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This week I catch up with a really good friend and former colleague of mine, Isaac Mortimer who is a senior CGI Artist at FKD Studio. We chat about his transition from architecture into the world of CGI visualisation, how it came about, what he finds so interesting about it and his advice for anyone looking to take it up as a career. We also discuss The Meg, a bit of Star Wars and Isaac's dogs' instagram account.

You can listen to Apartments.com.au's Podcast with FKD Studio directors Ben Rappell and Nick King from earlier in the year <a href="/guides/weekly-podcast-episode-39-fkds-isaac-mortimer-talks-cgi">here</a>.

You can follow Isaac on instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mortimerisaac/">@mortimerisaac</a>

Or his two mini dachshunds Fritz and Lenny:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/fritz_lenny/">@fritz_lenny</a>

<iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/530671044&amp;color=%23ff5500&amp;auto_play=true&amp;hide_related=false&amp;show_comments=true&amp;show_user=true&amp;show_reposts=false&amp;show_teaser=true" width="100%"></iframe>
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Laurence Dragomir

Weekly Podcast: Episode 39 - FKD's Isaac Mortimer talks CGI

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Ecodynamics has announced the merger of its sub-brands – WeBlow, Aquaseeding and Mossrock – under its Ecodynamics brand for its operations in Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia.

Australia’s largest landscaping products and services company reached a record annual turnover this year of $35 million. With 125 staff across three states, the amalgamation of the brands bolsters the company’s position as a market leader and one-stop shop in the landscaping services and products industry.

Ecodynamics' turnover is expected to rise to $40 million by 2022, on the back of anticipated exponential growth. This reflects the burgeoning infrastructure projects planned across Australia, and the shift towards creating more sustainable, greener futures.

The vertically integrated company will now consist of four divisions spanning landscaping, services, mulch and a nursery division representing the company’s social enterprise that aims to offset climate change and land degradation through community initiatives.

<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/ecodynamics-group-tanderrum-bridge_small.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Tanderrum Bridge. 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/ecodynamics-group-tanderrum-bridge_small.jpg?itok=z4qZHpf1" title="Tanderrum Bridge. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Tanderrum Bridge. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
Three trusted brand names are coming together to give customers a more cohesive and comprehensive offering of products and services in one place. Ecodynamics is made up of experts and innovators in the industry and we have recognised an opportunity to unite our businesses to meet the demands of both the industry and our customers.

The new branding and tagline reflects our commitment to improving and nurturing communities through landscapes.

The partnership aligns with our company ethos and the work we do in greening and nurturing communities. We look forward to working closely with AILA and its member base over the next year to share our expertise in delivering quality projects across Australia.

 - Nick Somes, Ecodynamics managing director
</blockquote>

Ecodynamics has provided landscape solutions to the civil construction industry for 30 years and during this time saw the acquisition of Mossrock 15 years ago, Aquaseeding in 2015 and WeBlow in 2016.

Well-known in the industry, Ecodynamics has built a reputation for delivering many of Australia’s most iconic green spaces, some of which include Eastlink and Birrarung Marr in Victoria, the Northern and Southern Expressways in South Australia, and Burrill Lake in New South Wales.

Along with the new branding, Ecodynamics has announced it will be the Principal Partner for the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) Victorian Chapter to directly engage with and support the state’s design and landscaping community.

<h2>Case Studies </h2>

Eastlink

<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/eastlink-aerial-commercial-landscaping-ecodynamics.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/eastlink-aerial-commercial-landscaping-ecodynamics.jpg?itok=Q9_gw92J" width="580"></a>

<figcaption> </figcaption></figure>The landscaping requirements for Eastlink were unprecedented in scale, with the scope detailing 4.7 million plants to be installed in garden beds, 200 hectares of grassing, and the construction of 70 wetlands. A project of this 
magnitude required all the resources of Ecodynamics’ divisions, precipitating significant growth in the business. Nursery capacity was more than doubled, and timber processing capacity was significantly increased to meet the needs of the project.

Delivered over a two year period, strict project deadlines meant Ecodynamics had to maintain a workforce of over 100 team members on site at any given time. The labour requirements meant that the Ecodynamics business had to be innovative in sourcing labour, to meet the demands of the project. As a result, the business engaged a number of people from agricultural backgrounds, including a large contingent of people of Cambodian heritage. Many of the Cambodian’s employed on Eastlink have worked with Ecodynamics ever since, having consolidated themselves as a key part of the highly skilled workforce.

Eastlink was constructed during the millennial drought, which necessitated planting through summer to meet construction deadlines. The landscaping crew were installing 50,000 plants per day, requiring up to 6 water carts running to ensure the survival of the plants in temperatures averaging 38 degrees Celsius. Despite the difficult conditions, the planting was successful with over 95% of all plants surviving

Fleurieu Aquatics 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/commercial-landscaping-south-australia-fleurieu-aquatic-centre-ecodynamics-hames-sharley-31516-rac21.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="388" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/commercial-landscaping-south-australia-fleurieu-aquatic-centre-ecodynamics-hames-sharley-31516-rac21.jpg?itok=Gy-dl70D" width="580"></a>

<figcaption> </figcaption></figure>Ecodynamics’ South Australian team were engaged to construct both hard and soft landscapes for the award nominated leisure facility, Fleurieu Aquatic Centre.

