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Developer EcoWorld International is partnering with a not-for-profit provider to introduce an apartment concierge service catering to retirees and semi-retired individuals at its Yarra One development in South Yarra. Dubbed 'Lifestyle One', the service will provide residents with access to a range of services such as home maintenance, home cleaning, dry cleaning, massage, pet walking/grooming, and personal care. 

The provision of Lifestyle One is in response to Yarra One's popularity amongst the Baby Boomer and semi-retired down-sizer demographic, who are seeking a low maintenance yet inner-city lifestyle. Additionally, apartments offer the ability to 'lock-up-and-leave', with many across the demographic enjoying frequent travel. EcoWorld International expects the Fender Katsalidis-designed apartment tower, to redefine retirement living by offering convenience within the heart of South Yarra.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/yarra_one_apartment.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Yarra One apartment interior. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/yarra_one_apartment.jpg?itok=3C4wtCBw" title="Yarra One apartment interior. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Yarra One apartment interior. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure>According to EcoWorld International, they identified a gap in the market for developers to cater to individuals looking for a vibrant lifestyle, particularly those who have worked hard for most of their life. This is based on recent research which discovered the most common reason individuals retire is due to financial security. EcoWorld says Yarra One will appeal to pre-retirees in particular who wish to maintain their standard of living without worrying about the financial stress associated with it.

Residents will have access to a wellness precinct, equipped with a gymnasium, outdoor spa, dance studio and yoga room, as well as dining and entertainment facilities. A co-working space will also be located across three floors of The Atrium, providing an integrated hub and an open workplace concept for all residents, particularly semi-retirees and freelancers.

Construction has already commenced on site at Yarra One with Hickory at the helm. Upon completion in 2020, the 26-level tower will encompass 255 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, in addition to four-bedroom penthouses. Yarra One has been designed to adhere to Livable Housing Australia’s Gold-Star standard, and will offer adaptable floor plans, allowing residents to the future-proof their apartment to suit their changing needs over time.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/v10_communal_library_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Yarra One's communal Library. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="266" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/v10_communal_library_1.jpg?itok=u5Lf2zNv" title="Yarra One's communal Library. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Yarra One's communal Library. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
Lifestyle requirements are constantly evolving; we’re living longer, we’re healthier and we’ve worked hard throughout our career and now want to live an active low-maintenance lifestyle, one that isn’t tied down by house chores.

With an ever-increasing expectation of what defines ‘luxury living’, there is a need in the market for apartments that provide the amenities and services of retirement living but instead, are located in the epicentre of activities such as South Yarra.

People often associate apartment living with a compromised lifestyle, but our vision is to provide residents both convenience and lifestyle under one roof; it is retirement living, redefined.

- Jeffrey Ong, General Manager, EcoWorld International
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
You’ve worked hard throughout your life to become successful and the third chapter is how you spend that rich part of your life, where you have achieved and now get to look after yourself first and foremost.

The adaptable floor plan offering is about tailoring specific living requirements, patterns and habits into a liveable design right in Melbourne’s popular Yarra River corridor. 

- Karl Fender, Co-founder, Fender Katsalidis 
</blockquote>

 

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/yarraone_site_oct.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Excavation and ground works are progressing on site. Image: Urban.com.au member redden"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/yarraone_site_oct.jpg?itok=Fguf5aLi" title="Excavation and ground works are progressing on site. Image: Urban.com.au member redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Excavation and ground works are progressing on site. Image: Apartments.com.au member redden</figcaption></figure>
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Laurence Dragomir

EcoWorld International rethinks retirement living for South Yarra project

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Earlier this week, La Trobe University and the Victorian State Government announced a $2 million scoping and feasibility study and the official launch of the 'University City of the Future' at La Trobe's Bundoora Campus. This will stimulate and accelerate the transformation of the 235-hectare campus into a multi-precinct, City of the Future, with the potential to deliver $5bn in investment, 20,000+ new jobs and $3.5 billion in Gross Regional Product (GRP) over the next decade.

The University City of the Future has been described as a game changer with the campus expected to become "the engine room for jobs and economic development" in Melbourne’s north. The partnership supports the Andrews' Government's recent election commitment to build the <a href="/news/victorian-government-unveils-suburban-rail-loop-election-proposal">Suburban Rail Link</a>, including a new La Trobe Station at the University’s Bundoora campus.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/universitycityofthefuture.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of how the $5bn University. Image: La Trobe University"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="272" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/universitycityofthefuture.jpg?itok=j5XW4VXj" title="Artist's impression of how the $5bn University. Image: La Trobe University" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of how the $5bn University. Image: La Trobe University</figcaption></figure>The announcement of the scoping and feasibility study will help prioritise activity to attract private investment into seven distinct development sub-precincts:

<ul>
<li>A world-class research and innovation Precinct, leveraging La Trobe’s research and innovation strengths in Agriculture, Food and Fibre, Health and Wellbeing and Digital Technologies and Cybersecurity;</li>
	<li>Delivering an expanded private hospital as the first stage of a major new Health and Wellbeing Hub, which will include aged care, childcare and super-clinic facilities;</li>
	<li>Delivering first-class education facilities for more than 40,000 university students;</li>
	<li>Providing new residential accommodation for 12,000 residents, including staff and students (the equivalent of adding a city approximately the size of two Castlemaines);</li>
	<li>Developing a new city centre with a suitable mix of commercial, retail and cultural facilities;</li>
	<li>Finalising the third stage of La Trobe’s $150 million Sports Park, which uniquely combines elite sport and community participation (10,000 community visitors each weekend) with sector-leading research and teaching; and  maintaining and improving access the University’s eco-corridor for all to enjoy.</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/researchandinnovationprecinct.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of the Research and Innovation Precinct. Image: La Trobe University"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/researchandinnovationprecinct.jpg?itok=8e-EciSL" title="Artist's impression of the Research and Innovation Precinct. Image: La Trobe University" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of the Research and Innovation Precinct. Image: La Trobe University</figcaption></figure>The University City of the Future announcement follows Planning Minister Richard Wynne's endorsement of the planning amendment for the Health and Wellbeing Hub and the Research and Innovation Precinct.

This provides planning certainty for developers of the two precincts and enables the projects to commence as soon as possible. Once fully completed, the hub will include a new private hospital, aged care, childcare and super clinic facilities. Healthscope was recently appointed as the preferred private hospital operator of the Health and Wellbeing Hub.

