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Wind back to mid last year and it was announced that The Uniting Church would team with Leighton Properties to deliver a new premium office tower opposite Wesley Church on Lonsdale Street, while also hoping to restore the church's place and identity in the heart of Melbourne. Referred to as the Wesley Upper Lonsdale Street site, a planning application for a premium office tower was submitted during January 2015, and is still under assessment.

<blockquote>
The Request for Proposal document made clear to prospective project partners that any development on the site needed to place a high emphasis on building relationships between people and to foster community relationships. It also outlined the need to restore and, where possible, enhance, the historic buildings while respecting the original custodians.
<cite>Crosslight, Uniting Church</cite>
</blockquote>

To that end Cox Architecture were engaged to create a development capable of fulfilling the above requirement, while also delivering a high-end office tower encompassing 55,000sqm of premium space.

<h2>118-148 Lonsdale Street application highlights</h2>

<ul>
<li>Site area: 7,400sqm</li>
	<li>Stables, onsite factory and the Princess Mary Club to be demolished; other structures retained</li>
	<li>33 level commercial tower at 144.55 to its highest point</li>
	<li>55,000sqm of premium commercial space included</li>
	<li>Concave floor plates ranging between 1,700sqm and 2,100sqm</li>
	<li>End of trip facilities for 367 bicycle spaces included</li>
	<li>Level 3-4 car park accommodating 127 vehicles</li>
	<li>1,400sqm of retail and food/beverage space over nine ground floor tenancies</li>
	<li>Series of public realm spaces created around Wesley Place</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/image220_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of the new commercial building. Image courtesy Cox Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="1081" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image220_0.jpg?itok=ZlpsQCkY" title="Artist's impression of the new commercial building. Image courtesy Cox Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of the new commercial building. Image courtesy Cox Architecture</figcaption></figure><h2>The challenge at hand</h2>

<blockquote>
While the heritage buildings appear to retain their overall integrity from a distance (with the exception of the very dilapidated Princess Mary Club) the situation is one of buildings much in need of maintenance. The site also provides a low level of amenity due to the car parking operations – the present-day setting for the Church is within a poorly arranged at-grade car park. This is inconsistent with the cultural heritage importance of the place.

A key challenge for the site is that the current buildings, and their condition, do not allow for a viable ongoing use of the site. Whilst a number of the current buildings are being used by the Wesley Church, it is far from optimum and would not be able to continue long term. Also the current use cannot fund the prohibitively expensive repair and restoration work required for the existing buildings on site.

Two of the buildings on site have been identified as reaching the point where they cannot be occupied for safety reasons, being the Princess Mary Club and Wesley House.

The nature and condition of the current buildings, and the impact of the existing car park use on the site constrain the activities of the Wesley Church, and have resulted in the Wesley Mission having to move off site.
<cite>118-148 Lonsdale Street planning report</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Wesley Place: new urban realm</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/image219.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Wesley Park. Image courtesy Cox Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="465" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image219.jpg?itok=hjA_zH71" title="Wesley Park. Image courtesy Cox Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Wesley Park. Image courtesy Cox Architecture</figcaption></figure>In line with The Uniting Church's wishes as outlined above, ground level activation plays a pronounced role in the redevelopment, in that the original structures and uses are to be melded with new facilities in order to increase public utilisation of the site.

In this regard the AECOM acting as landscape consultant have created three separate areas within the grounds which carry differing characteristics:

<ul>
<li>The event and meeting place, addressing Lonsdale Street and forms the setting for the Church</li>
	<li>The Sanctuaries at either site of the Church building</li>
	<li>The city meeting place and retail food courtyard, featuring the cloister yard olive tree.</li>
</ul>
The 'event and meeting place' will see the bulk of foot traffic access the site while the central 'sanctuary' will act as a subdued area either side of Wesley Church. The northern section of the site will be dedicated toward the 'city meeting place' with existing structures adapted into cafes with outdoor seating.

Running north south, Wesley Place will provide a link between Lonsdale and Little Lonsdale with 2,262sqm of the site dedicated to open space. Included in this figure is the 190sqm Wesley Park, 920sqm Northern Plaza and 770sqm Southern Church Forecourt area.

<h2>Closer than ever?</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/image221.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Previous incarnations. Images courtesy studio505 and Leighton"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="247" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image221.jpg?itok=AthH-xNq" title="Previous incarnations. Images courtesy studio505 and Leighton" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Previous incarnations. Images courtesy studio505 and Leighton</figcaption></figure>The Wesley Church site has over previous decades been subject to differing development schemes, with a number of towers put forward with no great success.

One such scheme was conceived by studio505 who along with project partner Grocon submitted plans for a similarly sized office complex to that of the current design. Under the title ‘Wesley Village’, the development would have also seen the delivery of a new urban space separating new and old structures while also creating "Truly magnificent, sophisticated and elegant architecture that inspires."

While the studio505 design would have brought a visual focal point to Lonsdale Street via its streaky podium, the current Cox Architecture design has taken an opposing path by paring back its initial offering. In perhaps a more respectful nod to the existing church, gone is the diagonal white bracing and crumpled podium features, replaced by more subdued finishes.

With the swirl of speculation surrounding the <a href="http://www.afr.com/real-estate/relaunched-leighton-properties-sale-pays-dividends-20150318-1m1osl">sale of Leighton Properties</a> in recent months, it remains to be seen if and when the tie-up between Leighton Properties and The Uniting Church will lead to the delivery of this long sought after development.

<h2>118-148 Lonsdale Street planning team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Leighton Properties</li>
	<li>Architect &amp; Urban Context: Cox Architecture</li>
	<li>Planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>Heritage Consultant: Lovell Chen</li>
	<li>Landscape, ESD &amp; Public Realm: AECOM</li>
	<li>​Traffic Engineer: Traffix Group</li>
	<li>Wind Assessment: Mel Consultants</li>
	<li>Waste: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Quantity Surveyor: RLB</li>
	<li>Building Surveyor: Gardiner Group</li>
</ul>
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silvermb

Wesley Place seeks to bring new life to Lonsdale Street

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Recently Apartments.com.au <a href="/news/the-tannery-and-hopkins-street-launch-footscrays-joseph-road-precinct">broke the news</a> that <a href="/new-apartments/footscray-vic-3011">Footscray's</a> Joseph Road Precinct will begin its transformation into an inner-city residential enclave with the release of Riverina Apartments. Located less than five kilometres from Melbourne's CBD, Riverina Apartments also presents as developer AZX Group's vanguard Australian development, with further projects planned along the Eastern Seaboard.

