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The recent release of the Banking Royal Commission's final report - which will lead to an overhaul of Australia’s financial services industry - is the latest in a series of events that have impacted the property sector over the last few years.  

The slowdown of foreign investors in the residential market, tightened lending conditions and a significant drop in house prices nationally in addition to a loss of consumer confidence have all had a significant impact on the local property market.

All these factors combined have left many uncertain of what lies ahead for the market, particularly in the lead up to the federal election later this year. Urban.com.au asked Leonard Teplin of Marshall White Projects  to share his insights into what buyers can expect in 2019 below;

Urban.com.au: What are your observations on the state of the market prior to the release of the Hayne report, particularly with regard to the uncertainty around what the outcomes and recommendations would be?

Leonard Teplin: Late 2018 certainly saw a great deal of trepidation from buyers about what the report would hold and how it would affect their ability to get credit. Some purchasers, in particular first home buyers, have held off on applying for credit until the report findings were announced. However early signs in 2019 show that, downsizers and local investors have increased their rate of enquiry and want to take advantage of low interest rates and stable house prices while they can.

U: Now that the report has been released and a series of recommendations made, what effect will these have on the market? Do you think confidence will return? Will lending become even tighter with more hoops for purchasers to jump through?

LT: Now that the commission has been finalised and the recommendations made, buyers have clearly started to feel more at ease as they start to see some consistency returning to the finance sector. There may be some precariousness ahead of the federal election, this is always the case pre-election, but we have already seen confidence begin to build back up and it will continue to do so in the coming months.

In terms of lending I don’t think there’s any more hoops purchasers can jump through, and the commissioner was cognisant of this by not making the recommendation for further lending restrictions. If anything I think the recommendation to implement a regulator that oversees APRA will see it loosen its control over banks and we will hopefully see a softening of restrictions later in the year.

U: How much do you think the upcoming Federal election and both parties' policies will focus around the recommendations from the report? 

LT: It would be political suicide for either party to go against the recommendations of the report, and given the current state of the market and all the changes that have occurred over the past few years there’s no doubt it will be a platform of the election for both parties. Affordability, housing supply, liveability and credit supply are the main issues on many people’s minds at the moment, and each party will need to address these concerns.

U: Which cross-section of the market do you think will most benefit from the banking shake up?

LT: Hopefully we will start to see local investors and second home buyers start to secure credit more easily, which will in turn decrease the pressure on the rental market by providing more supply. Until now this sector has been scrutinised by banks and passed up in favour of first home buyers or wealthy downsizers, which has seen a huge gap in the market and a decrease in supply that caters to this integral middle market.

U: Looking ahead what are your predictions over the next 12 months for the market?

LT: We will start to see a return to the norm as confidence from buyers continues to firm, which will be accompanied by more buying activity and a steady (if minimal)  increase in house prices. Savvy developers will continue to focus on lifestyle-driven projects that provide buyers an all-inclusive living experience with retail and hospitality venues either incorporated within the building or close by. There will also be an increase in developers looking outside the residential market with a rise in retirement and independent living.
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Laurence Dragomir

Marshall White's Leonard Teplin on the Banking Royal Commission wash up

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An innovative partnership involving government, the property industry and philanthropists is transforming Melbourne City Missions’ Frontyard Youth Services into a world-first 24/7 service via an $8 million redevelopment of its King Street base. Melbourne City Mission, the Victorian Government, The Peter and Lyndy White Foundation (amongst other philanthropists), and the Property Industry Foundation have banded together to turn the dream into a reality.

Located at 19 King Street, Frontyard represents Victoria’s largest early intervention and crisis service for young people who are experiencing, or are at risk of homelessness. The new facility will include new and expanded support services, including two floors of crisis accommodation for young people who are currently sleeping rough in the city and onsite mental health, drug and alcohol and disability expertise.

Through this unique partnership a large consortium of consultants and suppliers from within the property industry foundation are donating their services and resources to the Frontyard redevelopment.

The pro-bono consultant team includes <a href="/developers/urbis">Urbis</a>, Ashurst, Case Meallin, Slattery, <a href="/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, NDY, Wood &amp; Grieve Engineers, Hendry Group, Equitable Access Solutions, Irwinconsult, and <a href="/builders/built">Built.</a>. Suppliers who have generously donated materials to this project include Harvey Norman, Highbury Plumbing, Haydens Ceiling and Paritions, Signorino Tiles and Taubmans Paint.

Urbis Regional Director Peter Small is one of the industry professionals who decided to throw his hat into the ring and dedicate his time pro-bono to the initiative.

With a career spanning 40 years in providing statutory and strategic planning advice across sectors, Peter is passionate about helping our country’s at-risk and homeless young people and was eager to be part of this project when approached by the Property Industry Foundation. Peter joined the project as the lead planning consultant and has been involved in the project from early conceptual stages.

<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/pete-small-cv.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Peter Small"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="703" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/pete-small-cv.jpg?itok=pDKInEHT" title="Peter Small" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Peter Small</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
"The initial concept in the Frontyard redevelopment involved added additional floors, but we soon realised that there were too many complex legal and planning issues. In the second evolution of the proposal, we strategically designed the redevelopment to focus on an internal refurbishment and upgrades to the façade.

This meant there were enough exemption provisions and the project did not require a planning permit for the works, which The City of Melbourne also concluded. This allowed the redevelopment to start as soon as possible, without the delays and fees in getting a planning permit.

In the last 20 years, our industry has been thriving with plenty of companies making a good return, employing a lot of people and paying a good amount of taxes that go back into the community. But we can always do more, especially as we are the industry that can physically build facilities that support at-risk and homeless young people.”

- Peter Small,  Regional Director at Urbis
</blockquote>

Peter has been a long-time supporter of the Property Industry Foundation and currently sits on the foundation’s Beneficiaries Review Committee. He is a strong advocate of the property industry giving back to the community, particularly to the issues of youth homeless, which the industry can tangibly support.