The hub will be located on a 3.55-hectare parcel of University-owned land facing Plenty Road, at the northern entrance to the Bundoora campus. The site is only 3 kilometres from the Ring Road and 15 kilometres from the Melbourne CBD.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/healthandwellbeinghub1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of the Health and Wellbeing Hub. Image: La Trobe University"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/healthandwellbeinghub1.jpg?itok=z5Kx0Ql6" title="Artist's impression of the Health and Wellbeing Hub. Image: La Trobe University" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of the Health and Wellbeing Hub. Image: La Trobe University</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
The University City of the Future is a gamechanger for Melbourne’s north and has the potential to create 20,000 jobs and drive $5 billion in investment over the next ten years.

Victoria has some of the best universities in the world – this development will help to cement that reputation and drive economic growth for our northern suburbs.

- Ben Carroll, Minister for Industry and Employment
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
This funding partnership is warmly welcomed. The official launch of the City of the Future signals a significant new step forward with Government to transform our Bundoora campus into a thriving University City of the Future, which will act as a catalyst for economic growth, innovation and jobs creation – particularly in the vital areas of health and well-being, digital and cyber innovation, and agriculture, food and fibre.

We are turning our campus ‘inside out’, welcoming our local communities to new and dynamic spaces, where community, industry, students and staff will work, live and learn.

The proposed new rail link and La Trobe station will be fantastic for students and staff at La Trobe, and for the communities and industries that surround our campus.

- Professor John Dewar, La Trobe Vice-Chancellor
</blockquote>

 
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La Trobe University's $5 billion University City of the Future receives funding

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<a href="/developers/cbus-property">Cbus Property</a> has announced the appointment of Hutchinson Builders as the construction contractor for <a href="/buildings/the-langston-epping-12-22-langston-place-epping">The Langston</a>, a mixed-use development in <a href="/new-apartments/epping-vic-3076">Epping</a>. Hutchinson Builders will commence ground works on the site of the former Westpac Credit Card Services building in Langston Place from January 2019. According to Cbus Property, the selection of the construction partner was integral to the success of the overall project.

Located 18 kilometres north-west of the <a href="/new-apartments/sydney-nsw">Sydney</a> and just 100m from Epping Train Station, The Langston comprises 463 premium apartments across three towers of 19, 24 and 29-storeys, and will include a ground floor retail/mixed-use precinct comprising 1,681 sqm of retail space, as well as open public space and shareways connecting Epping Train Station with the new town centre.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/langston_precinct_with_train_station.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Langston Precinct in Epping. Image: Cbus Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/langston_precinct_with_train_station.jpg?itok=QeP3tzhD" title="The Langston Precinct in Epping. Image: Cbus Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Langston Precinct in Epping. Image: Cbus Property</figcaption></figure>The Langston has been designed by <a href="/architects/architectus">Architectus</a> who are also working on Cbus' <a href="/buildings/443-queen-street-brisbane-443-queen-street-brisbane">443 Queen Street project in Brisbane</a> (in tandem with WOHA), while Arcadia are responsible for the landscape architecture of the project. The Langston will be positioned on Epping's highest point, allowing for panoramic views to the Sydney CBD and Harbour Bridge to the south-east, and Blue Mountains views to the west.

Architectus have designed the apartments to be rectilinear in plan with the curved form of the towers achieved by varying balcony depths. This design approach ensures that wind gusts are kept to a minimum while maximising ventilation throughout the apartments and common areas.

<blockquote>
Architectus has envisioned three residential towers comprising (463) apartments, each with a 2-storey retail podium creating a central public plaza.

The 2-storey podium at the base of each tower provides amenity for retail shops and cafes, creating a vibrant central thoroughfare with paved walkways and landscaped gardens.

The curvaceous lines of the towers are informed by prevailing winds, with the materials palette taking cues from nearby parklands thereby creating a new landmark that is sympathetic to the surrounding context.

- Architectus
</blockquote>

Pedestrian links will feature throughout the site, connecting The Langston with Pembroke Park to the east, Council’s public library and other recreational facilities, which will revitalise the eastern side of the train station. Since the project launched in May 2018, the project has received a significant amount of interest from local buyers, prospective retailers and the broader Epping community.

Epping was identified as the first Priority Precinct (PP) in 2012 due to its capacity to support growth in a well-serviced location. The PP resulted in an amendment to planning controls, enabling high-density development for the site at The Langston.

Urban.com.au has <a href="/news/augusta-properties-drives-another-residential-tower-into-epping">previously highlighted</a> the development occurring in the vicinity of Epping Station, with our own Mark Baljak providing the following observation;

<blockquote>
... the wider precinct could see thousands of new apartments once all developable sites are accounted for. Epping's rise is predominantly centred around its railway station, with streets... such as Oxford Street also flush with sizeable apartment developments.
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/langston_ext_hero_final.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hutchison Builders will start on the first stage in January 2019. Image: Cbus Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="580" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/langston_ext_hero_final.jpg?itok=jUwVi_XI" title="Hutchison Builders will start on the first stage in January 2019. Image: Cbus Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hutchison Builders will start on the first stage in January 2019. Image: Cbus Property</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
The Langston will significantly contribute to the revitalisation of the Epping Town Centre and as such, choosing the right delivery partner was critical for Cbus Property.

Hutchinson’s excellent track record, having delivered over 7,000 projects around Australia since 1912 with a combined value of over $32 billion, ultimately stood out.

This is our first project with Hutchies and we are looking forward to working closely with them.

- Adrian Pozzo, Chief Executive Officer at Cbus Property
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
We’re excited to commence work on our first project with Cbus Property, especially considering the significance The Langston will have in redefining the Epping Town Centre.

The Langston is a landmark project that we will be proud to deliver for Cbus Property, who have a well-earned reputation for quality residential projects up and down Australia’s east coast.

- Greg Quinn, Managing Director of Hutchinson Builders
</blockquote>
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Hutchinson Builders appointed to build Cbus Property's The Langston, Epping

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A Brunswick icon is set for a new lease of life with local developer Peregrine Projects set to re-purpose the <a href="/buildings/sarah-sands-29-sydney-road-brunswick">Sarah Sands</a> Hotel into a mixed-use development featuring a new apartment building towards Black St in addition to a hospitality offering within the shell of the old hotel - creating a new food and beverage precinct. Peregrine Projects, bought the site at the corner of Brunswick and Sydney roads for around $6 million in October 2015.