<a href="http://www.cbresi.com.au/about/peopleDetails.aspx?ProfileID=29">Nic Cuni</a> as Director of CBRE's Residential Projects was on hand to guide Apartments.com.au through the now open display suite, providing an overview of <a href="/buildings/riverina-22-hopkins-street-footscray">Riverina Apartments</a> which has seen the project's first stage already garner strong sales.

<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_2627.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Riverina's display suite model up close"><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_2627.jpg?itok=DX0kXXW_" title="Riverina's display suite model up close" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Riverina's display suite model up close</figcaption></figure>Within close proximity to the <a href="/new-apartments/maribyrnong-vic-3032">Maribyrnong</a> River, Nic Cuni explains that the <a href="/architects/peddle-thorp-architects">Peddle Thorp-designed</a> complex will be split into stages. Initially available for purchase are apartments within the podium and buildings D, C and E; all of which which front Hopkins Street.

Subsequent stages will see the dual 31 level residential towers delivered, creating a heightened level of living to Footscray with unfettered views to all directions. Overall Riverina Apartments will provide in excess of 950 new dwellings while also delivering Melbourne's inner West with a highly visible marker.

To date Riverina Apartments' strong early sales has seen a considerable number accounted for over the available buildings, with a mix of domestic and overseas buyers securing apartments at competitive prices. One, two and three bedroom apartments are available with an entry point of $255,000, while four bedroom penthouses crowning each tower as seen above are also available.

<blockquote>
CBRE have just released Riviera to our Victorian database, only to receive the biggest response ever fielded. So much so we expect to sell out of stage one soon after our grand opening during July.

The market has understood the value proposition that Riverina offers, with Melbourne's affordability issues in part addressed by releasing apartments from $255,000.
<cite>Nic Cuni</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image239.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Representative kitchen and bedroom finishes"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="256" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image239.jpg?itok=8SPhYOwO" title="Representative kitchen and bedroom finishes" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Representative kitchen and bedroom finishes</figcaption></figure>The display suite demonstrates the bright, open apartment format created by Peddle Thorp. Kitchens and bathrooms are simple, modern and convenient with an emphasis on functionality while bedrooms feature neutral tones.

Floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive living areas point toward the desire of the development team to create apartments that capture the maximum amount of light possible.

<blockquote>
We have addressed quality by using well known appliances and showcasing interiors designed by Peddle Thorp. Buyers get a unique opportunity to buy an exceptional apartment within five kilometres to the CBD from $255,000.

It's an opportunity to enjoy a high yielding investment that has huge growth potential and Riverina's mix of apartments will appeal to first home buyers, downsizers and the local area investor!
<cite>Nic Cuni</cite>
</blockquote>

A feature of Riverina Apartments will be an expansive internal courtyard which opens to Warde Street. Surrounded by hanging greenery, the courtyard and garden area headline project amenities which include rooftop entertainment and barbecue areas, rooftop swimming pool, sauna and spa, private dining/entertaining rooms and a gymnasium.

An activated ground level will see a slew of retail and entertainment options with the project maintaining frontage to four separate streets. Specialty and large-scale retailers will constitute the mix with a supermarket expected to underpin retail activities which stretch across the 9,500sqm 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/image237.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Riverina's penthouses with their distinctive exterior. Image courtesy CBRE"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="330" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image237.jpg?itok=UtzAGhvH" title="Riverina's penthouses with their distinctive exterior. Image courtesy CBRE" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Riverina's penthouses with their distinctive exterior. Image courtesy CBRE</figcaption></figure>
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Footscray's Riverina Apartments powers ahead

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Such a simple idea that provides such an incisive look at Melbourne's history. Today's article is a shout-out to the increasing popular Past 2 Present which provides an impressive glimpse into Melbourne's past by comparing it to the present.

Covering metropolitan Melbourne, Past 2 Present generates a side by side compilation of dated and current images from the past two centuries. Buildings, significant places, infrastructure and day to day street level life are covered by creator Robert Smith via Facebook, flickr and tumblr.

<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/10275586_1075838669112035_2334594070966671575_o.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A Spencer Street comparison. Image courtesy Past 2 Present"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="196" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/10275586_1075838669112035_2334594070966671575_o.jpg?itok=_hn-X0M0" title="A Spencer Street comparison. Image courtesy Past 2 Present" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A Spencer Street comparison. Image courtesy Past 2 Present</figcaption></figure>A prime example is the snapshot of Southbank above dated 1930 featuring the Robur Tea Warehouse. Built during 1887-1888 and designed by Nahum Barnet, the building appears dominant over the Spencer Street Bridge but now the 19th century warehouse is little more than a footnote on contemporary Southbank.

Another below sees how much (or little) Melbourne has changed over a century. While many parts of the CBD have lost iconic structures, certain pockets still endure as seen by the State Library of Victoria's image in comparison to that of Robert Smith's.

<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/16479952268_4932fb9733_k.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Flinders Street over time. Image courtesy Past 2 Present"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="193" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/16479952268_4932fb9733_k.jpg?itok=bbg9FGRv" title="Flinders Street over time. Image courtesy Past 2 Present" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Flinders Street over time. Image courtesy Past 2 Present</figcaption></figure>As the adage states, "You don't know where you're going until you know where you've been."

It's well worth taking a few minutes to tour old Melbourne and gain a better appreciation for our city by visiting <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Past2Present1">Past 2 Present</a>.
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Past 2 Present: a snapshot of Melbourne's history

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Underpinning the continued popularity of <a href="/new-apartments/brunswick-vic-3056">Brunswick</a> and surrounds as an apartment hotspot, a host of planning applications are before Moreland City Council for assessment. Many sites in question continue the trend of apartment developments subsuming former industrial facilities, while the odd application such as <a href="/buildings/cannatella-625-sydney-road-brunswick">611-621 Sydney Road</a> provide a surprise reuse.

