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Strong demand is being seen for riverside land in Brisbane’s south-western suburbs.
Unison Projects’ Arbour Reach residential subdivision on the Brisbane River at Sherwood and Metro Property Development’s Riverside Corinda project have enjoyed strong sales success, say selling agents Cameron Crouch and Sharon King of Ray White Sherwood.
Mr Crouch said the two developments had so far enjoyed combined sales of more than $30 million with only four lots remaining at Arbour Reach, while just six blocks are left for sale at Riverside Corinda.
Arbour Reach, a 29-lot project on a 2.5ha estate at 27 Magazine Street, Sherwood, is adjacent to the magnificent Sherwood Arboretum and is within walking distance of railway stations, the bus network, boutique stores, cafes, restaurants, schools and parklands.
“The response to Arbour Reach has been amazing with sales of more than $14 million to date,” Mr Crouch said.
“Given the project offers ready to build on, flat, vacant land in addition to its location and natural attributes, it is no surprise to see strong buyer demand for Arbour Reach.  Pricing of the vacant land on the 10 remaining blocks starts at $640,000 with six (of the 10) fronting the river and available from $995,000.”
Remaining lots at Arbour Reach range from 456 sqm to 1010 sqm. The level homes sites are elevated above the river and have street frontages of 13m to 29m.
Unison Projects’ Shannon Down said Arbour Reach was the first substantial residential project with immediate connection to the river in the area for decades and so the buyer demand was understandable.
Mr Down said despite its proximity to the river, all Arbour Reach lots have been designed above the January 2011 flood level and the site met stringent flood mitigation standards introduced by Brisbane City Council.
Ms King said the Riverside Corinda blocks on the former site of charity Montrose Access at Consort St, Corinda, were way above the Brisbane River and enjoyed spectacular river and city views.
Ten blocks with exclusive river views were sold at an on-site auction last month which attracted more than 200 people.
“Riverside land in Brisbane’s leafy south-western suburbs is in limited supply so it’s no wonder we have had such a strong response to these two projects,” Ms King said.
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Brisbane riverside estates generate sales of more than $30 million

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More than 100 apartments were snapped up within three and a half hours at the recent launch of Parramatta’s Promenade No. 2 development.
A total of 198 apartments made up the first release of the $314 million project located on the Parramatta River.
While the display suite doors didn’t open until 8.30am, eager buyers lined up from 6.30am, ready to snap up a one, two or three-bedroom apartment with prices starting from $518,000.
The apartments released were less than 200 of the 505 units that will make up Promenade No. 2.
CBRE managing director David Milton said the project had seen interest from both owner-occupiers and investors with the former making up 60 per cent of the day’s sales.
“There was a lot of local interest and a lot of interest from the greater Sydney area,” Mr Milton said.
Promenade is being developed by Starryland Australia, a local division of China-based company Fuxing Huiyu Real Estate.
Starryland’s executive director Hao Liu said the company took an interest in Parramatta because of its commercial nature landscape with an aim to transform it into a residential city.
Communal spaces will include 1.2 hectares of landscaped gardens, an artificial beach and water fountain on the banks of the river, a raised landscaped leisure zone with river views, trees with large potted plants and expansive timber decks.
There will also be a multipurpose communal pavilion, barbecue facilities and a retail plaza.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/project-promenade-nsw-parramatta-600005175" target="_blank">Promenade No. 2</a> has an expected completion date of early 2018.
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Starryland's Promenade No. 2 sells over 100 apartments on launch morning‏