The Property Industry Foundation is a forum and philanthropic focal point for the property and construction industry. Over the last 21 years, PIF’s corporate donors and thousands of people from across the industry have donated their time, skills and money to rebuild the lives of young people who do not have a safe and secure place to live.
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Property Industry bands together for world first youth homeless centre

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Last week, GURNER™ unveiled the first designs its most ambitious project to date - the $550m '<a href="/buildings/saint-moritz-st-kilda-14-16-the-esplanade-st-kilda">Saint Moritz</a>' - located on a high-profile 6,000 sqm site at 14-16 The Esplanade, once occupied by the the Saint Moritz Ice Rink.

Now home of the Novotel Hotel the site will be transformed into three, ultra-luxurious 8-storey towers comprising 120 apartments in total as part of a vision for creating "the world’s most exclusive and opulent residential addresses, featuring amenities for residents that exceed standards set in the most luxurious hotels in the world." 

GURNER™ has engaged Fender Katsalidis and Koichi Takada Architects to amend the permitted plans for the site, which has a long history on Urban.com.au - we <a href="/news/a-new-beginning-for-st-kildas-novotel">first reported on plans</a> for the site four years ago to the day.

Fender Katsalidis will assume the role of lead architect for the development while Koichi Takada Architects is responsible for the design of one of the three buildings, providing the development with design diversity.

<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/novotel_redevelopment.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Render of previous permitted development for the site. Image: Metier3"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="367" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/novotel_redevelopment.png?itok=JcZ-x8W0" title="Render of previous permitted development for the site. Image: Metier3" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Render of previous permitted development for the site. Image: Metier3</figcaption></figure>Under revised plans for the site, the number of apartments has been reduced from 240 down to 120 across three buildings - up from the permitted two - set amongst oasis-style landscapes designed by Jack Merlo.

The first of the three buildings, Pacific House, is set to launch to the public in June this year, and will feature 45 residences with an average price-point of $4m and interiors by David Hicks.

A $30 million 650sqm penthouse will sit atop Pacific House complete with two private pools, seven bedrooms, a seven car private garage with direct access lift, four living rooms, in-home sauna, gym and 150sqm outdoor terrace offering panoramic views of the bay stretching to the city skyline.

The double-storey penthouse was recently snapped up by a high-profile Melbourne family and in the process has smashed Melbourne’s price record for the most expensive apartment sale. The sale, contracted off-market prior to the development’s public launch has achieved an unprecedented rate of $40,000 per square metre. The price is 20 per cent higher than the previous Melbourne record and is the second highest in Australia, second only to the $40m record price achieved for an apartment in Sydney.

According to GURNER™ founder and director TIm Gurner, they are currently designing another penthouse in the second building that will be priced in the vicinity of $25m to $30m in response to the successful sale and demand for such a unique offering.

This will be launched as part of the ‘Penthouse Collection,' comprising ten residences across the three buildings priced from $5million up to $25million-plus. 

<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/in22_-_bld_a_-_penthouse_pool_terrace.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The pool terrace of the $30m penthouse. Image: GURNER™"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="348" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/in22_-_bld_a_-_penthouse_pool_terrace.jpg?itok=Y-jE2kjJ" title="The pool terrace of the $30m penthouse. Image: GURNER™" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The pool terrace of the $30m penthouse in Pacific House. Image: GURNER™</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
We believe the luxury end of the market has been waiting for something like this to come along, with significant depth and demand for the right project offering the right level of luxury.

Our vision for Saint Moritz was to reimagine luxury living in Australia, looking to the world’s most iconic luxury waterfront developments to create something that will never be repeated again.

This is without a doubt the most ambitious and luxurious development we have ever created and I will ensure personally that every miniscule detail of this project is delivered to far exceed expectations.

Karl Fender describes the design as ‘invisible design’ - a timeless masterpiece, with curves inspired by the sand and waves of the bay that will stand the test of time.

(The) penthouse has been designed to be the best in Australia and arguably one of the best in the world.

We initially designed the penthouse with a floorplan of over 1,300sqm and an even bigger price-tag however the early feedback we have received from our local and international clientele was that a penthouse of this size would be too big even for them.

We had no intention of selling the prized penthouse until the launch, but once word got out we were swamped with interested buyers – all local Melbourne identities who quickly realised this will be Melbourne’s and arguably Australia’s best residential address. 

We had five interested buyers and two quickly became very competitive. We worked with the successful buyer to design and customise the penthouse with them before formalising the sale – a process that has now been completed.

- Tim Gurner, GURNER™ founder and director
</blockquote>
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GURNER™ reimagines luxury living in St Kilda with sale of $30m penthouse

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Local developer Beulah International recently settled on all apartments at their now complete Hallmark development in Ivanhoe - defying market trends,.

Located on Norman Street in Ivanhoe, the development was designed by Fender Katsalidis, comprising a range of one, two, three and four bedroom apartments. Featuring an exterior based on classical proportions, the project combines travertine and bronze, ensuring it fits in seamlessly and contributes to the character of Ivanhoe .

Despite the ongoing concerns surrounding the industry, 100 per cent of the luxury residences were settled within two weeks of the settlement date, with more than 50 per cent settled prior to the scheduled settlement day.

Funded locally by NAB, the project has now been fully repaid, with more than 80 per cent of bank debts paid before settlement day, highlighting Beulah’s ability to secure and repay debt early when many are facing their own challenges doing so.

Urban.com.au spoke to Beulah International Managing Director Jiaheng Chan about the project's success and Beula International's view of the current market conditions.

Urban.com.au: What do you attribute the success of Hallmark to in the current property climate? Does this reinforce the strength of the Beulah International brand? 

Jiaheng Chan: Great design and delivery. Even when our homes are priced at a premium compared to nearby properties, our purchasers and the wider market see the value of our property. We believe our property's enhanced value also lifts that of the surrounding area bringing benefit to our neighbours. 

This reinforces our brand as a trusted and financially strong developer that continues to deliver, taking design and liveability seriously.

U: What do you believe developments need to succeed in a tighter lending environment but also to attract prospective purchasers, particularly when there is so much competition?

