Silverstone Developments is scrapping its plans for an office tower in favor of new apartments as it continues to expand its residential development pipeline.

The developer, currently working on The Windermere in Ascot and with another site in Hamilton, has decided to move forward with a 192-apartment tower in Milton, replacing the previously planned 24-level office building at <a href="/new-apartments/299-coronation-drive-milton">299 Coronation Drive</a>.

They have kept Woods Bagot as the architect and retained many of the design principles from the original office tower plan.

<img alt="Silverstone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="90982b46-d5bb-4381-b61b-f6a03ecb759c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-03-03%20at%202.29.20%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=QwlGCSNRQ3Ibi3hrmtPNkPtkIq8bciOZ" />

"The design concept for the proposed development at 299 Coronation Drive seeks to take cues from the architectural language of exemplary archetypes present on the stretch of Coronation Drive from Toowong to the Brisbane CBD," Woods Bagot noted in their submission to the Brisbane City Council.

They said examples include the fine screen and detail like the nearby Regatta Hotel,&nbsp;the terrace house typology, the modern interpretation of traditional features at the Toowong Library, and the tectonics of the traditional Queenslander.

"The design will draw upon these elements to develop a design that is relevant to place."

<img alt="Silverstone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0ebd2afc-3562-4948-98fe-ebfff07bc638" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-03-03%20at%202.29.39%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=VSkknd7dq.Dz79FTh9ChTA18kholZkRo" />

The plans are for 192 two and three-bedrooms aimed squarely at the owner-occupier. All of the 48 two-bed units will have a multi-purporse room. The three-bedroom apartments are categorised as small, medium and large in the submission. There will be just eight apartments per floor.

The amenity has been lcoated on the roof, like most new builds in Brisbane. A lap pool, with a plunge pool at either end, will be accompanied by a sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunges, and a treatment room. The roof will also feature a gym, private and outdoor dining spaces, a fire pit area, and extensive integrated seating near barbecue facilities.

<img alt="Silverstone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e7e1d7e3-db76-4bce-9560-b9801d1ec322" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-03-03%20at%202.30.17%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=tL.JqwnUMOszxcwreRUJ.RKAv5gSCpRa" />

Apartments will be serviced by 291 parking spaces and 270 bicycle spaces.

There's been notable success on Coronation Drive in recent years. In the neighbouring Toowong, Consolidated Properties is close to selling out Monarch Residences at&nbsp;600 Coronation Drive after a <a href="/news/qld/penthouses-snapped-up-at-toowongs-monarch-residences">stellar few months of penthouse sales.</a>

Joel Robinson

First look: Silverstone Developments to turn office to apartments on Milton riverfront site

<ul>
	<li data-end="187" data-start="0">The Queensbridge Building, a 62-level mixed-use development, is under construction in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, South Melbourne, and Arts Precinct, with completion expected in 2025.</li>
	<li data-end="361" data-start="188">The development includes 367 apartments, a 188-room hotel, co-working spaces, resident amenities, and a corner store, with a design philosophy based on ‘Modern Nostalgia.’</li>
	<li data-end="499" data-start="362">Interior design by David Flack focuses on natural light, customizable finishes, and spaces that encourage personalization by residents.</li>
	<li data-end="642" data-is-last-node="" data-start="500">Queensbridge will offer numerous facilities, including a gym, outdoor lap pool, wellness rooms, and a car share program with Tesla vehicles.</li>
</ul>

<hr />
The Queensbridge Building, at the nexus of the Melbourne CBD, South Melbourne, and the sought-after Arts Precinct, is continuing to achieve milestones in its construction.

The striking glass facade by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fraser-partners-0">Fraser &amp; Partners</a> is starting to shine from Queensbridge Street, with regarded builder Hickory in charge of the construction of the 62-level, mixed-use building which will be the&nbsp;only new apartment development to complete in <a href="/developments/southbank-vic-3006">Southbank</a> in 2025. The last completion of a new tower was in 2022.