With many projects in the 3-5 level category, Apartments.com.au has chosen to highlight the larger projects currently at planning spread over Brunswick, the always in demand <a href="/new-apartments/brunswick-east-vic-3057">Brunswick East</a> and the emerging <a href="/new-apartments/brunswick-west-vic-3055">Brunswick West</a>. Notable applications include:

<h2>611-621 Sydney Road, Brunswick</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/image182.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy Peter Brown Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="382" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image182.jpg?itok=2Hrtg66U" title="Image courtesy Peter Brown Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy Peter Brown Architects</figcaption></figure>The Courthouse Hotel looks set to be no more with an application seeking the delivery of an eight level apartment building. Received by Moreland City Council during April, Peter Brown Architects have conceived the design which will include a mixture of one and two bedroom apartments set behind a retained Sydney Road facade.

Ground level facilities see a bar/restaurant included, which will be located above a multi-level basement car park.

<h2><a href="/new-apartments/mesh-apartments-8-florence-street-brunswick">8 Florence Street, Brunswick</a></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/image180_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy CHT Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="260" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image180_0.jpg?itok=FJN-dM84" title="Image courtesy CHT Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy CHT Architects</figcaption></figure>A departure from <a href="/architects/cht-architects">CHT Architects'</a> typical design approach, 8 Florence Street presents as an openable, perforated metal exterior. 16 single bedroom and 8 dual bedroom apartments are spread over five levels, with two restaurants at ground level likely to bring some much needed activation to the area.

Moreland Fencing are the client for the projects which finds itself directly opposite <a href="/new-apartments/brunswick-vic-3056">The Commons</a> building within Brunswick's Anstey Precinct.

<h2><a href="/buildings/288-albert-street-brunswick">284-294 Albert Street, Brunswick</a></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/image181.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="334" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image181.jpg?itok=qPUp1Aft" title="Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN</figcaption></figure>Appearing to be a sister development to the adjoining <a href="/buildings/288-albert-street-brunswick">Brunswick Heart</a> project which is at sales on behalf of CBD Developments, 284-294 Albert Street Brunswick is a fellow <a href="/architects/rothelowman">ROTHELOWMAN</a> design. Spread over eight levels are 56 apartments with retail uses at ground level.

Also known as 343 Sydney Road, 284-294 Albert Street is now at advertising after lodgment with Moreland City council during late 2014.

<h2><a href="/buildings/breese-street-204-206-albion-street-brunswick">204-206 Albion Street, Brunswick</a></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/image178.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy Taouk Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="301" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image178.jpg?itok=EjcsZf2j" title="Image courtesy Taouk Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy Taouk Architects</figcaption></figure>Royal Nut Company look set to leave their long term home with a recent planning application seeking to replace the low-rise facility with an eight level apartment building containing 63 residences and two retail outlets. 18 single, 44 dual and 1 triple constitute the apartment mix within the proposal while 68 car parking spaces are located within the basement.

As a nod to the site's history <a href="/architects/taouk-architects">Taouk Architects</a> have included a squirrel embossed upon a mesh screen/glazing background over the podium.

<h2><a href="/buildings/b-e-apartments-11-brunswick-road-brunswick-east">11-15 Brunswick Road, Brunswick East</a></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/image179.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy Interlandi Mantresso Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="242" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image179.jpg?itok=Fc9LEVMx" title="Image courtesy Interlandi Mantresso Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy Interlandi Mantresso Architects</figcaption></figure>Set to span ten levels above a three level basement, 11-15 Brunswick Road finds itself in an increasingly popular apartment pocket with a host of projects either completed or under construction in the vicinity. A single office space and 116 apartments constitute the Interlandi Mantesso-designed structure.

Currently on public display, the proposal was submitted to Moreland City Council during November 2014.

<h2><a href="/new-apartments/brunswick-vic-3056">2-6 Duckett Street, Brunswick</a></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/image184.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy Idle Architecture Studio"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="255" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image184.jpg?itok=UKA1I0Jy" title="Image courtesy Idle Architecture Studio" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy Idle Architecture Studio</figcaption></figure><a href="/architects/idle-architecture-studio">Idle Architecture Studio</a> enter the fray with a six level proposal seeking approval for 36 apartments and two offices. The application was lodged on behalf of Mondrian Developments and is in close proximity to 11 West Street as highlighted below.

The 701sqm site is expected to hold 38 car parking spaces which will service the 11 single and 25 dual bedroom dwellings.

<h2>350-364 Moreland Road, Brunswick West</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/image70_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy ClarkeHopkinsClarke"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="328" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image70_4.jpg?itok=n82ezx8Z" title="Image courtesy ClarkeHopkinsClarke" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy ClarkeHopkinsClarke</figcaption></figure>Unassuming it may appear from street level, but an application for 350-364 Moreland Road has recently been advertised showing 72 apartments within a five level building. Designed by <a href="/architects/clarke-hopkins-clarke-0">ClarkeHopkinsClarke</a>, the projects seeks approval for 40 single bedroom dwelling, 32 dual bedroom dwellings and a cafe tenancy at ground level.

Situated over a 2,082sqm site, the proposal is midway between Moreland Station and the 55 tram.

<h2>2-8 Barry Street, Brunswick</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/image186_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy Architeria"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="163" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image186_0.jpg?itok=ng-VnMdN" title="Image courtesy Architeria" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy Architeria Architects</figcaption></figure>After a period of consultation with Moreland City Council's planning department, 2-8 Barry Street has gained approval. Designed by <a href="/architects/architeria-architects">Architeria Architects</a>, 2-8 Barry Street is set to accommodate 36 apartments over four levels plus three offices in a project for <a href="/developers/ouson-group">Ouson Group</a>.

The project is expected to advance to sales in the near future.

<h2><a href="/buildings/the-grove-1-5-olive-york-way-brunswick-west">1-5 Olive York Way, Brunswick West</a></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/image4_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy MAP Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="290" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image4_7.jpg?itok=AtCPiIhc" title="Image courtesy MAP Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy MAP Architecture</figcaption></figure>VCAT only last week ruled in favour of the multi-building proposal put forward by Equity Properties Pty Ltd. Lodged during mid 2013, the <a href="/architects/map-architecture">MAP Architecture</a>-designed project will carry in the vicinity of 350 apartments over the now vacant 5,297sqm site which abuts the Tullamarine Freeway.

1-5 Olive York Way joins the completed 2-6 Olive York Way with 140 apartments and R.Corporation's at sales <a href="/buildings/the-york-8-olive-york-way-brunswick-west">8 Olive York Way</a> in finding new purpose for a previously underutilised tract of land.

