DCF Property Group has appointed Valeo Construction Group as the builder for its New Johnston apartment development in Abbotsford.&nbsp;

<a href="/new-apartments/new-johnston-abbotsford-400-johnston-street-abbotsford-vic-3067">New Johnston</a> marks the first apartment development launched in <a href="/developments/abbotsford-vic-3067">Abbotsford</a> in four years.

The development, situated at 398-400 Johnston Street near Victoria Park Station and Victoria Park, comprises 46 one, two, and three-bedroom apartments across nine levels. New Johnston will also include ground-level retail spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110322 project_image_fid=259888]

New Johnston's streetscape reflects Abbotsford's industrial heritage through the use of concrete, red brickwork, metal detailing, and balustrading.

"New Johnston is contextual to its physical surroundings - the trees, the parks as well as the area's renowned architectural heritage," Calvin Huang, CEO of <a href="/developers/dcf-property">DCF Property Group</a>, said.

The northern façade, with its depth and stepped design, provides natural light to the interiors and offers sweeping views of Victoria Park.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110322 project_image_fid=259890]

Andrew Zunica, Principal of Zunica Design, said the intention for New Johnson was to create a connected series of tranquil spaces through the repeated use of natural materials.

"Warm timbers envelop the apartments, stone wraps into service areas, and brass details punctuate in delicate proportions," Zunica said.

"The connection to exterior views and natural light is ever present, creating a sense of constant calm and refuge throughout the day."

Returning home to New Johnston, the cascading greenery and avenue of mature trees adorning a covered laneway separates the hospitality, office, and retail spaces on the lower levels from the residential apartments above. This walkway also guides residents to the basement car parking, bicycle parks, and a central courtyard garden.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110322 project_image_fid=259900]

The 46 apartments will feature open floor plans, private balconies, and dual-aspect views, with interiors showcasing high-quality fixtures, warm natural timbers, concrete, and modern finishes.

At the heart of each apartment lies a kitchen boasting white terrazzo-style stone benchtops, engineered timber floorboards, and stone and mirror finishes, complete with premium Westinghouse appliances and innovative storage solutions.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110322 project_image_fid=259898]

With a WalkScore of 90, New Johnston's location offers residents easy access to a range of amenities, including the Yarra River, Victoria Park, and prestigious schools.

<a href="/builders/valeo-construction">Valeo Construction Group</a>&nbsp;is forecasting New Johnston will be complete in late 2025. Jellis Craig Projects Director Stephen Bowtell is marketing New Johnston.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=110322]

Valeo Construction Group is forecasting New Johnston will be complete in late 2025

mikah.m@urban.com.au

Valeo Construction to build New Johnston, Abbotsford new apartments

Brisbane's affluent suburb of Kangaroo Point is going through a development boom.

The riverside suburb immediately south of the Story Bridge is having its time in the sun, with several developers creating varying levels of density in the area.

The latest application is for a 22-level building at 51 Darragh Street which will home 65 apartments. Like most apartments being offered in <a href="/new-apartments/kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Kangaroo Point</a>, they are targeted at the owner-occupier. There are 58 three-bedroom apartments proposed and seven four-beds.

The apartment sizes on offer will be generous. Internally, the three-bedders start from 129 sqm, with a further 26 sqm balcony. The largest apartments span 239 sqm internally and have balconies as large as 67 sqm.

<img alt="f" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="39777a2d-68df-421e-9677-d4470871d22c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-08-09%20at%2011.57.22%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=rZj7lYT0JaN6obYhrn3ExL8vhlr4a9DB" />

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Each apartment is designed by <a href="/architects/peddle-thorp-architects">Peddle Thorp Architects</a> to offer significant river and city views, with a large, north-facing balcony providing ample outdoor living space, good shading in warmer months, and excellent solar access in winter.