Developer&nbsp;<a href="/developers/time-place">Time &amp; Place</a>&nbsp;is bringing a rounded lifestyle offering to its future residents. Alongside the 367&nbsp;one, two and three-bedroom apartments will be a 188-room Hannah St. Hotel, significant resident amenity, a two-level mezzanine lobby with co-working centre, and a convenient corner store.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1504 project_image_fid=272099]

The design&nbsp;philosophy, both in the apartments' interiors and the building's architecture, is guided by Time &amp; Place's new concept of ‘Modern Nostalgia,’ seeking to recreate the comfort and familiarity of home within a skyscraper setting.

Interior architect David Flack handled the design style of the apartments that are designed to optimse nature light with large picture windows and integrated study nooks.

"Often you walk into an apartment, and it’s immediately clear how the designer or architect wants you to live, but not here," Flack said.

"We want you to see yourself within these spaces, and make them your home."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1504 project_image_fid=272079]

Each of the apartments can be customised with multiple choices of finishes rarely available to any development.

Time &amp; Place use a unique custom lab software that also allows homeowners to view colour selections in the kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1504 project_image_fid=272085]

A myriad of facilities will be accessible by Queensbridge residents, including but not limited to a co-working space, a resident dining room, gym, an outdoor lap pool, a hot house, and several wellness rooms.

Residents will also have access to an affordable car share program with Tesla vehicles

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1504 project_image_fid=272090]

The facilities will be complemented by more public spaces like a&nbsp;reinterpretation of the neighbourhood corner store.

Hickory is soaring past level 50 on its way to completing the 62-level structure, with the interior fitout to follow soon after completion of the building.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=1504]

Developer Time & Place is bringing a rounded lifestyle offering to its future residents

Hickory targets 2025 completion of The Queensbridge Building in Southbank

The latest stage of Collins Wharf by Lendlease presents an opportunity to buy into one of&nbsp;Melbourne’s world-class retail and dining precincts.

<a href="/new-apartments/ancora-at-collins-wharf-docklands-971-collins-street-docklands-vic-3008">Ancora</a>, designed by international architecture practice <a href="/architects/warren-and-mahoney">Warren and Mahoney</a>, will comprise just over 300 residences, a mix of waterfront apartments, townhomes and skyhomes, all just a stone's throw from the heart of Melbourne at the end of Collins Street.

We recently visited the onsite display suite at&nbsp;938 Collins St where Lendlease Senior Development Manager, Lorna Stewart-Thornton, gave us an insight into what Ancora offers its future residents.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1mUhIrMz32I?si=Fad54SOS55rBSj-C" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

"This is the opportunity to enjoy elegance on a grand scale in the most coveted location, where the serene beauty of the water meets the vibrant pulse of Melbourne city,"&nbsp;Stewart-Thornton said.

“Across the range of residences on offer, buyers will enjoy carefully designed and orientated floor plans which capture the best natural light across both single and dual waterfront views.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=9779 project_image_fid=314799]

The Waterfront Apartments feature one, two, and three-bedroom layouts with open-plan living areas, kitchens fitted with integrated Miele appliances, and stone benchtops. Buyers can choose between light or warm colour schemes.&nbsp;

The Premier Collection takes luxury further with larger residences, including townhomes and skyhomes, finished with Gaggenau appliances and natural stone benchtops.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=9779 project_image_fid=318933]

Beyond the apartments, Ancora will deliver an extensive amenity offering.

"Lendlease's approach to placemaking puts lifestyle at the centre of our development,"&nbsp;Stewart-Thornton says.

"Our focus expands beyond apartments to the spaces and amenities that complement the home."

Ancora residents will have access to extensive wellness facilities, including an indoor pool, spa, sauna, steam room, and a fully equipped gym, as well as two open-air terraces which will take in city and waterfront views.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=9779 project_image_fid=314808]

Ancora also integrates green space, with over 5,000 square metres of parkland planned for the ground-level, offering outdoor areas for relaxation, fitness, and social gatherings.&nbsp;

Located on the water’s edge, Ancora offers direct access to Victoria Harbour Promenade and is within walking distance of Collins Street, linking residents to Melbourne’s best retail and dining precincts.&nbsp;

Construction on Ancora is set to commence soon.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=9779]

Located on the water’s edge, Ancora offers direct access to Victoria Harbour Promenade and is within walking distance of Collins Street, linking residents to Melbourne’s best retail and dining precincts.