The Sarah Sands Hotel which was named after the iconic SS Sarah Sands steam ship which sailed to Melbourne from Liverpool, first opened its doors in 1854 before being renovated and rebranded as Bridie O’Reilly’s Brunswick in 1997. 20 years later it finally closed its doors in preparation for redevelopment. Peregrine Projects in collaboration with heritage consultants Lovell Chen and architects JCB is aiming to "bring Sarah back, better than ever," while also honouring the Sarah Sand's legacy.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/sarah-sands-brunswick_elevation.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="New meets old at Sarah Sands. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/sarah-sands-brunswick_elevation.jpg?itok=aQh0xqQb" title="New meets old at Sarah Sands. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>New meets old at Sarah Sands. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure>The $45 million development will comprise 31 bespoke apartments spread across seven floors, "complemented by Melbourne’s finest dining destinations" located within the restored hotel facade. In designing the apartment building, JCB architects have opted for a contrasting grey brick streetwall which draws on the rhythm of the hotels apertures. A highly permeable ground floor interface activates the street corner which flourishes of plantings softening the austere exterior. 

Above the streetwall, the four-storey 'tower' form is well setback from the existing heritage fabric and streets, appearing recessive in contrast to the hotel. This upper form, is a simple and restrained volume, characterised by a staggering of facade fenestrations, providing the building with a sense of movement and visual interest.

The facade of the original Sarah Sands Hotel will be restored to its former glory with the Irish themed - colour scheme making way for a more traditional palette of warm cream and off-white, with black window framing and steel trims. 

Apartments are available in one, two, and three-bedroom open plan configurations, with one bedroom apartments starting from $440K. The apartments reflect the neutral colour palette of the exterior, with green handmade tile splashbacks which also provide a splash of colour to the kitchens.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/sarah-sands-brunswick_3bed_kitchen.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Apartment interiors reflect the shades of the exterior. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/sarah-sands-brunswick_3bed_kitchen.jpg?itok=NqlKELpD" title="Apartment interiors reflect the shades of the exterior. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Apartment interiors reflect the shades of the exterior. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure>Founded and based in Melbourne since 1994, Peregrine Projects aims to create "outstanding properties with a unique point of difference". To achieve this they choose to collaborate with leading architects and consultants, with experience in delivering both commercial and residential projects. The company's close ties to the city's food and beverage scene ensures each new project includes dining destinations which complement the residences. This same approach was adopted for Sarah Sands.

Other projects on the cards for Peregrine include Lil'OX in Collingwood, a commercial building at1 75 Burnley Street in Richmond, and a master plan for a 3,000 sqm site on in Langridge Street Collingwood. Peregrine are once again teaming up with JCB, to deliver an $80m commercial precinct of six to eight-storeys for the site, which will is also expected to include Melbourne’s first Tribe Hotel.

JCB is also working on a scheme for apartments behind the British Crown Hotel in Collingwood, as depicted in the concept render below which appeared on the architects' Instagram account.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/british_crown_hotel.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="JCB's re-imagining of the British Crown Hotel in Collingwood. Image: JCB"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="248" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/british_crown_hotel.jpg?itok=o-G86s49" title="JCB's re-imagining of the British Crown Hotel in Collingwood. Image: JCB" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>JCB's re-imagining of the British Crown Hotel in Collingwood. Image: JCB</figcaption></figure>
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Sarah Sands - a Brunswick icon is reborn 

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The Andrews Labor Government has committed to delivering a senior secondary campus for Collingwood College and Fitzroy High School on the site of the Fitzroy Gasworks, should it be re-elected in November. $84 million will be allocated towards building a senior secondary campus as part of the Fitzroy Gasworks Precinct, increasing the capacity of both schools, allowing at least 650 extra students.

Design work is already underway on the vertical school after the State Government allocated funding in the Victorian Budget 2018/19 towards planning and design of the new senior campus. The project would create around 250 new jobs during construction, with the campus opening in 2022.

The campus would add to the vertical schools completed or underway in Victoria including the South Melbourne Primary School in Fishermans Bend, Prahran High School, and the two campuses of Richmond High School. Planning has also commenced on a further vertical secondary school within the Wirraway Precinct of Fishermans Bend, adjacent to the JL Murphy Reserve.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/fitzroy-gasworks_before-after.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Before and after - the indicative master plan for the Fitzroy Gasworks site. Image: Development Victoria"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="337" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/fitzroy-gasworks_before-after.jpg?itok=qxsA0Py9" title="Before and after - the indicative master plan for the Fitzroy Gasworks site. Image: Development Victoria" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Before and after - the indicative master plan for the Fitzroy Gasworks site. Image: Development Victoria</figcaption></figure>The former Fitzroy Gasworks site is located at 433 Smith Street and is bounded by Smith Street, Alexandra Parade and Queens Parade. The 3.9 hectare site forms an integral component of Fitzroy North’s industrial and social heritage vision for the site is to create an urban village that combines housing, educational and recreational uses complemented by open space. 
On 19 July 2018, the Minister for Planning, Richard Wynne approved a Planning Scheme Amendment to rezone the Fitzroy Gasworks site from Public Use Zone (PUZ1 and PUZ6) to Mixed Use Zone and Public Use Zone (PUZ2). The site rezoning allows for the development of a vibrant mixed-use development supported by community facilities and public open space. The Minister for Planning will be the responsible authority for the site, with final designs requiring approval from his office in accordance with the new Development Plan. 

The redevelopment of the site is being managed by Development Victoria on behalf of the State Government, with the government body progressing the development of the site, including managing the site’s remediation. According to Development Victoria, The Fitzroy Gasworks' location, coupled with its proximity to transport corridors, public transport, centres of economic activity and open space make it ideal for a medium density mixed-use development. 

The site is contaminated due to its former function as a gasworks and remediation of the site will require excavation of up to 12m of soil, which will be transported to a facility where it will be treated and disposed of. A Remediation Action Plan is currently being drafting and subject to EPA approval, remediation of the site could commence in early 2019 and is expected to take up to two years to complete. 

Following community consultation undertaken by Development Victoria between 2016 and 2017, community and stakeholder feedback has been used, along with other information to develop a concept master plan for the site, with the following elements expected to comprise the final design for the precinct:

<ul>
<li>1,100 apartments, 20 per cent of which will be social/shared equity/affordable housing</li>
	<li>a 650-student senior high school to provide extra capacity for students from Collingwood College and Fitzroy High School</li>
	<li>a six-court sports facility integrated with the school and catering for a range of sports</li>
	<li>a community facility to be developed in consultation with council</li>
	<li>all site car parking to be located underground, with bicycle parking above ground</li>
	<li>eight per cent of the site to be offered as public open space, with additional open space associated with residential development </li>
	<li>adaptive reuse of the Valve House and relocation and restoration of the Porter Iron Store (subject to approval by Heritage Victoria</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/developmentvictoria_fitzroy_gasworks.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Indicative aerial of how the Fitzroy gasworks might develop. Image; Development Victoria"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="365" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/developmentvictoria_fitzroy_gasworks.jpg?itok=G-ai38ps" title="Indicative aerial of how the Fitzroy gasworks might develop. Image; Development Victoria" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Indicative aerial of how the Fitzroy gasworks might develop. Image; Development Victoria</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
Families across the inner-city deserve to know their kids will be able to go to a great local school. With this new senior secondary campus, delivered as part of the Fitzroy Gasworks Precinct, Labor will make sure they do. Whether it’s here in the inner city, or right across the state, Labor is building new schools so that every child has every chance.”