Occupying a 1272 sqm site, the development dedicates over 73 per cent of its area to recreation and landscape spaces.&nbsp;

Ground level facilities include two tennis courts (one covered), a 25-metre lap pool, and shady lawns surrounded by deep planting areas and the retention of established hedges on the eastern and southern frontages.&nbsp;

These amenities are intended for both the development's residents and those living in the Dockside precinct.

A public through-site link will be provided via a stair and lift to access the tennis court and gym and a pergola designed to block views to the dock from the adjacent building.

<img alt="Kangaroo Point 22-storey apartment development" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0b90a67b-dbc2-43b2-be76-04d4d189092f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Darragh%20St%20podium.png?VersionId=aTdnZpbXvJnYtDTc_4EXA2weJ3rSul1n" />

There is also a small public coffee shop with external seating and a poolside bar table area enhancing the streetscape.

The rooftop offers another 600 sqm of recreation space. That includes a large swimming pool, covered lounge areas, a 'sunset lounge' with city views, a covered BBQ area with river views, a sunny play lawn, and an exercise area with an outdoor exercise lawn.&nbsp;

<img alt="g" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6d33d0a6-d27e-415a-97bc-9897119706ba" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-08-09%20at%2011.56.56%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=1.ujN0tTYuK5bFoV0qLup22viVQ629ip" />

Kangaroo Point has been a hive of activity in the last 12 months.

<a href="/news/qld/pikos-property-group-changes-to-kangaroo-point-maroochydore-employment-hub-of-the-sunshine-coast">Pikos Group</a> relaunched Skye Residences, 69 luxury apartments across two buildings connected by a sky bridge on the corner of River Terrace and Main Street.

Pikos is also soon to launch <a href="/new-apartments/gaia-kangaroo-point-108-lambert-street-kangaroo-point">Gaia</a>, a further 215 apartments across three 15-level buildings at 108 Lambert Street. The development will also create a full acre of inner-city parklands.

More boutique developments have seen huge success recently. <a href="/new-apartments/sorano-house-kangaroo-point-12-hamilton-street-kangaroo-point">Sorano House</a>, on the dress circle Hamilton Street, recently <a href="/news/qld/sorano-house-kangaroo-point-penthouse-breaks-brisbane-record">smashed the price per square metre record</a> for Brisbane.

Each apartment is designed by Peddle Thorp Architects to offer significant river and city views

First look: Kangaroo Point apartment boom continues with new 22-level tower plans

Hampton's Service Street offers everything that attracts home owners to Melbourne's Bayside.

The tree-lined street sits in a quiet pocket of Hampton, connected to the heart of Hampton where there's the station, shops, and most importantly, the beach.&nbsp;

There's been no new apartment developments on Service Street in decades. Local developer <a href="/developers/noetic-places">Noetic Places</a> identified the 860 metre street as where they wanted to craft something similar to Reunion Place which they developed on the nearby Linacre Road.

Noetic Places, led by Stephen Barrow Yu, worked diligently with local community groups and council to produce something the neighbourhood could be proud of, and something that would have a positive impact on the area.

The recently launched apartment development, Noetic Place, has been designed by <a href="/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>&nbsp;to feature a stepped facade that is designed to offer privacy from neighbouring properties while blending seamlessly with the street's layout.&nbsp;

Noetic Place is located on a 3,662 sqm site toward the western end of Service Street, just 400 metres to the intersection of Service Street and Hampton Street which serves the focal point of the suburb.

In the heart of <a href="/developments/hampton-vic-3188">Hampton</a>, Noetic Place is an eight-minute walk to Hampton Station, where from there is a 20-minute train into the Melbourne CBD.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134934 project_image_fid=277893]

Hampton's picturesque coastline, with its sandy beaches and cliff-top lookouts, offers year-round enjoyment for swimmers, walkers, and nature enthusiasts.

Hampton Street serves as the bustling heart of the neighbourhood, featuring an array of specialty stores and eateries. Residents can enjoy fresh produce from the local grocer, baker, gourmet delicatessen, juice bar, and fruit market, all just moments from home.