"Where the water meets the city": Inside Lendlease's Ancora at Collins Wharf

&nbsp;

Lower North Shore developer&nbsp;<a href="/developers/da-properties">DA Properties</a> has revealed its next apartment project.

DA Properties, led by David Allen, has sought to create a five-level building on Murdoch Street in Cremorne.

They're proposing 31 two and three-bedroom apartments in the $30 million block across an amalgamation of several sites between 45 and 51 Murdoch Street, toward the top of the street just off Military Road. It is strategically positioned next to Redlands Junior Campus.

<img alt="Murdoch Street, Cremorne DA" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="30ecedfc-1d8f-4b24-bf76-79d4bb0a6602" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Murdoch%20Street%2C%20Cremorne.png?VersionId=ez5wZff0pMaJAtGtQTQLIXkt01FhoDzF" />

Designed by <a href="/architects/pbd-architects">PBD Architects</a>, the development responds to the site's irregular shape and triple street frontage with a contemporary, articulated form that mitigates visual bulk and integrates with the surrounding streetscape, the documents submitted to the North Sydney Council state.

The design also reflects <a href="/developments/cremorne-nsw-2090">Cremorne</a>’s leafy character while contributing to housing diversity, particularly through its mix of larger apartments and affordable housing. &nbsp;

The development will feature 776 sqm of communal open space and landscaping in the southwestern corner, along with 45 basement car spaces accessed via Education Lane. &nbsp;

DA Projects is hoping to start construction in August. The developer has previously created Porteno Manly, 41 luxury apartments on Whistler Street. They have another project in nearby McMahons Point.

First look: New apartments set for Cremorne's Murdoch Street

Bassar Group's penchant for Broadbeach development is set to continue with its latest apartment play.

Bassar, led by Leo Sarris and Simon Bassil, has filed plans with the Gold Coast City Council for a 33-level tower with 56 half-floor apartments on Anne Avenue, similar to their successful Infinity project which they completed around the corner in 2023 on Surf Parade.

The <a href="/new-apartments/avva-19-anne-avenue-broadbeach">new tower, Avva</a>, the Greek translation for Anne which reflects Sarris' heritage, will feature a range of amenities on the podium levels, from a lap pool with day beds to a wellness area with a gym, yoga deck, hot and cold plunge, and a sauna and steam room.

Leo Sarris, Bassar Group Director, said the conditions are right for their next installment of luxury in <a href="/developments/broadbeach-qld-4218">Broadbeach</a>.

"We're excited to announce the next Bassar tower following on from Infinity which sold out before construction completion," Sarris says. They've kept the same design team, with BDA again on board.

"Avva is an edgier and more contemporary cousin to Infinity."

<img alt="Bassar" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="022a60d0-d41f-4bb6-a1d2-b5fa874fe134" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-02-28%20at%202.04.28%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=mbXzqdPl9Imy2oiTpptYLOiby5RCbSod" />

Sarris says it's all about finding that sweet spot for both the developer and purchasers.

"We're targeting to provide a product that ticks boxes for location and local amenity to suit our buyers, but also being as simple as possible when it comes to design. If we simplify the design process, and give buyers what they need and not overdo it with unnecessary additional costs, we can then offer a competitive price point.

"We'll still be having large 166 sqm internal floorplans with three bedrooms, with just two apartments per floor. We know that's what our type of buyer wants after delivering Infinity."

When comparing to the COVID boom which Bassar benefitted from when they were marketing Infinity, Sarris says the landscape on the Gold Coast is now very different.

"Buyers are more savvy now," Sarris says.

"There was a time when buyers would pay anything to get into the Gold Coast market. Now, with the cost of living and increased interest rates, it's not as easy, so you really need to hit the sweet spot in terms of design which then informs the price you can sell the apartment for."

<img alt="Bassar" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aa2656d9-19db-4677-9d44-9c06f9042ee1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-02-28%20at%202.28.01%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=BZmL26GBIFeWWs8SCC_e7Zf4SD4Lhkrh" />

Sarris still expects some interest from the southern states, however acknowledging that demographic won't be as prevalent as it was several years ago. Local buyers are likely to dominate sales.

