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Maribyrnong is increasingly taking some of Footscray's limelight in terms of development activity throughout Melbourne's western suburbs, which flows all the way to the creation of a new 5 star hotel.

Edgewater Estate within Maribyrnong is clear to host the suburbs first high-end hotel. Late last year Council voted in favour of a new eight-storey hotel and apartment extension above the stalled Club Edgewater project at 31 Edgewater Boulevard.

Architects Hachem describe the project as a 5-star luxury hotel, which is a far cry from its original intended purpose as a licensed gaming facility under the guidance of the Western Buildings. That particular build stalled as a result of the partnership between the developer and sporting club falling through.

<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/img_4487.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="31 Edgewater Boulevard currently makes for a sorry state."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_4487.jpg?itok=ABq9YB3V" title="31 Edgewater Boulevard currently makes for a sorry state." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>31 Edgewater Boulevard currently makes for a sorry state.</figcaption></figure>Originally slated for 10 levels, but reduced during the planning process to dual 8 level buildings above a common podium, 31 Edgewater Boulevard is expected to accommodate roughly 60-70 hotel suites within its unique exterior. Also present is a function room, restaurant, bar, cocktail lounge, cinema and pool for hotel residents, plus an additional pool, cinema, retail spaces and a commercial gym for residents and guests alike.

Hachem's finish for the building includes grey and gold tinted glazing shrouded by polycarbonate louvers. Edgewater's prospective hotel may in time join Quest who have taken a considerable presence nearby at 2 Wests Road.

<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/image85_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Imagery of a completed Quest Maribyrnong apartment. Image: Quest"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="377" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image85_1.jpg?itok=y2M2BkDy" title="Imagery of a completed Quest Maribyrnong apartment. Image: Quest" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Imagery of a completed Quest Maribyrnong apartment. Image: Quest</figcaption></figure>The first hotel/serviced apartment operator of any note with Maribyrnong, Quest serviced apartments will include 78 keys over 8 levels and will adjoin Summus Apartments. Quest is slated to open on July 2nd.

The Quest portion of the entire development has been offered for sale with JLL handling the transaction; Quest has committed to Maribyrnong for a 15 year period with rolling 5-year options thereafter.

Incidentally, Summus Apartments and Marque Maribyrnong have topped out simultaneously, ushering in the structural completion of the suburb's first two high-rise apartment buildings. Summus is in the hands of Brady Group who is acting as head contractor, whilst Marque is under the control of developer and builder JMC Group.

<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/image84_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Marque and Summus are now structurally complete."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="244" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image84_9.jpg?itok=rDPfnPKi" title="Marque and Summus are now structurally complete." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Marque and Summus are now structurally complete.</figcaption></figure>These two projects along Wests Road are at the periphery of what will likely over time become an expansive high-density enclave. Apartments.com.au covered Maribyrnong's prospects of heading toward a higher density outcome <a href="/news/maribyrnong-on-the-radar">here</a>.

With the likelihood of further sites bound by Wests Road and Rosamond Road heading toward residential outcomes, development sites in the precinct have also become more prevalent. Currently, 8 Sloane Street is up for sale and follows on from the recent sale of 151-153 Rosamond Road.

Both sites are under the guidance of Savills and are zoned mixed-use, with both touted as capable of accommodating developments in excess of 10 levels.
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silvermb

Maribyrnong achieves a number of significant development milestones

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Developer PDG has circulated preliminary images of a tower proposed to grace the Munro site adjacent to the Queen Victoria Market.

This follows on from a planning application being submitted for the City of Melbourne-backed development which includes frontages to Therry Street, Queen Street and the rear of Franklin street. The application is with the Planning Minister's office after Minister Richard Wynne imposed a height limit over the site which was originally intended to host a 196 metre tower.

In the revised design, PDG have elected to run with a kidney-shaped tower of approximately 40 storeys which would adhere to the recently imposed 125 metre height limit.

<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/qvm1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The revised pedestrian piazza. Image:PDG"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/qvm1.jpg?itok=r2oUom09" title="The revised pedestrian piazza. Image:PDG" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The revised pedestrian piazza. Image:PDG</figcaption></figure>The revised podium frontage to Therry Street sees an all-new interpretation, dropping the Mercat Cross-matching brick aspects across the lower levels. Conversely, a heightened level of greenery looks to be injected as per the render.

Under initial plans a smaller adjacent building to the main tower consisted of an affordable housing contingent, which should include approximately 56 spaces. A taller, more discernible building has now been included across the revised design to the west of the main residential building.

Original plans for the Munro site were designed by Bates Smart and Six Degrees Architects, with that design team likely to still be in place.

<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/pdg-portfolio_queen-victoria-market_d5-wpcf_1920x848.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ground level interface with the market. Image: City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="256" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/pdg-portfolio_queen-victoria-market_d5-wpcf_1920x848.jpg?itok=YzZ3Tiuu" title="Ground level interface with the market. Image: City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ground level interface with the market. Image: City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>The lower levels to the Therry and Queen intersection remain ostensibly unchanged.

In the application lodged with the State Government early in the new year, a substantial car park, childcare centre and tavern have been included, reflecting earlier intentions backed by City of Melbourne.

Under those intentions the residential tower was to be supplemented by "56 affordable rental units; a hotel; a 120-place childcare centre; a maternal, child health and family services centre; community and creative facilities including artist spaces, a gallery, an auditorium and a community kitchen; and approximately 2,500 square metres of public open space including laneways and pedestrianized spaces."

It's not clear if the hotel component has been retained within the indicative new design.

PDG have indicated that they hope to launch the tower toward the tail end of 2018. The Munro site tower joins a trio of projects in <a href="/new-townhouses/box-hill-vic-3128">Brunswick</a>, <a href="/developments/west-melbourne-vic-3003">West Melbourne</a>, and the Toyota dealership on <a href="/news/pdg-hint-at-their-new-munro-site-tower-design">Elizabeth Street</a> as the developer's forthcoming projects.

<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/b5d71dcbce1d9994aaf6c1643aba2be2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Munro Site's original 196m proposal. Image: City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/b5d71dcbce1d9994aaf6c1643aba2be2.jpg?itok=7AHkOz09" title="Munro Site's original 196m proposal. Image: City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Munro Site's original 196m proposal. Image: City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>
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PDG hint at their new Munro Site tower design

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Likened in some quarters as a miniature Federation Square, construction works began last week on a Prahran project that will rank as one of 2018's most progressive and important.