Located in the seaside area of Victor Harbor, the Fleurieu Aquatic Centre opened its doors to the community in March 2017, providing the region’s rapidly growing population with a new community focus for recreation, fitness and leisure. The $21 million centre includes lap, multi-use and rehabilitation pools, an outdoor splash pad, fitness facilities, a café and family focused BBQ and picnic areas.

The concept for the Fleurieu Aquatic Centre is inspired by the local indigenous story of Kondili the whale. In this story, four friends are attacked and retreat to the sea to become four sea creatures. This is manifested in the pool by way of four key spaces (pool hall, warm water pool, community facilities / multipurpose and administration/services spine) representing each of the creatures.

Ecodynamics was engaged by head contractor Kennett Builders to construct the hard and soft scapes for the centre. Soft scaping elements included 2,600 sqm of instant turf, 4,500 sqm of irrigated garden beds and the planting of 17,000 plants. The team also constructed hardscaping elements such as timber logs and boulders for the playground, and rock lined bioswales to filter and improve the quality of storm water run-off.
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Ecodynamics amalgamates its brands under a single banner

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While Victoria was preparing for the Melbourne Cup last week, the Queensland State Government announced it had approved a Master Plan for The Star Gold Coast valued at over $2 billion, providing a massive boost for tourism across South East Queensland (SEQ) and creating 10,000 jobs in the region. 

In approving the Master Plan concept, The Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, said the proposal by The Star Entertainment Group and its partners Far East Consortium and Chow Tai Fook Enterprises, provided a platform for further investment at the Broadbeach Island integrated resort site.

The Master Plan approves the construction of four new towers, each with the potential to generate up to 1,800 jobs during construction. A further 3,000 ongoing operational jobs would be created between the towers, restaurants, bars, days spas and other facilities.  Along with the four additional towers, the $2 billion-plus Master Plan includes the following:

<ul>
<li>Significant new restaurant and bar precincts</li>
	<li>Increased entertainment and retail options </li>
	<li>Lush new resort facilities</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/the_star_gc_master_plan.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The approved $2bn Master Plan will feature an additional four towers. Image: The Star Entertainment Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="892" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/the_star_gc_master_plan.jpg?itok=iBHQ4eEz" title="The approved $2bn Master Plan will feature an additional four towers. Image: The Star Entertainment Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The approved $2bn Master Plan will feature an additional four towers. Image: The Star Entertainment Group</figcaption></figure>The approval of The Star's Master Plan follows a series of major milestones as part of an initial $850 million redevelopment including:

<ul>
<li>the opening of the luxury hotel The Darling</li>
	<li>the redevelopment of The Star Grand</li>
	<li>the purchase of The Sheraton Grand Mirage and;</li>
	<li>the start of construction of the Dorsett hotel and apartments tower.</li>
</ul>
The Star was the first official partner of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, the host venue for the Logies in July, and will host the Queensland Tourism Awards this month.The Star has also committed to delivering these tourism investments with no extra poker machines.

The first phase of the overall Master Plan’s five new towers  - dubbed 'The Star Residences' - was approved in December 2016 and is currently under construction. The 53-storey tower has been designed by DBI Design and Cottee Parker and will include a 316 room Dorsett hotel in addition to 423 residential apartments with an expected completion date of 2022. 

A phased approach is proposed for the development of the additional four towers and facilities. According to The Star Entertainment Group, the latest segment of the Master Plan is over and above the already-committed multi-billion dollar investments from the consortium partners into SEQ.

<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/slider-star-gc-01-2000x1125.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The now under construction Star Residences represents the first phase of the new Master Plan. Image: Far East Consortium"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/slider-star-gc-01-2000x1125.jpg?itok=x1-2m3Fq" title="The now under construction Star Residences represents the first phase of the new Master Plan. Image: Far East Consortium" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The now under construction Star Residences represents the first phase of the new Master Plan. Image: Far East Consortium</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
This approval gives The Star and its partners the opportunity to lift The Star's profile with international tourists to even greater heights. Over the past four years Star has demonstrated its confidence in Queensland’s tourism outlook by making significant investments to drive economic growth and job creation on the Gold Coast.

The Star Entertainment Group is driving a massive injection of private sector funding into Queensland’s tourism industry, creating thousands of construction and operational jobs and opening up countless new supply opportunities for Queensland businesses.

On completion of The Star Gold Coast and its $3.6 billion Queens Wharf Brisbane development, the consortium will have created up to 10 hotels, with almost 3,000 rooms between them, and up to 100 restaurants and bars. This translates into some 15,000 new jobs for Queenslanders.