BDA Architecture, who designed Infinity, has been in charge of the architecture for the new project.

They said the new "modernist-inspired tower&nbsp;adopts an angular expression to its form."

<img alt="BDA" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e8cc038c-7cff-4adb-8827-dc4fc9bfc1f9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-02-28%20at%202.32.06%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=CR58MXSiw4UE2OsET8AH2l0FAPb1DhCd" />

"The tower floor plan is shaped to create striking oblique spatial expression. The tower form offers visually interesting angles to passers-by. The movement and angles reflect the subtle angles of the coastal context."

The new tower at 19 Anne Avenue will replace the 1970s MaxMar apartment block.

GV Property Group's Luke Reaby put the 1,032 sqm site together, amalgamating eight individual owners in the original two-level walk-up.

Leo Sarris, Bassar Group Director, said the conditions are right for their next instalment of luxury in Broadbeach

First look: Bassar Group plot next Broadbeach tower

Summary:

<ul>
	<li>Victoria sets housing targets to accommodate 2.24 million new homes by 2051</li>
	<li>70 per cent of Melbourne’s growth directed to established areas, with 30 per cent in outer suburbs</li>
	<li>New planning reforms aim to fast-track approvals and cut delays by 60 per cent</li>
	<li>Property Council supports targets but calls for tax incentives to boost investment</li>
</ul>

<hr />
&nbsp;

The Victorian government has finalised housing targets for councils across the state, outlining where and how many new homes will be built to accommodate an expected 2.24 million additional homes by 2051.

The targets prioritise development in established areas close to jobs, transport, and services, reversing previous trends that saw expansion largely concentrated in outer suburbs.

Under the new plan, 70 per cent of Melbourne’s growth is directed towards established areas, with the remaining 30 per cent allocated to outer suburbs. Regional Victoria is set to account for 25 per cent of all new homes.

The government has ranked council areas based on projected housing growth, with Greater Melbourne councils seeing the most significant increases.

Greater Melbourne’s housing targets are led by the City of Melbourne, expected to grow from 110,100 homes to 229,600 by 2051, an increase of 119,500 homes.

Melton follows closely, with an addition of 109,000 homes, bringing its total to 178,300 by 2051.

Wyndham is set to expand from 109,300 to 208,300 homes, while the City of Casey is projected to add 87,000 homes, taking its total to 218,000.

Other growth areas in Metropolitan Melbourne include:

<ul>
	<li>Whittlesea: 88,100 to 160,100 (+72,000)</li>
	<li>Mitchell Shire Council: 9,700 to 75,700 (+66,000)</li>
	<li>Cardinia: 46,400 to 76,400 (+30,000)</li>
</ul>

In regional Victoria, Greater Geelong is set to accommodate 128,600 new homes, followed by Ballarat with 46,900 and Greater Bendigo with 37,000.

On the lower end of the spectrum, some councils saw reductions from initial projections, with Nillumbik’s target cut from 12,000 to 6,500 additional homes.

Premier Jacinta Allan stated that the revised targets are designed to distribute growth more evenly and ensure affordability across the state.

Councils will be required to demonstrate how they will meet these targets or risk government intervention in planning decisions.

<h2>Planning Reforms to Support Growth</h2>

To support the delivery of housing targets, the government has introduced a Townhouse and Low-Rise Code to fast-track approvals for homes up to three levels.

If a project meets the new code, which sets out criteria such as setbacks, tree coverage, and minimum room sizes, it will be “deemed to comply” and fast-tracked through the system, avoiding lengthy planning delays and third-party appeals at VCAT.

The government expects the new code to significantly reduce planning permit assessment times, cutting delays by at least 60 per cent.

Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny said the reforms aim to streamline approvals for well-designed, sustainable homes that integrate into existing neighbourhoods.

A broader overhaul of the state’s planning system is also underway, with the government pledging to rewrite the Planning and Environment Act 1987 to simplify the process for new housing developments.

Premier Jacinta Allan reinforced the government’s commitment to tackling the housing crisis, stating, “Homes don’t get built when they’re lost in the snakes and ladders of the planning system – so we’re fixing it.”