- Daniel Andrews, Premier
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
When it comes to our schools, there’s no clearer example than Fitzroy High. The Liberals cut and close, Labor invests.

- James Merlino, Minister for Education
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
 
We promised local families a new senior secondary campus at this site – and that’s exactly what Labor will deliver with the new school set to open in 2022.

- Richard Wynne, Minister for Planning &amp; Member for Richmond
</blockquote>

Lead image: Development Victoria
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The Andrews Government commits to vertical school at Fitzroy Gasworks site

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The Village Belle Hotel, one of <a href="/new-apartments/st-kilda-vic-3182">St Kilda's</a> enduring landmarks, reopened its doors late last year following extensive renovations with the aim of becoming St Kilda’s destination pub. Beginning as a humble pub in 1895, the historic pub was restored and expanded by <a href="/architects/techne-architecture-interior-design">Technē Architecture + Interior Design</a> and <a href="/builders/schiavello-constructions">Schiavello Construction</a> to bring the <a href="/buildings/village-belle-202-barkly-street-st-kilda">'Belle'</a> into the 21st Century, while maintaining a sense of history. The synergy between old and new balances the Victorian-era heritage fabric with contemporary elements of concrete and glass.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/technevillagebelle_highres-10-lr.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The indoor/outdoor Bee Garden woth its retractable roof. Images: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="430" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/technevillagebelle_highres-10-lr.jpg?itok=BHAj6kmT" title="The indoor/outdoor Bee Garden woth its retractable roof. Images: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The contemporary indoor/outdoor Beer Garden with its retractable roof. Images: Supplied</figcaption></figure>The centrepiece of the revamp is the indoor/outdoor contemporary beer garden which sits between the original structure and Acland Street, enclosed in fully operable glazing and robust steel framing, providing patrons with a comfortable drinking environment across summer and winter. TILT Industrial Design collaborated with Technē Architecture + Design to produce the custom 200 sqm glass operable roof. The huge operable roof draws ample natural light into the beer garden, while enabling climate control throughout changing weather and seasons.

TILT’s design greatly increased the headroom clearance possible in large, open areas of the garden. This could only be achieved through custom design, by decreasing the roof’s pitch below that of an off-the-shelf product. The TILT team also worked closely with acoustic consultants to develop specific design features that would provide adequate noise reduction for the surrounding residential area. TILT and Technē have retained the heritage building’s character, meanwhile creating a contemporary addition with climatic control that ensures the comfort of patrons.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/technevillagebelle_highres-7-lr_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The retractable roof allows ample light into the Beer Garden. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/technevillagebelle_highres-7-lr_2.jpg?itok=uvYjyfVn" title="The retractable roof allows ample light into the Beer Garden. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The retractable roof allows ample light into the Beer Garden. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure>The Village Belle Hotel also includes 12 boutique apartments, though they are separate to and not connected to the pub, providing acoustic separation between the activities within the pub and the apartment residents.
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TILT and Technē shed some light on  the Village Belle Hotel revamp

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Though the final <a href="/news/fishermans-bend-framework-and-planning-controls-finalised">Framework and Planning controls for Fishermans Bend</a> were only adopted in the last few weeks, the reality is that work has been progressing on Australia's largest urban renewal project for quite some time. Apartment developments such as Gravity Tower and Nightfall aside, the Hayball-designed South Melbourne Primary School opened in February this year within what will become known as the Montague precinct.

And now the first stage of a new park for the growing community has opened, marking another significant milestone for the area. Named Kirrip Park, the name was chosen through an extensive community consultation process by City of Port Phillip. ‘Kirrip’ means friendship or mate in the Boon Wurrung language.

Hayball have acted as Principal Consultants on the Ferrars St Education and Community Precinct, encompassing the South Melbourne Primary School and Community Facility and Kirrip Park - a catalyst project for Fishermans Bend that provides more public space, community services and facilities for the growing community. The landscape design of the new park was undertaken by Tract Consultants, continuing from and building on their work on the school and wider precinct.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/screenshot_20181021-202356_instagram.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Kirrip Park forms part of the Ferrars Street Education and Community Precinct. Image: City of Port Phillip"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="316" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/screenshot_20181021-202356_instagram.jpg?itok=0GbUuh6L" title="Kirrip Park forms part of the Ferrars Street Education and Community Precinct. Image: City of Port Phillip" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Kirrip Park forms part of the Ferrars Street Education and Community Precinct. Image: City of Port Phillip</figcaption></figure>The site of the 9,000 sqm park was jointly purchased and delivered by the City of Port Phillip and the Victorian State Government, and provides much needed open space within Fishermans Bend - the equivalent of around 20 netball courts. Further development of the park will be carried out in consultation with the community to determine what other elements are needed to support a wide range of active and passive uses.

As previously mentioned, the Ferrars Street precinct features Victoria’s first vertical primary school, in addition to tram stop and street upgrades as well as streetscaping to improve safety, accessibility and connections to the surrounding area. The balance of streetscaping works is expected to be completed by the end of the year. The project marks the transformation of the old industrial site into a new and vibrant area for Fishermans Bend.

<blockquote>
This park is a great example of how we are undoing Matthew Guy’s mess at Fishermans Bend. Our partnership with the City of Port Phillip and the City of Melbourne has been at the heart of delivering a better future for Fishermans Bend and the neighbouring communities.

- Martin Foley, Member for Albert Park
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/smps_diannasnape_print_14_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Kirrip Park joins the South Melbourne Primary School. Image: Dianne Snape"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/smps_diannasnape_print_14_0.jpg?itok=TO-T3eyB" title="Kirrip Park joins the South Melbourne Primary School. Image: Dianne Snape" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Kirrip Park joins the South Melbourne Primary School. Image: Dianne Snape</figcaption></figure>Fishermans Bend encompasses around 485 hectares of former industrial land on the doorstep of Melbourne's CBD. It is expected that by 2050, it will be home to approximately 80,000 residents and provide employment for up to 80,000 people across five precincts; Lorimer, Montague, Sandridge, Wirraway and the Employment Precinct.