JC: Developers need to remain financially strong and importantly, place a continued focus on great design-led homes. Being in the midst of uncertainties, this will allow developers to maintain the ability to deliver in tough market conditions. 

U: What do you think the effects of the Banking Royal Commission report will have on the market and the way you approach developments?

JC: We are yet to see how the recommendations in the report will be adopted by the government and the market, but we will continue to monitor the progress of this and adapt accordingly.

U: Do you see the success of Hallmark as a sign of confidence in the luxury end of the market and how does this influence your thinking on future projects?

JC: We certainly observed that the luxury end has its challenges too. Australia's population continues to grow and owner-occupiers in all sectors are still looking for homes. 

We see the success of Hallmark as a sign of confidence, particularly with regards to our ethos that good design matters. It reinforces that our commitment to deliver design-led homes and spaces to our residents is the right direction for Beulah.

U: And finally what are your expectations over the next 12 months?

JC: Things are changing daily so it's difficult to predict. With the changing residential market condition, we have prepared for multiples scenarios. We are cautiously optimistic about the next 12 months in the residential space and are prepared to weather the storm with the homes and spaces we are offering the market. 

We are also excited to venture into the commercial office, retail and hotel sector with each having its own changing and vibrant market dynamics.
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Beulah International's Jiaheng Chan discusses the success of Hallmark Ivanhoe in light of current market conditions

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Developer Riverlee has achieved a major milestone at its $450 million Seafarers Place development on the Yarra's Northbank, with the restoration of the last-remaining original electric crane in Melbourne now complete. The restored crane forms a key pillar in Riverlee's plans for the mixed-use project which has been designed by architects Fender Katsalidis in tandem with landscape architects Oculus. 

With a construction start date of Q1 2020, Seafarers Place will upon completion, comprise 145 luxury residences, a 5-star hotel, a 1000-seat function centre set within the shell of the former Goods Shed No.5 and a 3,500 sqm public park.

<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/seafarers_place.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of Seafarers Place. Image: Riverlee"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="361" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/seafarers_place.jpg?itok=aDeFa6dv" title="Artist's impression of Seafarers Place. Image: Riverlee" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of Seafarers Place. Image: Riverlee</figcaption></figure>According to Riverlee, it's passion for successful urban renewal meant it was important that the mixed-use development was sympathetic to the wharf’s industrial past. As such, Riverlee undertook a collaborative process to restore the 1948 crane, which which was recognised in 2002 for its historical significance to Victoria, forming part of the most intact cargo berth in the Port of Melbourne from the pre-containerisation era.

The crane has been carefully restored by Maritime contractor Freyssinet working with Lovell Chen to ensure structural integrity. Detailed preservation methodology and processes were implemented to ensure that any repair works undertaken were well considered and provided optimum preservation outcome for the heritage crane. This was achieved with input from Riverlee, the City of Melbourne, Department of Planning, Department of Treasury and Finance and Heritage Victoria

Originally located on the west end of Goods Shed No. 5, Riverlee opted to relocate the restored crane to the eastern end to provide improved public access, and to integrate it with the proposed Seafarers Rest Park. 

The wharf, which dates back to the immediate post-war era, has also undergone significant refurbishment as part of the project, paving the way for construction to begin in earnest.

<h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
We are excited to bring the rich history of the site back to life as much as possible and in particular, the restoration of the crane was so important to both Riverlee and the various partners involved.

The crane demonstrates what a lively area the wharf once was in the mid-1900s, and alludes to a similar atmosphere that is about to come to the new Northbank precinct.

We look forward to continuing to tell the story of the site’s historical relevance and reference its history throughout our project.

- David Lee, Riverlee Development Director
</blockquote>
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Riverlee restores Melbourne's last remaining original electric crane

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As excavation gets underway at Anzac Station as part of the Melbourne Metro Rail Project, the Andrews Government has also announced the beginning of soil testing to help inform the detailed Business Case for Melbourne Airport Rail Link.

The Melbourne Airport Rail Link (MARL) will extend from the CBD to Melbourne Airport via Sunshine and form the north-western section of the Suburban Rail Loop.

Geotechnical drilling is the latest stage of preliminary works for the project and will be used to establish ground conditions and soil quality. The investigations involve drilling boreholes up to 25 centimetres in diameter and 45 metres deep to collect soil and rock samples.

Rail Projects Victoria, which will oversee delivery of MARL, is undertaking the investigations at six sites around the M80 Ring Road in Tullamarine and near the Maribyrnong River to guide further planning of the preferred Sunshine route. Each investigation is expected to take two weeks to complete.

The works will inform the Business Case currently being prepared which will include assessment of design and construction options for the new rail line, with further testing set to occur later this year.

The Andrews Government has committed up to $5 billion to build the link, with the Federal Government  also committing funding to the project. The total cost of the project will be determined in the full Business Case and is estimated in the range of $8-$13 billion.

Construction of Melbourne Airport Rail Link is scheduled to start in 2022, subject to required approvals with construction expected to take up to nine years.

A market-led proposal dubbed AirRail Melbourne is being assessed by the Government in parallel to the Business Case being prepared. AirRail Melbourne claims construction could be brought forward to 2021 under their proposal.

Meanwhile, Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan visited the future Anzac Station site on St Kilda Road today, where excavation on the 300-metre-long, 30-metre wide, and 22-metre-deep station box is ramping up.

Temporary closure of St Kilda Road between Dorcas Street and Kings Way/Toorak Road West will occur on Monday 4 February, from 1:30am-5:00am, to relocate large construction equipment.

An acoustic shed will be built over the northern section of the Anzac Station site in mid-2019 to contain dust and noise as hundreds of workers remove around 400,000 tonnes of rock and soil to build the new station.

According to the State Government, suitable topsoil and excavated material will be re-used wherever possible in collaboration with community groups, local government and industry. This includes rehabilitating old quarries, improving public open space and supporting other suitable construction projects.

<h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
We’re not wasting a minute building the Metro Tunnel – excavation is now underway at every station and the massive tunnel boring machines will be digging under Melbourne by the end of the year.