With Victoria’s housing targets now locked in and planning reforms set to accelerate approvals, the Property Council of Victoria has welcomed the new targets but emphasised the need for tax incentives to encourage investment and ensure housing targets can be met.

Where Melbourne's new homes are going to be built to meet housing targets

Local developer&nbsp;<a href="/developers/monaco-property-group">Monaco Property Group</a> has launched the final residences at Capri Villas, the exclusive development on the Isle of Capri, a few months before its expected completion.

Renowned Gold Coast builder Greyburn is well advanced in construction of the <a href="/new-townhouses/capri-villas-81-salerno-street-isle-of-capri">48 architecturally designed villas</a> in the private, gated community which is the largest new development on the <a href="/developments/isle-of-capri-qld-4217">Isle of Capri</a> in over three decades.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139511 project_image_fid=324090]

Offering something different to the new development market on the Gold Coast, Capri Villas offer low maintenance living while retaining that feeling of living in a house.

The three and four-bedroom villas are spread across a 12,000 sqm community behind a secure gate only accessible by residents and its guests. Once inside the gates, it feels like an American country club, with private roads leading to the villas.

Central to the development, inkeeping with the country club vibe, is a resort-style swimming pools set in extensively landscaped gardens, underneath towering palms. The pool has submerged lounges in the wate and a sundeck.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139511 project_image_fid=324093]

Accompanying the central pool will be an outdoor dining terrace with a barbecue pavilion and an indoor residents' lounge, equipped with a built-in bar and kitchen.&nbsp;

The way the homes have been designed, and the level of facilities which were included to foster a sense of community, has seen local downsizer make up the majority of purchases.

The villas feature&nbsp;spacious, open-plan layouts that integrate indoor and outdoor living with high-end finishes such as natural stone benchtops and Gaggenau appliances. &nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139511 project_image_fid=324097]

Capri Villas are strategically located just&nbsp;800 metres from the dining and retail precinct of Capri on Via Roma.

The first residents are expected to move into Capri Villas in mid-2025.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="/news/qld/from-mosman-to-isle-of-capri-why-sydney-buyers-are-heading-to-the-gold-coast">From Mosman to Isle of Capri: Why Sydney buyers are heading to the Gold Coast</a>

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=139511]

Offering something different to the new development market on the Gold Coast, Capri Villas offer low maintenance living while retaining that feeling of living in a house

Final release at Capri Villas as construction speeds toward mid-2025 completion

As a developer who has been one of the biggest contributors to the Sydney housing market for over two decades, it would be easy for ALAND Founder Andrew Hrsto to rest on his laurels.

Founded in 2002 by Hrsto from his kitchen table, <a href="/developers/aland">ALAND</a> has delivered over 4,000 apartments in the last 22 years, predominantly focused around Sydney’s west, with a further 1,300 currently under construction.

But there’s no slowing down for Hrsto, who remains as hands-on in the business as he was two decades ago when it was just him and a small team of two — who are still part of ALAND today. Now, with over 6,000 apartments in planning and 200 employees across the development and construction sectors, ALAND’s workforce is only expected to grow as the company looks to venture into different market segments.

“First and foremost, our whole company ethos is to look after people,” Hrsto says, referring to both his staff and the buyers of ALAND apartments.

“The obligation is to the buyers, and that has been the foundation of our business from day one. We knew if we did that, then every other element would fall into place.”

Catching up with Andrew recently, he shared a story of a founder who isn’t just “on the tools” metaphorically, but literally. His daily routine involves speaking with local councils, engaging with the community, interacting with apartment buyers, and occasionally donning a hard hat on site.

“We’re a community-focused developer,” Andrew says.

“It was never in our DNA to be anything different. It wouldn’t make sense to us to build something that wasn’t in line with what the community wanted.”

After five years in planning and project management, Hrsto decided to take the leap.

“It was in the late 2000s that we went full end-to-end, handling both development and construction,” Andrew says.

They soon expanded their scope, bringing building management into the fold.

“When we develop, we’re in that building for life,” Andrew adds.

ALAND is well known for delivering more than just buildings — it creates precinct-style communities.