<h2>11 West Street, Brunswick</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_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy MOS Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="355" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image13_0.jpg?itok=PuFcg2MS" title="Image courtesy MOS Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy MOS Architects</figcaption></figure><a href="/news/giving-something-back-12-duckett-street-brunswick">Lauded on Urban.com.au</a> as a development with noteworthy urban realm contributions, 12 Duckett Street has been approved and is now known as 11 West Street, Brunswick. <a href="/architects/mos-architects">MOS Architects</a> have conceived the development which looks to activate a considerable area adjacent to the Upfield rail line.

The latest revision on Apartments.com.au's database includes 184 apartments within the development over 5-8 levels, although this may have been adjusted as the approved version consists of four buildings of up top six levels.

<h2>808-818 Sydney Road, Brunswick</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/image187_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy Fieldwork Projects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="352" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image187_0.jpg?itok=s66Eq77i" title="Image courtesy Fieldwork Projects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy Fieldwork Projects</figcaption></figure>Last but not least is 808-818 Sydney Road, Brunswick which found favour with VCAT earlier in the year. Wasting no time after gaining approval, the proponents for the prime Brunswick site have elected to sell the approved <a href="/architects/fieldwork">Fieldwork Projects</a> scheme.

Selling agent CBRE is in charge of the process which will likely see a new owner take control of the 2,032sqm site with 91 apartments and six retail tenancies totalling 478sqm allowed for.
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Brunswick bulks up with a wave of fresh planning applications

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Art meets architecture: it's a well worn line but also highly appropriate for one of Melbourne's most recent additions. The 2 Girls Building in Lithgow Street, Abbotsford is more a case of art becoming architecture with its distinctive facade merely the start of the building's story.

Billy Kavellaris of architecture firm Kavellaris Urban Design (KUD) was on hand to show Apartments.com.au through the newly completed apartment complex, which may just be headed for iconic status among Melbourne's other renowned built form.

The advent of the building's exterior is a story in itself, with developer Domain Hill approaching KUD to incorporate a small element of artist Samantha Everton's “Masquerade” photograph <a href="/news/2-girls-abbotsford-gains-its-facade">within the design of the building</a>. The two young girls featured in the artist's work happen to be the children of the developer. Little did the team at Domain Hill realise Billy Kavellaris had grander intentions, essentially morphing the image onto the buildings facade via the liberal use of DigiGlass and concrete panels set in purpose-build rubber mouldings.

<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_1793.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="2 Girls' entry passage adorned with art"><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_1793.jpg?itok=e0lrOMZl" title="2 Girls' entry passage adorned with art" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>2 Girls' entry passage adorned with art</figcaption></figure>As explained by Billy Kavellaris, architecture becomes photography, photography becomes architecture and the building becomes a hybrid urban built form completely unique to its surrounds. The theme continues internally with every common area featuring artwork of some description.

KUD and Samantha Everton worked closely to ensure a collaborative approach in the placement of varied art forms throughout the project's four levels, with photography the dominant medium. Corridors are exceptionally wide with minimalist white finishes; coupled with track lighting the spaces are full of purpose rather than simply being a transit space from A to B.

While the artworks were mounted upon the building's completion, they now fall under the control of the body corporate.

<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_1815_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artwork adorns all walls within the buildings common passages."><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_1815_0.jpg?itok=Qp5exKBQ" title="Artwork adorns all walls within the buildings common passages." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artwork to the fore.</figcaption></figure>As touched upon, there's a certain rawness to the finishes within the 2 Girls Building's circulation areas. The pared back palette generally consists of recycled timber, polished concrete, simple white finishes, glass and steel.

This theme continues within the living spaces with apartments spread over level 1 while levels 2 and 3 are dedicated toward loft style dwellings. A stair within each loft leads to individual expansive rooftop living spaces. Larger on average than most apartments in the market, their size and composition is a reflection upon the niche sought for the project; owner-occupiers with a keen sense of place and quality.

Billy Kavellaris explains that given every effort was exerted to bring as much character and livability to the building, there was an associated premium placed on apartment pricing. Any apprehensions were dispelled with the uptake of apartments rapid and a reflection of the unique product the development team had brought to market.

<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_1810_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Inside a split level dwelling"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1810_0.jpg?itok=OP-j9Snd" title="Inside a split level dwelling" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Inside a split level loft</figcaption></figure><h2>Comment</h2>

I recall building a case for why Brunswick's <a href="http://www.smallgiants.com.au/a-new-eco-village-is-born-the-commons-is-complete/">The Commons</a> was the most impressive apartment project completed in recent times. 2 Girls Building sits comfortably alongside The Commons, both stellar examples of how to create impressive low-rise apartment developments that interact with their surrounds.

While The Commons arguable has more tricks internally, 2 Girls Building's exterior is sheer magnificence, a real stand out from the pack. I can only hope that at some point it's added to the <a href="/tag/open-house-melbourne">Open House Melbourne</a> roster.

Quizzing Billy Kavellaris as to what's next on KUD's radar, the former Kinnears factory in Footscray is set to host multiple residential towers in a large-scale project for the practice, while another project of State significance is also due to be revealed later in the year. Watch this space!

For further images of 2 Girls Building, see <a href="http://kud.com.au/2-girls-building/">KUD's website</a> featuring photography taken by Peter Clarke, to which the lead image of this article is attributed to.
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In focus: 2 Girls building, Abbotsford

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Does the humble display suite still hold prime position in a development's given marketing and sales game plan compared to a few short years ago? In a time where international marketing campaigns and channel sales tend to sop up a fair portion of apartment sales prior to their local release, perhaps the worth of a display suite in on the wane.

While hard numbers sell apartments to those intent on investing, the same can't be said for owner-occupiers who are altogether more discerning when considering their next property purchase. With this in mind Apartments.com.au viewed the 181 Fitzroy Street display suite recently and spoke with Pace Development Group's Georgie Bott on why their display is at the forefront of the sales campaign.

<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/image173_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of 181 Fitzroy's southern facade. Image courtesy Pace Development Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="406" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image173_0.jpg?itok=lsdAy8JS" title="Artist's impression of 181 Fitzroy's southern facade. Image courtesy Pace Development Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of 181 Fitzroy's southern facade. Image courtesy Pace Development Group</figcaption></figure>And it's the display suite leading the way with Georgie Bott explaining that the majority of buyers passing through to date have been local; either from St Kilda or surrounding suburbs and with an eye toward returning to the bayside suburb or upscaling their current residence. The long, slender north-south positioned apartments within 181 Fitzroy Street have allowed for a relatively easy amalgamation of apartments where desired; as an example contracts have been signed for a single bedroom dwelling in excess of 100sqm - almost unheard of in Melbourne.

