The 4 Ballarat St., Brunswick apartment development,&nbsp;is one of the most in-demand projects on Urban for first home buyers, namely down to its location and&nbsp;affordability.

Located in the heart of Brunswick, the project team at&nbsp;Assemble operate on a&nbsp;rent-with-the-option-to-buy model, which has made this development particularly popular.

Designed by&nbsp;Fieldwork Architects&nbsp;and with landscaping by Rush Wright, 4 Ballarat St. places an emphasis on providing a seamless transition to the natural environment, with each apartment running on 100 per cent renewable energy.

We recently spoke with Asse​mble&rsquo;s director of marketing and relationships, Rebecca Shackleton, to discuss the rent-with-the-option-to-buy development.

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MK: How many multi-residential projects has&nbsp;Ass​emble completed within Victoria under their Assemble Futures scheme?

RS: The first project set to be delivered under Assem​ble Futures&rsquo; rent-with-the-option-to-buy scheme is 393 Macaulay Rd in Kensington. Residents are due to move in early 2022.

Other Assemb​le Futures projects include 15 Thompson St in Kensington and 4 Ballarat St. in Brunswick, with completion in 2023.

MK: What are the advantages of the rent-with-the-option-to-buy model at 4 Ballarat St. for first home buyers?

RS: Assemble​ Futures supports first home buyers into homeownership by enabling them to move in and rent their apartment for five years while saving for a deposit to buy it.

It protects them from shifts in the property market as they lock in the future purchase price of their home, and leases are renewed every 12 months, so if life takes them elsewhere, they have the flexibility to leave at the end of the lease.

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To secure an apartment, buyers sign the contract of sale, which locks in the future purchase price of their home, giving them the option, but not the obligation to purchase at the end of the five-year lease.

From the moment they sign, we will support them on their savings journey with our free (opt-in) financial coaching program. When they move in, they&rsquo;ll also have access to additional savings support through our bulk buying partnerships, aimed at reducing the cost of living across household goods, services and utilities by at least 20 per cent.

They will also get the added opportunity of experiencing their apartment, community, and neighbourhood before purchasing their home.

MK:&nbsp;What was the design brief for the architectural team at Fieldwork?&nbsp;&nbsp;

RS: Assemble partnered with Fieldwork architects to bring 4 Ballarat St. to life. Previously a factory designed by Melbourne architects AK Lines, McFarlane and Marshall, there is a strong history of textile manufacturing for brands, such as Hard Yakka Overalls company, Fletcher Jones, and more recently Perucci Shirts.

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Critical to the design brief, was the care needed in preserving the original building fabric and ensuring the new building was complementary to its surroundings. 4 Ballarat St. picks up on the distinctive qualities of Victorian Edwardian, post-war and industrial buildings, which characterise&nbsp;the diverse nature of the suburb.

Community is at the forefront of our building designs, with the relationship between apartments and the open-air walkways designed to encourage connection.&nbsp;

MK: What spoke to you about the 4 Ballarat St. site in particular when planning the development?

RS: 4 Ballarat St. is a vibrant location off Sydney Road. When it comes to Melbourne&rsquo;s renowned culinary areas, Sydney Road is high on the list with foodie icons like Tiba&rsquo;s, Mediterranean Wholesalers and the famous, low-cost A1 Bakery.

The site is within walking distance of great outdoor and recreational areas, including Clifton Park, Gilpin Reserve, A G Gillion Oval and Brunswick Baths. It is also well connected, with a range of public transport options servicing Sydney Road, residents are connected to surrounding suburbs, and can easily access the Melbourne CBD.

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MK: Where did you take your inspiration from?

RS: The design of the building has been inspired by the character, history, and predominant terracotta hues of the Brunswick neighbourhood.

Apartments are accented with warm colours and no-fuss design details such as terracotta tiles, hard-wearing benchtops, rich terracotta-coloured kitchen joinery, and chrome finishes.

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MK: What role did environmental design consultants Atelier Ten play in the project design and delivery?&nbsp;

RS: We collaborated with Atelier Ten to ensure best practice waste and sustainability methodologies are in place, and planet-friendly solutions are embedded throughout the building, reducing our environmental impact, and enhancing the quality of life for our residents.&nbsp;

We follow a clear set of design principles to ensure all apartments offer natural light, cross-flow ventilation and connection to landscaping and open space.&nbsp;

MK: 4 Ballarat St. boasts a number of communal amenities. What is the benefit of this?

RS: 4 Ballarat St.&nbsp;has been designed to bring people together offering residents an enriched and connected life beyond their four walls. Shared spaces provide meaningful, convenient and functional areas to work, eat and hang out.

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On level eight, you&rsquo;ll find a shared rooftop garden that has impressive views of the Melbourne skyline. A space to use as and when you like, it features several social zones to come together, entertain guests or host a barbeque.