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A new property portal listing Australian developments that have approved planning permits for residential, commercial and industrial properties has launched with the support of leading Australian real estate firms and the guidance of property expert Dean Giannarelli.   
Permitready.com.au is the first property tech start-up for 26 year old Nick Materia.
With a background in property and construction as project manager at Neo Construct, Nick identified the space for need for a specialist portal that listed sites with approved permits in Australia.   
Permitready’s aims to capture 50% of the Victorian permit approved market by the end of 2015, with plans to launch in the New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australian in the first quarter of 2016.   
Currently there are nearly 200 permit approved properties listed on Permitready with a combined in excess value of half a billion dollars. 
Properties vary from dual occupancies in Bentleigh to towers in Southbank.   
Agencies to list on permitready include: Savills, Knight Frank, Gross Wardell, Burgess Rawson, Morley Commercial, Axis Property, Crabtrees, ICR Property Group, Cameron Industrial, Hocking Stuart, Hodges, Ray White, Barry Plant, Biggin &amp; Scott, Caine Real Estate, and many more.       
“It’s exciting the interest permitready is receiving from agents, buyers and investors. It’s a next-generation selling and buying tool, which is essential for unique and highly sought after sites,” says Nick.  
Supporting the launch of permitready.com.au on an advisory basis is leading international property group, Southern Capital Corporation. SCC hold a substantial pipeline of domestic and global projects. Nick acknowledges “the vast knowledge and business acumen of SCC’s director, Dean Giannarelli has been instrumental throughout the launch of Permitready."
The expectation for Permitready is for the platform to be used in conjunction with traditional marketing portals and engagement strategies in order to generate the greatest pool of buyers for their properties.  
<a href="https://www.permitready.com.au" target="_blank">Permitready.com.au</a> is based in the Melbourne headquarters of Southern Capital Corporation in Lonsdale Street CBD.  
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New property portal for lucrative development sites  

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Soaring residential property prices in Sydney are driving people across the boarder to take advantage of Queensland's comparatively affordable market.
The trend is tipped to continue, according to an industry leader, Brookfield residential properties general manager, Lee Butterworth, who noted the phenomenon was a usual part of the property market cycle and had occurred several times in the past. 
“When we see Sydney and Melbourne residential prices start to peak there is usually a flow-on effect that positively impacts the Queensland market within the following 18 months,” he said. 
“We are starting to see that now and I believe it will continue to gain momentum throughout 2015.
"What you can get for your dollar in Brisbane is superior in terms of size and location to many markets interstate and buyers see the value that our property represents.”
One such buyer who has bought in Brookfield’s prestigious Portside Wharf development on the Brisbane River at Hamilton is Sydney based, Brisbane bound, Tenille Kelly.
Ms Kelly has packed up her home in Cronulla and moved to Brisbane to avoid "living in a shoe box".
The 35 year old revenue manager has purchased a two bedroom plus study apartment on the second level of Pinnacle at Portside Wharf complete with river views and a car space - something she said she could never have afforded in Sydney. 
"Looking at apartments in Sydney is scary," she said. 
"It came down to pricing and what I could get in Brisbane in terms of apartment size, views, quality finishes and location was far better than anything I could afford in Sydney so it was absolutely worth the move."
"Thanks to the affordability of the market here, I now have plans to purchase an investment property in the precinct in the next 12 months."
Ms Kelly said when she started to investigate the Brisbane market she looked at several areas including West End and Fortitude Valley.
She said the fact that Portside Wharf and the greater Northshore Hamilton urban renewal development had a vision and a master plan played a huge factor in her decision on where to purchase.
"For me, being able to see where the area was headed and what it would look like in 15 to 20 years was really important," she said.
"The future plans include plenty of parks and open space so you know it will retain its feeling of openness and not end up an industrial area."
Portside Wharf is home to 40 retailers and six residential buildings. It is located six kilometres from the CBD and 15 minutes from the domestic and international airports and with easy access to major roads and public transport including the CityCat.
Prices in <a href="https://portsidewharf.com.au/pinnacle/" target="_blank">Portside Wharf's latest stage Pinnacle</a>, which is now more than 75% sold, start from $610,000.
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Property affordabilty lures Sydneysider to Brisbane‏

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A classic five level freestanding retail and accommodation building with frontages to both Spencer and Flinders Streets in the Melbourne CBD is on the market for sale through Clinton Baxter and Nick Peden at Savills.
The landmark CBD corner <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-vic-melbourne-501708313" target="_blank">2-8 Spencer Street</a> is heralded as one of the most recognisable corners in Melbourne.
The building is 100% leased to a range of tenants including Nomads Backpacker Hostel, the backpacker accommodation group that holds the lease until 2018.
The retail tenants include 7-Eleven.
The 1913-built Art Nouveau building, previously known as the Sir Charles Hotham Hotel and the Hotham Private Hotel, last sold for $10.75 million in 2012. 
Property Observer understands the 2012 buyer was associated with private investor Peter Russell's Kurrawong.
The corner block has a land area of 883 square metres with a 20.9 metre frontage to Spencer Street and 40.2 metres to Flinders Street with a $951,517 per annum rental price.
When the hotel was first erected the daily press described as one of the largest in the city, close to what was the shipping trade, Spencer Street Railway Station, Harbour trust offices and Railways Offices.
It includes cellar, ground floor with large public bar, private bar, billiard room, four bar parlours and offices; three storeys and open flat on roof.
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Art nouveau Spencer Street, Melbourne‏ corner offering through Savills