The Metro Tunnel will create space to run more trains, slash travel times, and connect areas such as Domain and Parkville to the network for the first time.

- Premier Daniel Andrews
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
Whether it’s the Airport Rail Link, the Metro Tunnel, removing level crossings or planning for the Suburban Rail Loop – we’re getting it done. 

The Metro Tunnel will not only deliver more trains more often – it will create thousands of local jobs and kick-start the careers of hundreds of young Victorians.

We’ve made sure the Airport Rail Link will benefit all Victorians – delivering a new super-hub at Sunshine and paving the way for fast rail to the regions.

It will deliver wider benefits beyond simply moving tourists and business people between the CBD and the airport. It will help us transform the way people live, work and travel right across Victoria.

- Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan
</blockquote>

Lead image: AirRail Melbourne + Cross Yarra Partnership
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Drilling underway for Airport Link as excavation commences at ANZAC Station

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Stonnington Council has voted in favour of a $300 million office project in <a href="/new-apartments/south-yarra-vic-3141">South Yarra</a> being developed by local developer Goldfields. Located at <a href="/developments/south-yarra-vic-3141">627 Chapel Street</a>, the 24-storey tower will comprise 24,000 sqm of office space in addition to an expansive as ground floor retail offering.

627 Chapel Street - as it is currently known - has been designed by <a href="/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a> to set a new benchmark in contemporary and innovative workplace design. It would rise directly opposite the under construction <a href="/buildings/capitol-grand-241-toorak-road-south-yarra">Capitol Grand</a> which is fast making its presence felt on the South Yarra skyline. 

The development of an office building on the site seeks to contribute to a more diverse mix of uses within the Forrest Hill Precinct. This represents a strong departure away from the predominantly residential development witnessed in recent years, and aligns with Stonnington Council’s vision for a truly mixed-use precinct as set out in Chapel reVision Structure Plan 2013-2031. 

<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/181210_v01_hero_p.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="627 Chaepl Street has been approved by Stonnington Council. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="889" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/181210_v01_hero_p.jpg?itok=Z6YgBK_s" title="627 Chaepl Street has been approved by Stonnington Council. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>627 Chapel Street has been approved by Stonnington Council. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure>According to Goldfields, 627 Chapel Street heralds "a new era for South Yarra," by responding to the changing demands of the growing precinct, in addition to prospective tenants searching for an innovative workplace environment which includes restaurants, cafes, multiple green spaces, state of the art end-of-trip facilities, a concierge and a business lounge.

<blockquote>
Our unique lifestyle approach to 627 Chapel Street will create the best Melbourne CBD fringe office development and workplace offering. 627 Chapel Street sets the scene for future-focused business and will attract progressive occupiers with progressive needs. The building is self-sustaining, connected, impeccably designed and integrated with personal lifestyle amenities – all key factors that will bring this building, and precinct, to life.

- Marco Gattino, Managing Director of Goldfields
</blockquote>

Goldfields expects construction to begin on 627 Chapel Street in mid-2019, with an expected two-year build. You can read more about the design of 627 Chapel Street in our piece from <a href="/news/goldfields-and-cox-reboot-627-chapel-street">June last year</a>.
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Goldfields' office development at 627 Chapel Street approved by Stonnington

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This morning, City of Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp joined PDG Corporation’s Managing Director, Vince Giuliano at the former Munro site located adjacent to the Queen Victoria Market, to announce that demolition works onsite have commenced in earnest.

With builder Hamilton Marino at the helm, the City of Melbourne is starting construction on significant new community facilities, interconnecting laneways and a hotel and residential development adjacent to the iconic Queen Victoria Market market. The historic Mercat Cross Hotel facade on the corner of Queen and Therry streets will be retained, restored and integrated into the new development.

<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/munro_site_demo.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Demolition progress onsite at the Munro site. Image: Urban forum 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/munro_site_demo.jpg?itok=9845an6g" title="Demolition progress onsite at the Munro site. Image: Urban forum member redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Demolition progress onsite at the Munro site. Image: Urban forum member redden</figcaption></figure>The City of Melbourne entered into an agreement with developer PDG Corporation after Council acquired the site in 2014, to develop a 120-place childcare centre, 56 affordable housing units, a community centre and kitchen and 500 basement car parks for market customers with an end value of $70 million. This will assist in making the market more accessible for shoppers and freeing up the current surface car parking site for a new ‘Market Square’.

The community component of the project has been designed by Six Degrees Architects who say it has been designed as an exemplar council development, with high ESD values and an exceptional emphasis on consultation with users and stakeholders. 
PDG will develop the balance of the site with a 40-storey residential tower accommodating 360 units and an 80-room hotel. According to architects Bates Smart, the tower has been designed to "maximise direct solar access and to provide natural ventilation to all apartments, thereby creating a model for high quality inner-city living within Melbourne."

Bates Smart took inspiration for the building’s façade from the fine grain texture of the market’s historic sheds and stalls providing the development with an appropriately contextual response.

<blockquote>
QVM Residences has been designed to be one of Australia’s most sustainable mixed-use developments. It will include a boutique hotel, fine grain retail and a limited number of apartments for sale.

The development draws on values of sustainability, health and modern design with the market’s legacy and Melbourne’s laneway culture serving as major points of inspiration. The result is a singular lifestyle offered to future residents, who will enjoy an incredible selection of vegetables, produce, delicacies and bespoke offerings at their door.

- PDG Corporation
</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/project-detail-gallery-qvm04.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of the Munro development. Image: PDG Corporation"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="412" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/project-detail-gallery-qvm04.jpg?itok=xKprE1zf" title="Artist's impression of the Munro development. Image: PDG Corporation" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of the Munro development. Image: PDG Corporation</figcaption></figure>The City of Melbourne will decide on the course of action to take with regard to the $250 million redevelopment of the Queen Victoria Market, following a series of recommendations put forward in a report prepared by the 'People's Panel.' The 40-person People's Panel comprises market traders, customers and local residents selected during an independent selection process. 