Queensland is pivotal to The Star Entertainment Group’s approach and it continues to proudly support and host major events in Australia’s events capital of the Gold Coast. As a top 100 ASX company, The Star Entertainment Group, also plans to relocate its corporate office to Brisbane, which is another salute to Queensland.

- Annastacia Palaszczuk, Queensland Premier
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
The Master Plan in its entirety would see The Star Gold Coast boast more tourism accommodation than any other resort in Australia. The 3000 hotel rooms and apartments would also exceed what the world-renowned Marina Bay Sands in Singapore offers, and be on a scale to compare with the largest integrated resorts in Las Vegas.

Once the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane transformation is complete, and if The Star Gold Coast Master Plan is rolled out in full, we will have tourism assets across SEQ worth around $9 billion. This includes the original assets on the Gold Coast and Brisbane, and the considerable and ongoing investments we have made in both those destinations.

We are delighted to receive the State Government’s approval of our expanded Master Plan. Our site at Broadbeach is the perfect location for continued development of tourism assets that will deliver to the Gold Coast an integrated resort capable of competing with the best on a domestic, regional and global basis.

This would be a project of incredible scale, delivering substantial economic benefit to the State from jobs and increased tourism visitation. In addition to The Star Grand, The Darling and The Dorsett hotel tower, our expanded Master Plan provides the opportunity for another four towers and world-class facilities.

They would include a stunning recreational deck, water features and hero pools, a quality day spa, new dining precincts, more bars and cafes, exciting entertainment facilities, plus a nightclub where international acts can be showcased.

The Master Plan also looks at ways to enhance the connection of Broadbeach Island with Pacific Fair, the Gold Coast Convention Centre and the surrounding Broadbeach precinct.

-  Matt Bekier, Managing Director and CEO of The Star Entertainment Group
</blockquote>
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The Star Gold Coast receives State approval for Massive $2 billion Master Plan

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Following on from Apartments.com.au's piece looking at the <a href="/news/urbans-top-5-for-october-most-viewed-architects">Top 5 Most Viewed Architects</a>, today we look at the Top 5 Most Viewed Suburbs. Once again these will be favoured heavily towards Melbourne due to the site's history as Apartments.com.au.

As the database and Apartments.com.au's presence continues to expand into the other Australian cities no doubt these will change. But for now here are the Top 5 and their respective development pipelines;

<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/top_suburbs_oct.png" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="209" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/top_suburbs_oct.png?itok=uHeMnblK" width="580"></a>

<figcaption> </figcaption></figure><h2><a href="/developments/melbourne-vic">1. Melbourne</a></h2>

The Victorian capital is experiencing an unprecedented level of population growth as it races towards becoming Australia’s largest city by 2030. This is being reflected in Melbourne’s strong development pipeline and investment in key infrastructure projects at state and local level, to ensure it remains among the world’s most liveable cities.

While the residential development pipeline appears to be winding down, the likes of West Side Place, Queens Place, Premier Tower, and By The Gardens are just beginning. In other words: the flurry of cranes that have been a permanent fixture on the Melbourne skyline for the last decade are set to remain for quite some time.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="420px" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic?embeddable=map" width="100%"></iframe>

<h2><a href="/developments/southbank-vic-3006">2. Southbank</a></h2>

Southbank will continue its transformation over the next five years as it reaches for the sky, but also turns its focus to improving the quality of the public realm.

Significant developments include some of Australia's tallest buildings, with Australia 108 (317m), One Queensbridge Street (323m), and Southbank by Beulah (356m) joining Eureka Tower (297m) to produce a dramatic cluster of buildings.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="420px" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/southbank-vic?embeddable=map" width="100%"></iframe>

<h2><a href="/developments/south-melbourne-vic-3205">3. South Melbourne</a></h2>

Having experienced a steady rate of residential development over the last few years, South Melbourne doesn’t appear to be showing any signs of slowing down. A number of apartments are planned for Albert Road, Eastern Road, and Dorcas Street, exploiting views of Albert Park Lake, the Bay, and the Melbourne skyline.

South Melbourne is also experiencing an increase in commercial development around the South Melbourne Market precinct and along Moray Street, reinforcing the suburb’s status as an emerging office precinct of low to mid-rise developments.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="420px" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/south-melbourne-vic?embeddable=map" width="100%"></iframe>

<h2><a href="/developments/footscray-vic-3011">4. Footscray</a></h2>

Best remembered in the 90s for Franco Cozzo’s furniture store and iconic ads, Footscray will soon become synonymous with high-rise living as the suburb fulfils its potential as an activity centre and employment cluster, with support from the State Government and Maribyrnong City Council.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="420px" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/footscray-vic?embeddable=map" width="100%"></iframe>

<h2><a href="/developments/west-melbourne-vic-3003">5. West Melbourne</a></h2>

Acting as a gateway into the Melbourne CBD, West Melbourne is expected to see considerable development activity, with support from the Council to transform the industrial suburb into a village.

The City of Melbourne has developed a new structure plan for the area including the extension of trams down Spencer Street which would be re-imagined as a ‘high street.’