The retail strip of Hampton Street is also home to a diverse selection of boutiques and amenities. From local designer goods and homewares to antique stores and lifestyle activities such as yoga and day spas, Hampton Street caters to a wide range of interests and needs. This vibrant hub is a short walk from Noetic Place, making it a convenient destination for daily essentials and leisurely pursuits.

Families will find several reputable education options within proximity to Noetic Place. Schools such as Hampton Primary School, Sandringham Primary School, St. Mary's School, Sacred Heart School, and St. Leonard's College are all within 800 metres of Hampton Street, providing a variety of choices for quality education.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134934 project_image_fid=277880]

Noetic Place itself comprises 33 large-scale two and three-bedroom apartments spread across three levels.

The development also prioritises green spaces, with local landscape architect <a href="/landscape-architect/eckersley-garden-architecture">Eckersley</a> retaining established trees on-site and introducing curated pockets of local and native flora.&nbsp;

Construction by&nbsp;<a href="/builders/vcon-builders">VCON Builders</a> on Noetic Place is set to commence later this year, with completion staged for 2025.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134934]

The peaceful heart of Hampton: Around the tree-lined location of Noetic Place

Deicorp has launched its first apartment project in Rhodes, as the prominent developer continues to expand its footprint Sydney-wide.

The new development, <a href="/new-apartments/marquet-mary-rhodes-1-9-marquet-street-rhodes-nsw-2138">Marquet &amp; Mary</a>, will bring 212 apartments to the heart of <a href="/developments/rhodes-nsw-2138">Rhodes</a>, directly connected to Rhodes Central shopping centre and within walking distance of Rhodes Train Station.

Named after its positioning on the corner of Marquet and Mary streets, the 32-level tower has been designed by&nbsp;<a href="/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>&nbsp;following a design excellence competition.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141515 project_image_fid=287869]

There are one, two and three-bedroom apartments on offer, each with views of either east back to the Sydney skyline, or west to the Blue Mountains.

True to Deicorp's vision of not only creating a tower but instead creating a community, the apartments will sit above a four-level podium that will include commercial and retail space. Residents will also have access to a rooftop terrace and garden, as well as another courtyard garden.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141515 project_image_fid=287859]

Deicorp’s Chairman, Fouad Deiri OAM, said the landmark building will bring much-needed new homes to the heart of Rhodes.

“Designed by one of Australia’s leading design practices, FK, Marquet &amp; Mary delivers on Deicorp’s business values of strong design and high-quality amenity,” Deiri said.

FK Partner Craig Baudin said Canada Bay City Council's swift approval of the development application underscores the recognition that this project goes beyond simply providing much-needed housing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141515 project_image_fid=287867]

The design by Fender Katsalidis was selected by the City of Canada Bay Council Design Jury for its elegant internal apartment planning, tripartite vertical rhythm of the facade, and human-scaled design of the podium.

The central courtyard will provide light and natural ventilation, while a new public plaza at the southern entrance and a landscaped laneway with active retail use on the ground level aim to connect the greater Rhodes area.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=141515]

Deicorp launch latest Sydney apartment development, Marquet & Mary in Rhodes

Integrated builder, architect and developer TQM is planning more apartments in Sydney's burgeoning southern suburbs.

They've sought to develop a 12-level building at 41-51 Duncan Street, Arncliffe, in between <a href="/developments/arncliffe-nsw-2205">Arncliffe</a> Station and Kogarah Golf Club. It will have 94 one, two and three-bedroom apartments. It will sit next to their recently completed development, <a href="/buildings/ventura-residences-arncliffe-2-kyle-street-arncliffe">Ventura Residences</a>.

There had been previous approval from Bayside Council for 60 apartments across a seven-level building before the upscale plans were recently submitted for the&nbsp;3,070 sqm site on the corner of Duncan Street and Kyle Street.