<h2>What the designers say...</h2>

<blockquote>
A key approach to Hayball’s design in this precinct has been to incorporate flexible and adaptable spaces, that provide greater facilities for the growing Fishermans Bend community. This is reflected at South Melbourne Primary school, Victoria’s first vertical primary school, and will be even more evident now that Kirrip Park is complete and open to the public.

The landscape of the precinct, including the park, is integral to creating a vibrant and functional space for the community to utilise and interact in. Kirrip Park will be a blueprint for useful and inclusive city parks not only across Melbourne, but for other urban areas across the country.

The wider Ferrars St Education and Community Precinct is a great example of successful urban regeneration in Melbourne, with spaces that will support a growing and diverse community.

- Anthony Apolloni, Project Leader and Senior Associate, Hayball
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
The Kirrip Park project is sensitive to the social and cultural context and will play a key role in the making of a new active community, providing a wide range of flexible use spaces for a diversity of users. The scale of the open space is fitting for the growing community and school users which inhabit the surrounding areas.

The landscape concept was based around the principle of environmental sustainability and active stormwater management systems. Through a collaborative design approach, rain gardens and planted drainage swales were designed to create a naturalistic landscape, providing passive irrigation, and improving water quality discharging to the downstream Yarra River outfall.

Through a creative landscape and engineering design solution the ‘open’ approach provides additional flood storage capacity in local flood events, whilst creating usable green areas and improving the public amenity, landscape and ‘green’ nature of the precinct. High quality open space will play a central role in the creation of a vibrant and successful new community.

- Mariano Lopez, Principal Landscape Architect, Tract Consultants
</blockquote>

Lead Image: City of Port Phillip via twitter.

 
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The first new park in Fishermans Bend officially opens

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Development Victoria has appointed Geoff Ward, the former General Manager of the Fishermans Bend Taskforce to the new position of Group Head, Precincts. In his role, Geoff will oversee state-shaping projects such as Docklands, Revitalising Central Dandenong, Junction Place in Wodonga and the former General Motors Holden Site site within the Employment Precinct of Fishermans Bend.

Almost 19 years ago, Geoff was overseeing the construction of what was then known as Docklands Stadium, before heading abroad to work in the Middle East for a period of time, then returning as a Docklands development manager. A stint at the Fishermans Bend Taskforce followed in 2016 and he has now come full circle, set to lead a team that will play a key role in the redevelopment of the recently re-named Marvel Stadium in Docklands, amongst others.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/docklands_aerial_shot.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial view over Docklands from September 2018. Image: Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/docklands_aerial_shot.jpg?itok=sc9RvW0t" title="Aerial view over Docklands from September 2018. Image: Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial view over Docklands from September 2018. Image: Ryan Seychell</figcaption></figure>Between 1996 and 2000, Geoff managed the tendering process, the design and the construction of what was then Colonial Stadium representing a significant milestone and anchor for Docklands. Geoff was also previously at Places Victoria (now Development Victoria) working in the Precincts and New Business Divisions before taking on the role of General Manager of the Fishermans Bend Taskforce in 2016.

There is much more “hustle and bustle" in Docklands now particularly at street level, Geoff observes. He is just as equally impressed with the amount of development that has occurred and the ongoing construction activity throughout the precinct, with a significant number of large scale developments currently underway. It has definitely come a long way, he says.

<blockquote>
It is useful to have a good knowledge of the projects that I am back working on and it is exciting to see how far they have come. Given I worked on Docklands previously, it is also pleasing to see the transformation of the precinct. I can really see the vision for Docklands coming to reality. It works exceptionally well as a mixed-use precinct and strikes a balance between the large corporates who have relocated to this end of town and the 10,000-plus residents who now call Docklands home.

Docklands is well serviced by public transport and was always designed to be an extension of the CBD and it is close to achieving that goal. There is a real confidence in Docklands which is highlighted by the fact that construction is continuing on a range of commercial spaces such as Lendlease’s Melbourne Quarter, Walker Corporation’s Collins Square and the redevelopment of AsheMorgan’s The District Docklands.

- Geoff Ward, Group Head, Precincts at Development Victoria 
</blockquote>

More than 58,000 people now work in Docklands and in the past year alone, over one million square metres of commercial floor space has either been delivered or is currently under construction. For Geoff there are two specific projects he wants to see become a reality – the new <a href="/news/docklands-primary-school-concept-revealed">Docklands Primary School</a> on Docklands Drive, and the <a href="/news/etihad-stadiums-redevelopment-to-improve-links-to-cbd-and-victoria-harbour">State Government and AFL's Marvel Stadium redevelopment</a>, encompassing Harbour Esplanade and Central Pier.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/docklands_stadium_primary_school.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Top: Artist's impression of Marvel Stadium redevelopment. Bottom: Artist's impression of Docklands Primary School"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="602" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/docklands_stadium_primary_school.jpg?itok=V7Qo4q_q" title="Top: Artist's impression of Marvel Stadium redevelopment. Bottom: Artist's impression of Docklands Primary School" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Top: Artist's impression of Marvel Stadium redevelopment. Bottom: Artist's impression of Docklands Primary School</figcaption></figure>While Geoff’s previous role at Development Victoria focused on Docklands, he is also keen to work with his team to continue the success of other precinct projects.
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Development Victoria appoints Geoff Ward to lead its Precincts team

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Hickory Group has announced its appointment as head contractor for 88 Melbourne, after signing the contract for New Sky Group's 61-storey residential tower. Located at 88 Queensbridge Street Southbank, the 208m edifice designed by Rothelowman, will comprise 252 residences upon completion, and represents New Sky Group's largest undertaking in Melbourne to date. 

The site has a long history, with the project <a href="/news/what-the-fook-84-88-queensbridge-street-southbank">first covered on Urban.com.au back in February of 2014</a> after Financial Fook via its subsidiary acquired the site for $18 million. Upon receiving planning approval later that year late Starryland Melbourne sold the site to New Sky Group for $22 million, who subsequently reworked the scheme towards owner occupiers before launching 88 Melbourne almost two years later.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/hickory_contract_signing.jpeg" rel="gallery-all" title="The signing of the contract for 88 Queensbridge Street. Image: Hickory "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="304" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/hickory_contract_signing.jpeg?itok=p58IvzQr" title="The signing of the contract for 88 Queensbridge Street. Image: Hickory " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The signing of the contract for 88 Queensbridge Street. Image: Hickory</figcaption></figure>The design for 88 Melbourne is defined by its three-dimensional diamond patterned façade that has drawn inspiration from hand crafted jewellery and origami. An integrated LED installation will run the full height of the building further accentuating the pattern and illuminating the tower on the Southbank skyline at night.