“We started developing multi-stage projects just before COVID, and that allowed us to really plan the whole process. It gave us more room to work with, considering the size of the development site. It enabled us to look beyond just a building and create a community that serves not only our future residents but the whole local area.”

This approach is evident in their multi-stage masterplan for <a href="/buildings/amber-the-gladstone-village-stage-2-228-pitt-st-merrylands">Gladstone Village</a>, where ALAND is delivering over 1,000 apartments to <a href="/developments/merrylands-nsw-2160">Merrylands</a>, just outside Parramatta.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7642 project_image_fid=283649]

In addition to three buildings offering a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, Gladstone Village features significant public amenities: a large grass park, an outdoor gym, a kids’ playground with a water play zone, a games area with table tennis tables, a life-sized chess board, and barbecue and alfresco facilities. Residents will also have private access to a rooftop pool, yoga lawns, outdoor cinemas, and a private forest walkway with a dedicated pet zone.

“Gladstone Village really typifies what we want to achieve and are continuing to execute in 2025,” Andrew says.

“While we’re building homes for Western Sydney, there’s more to development nowadays. You have to contribute to the wider public, and that’s what we try to do with every masterplan we put our name to.”

Nearby, ALAND will soon launch Queen Square, on its prime&nbsp;gateway site in&nbsp;<a href="/developments/campbelltown-nsw-2560">Campbelltown</a>.

The abandoned Brands on Sale outlet at 22-32 Queen Street will become a new community with around 558 apartments across five buildings. The two-hectare site will also comprise an Eat Street with retail and hospitality spaces and over 4,000 sqm of publicly accessible space, including a two-level community building with an auditorium, kiosk, and multi-purpose spaces.

<img alt="Queen Square, ALAND" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ca46834e-3f49-4be7-b851-4e1135c0c53b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-01-21%20at%2010.27.09%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=I8Lyc1N5NcWg2vLLZp3yeZaGDQ6EmHv2" />

Many developers stick to what they know, sticking to safer, more familiar paths. Hrsto, however, has a different approach.

In 2022, Andrew and the team stepped out of their comfort zone, acquiring a prime development site in <a href="/developments/gosford-nsw-2250">Gosford</a>, the gateway suburb to the Central Coast. For a developer that had exclusively focused on Sydney’s western suburbs, this was a significant jump—not just geographically, but also in the execution of a new type of development.

“We were probably biting off more than we could chew,” Andrew jokes.

It’s with tenacity and a willingness to learn that ALAND continues to go from strength to strength.

Andrew explained that they approached the Gosford project somewhat blindly, as the approved plans included a hotel component—an area ALAND hadn’t previously ventured into. But Andrew and his team returned to the company’s core values: if they did right by the buyer and the community, the rest would fall into place.

“Gosford proved to be a really interesting test for us as a business, pushing us to branch out and take on something we hadn’t done before, in a region we hadn’t developed in,” Andrew says.

Fast forward two years from site acquisition, and the two-tower development, <a href="/new-apartments/archibald-by-aland-gosford-108-donnison-street-gosford-nsw-2250">Archibald by ALAND</a>, is nearing completion. With 99 per cent of the apartments already sold, the project is one of the best-selling apartment developments the Central Coast has ever seen.

“We didn’t quite realise how important this building and this site were to the local community,” Andrew says.

“We’ve had locals, who haven’t bought in the building, come up to us and say how transformative this development is for the area and how important it is to the wider community. It’s that kind of feedback that makes you keep going.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134670 project_image_fid=215487]

Archibald by ALAND includes 327 apartments and a 130-room hotel to be run by IHG VOCO, as well as ground-floor hospitality and a rooftop area. During the development and construction phase, Hrsto has also established another new capability for ALAND: an internal hotel management arm.

“A mixed-use hotel and apartment development is now very much something we can run end-to-end, and manage both components of the development well into the future,” Andrew says.

Having seen such success in their first Gosford project, they are now moving ahead with their second: <a href="/new-apartments/amalfi-by-aland-gosford-50-70-mann-street-gosford-nsw-2250">Amalfi by ALAND</a>, on Mann Street, which will feature 506 apartments and 9,530 sqm of retail space.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="/news/nsw/first-look-aland-reveals-latest-gosford-mixed-use-development-amalfi-by-aland">First look: ALAND reveals latest Gosford mixed-use development, Amalfi by ALAND</a>

ALAND is also venturing into the build-to-rent sector. They have acquired the final three buildings in Skyview, the five-tower <a href="/developments/castle-hill-nsw-2154">Castle Hill</a> development that had been partially completed by the troubled developer, Top Place.