<iframe frameborder="0" height="420px" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/west-melbourne-vic?embeddable=map" width="100%"></iframe>

Keep an eye out for the Top 5 Most Viewed Local Government Areas tomorrow.
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Urban's Top 5 for October -  Most Viewed Suburbs

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Here at Apartments.com.au we're suckers for data. We compile it. We analyse it. We publish it. It provides us with a good snapshot of the behaviours and interests of those who visit the site. It also makes for good article content. And so with that in mind, today we look at the Top 5 Most Viewed Architects on Apartments.com.au.

What does this mean exactly? The data is based on the number of project page views, with each project being associated with an architect, developer, suburb or builder. To be clear, this doesn't represent the architect with the most projects on our database and the data will be heavily Melbourne-centric as a legacy from our Apartments.com.au days. The most prominent architects in the Apartments.com.au database will be the subject of a future series article.

We've also been working on a new embeddable widget of our project database map (and list) which we can include within the body of our articles (such as this one) or on other sites. The widget allows us to filter the project map and list by any criteria from Architect or Builder to Local Government Authority. 

So without further a adieu, here are the Top 5:

<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/urban_top_5_architects_oct.png" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="280" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/urban_top_5_architects_oct.png?itok=fSwdYgh3" width="580"></a>

<figcaption> </figcaption></figure><h2><a href="/developments?architect=Fender%20Katsalidis%20Architects">1. Fender Katsalidis</a></h2>

Having designed the likes of Eureka Tower, Republic Tower, World Tower and the currently under construction Australia108, and with 49 projects in the database, it's no surprise that Fender Katsalidis tops the list.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="460px" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments?architect=Fender%20Katsalidis%20Architects&amp;embeddable=map" width="100%"></iframe>

 

<h2><a href="/developments?architect=elenberg%20fraser">2. Elenberg Fraser</a></h2>

In second place is Elenberg Fraser, who have been responsible for the design of the majority of Melbourne's high-rises in the last 5 years and have 53 projects listed in the database. The tallest of these, Aurora Melbourne Central recently topped out.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="460px" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments?architect=elenberg%20fraser&amp;embeddable=map" width="100%"></iframe>

 

<h2><a href="/developments?architect=Rothelowman">3. Rothelowman</a></h2>

In third is Rothelowman which has always had a consistent project pipeline of projects with 89 in total and previously topped the <a href="/news/the-top-15-architecture-practices-referenced-on-the-urban-com-au-project-database">Urban.com.au Top 15 architect's list.</a> Rothelowman are also the architects behind the Hawthorn Park project, featuring a unique 'Sky Pool'.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="460px" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments?architect=Rothelowman&amp;embeddable=map" width="100%"></iframe>

<h2><a href="/developments?architect=Hayball">4. Hayball</a></h2>

In fourth is Hayball, which currently has 57 projects in the database across Melbourne and South East Queensland. The office is currently involved in the Nightingale Village ensemble in Brunswick.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="460px" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments?architect=Hayball&amp;embeddable=map" width="100%"></iframe>

<h2><a href="/developments?architect=DKO%20Architecture">5. DKO </a></h2>

With a presence across Melbourne and Sydney and 64 projects listed in total, DKO rounds out the top 5. 

<iframe frameborder="0" height="460px" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments?architect=DKO%20Architecture&amp;embeddable=map" width="100%"></iframe>

Look out tomorrow for the next article in the series: the Top 5 Most Viewed Suburbs.
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Urban's Top 5 for October -  Most Viewed Architects

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Members of Mirvac’s design team have claimed the top prize in the 2018 Urban Innovation Ideas Competition, organised by the Urban Land Institute (ULI). Bohan Jones, HJ Yoon, Will Cai and Linda Lin who conceived the winning scheme - dubbed 'Reflective Lane' - received $2,000 for their efforts and will travel to Shanghai to present their proposal at the ULI 2019 Asia Pacific Conference.

The 2018 Competition sought innovative ideas from students and young professionals within the industry which enhanced the streetscapes within the north-west corner of Melbourne CBD, bound by La Trobe, William, Bourke and Spencer streets. The Competition received 42 entries.

The area has experienced significant development with the completion of the Upper West Side development on the site of the former Lonsdale Street powerstation, and the neighbouring West Side Place across the road. Other projects include <a href="/new-apartments/204-king-street-melbourne">Amber</a>, <a href="/buildings/aspire-melbourne-301-king-st-melbourne">Aspire</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke Street</a> and <a href="/buildings/melbourne-grand-560-lonsdale-street-melbourne">556-558 Lonsdale Street.</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/site_area_2.png" rel="gallery-all" title="The Competition site in Melbourne's CBD. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="462" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/site_area_2.png?itok=qaILqgH8" title="The Competition site in Melbourne's CBD. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Competition site in Melbourne's CBD. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure>Reflective Lane proposes a public arts program in selected laneways that would seek to enrich them and unite members of various communities together by showcasing local stories and artistic responses across a range of social, cultural and ecological themes. 