This willingness for prospective buyers to implement changes to the specified floor plans with the intent of tailoring internal spaces to their own wants and desires has been facilitated by the addition of multiple fully interactive touch screens within the display suite which essentially allows prospective buyers to design their apartment as they see fit.

Combining two apartments, removal of a wall, a reconfigured kitchen or applying upgraded fixtures and fittings; whatever the case the interactive screens allow prospective buyers a greater level of input in attaining what they want from an apartment, all with the swish of a finger.

Of all the display suites visited by Apartments.com.au we can't recall this level of empowerment given to the buyer previously. It certainly happens, just not in such an easy to use manner and this is in part why the project has sold strongly to date according to Pace.

<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_2472.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A typical kitchen within the development"><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_2472.jpg?itok=m3z4uTol" title="A typical kitchen within the development" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A typical kitchen as per the display suite</figcaption></figure>BR Demolition in recent weeks has brought the existing structure down to ground level, with the car park sub levels to be retained. This in turn has allowed construction of 181 Fitzroy Street to begin immediately.

Slated to be removed later in the year and occupying a corner pocket onsite, 181 Fitzroy Street will be built around the sales suite. The onus on owner-occupier purchasers has prompted a decision to retain the sales suite onsite as long as possible, although this in turn has posed somewhat of an engineering challenge for the in-house build team.

<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_2133.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Onsite demolition works during May"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="340" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_2133.jpg?itok=_5uJKKAe" title="Onsite demolition works during May" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Onsite demolition works during May</figcaption></figure>With 181 Fitzroy Street all but having commenced construction, it joins a more than healthy project book for Pace. Construction has commenced on George Windsor, with the adjoining Henry Windsor building nearing completion. Marquee project The Icon continues to lose its scaffolding, revealing a multi-coloured exterior while <a href="http://www.odeapartments.com/">Ode</a> is the developer's latest exploit in St Kilda featuring an exterior influenced by local artist Matthew Johnson, as per The Icon.

Archer has risen above ground level on its way to delivering 87 apartments in bayside Mentone while 73-77 Wellington Street has a date with VCAT for the sake of expediency rather than any great misgivings Yarra City Council may have about the project. The Collingwood project represents Pace Development Group's first foray into Melbourne's ever-popular inner north.
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Hands on at Pace's 181 Fitzroy Street display suite

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Subsequent to an early 2015 announcement that The Glen would be subject to a considerable expansion, further plans have been submitted for the sprawling Glen Waverley retail hub. Addressing Monash City Council's request for further information on the redevelopment, owner Federation Centres in conjunction with NH Architecture and Contour Consultants have provided updated documents which are now available for <a href="http://www.monash.vic.gov.au/About-Us/News/Proposed-redevelopment-of-The-Glen">viewing online</a>.

Key to the centre's expansion is the addition of 515 apartments over the southern portion of the site, introducing apartment living to the already existing commercial and retail uses.

<blockquote>
The repositioning of the retail mix and a bold proposal for over 500 apartments will ensure that The Glen will attract the savvy shopper and will contribute positively to the emergence of Glen Waverley as a vital activity centre. Indeed, this proposal for The Glen fulfils the aspirations of the Council’s own Structure Plan by anticipating higher densities and providing a seamless connection back into the evolving urban fabric.
<cite>NH Architecture, town planning submission</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>The Glen redevelopment in brief</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/image152.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of Signature Tower. Image courtesy NH Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="382" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image152.jpg?itok=GJK_dlN2" title="Artist's impression of Signature Tower. Image courtesy NH Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of Signature Tower. Image courtesy NH Architecture</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Updated planning submission: March 2015</li>
	<li>Land address: 227-235 Springvale Road, Glen Waverley</li>
	<li>515 apartments over three buildings with total residential GFA of 40,573sqm</li>
	<li>​275*1 bedroom apartments + 240*2 bedroom apartments</li>
	<li>Retail expansion of 14,527sqm to 60,940sqm overall</li>
	<li>​Office space unchanged while an additional 2,552sqm supermarket space is included</li>
	<li>3,810 car parking spaces in total</li>
</ul>
<h2>Urban, Axial and Signature</h2>

The Glen's retail expansion will be largely confined to the northern area of the site, allowing for the addition of three residential buildings with frontages to Kingsway, O'Sullivan Road and Springvale Road.

'Signature Tower' is the assigned name accompanying the tallest tower which will reach all of 86.17 metres to its highest point. Metal bands will discern the exterior, while internally the tower is expected to hold a mix of 114 single bedroom and 95 dual bedroom dwellings. The 'Axial' and 'Urban' buildings will between them account for the remainder of apartments, while all three will sit atop a retail podium with activation to all frontages.

A new public square (seen below) will act as an entry point to the 'Axial' and 'Urban' buildings while also providing the surrounding low-rise retail areas with an appropriately scaled entry point to the redeveloped site. Designed to include outdoor dining and recreational areas, the square will be highlighted by a timber clad, two-storey structure acting as a focal point.

<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/image154_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Glen's new exterior. Image courtesy NH Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="419" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image154_0.jpg?itok=kYObnxCp" title="The Glen's new exterior. Image courtesy NH Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Glen's new exterior. Image courtesy NH Architecture</figcaption></figure><h2>The Glen set to flow</h2>

Hand in hand with the addition of new public spaces will be the rebirth of existing frontages, particularly facing Springvale Road. A dark linear ribbon motif will be applied in contrast to a white metal skin over the Springvale Road frontage, which will also wrap around the podium of 'Signature Tower', thus providing continuity.

As mentioned 'Signature Tower' is subject to exterior metal finishes, while 'Axial' is dominated by timber and embossed precast panels, with greenery atop the 178-apartment building. 'Urban' as the smallest building will feature an earthier exterior of pattern brickwork and suspended greenery over its facade.

In this way the three residential buildings combine to provide a new dynamic to the Glen Waverley Activity Centre while also maintaining individual character according to NH Architecture's planning submission.