The development will sit diagonally opposite a dual-tower scheme at <a href="/new-apartments/87-127-queensbridge-street-southbank">87-127 Queensbridge Street</a> which received approval mid-year following a protracted planning process, amidst continued site consolidation and a number of redesigns.

88 Melbourne adds to Hickory's current pipeline of builds across Melbourne which also includes Yarra One South Yarra, Sky One Box Hill, <a href="/buildings/collins-house-melbourne-460-466-collins-street-melbourne">Collins House</a> in the CBD, MGallery Chadstone and Market Lane South Melbourne, to name a few.  

Collins House which utilises Hickory's pre-fabricated construction technology, is racing up the Melbourne skyline providing a unique and dynamic focal due to its lack of visible core. The HBS module allows building elements be erected more efficiently and safely on the challenging narrow site.

Hickory also recently poured the level 8 slab on the 12-storey hotel MGallery-branded hotel at Chadstone Shopping Centre. Façade installation is set to commence imminently, with the 250-room hotel due for completion in mid-2019. 

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/hickory_projects.png" rel="gallery-all" title="A snapshot of Hickory's construction pipeline. Images: Hickory and Mark Baljak"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="175" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/hickory_projects.png?itok=4GWoWtBf" title="A snapshot of Hickory's construction pipeline. Images: Hickory and Mark Baljak" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A snapshot of Hickory's construction pipeline. Images: Hickory and Mark Baljak</figcaption></figure>Tomorrow, Hickory is due to break ground on Dahua Group's Hawthorn Park project at an event to commemorate the occasion. Located at 33 Camberwell Road in Hawthorn East, the Rothelowman-designed project of 345 apartments will be set within a landscape garden setting and is characterised by its 'sky pool' - Melbourne's first suspended pool - linking the two buildings.
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Hickory adds 88 Queensbridge Street to its workbooks

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Completed in April this year, 105 Phillip Street has achieved another significant milestone, becoming the 2,000th building in Australia to achieve Green Star certification from the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA). Located in Parramatta, Charter Hall’s 12-storey commercial development achieved 6 Star – Green Star – Office As Built v3, making it a benchmark in sustainable commercial buildings in Australia and world-leading in its sustainability standard. 

Constructed by Built, developed and managed by Dexus, 105 Phillip Street is also the first and only 6 Star Green Star building in Parramatta. Bates Smart worked closely with engineering consultancy Wood and Grieve's ESD team on the design of the 25,000 sqm commercial building.

According to the GBCA, 105 Phillip Street demonstrates best-practice office design and execution, delivering a sustainable new headquarters and workplace for its tenants. It joins some of Australia’s most iconic buildings and precincts which have achieved Green Star certification, including the Sydney Opera House, Barangaroo, University of Melbourne and Curtin University, Sydney Airport and Melbourne Convention Centre.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/s11772_a_n253_print.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="367" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/s11772_a_n253_print.jpg?itok=or9wia6-" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>105 Phillip Street's exterior is a play on scale, appearing as a four storey building. Image Bates Smart</figcaption></figure>Located within a 5-10 minute walk from Parramatta's civic centre, Parramatta Transport Interchange and adjacent to the Parramatta Ferry Terminal, 105 Phillip Street excellent benefits from its accessibility to public transport and pedestrian links to the CBD. Built over an existing carpark, the building re-establishes a retail streetscape along Phillip St, enhancing the Parramatta CBD with retail and commercial functions which form an integral part of the public domain.

Bates Smart has expressed the building form as two horizontal elements; a 9-storey glazed office volume articulated as three horizontal bands, and a 'podium' comprising a masonry colonnade which anchors the building and provides a human scale to the streetscape. The design of the facade responds to the building's orientation, with vertical fins projecting from the façade providing shading to the north whilst vertical spandrels reduce thermal heat loading on the east and west facades. The colonnade creates a sheltered entry and relates to the scale of the adjacent buildings along Phillip Street, complemented by the use of masonry.

105 Phillip features generous 2,000 sqm floorplates, punctured by a series of atria to the north, allowing for light penetration into the tenancy and providing inter-tenancy connections between levels. A side core has been located to the south, creating an open office floors to the north and allowing for maximum flexibility for the fitout. 

A landscaped roof with an extensive outdoor terrace has been provided at the top of the tower overlooking Parramatta River. The terrace has been designed around employee wellbeing, offering a tranquil retreat away from the traffic below, whilst still in the heart of the CBD. A variety of uses have been catered for, including staff events, barbecues, yoga, and sporting activities on a multipurpose sports court.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/s11772_a_n24_print.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="314" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/s11772_a_n24_print.jpg?itok=KFiTCVow" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>105 Phillip Street's foyer. Image: Bates Smart</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
We are delighted to be recognised by the Green Building Council of Australia. This is a smart building that showcases how effective design can create positive contributions to achieve environmentally sustainable outcomes, thus improving the building’s overall efficiency.

Through its design, we have considered various innovations to improve the building’s overall efficiency, address water and energy conservation while encouraging its end-users to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. Although a simple and understated design, 105 Phillip Street has achieved and exceeded many performance benchmarks for an office development. From the outset, the design to practical completion was achieved in 24 months.

- Basil Richardson, Studio Director, Bates Smart
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
This is a momentous achievement and shows how the value of sustainability in our built environment continues to go from strength-to-strength as the uptake of Green Star certification grows. Certifying our 2000th project is a milestone that demonstrates the sustained momentum Green Star has achieved in less than two decades of operation. 
To achieve a 6-Star Green Star certification is an amazing achievement and we congratulate the team behind 105 Phillip Street. Our vision is for healthy, resilient and positive places for people and the natural environment and it is through developments like this that this goal can be reached.

A Green Star rating is much more than a certificate or a logo – it showcases leadership in sustainability, creates brand value, encourages innovation, creates new revenue streams, secures stakeholder confidence and mitigates risk.

- Romilly Madew, GBCA CEO
</blockquote>
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Parramatta's 105 Phillip Street becomes 2,000th building to achieve Green Star Certification

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Joel Robinson

Rainbow Bay apartment doubles in price since off the plan sale during pandemic

The long-planned transformation of Brisbane's historic Shafston Estate has taken another major step, with Capella Hotel Group announced as the luxury hospitality partner behind what will become Brisbane's first branded residences.

The project, to be known as Capella Residences Brisbane, is being delivered by Verso Projects at the landmark Kangaroo Point riverfront estate, with completion targeted for 2029.