Kane Constructions has the job of transforming 30-40 Izett Street under a $60+ million urban renewal initiative prompted by Stonnington City Council. On the outer is the surface car park; it will be replaced by 10,000 square metres of multifunctional urban parkland.

Similar to what is intended for the Queen Victoria Market car park, all vehicles will be directed underground in order to create a more environmentally and pedestrian friendly outcome. 500 plus vehicles will be accommodated over the project's underground levels.

Council states that "When completed in 2019, Cato Square as it has been dubbed will create urgently needed open space for recreation, events, festivals and markets and a 20 per cent increase on the current car park for shoppers and retailers in the surrounding Chapel Street and Greville Street precincts. Cato Square will become an iconic cultural and recreational destination for residents, businesses, shoppers and visitors to Stonnington, with spaces for quiet contemplation or vibrant community events."

<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/image48_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Cato Square internal open space. Image: Lyons"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="368" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image48_9.jpg?itok=MeRP61po" title="Cato Square internal open space. Image: Lyons" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Cato Square internal open space. Image: Lyons</figcaption></figure>In a press release earlier this month City of Stonnington Mayor Cr Steve Stefanopoulos stated “We want to continue to enhance the vibrancy of our iconic Chapel Street precinct. Our vision is for this site to be recognised as a world-class public space that can be enjoyed by everyone.

We will achieve this by transforming the existing car park into an active, vibrant, safe and exciting public open space. Cato Square is a working name, and next year we’ll engage with our community about what to call the site once constructed, and also how to activate it with events and activities."

Lyons is the architectural force behind the project with ASPECT Studios accounting for Cato Square's landscape design.

<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/image47_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Active spaces feature to all frontages. Image: Lyons"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="347" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image47_6.jpg?itok=SqqEmqzF" title="Active spaces feature to all frontages. Image: Lyons" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Active spaces feature to all frontages. Image: Lyons</figcaption></figure>Bound by Cato Street, Izett Street, Wattle Street and Chatham Street, the project is slated for a staged completion over 2019. By mid next year two levels of underground car parking will be available for public use with Cato Square set to open fully by October 2019.

Cato Square's major features include:

<ul>
<li>A central square with water feature</li>
	<li>Feature seating including terraced seating</li>
	<li>Themed green zones with different shading and landscaping, incorporating ESD features</li>
	<li>Free public WiFi</li>
	<li>Ability to hold events such as festivals, live performances and outdoor cinema</li>
	<li>Safe and improved pedestrian environment around the site</li>
	<li>Recognition of the site’s history</li>
	<li>Two retail/hospitality opportunity spaces</li>
	<li>Integrated public art</li>
</ul>
Invariably Stonnington City Council will hope that Cato Square will in time mirror the successful nature of Federation Square in attracting major crowds and significant public events.
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Construction commences on one of 2018's most significant projects

Burwood Highway&#39;s strengthening apartment market will soon be underscored by a new multi-level Quest Apartment Hotel development.

Crema Constructions has been anointed as the <a href="http://www.crema.com.au/project/quest-apartment-hotels/">builder of choice</a> for the project that has an estimated completion date of&nbsp;February 2019. At&nbsp;315-319 Burwood Highway, the K2LD Architects-designed Burwood East accommodation replaces an earlier purely residential design of roughly 100 apartments that was created by Plus Architecture for the site.

Developer&nbsp;OAM (Aust) Pty Ltd is backing the project that will now see&nbsp;91 Quest Apartments built across the expansive corner site.

<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/image40_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Site specific designs by Plus Architecture and K2LD Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="202" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image40_8.jpg?itok=wPH_ntoU" title="Site specific designs by Plus Architecture and K2LD Architects" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Site specific designs by Plus Architecture and K2LD Architects</figcaption>
</figure>

West of&nbsp;315-319 Burwood Highway lies&nbsp;Deakin University&#39;s Melbourne Burwood Campus and&nbsp;RSPCA Victoria, although Quest will likely be targeting the numerous suburban corporate offices within walking distance, headlined by&nbsp;Motorola Australia and Hewlett Packard.

Currently, <a href="/developments/burwood-east-vic-3151">16 separate projects are sited upon Burwood Highway</a> within the Apartments.com.au Project Database, with further additions pending. All bar Quest&#39;s new endeavour are private residential apartments, amounting to some 738 new dwellings.

Despite the sizeable length of Burwood Highway, the vast majority of these 738 new dwellings are located within Burwood or Burwood East.

Latest to the&nbsp;Apartments.com.au Project Database is what shapes as the area&#39;s biggest proposal, at 380 Burwood Highway.

<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/image41_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hayball's design for 380 Burwood Highway."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="346" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image41_5.jpg?itok=fjmy15Mv" title="Hayball's design for 380 Burwood Highway." width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Hayball&#39;s design for 380 Burwood Highway.</figcaption>
</figure>

Sought for the site is a&nbsp;ten level mixed-use building that would account for the well known China Bar Signature restaurant.

Designed by Hayball and submitted for planning during August of last year, the new 380 Burwood Highway would include 122 apartments, an education centre, various green/outdoor terraces, 1,405&nbsp;square metres of office space&nbsp;and 3,050 square metres of retail/restricted retail space.

China Bar Signature is slated to take up a first floor tenancy of 1,109 square metres in the new building.

Covering a triangular 5,047 square metre site,&nbsp;380 Burwood Highway would be the area&#39;s tallest building if approved.

Quest boosts an expanding Burwood Highway development scene

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After consecutive years of towers upon towers coming to the fore, Box Hill is in a planning lull.

Although the development scene is still exceptionally strong, the dearth of major applications at planning is allowing the suburb to absorb current stock. At this stage 837 Whitehorse Road is the major project under assessment; it is looking to add apartments and a hotel component on what is now a Bridgestone dealership.

In terms of major projects at sales, <a href="/buildings/panorama-box-hill-826-834-whitehorse-road-box-hill">Panorama</a> and <a href="/buildings/east-central-tower-820-whitehorse-road-box-hill">Central East</a> are the developments of note, although CBD Development Group have signage up across 851 Whitehorse Road. The developer settled the permitted site late last year and now has the right to develop near on 500 apartments and a hotel.