<img alt="Duncan St Arncliffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="39ae54f7-11bc-4c06-9d90-d3136c41ce8b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-08-06%20at%209.05.13%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=S68t.DO7qRRtInHx9Kzqg6rz9d1n3rjJ" />

The $32 million project aims to address the demand for affordable housing, targeting very low to moderate-income households and providing adaptable living options for people with disabilities.&nbsp;

The development will offer 11 one-bedroom, 69 two-bedroom, and 14 three-bedroom apartments atop a three-level basement for 92 residential parking spaces, 19 visitor parking spaces, eight motorcycle spaces, and 114 bicycle spaces.

The Duncan Street development was designed by <a href="/architects/design-workshop-australia">Design Workshop Australia</a> to maximise solar access and minimise overshadowing, with units primarily facing north.&nbsp; The building layout also ensures adequate separation between structures for ventilation, daylight, and outlook.

The project will also include 1,161 sqm of communal open space and landscaping that will feature indigenous plants to integrate with the natural environment.

<a href="/developers/tqm-group">TQM</a>, founded in 1999 by Maroun Taouk, has an extensive pipeline of apartments, predominantly in South Sydney, but as far south as Wollongong and as far north as Gosford.

They're currently selling <a href="/new-apartments/fox-lane-rockdale-499-princes-highway-rockdale">Fox Lane in Rockdale</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/lotus-residence-hurstville-105-forest-road-hurstville">Lotus Hurstville</a>, and <a href="/new-apartments/the-grand-gosford-27-37-mann-street-gosford">The Grand Gosford</a>.

TQM file for more Arncliffe apartments

The City of Gold Coast has approved the development application for the Sunlight Lifestyle Precinct, a new mixed-use development at the Gold Coast Turf Club.&nbsp;

The $370 million project, a collaboration between the Gold Coast Turf Club and Tony Fung's Aquis Australia, aims to transform the area into a dynamic precinct that complements the Turf Club and nearby Home of the Arts (HOTA).

The approval includes a preliminary approval with a variation request, ensuring the redevelopment occurs in an orderly fashion similar to a master plan.

The Sunlight Lifestyle Precinct project will span over seven years and encompass a range of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.

<img alt="Inside the Gold Coast Turf Club's $370 million redevelopment plans" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_900,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202023-05-08%20at%203.16.57%20pm.png?VersionId=l4N49Il8QVpGQBe5YTwYpH8QhMTHL5vr" />

The development will cover two hectares and feature eight buildings centred around a lively laneway.

Three high-rise towers will house most of the 582 apartments and 63 short-term accommodation suites.

Tower A and Tower B will also house the rooftop amenities like a swimming pool, outdoor dining area, sauna, spa, and an indoor function room.&nbsp;

Tower C, the tallest at 19 levels, will feature a two-level day club with a central pool, cabanas, day beds, pavilions, restaurant dining, bar space, a VIP lounge, and additional function space with a prep kitchen.

The remaining residential buildings will be low-rise, located away from the track, featuring ground-floor amenities along a sub-tropical boulevard.&nbsp;

<img alt="Inside the Gold Coast Turf Club's $370 million redevelopment plans" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-05-08%20at%2011.54.19%20am.png?VersionId=S3NzLkGGmRLC8PuTB63OOCEvhq6qEiLl" />

<a href="/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a>, the project’s designers, prioritised public spaces and emphasised the integration of indoor and outdoor spaces.

The boulevard, the main pedestrian and vehicular linkage, will be flanked with landscaping and public amenities, intended for flexible use, including street festivals and weekend markets.

The development will include two on-grade car parks and a basement car park, supporting the various buildings within the precinct.

The project also incorporates a multi-level rooftop hotel and function facility overlooking the racetrack.

The Sunlight Lifestyle Precinct is expected to significantly enhance the Gold Coast Turf Club, contributing to the area’s economy and creating a unique lifestyle and tourism destination that celebrates the sub-tropical climate and lifestyle of the Gold Coast.