The rooftop is also a space for pets to roam free in the designated dog park, while keen gardeners will also have a beautiful green zone and planting space. There is a shared clothesline for drying and a communal laundry, each apartment will have a laundry space, however,&nbsp;residents can choose not to have their own machine.&nbsp;

Our multi-purpose room is perfect for any type of event, yoga class, kids&rsquo; birthday party or if you have invited one too many dinner guests, it can be easily booked through the Assemble App.&nbsp;

On the ground floor, we have a multi-purpose workshop for the odd jobs where you&rsquo;d prefer not to mess up your apartment. It is complete with workbenches, shared tools, and wash sink, it&rsquo;s the place to get things done, and lean on your neighbour for a helping hand.

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The lending library is made to house all the little things you can&rsquo;t live without, but rarely use. Like a step ladder, a slow-cooker, or tools your need to fix your bike. It&rsquo;s about saving residents&rsquo; money through the power of sharing.

The parcel room and cool storage is a convenient and secure place for delivery services to leave your online purchases. If&nbsp;you&rsquo;re thinking about ordering groceries and drinks, our cool storage space keeps them fresh until you get home.&nbsp;

MK: Why did you choose Brunswick? Does this area offer strong investment opportunities for first home buyers?

RS: The median house price in Brunswick rose by 5.2 per cent in the second quarter of 2021 alone to $1.368 million, according to the Real Estate Institute of Victoria. We are witnessing the strongest growth in property values in our history, rising at their fastest rate in almost two decades.

The residents of 4 Ballarat St.&nbsp;will lock in their future purchase price today which means they will be protected from shifts in the market if they decide to purchase at the end of the five-year lease. If the housing prices in Brunswick continue to rise as they have been, their home will appreciate with the market and any equity gained over the five years will be theirs to benefit from.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/dsc_2652.jpg?itok=QhlLN4TF" title="Brunswick. Image: Lauren Bamford" width="580" />

<figcaption>Brunswick. Image: Lauren Bamford</figcaption>
</figure>

MK: Where have buyers come from, and who is the development appealing to?

RS: 67 per cent of our residents have either come from Brunswick or other northern suburbs highlighting to us what a desirable area Brunswick is, with a great community.

Most of our residents are single, with around 20 per cent families and 20 per cent couples. It has been lovely to see so many residents referring their friends or housemates to the project, we have no doubt that 4 Ballarat St. will be a fantastic community.&nbsp;

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Urban recently spoke with Assemble’s director of marketing and relationships, Rebecca Shackleton, to discuss the rent-with-the-option-to-buy development. 

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What buyers need to know about 4 Ballarat St, Brunswick apartments: Urban chats with developer Assemble 

Tucked away in a quiet peaceful residential precinct, Eight on Eton introduces a new way of living that not only capitalises on its superb location, but the landscape that surrounds it.

Delivered by Property Solutions, this unique collection of just 49, one, two and three-bedroom apartments form Nundah&rsquo;s latest residential development.

The tower rises seven floors, amongst Brisbane&rsquo;s most affluent surrounding suburbs such as Clayfield and Ascot.

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Fine dining, boutique shopping, caf&eacute;s and parks are all part of the neighbourhood lifestyle with transport options connecting you to the Brisbane CBD.

The convenient boutique village is located just eight kilometres from the city centre and within close proximity to public transport, educational and hospital facilities.

Eight on Eton&rsquo;s interiors are designed to suit the modern lifestyle, featuring light-filled spaces, expansive outlooks and open-plan living.

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&ldquo;No matter the size or configuration, each residence at Eight on Eton has been thoughtfully crafted to maximise space&rdquo;, Property Solutions advise.

Slide open the apartment&rsquo;s full-length&nbsp;doors and step out onto the private alfresco balcony for district views or enjoy the charm of the versatile kitchen.

Without compromising on function, each residence includes stone benchtops, BOSCH appliances and timber cabinetry in the kitchen.

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The open-plan configuration combines living and dining for a relaxed and refined living experience with quality finishes throughout.

Nundah is one of the most well-connected suburbs in Brisbane, according to the developers, with trains and buses coming through often, the M7 Tunnel and a nearby airport, making this a great location for those who travel.

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Delivered by Property Solutions, this unique collection of just 49, one, two and three-bedroom apartments form Nundah’s latest residential development

How Eight on Eton, Nundah apartments, take advantage of their inner-city Brisbane location

The affordability&nbsp;gap is continuing to grow between houses and apartments, having reached record highs earlier this year.

It&#39;s seen a wave of buyers give up on the house hunt, and turn to the fixed price apartment purchases.&nbsp;

There are a number of developments on the market under $400,000 across Melbourne, which we&#39;ve wrapped up below.

1. Cultivate, Heidelberg West 
Developer: Kincaid Projects 
One-bedroom apartments from $399,000

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Cultivate delivers an affordable collection of one, two and three-bedroom apartments that border Heidelberg West and Ivanhoe.

Situated on the fringe of Melbourne&#39;s top hospital precinct, minutes from La Trobe University and at the quiet, tree-lined end of&nbsp;<a href="/buildings/37-bell-street-ivanhoe">Bell Street</a>, the development features 146 apartments across two towers.