ALAND will now focus on the most advanced building, which is around 80 per cent complete, undertaking remediation works before offering the apartments for rent. They will then shift their attention to the final two buildings, which were little more than holes in the ground at the time of acquisition.

ALAND’s 2025 development pipeline is as robust as ever, with diversified developer planning projects across traditional build-to-sell, build-to-rent, co-living, student accommodation, hotel, and hospitality sectors.

“2025 is shaping up to be a massive year for us,” Andrew says.

“We’re taking on new challenges, pushing the boundaries, diversifying our offering, and delivering projects that set a new standard in the industry. I’m excited to see the hard work of our team come to life, and to continue contributing to the communities we serve.”

ALAND is well known for delivering more than just buildings — it creates precinct-style communities

The story behind ALAND, one of Sydney’s most prolific apartment developers

Developer Golden Age has started to welcome buyers to its recently completed Glen Waverley townhouse development, Floret.

<a href="/buildings/floret-glen-waverley-583-ferntree-gully-road-glen-waverley">Floret</a>, 77 townhouse designed by Rothelowman, is Glen Waverley's largest townhouse community. The majority of two and three-level townhouses are spoken for.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=104680 project_image_fid=207725]

<a href="/developers/golden-age-group">Golden&nbsp;Age</a>&nbsp;Development Director,&nbsp;Damien Hehir, highlighted the strong market response, noting that Floret delivers what Glen Waverley buyers are looking for.

“These luxury townhomes are in demand as we are catering to what the market and neighbourhood needs," Hehir says.

"Glen Waverley is dominated by family homes, and the success from our completed <a href="/developments/glen-waverley-vic-3150">Glen Waverley</a> project,&nbsp;Sky Garden, lends to our track record with Floret in providing the neighbourhood with architecturally designed residences, curated for several buyer demographics.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=104680 project_image_fid=207713]

Designed by&nbsp;Rothelowman and Aspect Studios, the two and three-level townhomes provide flexible, multi-generational living.&nbsp; Some&nbsp;of&nbsp;the townhomes come with ground-level ensuite bedrooms offering private courtyard access, while the upper floors create a seamless blend&nbsp;of&nbsp;communal and private spaces.

The 1,000 sqm landscaped central park, featuring a walking track, fitness station, children’s play area, and barbecue facilities, is anticipated to be completed by&nbsp;April 2025.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=104680 project_image_fid=207730]

With an entry price&nbsp;of&nbsp;$1.36 million for a four-bedroom townhome, Floret has attracted young families, downsizers, and first-home buyers looking for a premium lifestyle in a prime location. Positioned near Monash University, The Glen Shopping Centre and in close proximity to the upcoming SRL Monash train station, the development offers both convenience and connectivity.

Construction at&nbsp;583 Ferntree Gully Road&nbsp;remains on track, with&nbsp;final completion scheduled for Q2 2025.

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Construction at 583 Ferntree Gully Road remains on track, with final completion scheduled for Q2 2025

Golden Age welcomes buyers to first stage of Floret, Glen Waverley townhouses

The Allan Labor Government is introducing a ‘townhouse code’ that will rapidly approve new home buildings up to three storeys tall, so long as they are appropriate for the community that surrounds them and the residents that will live in them.

Premier Jacinta Allan joined Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny in Brunswick to release the new code, which is all about turbocharging the approval of more duplexes, townhouses and low-rise apartments for workers and young people – especially in established suburbs close to transport, jobs and services.

If a project ticks all the boxes in the townhouse code, it gets a green light and speeds past a complex planning system – with no costly delays, no VCAT limbo, and no unnecessary bureaucracy – delivering more homes, faster.

The status quo system is plagued with delay and uncertainty

Too many people trying to build a home in Victoria face a system that seems designed to say no. The ‘snakes and ladders’ game of obtaining a planning permit is one of the reasons why Victoria still doesn’t have enough homes – with those who do manage to finish the game often spending too much money absorbing its delays.