<h2>Unlocking added value</h2>

Federation Centres, not alone in seeking to bolster returns from an existing asset with a number of other large-scale retail hubs around Melbourne, are also pursuing mixed-use programs. Gandel/CFS Retail Property Trust are midway through construction of an expanded Chadstone Shopping Centre which will see the delivery of a near 16,000sqm <a href="/developments/chadstone-vic-3148">commercial tower</a> while QIC's $665 million Eastland Shopping Centre expansion will feature <a href="/news/ringwood-is-going-places">Realm</a>, a new library, learning and cultural centre.

Elsewhere GPT Group are pursuing <a href="http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/west/plans-to-build-2500-apartments-at-highpoint-shopping-centre-in-maribyrnong/story-fngnvmj7-1227301865602">further future expansions of Highpoint</a> which may well include as many as 2,500 new apartments while another GPT Group asset is potentially subject to further expansion. Long expected to hold a commercial tower facing Lonsdale Street, whispers persist that a tower may still eventuate on the prime site which forms part of Melbourne Central.
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Apartments aplenty for The Glen's pending redevelopment

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The commercial sector's apparent disinterest in the western end of La Trobe Street has given rise to one of Melbourne's premier residential development sites. At the foot of Victoria Harbour, 1000 La Trobe Street has emerged as The Millennium Site, a 6,007sqm land holding with the ability to hold approximately 600 apartments.

Land owner Digital Harbour Holdings has chosen to sell the prime site following years of staggered activity within their Digital Harbour Precinct, seeking instead to capitalise upon fervent market conditions which continues to seen strong prices achieved for inner city development sites.

Selling agent Colliers International is preparing for a tide of interest from both local and international developers as The Millennium Site represents the largest single development site currently available in the City of Melbourne. The current approved commercial scheme has been superseded with the below concept, yet still allows for a total of 47,940sqm of residential living gross floor area.

<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/image134_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of a revised 1000 La Trobe Street. Image courtesy Colliers"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="980" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image134_1.jpg?itok=MJETN2KL" title="Artist's impression of a revised 1000 La Trobe Street. Image courtesy Colliers" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of a revised 1000 La Trobe Street. Image courtesy Colliers</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
The Millennium Site forms part of Melbourne’s waterside precinct which will benefit from the redevelopment of Harbour Esplanade. Situated between Southern Cross Station, Etihad Stadium, New Quay, the waterfront, and the soon to be announced E Gate precinct, The Millennium Site will be a key element within a highly connected precinct linking the Melbourne CBD to the Docklands waterfront.

There is a tram stop on the doorstep of the site and developers will be able to capitalise on the uninterrupted water and CBD views from the upper levels of any potential future development. CBD development sites are becoming increasingly popular among developers as central CBD precincts become more tightly held.”

Melbourne as a city has a diminishing supply of prime residential development opportunities, with development sites increasingly hemmed in by adjoining buildings. Docklands is not as intensively developed on a site-by-site basis, so it is becoming increasingly desirable for residential development because there are more opportunities to optimise both built form outcomes and future view lines.
<cite>Trent Hobart, Colliers International media release</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
Docklands is also becoming more connected to the CBD. Whereas once Docklands was thought of as a very separate precinct, new roadways, pedestrian access and tram super stops have seen it become increasingly thought of as part of the western core of the CBD.
<cite>Bryson Cameron, Colliers International media release</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>All washed up</h2>

A string of commercial developments at the Docklands end of La Trobe Street have failed to materialise in recent years, much to the delight of residential developers. Subject to a low-rise commercial development, <a href="/new-apartments/695-699-la-trobe-street-docklands-vic-3008">695-699 La Trobe Street</a> is now with Salta Properties seeking approval for a 303 apartment development while the neighbouring 685 La Trobe Street development site was sold to a residential developer following its unsuccessful commercial leasing campaign.

Diagonally opposite The Millennium Site, Chinese-aligned Capital Alliance Investment Group is delivering <a href="/buildings/m-docklands-679-la-trobe-street-docklands">M Docklands</a>, a mixed-use residential and hotel tower that backs onto Etihad Stadium. The residential prospects of The Millennium Site coupled with the five most recent development site sales in Docklands averaging $7000/sqm points to the inherent value that this emerging Docklands residential pocket holds.
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Opportunity arises from a failed Digital Harbour development

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Figures have been released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics which show that through the March quarter building work has increased markedly in Victoria. Released as part of Urban Taskforce Australia's most recent commentary on the development industry, the statistics underpin the importance that construction and particularly apartment construction has in bolstering the overall Victorian economy which has taken a number of manufacturing-based blows in recent years.

<blockquote>
The key figures that the Urban Taskforce uses to assess production is the value of building work per capita. Victoria produced $1172 per person in the March quarter while NSW only produced $808 per person.

In the last quarter NSW has moved downwards while Victoria has moved upwards.
<cite>Urban Taskforce CEO, Chris Johnson</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image115_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Total building value per capita. Image courtesy ABS"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="339" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image115_0.jpg?itok=-NefVOmd" title="Total building value per capita. Image courtesy ABS" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Total building value per capita. Image courtesy ABS</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
While building construction expenditure is an accurate measure of current activity, it is a result of planning approvals made a year or more earlier. The building construction expenditure therefore needs to be compared with future work flowing from current approvals.

In overall terms the building work activity across Australia is robust which is good news for the jobs that flow from this.
<cite>Urban Taskforce CEO, Chris Johnson</cite>
</blockquote>

As touched upon above, Victoria's current strength is a reflection of the efficient (some would no doubt say liberal) planning approvals process under the previous State Government which only now is starting to bare fruit if inner city Melbourne is used as a prime example. The heightened levels of construction is also a reflection of the multitude of foreign and foreign-backed developers who have been present in Melbourne for a number of years and are only comparatively starting to make their presence felt in Sydney, Australia's supposed global city.

While some fundamentals of apartment living are currently under the microscope, Planning Minister Richard Wynne has kept the approvals ball rolling with a host of high profile project approvals in recent weeks. Add the insatiable appetite of new developers seeking a piece of the Melbourne pie and Western Australia's general economic slowing post the mining boom and it's quite likely that in months ahead Victoria will take the mantle of achieving the highest total building value per capita state across Australia.

<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/image117_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Apartments to the fore"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="365" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image117_0.jpg?itok=-mgPj_W5" title="Apartments to the fore" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Apartments to the fore</figcaption></figure>Of course Victoria's construction strength is reflected in greater Melbourne's vista with approximately 130 tower cranes currently plying their trade. The vast majority of these cranes are dedicated to the delivery on new apartment projects with the latest project receiving its crane being Assembly North Melbourne above.