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Cultivate boasts impressive one-bedroom, one-bathroom residences for just $399,000, including the choice between two colour schemes, Smeg appliances and premium finishes.

Residents will have access to a rooftop barbeque area, skyline views and bike parking.

2. Due North, Preston 
Developer: Caydon Property 
One-bedroom apartments from $352,000

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Climbing 12 levels and comprising 107 apartments, Due North is a new fur-friendly apartment addition to Preston&#39;s High Street.

Designed by Caydon Architecture, the 50 sqm one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment is priced at $352,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5502 project_image_fid=155342]

Located just 20 minutes away from Melbourne&rsquo;s CBD and featuring rooftop space, a co-working area and three retail spaces, residents will have everything at their doorstep at Due North.

Splash the day away in the pool and dip into stunning Melbourne views as you kick back on the deck and soak in those holiday vibes.

3. Spring Street, Box Hill 
Developer: Orion International Group 
One-bedroom apartments from $395,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=100675 project_image_fid=170524]

Comprising 312 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, Spring Street is a new development attracting both investors and first home buyers.

Located in the heart of Box Hill, the mixed-use development features the best of both worlds, it&rsquo;s set in a quiet and leafy area while enjoying convenient public transport, local shops and caf&eacute;s.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=100675 project_image_fid=170528]

Designed by Elenberg Fraser, one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments at the residence begin from $395,000, with accessible ground floor retail and dining options. &nbsp;

The development will also feature a 25-metre pool with a spa, a sauna, gym, yoga room and more.

Urban takes a look at three new developments on the market under $400,000 for buyers hoping to get ahead of the anticipated demand

Three best Melbourne apartments under $400,000, offering an accessible pathway to homeownership

Enso is a new development comprising four two-storey townhouses and one single-storey home in the inner-east Melbourne suburb of Balwyn.

Perfectly placed within the leafy neighbourhood, the five generously proportioned&nbsp;parkside residences have been delivered by Melstone to promote a peaceful lifestyle.

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&ldquo;A gentle&nbsp;pace characterises this prestige community, highly sought-after for its&nbsp;pretty period homes, well-regarded schools and peaceful parklands&rdquo;, the development is marketed as.

Designed by Parallel Workshop, each townhome boasts a double garage, outdoor terrace and private gardens complementary to neighbouring Beckett Park.

Timeless fa&ccedil;ades are elegantly detailed, with vertical lines, soft timber finishes, herringbone underfoot, Gaggenau appliances and contemporary joinery pieces.

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High ceilings in the interior make each living space feel generous and luxurious, while earthy tones and an art deco feel provide elegance and harmony with nature.

Each townhome sits on a lot between 316sqm to 433sqm, offering total internal areas of between 159sqm and 322sqm.

According to the statement of information filed in 2019, the homes are listed from $1.995 million.

Enso&rsquo;s location in Balwyn provides an exemplary mix&nbsp;of ease and tranquillity, the developers note.

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A 15-minute walk&nbsp;through tree-lined streets leads to Balwyn&rsquo;s shopping&nbsp;strip, where a selection of shops and caf&eacute;s tempt&nbsp;locals.

The historic&nbsp;Palace Balwyn cinema is abound with art-deco charm;&nbsp;where classic lines and decorative flourishes adorn&nbsp;the fa&ccedil;ade.

The 109 tram servicing Whitehorse Road&nbsp;takes you all the way to Melbourne&rsquo;s CBD in 30&nbsp;minutes, making accessibility a breeze.

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Perfectly placed within the leafy neighbourhood, the five generously proportioned parkside residences have been delivered by Melstone to promote a peaceful lifestyle

Just five parkside townhouses in Balwyn's luxury Enso development

Granville Place is the latest residential offering from developers SHOKAI Ausbao and Develotek to hit Sydney&rsquo;s western suburbs.

This new village precinct will shape the new lifestyle, retail and residential heart of Granville, just a stone&#39;s throw from Sydney&#39;s second CBD of Parramatta.

The dynamic new neighbourhood will feature family apartments, green parklands and landscaped leisure zones.

Urban takes a look at six reasons why buyers are loving this new residential development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6876 project_image_fid=153889]

1. Affordable apartments in a growing suburban hub

Granville Place is expected to become a new hub for suburban city living, but its affordability is what is grabbing the interest of first home buyers and investors.

The new development boasts one-bedroom, one-bathroom residences from as low as $460,000, while two-bedroom apartments begin at only $625,000.

&ldquo;Granville is coming into its own as major regeneration and infrastructure projects in and around the suburb are shaping a vibrant hub for Central Western Sydney,&rdquo;&nbsp;SHOKAI Ausbao note.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6876 project_image_fid=153896]

Its leading-edge fusion of architecture, imaginative oasis landscapes and amenity is sure to set new standards for Australian residential design provided for an incredible price.

2. Residents-only offerings

Granville Place delivers a residents-only oasis at the heart of its development, radiating well-being and enjoyment.

Features include a sun-drenched lawn, outdoor lounging zones, barbeques, playground and hammock grove and a podium oasis.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6876 project_image_fid=153890]

Here, you can host summertime picnics, entertain family and friends, offer a space for children to play and enjoy quiet time with natural surrounds.