The average assessment time for a planning permit is 145 days – well over the statutory deadline. There can be constant requests for ‘more information’ throughout the process, plus notice periods. Then there’s appeals: the average time frame at VCAT from lodgement to hearing is 175 days.

This may be appropriate for a large development. But it’s stifling the kind of new, low-rise, good-quality home building that will fit in with all communities and won’t detract from local character.

The townhouse code

The townhouse code sets basic but important standards for good development, like enough setback and tree coverage so a building suits the neighbourhood, and well-sized bedrooms and decent sunlight so it’s a nice place to live. The standards include, but are not limited to:

<ul>
	<li>Neighbourhood character rules like six metre setbacks at the front, and setbacks at the side and rear</li>
	<li>Tree canopy and open space requirements, including protecting trees that are a certain size</li>
	<li>A mix of 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments in projects of a certain size, to support families</li>
	<li>Protection for neighbours from overlooking and overshadowing</li>
	<li>Enough sunlight, storage, room size, ventilation and private open space for residents</li>
	<li>Buildings that are sustainable and energy efficient</li>
</ul>

A planning permit application will have to include all the evidence it meets the code – which is formally called the Townhouse and Low-Rise Code. When an application is submitted, councils will assess if it meets the code.

If the code is met, the application is ‘deemed to comply’. No more assessment is required. It is fast-tracked. Affected neighbours will be notified and can have their say – but there are no third-party appeals at VCAT.

If the code is not met – for example, because of an issue that affects neighbours – then a normal planning process will then apply. The project may still get the green light at the end of that process, but it won’t be on the ‘deemed to comply’ fast-track and third-party appeal rights will be maintained.

If there are additional permit triggers locally such as heritage or flood overlays – or if there’s a two-storey height limit in a zone – an application will have to comply with these rules as well as meeting the code. But the application won’t have to comply with rules that are already standardised by the code, such as setbacks, design and tree cover.

The code will support significant housing supply across Melbourne and regional Victoria. There are some 1.45 million lots in the key residential zones in Melbourne alone.

The code was developed in conjunction with 148 stakeholders and 61 submissions from Victorian councils. It builds on the 14 ResCode standards introduced in 2023. The Government is also developing a code for buildings between four and six storeys – and hasn’t ruled anything in or out for how that code will work.

Until then, the Government is also updating the standards for four-storey apartments to align with those in the new 1- to 3- storey code – however, ‘deemed to comply’ provisions will not apply through this technical update.

The Townhouse and Low-Rise Code will come into effect via an amendment to all planning schemes, subject to gazettal. You’ll be able to lodge an application through this code in April.&nbsp;

A Planning Act from the 80s needs to enter the 2020s

The 606-page Planning and Environment Act 1987 has been criticised as complex, inconsistent and old-fashioned. It is the definition of the status quo. The Government will rewrite it so good homes aren’t blocked by bad process.

The Government pledged to review the Act as part of its landmark Housing Statement. Now the rewrite can begin around clear goals that will get young people and workers into homes, faster – and we will consult with all 79 councils on it. As part of the rewrite, the Government confirms it will look at:

The time and costs associated with structure plans and rezoning, with possible legislative change to replace the current one-size-fits-all planning scheme amendment process

Focusing on further reducing planning permit delays and blockages, including different assessment and approval processes for projects that have a lesser impact.

Premier Jacinta Allan said the townhouse code is "about a system that says yes."

“Homes don’t get built when they’re lost in the snakes and ladders of the planning system – so we’re fixing it," Allan says.

"The status quo isn’t cutting it, and people trying to build homes for young people keep hearing the word ‘no’. The townhouse code is about a system that says yes."

Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny said the code can&nbsp;reduce planning permit assessment times by at least 60 per cent, in addition to the time saved at VCAT.

“We believe in good, comfortable, well-designed homes – that’s why we’re codifying them.”

Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny said the code can reduce planning permit assessment times by at least 60 per cent, in addition to the time saved at VCAT

‘Automatic’ approvals to deliver townhouse revolution across Melbourne

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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