With a host of large-scale, long term projects such as Fishermans Bend, Footscray's Joseph Road Precinct, Toorak Park and Caulfiled Heath in their construction infancy, Melbourne and Victoria's construction strength looks set to grow further.
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ABS figures an indicator of Victoria's construction strength

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With the spectre of South Yarra Station's entrances and street interfaces <a href="/news/comment-south-yarra-platforms-for-melbourne-metro-rail-ruled-out">remaining unchanged</a> a real possibility in the near to medium term and with a booming high-density population centred around South Yarra's Forrest Hill Precinct, there remains a real likelihood that necessary infrastructure upgrades - such as a norther entry to the station - vital in meeting population increases in the area will not be delivered.

While South Yarra remains a prime example of infrastructure upgrades lagging behind population growth, there remains a broader opportunity to implement over a host of Melbourne railway stations a quality interface between these intensified places and surrounding neighbourhoods with the State Government's level crossing removal program. To that end, Apartments.com.au spoke with Hayball Principal Sarah Buckeridge in order to garner her opinion on what factors are necessary in creating value for surrounding communities through integrated infrastructure upgrades, with rail at the heart of the discussion.

Having worked on proposals such as <a href="http://www.hayball.com.au/projects/proposition-3047/">Proposition 3047</a> and with a current apartment tower under construction in South Yarra's Forrest Hill, Sarah Buckeridge and Hayball at large are qualified to offer considered opinion on the matter.

<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/f107_3595.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Forrest Hill looms large. Image courtesy wongm.com"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="338" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/f107_3595.jpg?itok=D70BPyvd" title="Forrest Hill looms large. Image courtesy wongm.com" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Forrest Hill looms large. Image courtesy <a href="http://wongm.com/">Marcus Wong</a></figcaption></figure>With an expanded South Yarra Station - adding two new platforms on the Melbourne Metro Rail tunnel - dismissed as too expensive, attention now is shifting toward making the current structure user friendly. While the potential removal of the Cranbourne-Pakenham line from the existing station once the Melbourne Metro Rail project is complete may reduce the numbers of people connecting between lines at South Yarra, Sarah notes that South Yarra Station is very much a single directional facility interfacing only with Toorak Road.

True success for the adjoining Forrest Hill Precinct is largely dependent upon meaningful integration with South Yarra Station and that requires at least another station entrance towards its northern end in order to better serve Melbourne High School and the surrounding apartment buildings. Quizzed as to Forrest Hill Precinct's overall success, Sarah notes that in the truest sense it has achieved what the original policy shift had intended: the transformation of a former industrial pocket into a high-density residential hub in a relatively short period of time.

While the towers may be new, Sarah Buckeridge also cautions on the need for public realm expenditure to mirror that of private investment. Hand in hand with South Yarra Station's increased functionality is the need for City of Stonnington to address key public realm needs within Forrest Hill Precinct such as footpaths, greenery and general amenity. Only then can Forrest Hill Precinct be judged in its entirety.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/project-gallery_prop30471.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Integration with a station's surrounds is key. Image courtesy Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="379" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/project-gallery_prop30471.jpg?itok=Di-3c8pp" title="Boradmeadows: integration with a station's surrounds is key. Image courtesy Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Broadmeadows: integration with a station's surrounds is key. Image courtesy Hayball</figcaption></figure>Switching from the microcosm of South Yarra to a broader Melbourne context, Apartments.com.au posed the question of whether existing rail lines and stations could/should be sunk with air rights above offered for development. Sarah explains that there is no 'one size fits all' solution, citing the $70m Ikon Glen Waverley development and pending transformation of Brunswick's Jewell Station as prime examples of public-private partnership which can bring an enhanced outcome to both a given station and its surrounds, without necessarily sinking rail infrastructure.

It's this cooperation between the public (Victrack) and private spheres which Sarah considers vital in producing exciting, integrated infrastructure nodes with long lasting community benefits. Asked if new technologies such as Cross Laminated Timber (which Hayball has used successfully elsewhere) has a place in the building of new railway stations, Sarah replied it remains a possibility owing to its many beneficial characteristics but ultimately the station must be first and foremost functional and integrated with its surrounds.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/project-gallery_prop30474.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A reworked Broadmeadows Station. Image courtesy Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="215" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/project-gallery_prop30474.jpg?itok=AiqIGTHE" title="A reworked Broadmeadows Station. Image courtesy Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A reworked Broadmeadows Station. Image courtesy Hayball</figcaption></figure>Overarching the discussion was Hayball's work on devising an integrated outcome for Broadmeadows Station and its surrounds. Initially devised during 2006 as part of Architectural Review Australia’s ‘Proposition’ competition, <a href="http://www.hayball.com.au/projects/proposition-3047/">Proposition 3047</a> saw the redevelopment of the existing Broadmeadows train station with community, sustainability and accessibility at the crux of the design.

Winning the People’s Choice Award and the jury’s first prize at the time for the new inter-modal transit interchange and mixed-use development, it facilitated a new masterplan for a host of key sites within the greater Broadmeadows Transit City area. Prepared for the Department of Planning and Community Development, the 2011 Transit City plan also amounted to nothing, much to the disappointment of Sarah Buckeridge.

Sarah notes that rail station redevelopment can often act as a catalyst for further investment in the immediate area, as it's a central piece of infrastructure that naturally draws people toward it. The Broadmeadows plan was to have been a physical connector in an otherwise disjointed area, bringing with it a raft of community benefits such as increased, useable and engaging public spaces.

Described by Sarah as one of Hayball's best pieces of design, Proposition 3047 is nearly a decade old. Infrastructure investment by the State Government in Broadmeadows in particular has been limited to say the least over that period. As an stand alone design Proposition 3047 was valid then and still is now as an example of not simply redeveloping a given rail station, but taking it beyond to encapsulate a raft of features that can benefit the wider community.
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Sarah Buckeridge on integrated rail investment

Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> is the latest to jump into St Leonards booming Transport Oriented Development precinct.

The developer, which has previously delivered Sapphire by the Gardens apartment development in Melbourne, identified the Atchison Street site in 2023. It filed a Scoping Report around 12 months ago, and now has revealed the designs for the new&nbsp;40-storey mixed-use tower.