Dual aspect designs and picture windows open each home up to the leafy village precinct or panoramic citywide views beyond.

3. Generous floorplans

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6876 project_image_fid=153885]

Superior planning and practical layouts ensure every home flows brilliantly, from the largest three-bedroom to the simplest one-bedroom home.

Residents can enjoy a sense of comfort thanks to open-plan layouts, abundant light and versatile family living zones.

Spacious balconies and full-height glass bring natural views, sunshine and fresh air, as well as expand the interiors to create an atmospheric indoor-outdoor living environment.

4. Great interior design

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6876 project_image_fid=153901]

Sleek kitchens are generously sized while clean-lined bathrooms are naturally luxurious, perfect for relaxing and unwinding.

Designed by architects Marchese Partners, homes feature a stylish and contemporary touch with timber and stone textures coupled with elegant lines and atmospheric lighting design.

Subtle geometric textures draw on the sculptural exterior fa&ccedil;ade while soft neutral tones reflect the green landscaped setting.

Residents also have the choice between two colour palettes &ndash; pairing chic whites, bone greys and splashes of charcoal and slate.

5. Numerous neighbourhood amenities

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6876 project_image_fid=153888]

Granville is a people-friendly place to live, shop and play,&nbsp;where everything you need is on your doorstep.

A number of shopping centres are within close proximity, as well as alfresco caf&eacute;s, iconic restaurants, retail stores, medical suites and childcare centres.

A 1,400 sqm Public Park has been designed for locals to gather and spend time enjoying a variety of recreational activities.

The communal open space, located on the eastern side of the project, will provide a great setting for residents and locals to experience their own urban oasis.

6. Family-friendly area

&ldquo;It has long been an open secret: Granville is one of the best value suburbs in the whole Sydney metropolitan area&rdquo;, the developers claim.

Families are fond of its friendly suburban feel yet it&rsquo;s only five minutes from Parramatta CBD and a short 30-minute train ride to the Sydney CBD.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6876 project_image_fid=153887]

The development is close to business hubs, education and leisure, diverse cuisines and local clubs.

Earmarked for major urban renewal with many improvements to the town centre and surrounds in the pipeline, Granville is the place to be.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=6876]

Urban takes a look at six reasons why buyers are loving this new residential development

Six reasons buyers are loving SHOKAI Ausbao and Develotek’s newest Granville apartment development, Granville Place

First home buyers, investors and downsizers alike will find comfort knowing that you can find a brand-new luxury apartment in Melbourne at an affordable price point.

While continued Melbourne lockdowns threaten to deflate sentiment and stifle the near-term recovery in the apartment market, once borders re-open, demand will likely far exceed moderate apartment supply, JLL&rsquo;s head of residential research, Australia, Leigh Warner told the Urban Developer last month.

&ldquo;Investor demand has clearly picked up in 2021, and this demand has started to flow through to the apartment market,&rdquo; Warner said.

Urban takes a look at five new developments on the market under $500,000 for investors hoping to get ahead of the anticipated demand.

1. Rise, Moonee Ponds 
Developer: Caydon Property 
One-bedroom apartments from $433,500

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5328 project_image_fid=163914]

Comprising of 297 one, two, three bedrooms, Rise is an elegant new development making up the final addition to the Mason Square precinct at Moonee Ponds.

Rising 29 floors, the project boasts uninterrupted city views from the floor-to-ceiling windows, as well as&nbsp;plentiful amenity .

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5328 project_image_fid=164756]

Listed for $433,500, the development&rsquo;s 56 sqm one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment, designed by Fender Katsalidis, features high-end finishes, bespoke fittings and integrated appliances.

The spacious bathrooms include full-width showers, freestanding baths and custom vanities exclusively designed for Rise by Omvivo.

2. Ryrie Home 
Developer: Franz&eacute; Developments 
One-bedroom apartments from $415,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559 project_image_fid=88241]

Located in the fastest-growing regional city in Australia,&nbsp;Ryrie&nbsp;Home provides the ideal sea change for residents hoping to escape the bustle of the Melbourne CBD.

Positioned within walking distance to Eastern Beach, the development is also proving popular with investors, listed as Urban&#39;s most popular investor project for Q1 2021.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559 project_image_fid=173776]

The development&rsquo;s one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment has a price tag of just $415,000, making it an attractive investment or first home.

Designed by Architectus, Ryrie Home&nbsp;boasts an authoritative and restrained grid fa&ccedil;ade, pedestrian laneways, commercial retail, and F&amp;B spaces, as well as hotel and residential lobbies

3. Due North, Preston 
Developer: Caydon Property 
One-bedroom apartments from $482,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5502 project_image_fid=155337]

Climbing 12 levels and comprising 107 apartments, Due North is a new fur-friendly apartment addition to Preston&#39;s High Street.

