildings, designed by Bates Smart, MHNDU, Fieldwork and Richards and Spence, vary in size and density—from a stepped 20-level tower with terraces adjacent to a new park, to a boutique six-level plaza building with just 23 apartments. The architecture pays homage to Waterloo’s industrial past through expressive brickwork and sculptural form.

The first release, Bourke Street Residences, features a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, designed by MHNDU in collaboration with Melbourne-based landscape architect Fieldwork.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=111820 project_image_fid=344702]

The sculpted building draws inspiration from the site's natural environment and existing heritage structures, blending old and new in a refined, contemporary form.

Residents of Bourke Street Residences will also enjoy private amenities, including a rooftop garden with city views, a sheltered barbecue area, an outdoor gym, and a soundproofed music room.

DASCO CEO Michel Najjar said Danks St District presented an opportunity to deliver a landmark lifestyle community that benefits from the highly desirable Redfern and Surry Hills villages. He said the project will be extremely popular with owner-occupiers, investors, and tenants.

Danks St District will no doubt draw attention from the likes of Redfern and Surry Hills with its communal gardens and central plaza filled with retail and dining spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=111820 project_image_fid=344590]

DASCO, an iCIRT-rated builder-developer, has also secured the highly sought-after Latent Defects Insurance policy from Resilience Insurance. The insurance, which can only be taken out by the developer and not the property owner, protects homeowners from major structural or waterproofing faults for 10 years post-completion.

The Danks St District will deliver 373 much-needed dwellings to Sydney's housing supply on a prime 17,000 sqm+ inner-city site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=111820 project_image_fid=344704]

DASCO co-director Daniel Nicolas said Sydney’s housing crisis has highlighted the desperate need for a stronger pipeline of projects that will help alleviate rapidly increasing rents and provide a greater diversity of housing within the inner city. He noted that "research shows inner-city approvals have plummeted to record low levels in recent years and new project releases and completions have also stalled."

He added, "All the metrics indicate there is a dire problem with low vacancy rates and soaring rents. Net overseas migration figures have returned to pre-COVID levels and the demand for quality residential living, particularly in this location, remains as high as ever from students, singles, couples, and young families."

"With fewer development sites of this scale and calibre available in prime and prestigious locations, we see this as an essential opportunity for us to deliver an impressive legacy project."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=111820]

The Danks St District will deliver 373 much-needed dwellings to Sydney's housing supply on a prime 17,000 sqm+ inner-city site

DASCO launches game-changing new Waterloo precinct, Danks St District

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]

La Vera closes in on completion as Macquarie Park continues residential transformation

Brisbane developer Red &amp; Co's decision to include dual key apartments in its debut Gold Coast apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/como-varsity-lakes-22-lake-street-varsity-lakes-qld-4227">COMO Varsity Lakes</a>, is proving to be one of the project's biggest drawcards, with buyers quickly snapping up the flexible residences.

More than half of the project's 36 dual key apartments have already sold, helping drive COMO beyond the 50 per cent sold mark within the first month of launch.

The strong response highlights growing demand for apartment designs that can adapt to changing lifestyles, with buyers increasingly looking for homes that accommodate multi-generational living, provide rental income opportunities or simply offer greater flexibility over time.

Located on the shores of Lake Orr, COMO will deliver 156 apartments across 16 levels, with the dual-key residences forming a limited release within the broader development.

Each combines a primary two-bedroom apartment with a fully self-contained studio on a single title, connected by a shared foyer and lockable internal door. The design allows owners to house ageing parents, adult children or guests while maintaining privacy, or lease the secondary residence to generate additional income.

Just 17 of the original 36 dual key apartments remain available.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=367096]

The innovative configuration combines two fully self-contained residences on a single title, typically comprising a primary two-bedroom apartment alongside a separate studio residence, connected via a shared foyer and lockable internal door.&nbsp;

The model is proving particularly attractive to owner occupiers navigating changing family dynamics and the realities of the current housing crisis.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363511]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/npa">NPA</a>&nbsp;CEO Andrew Erwin said dual key living was resonating strongly with modern buyers because it delivered both financial flexibility and practical lifestyle benefits.&nbsp;

“The housing crisis and rising cost of living are fundamentally changing how Australians think about home ownership,” Erwin said.&nbsp;

“Dual key apartments provide a genuine solution for families who want to stay connected while maintaining independence. Parents can help adult children save for a future home, ageing parents can remain nearby without moving into aged care, and owners still retain privacy and flexibility.