<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/image21_9_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Plus Achitecture's Box Hill giant"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="364" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image21_9_0.jpg?itok=-2jrEWcq" title="Plus Achitecture's Box Hill giant" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Plus Achitecture's Box Hill giant</figcaption></figure>Epworth HealthCare, Box Hill Institute and the Salvation Army's plans for an integrated Box Hill Health and Education Precinct are progressing.

In line with Epworth's approved expansion coming to fruition, the tripartite agreement also includes Box Hill Institute creating "a state-of–the-art nurse training facility to supply the hospital’s nursing requirements. It will also allow for a significant upgrade to Box Hill Institute’s music, fashion and arts facilities and see the Salvation Army move to a new purpose-built facility on Whitehorse Road."

As part of the plans, a new residential tower reaching 29 levels is likely to be delivered above the nurse training centre. It's expected that as many as 1,568 residents, workers and students will be added via the 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/epworth-eastern-redevelopment-780x250.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Epworth's Box hill tower"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="186" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/epworth-eastern-redevelopment-780x250.jpg?itok=LqtWNoXp" title="Epworth's Box hill tower" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Epworth's intended Box hill expansion</figcaption></figure>757 Station Street has bucked the apartment trend with builder Xerri Group placing its signage on the long-vacant site. Expected is a basement plus four level childcare complex which replaces a scheme of 39 apartments for the corner 1,386 square metre landholding.

999 Whitehorse Road has begun construction after a highly successful sales campaign which accounted for all 100 plus apartments within the Hayball-designed apartment building.

A mix of one and two bedroom apartments, 999 Whitehorse Road is a follow-up project by the same developer and architect which oversaw the delivery 8 Wellington Road last year, which accommodates 82 residential apartments over 8 levels.

<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/img_5952.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Chloe's progress on Irving Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="375" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_5952.jpg?itok=ngr5wOHA" title="Chloe's progress on Irving Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Chloe's progress on Irving Street</figcaption></figure>Irving Avenue's position over Box Hill Gardens continues to see developers eyeing off remaining lots that have not yet gone the way of high density. Post a number of recent apartment project completions and the pending completion of Chloe, further developments are in the pipeline.

21 Irving Avenue is at planning, seeking a fourteen-storey mix-use tower development. Orbit Architecture are showcasing a project at 11-13 Irving Avenue dubbed Valise, which "seeks to provide 86 apartments of a varied mix of typologies (2 bedroom, 3 bedroom and 4 bedroom over 10 storeys) with an emphasis on high-quality architectural design that is a sensitive inclusion within in its evolving precinct.

Additional street front activation is proposed through the medical suites to Bruce Street linking up with the food and drink on Irving Avenue fronting Box Hill Gardens." 

11-13 Irving Avenue spans 1,476 square metres and was successful sold by agents Buxton late last year.

<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/image53_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Orbit Architecture's take on a new 11-13 Irving Avenue"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="302" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image53_5.jpg?itok=139iyIYZ" title="Orbit Architecture's take on a new 11-13 Irving Avenue" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Orbit Architecture's take on a new 11-13 Irving Avenue</figcaption></figure>On the flipside, an Orbit Architecture-designed application for a hotel on the corner of <a href="http://www.orbitarchitecture.com.au/portfolio_page/station-street-hotel/">Irving Avenue and Station Street</a> was rejected by Whitehorse late last year. At 11 levels it was to have included 76 guest suites and ancillary facilities.
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The Box Hill development news wrap

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Iglu Student Accommodation wants a prime piece of South Yarra's Forrest Hill precinct for their next Melbourne outlet.

Forrest Hill has been dominated by traditional apartment developments in recent years, although the designated urban renewal precinct is beginning to further diversify. Alongside Iglu's intended redevelopment of the land at 6-8 Claremont Street, LK Property Group are looking to add a 294 suite hotel further north along Claremont Street.

Iglu's South Yarra footprint would be the first dedicated student accommodation building in the area, although both Ozihouse South Yarra and District South Yarra provide limited student accommodation beds within their respective properties.

For site owner Harbour Claremont Pty Ltd, their agreement with Iglu Student Accommodation has seen intentions for the 1,029 square metre plot change. Initially, the developer had sought approval for a Bates Smart-designed tower during 2016, which included 106 apartments, 2,700 square metres of office space and 81 car parks within a 26-storey building.

<h2>6-8 Claremont Street application summary</h2>

<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/image27_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Exterior perspectives. Planning images: Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="292" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image27_10.jpg?itok=YLHTbF4q" title="Exterior perspectives. Planning images: Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Exterior perspectives. Planning images: Bates Smart</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>1,029sqm site currently a three storey commercial building</li>
	<li>Proposed 24 storey tower at 74.4m in height</li>
	<li>488 lodging rooms</li>
	<li>No car parking or retail spaces</li>
	<li>Communal: gym, media &amp; games room, lounge, study spaces, outdoor balcony/verandah</li>
	<li>Shared vehicle and pedestrian thoroughfare included</li>
	<li>Cluster and studio configurations included</li>
	<li>Cost of works: $40 million</li>
</ul>
Now expected as a 24 storey tower, Iglu South Yarra's 488 rooms will be offered for rent on either 6 month or 12 month agreement terms.

In line with all contemporary student accommodation buildings, a bevvy of amenities are included. A gym, media room, lounge areas, games room, computer zone and study spaces are present, as is a first floor balcony/verandah that will bring added vitality to Claremont Street.

Cluster formations are present across levels 2-9 whilst levels 10-17 are dominated by studio apartments. At ground level, the building entry splays into an open plan lobby with a shared thoroughfare to the north of the site.

According to Bates Smart "We aim to maximise the activation of both the street frontage end the laneway. To achieve this we are proposing a linear planter with integrated seating along the northern edge. We are also proposing to incorporate a three-dimensional artwork which will bring colour and life to the space."

<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/image22_13.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Laneway and common area perspectives. Planning images: Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="523" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image22_13.jpg?itok=IkvrOYX8" title="Laneway and common area perspectives. Planning images: Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Laneway and common area perspectives. Planning images: Bates Smart</figcaption></figure>Iglu Melbourne City is the provider's first Melbourne project, with Hacer Group advancing the build to structural completion.