The State Significant Development Application covers <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/projects/14650/summary">20-22 Atchison Street</a>, a 1,374 sqm site positioned between St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the project would deliver 181 apartments, above a four-storey commercial podium, five basement levels, and new public domain works along Mitchell Street. The apartment mix comprises 35 one-bedroom apartments, 39 one-bedroom-plus-study apartments, 85 two-bedroom apartments, and 22 three-bedroom residences.

The proposal has been lodged as a shop-top housing development under the NSW Government’s TOD planning pathway, which allows increased density around key transport infrastructure. The site sits within the recently rezoned Crows Nest Accelerated TOD Precinct.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b799673d-48e2-46b0-801a-0e33a9330100" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20site.png?VersionId=dPh0UfwfaHpbFL1R7H1cbZNbIW0CHbCC" />

SP Setia acquired the Atchison Street site as part of its continued expansion into the Australian apartment market. In comments made to City &amp; Country (The Edge Malaysia) in 2023, SP Setia President and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai described the acquisition as “a strategic move” aligned with the group’s post-pandemic market recovery strategy.

“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.

The tower has been designed as a slender vertical form rising from a mixed-use podium, with COX Architecture positioning the development as a response to the evolving St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline.

“The purpose of the project is to facilitate the delivery of high-quality housing at a strategically located site and deliver a built tower outcome that is consistent with the desired future character of St Leonards and aligns with the TOD controls,” the design report stated.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a85eee-76f7-436c-a6da-73ba827b9b13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20entry.png?VersionId=dA9jHGPMcm.dDbwk4QfxqWiY5bfh3UVt" />

The podium would incorporate retail uses fronting Atchison Street, commercial tenancies, landscaped communal areas, and pedestrian improvements along Mitchell Street. Vehicle access and loading would be consolidated via Atchison Lane.

Residents would have access to more than 665 sqm of communal indoor and outdoor spaces, while the development proposes 96 parking spaces across five basement levels.

The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.

COX said the tower form responds directly to the emerging high-density character of the precinct while seeking to maximise solar access, cross ventilation, and outlook from apartments.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2163f85c-f63b-4be3-aafa-f8763976cec5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_5.png?VersionId=WiAmtIKJ6.ZQ41EtYEQ1fol7AeorKBlL" />

“The building is orientated towards north,” the Apartment Design Guide compliance report noted, adding that the tower’s slim form was driven by the constrained inner-urban site dimensions.

The design also incorporates landscaped setbacks and communal open space at podium level, intended to soften the interface with surrounding streets and improve pedestrian amenity.

The project adds to a growing wave of redevelopment proposals reshaping St Leonards and Crows Nest following the opening of the Sydney Metro City line and the NSW Government’s push for higher-density housing around major transport nodes.

Last week Stockland filed plans just down the road. They want to build a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">52-storey tower on Pacific Highway</a>.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower&nbsp;</a>

Joel Robinson

First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.

The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.

The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.

SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”

The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" />

The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.

A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.

Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" />

The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.

Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.

The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.

First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s latest tower at Wickham interchange

Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;

Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">premium site at 180 Macquarie Street</a> features uninterrupted river frontage in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held residential precincts.&nbsp;

The proposed development, currently under assessment with Brisbane City Council, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and will deliver a boutique collection of premium residences positioned specifically for owner occupiers and downsizers.&nbsp;

The residences are set to redefine luxury apartment living in the area, with a focus on architectural quality, refined finishes, landscape integration and elevated amenities including curated wellness facilities, resort-style pools and recreation spaces rarely seen in the local market.&nbsp;

Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;

Bottega House Managing Director Nick Malloch said the project reflects the group’s ambition to deliver a highly curated residential offering within one of Brisbane’s most tightly held precincts.&nbsp;

“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;

“Our vision from the outset was to create a boutique collection of residences that feel more like private homes than traditional apartments, with generous proportions, refined finishes and exceptional amenity throughout."

Malloch says there is a&nbsp;lack of premium owner-occupier stock of this quality in the market, particularly for downsizers wanting space, privacy and a true lifestyle offering without compromise.&nbsp;

"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.

“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]

Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]

Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.

The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]

More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.
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[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

Local Little Bay residents, along with buyers from premium postcodes across Sydney’s affluent Eastern Suburbs, have dominated purchases in developer-builder Urban Property Group’s first Eastern Suburbs apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a>.

The $250 million coastal project, one of the first new developments in the area in several years, has proven particularly popular with downsizers, especially those from Coogee and Bondi. One Double Bay downsizer paid $4.7 million for a four-bedroom penthouse, setting a new local apartment price record in the process.

Buyers have been attracted to the combination of coastal tranquillity, premium design and amenity-rich neighbourhood living. The walkable village setting, along with proximity to three of Sydney’s leading golf courses, New South Wales Golf Club, St Michael’s Golf Club and The Coast Golf Club, has also been a key drawcard.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352689]

Built across two low-rise buildings designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hill-thalis-architecture-urban-projects-pty-ltd">Hill Thalis</a> and set along a lush, landscaped green spine, designed by leading landscape architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>, ESTE Little Bay offers a collection of one, two, three and four-bedroom residences with interiors by Richards Stanisich.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> Sales Director, Tom McIvor said the response to ESTE has been "nothing short of extraordinary."

“Buyers have been quick to recognise ESTE as a rare opportunity to invest in a coastal sanctuary that offers both seclusion and connectivity to the heart of Sydney,” McIvor said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352687]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">SRM Residential</a> Senior Director, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">Clayton Ross</a> said the local market has responded incredibly well, driven by ESTE’s exceptional location and the rarity it offers.

“We’ve seen strong interest from a variety of buyer groups, all of whom are drawn to the exclusivity and quality of the build and construction by the 4.5-star iCIRT-rated builder / developer, Urban Property Group. There’s truly nothing else like it along Sydney’s coastline.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352690]

The project also includes robust buyer protections, including Resilience Insurance’s Latent Defects Insurance, providing 10 years of structural cover, and an independent iCIRT-rating of the developer.

“The iCIRT-rating adds another layer of confidence,” Ross added. “Buyers see it as a safeguard for their investment and their lifestyle.” A highlight of ESTE’s offering is its exclusive wellness amenities, including a heated rooftop infinity pool and outdoor heated spa, a state-of-the-art Technogym fitness centre, and a sauna.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a> is topped out and is on track to complete towards the end of 2026, with residents moving in before Christmas.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112343]

Mark Baljak

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