According to the Competition Jury, Reflective Lane was awarded first place due to its ability to impact the area, which currently lacks activity and vibrancy, through new experiences, but also embodied the ethos of the competition and the organisation, which focuses on boldness, innovation and the sharing of new concepts. Further it also highlighted the importance of ideas and innovation from younger generations.

The announcement of the winner marks the end of Stage Two of the Competition which ran for the duration of October. As part of the Stage Two process <a href="/news/urban-innovation-ideas-competition-shortlist-announced-voting-now-open">the three shortlisted finalists</a> were required to further develop and refine their schemes. The two other finalists were ‘Welcome to Melbourne’ – Fabian Culican, Kavita Sonar, Shelley Black and Simon Zhao from Tract Consultants and ‘Mixed Collectivo’ – Lindy Huang, a student at University of Melbourne; and Marc Schmailz, a student at Technical University of Munich.

The submission ‘Mixed Collectivo’ was awarded the prize for best student entry at the conclusion of Stage 1 of the Competition in late September. The popular vote winner was also announced, as decided by the public, and was awarded to ‘Celebration: Park, Street, Laneway’ comprising University of Hong Kong students Wong Lap Man, Kam Destiny and Kwong Yuk Chun.

<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/example_-_visions_of_japan.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Reflective Lanes was the winner of the 2018 Competition. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="356" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/example_-_visions_of_japan.png?itok=dqMx9iCD" title="Reflective Lanes was the winner of the 2018 Competition. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Reflective Lanes was the winner of the 2018 Competition. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say....</h2>

<blockquote>
The jury saw design-based propositions from the majority of entrants, but the winners took an experienced-based approach to enliven and enrich through stories and connections.

This submission stood out because it shows a singular cultural and creative approach to changing the experience and perception of this area. It recognised the power of creative activity, supporting artists’ place in their own communities and building international connectivity through the process.

The concept of Reflective Lane would uplift the community and create value to the urban fabric, highlighting the positive impact of arts and culture on cities and precincts. The ULI is about people who want to come together and share for the collective benefit of the cities in which we live.

The winning proposal stood out in emphasising that change was not just affected by urban design and built form but by the programming and activation you can apply within the built form.

- David McCracken, ULI Australia Executive Director and Jury Chair
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
Through the competition we are interested in thought and the idea that something could actually happen. Deep critical thinking to us is the real essence of where the future may go and we are really proud of everyone’s efforts in the competition.

- Roger Nelson, NH Architecture (Competition sponsor)
</blockquote>

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Hl1ZyjgYN9A" width="560"></iframe>
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Winner announced for Urban Innovation Ideas Competition

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A long dormant project is set to finally be realised after it was announced late last year that ISPT has partnered with Victoria University and the Victorian Department of Education and Training to develop a new 32-storey vertical campus in the at <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">364-378 Little Lonsdale Street</a> in Melbourne's CBD. The Jackson Architecture-designed project <a href="/news/vu-queen-st-set-for-expansion">was covered all the way back in March of 2013</a> when Urban was first launched, and was also one of the first projects added to the Project Database.

The 24,000 sqm vertical campus will be developed by ISPT and will incorporate office and teaching space for key academic activities, to be leased back to the University, consolidating its city campuses into a single new precinct. Victoria University hopes the new precinct and the University’s greater presence on the western edge of the Hoddle Grid will assist the University in forming better connections to its nearby campuses across the west of Melbourne.

ISPT says the Victoria University Precinct project represents a prime example of the company's strategy to "pursue true development opportunities in partnership with customers to unlock development returns for our Investors." As part of the tender ISPT will also acquire two heritage-listed properties from Victoria University; the Former Records Office at 287-295 Queen Street and the Land Titles Office at 247-283 Queen Street.

<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/vu-1_1530x2500_acf_cropped.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="ISPT will deliver a new 32-storey vertical campus for Victoria University. Image: ISPT"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="948" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/vu-1_1530x2500_acf_cropped.jpg?itok=eFh_y2-M" title="ISPT will deliver a new 32-storey vertical campus for Victoria University. Image: ISPT" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>ISPT will deliver a new 32-storey vertical campus for Victoria University. Image: ISPT</figcaption></figure>Further details of the new development:

<ul>
<li>The new City West Precinct will provide space for students from VU Polytechnic, as well as VU’s Business School, College of Law and Justice, and College of Health and Biomedicine, and the VU College</li>
	<li>VU Research centres will also have an important presence within the new precinct, as will the VU Law School, which will continue to operate in its current building, as well as benefiting from the new spaces within the precinct.</li>
</ul>
According to Victoria University, State Government approval for the deal was provided on the basis that “the University establishes a ‘New Infrastructure Fund’ in its accounts that holds the proceeds of sale for reinvestment in new infrastructure.”

Work on the 32-storey tower is set to commence next year with completion slated for 2021.  Students are expected to begin studying in the new precinct in the first semester of 2022.