Designed by Caydon Architecture, the 57 sqm one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment with a study is priced at&nbsp;$482,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5502 project_image_fid=155332]

Located just 20 minutes away from Melbourne&rsquo;s CBD and featuring rooftop space, a co-working area and 3 retail spaces, residents will have everything at their doorstep at Due North.

Splash the day away in the pool and dip into stunning Melbourne views as you kick back on the deck and soak in those holiday vibes.

4. Cubic House, Alphington 
Developer: Glenvill 
One-bedroom apartments from $420,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107514 project_image_fid=170760]

Cubic House delivers spacious one and two-bedroom apartments in YarraBend&#39;s Artisan Precinct, in a visionary new neighbourhood located alongside the Yarra River.

In the highly coveted suburb of Alphington, the project features impressive 60 sqm one-bedroom apartments for just $420,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107514 project_image_fid=170761]

Designed by DKO Architecture, these apartments include European appliances, high-quality details, open-plan living spaces flooded with natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows and easy access to your private balcony.

&ldquo;YarraBend is more than a reinvention of inner-city living. It&rsquo;s an acknowledgement that the way we actually live in the world needs to radically change&rdquo;, the project marketing reads.

5. St Boulevard, Melbourne 
Developer: The Shakespeare Group 
One-bedroom apartments from $410,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1260 project_image_fid=177981]

One of the latest popular developments on the Melbourne CBD fringe is St Boulevard, the three-tower project by The Shakespeare Group.

Recently completed, St Boulevard offers an unrepeatable location, located in a prime position on the corner of St Kilda Rd and High Street, and at the southern tip of Albert Park Lake.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1260 project_image_fid=177965]

One-bedroom apartments start from $410,000 in the Elenberg-Fraser designed development, which features long wrap-around balconies and communal amenities designed to bring neighbours together.

These include a private cinema, a games lounge and children&rsquo;s play area, modern living, and luxe lobby.

Urban takes a look at five new developments on the market under $500,000 for investors hoping to get ahead of the anticipated demand.

Melbourne’s five best apartments under $500k on the market now

Neue, the Macquarie Park apartment development by COLI Australia, is to set a new benchmark for apartment living in the northern Sydney suburb.

Set across two towers, the development boasts 285 residences in one, two, three and four-bedroom configurations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7149 project_image_fid=175522]

Every aspect of these apartments is the result of a refined creative process, inspired by native Australian flora to provide a crafted retreat that residents will enjoy coming home to.

Urban takes a look at five things we love about Macquarie Park&rsquo;s newest apartment towers.

1. Reputable developer

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7149 project_image_fid=175524]

Delivered by COLI, residents at Neue can feel confident at having a home developed by a property development arm of the world&rsquo;s largest construction company.

Established in 1979, COLI has proven their successful ability to deliver high quality, innovative and progressive developments all around the world, including Macquarie Park&rsquo;s tallest residential tower.

One in 15 people living in Hong Kong reside in a home built by COLI, according to the project marketing.

2. Strong location

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7149 project_image_fid=175540]

&ldquo;When we saw this location, we knew it had so much to offer. As a former site for Macquarie University, it was recognised as a gateway to this neighbourhood&rdquo;, the project developers said.

Standing tall at the entrance to the thriving Macquarie Park neighbourhood, Neue has an inviting feel thanks to its open corner position but delivers the perks of privacy thanks to leafy native trees that screen the property.

The home is located next to Macquarie University, ranked among the top two per cent of tertiary institutions in the world, and Macquarie University Station, one of Sydney&rsquo;s largest transport intersections.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7149 project_image_fid=175526]

Investors will feel confident knowing their property is placed in a new emerging CBD and the strategic centre of Sydney&rsquo;s growth plan, as well as NSW&rsquo;s second-largest shopping centre, Macquarie Park.

3. Distinctive fa&ccedil;ade

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7149 project_image_fid=175521]

The native Banksia is found throughout the grounds at Neue, but they can also be seen in the unique character of the two buildings&rsquo; architectural form.

&ldquo;The two buildings rise out of the ground, like the spikes of a Banksia flower. The breezeways act as the stem, with each apartment a distinctive floret. As you move your eyes upwards the colour shifts and blends, just as a flower in bloom&rdquo;, the project marketing illustrates.

Designed by SJB Architects, the pure concrete and glass anatomy display subtle tones of green and gold with every architectural detail carefully considered.

4. Green surrounds

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7149 project_image_fid=175537]

Rising above native gum trees, Neue stands tall at the gateway to Macquarie Park.

Beautifully landscaped, the project boasts green borders and an expansive central green area, curated to provide ample space to breathe, walk, and relax beneath the shade of verdant greenery.

COLI has delivered areas to enhance social interaction and a sense of community, with barbeques, play areas and quiet spaces to enjoy amongst friends, family or new neighbours.

Most apartments also offer unique, 180 &ndash; 270&deg; views across Sydney&rsquo;s skyline to the native treetops of Lane Cove National Park.

5. Considered interiors

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7149 project_image_fid=175525]

Every aspect of Neue aims to connect residents with the outside world, from the spacious lobby framed in natural stone and timber, to the material finishes within your own home.