Due to open mid 2018, the 594-bed student accommodation building opposite the Queen Victoria market is also a design produced by Bates Smart. A smaller nine storey building fronts 299 Franklin Street with another twenty three storey building at the rear.

Iglu Melbourne City and the South Yarra site which has gone to construction tender are part of the Iglu Australia series, joining two outlets in both Brisbane and Sydney. 

<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/img_3696.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Iglu Melbourne City is structurally complete."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_3696.jpg?itok=ObmdSmnl" title="Iglu Melbourne City is structurally complete." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Iglu Melbourne City is structurally complete with the tower crane now removed.</figcaption></figure><h2>6-8 Claremont Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Harbour Claremont Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Project Architect: Bates Smart Architects</li>
	<li>Town Planning: Contour Consultants</li>
	<li>Waste and Traffic: One Mile Grid</li>
	<li>Environmental Sustainable Design &amp; Services Engineer: ADP Consulting</li>
	<li>Wind Consultant: Windtech</li>
	<li>Project Management: Point Polaris</li>
	<li>Fire Engineering: Olsson Fire &amp; Risk</li>
	<li>Structural Engineering: Webber Design</li>
	<li>BCA: Steve Watson &amp; Partners </li>
</ul>
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Iglu Student Accommodation heads for South Yarra

West Melbourne&#39;s wave of apartment projects may be tempered ever so slightly as developer&nbsp;Middlefield Group seeks to rework a formerly approved residential tower into hotel rooms.

On the corner of Spencer and Dudley Streets, the 268 square metre site was offered by agent Teska Carson with approval for 47 apartments during early 2017. After picking up the approved residential permit for 437-441 Spencer Street during early 2017, Middlefield Group has chosen to rework the site into a hotel, bucking the prevailing apartment trend for the suburb.

Lau &amp; Order Pty Ltd (trading as Middlefield Group) initiated the change of use, with&nbsp;pre-application talks with Council occurring prior to an&nbsp;extension of time request receiving the nod during November 2017. This in turn allows the prospective hotel to be completed by&nbsp;April 2021.

<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/x4ktgtj8xr4ayerlgujl.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial perspective of the site. Image: commercialview.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="381" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/x4ktgtj8xr4ayerlgujl.jpg?itok=cHMGNPDH" title="Aerial perspective of the site. Image: commercialview.com.au" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Aerial perspective of the site. Image: commercialview.com.au</figcaption>
</figure>

Design practice&nbsp;Elevli Plus was responsible for the previously approved residential scheme, and have been engaged for the current reconfiguration. The building&#39;s external envelope as seen below will essentially remain unchanged.

Internally though&nbsp;Middlefield Group are expecting the newly configured 17-storey tower to include 88 hotel rooms. According to planning documents&nbsp;all hotel rooms are to be generally between 17 and 32 square metres in size with the exception being&nbsp;the crowning suite, which spans 45 square metres.

437-441 Spencer Street&#39;s&nbsp;three basement levels include a&nbsp;kitchen, staff room, shower/ change facility, stores, bicycle parking area and various services. The intended hotel&#39;s 24 hour lobby/reception at ground will be accessed from Spencer 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/image121_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The endorsed residential design. Image: Elevli Plus"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="330" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image121_4.jpg?itok=7c_sMe6l" title="The endorsed residential design. Image: Elevli Plus" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>The endorsed residential design. Image: Elevli Plus</figcaption>
</figure>

The dearth of hotel suites in development across West Melbourne is evident when scanning the <a href="/developments">relevant numbers within the Urban.com.au Project Database</a>.

Apartments.com.au has 25 projects active within West Melbourne, yielding 2,900 plus&nbsp;dwellings in development, as opposed to 374 short-term accommodation suites (serviced apartment and/or hotel uses). The figure of 374&nbsp;represents a roughly 13% share of rooms in development for the suburb.

Joining the would-be 437-441 Spencer Street are three additional projects which hold approval.&nbsp;Adina Grand Apartment Hotel has signed on to the <a href="/buildings/west-end-185-rosslyn-street-west-melbourne">West End</a> development diagonally opposite&nbsp;437-441 Spencer Street, whilst&nbsp;<a href="/developments/west-melbourne-vic-3003">77-79 Capel Street</a>&nbsp;is approved as a boutique hotel development.

In addition, Apartments.com.au last week revealed Marriott International&#39;s <a href="/news/marriott-international-scopes-a-new-west-melbourne-address">intentions to operate a Courtyard by Marriott branded hotel at 50-56 Batman Street, West Melbourne</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/capi_7d198c16dd46b28a947ed21f23c83398_0a63a09489b1d7b913ed960139106847.jpeg" rel="gallery-all" title="artist’s impression of what the new Adina Grand Apartment Hotel at West End. Image: TFE Hotels"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/capi_7d198c16dd46b28a947ed21f23c83398_0a63a09489b1d7b913ed960139106847.jpeg?itok=zu9qNZdg" title="artist’s impression of what the new Adina Grand Apartment Hotel at West End. Image: TFE Hotels" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Artist&rsquo;s impression of what the new Adina Grand Apartment Hotel at West End. Image: TFE Hotels</figcaption>
</figure>

Middlefield Group favours hotel suites over apartments in West Melbourne 

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Hot on the heels of news that Holiday Inn will anchor Werribee's tallest proposed development, the application for 22-26 Synnot Street has gone to advertising.

At over 42 metres in height and spread across a 2,567 square metre site the project is Werribee's largest, and accounts for the last of a trio of catalyst sites earmarked by Wyndham City Council as perfect for urban renewal. Burbank is moving ahead with the <a href="/news/burbank-advances-plans-for-werribees-riverbend-site">Riverbend site</a> whilst Pelligra Group has both the Synnot Street site and another at <a href="/developments/werribee-vic-3030">Cherry Street</a> under its charge.

Development Manager Citinova is overseeing 22-26 Synnot Street which carries an estimated development cost in excess of $49 million.

Designed by iWolff Atelier, the proposal spans 12 levels and includes a total net floor area of 27,669 square metres. In addition to InterContinental Hotels Group's commitment in operating 150 suites under the Holiday Inn banner, 22-26 Synnot Street also includes 3,966 square metres of office space, a 1,120 square metre education centre, function facilities, 11 retail and cafe spaces plus 371 car spaces.