<h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
The new City West Precinct will revitalise this iconic part of the city, restoring the historic Land Titles Office, while also improving the local amenity and spawning a reborn urban experience in the western parts of the Melbourne CBD.

We are fortunate to be partnering with ISPT on this project which will help us to create a world-class precinct for our students in the CBD, while also establishing an infrastructure fund to enable exciting investment opportunities for our campuses in our heartland throughout the west of Melbourne.

- Professor Peter Dawkins.​​​​​​, Victoria University Vice-Chancellor and President
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
We look forward to working collaboratively with Victoria University to ensure we deliver a new campus and educational environment that meets the current and future needs of staff and students, while creating an architectural statement befitting the prominence of the site in a CBD context.

The transaction demonstrates the long-term capital alignment of industry superannuation funds with the tertiary education sector.

This project is a key addition to our development pipeline and represents an important milestone in our participation into the education sector. Education is a major services export contributor, critical to the economy over the medium to long term, and this project will diversify our exposure and that of our Investors to this important sector.

- Daryl Browning, ISPT CEO
</blockquote>
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ISPT set to deliver Victoria University's new vertical city campus

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A Woolworths Metro has officially opened as the anchor tenant of Greenland Australia’s $320 million Omnia apartment building in Potts Point, which is in the final stages of completion after Probuild topped out the structure in February 2018.

The result of a design competition, the 20-storey tower features a striking hour glass form that was conceived by architects Durbach Block Jaggers, with interiors by SJB. Omnia's dynamic architectural expression was achieved by progressively reducing the floor slab length by 180mm across 10 levels and then increasing again.

<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/kk_print_003.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Woolworths Metro is located within level one of Omnia's podium. 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/kk_print_003.jpg?itok=65e01JJl" title="The Woolworths Metro is located within level one of Omnia's podium. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Woolworths Metro is located within level one of Omnia's podium. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure>Omnia comprises 132 high-end apartments with sweeping Sydney CBD skyline views to the west and harbour views over Elizabeth Bay, Watsons Bay and North and South Heads to the east.

The Woolworths Metro in Omnia offers an expansive fresh food section, barista made coffee, sushi made on site, hot roast chickens, an in-store bakery and a quick and easy ready meal section. The Woolworths Metro is located on level one of Omnia’s podium level, and forms part of a retail offering that will consist of ​seven​ other retail spaces on the ground floor, which are currently available for lease.

According to Greenland Australia, the Woolworths Metro store further strengthens one of Omnia’s key points of difference – convenience. The Woolworths Metro will be open from 6am until midnight seven days a week.

<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/kk_print_013.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The interior of the Woolworths at Omnia has employed a pared back industrial aesthetic. 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/kk_print_013.jpg?itok=aUxeQR7R" title="The interior of the Woolworths at Omnia has employed a pared back industrial aesthetic. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The interior of the Woolworths at Omnia has employed a pared back industrial aesthetic. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
Having the Woolworths Metro store on the podium level really is the icing on the cake for our residents. We are also targeting premium bar and restaurant operators for the ground floor retail tenancies, so Omnia will provide an immense level of lifestyle convenience all within the building itself.

Omnia offers the ultimate in convenience on a number of fronts. Firstly, it’s in an exemplary position, ideally located between Victoria Street and Darlinghurst Road, adjacent to the iconic Coca-Cola sign, right in the centre of all the action, you can’t get much better. It’s also a stone’s throw from the CBD.

From a lifestyle point of view, it has a myriad of top-notch restaurants, bars and other entertainment venues within a short walk in Potts Point and Woolloomooloo. It also has landmark destinations including The Royal Botanic Garden, Hyde Park, Woolloomooloo Wharf and the CBD, within a fifteen-minute walk, not to mention designer boutiques and a range of sophisticated fine dining options.

-  Sherwood Luo, Greenland Australia’s Managing Director
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
Our customers are looking for food they can either eat now on the go, or later, along with a convenient grocery shop. This store has been designed to cater to the area’s high volume of pedestrian traffic, which includes busy city workers and local residents, who are looking for quick and easy 'grab and go' shopping options.

Residents who are heading home for the evening and are looking for healthy meal options that are freshly prepared and ready to cook or reheat, will have all this on their doorstep with this Woolworths Metro store.

- Justin Nolan, General Manager – Metro, Woolworths
</blockquote>

 
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Greenland Australia's Omnia welcomes Wooloworths Metro as first tenant in retail podium

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The Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) has provided a response to Planning Minister Richard Wynne’s <a href="/news/alp-unveil-planning-related-policies-including-banning-embedded-networks-in-new-apartment-developments">announcement late last week</a> that a re-elected Andrews Labor Government would introduce new reforms to the Apartment Design Guidelines for Victoria.

<blockquote>
The UDIA Victoria welcomes Minister Wynne’s announcement this morning that the Apartment Design Guidelines for Victoria will be reviewed if an Andrews Government is re-elected.