Kitchens have&nbsp;been designed with stone island benchtops, integrated appliances, and smart pantry storage.

Refined finishes allow in natural light, while handmade joinery serves to deliver a simple and noble interior concept.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7149 project_image_fid=175536]

Inspired by handmade artisanal techniques, colours have been perfectly balanced to reflect a sense of restrained elegance and continuity as you walk through each apartment.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=7149]

Set across two towers, the development boasts 285 residences in one, two, three and four-bedroom configurations

The top five things Urban loves about Macquarie Park apartments, Neue

Developers Tribeca and Jayland Group have teamed up to deliver the suburb of Plumpton, near the well-established suburb Caroline Springs, fixed-price&nbsp;house and land packages at Majesty Estate.

It&#39;s just $607,000 to secure a house and land package, which includes the one-level, four-bedroom home.

Majesty has been a popular choice for new home buyers thanks to its affordability, easy access to the CBD, and growing amenities within easy reach.

As the newest estate in Plumpton, it offers sustainability, connectivity and established amenities designed for modern living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28198 project_image_fid=155419]

Surrounded by quality educational institutions and various shopping centres, you will be right in the heart of a vibrant location so that the whole family&rsquo;s needs are met.

Each home features one ensuite and one family bathroom as a minimum, while some floorplans feature an extra toilet and refreshment room for added comfort.

Single-storey, four-bedroom, two-bathroom homes are currently available, offering alfresco space that blends your indoor and outdoor spaces, flexibility, and full turnkey inclusions.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28198 project_image_fid=155421]

High-quality finishes include window furnishing, quality appliances, manufactured stone benches, air-conditioning and quality joinery.

The developers are committed to continuous improvement in their designs, with a six-star rated energy efficiency rating and seven-year structural warranty upgrade options.

Plumpton has&nbsp;convenient public transport options and accessible roads makes thanks to the M8 motorway and the newly upgraded Rockbank Train Station.

The house and land packages on offer are ready to move into straight away, with no hidden or extra costs.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=28198]

Situated in Plumpton, Majesty Estate is a popular choice for new home buyers thanks to its affordability, easy access to the CBD and growing amenities within easy reach

Majesty Estate offering affordable house and land packages in Plumpton 

With Black Diamond announced as the final release at Geocon&rsquo;s Aspen Village development, buyers are presented with their final opportunity to invest in the sought-after Greenway project.

&ldquo;Aspen Village set a new standard for &lsquo;alpine chic&rsquo; apartment living in Greenway when it launched in April this year,&rdquo; Geocon managing director, Nick Georgalis said.

Officially on the market, the latest stage offers something for everyone, from investors to first home buyers to downsizers.

Located in the middle of the Tuggeranong CBD, its 295 apartments present a mix of one and two-bedroom opportunities, with some three-bedroom apartments also on offer.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107705 project_image_fid=175004]

Geocon sales agent Adam Morgan says this is &ldquo;super affordable&rdquo; when compared to buying a home in the suburbs.

Georgalis said: &quot;With prices starting at less than $300,000, these apartments present outstanding value, considering the unprecedented levels of amenity and comfort which have been included.&rdquo;

<h2>But why invest?</h2>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107705 project_image_fid=175000]

Tuggeranong is located 20-kilometres to the south of the Canberra CBD, an easy 20-minute drive.

Rich in parklands and nature reserves, the suburb sits to the east of the historic Murrumbidgee River and is close to Lake Tuggeranong, featuring the established retail precinct, Tuggeranong Town Centre and excellent community amenity.

Considered one of the ACT&rsquo;s employment hubs, the region surrounding Black Diamond boasts a vibrant mix of private businesses and government departments including the Department of Human Services and the Department of Social Services.

It offers extensive transport connections to the Canberra CBD and beyond via road and bicycle, and presents an opportunity for first home buyers and investors to enter the Canberra property market.

<blockquote>
Tuggeranong &ldquo;[boasts] value for money that&rsquo;s increasingly hard to find elsewhere,&rdquo; the project marketing reads.
</blockquote>

In fact, in many instances, it&rsquo;s more affordable to buy than rent, according to the developers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107705 project_image_fid=175003]

In addition to those looking to owner-occupy, an undersupply of quality homes means that there is high demand for rental properties in the region &mdash; making Black Diamond an ideal investment with rental returns up to 7 per cent being achieved.

Inspired by Aspen&rsquo;s ski villages, Black Diamond delivers modern living on Canberra&rsquo;s unspoilt natural fringe, where the atmosphere of the mountains meets the buzz of the city.

The development includes an &lsquo;Alpine Bathhouse&rsquo; featuring a 12-person sauna and three private spa rooms for exclusive residents use, luxurious outdoor rooftop entertaining areas and a heated infinity pool.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107705 project_image_fid=175001]

Light-filled apartments feature high-end finishes and spacious storage solutions, with the choice between two interior design schemes and extensive parking.

&ldquo;Buyers at Black Diamond will be within striking distance of the snowfields, dining precincts, shopping centres and public transport hubs&rdquo;, Georgalis said.