<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/image6wer.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Project perspective created by Base3D"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="426" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image6wer.jpg?itok=GwNiz3YF" title="Project perspective created by Base3D" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Project perspective created by Base3D</figcaption></figure>Citinova has stated that "The available office space is over 84% committed to a blue-chip tenant."

Whilst 22-26 Synnot Street is slated to open during 2020, it's not the only development of note for Werribee, with a number of higher density projects entered the Apartments.com.au Project Database during the latter stages of 2017.

Three separate proposals stand to add as many as 172 new apartments to previously low-rise tracts of land. <a href="/new-apartments/70-cottrell-street-werribee">70 Cottrell Street</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/55-cottrell-street-werribee">55 Cottrell Street</a> and <a href="/new-apartments/17-17a-bridge-street-werribee">17 Bridge Street</a> are all mid-rise designs looking to take their place.

In terms of approvals, a 10-storey building across 193-195 Watton Street and 86 Synnot Street is permitted for 49 apartments and commercial space, whilst Werribee's first catalyst site at Cherry Street also has the green light.

Also in the wings is 1-3 Wedge Street; a seven-storey apartment building with ground-level office and retail.

<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/image8_13.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Moull Murray Architects' design for 70 Cottrell Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image8_13.jpg?itok=W7nnFrqK" title="Moull Murray Architects' design for 70 Cottrell Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Moull Murray Architects' design for 70 Cottrell Street</figcaption></figure>Tempering the rise of Werribee is the failure of the area's first major building to reach completion. Madok Group's 116 Watton Street has sat idle for in excess of a year as construction faltered.

The development though is now back at planning with a fresh alteration to the permit sought as of last month which would see 11 retail premises thirty six apartments delivered.
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Synott Street adds further weight to Werribee's transformation

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Burbank Group is in the process of making good the opportunity to bring urban regeneration to Werribee.

As part of Wyndham City Council's push to <a href="http://www.starweekly.com.au/news/werribee-cbd-facelift/">redevelop key sites around Werribee under a $250 million transformation</a>, Burbank Group has taken to planning a scheme for what is currently an at-grade asphalt car park. The developer joins the Pelligra/Citinova partnership in claiming the right to develop three separate central Werribee sites: Riverbend, Cherry Street and Gateway.

Riverbend is the subject of Burbank's planning application, with the requested outcome the right to create 100 new apartments adjacent to the Werribee River.

<h2>3 Comben Drive application summary</h2>

<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/image13_21.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rothelowman's generated renderings for 1 Comben Drive."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="265" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image13_21.jpg?itok=mguFaVSR" title="Rothelowman's generated renderings for 1 Comben Drive." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rothelowman's generated renderings for 1 Comben Drive.</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site: Council owned public car park</li>
	<li>Proposed: 10 level residential building at 34.57m in height</li>
	<li>100 apartments: 16 x 1BR, 81 x 2BR, 3 x 3BR</li>
	<li>2 retail tenancies: 175.6sqm &amp; 192.5sqm </li>
	<li>82 vehicles across ground, 1st &amp; 2nd floor bays</li>
	<li>Provision for 34 bicycles</li>
	<li>Level 9 communal outdoor space of 116.6sqm</li>
</ul>
Project architect Rothelowman talks of the want “To create a vibrant retail laneway network through the middle of the Precinct centred on Barnes Place and Comben Drive, to connect the planned Riverbank Promenade with Station Place, the Werribee Train Station, Watton Street and Cherry Street” within the planning documents.

Under the <a href="https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2016-06/Werribee%20City%20Centre%20Structure%20Plan%20-%20June%202013.pdf">Werribee City Centre Structure Plan</a> higher density development will be encouraged throughout the Werribee City Centre.

Buildings of up to 20 levels were envisaged during the 2016 tri-site announcement, although the sought after 10 level outcome would still comfortably exceed the preferred precinct height limit. A taller tower may still be in the pipeline as 1 Comben Drive accounts for only a portion of the Riverbend at-grade car park site designated for redevelopment.

<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/image16_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rising on Werribee River."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="292" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image16_10.jpg?itok=GsCEzlvf" title="Rising on Werribee River." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rising on Werribee River.</figcaption></figure>A multi-faceted business generally focusing on home building, Burbank Group has pushed further into Melbourne's apartment sphere over recent years. Mosaic Dandenong on Cheltenham Road represented the developer's first genuine push into apartments.

Further to 1 Comben Drive, Burbank Group is also working toward realising a high-rise project across 96-102 Franklin Street in Melbourne's CBD as well as future stages at their sizeable Cheltenham Road land tract.

Rothelowman carry on their website imagery of the latest potential stage of the Cheltenham Road development which sees both apartments and low-rise townhouses forming the dwelling mix.

<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/burbank.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A Rothelowman scheme for Dandenong."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="347" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/burbank.jpg?itok=JXmUuqPP" title="A Rothelowman scheme for Dandenong." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A Rothelowman scheme for Dandenong.</figcaption></figure>
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Burbank advances plans for Werribee's Riverbend site

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Brunswick's Anstey Precinct is in for a massive shot of development as Melbourne's Nightingale Housing plans seven separate buildings in a project that will be dubbed Nightingale Village. Already accustomed to urban renewal, the area surrounding Anstey Station is set to benefit from the unprecedented move by Nightingale Housing to develop what amounts to an entire street.

Based on the principles of affordable, sustainable and high-quality urban housing, the not-for-profit organisation's model has proven popular with prospective buyers. This has, in turn, prompted the massive development move on Duckett Street.

Nightingale Housing circulated a statement, with excerpts as follows:

<blockquote>
We’re no longer happy with changing our cities one building at a time – we want to do more. 
Seven Nightingale architects have banded together to buy an entire street in Brunswick, which they plan to build into the Nightingale Village by 2020. This means seven great buildings, designed by seven award-winning architects, becoming the new homes of seven communities.

The Nightingale Village on Duckett Street is an unprecedented opportunity to build the Nightingale model principles of financial, environmental and social sustainability across an entire street. It’s not an urban experiment, but a chance to change the way housing is built on a wider scale and to create smart, deliberate and liveable density.