The Sunlight Lifestyle Precinct project will span over seven years and encompass a range of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces

Gold Coast Turf Club redevelopment given the all-clear

Housing affordability is always the hottest topic of conversation in the Sydney real estate market.

Recent research highlights the increasing difficulty for first home buyers to enter the Sydney property market, with projections indicating that housing will remain unaffordable until at least the 2030s.&nbsp;

The study by Dr Mustapha Bangura from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and UNSW Sydney Professor Chyi Lin Lee found that neither median part-time nor full-time incomes are sufficient to purchase property anywhere in Greater Sydney without additional financial support.

Developer <a href="/developers/australia-ymci-pty-ltd">Australia YMCI</a>&nbsp;(AYMCI) is offering affordable apartments, under the threshold for full stamp duty concessions, at its Sydney Olympic Park development, <a href="/buildings/ruby-apartments-lidcombe-1-kingfisher-street-lidcombe">Ruby Apartments</a>.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143641 project_image_fid=274364]

A handful of the final apartments left in the completed development are under $800,000, which means first home buyers pay no stamp duty through the NSW Government First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme.

“We are committed to providing affordable apartments and projects designed to integrate convenience and luxury, offering residents unparalleled access to transportation options and community amenities,” said Australia YMCI Director Jason Tan.

"We understand the challenges many first-home buyers face in today’s market. Our goal is to provide affordable and quality housing options that do not compromise on luxury or convenience."

&nbsp;

The two-bedroom apartments under $800,000 each have two bathrooms, one an ensuite with a deep bath tub, an integrated study nook that can comfortably fit a sofa bed, and a parking space.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143641 project_image_fid=283189]

Located near Accor Stadium and Qudos Bank Arena, Ruby Apartments also benefit from proximity to a vibrant hospitality strip and future developments around Olympic Station, which is set for a $585 million investment.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="/news/nsw/new-nsw-gov-stimulus-draws-buyers-to-sapphire-apartments-in-sydney-olympic-park">New NSW Gov stimulus draws buyers to Sapphire Apartments in Sydney Olympic Park</a>

Sydney Olympic Park features numerous parks and green spaces, creating a diverse and expansive environment for recreation and leisure. Notable parks within the area include Bicentennial Park, Blaxland Riverside Park, Wentworth Common, and the Badu Mangroves.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143641 project_image_fid=289363]

The broader Sydney Olympic Park area contains various smaller parks, wetlands, and conservation zones, all contributing to its rich biodiversity and outdoor activities.

The future is also bright for Sydney Olympic Park. The NSW Government has put together a 2030 Master Plan that will revitalize the area with a&nbsp;new town centre, educational facilities, shopping precinct, new homes, more jobs, increased open space, increased community facilities and facilitation of a new Metro station.

There are also plans being drawn up for Master Plan 2050, given the population of Sydney Olympic Park is expected to jump from 3,700 to nearly 30,000.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=143641]

$0 stamp duty incentive drawing first home buyers to Ruby Apartments in Sydney Olympic Park

New apartment owners are increasingly seeking developments that connect to nature due to a growing awareness of the benefits of green living.

As urbanization accelerates, the need for natural spaces within residential areas becomes more pronounced.

Proximity to nature is known to enhance well-being by reducing stress, improving mental health, and fostering physical activity. Natural elements in residential developments, such as parks, green roofs, and landscaped gardens, create a serene environment that contrasts sharply with the often hectic pace of city life.

Part of the trend toward nature in new apartment developments is a rising desire for&nbsp;sustainable living, driven by environmental concerns. Developments that integrate nature often employ eco-friendly practices, such as energy-efficient designs and sustainable materials, appealing to environmentally conscious buyers. These spaces not only offer a healthier lifestyle but also contribute to lower carbon footprints.

Natural surroundings can also enhance the aesthetic appeal and overall value of a property. Buyers are increasingly looking for homes that provide a harmonious balance between modern conveniences and natural beauty, reflecting a broader shift towards lifestyles that prioritize well-being and environmental stewardship. This trend underscores a collective recognition of the importance of integrating nature into everyday living spaces.