<blockquote>
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s a rare opportunity for Australian living, where such a high-level of amenity and simple connections to city and the snow fields are on offer.&rdquo;
</blockquote>

The development is situated a one-minute walk to Lake Tuggeranong, five-minute walk to South Point Shopping Centre and is under two hours drive from Jindabyne, the gateway to the snow.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=107705]

With Black Diamond announced as the final release at Geocon’s Aspen Village development, buyers are presented with their final opportunity to invest in the sought-after Greenway project. 

Black Diamond, the final stage of Geocon's Aspen Village, Canberra apartment development: What you need to know before buying

It is more than just the affordable price and a desirable Bayside location that stand out about Southend Property Group&rsquo;s boutique apartment development, Southend, Brighton.

The 22 apartment have been carefully designed by the team at Metaxas Architects to match their prestigious address.&nbsp;

Every apartment across the three level building features elegant open plan living spaces that flow cleanly to a balcony or terrace.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94152 project_image_fid=171495]

The indoor and outdoor spaces have an organic flow and are intended to offer maximum functionality in a luxurious setting, with large sliding glass doors creating a welcoming space for entertaining or relaxing.&nbsp;

A sleek design aesthetic is shown across the carefully appointed kitchens. Blossom White cabinetry blends with stone benchtops and mirrored splashbacks, while Miele appliances and ample storage create a useful culinary space.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94152 project_image_fid=171496]

Select two-bedroom apartments also feature a study with apartment sizes ranging from 81 sqm - 93 sqm.

Southend completely blends with the relaxed beachside lifestyle that is synonymous with Brighton while remaining affordable for both first-home buyers and investors.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94152 project_image_fid=171494]

Prices start as low as $549,000 for one of the 10 one-bedroom apartments at Southend, and $694,000 for one of the 12 two-bedroom apartments, almost half the price of the next-most affordable apartment complex in Brighton.

Completion is estimated for December 2022.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=94152]

The 22 apartment have been carefully designed by the team at Metaxas Architects to match their prestigious address.

The design behind the first home buyer friendly Brighton apartments, Southend Brighton

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sunland-group">Sunland Group</a> has officially lodged plans for its first Gold Coast apartment project since the departure of the Abedian family from the company three years ago, unveiling a new high-rise proposal for a prominent Broadbeach corner site on Old Burleigh Road.

The application was submitted by an entity directed by Tom Jamieson, stepson of longtime Sunland leader Soheil Abedian, and Riaz Rezvanipour, brother-in-law of Sahba Abedian, Soheil’s son.

Sunland acquired the 1,283 sqm site on the corner of Old Burleigh Road and Armrick Avenue for $9.5 million late last year and is now seeking approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/99-101-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">42-storey tower with 81 apartments</a>.

<img alt="First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fea2946d-90ee-4cfc-babe-2a8ad5db2cb6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers.png?VersionId=BV0fihJw31nDIQ8ozY_h3GbS8mxDyhnm" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/contreras-earl-architecture">Contreras Earl Architecture</a>, the proposed tower at 99-101 Old Burleigh Road would deliver a predominantly larger-format apartment mix aimed at the owner-occupier market. Plans include 17 two-bedroom apartments, 55 three-bedroom apartments, and nine four-bedroom residences across 35 residential levels.

The development also incorporates three basement levels, four podium parking levels, two levels of communal recreation facilities, and rooftop plant and equipment. A total of 189 car spaces are proposed, significantly exceeding the 90 spaces required under the planning scheme.

The architecture adopts a sculpted, curvilinear form, with deep wraparound balconies and integrated landscaping intended to soften the tower’s vertical expression. The planning report states the building’s “slender footprint/form provides a complimentary yet varied built form within the local streetscape” and contributes to “a varied, yet ordered skyline.”

Contreras Earl noted in its Architectural Statement that from the early stages, the project addressed a fundamental challenge: how to accommodate the required residential yield while avoiding the conventional model of a tower sitting on a rigid, fully resolved parking podium.

“The most direct response would have been to consolidate parking into a singular, flat podium and extrude a repetitive tower above,” the statement said. “While efficient, this approach would result in a consolidated built form with limited engagement with the surrounding landscape and public realm.”

Instead, the conventional podium model was “deliberately rejected”. The architects described the base of the building as “a landscaped architectural condition where structure, planting and circulation are integrated”.

“Rather than presenting a continuous built mass, the base of the building is articulated through a series of concrete planter elements that organise the podium into a fragmented system,” the statement said. “This approach reduces the perceived bulk of the lower levels while establishing a more permeable interface with the streetscape and adjacent open space.”

<img alt="Sunland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="923fad8d-c960-4527-8fbe-975cf1ddf88d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%2010.32.03%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=pngwb0hYOIUpq9vDw6F2EsOiVuHF3DiX" />

&nbsp;

The site sits within the High Density Residential Zone and inside the City of Gold Coast’s unrestricted “HX” building height area, where the planning framework anticipates intensified residential development tied to the expanding light rail corridor. The planning report notes the area is undergoing “transition toward more intense development forms” given its proximity to Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, and high-frequency public transport infrastructure.