The Nightingale Village will transform Duckett Street into a sustainable village designed by some of Australia’s leading architects, with a diversity of architectural voices leading to a vibrant precinct.

These architects are: Architecture Architecture, Austin Maynard Architects, Breathe Architecture, Clare Cousins Architects, Hayball, Kennedy Nolan and WOWOWA Architecture. 
This will be a precinct planned on a human scale, that prioritises residents and the community in its design.
</blockquote>

 
According to Nightingale Housing, the first information session for the project will take place at the end of January.

Duckett Street has already received a taste of higher density living with developer/builder Protec Property Group in recent months completing The Dux at 2 Duckett Street.

Although not confirmed, 12 Duckett Street could possibly form part of the seven building site that will constitute Nightingale Village. Planning approval is in place for the mid-rise complex straddling either site of Duckett Street; the site and permit were offered for sale at the turn of 2017.

<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/img_2195.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Nightingale's latest build at 6 Florence Street is nearing construction completion"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="714" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_2195.jpg?itok=M9mlkTlO" title="Nightingale's latest build at 6 Florence Street is nearing construction completion" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Nightingale's latest build at 6 Florence Street is nearing construction completion</figcaption></figure>Nightingale Housing has well and truly entrenched itself in Melbourne inner northern suburbs; seen above is Nightingale's current development which is nearing completion.

Delivered by building contractor Project Group, 6 Florence Street it is a short walk from Nightingale Village and is directly opposite The Commons which acted as a proof of concept project. 

Furthermore, Nightingale Housing also have 209 Sydney Road, <a href="/buildings/nightingale-2-0-30-railway-place-fairfield">72A Station Street</a> and <a href="/new-apartments/lt-miller-nightingale-55-nicholson-street-brunswick-east">55 Nicholson Street</a> as pending projects.

<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/ltmiller.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="55 Nicholson Street in Brunswick East"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="341" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ltmiller.jpg?itok=BuosvUK3" title="55 Nicholson Street in Brunswick East" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>55 Nicholson Street in Brunswick East</figcaption></figure>http://nightingalehousing.org/
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Nightingale Housing plans seven buildings across Brunswick's Duckett Street

Longstanding Gold Coast and Canberra developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/morris-property-group">Morris Property Group</a> is continuing to roll on with its Glitter Strip apartment pipeline, seeking to return to Mermaid Beach with a new 68-apartment development.

Morris, founded by Barry Morris in 1978 and one of the Gold Coast’s most prolific apartment developers over the past two decades, has filed plans for a 12-storey mixed-use building at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/36-seabeach-avenue-mermaid-beach-qld-4218">34-36 Seabeach Avenue</a>, on the prized eastern side of the Gold Coast Highway.

The 1,227 sqm site occupies a prominent corner position at Seabeach Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway, opposite the Mermaid Plaza retail and office precinct and around 140 metres walking distance from the future Mermaid Beach South light rail station.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fraser-partners-0">Fraser &amp; Partners</a> has designed the project, which will comprise 68 apartments across a mix of 48 two-bedroom and 20 three-bedroom residences.

The building will rise 12 storeys, reaching a maximum height of 36 metres, with the apartments accounting for a total of 156 bedrooms. The development application also seeks approval for short-term accommodation across the 68 apartments, while two office tenancies are proposed at ground level.

The plans show 108 car spaces across the development, with parking accommodated at ground level and within a three-level basement accessed from Seabeach Avenue.

<img alt="Seabeach Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c2175c99-12fd-4a3c-9be1-89bbf258a90d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-20%20at%202.59.41%E2%80%AFPM_0.png?VersionId=iNLzWcE6gaAE76rafhEXfHve.4g4Se0p" />

Resident amenity will be concentrated on level two, where Fraser &amp; Partners has designed a recreation deck with a swimming pool, 90 sqm pool terrace, outdoor barbecue area and gym.

The broader communal offering will also incorporate landscaped spaces, with the planning documents noting the amenity has been designed to provide areas for recreation, social interaction and outdoor living.

The proposal would continue the transformation of the Gold Coast Highway corridor through Mermaid Beach ahead of the arrival of the light rail.

The site is zoned Neighbourhood Centre and sits within the Mermaid Beach/Broadbeach Light Rail Corridor neighbourhood plan. While the prescribed building height is 24 metres, the site is identified within an Urban Neighbourhood context providing for a 50 per cent height uplift to 36 metres.

Planning documents describe the stretch of the Gold Coast Highway between Broadbeach and Nobby Beach as increasingly characterised by medium and high-rise development, with the proposed Morris tower joining projects including Ventura, The Alfred, Oceans and Otto.

<img alt="Seabeach Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="911f193f-e381-4a55-be08-58be87fcf978" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-20%20at%202.59.48%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=oxVvLJaY.SOXEdXrIcogfyEXDfvCmmpM" />

The development would mark Morris Property Group's latest investment in Mermaid Beach, where it has already delivered two apartment projects.

Otto, at 1 Bondi Avenue on the western side of the Gold Coast Highway, comprises 70 apartments across nine storeys. The project was completed in 2019 and includes a residents' gym, recreation deck and swimming pool.

Morris also developed Oceans at 46 Ocean Street, a nine-storey, 70-apartment build-to-rent development completed in 2019. Oceans was the group's first build-to-rent project and incorporates commercial space at ground level.

The two existing Morris projects sit further north along the same Gold Coast Highway corridor as the proposed Seabeach Avenue development. Fraser &amp; Partners' planning analysis specifically identifies both Otto and Oceans among the established built-form precedents surrounding the site.

<img alt="Seabeach Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="14925119-7b71-4812-8149-340317512c7c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-20%20at%203.00.15%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=aEJqYuw_nTCjcin17BSD0piB1EFotTlj" />

Mermaid Beach represents only part of Morris' considerable Gold Coast footprint.

The family-owned developer has been particularly active in neighbouring Broadbeach, delivering projects including Sierra Grand, Eclipse, Synergy, Qube, Koko, Opus and Malo, while its current pipeline includes Maison and the two-tower Crest development.

Further south, Morris has also developed a string of projects in Burleigh Heads, including Element, Boardwalk and Sandbar, while Essentia expanded its footprint north into Surfers Paradise.