The City of Melbourne's Future Committee at its 10 December 2018 meeting resolved to request that management progresses seven recommendations, analyses three recommendations and refers a further three to QVM Pty Ltd for consideration.

<blockquote>
A report will now be prepared for a Council meeting in the first quarter of 2019 including analysis of the provision of market infrastructure at G Shed, car parking for vans, buses and large vehicles as well as further investigation of the minority report. 

In addition to the 500 car parks in Munro, management will investigate an additional 500 car parks in the precinct with the current at grade car park to become an open space once transitional parking there is no longer required.  The report will also consider implications to the Implementation Framework and Business Case.

- City of Melbourne
</blockquote>

The People's Panel Report can be viewed <a href="https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/SiteCollectionDocuments/qvm-peoples-panel-report.pdf">here</a>.

<h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
We’re expecting 24,000 new residents in this area by 2040 so it’s essential we provide more community facilities and pedestrian friendly spaces to meet the needs of the growing population as well as encouraging more people to come to the market precinct.

We’re delivering a new network of interconnecting laneways featuring retail stores, cafes and restaurants. The popular street art precinct in Blender Lane will remain and the new community facilities will better connect the market precinct to the city.

We purchased this site from the Munro family five years ago to protect the market from inappropriate development and prevent a supermarket or large chain stores being built in direct competition to fresh food offerings of the Queen Vic Market.

We’ve made sure the Mercat Cross Hotel is incorporated as a central feature within the community facilities and the iconic sign and balcony will be a tribute to the site’s history

- Lord Mayor Sally Capp, City of Melbourne
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
PDG is delighted to achieve a significant milestone on this highly anticipated and vital project. The end result will be an exemplary mixed-use development that provides tremendous benefits to the community.

In collaboration with the City of Melbourne, we are now able to continue advancing Melbourne’s premier mixed-use project – a development that will be leading-edge for sustainability and liveability next door to Victoria’s most beloved and visited icon, Queen Victoria Market.

- Vince Giuliano, PDG Corporation Managing Director
</blockquote>

 Lead image: Original image courtesy of PDG Corporation
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Demolition in full swing at City of Melbourne's 'Munro site'

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The 2019 Asia Pacific Architecture Forum has just been announced and will explore new thinking coming out of Asia and showcase architecture’s pivotal role in everyone's lives. From regional and metropolitan Australia to NZ, Thailand, Hong Kong and beyond.

An initiative of State Library of Queensland and Architecture Media, the 2019 Asia Pacific Architecture Forum will return to Brisbane from 13 to 26 March, 2019 - the event will be held at the State Library of Queensland in March.

The program features a range of free and ticketed events, including exhibitions, installations, symposia, an awards evening, lectures and workshops, which will engage architecture and design professionals, educators and enthusiasts. The Architecture Symposium, a one-day headline event, and the Australian Library Design Awards and Conference, showcasing the best in contemporary library design, will be held at State Library of Queensland.

Some major events as part of the Forum include:

<ul>
<li>The Architecture Symposium (featuring speakers like James Grose from BVN, Elva Tang from Henning Larsen and Alan Kueh from (AK+) Archipedia)</li>
	<li>Home: a suburban obsession (an exhibition tracing South East Queensland homes and their stories in the 60s and 70s)</li>
	<li>The Tapestry Design Prize for Architects (briefed by MONA's David Walsh)</li>
	<li>Micro Histories Exhibition (artworks and artefacts from the Museum of Brisbane paired with some of the city's most interesting buildings</li>
</ul>
2019 Speakers are:

<ul>
<li>Cameron Bruhn | Brisbane</li>
	<li>Yarinda Bunnag | Thailand</li>
	<li>James Grose | Sydney</li>
	<li>Sheng-Yuan Huang | Taiwan</li>
	<li>Eleena Jamil | Malaysia</li>
	<li>Alan Kueh | Singapore</li>
	<li>Kevin O'Brien | Brisbane</li>
	<li>Boonserm Premthada | Thailand</li>
	<li>Elva Tang | Hong Kong</li>
</ul>
The full program of events will be announced in the coming months. For more information, visit <a href="http://aparchitectureforum.com/">aparchitectureforum.com</a>

<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/image_07.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Wine, Ayutthaya Project by Boonserm Premthada"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="494" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image_07.jpg?itok=GgYUO36r" title="The Wine, Ayutthaya Project by Boonserm Premthada" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Wine, Ayutthaya Project by Boonserm Premthada</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
State Library of Queensland is pleased to continue our partnership with Architecture Media to deliver this vibrant program of exhibitions and events, which highlights the importance of architecture in our region.

Over the years this world-class event has attracted high-calibre international architects and designers to State Library, and this year we have speakers from Thailand, Malaysia, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong and New Zealand. We are excited to facilitate the sharing of knowledge and stories which will inspire possibilities and creativity in architecture.

Our international visitors will have the opportunity to see how Queenslanders lived half a century ago – it’s essential to understand the past when imagining the future.

- Vicki McDonald, State Librarian and CEO
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
Returning for its fourth edition, the Asia Pacific Architecture Forum has established itself as a vital event, connecting Australian practitioners with influential architects and thinkers from across the region. As the world gets smaller and an ever increasing number of Australian architects, designers and planners practice abroad, engagement with our wider region has never been more important.

- Katelin Butler, Architecture Media editorial director
</blockquote>

Lead image: Field Office Architecture
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Brisbane to host Australia’s fourth Asia Pacific Architecture Forum

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MAB’s recently completed commercial development - CubeOne - has attracted local business owners seeking to capitalise on the building's central location, excellent transport links and Narre Warren's thriving commercial precinct. According to MAB, the Narre Warren business precinct is within Australia’s 12th fastest growing city, with a projected population increase of almost 200,000 by 2041. 

Located at 55 Victor Crescent in Melbourne's South-East, the $10m building has been designed by architects Watson Young to accommodate 5,000 sqm of strata office space across four-storeys, while promoting walkability and a sense of community.