Victoria continues to experience unprecedented population growth, and apartments are a preferred form of housing for a broadening range of households. We simply must be able to increase the housing stock across our city. Prescriptive design requirements minimise product diversity and stifle innovation.

It is essential that any review has a clearer focus on good design outcomes, allowing space for innovative product, rather than prescriptive structural outcomes that create an unnecessary burden on permit applicants in what is an already tight market.

UDIA will consult with our members, and put forward a detailed submission to the Victorian Government on behalf of the industry.

-  Danni Addison, UDIA CEO for Victoria
</blockquote>

According to the UDIA's residential index report:

<ul>
<li>The residential development sector is a significant driver of the Victorian economy. In FY16/17 the construction of new dwellings made a contribution to the Victorian economy of more than $20 billion. This contribution is expected to increase to over $22.9 billion in FY17/18.</li>
	<li>The residential development sector sustained over 162,000 jobs in Victoria in FY16/17. This figure includes jobs sustained directly in the sector as well as in support industries such as property and business services, financial services, transport and distribution, manufacturing and other sectors. This is expected to increase to almost 185,000 full time, part time and casual jobs across the Victorian economy in FY17/18.</li>
</ul>
The Andrews Government has outlined the following reforms, should it be re-elected next month:

<ul>
<li>Increased apartment setbacks from neighbouring properties to improve privacy, natural light, airflow and to stop streets being turned into cold, dark wind tunnels</li>
	<li>Introduce minimum green space standards</li>
	<li>Ensure apartment exteriors are made from natural, durable and safe materials, such as brick, timber, concrete, metal, stone or non-combustible cladding</li>
	<li>Put in place mandatory construction management plans to put an end to residents being disturbed by noise from construction workers or rubbish removalists outside reasonable hours</li>
</ul>
The Andrews Government had previously introduced blanket bans on certain materials in Victoria, in addition to forming a taskforce to oversee the removal of dangerous cladding from buildings. $4 million will also be invested towards enabling Victoria’s architects to collaborate with the Office of the Victorian Government Architect (OVGA) to produce better apartment layouts and developments which demonstrate global leadership in design, sustainability and liveability. 

The Victorian State Election will be held on Saturday 24th November. The electoral roll closes on November 6th at 8pm.  If you are in Victoria and need to update your enrolment, see <a href="https://www.vec.vic.gov.au/elections/2018StateElection">vec.vic.gov.au</a>

<ul></ul>
Lead image: Escala Apartments NewQuay Docklands
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UDIA responds to Andrews Government's proposed reforms to the Apartment Design Guidelines for Victoria

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Construction has commenced on the University of Melbourne's Melbourne Connect - a pedestrian friendly innovation precinct located on the site of the former Royal Women’s Hospital, and connecting Carlton with the University of Melbourne’s Parkville campus. This follows the demolition of the existing structures on the site and ground works.

Developed by the University of Melbourne in partnership with a consortium led by Lendlease, the precinct will provide facilities where university staff and students, researchers, local and international businesses, government and start-up companies are encouraged to connect, collaborate and execute breakthrough new ideas. Woods Bagot have designed the precinct in collaboration with Hayball and ASPECT Studios, with the aim of establishing a new benchmark in industry collaboration upon completion in late 2020.

The design features a 3,260 sqm ‘Superfloor’ on the mezzanine level which Woods Bagot says "embodies the value of collaboration in a very physical sense." The Superfloor connects the buildings that comprise Melbourne Connect, forming the interior 'heart' of the project and providing a contiguous, physical space for tenant partners and visitors to congregate and exchange ideas.

<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/130395_n30_printhicmyk.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The ensemble of buildings are arranged around a central 'Oculus.' Images: Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="330" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/130395_n30_printhicmyk.jpg?itok=_sJEGtBX" title="The ensemble of buildings are arranged around a central 'Oculus.' Images: Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The ensemble of buildings are arranged around a central 'Oculus.' Images: Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure>Woods Bagot says it is committed to ensuring the project continues to be an exemplar of design and sustainability, highlighting this as a key driver since the consortium won the design competition in 2016. This intent is expressed in the mass timber structure of the smallest building in the precinct ensemble. According to Woods Bagot, the use of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) demonstrates the aspirational, future-focussed nature of the project. 

Designed to be bright and open, the building will play host to pitch nights, hackathons and masterclasses, workshops – providing opportunities to actively engage with government and industry. Childcare facilities will span the upper floors to the rooftop terrace. The lower levels of the CLT building form a centre dedicated to enriching the culture of entrepreneurship within the university and creating the future’s leading entrepreneurs.

The precinct will provide public spaces, retail, cafes, accommodation for more than 500 students and visiting academics, a childcare centre, a co-working and commercial office space, a fabrication laboratory and Science Gallery Melbourne, which will deliver cutting-edge exhibitions, events and experiences. The public realm is enhanced by a range of fixed and loose outdoor furniture elements, power outlets and WI-FI to support working and studying outdoors.