The Seabeach Avenue application has been lodged by PMM Broadbeach Pty Ltd and seeks a development permit for a Material Change of Use for multiple dwellings, short-term accommodation and office uses. Zone Planning Group prepared the planning application, with Fraser &amp; Partners commissioned as architect.

The project comes as the developer continues to expand its Gold Coast pipeline while retaining a significant presence in Canberra. Morris now has more than $2.5 billion of development in its national pipeline and has delivered more than 7,000 homes during its near five-decade history

Joel Robinson

First look: Morris Property Group returns to Mermaid Beach with new Seabeach Avenue apartment development

<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/fortis&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1787272340808000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3hvFB2uWTRfEyEcpTSnnK9" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/fortis" target="_blank">Fortis</a>&nbsp;is continuing its stronghold on Sydn​ey’s eastern suburbs apartment market, launching&nbsp;in September&nbsp;its latest boutique&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/double-bay-nsw-2028&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1787272340808000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0GI5S9-wNeiLUnM-d1uYkw" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/double-bay-nsw-2028" target="_blank">Double Bay</a>&nbsp;development,&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-william-double-bay-55-william-street-double-bay-nsw-2028&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1787272340808000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2YNouJQcFjiTTgVHbgDLA-" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-william-double-bay-55-william-street-double-bay-nsw-2028" target="_blank">55 William</a>.

55 William presents&nbsp;just eight north-facing&nbsp;two-bedroom, three-bedroom and full-floor&nbsp;residences to the market, priced from $4.5 million.

The upcoming launch comes just weeks after Fortis secured approval for the $80 million development, its third eastern suburbs approval in two months. Construction is already underway, with completion targeted for 2028.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152579 project_image_fid=376250]

55 William adds to a growing concentration of Fortis projects in and around Double Bay, a market the developer has become increasingly active in over recent years.

Fortis previously completed the nine-residence Marmont on New South Head Road, while it is currently developing a mixed-use residential and retail project at 12 Cross Street. Its wider Double Bay footprint also extends into commercial and retail development.

The developer's broader Sydney residential pipeline is particularly concentrated across the eastern suburbs, with projects spanning Doub​le Bay, Ro​se Bay, Wo​ollahra, Dar​ling Point, Poi​nt Piper and Eli​zabeth Bay.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152579 project_image_fid=376253]

At 55 William, Fortis has again turned to MHN Design Union, the architecture practice behind several of its eastern suburbs projects, while London-based 1508 London has been appointed to handle the interiors and Wyer &amp; Co the landscaping.

The six-level building will comprise a combination of two and three-bedroom apartments, including a garden residence, full-floor apartments, a sub-penthouse and penthouse. Each residence will have secure basement parking and private outdoor space.

A rooftop terrace for all residents, along with select apartments, enjoys views across Double Bay Harbour and toward the Sydney skyline.

Ceiling heights will reach up to three metres&nbsp;in select residences, while the kitchens will feature natural stone and integrated Gaggenau appliances.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The boutique nature of the project reflects the type of stock Fortis has increasingly targeted across Sydney's eastern suburbs, where larger apartments and smaller buildings are being pitched primarily toward local owner-occupiers and downsizers.

Fortis Group General Manager Ed Eve said the developer continues to see demand from buyers wanting to remain in the eastern suburbs but move into newer, lower-maintenance housing.

“We're seeing continued demand from local owner-occupiers and downsizers looking for high-quality homes that allow them to remain in the eastern suburbs, close to the lifestyle and community they know,” Eve said.

55 William is also one of the early projects to respond directly to the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms. Fortis had previously secured approval for just two townhouses on the 599 sqm site before revising the scheme to eight apartments following the planning changes.

Situated one street back from Double Bay's water's edge, the project enjoys an enviable harbourside setting within walking distance of Double Bay Village and the ferry wharf.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152579 project_image_fid=376252]

Fortis has increasingly made the eastern suburbs a major focus of its Sydney pipeline. Beyond Double Bay, it recently completed the 14-residence Piper in Point Piper and has projects underway or planned across Rose Bay, Woollahra and Darling Point.

The developer recently secured approval for Verano in Rose Bay, a six-level development comprising 21 two, three and four-bedroom apartments, also designed by MHNDU.

55 William&nbsp;is soon to be release to the market with VIP appointments commencing early September,&nbsp;with residences priced from $4.5 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152579]

Fortis continues eastern suburbs push with 55 William launch

UAE-based developer Arada has unveiled plans for a $2 billion twin-tower apartment development in Broadbeach, marking its first move into Queensland as it continues its rapid expansion across Australia.

Arada will develop 952 apartments across two towers on a prominent site opposite the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, with the project targeted for completion ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The project represents Arada's largest commitment to the Australian market since arriving in the country in 2024 and significantly expands a local pipeline that has now grown to eight projects and more than 5,000 homes.

It will also be the first major Queensland project delivered by Roberts Co since the tier-one contractor was acquired by Arada Group in 2025.

Plus Studio has designed the Broadbeach development, which will comprise one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two towers connected by a landscaped podium.

A significant resident amenity offering will include lagoon and lap pools, a gym, sauna and steam room, alongside a mist room, infrared room and salt scrub facilities. Communal terraces, private dining areas, a library, residents' lounge and work-from-home spaces are also planned. Around 1,200 sqm of retail and hospitality space will occupy the ground floor.

The site puts Arada in one of the Gold Coast's most active apartment markets, directly opposite the convention centre and within walking distance of Pacific Fair, The Star Gold Coast and Broadbeach's dining and retail precinct.

It also has immediate access to the Gold Coast light rail network and sits just a few blocks from the beach.

Arada Group Chief Executive Ahmed Alkhoshaibi said Broadbeach represented an opportunity for the developer to expand beyond its initial NSW pipeline.

“Broadbeach is a world-class address that gives us the canvas to create a community of exceptional design and lifestyle quality that genuinely enriches the daily lives of the people who call it home,” Alkhoshaibi said.

“This is our first development outside New South Wales, and it reflects our growing ambition to grow in key urban markets around the country.”

Alkhoshaibi said bringing Roberts Co into the project would give Arada greater control over the development and construction process.

“Delivering this project through Roberts Co, our own tier-one construction business, means we can bring the quality, pace and accountability that our buyers expect.”