CubeOne features 40 strata office suites upwards of 45 sqm capable of accommodating a 300 strong workforce, in addition to a standalone restaurant tenancy,156 secure carparks, and expansive landscaped areas.. An illuminated external façade provides businesses with a strong visibility.

Danny Lavigne, Managing Director of Blynx Insurance Services, is one of the first businesses to move into CubeOne. Lavigne’s company services many of those who live in the local area, taking advantage of the proximity to Fountain Gate Shopping Centre, the City of Casey Municipal Offices and nearby walking trails and cycle tracks.

Ashwin Pandit, owner of Mocha Mojo Café &amp; Lounge in Berwick, is another local business owner who made the decision to purchase into CubeOne. He was looking to expand his business, opening a new site close to his existing cafe to minimise commuting hours and mobilise existing staff. His new café, Butlers Kitchen at CubeOne, will open early 2019 and includes an outdoor seating area, capable of hosting up to 100 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/mab_cube-2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The four storey building offers 5,000 sqm of strata office space in Melbourne's South East. Image: MAB"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="355" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mab_cube-2.jpg?itok=_cbtWFSS" title="The four storey building offers 5,000 sqm of strata office space in Melbourne's South East. Image: MAB" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The four storey building offers 5,000 sqm of strata office space in Melbourne's South East. Image: MAB</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
CubeOne follows a trend in commercial property developments decentralising Melbourne and providing businesses with affordable commercial offerings, reduced travel time and greater work/life balance.

We’re seeing record sales at CubeOne because of a growing need for spaces outside the central city where small business owners can invest in their own premises in an environment that is conducive to a modern, mobile and integrated lifestyle.

With limited CubeOne suites remaining, we’re seeing interest from a range of small businesses including accountants, medical professionals and investors who wish to own their own office and take greater control of their business investments.

- Michael Martin, Director Business Parks at MAB
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
Business is booming in the South East and there’s not many office spaces that provide a high-quality and affordable offering. The office space is not only a great environment for employees and clients, but I have confidence there’s a huge business opportunity in the area, which is why I chose to invest, rather than lease.

I think CubeOne will provide greater control over the future of my venture and we’ve got the capacity to grow and accommodate another 10 staff. It was essential to have a space that would provide future expansion and flexibility over time, that was convenient for employees to commute to and would be attractive to future employees looking for greater work, life balance. 

CubeOne certainly gives us all of that, allowing us to avoid the daily city traffic grind and we have all the amenities like parkland, cafes and secure parking right on our doorstep.

- Danny Lavigne, Managing Director of Blynx Insurance Services
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
With the local economy growing and not many business park cafes catering to the growing number of local office workers, I jumped at the chance to invest.

- Ashwin Pandit, owner of Mocha Mojo Café &amp; Lounge in Berwick
</blockquote>
</body></html>

MAB’s CubeOne attracts businesses to Narre Warren’s burgeoning commercial hub

Around 400 additional homes could be built at Southwark Grounds on Port Road, lifting total site capacity from 1300 to around 1700 dwellings.

A recently approved code amendment would allow apartment towers of up to 14 storeys in some areas of Renewal SA’s redevelopment of the former West End Brewery.

Renewal SA Acting Chief Executive Shane Wingard said he welcomed the code amendment, with the increase in heights and homes making a positive impact on the supply of high-quality, well-connected housing close to the city.

“By going higher across some parts of Southwark Grounds, we are adding a substantial number of very well-located homes with little impact on project delivery time or planned open space,” Mr Wingard said.

Since the project officially launched in 2025, Mr Wingard said more than 12,000 enquiries had been received about living at Southwark Grounds.

“The very strong early interest we’ve seen since homes were first released in the precinct reinforces our plans to create more housing opportunities,” he said.

The Southwark Grounds code amendment was launched in December last year, with community engagement undertaken over five weeks from January.

It proposed increasing maximum building heights from eight to 14 storeys on the eastern section of Southwark Grounds, and to 12 storeys across the remainder of the site, with minimum building heights ranging from two to four storeys.

The code amendment was implemented through an Early Commencement policy in late January, allowing developers to quickly explore the viability of increased height and housing yield while other planning processes continue.

One of the first developers delivering apartment sites have already finalised redesigns to increase the number of apartments following the code amendment.

Samaras’ development adjacent to the future Colonel Light Park is now planning to deliver 125 apartments across 11 storeys, significantly greater than original plans of around 50 apartments across four storeys.

The developer is also exploring the potential for additional affordable housing outcomes.

Most of the apartments at Southwark Grounds will be delivered within a master-planned precinct on a large parcel of land on the eastern portion of the site, covering around two-thirds of its 8.4 hectares.

Wingard said detailed precinct planning over the coming months may identify further opportunities to increase yield further that could see total apartment numbers at Southwark Grounds, exceed this number.

Affordable homes at Southwark Grounds will also see a net increase, with Renewal SA maintaining its commitment to a minimum of 20 per cent affordable housing across the development.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Civil works have begun across the site, with construction under way on the first new roads surrounding a townhouse precinct in the south‑west corner of Southwark Grounds. This includes Renewal SA’s 17 Founder’s Row homes, which are on track for completion by Christmas.

“We expect to have people living at Southwark Grounds by the end of the year, so delivering roads and public spaces for those residents is among our highest priorities.”

Construction of 40 townhouses off Anderson Street, known as West Village and being delivered by Contour, is forecast to begin in mid‑2026. Kolabb’s Anderson Lane development will follow shortly after, delivering a further 26 townhouses.

Southwark Grounds is a state government‑led urban renewal project now set to deliver around 1,700 homes over the next decade.

Homes will be supported by a supermarket, a range of retail and hospitality offerings anchored by a revitalised Walkerville Brew Tower, a childcare centre, car parking and well‑connected public spaces.

Joel Robinson

400 new homes planned for Adelaide's former West End Brewery site

Brisbane developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/cavcorp">Cavcorp</a> has lodged plans for a new mixed-use residential development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-wyandra-street-teneriffe-qld-4005">55 Wyandra Street</a>, Teneriffe, anchored by an 85-metre public laneway designed to reconnect the suburb’s riverfront with the Gasworks precinct.