Positioned directly opposite Broadbeach Park and within walking distance of Florida Gardens light rail station, the development would sit among a rapidly evolving stretch of Old Burleigh Road that has become one of the Gold Coast’s most active apartment development corridors.

The application joins a growing pipeline of luxury residential projects reshaping Broadbeach, including nearby developments by 5Point Projects, Polycell, and Graya.

The planning report argues the project contributes toward the Gold Coast’s long-term housing targets under the South East Queensland Regional Plan, which forecasts the need for more than 100,000 additional high-rise dwellings across the city by 2046.

<section data-scroll-anchor="false" data-testid="conversation-turn-4" data-turn="assistant" data-turn-id="request-WEB:84a2af5e-d7cf-4ddf-922a-f4d44d6c6caa-1" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:84a2af5e-d7cf-4ddf-922a-f4d44d6c6caa-1" dir="auto">
The Abedian family departed Sunland Group in late 2023, ending a four-decade association with the company, and subsequently established the private development firm Abedian &amp; Co. The group is currently delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/greenmount-residences-cnr-hill-street-and-marine-parade-coolangatta-qld-4225">Greenmount Residences</a> at Rainbow Bay and recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/18-mary-avenue-14-18-mary-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218">18 Mary Avenue</a> in Broadbeach.
</section>

Joel Robinson

First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach new apartment market with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans

The Minns Labor Government has established the new Bays West Delivery Authority to lead the development&nbsp;of the Bays West Precinct and Blackwattle Bay Precinct.&nbsp;

The Authority is charged with creating Sydney’s newest precinct, a thriving, connected, sustainable hub with White Bay Power Station as its cultural heart. Its vision is to build on the area’s natural, cultural and industrial history to shape a vibrant new neighbourhood.

The precinct will deliver up to 8,500 well-located homes, including a minimum of 10 per cent affordable and essential worker homes. Combine new housing with public open space, opening public access to the waterfront for the first time in more than 100 years, while retaining important deep-water facilities to support Sydney’s working harbour.

Located just minutes from the Sydney CBD and connected to a world-class metro, ferry, walking and cycling links, the Bays West precinct will rebalance housing growth towards well-serviced inner-city locations and help tackle the state’s housing crisis.

The Bays West Delivery Authority,&nbsp;an agency of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, will report to the NSW Minister for Lands and Property who already has oversight of major precinct renewal projects including at Blackwattle Bay and Barangaroo.

As part of the broader Bays West transformation, the Minns Government recently announced that a proposal from Lendlease to redevelop part of the Bays West Precinct has progressed to Stage 2 of the NSW Government’s unsolicited proposals process.

<img alt="Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2ed71eb9-d8e8-4fa7-b9d1-de4531dcf2f3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%209.42.31%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=IDryFIbped9SNDg72LEN_EecvhUsOPvp" />

The Minns Labor Government has also confirmed the Bays West precinct will have a new suburb name. This will be the first major suburb built in close proximity to Sydney’s CBD in decades and will encompass the area currently being referred to as Bays West, including Glebe Island and the White Bay Power Station. Served by a new Metro station just five minutes from the CBD, it will become one of the most populous suburbs in the Inner West and one of Sydney’s premier cultural destinations.

An early works program is taking shape, which&nbsp;includes the first stages of an international design competition.&nbsp;

The aim of the Bays West&nbsp;International&nbsp;Design Competition is to&nbsp;ensure design excellence is embedded in the project from the start. The competition will deliver an&nbsp;urban framework that defines the character, ambition and long-term identity of&nbsp;this&nbsp;former industrial precinct as it transitions to a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable residential&nbsp;neighbourhood.

The competition will be led by the Bays West Delivery Authority in partnership with Government Architect NSW.&nbsp;

It will launch with an invitation for a global Expressions of Interest, before moving to an invitation-only stage that will be assessed by a panel that&nbsp;will provide advice to Cabinet who will select a winner.

Premier of NSW, Chris Minns said the establishment of the new Authority is the first step in transforming the Bays West precinct into a vibrant, livable suburb minutes from the Sydney CBD and two stops from Hunter St Station on the Metro West line.

“The Authority will deliver well-located homes close to the heart of the city and integrate the new precinct with Blackwattle Bay and the new Sydney Fish Market.

“This is a generational opportunity to build a new suburb on the city’s edge and open the harbour foreshore to the public for the first time in a century.”&nbsp;

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said the new Bays West Delivery Authority established by the Minns Government will turbocharge the development of Sydney’s newest suburb.

“The Authority is working at a record pace to deliver an international design competition, planning pathways and a financial model so that this development benefits Sydney with well-designed homes in a central location, close to public transport, jobs, entertainment and essential services.

“If we want Sydney to stay liveable and affordable, we need to be bold about using underutilised government-owned land to deliver homes for the future while making sure essential working harbour functions can be accommodated.”

Bays West Delivery Authority established to "turbocharge" Sydney’s newest suburb

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

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

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

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

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

Max Kwok

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