In a city where land is at a premium, it's difficult for developers in Sydney to put together a large enough development site to incorporate a significant amount of nature.

We've wrapped up the most nature-fuelled new apartment developments on the market in Sydney right now.

<h2>Project: The Newlands, St Leonards</h2>

<h3>Location: 21-41 Canberra Avenue, St Leonards NSW 2065</h3>

<h3>Developer: Top Spring Australia</h3>

Following its initial launch to the market in late 2022, Sydney developer <a href="/developers/top-spring-australia">Top Spring Australia</a>'s parkside masterplan,&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/the-newlands-st-leonards-21-41-canberra-avenue-st-leonards">The Newlands</a>, has been one of the most sought-after developments in the St Leonards South precinct.

Designed by <a href="/architects/bates-smart">Bates Smart</a> and landscaped by <a href="/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia Landscape Architecture</a>, The Newlands emphasises a pedestrian-oriented precinct with a focus on the natural landscape of Newlands Park.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24509 project_image_fid=257584]

Quietly set off Canberra Avenue, just minutes from the <a href="/developments/st-leonards-nsw-2065">St Leonards</a> activity centre and the train station but with the peace and privacy that living opposite a park brings.

“The Newlands is a breath of fresh air for purchasers looking for lower density, leafy spaces, and a more suburban neighbourhood," Colliers Project Director, Daniel McMahon, said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24509 project_image_fid=234815]

The Newlands will be home to 319 apartments across five low and mid-rise buildings. 90 per cent of apartments and terrace homes at The Newlands will have green landscape views and some offer absolute park frontage to the soon-to-be expanded Newlands Park, and all the buildings are connected by a 5,700 sqm communal green spine with boardwalks.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24509 project_image_fid=263845]

Bordered by parkland on three sides, the community provides unrivalled resident facilities including rooftop dining and entertaining spaces, pool, gym, communal electric vehicles and e-bikes for hire, refrigerated parcel lockers for grocery deliveries, and a digital concierge to connect services such as cleaners, personal trainers, and dog walkers.

The Newlands is under construction with 4.5-star iCIRT-rated builder <a href="/builders/dasco-australia">DASCO</a>, and the first stage is due for completion in late 2025.

<h2>Project: The Orchards | Veue Parkside</h2>

<h3>Location: 15-19 Spurway Drive, Norwest NSW 2153</h3>

<h3>Developer: Sekisui House Australia</h3>

<a href="/developers/sekisui-house-australia">Sekisui House</a> Australia has committed to nature in its $1 billion Norwest masterplan, The Orchards.

Veue, stage four of the $1 billion masterplanned community, comprises 583 apartments, nearly half of the total apartments that will make up the 8.1-hectare The Orchards.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145924 project_image_fid=287363]

Sekisui's most recent stage, <a href="/new-apartments/the-orchards-veue-parkside-norwest-15-19-spurway-drive-norwest-nsw-2153">Veue Parkside</a>, is the most nature-focussed release to date.

Designed by <a href="/architects/crone-architects">Crone Architects</a>, every element of the parkside homes - from the architectural vision to the selection of material - has been carefully curated to reflect and celebrate the ever-changing beauty of nature.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145924 project_image_fid=287380]

<a href="/developers/sekisui-house-australia">Sekisui House Australia</a>&nbsp;sales manager David Lee says Veue Parkside’s direct connection to nature via a vertical green building spine supported by splendid northerly views overlooking&nbsp;<a href="/developments/castle-hill-nsw-2154">Castle Hill</a>&nbsp;Country Club and panoramic aspects across to the Blue Mountains from the west will capture the interest of perceptive buyers.