The ensemble of buildings are arranged around a central and publicly-accessible open space known as the 'Oculus', which has been designed by ASPECT Studio in conjunction with Hayball and Woods Bagot. The Oculus features vertical green “living louvres” that connect with the upper floors of the buildings as part of the visually identifiable ESD features within the precinct. 

The Oculus is supported by three laneways and a plaza which connect pedestrians and cyclists through to Swanston, Grattan and Cardigan streets. Public urban furniture is dispersed throughput these public spaces and form part of the precinct-wide way finding strategy.

ASPECT Studio's design approach for the public realm sought the adaptive reuse of materials from the former Women’s Hospital. This strategy was adopted to provide a visual reference to the history of the site in an innovative and environmentally sustainable manner.

The consortium delivering Melbourne Connect comprises Lendlease as developer, builder, co-investor and investment manager of the commercial space; GIC the major co-investor in the commercial space; Spotless as the facilities manager; and Urbanest as investor and manager of the student accommodation. The Melbourne Entrepreneurial Centre and Science Gallery Melbourne will each be located at Melbourne Connect, with the Melbourne School of Engineering co-located in the 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/130395_n32_printhicmyk.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Connect will transform the streetscape when completed in 2020. Images: Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="332" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/130395_n32_printhicmyk.jpg?itok=ik4MKMZs" title="Melbourne Connect will transform the streetscape when completed in 2020. Images: Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Connect will transform the streetscape when completed in 2020. Images: Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
CLT stands out for its sustainability, versatility, strength and aesthetic. Long championed by Lendlease, its benefits translate to safer working environments, improved quality and faster construction time on site due to prefabrication. It’s inspiring to use a technologically innovative product in an equally ground-breaking project.

Connected to the other buildings via a bridge link in the Superfloor, the building has been designed to maximise wellbeing by welcoming as much sunlight inside as possible. As inviting and innovative as the young entrepreneurs that will occupy it, it looks outward over the green space and creates a visually permeable environment that encourages spontaneous networking and alliance

- Hazel Porter, Principal and Project Architect, Woods Bagot
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
An extension of the workplace for meeting, workshopping, socialising, exhibiting and hosting events, the Superfloor sits at the heart of Melbourne Connect. Taking cues from the central Oculus space below, the interior spaces create an interior ‘landscape’ that allows for serendipitous peer-to-peer meetings and promotes innovation and knowledge exchange for the whole precinct.

The Superfloor ensures that visitors can easily and naturally move between a variety of enclosed and open spaces in a way that encourages connection with others via permeability, visual connection and prioritising human comfort. The flexible spaces have been designed in a way that considers how the area will be occupied at different times throughout the year –focussing on how people meet and like to work together.

- Sue Fenton, Senior Associate and Interior Design lead, Woods Bagot
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
The laneways create moments of curiosity, discovery, warmth, contemplation and occupation for those coming to Carlton Connect. We designed with the pedestrian at the forefront of our mind. Comprehensive site studies of wind and light ensure that the space is welcoming, social and inviting.

Carlton Connect is a great example of cutting edge collaborative design where our advice and input as landscape architects is integral to the precinct as a whole. We’re informing a lot of the decisions. Our design for the public realm is responsible to every person using it; not just one user group.

- Terrence Stapleton, landscape architect, ASPECT Studios
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
We’re thrilled to be involved in this flagship initiative, to develop Australia’s leading innovation precinct to facilitate the connection between researchers, industry, government bodies and community.

What’s exciting about this precinct is that it’s not just offering a post-graduate living quarter – it’s a completely integrated, mixed-use offering that combines spaces for industry, research and development, academics, public showcase and community facilities like childcare and retail all in one.

Students are part of a world-class academic precinct, a hub where everything is happening on their doorstep. It’s innovation immersion at another level.

Hayball is leading the design for the student accommodation offering at the precinct, working in partnership with Urbanest as the developer and operator of this space and as part of the Lendlease-led consortium to develop the precinct. One of the biggest design considerations was ensuring the 527 beds and communal spaces cater to the post-graduate market and visiting academics, while bringing the enthused and active academic culture into the common spaces.

Because of this, it was important to create spacious rooms that go above and beyond, homes that are equipped with amenities and offer plenty of breathing space. Likewise, with the communal spaces, there was a strong emphasis on creating a mix of meaningful spaces that are open, welcoming and inclusive to encourage students to mix with others, as well as have opportunity for quiet reflection.

- Thomas Gilbert , Principal at Hayball 
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
Melbourne Connect is a project that will make a significant contribution to the city’s reputation as an international research and innovation leader. The precinct will make a real difference, delivering innovative solutions to major societal challenges.

- Duncan Maskell, Vice-Chancellor, University of Melbourne  
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
Melbourne Connect brings together university led research, industry and elite thinking in a purpose-built innovation precinct, and demonstrates how the combined expertise of industry and academia can be harnessed to achieve great outcomes.

- John Burton, Managing Director Urban Regeneration, Lendlease
</blockquote>

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C_B0TuoYkwc" width="560"></iframe>
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Construction commences on University of Melbourne's Melbourne Connect

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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