The buildings, known as Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane, would replace the existing Queensland Cotton head office site with a 15-storey residential tower transitioning to eight storeys toward Helen Street. The project has been designed by Plazibat Architects and lodged as a code assessable development application for 93 apartments across a 3,401 sqm mixed-use site within the Newstead and Teneriffe Waterfront neighbourhood plan.

Central to the scheme is the transformation of an existing service easement into a publicly accessible cross-block connection linking Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the new laneway will act as both a pedestrian shortcut and a landscaped civic space between the Teneriffe Riverwalk, ferry terminal, and Gasworks precinct.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26e7f058-b065-4de8-b13d-a2b8cb64dfcc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bldg.png?VersionId=sELS0ZKYi361oYipUa1BIKfe_.DLZoFV" />

“The revised proposal delivers a legacy public-realm cross-block link, permanently secured for community use, transforming an existing private easement into a safe, high-quality pedestrian connection between the Teneriffe heritage riverwalk and the Gasworks–Long Island precinct,” the planning report states.

The laneway will sit beneath a large subtropical loggia integrated into the podium levels of the development. The design incorporates deep landscaping, water gardens, lobby spaces, business lounges, and ground-floor apartments to create what Cavcorp describes as a climate-responsive “urban verandah.”

The tower itself has been designed as a slender form with recessed floorplates and curved translucent corners inspired by contemporary Japanese architecture. The building height aligns with the Commercial Road precinct controls, which permit towers up to 15 storeys within proximity to Longland Street.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8a17d40-43b6-4718-b3fd-67676fcbb485" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers%202_1.png?VersionId=i3VwDtp5AmL_8InW7w4qRbDFEpb744Jt" />

The project will comprise a mix of larger-format apartments aimed at owner-occupiers, downsizers, and families. The proposed apartment mix includes 11 loggia apartments across the lower levels, 50 four-bedroom Sky-Terrace apartments from levels three to seven, and 32 Sky-Pool Homes occupying the upper tower levels. The Sky-Pool Homes will feature private thermal plunge pools integrated into oversized balconies.

According to the application, the apartments are intended to reinterpret the scale and character of Teneriffe’s woolstore conversions and Queensland homes within a vertical residential format.

“The sky-pool homes build on Cavcorp’s previous projects and introduce a distinct apartment typology to Teneriffe, informed by both local and international precedent and responding to an identified market demand for enhanced safety, space and amenity,” the planning submission notes.

A major focus of the proposal is its five-level wellness and lifestyle offering, extending from the basement through to the rooftop.

Amenities proposed include a rooftop Swim &amp; Racquet Club with a 25-metre Olympic lap pool and tennis court, coworking spaces and libraries, golf simulators, wine storage, concierge facilities, business lounges, pet wash areas, and rooftop longevity-focused wellness spaces with spas, outdoor fitness zones, and landscaped terraces.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="944b352c-49b9-4247-a4c6-5967b4b69fda" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/amenity.png?VersionId=Ed_qKjAtMwFT.5gfl3jiA9QwdWxSMsaX" />

All parking will be concealed within basement levels accessed from Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the deep-basement engineering approach allows the entire ground plane to prioritise landscaping, pedestrian movement, and active frontage rather than vehicle infrastructure.

The development continues Cavcorp’s concentration in Newstead and Teneriffe, where the Brisbane developer has delivered a number of apartment projects including Lucent, Le Bain, and Luminare, as well as the Long Island Wellness Precinct nearby. Several of those projects have received national design and architecture awards, including recognition under Brisbane’s “Buildings that Breathe” program.

Cavcorp unveils wellness-focused Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane apartment buildings

Focus Group Investments has lodged plans for a new apartment development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-70-hanover-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">64–70 Hanover Street</a> in Fitzroy, seeking to utilise the Victorian Government’s recently introduced Great Design Fast Track pathway to accelerate approvals for the project.

The proposal is among the latest developments to emerge through the state-led initiative, which was established to fast-track well-designed residential projects in activity centres and transport-connected inner-city locations. The pathway allows qualifying developments that meet elevated design and housing benchmarks to bypass traditional council planning timeframes and instead be assessed directly by the Department of Transport and Planning.

Designed by SJB, the development will comprise a mix of apartments above activated lower levels, with a strong focus on architectural articulation, landscaping, and communal amenity. The design response seeks to balance the industrial character of Richmond’s former warehouse precincts with a more contemporary residential form.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abea51cc-d85b-479e-9aef-a589f3b37ca7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ground.png?VersionId=e1Kf8EyPWwyiVumtqQ4rM5S4GpOR3CCz" />

Proposed are 63 new dwellings, a wide ranging mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, and townhouses and duplexes. They will be spread across a part-three, part-eight storey building.

The Planning and Urban Context Report by Tract says the development is of an "exemplary architectural standard" and has been carefully crafted by SJB Architects.

"Dwellings&nbsp;will benefit from excellent access to natural light, cross-ventilation opportunities and extensive communal space," the report noted.

The architectural material highlights the project’s integration of landscaped elements and communal spaces throughout the building. The proposal also incorporates sustainability initiatives aligned with the Victorian Government’s push for higher-performing apartment developments under the fast-track program.

The Great Design Fast Track was unveiled by the Victorian Government in 2024 as part of a broader housing supply strategy aimed at accelerating the delivery of new homes. Projects assessed through the pathway must demonstrate high-quality architecture, sustainability outcomes, and housing diversity while being located close to public transport and existing infrastructure.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="afdbe834-8dc4-4a77-a943-ba07bc927348" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_11.png?VersionId=0J657j.TaChAZfp93wqJYBTqSsnREJx2" />

Focus Group, founder and led by Paul De Lutiis, is increasingly active across Melbourne’s inner suburbs, targeting well-connected urban renewal locations suited to medium and higher-density residential development. The Fitzroy proposal continues that strategy, leveraging the area’s strong transport links, established retail amenity, and proximity to the CBD.