On its launch, <a href="/news/nsw/sekisui-house-australia-secure-over-85-million-in-apartment-sales-at-veue-parkside-the-orchards-community-in-norwest">over half of the apartments</a> in Veue Parkside sold.&nbsp;Over 60 per cent of sales were secured by&nbsp;Hills Shire residents and the remainder from across Sydney including Vaucluse, Bondi Junction and Maroubra

<h2>Project: Willoughby Grounds</h2>

<h3>Location: 5 Walter Street, Willoughby NSW 2068</h3>

<h3>Developer: First Quadrant Properties</h3>

<a href="/new-apartments/willoughby-grounds-5-walter-street-willoughby">Willoughby Grounds</a> puts you in the heart of everything great about the warm, green suburb of <a href="/developments/willoughby-nsw-2068">Willoughby</a>.

The development sits in one of the most beautiful pockets of Sydney – a diverse natural landscape of native bushland, the Lane Cove River and the Middle Harbour estuary.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135512 project_image_fid=251210]

“Willoughby Grounds is really the best of both worlds – it’s that feeling of being part of a secluded, tucked-away private sanctuary with easy access to the wider amenities of Sydney," Adam Reeves of <a href="/developers/first-quadrant-properties">First Quadrant Properties</a> said.

There will be around 160 apartments spread across the five buildings in Willoughby Grounds, with around 30 to 35 units in each building.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135512 project_image_fid=251214]

The design brief was to allow the multi-layered architecture and flourishing natural landscape to work in unison to create a sense of serenity and connection to the place.

The communal rooftop, overlooking district views, also reflects its rich natural surroundings, with a garden featuring sculpted stone furniture and blooming plants in large planters.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135512 project_image_fid=251221]

First Quadrant has the iCIRT-rated builder DASCO currently constructing the project. The first apartments will be ready later this year, and the rest by mid-2025.&nbsp;

In a city where land is at a premium, it's difficult for developers in Sydney to put together a large enough development site to incorporate a significant amount of nature

Sydney's most nature-fuelled new apartment developments

Four and five-bedroom penthouses are hard to come by in Brisbane's West End, which makes Sekisui House Australia's final release in its latest stage of its $1.2 billion West Village precinct, all the more unique.

The Opulent Release, part of the two-tower Allere Collection that is over 95 per cent sold, presents a rare opportunity for those looking for a city bolthole within a thriving lifestyle precinct, where everything is at their doorstep.

The apartments start at a generous 185 sqm and have been cleverly designed by regarded architecture firm&nbsp;<a href="/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>&nbsp;so all of the rooms take in sweeping views across Brisbane.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114215 project_image_fid=257538]

Premium quality finishes and fixtures feature throughout, but are no more evident than in the kitchen where there's premium marble benchtops, a five-burner gas cooktop, an electric oven, an integrated dishwasher, and a recirculating range hood.&nbsp;

The open kitchen flows into the dining and living areas, extending to a 41 sqm balcony suitable for alfresco entertaining.&nbsp;

A second, more private living area in between the bedrooms is available for intimate family gatherings.

Soundproofing material has been used in the windows and doors, and ducted and zoned air conditioning can be controlled via mobile for year-round comfort.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114215 project_image_fid=257539]

Residents of the Opulent Release will have access to amenities across both rooftops, with UNO featuring a private regeneration zone with city views, an infinity edge pool, an off-leash green space, Paw Pavilion, and a dog wash bay.&nbsp;

DUO offers a pool and spa surrounded by palm trees, outdoor lounges, and dining spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114215 project_image_fid=207148]

The development includes onsite property management by LivKey, year-round community and resident events, and two electric vehicles for exclusive use by all residents of&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/the-allere-collection-west-village-mollison-street-west-end">The Allere Collection</a>.

West Village is situated on Boundary Street, just 800 metres from the Brisbane CBD. It boasts a walk score of 99/100, with transportation, retail, dining, and health and wellness services in close proximity.