The move into Broadbeach comes as Arada accelerates its Australian expansion following its entry into the market two years ago. The developer has assembled a pipeline of eight projects comprising more than 5,000 homes, while the acquisition of Roberts Co last year gave the group its own Australian construction capability.

Globally, Arada has a development portfolio valued at $50 billion comprising more than 55,000 homes across the UAE, United Kingdom and Australia.

The Gold Coast is emerging as the next major market for the developer, with strong population growth and infrastructure spending ahead of the 2032 Games continuing to underpin significant apartment development across the coastal strip.

Arada plots $2 billion Broadbeach towers in major Queensland move

Sydney’s downsizer market is changing, with a growing cohort of buyers prioritising the right home over simply finding a smaller one.

Coronation Property Head of Sales Cam Porter says the traditional idea of downsizing does not necessarily reflect what many buyers are now looking for, particularly those moving from established family homes across Sydney.

Instead, he says they are increasingly becoming “right-sizers”, seeking lower-maintenance homes without sacrificing the space, amenity or quality they have become accustomed to.

“We are increasingly seeing buyers who are not motivated by the idea of simply moving into a smaller property,” Porter says.

“They are right-sizers. They want a home that is easier to manage and better connected, but they still expect generosity, quality and a floorplan that supports the way they live.”

It is a subtle but important distinction in a market where apartment developers are increasingly targeting established owner-occupiers.

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For many of these buyers, moving from a house to an apartment is not driven by a desire to dramatically reduce their living space. Instead, the appeal is in removing some of the maintenance associated with a larger home while retaining generous living areas, storage and enough flexibility to accommodate family and friends.

Coronation’s sales team is seeing buyers place particular importance on natural light, practical storage and additional rooms that can be used as guest bedrooms, home offices or secondary living spaces.

Kitchens and dining areas are also playing an increasingly important role, particularly for buyers who regularly entertain or have children and grandchildren visit.

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“These buyers still want their home to feel generous,” Porter says.

“They may want less maintenance, but they are not looking for less life.”

The challenge for the broader housing market is providing enough of the right stock to encourage that move.

While much of the discussion around Sydney’s housing shortage has centred on the number of homes being delivered, Porter says the diversity of those homes is equally important.

Older homeowners can remain in large family houses for longer when they cannot find an appropriate alternative in the neighbourhoods where they have built their lives.

“The decision is rarely as simple as wanting fewer bedrooms,” Porter says.

“People are weighing up their connection to a neighbourhood, the space they need for family, the quality of the home and whether it will continue to work for them over the long term.”

It also has implications beyond the downsizer market. Providing suitable apartments for smaller households can free up established houses for families who need the additional bedrooms and land, creating greater movement through the housing market.

<h2>Lillian targets the next stage of apartment buyer</h2>

It is a buyer Coronation is targeting at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/lillian-erskineville-9-metters-street-erskineville-nsw-2043">Lillian</a>, its new collection of apartments, terraces and penthouses at Erskineville Village.

Designed by Silvester Fuller, Lillian has been shaped around larger living spaces, natural light and flexible floorplans, alongside landscaped areas, wellness amenity and communal spaces for residents.

The development will form part of Coronation’s broader Erskineville Village precinct, which will combine new homes with green space, retail, hospitality and new pedestrian connections.

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McPherson Park will sit at the centre of the precinct, creating a significant new green space alongside the project’s retail and hospitality offering.

For Porter, the opportunity is to give buyers another housing option without forcing them to leave the part of Sydney they already know.

“People should be able to change the type of home they live in without having to change their entire life,” he says.

“For many buyers, Lillian offers the opportunity to remain connected to the Inner West and the city, while gaining access to a more convenient, walkable and considered way of living.”

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Coronation will explore the changing <a href="https://lillianresidences.com.au/news/lillian-x-space-x-downsizers-event-27-august/">right-sizer market at an event on August 27</a>, bringing together experts across property, design and lifestyle.

Held in partnership with SPACE, Poliform and Downsizer.com.au, the event will include a property market outlook from economist Michael Blythe alongside discussion around the considerations facing buyers planning their next move.

Attendees will also be able to learn more about the residences and amenity planned at Lillian Erskineville.

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From downsizing to right-sizing: What Sydney buyers want from their next home

Family-owned builder and developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/omaya">Omaya</a> is bringing its 27-storey The Maybelle development to market, with the 229-apartment tower rising alongside Ismay Reserve near North Strathfield.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-maybelle-21-parramatta-road-homebush-nsw-2140">The Maybelle</a> will comprise one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with its height providing elevated outlooks towards the Sydney skyline and Harbour Bridge, while other residences will look across neighbouring Ismay Reserve.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/squillace-architects">Squillace Architects</a>, the tower combines its parkside setting with proximity to the established retail, dining and transport amenity around North Strathfield.

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Residences will feature open-plan living spaces and a choice of two interior schemes, while communal amenity is spread across two elevated levels of the building.

Level 8 will be home to the Garden Pavilion, a full-floor resident space incorporating communal entertaining and breakout areas, seating and recreation spaces. Further up the tower, a landscaped Sky Terrace on Level 14 will provide another communal area with panoramic views towards the Harbour Bridge and Sydney skyline.

At ground level, the development sits directly alongside Ismay Reserve, where lawns, walking paths, children's play areas, picnic spaces and recreational facilities extend the green space available immediately around the project.

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The Maybelle is also within walking distance of North Strathfield and the Bakehouse Quarter, which provides a mix of cafés, restaurants, shops and everyday services.

Existing rail and bus services provide connections across Sydney, while the future North Strathfield Metro and access to the M4 will add to the transport options available around the precinct. Walking and cycling routes also extend via Powells Creek towards Sydney Olympic Park and its sporting, entertainment and parkland precincts.

Families are also well positioned for access to a broad selection of established schools and education options across Strathfield and the surrounding Inner West.

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Omaya has operated in Sydney for more than 35 years, managing projects from acquisition and design through to construction and delivery. The family-owned company is both developer and builder of The Maybelle.

Apartments start from $560,000, with the development protected by 10-year Latent Defects Insurance.

Construction is well underway, with completion expected by the end of 2026 and move-in anticipated from Q1 2027.

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Mark Baljak

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