Fitzroy has been one of the most popular spots for developers and buyers in recent years. The likes of PACE Development Group, SMA Projects, Crema Group and Chapter Group, currently selling projects in the suburb.

First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Fitzroy apartments

The Gold Coast Planning Committee has supported the preliminary approval for the Benowa Gardens Urban Village project following an extensive community consultation and assessment process.

The proposal will now proceed to a full council vote on June 2.

The application sought approval for a masterplanned urban village on the existing Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre site, combining new housing, retail, dining, health and lifestyle amenities within a walkable, integrated precinct.&nbsp;

The proposed redevelopment includes around 413 apartments integrated above a revitalised mixed-use centre featuring a full-line supermarket of 4,000 sqm, 6,000 sqm of specialty retail and dining space across around 30 retailers, a 7,000 sqm health and wellness precinct, and roughly 9,630 sqm of office and medical suites.&nbsp;

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fb36ae47-80bc-45f0-9914-31b0c7b6007d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/PR26576%20Ashmore%20Road%20C4%201121%20FI.jpg?VersionId=6mRKk2uU4r67TmTt39DKGUlvFRbTVqWa" />

The broader masterplan also includes very significant traffic and transport improvements, wide pedestrian walkways, upgraded pedestrian and cycle connections, and enhanced public areas designed to create a more connected and walkable community environment.&nbsp;

Centre owner Patrick Lu said the milestone reflected months of detailed planning, technical assessment and ongoing communication with local residents, businesses, schools and stakeholders.

“We appreciate the time, consideration and care Council officers and the Planning Committee have given this proposal throughout the assessment process,” Lu said.

“We also sincerely thank the local community for engaging with us, sharing feedback and participating in the consultation process over many months.

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32fd1fc3-d0e6-485f-ac57-9916c9bcb818" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/PR26576%20Ashmore%20Road%20C5%201121%20FI_2.jpg?VersionId=fz8qQKDBLQ7MyFRc856Zccfbh9nFwLOe" />

“We understand projects of this scale bring questions and concerns, which is why we have worked hard to listen carefully, provide information transparently and continue refining elements of the proposal where possible.

“Our vision has always been to create a well-designed, community-focused urban village that responds to the changing needs of the Gold Coast, while delivering improved amenity, housing diversity, healthcare access and local lifestyle benefits.

“This proposal is about creating a genuine live-work-play environment where residents can access everyday services, schools, healthcare, dining, shopping and green space within walking distance, while also supporting local jobs and economic activity.”

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="50dfbd04-590e-4fc6-983b-766880947867" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Dining%20Day%20Time%20-%20High%20Resolution.jpg?VersionId=BP7ZoKJ0DdL_8iRkkC8VVx99moICV6kg" />

Lu said the proposal had evolved significantly through consultation and technical review, particularly around traffic, pedestrian and student safety and neighbourhood connectivity.&nbsp;

Melissa Griffin, Director at Urbis, said the recommendation recognised the strategic importance of delivering more housing and services within established urban areas already supported by infrastructure.

“This proposal represents the type of thoughtful, integrated growth that planning frameworks across South-East Queensland are encouraging,” Ms Griffin said.

“The project seeks to place housing, retail, healthcare and employment opportunities together in a highly accessible location close to schools, transport and existing services.

“Importantly, the process has involved significant technical assessment and community engagement to ensure local issues and feedback were properly considered throughout the planning pathway.”

$1 billion Benowa Gardens Urban Village heads to council vote following Planning Committee support

Surfers Paradise is officially set for its first new residential development with a 45-storey skybridge connecting the two towers.

John Camilleri’s Celestino Developments has been given the green light by the Gold Coast City Council to develop its major beachfront precinct across its huge 4,000 sqm oceanfront site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/63-79-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">63–79 Garfield Terrace</a>, just five months after its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-exclusive-billionaire-winx-breeder-s-bold-two-tower-surfers-paradise-play-with-45th-storey-skybridge">submission in late 2025</a>.

The approved scheme will deliver two towers rising 55 and 48 storeys, connected by a skybridge positioned on level 45 that will house a range of resident-only wellness and entertainment spaces.

In its notice of approval, the Gold Coast City Council said the&nbsp;proposed overall built form has been designed to complement the scale, intensity and protect the adjacent amenity and surrounding streets through the use of varied setbacks, site cover and architectural elements.

<img alt="First look exclusive: Billionaire Winx breeder’s bold two-tower Surfers Paradise play with 45th-storey skybridge" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-30%20at%209.53.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=ADyPJ_TFbJvSU9wZFOiCBnlPtgF7VWqW" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dbi">DBI</a>, the development will comprise 275 apartments across the two towers, including a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom residences, as well as several penthouses. The apartments will sit above a landscaped podium featuring more than 90 metres of beachfront pool frontage, private resident lawns, lounges, and wellness spaces.

DBI said the design draws heavily from the movement and form of the coastal environment, with curving balcony lines and sculpted façades intended to soften the scale of the towers while maximising ocean outlooks and passive shading outcomes.

“The project occupies a rare, uninterrupted oceanfront site and has been shaped by a design philosophy that merges architectural elegance with environmental responsiveness and a carefully curated lifestyle experience,” DBI said in planning documents submitted to the Gold Coast City Council.

The most distinctive element of the approved project is the skybridge linking the two towers at level 45. The elevated communal space is planned to include executive lounges, formal dining areas, wellness facilities, and panoramic ocean-facing outlooks.

“The skybridge enhances the identity of the development, promotes social interaction, and delivers a lifestyle experience not found elsewhere on the Gold Coast,” DBI said.

At podium level, residents will have access to a suite of resort-style amenities, including resident lounges, private dining rooms, a yoga lawn, gymnasium, plunge pools, and treatment spaces. The beachfront pool has been designed with separate lap, lounge, and children’s areas extending across the width of the site.

The project will also introduce new food and beverage offerings along the Enderley Avenue and Oceanway frontages, contributing additional activation to the beachfront precinct.

Laurence Dragomir

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