The broader 2.6-hectare West Village precinct also includes the heritage-listed former Peters Ice Cream Factories, highlighting the area's industrial heritage.&nbsp;

Upon completion, the <a href="/developments/west-end-qld-4101">West End</a>&nbsp;precinct will feature 1,200 residences, 20,000 sqm of commercial space, an 18,000 sqm retail precinct, and one hectare of open parklands and heritage laneways.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=114215]

Rare four and five-bedroom penthouses offered in West End's West Village precinct

Winter did not hinder apartment sales in Sydney’s Norwest at the weekend with Sekisui House Australia securing over $85 million in sales within a few hours of the new apartment release at its masterplanned community in Norwest.

Over 150 people registered to attend the launch to secure a nature-inspired apartment in the exclusive new release,&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/the-orchards-veue-parkside-norwest-15-19-spurway-drive-norwest-nsw-2153">Veue Parkside</a>.

More than 80 sales came on the day, the majority being for the two-bedroom units. There were also two four-bed penthouses sold, as well as two of the three-bedroom townhome-style apartments.

Sales ranged between $690,000 for a one-bedroom apartment up to $3.3 million for a four-bed penthouse with over 200 sqm of internal space. The latter was sold to a Hills Shire downsizer and equalled the record for the most expensive apartment purchase in the project.&nbsp;

Veue Parkside features 156 modern apartments distributed across two buildings, each standing nine and 14 levels tall.

Veue, the fourth stage of The Orchards, comprises 577 light-filled apartments,&nbsp;nearly half of the total apartments that will make up the 8.1-hectare masterplan.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145924 project_image_fid=287366]

Sales Manager David Lee said buyers came in large numbers to secure a carefully curated apartment in Veue Parkside, which he called "an architectural masterpiece."

"Downsizers seeking an oversized parkside home with large living spaces as well as owner-occupiers and young professionals looking for an additional ‘work from home’ space represented the largest cohort of purchasers," Lee said.

“Oversized apartments presenting a two-storey living, most of which are now sold, properties enjoying a northerly aspect overlooking the prestigious Castle Hill Country club and two-bed max’s were the first to sell.”

Over 60 per cent of sales were secured by&nbsp;Hills Shire residents and the remainder from across Sydney including Vaucluse, Bondi Junction and Maroubra.

"To achieve another $3.3 million penthouse sale in the latest stage demonstrates renewed strength in the market for high-quality, well-located apartments,” Lee added.

“Sekisui House Australia’s highly regarded reputation for building quality homes continues to attract perceptive home buyers in The Orchards as well as its focus on working within the natural environment to create homes that last across generations, surrounded by green spaces, recreational parks and stunning landscaping.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145924 project_image_fid=287377]

Veue Parkside’s design vision by <a href="/architects/crone-architects">Crone Architects</a> defers to The Orchards’ natural surrounds with residences maximising connection to the landscape and nature.

Modern facilities encompassing a wellness centre with an indoor swimming pool, gymnasium and communal function centre that links directly to the landscaped garden will form part of Veue Parkside’s eye-catching piece of architecture.

Veue Parkside residents can entertain up to 100 guests within the communal function centre that opens up to landscaped parklands. A concierge service is also available in the adjacent Building A, servicing the needs of all residents at The Orchards.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145924 project_image_fid=287378]

The masterplan, designed by Turner is spread across five stages. When completed, the community will comprise 1,300 generously proportioned apartments located approximately 31 kilometres north-west of Sydney’s CBD in <a href="/developments/norwest-nsw-2153">Norwest</a>.&nbsp;

Veue Parkside is located at 15–19 Spurway Drive, Norwest. Construction has started and the first residents are expected to move in in mid-2026.

Close to 650 apartments have already been sold in The Orchards.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145924]

Over 60 per cent of sales were secured by Hills Shire residents and the remainder from across Sydney including Vaucluse, Bondi Junction and Maroubra

Sekisui House Australia secure over $85 million in apartment sales at Veue Parkside, The Orchards community in Norwest

<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.

Mikah

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