The announcement follows a series of planning changes to the project over recent years. The site was originally approved in 2023 for a 15-level, 37-apartment development designed by Rothelowman for Burgundy Group before Verso Projects took over the 10,070 sqm riverfront holding and lodged revised plans with Kerry Hill Architects to increase the development to a 25-level tower with 51 apartments.

The latest announcement confirms Capella Hotel Group will bring its branded residential offering to the project, marking just the second Capella Residences development globally after Seoul, and the group's first branded residential project in Australia.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/23-castlebar-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Castlebar Street development</a> will centre around the restoration of the heritage-listed Shafston House, one of Brisbane's oldest residences, originally constructed in 1851 by Reverend Robert Creyke as a single-storey cottage known as Ravenscott.

<img alt="Capella" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2b9f4ce5-638f-4d6b-8082-3ca7e4b75fca" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-09%20at%207.20.41%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=f7aeqsW_DzOJI4FymWb3lD8NptSfsP7q" />

Capella said the project aligns with its focus on heritage-led developments, with the Brisbane estate combining the restored historic residence with a new luxury apartment tower and hospitality-inspired resident amenities.

Residents will have access to the Capella Living Room, a concierge-led communal space inspired by the group's luxury hotels, alongside landscaped gardens, six swimming pools, wellness and recreation facilities.

The broader estate will also include two riverfront homes, a six-berth private marina, porte cochère arrival experience, secure basement parking and a new section of public riverwalk along the Brisbane River frontage.

The heritage Postal Depot Building will also be retained and repurposed as a guest house, in line with the revised development plans.

The project represents another evolution for the site, which Kerry Hill Architects previously described as a rare opportunity to restore one of Brisbane's most significant heritage estates while creating a new benchmark for apartment living.

"The Shafston Estate provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to restore one of Brisbane's finest heritage precincts and to reinstate residential use as a unique site perched on the edge of Kangaroo Point," Kerry Hill Architects said in its Urban Context Report accompanying the planning submission.

"The project will celebrate excellence in sub-tropical residential design, setting a new benchmark for vertical living in Brisbane."

Verso Projects, which now has an $8.5 billion development pipeline spanning more than 6,000 dwellings across apartments, townhouses, retail and commercial projects, said the partnership with Capella would elevate the development beyond a traditional residential project.

"We feel honoured to be restoring Shafston Estate to its former glory, elevating it to new heights of luxury and excellence underpinned by Capella's distinctive service ethos and design philosophy, and making it a standout landmark in Brisbane," Verso Projects CEO Steve Laffey said.

"By partnering with Capella, globally recognised for its refined approach to luxury hospitality and deep respect for cultural and historical context, we will elevate this project beyond a residential offering into a world-class destination."

Capella Hotel Group President Roland Fasel said Brisbane's emergence as a global city made it the right location for the company's Australian residential debut.

"Brisbane is a city on the cusp of something remarkable, and Capella Residences is our commitment to being part of that story," Fasel said.

"The Capella residential experience is more than luxury. It is about a sense of belonging to a place with deep meaning."

Private appointments have now opened for the project, with a display suite expected to open in late 2026 ahead of the planned 2029 completion.

Capella to launch Brisbane's first branded residences at Shafston House, Kangaroo Point

Lewis Land's latest apartment release within its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/harbour-shores-biggera-waters-564-oxley-drive-biggera-waters-qld-4216">Harbour Shores</a> masterplan is targeting one of the Gold Coast's fastest-growing buyer groups, with almost a third of apartments at Solis priced below $1 million.

The seven-storey building at Biggera Waters will comprise 91 apartments, including 24 one-bedroom residences starting from $778,000, a price point Lewis Land says is aimed squarely at first home buyers struggling to enter the Gold Coast market.

<img alt="Harbour Shires" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e7486e37-22f6-4c92-b212-9b0622070b8f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-08%20at%209.09.34%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=W8MJwJUCf6HkIyl_EVSksnd.QI6MZryY" />

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/lewis-land-group">Lewis Land</a> Head of Development Michael Long said the developer deliberately allocated a significant proportion of the project to more affordable apartment types.

"First home buyers have been priced out of many parts of the Gold Coast, and we saw a clear opportunity to address this and play our part in a longer-term housing solution," Long said.

"That's why 24 of the 91 apartments being delivered at Solis have been designed and priced for the city's next generation of homeowners, quality one-bedroom apartments, half of which include an additional multipurpose room to maximise space and flexibility.

"This approach places 30 per cent of apartments in Solis under $1 million, and with close proximity to Harbour Town's future light rail extension connecting residents to the city's major employment and knowledge hubs, it's a win for buyers looking to secure their first property."

<img alt="Sores" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="550526d3-73ba-4710-9739-c5f4294a30ef" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-08%20at%209.09.29%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=cQQdXHt9wS0UXwZEm5Py5bH_3kAmzyhu" />

Designed by BDA Architecture, Solis will deliver a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with residences ranging up to 232 sqm. Apartments feature generous balconies and contemporary finishes, while residents will have access to Harbour Shores' lagoon pool, clubhouse, tennis court, gym, yoga studio and sauna.

The focus on first home buyers resonated with purchaser Holly Humphreys, who said she and her boyfriend spent more than a year searching for their first property before shifting their attention from houses to apartments.

"We fell in love with the first house we bid on and got our hopes up, but after repeated knockbacks we learned not to get too attached," Humphreys said.

"We offered at the high end of price guides, but sales kept going even higher. That's where we really struggled and we needed to re-evaluate our budget and our expectations. Standalone houses were off the table, and we pivoted to apartments and townhouses."

Humphreys said it was encouraging to see developers recognising the growing demand from first home buyers.

"There's a growing number of young buyers looking to enter the market earlier because they understand that getting in now can make a real difference as prices continue to rise," she said.

"It's fantastic to see a developer recognise this and then actively take measures to deliver an apartment with us in mind."

Solis is the first development planned within the second stage of the Harbour Shores masterplan, with early works expected to commence in September 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113271]

Lewis Land targets first home buyers at latest Harbour Shores release, Solis

Luxury apartment developer Abadeen has recorded $19.25 million in apartment sales across two of its Lower North Shore developments in the lead-up to the end of the financial year, headlined by the sale of a $6.75 million penthouse at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/koyo-crows-nest-5-rodborough-avenue-crows-nest-nsw-2065">KOYO in Crows Nest.</a>

The transactions also included the sale of a newly completed three-bedroom apartment at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/park-residences-cremorne-2-sutherland-street-cremorne-nsw-2090">Park Residences in Cremorne</a> for $6.35 million, with the residence selling shortly after the project's first public inspections following completion.