“Importantly, buyers are also recognising the financial advantages. It creates the opportunity to generate additional income from part of the home without the holding costs associated with owning a separate investment property.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363509]

Unlike traditional dual occupancy arrangements, the residences operate under a single title, meaning owners only incur one set of body corporate fees, council rates and holding costs.&nbsp;

The secondary residence can also evolve over time - functioning as guest accommodation, a home office, creative studio or private retreat before later becoming an income-producing asset.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/red-co">Red &amp; Co</a>&nbsp;Director and Co-Founder David Laverty said the strong early sales reflected growing buyer urgency and changing priorities within the market.&nbsp;

“Securing more than half of COMO’s residences within such a short timeframe is an outstanding result and a clear endorsement of both the design and location,” Laverty said.&nbsp;

“Buyers are responding to the combination of location, connectivity and amenity, but ultimately it’s value relative to other East Coast markets that is driving enquiry.”&nbsp;

“We’re also seeing strong interest from owner occupiers looking for homes that can adapt with them over time. Flexibility has become one of the most important considerations for buyers in today’s market.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363515]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, COMO features a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom residences with 2.7-metre ceilings and larger-format floorplans aimed at owner occupiers, downsizers and lifestyle-focused buyers.&nbsp;

The development will feature an extensive rooftop recreation and wellness offering including a 25-metre lap pool, sundeck, barbecue and dining areas, gym, sauna, plunge baths, landscaped gardens, wellness spaces and rooftop pickleball and paddleball courts.

The remaining dual key apartments range from 137 sqm to 167 sqm and include generous three-bedroom layouts with separate self-contained studio accommodation and dual parking.&nbsp;

Erwin said the dual key concept represented a broader shift in how Australians would live in the future.

“People want homes that can evolve with their lives,” he said.&nbsp;

“A dual key apartment can suit a family today, support an ageing parent tomorrow, and potentially generate income later on. That adaptability is becoming incredibly valuable in the current environment.”

Prices currently range from $2,115,750 to $2,583,000.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135546]

Inter-generational living drives demand for COMO’s dual key apartments as housing pressures reshape buyer priorities 

Builder-developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ceerose">Ceerose</a> has doubled down on its Leichhardt ambitions, lodging its second State Significant Development Application (SSDA) in the suburb in the last six months.

Their newest proposal seeks to transform a former industrial precinct into a new residential community centred around the adaptive reuse of one of the site's heritage warehouse buildings.

The new project, on a 6,930 sqm block at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/40-76-william-street-leichhardt-nsw-2040">40–76 William Street</a>, will bring more than 200 apartments to a suburb that has seen little to no new supply in recent years. It follows Ceerose's late 2025 SSDA for a mixed-use apartment project on nearby Parramatta Road, signalling the developer's growing investment in Sydney's Inner West.

Ceerose Founder Edward Doueihi told Apartments.com.au the developer’s long-standing presence in Leichhardt and the Inner West had given it a strong understanding of how the area has evolved and where its future opportunities lie.

“Ceerose has had a long-standing presence in Leichhardt and the Inner West, giving us a unique understanding of the area’s evolution and future potential,” Doueihi said.

“Having delivered projects throughout the region, we have witnessed the suburb’s transformation first-hand and understand the opportunities for its continued growth.”

Doueihi said that understanding also informed the planning process, with a comprehensive Stakeholder Engagement Outcomes Report prepared before the application was lodged.

The report identified the key issues and concerns raised by neighbouring residents and other stakeholders, allowing those matters to be considered and incorporated into the design where appropriate.

He said the delivery of additional housing would also play an important role in supporting the revitalisation of Norton Street and the Italian Forum.

“By increasing the local residential population, the development is expected to strengthen demand for local businesses, encourage further investment, and help restore the vibrancy that made the precinct a thriving destination in the early 2000s.”