The sales come as completed, owner-occupier-focused apartments continue to attract strong demand across Sydney's Lower North Shore, particularly from buyers looking for certainty and immediate occupancy.

The penthouse at KOYO spans 491 sqm across a single level and was designed by architect Koichi Takada. The development is one of Abadeen's flagship boutique projects in Crows Nest.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108800 project_image_fid=370093]

Abadeen Executive Chairman and Founder Justin Brown said buyer activity lifted noticeably in the lead-up to the end of the financial year.

"We saw a clear increase in enquiry levels, inspection numbers and buyer engagement across our completed projects leading into the end of the financial year," Brown said.

"Buyers have become far more decisive over the past six months. The combination of improving confidence, limited supply and the ability to physically inspect completed residences is creating strong competition for premium apartments in the best locations."

Brown says the&nbsp;response to Park Residences following completion has been particularly strong.

"Buyers want certainty and are responding positively to the opportunity to walk through a finished product, inspect the quality firsthand and move in immediately," Brown suggested.

"Projects such as Park Residences and KOYO demonstrate that when the product is exceptional and the location is irreplaceable, buyers are prepared to act quickly."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=370116]

Abadeen CEO Joe Tack said quality continued to differentiate projects in the current market.

"Today's buyers are incredibly discerning," Tack said.

"They are seeking larger floorplans, premium finishes, walkability, lifestyle amenity and confidence in the developer delivering the project. Well-designed boutique developments continue to outperform because they offer something genuinely difficult to replace.

"The enquiry we are seeing across our completed and recently completed Lower North Shore portfolio is very encouraging, and we expect this momentum to continue into spring."

The sales follow increased enquiry across Abadeen's Lower North Shore portfolio which also includes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/northcote-collective-naremburn-2-northcote-street-naremburn-nsw-2065">Northcote Collective in Naremburn</a> which also completed recently.

KOYO penthouse headlines Abadeen's $19.25 million EOFY sales flurry

The City of Sydney has approved plans for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/billbergia">Billbergia Group</a> and Metrics Credit Partners’ $3.5 billion Castlereagh Place project in the heart of the Sydney CBD

The towers will be among the tallest in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/sydney-nsw-2000">Sydney</a>'s CBD, with more floors than any other residential tower in the city.&nbsp;

The 6,000 sqm site was acquired by the joint venture partners in 2024. It is the largest amalgamated land parcel in the Sydney CBD and comprises eight individual sites fronting Castlereagh, Pitt and Liverpool Streets.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castlereagh-place-sydney-324-348-pitt-street-sydney-nsw-2000">Castlereagh Place</a> will transform an underutilised city block into a landmark mixed-use destination, anchored by two 82-storey towers comprising 607 luxury residences above an 8-level podium housing a 209-room luxury hotel. A 1,000 square metre civic park on ground level features a curated mix of food, beverage and retail.

The plans have been refined over the past year to rebalance the residential and hotel offering, and reconfigure the retail footprint to create a stronger, more dynamic dining experience.

A three-level flagship building on the prominent corner of Pitt and Liverpool Streets will be the gateway to the Castlereagh Place lifestyle precinct. Set to become a Sydney icon, the building is capable of housing multiple hospitality venues.

“Castlereagh Place is designed to be the City's next great urban oasis - an energetic mixed-use precinct that pulses with life, day and night,"&nbsp;said Joseph Kinsella, Group Director of Billbergia.

"It will bring the vibrancy of places like Barangaroo and Darling Quarter into a more accessible, central destination at the very heart of Sydney."

Kinsella said the project will build on&nbsp;Sydney’s growing laneway culture with the City’s largest network of new activated lanes - an expanded, next-generation take on precincts like Angel Place, Palings Lane and Ash Street in Wynyard.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134477 project_image_fid=374401]

Castlereagh Place has been designed by architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fjc-studio">fjcstudio</a> in collaboration with Trias Studio, Aileen Sage and Polly Harbison Design, joint winners of an international design competition in 2018.&nbsp;

Signature design elements from the original scheme remain unchanged, while the public domain has been significantly enhanced, delivering 60 per cent more open-to-sky space.

Pedestrian access will also be enhanced through new laneways linking Pitt, Liverpool and Castlereagh Streets, drawing people into a new civic park with outdoor seating, landscaping and integrated public art.

With activated laneways supported by strong hospitality offerings, Castlereagh Place is tipped to become a vibrant new dining destination in the heart of Sydney’s CBD.

It marks the largest undertaking to date for the Billbergia and Metrics Credit Partners partnership. Together they are developing other underutilised Sydney sites into mixed-use precincts, including the $2.2 billion Concord Central and the $1.3 billion Chatswood Grand Residences.

Metrics Managing Partner and Group CEO Andrew Lockhart said Castlereagh Place is a landmark project that will redefine Sydney’s skyline.

"As the tallest residential high-rise development, the revitalised site will offer panoramic views across the CBD and surrounds. We are excited to partner with Billbergia to reinvigorate an underutilised site and create a sophisticated and contemporary mixed-use offering situated in the heart of Sydney.”

Total apartments within the towers have increased to 607 dwellings, with a focus on larger floorplans. Aligned to growing market demand, Castlereagh Place now comprises 299 three-plus-bedroom apartments, 198 two-bedroom units and 110 one-bedroom configurations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134477 project_image_fid=374402]

Resident amenities will include an exclusive residents club containing a gym, rooftop pool, dining rooms, co-working spaces, library, golf simulator, games room, cinema room, and access to an exclusive concierge service. There will be around 500 basement car spaces below the towers.

The development will also include a state-of-the-art wellness centre, set to feature a bathhouse with magnesium pools, hot/cold plunge pools and premium amenities.

&nbsp;

According to fjcstudio, the towers will feature distinctive yet elegant architectural design reflecting Sydney’s geometry and urban character, with a network of through-site links and intimate public spaces activating the streetscape.

"Castlereagh Place is a city-making project of significant scale and ambition," said Richard Francis-Jones, Design Director at fjcstudio.

"It will create a rich urban complex of public open spaces, landscaped gardens, and vibrant laneways. Defining these new public spaces and the important streetscape of Castlereagh Street is a sequence of fine-grained, diverse retail and hotel architecture designed in collaboration with Aileen Sage, Polly Harbison Design and Trias.

“Rising above the tree-lined, human-scale streetscape are two slender residential towers that will transform the city skyline and look towards the Harbour, Hyde Park, and the Royal Botanic Garden.”

Demolition and early construction works have commenced onsite at Castlereagh Place.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134477]

Laurence Dragomir

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