<img alt="First look: Ceerose returns to Leichhardt with 203-apartment adaptive reuse proposal at former warehouse site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7258c54c-8167-479e-8361-2d5fca9915b4" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Appendix%2010B%20-%20CGI%20-%20View%202.jpg?VersionId=S9DQfxu_jpcB5LrAEYFUbyMzg5odW6i5" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a>, the redevelopment would involve the demolition of four existing industrial buildings while retaining and adaptively reusing the site's most significant warehouse. The retained structure would anchor a new residential precinct comprising five interconnected buildings arranged around a large central landscaped courtyard, with heights stepping from five storeys along the surrounding residential streets to 11 storeys at the William Street corner.

According to the Architecture Design Report by Woods Bagot, the proposal "seeks to create a residential village centred around a generous green heart while celebrating the site's industrial heritage through the adaptive reuse of the existing warehouse building."

The development would comprise 203 apartments, with 188 proposed as build-to-sell residences, alongside 15 affordable housing apartments.

Rather than treating the retained warehouse as a standalone heritage object, Woods Bagot has sought to weave the site's industrial history throughout the masterplan. The proposal retains the north and west facades of the landmark corner warehouse, while new buildings reinterpret the site's brick-and-steel industrial language through their material palette and architectural expression.

<img alt="First look: Ceerose returns to Leichhardt with 203-apartment adaptive reuse proposal at former warehouse site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9e8c64c2-881b-49e1-8c90-6b6acaaa45b6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Appendix%2010C%20-%20CGI%20-%20View%203.jpg?VersionId=Qm8_8H_Xrg_sc4Mdjc59vlAcKF_5wRTb" />

The design is organised around what Woods Bagot describes as a "green heart", a landscaped communal open space that reinstates the leafy character removed when the site became an industrial storage facility. A new pedestrian laneway running through the site would improve permeability between William, North and Francis streets, linking residents through landscaped public spaces while activating the ground plane.

Residents would have access to communal gardens and shared recreation areas distributed throughout the development. Sustainability has also been prioritised, with the project targeting an average 7.9-star NatHERS rating. Proposed initiatives include rooftop solar generation, rainwater harvesting, passive solar design, naturally ventilated lobbies, extensive cross-ventilation and the reuse of existing building fabric to reduce embodied carbon.

The adaptive reuse strategy became a defining feature of the application after heritage investigations found only one of the site's industrial buildings could feasibly be retained. The Heritage Impact Statement concludes that preserving the key warehouse façades while referencing the site's industrial character throughout the new development provides an appropriate balance between renewal and conservation.

<img alt="First look: Ceerose returns to Leichhardt with 203-apartment adaptive reuse proposal at former warehouse site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="efffafdb-594f-4e2b-a067-921fd51c05e1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Appendix%2010D%20-%20CGI%20-%20View%204.jpg?VersionId=DPmE4.k16YRt0i27hEZVtJAffarpvUfx" />

"Retention and adaptation of the site buildings has been explored but found not to be feasible except for the tallest building, whose street facades will be retained," the heritage report states.

"The proposed building will interpret the brick and steel character of the subject site, including reuse of some components and construction of a large 'sawtooth' structure in the proposed open space."

<img alt="First look: Ceerose returns to Leichhardt with 203-apartment adaptive reuse proposal at former warehouse site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3bfef2b5-83f5-40cd-9cab-767092f34266" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Appendix%2010E%20-%20CGI%20-%20View%205.jpg?VersionId=7asb3i_ql4ybbuJOUb5UHBEIy0Q9t.DF" />

The William Street site is located around 300 metres from Leichhardt North Light Rail station and a short walk to Norton Street's retail, dining and hospitality precinct. The surrounding area has increasingly become a focus for urban renewal given its proximity to public transport and the Parramatta Road corridor.

Doueihi founded Ceerose in 1998 and has grown the business to become one of Sydney's more active apartment developers in recent years, with completed projects including The Alex Collective in Alexandria, Abbie's Lane in Annandale, and the award-winning Munro House in Elizabeth Bay. They are currently delivering Belgravia, 17 luxury apartments in Potts Point.

Joel Robinson

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