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The strength of the Sydney property market was evident at The Hermitage estate in Gledswood Hills, with the community’s first ever recent auction resulting in a clearance rate of over 85%.
The latest offering at The Hermitage, Hardy’s Rise parkside release, comprises 31 premium land lots, most of which are positioned absolute parkside with district views.
These lots have been in high demand from prospective buyers with over 100 requests for contracts received prior to yesterday’s auction.
A land release of this size has never been auctioned before in Sydney’s south-west, with the result a clear indication of the current demand for prime property, as well as the strong aspirations of buyers wanting to live at The Hermitage.
Sekisui House estate sales and customer relations manager, Craig Barnes said auctioning land lots was not only a first for The Hermitage, but also for Sekisui House.
Hardy’s Rise parkside release offers park frontage and easy access to the future boutique Gledswood Village including grocer, cafes, health care, country club, bistro, sports lounge and restaurants.
“To date we have sold over 800 land lots and more than 300 houses have currently been completed at The Hermitage since the estate was launched in March 2012” said Mr Barnes.
For more information, <a href="https://www.thehermitagesydney.com.au/Land-Releases/Hardy-s-Rise.aspx" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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Strong clearance rate for first release of Sydney's Hardy's Rise

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It was a punt that paid off for the vendors of 10-14 Manton Road Oakleigh in deciding to put the former sheet metal factory to auction, resulting in a sale $50,000 more than the reserve. 
After competitive bidding the hammer fell at $1.1 million to a <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-industrial+warehouse-vic-oakleigh-501644733" target="_blank">Sydney based owner occupier</a>, catching several local developers by surprise. 
Crabtrees selling agent, Gavin Dumas says whilst auction isn’t always commonplace for industrial sites, in a strong market it is often the best method for vendors. 
The site with land area of 1,833 square metres is ripe for redevelopment into strata units or the refurbishment of the current building with an industrial one zoning and vacant possession.
The factory was held by the third generation family. 
In the 1980’s and 90’s it was the headquarters of the Pellicano Group which owns and manages more than 180 properties, in a diverse portfolio ranging from commercial and industrial to retail and residential.
Nearly half of the Group’s workbook comprises four large business parks spread across Melbourne. 
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Sydney buyer outbids local developers at auction for industrial land

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Mirvac has brought forward the release of new golf side land at its Gainsborough Greens community in Pimpama, as demand for home sites in the northern Gold Coast corridor continues to be strong.
The developer has released additional premium golf side home sites in the community's Forrest Green precinct, located alongside the Gainsborough Greens Golf Course and a large park and playground area.
The home sites are priced from $260,000.
Buyers will have access to a resident-only recreation hub with resort-style swimming pool, barbecue area and tennis court.
The new land release complements the latest stage of traditional home sites surrounding the Eco Gully, which is now 80 per cent sold.
Mirvac's development director of masterplanned communities Queensland, Russell Berlee, said the demand for home sites in Gainsborough Greens came from first and second home buyers.
"Purchasers are also recognising the rapid growth underway in the surrounding area, particularly major infrastructure projects like the new Pimpama State Primary College and highway upgrades, along with commercial development that is adding to the community's convenience.
Mr Berlee said Mirvac had introduced a $5,000 low deposit offer, with first home buyers benefiting from the additional $15,000 great start grant from the Government.
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New golf land released at Gainsborough Greens‏

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A substantial block of vacant land within the Coolum Beach industrial estate on the Sunshine Coast has been sold at auction by Ray White Commercial Noosa &amp; Sunshine Coast North. 
The 2,010 sqm site at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-qld-coolum+beach-501541195" target="_blank">72-74 Link Crescent, Coolum Beach</a>, was sold to a local businessman for $296,000.
Ray White Commercial Noosa and Sunshine Coast agent Tracey Ryan secured the price on behalf of a deceased estate.
Ms Ryan said there were 10 registered bidders at the auction following strong interest in the marketing campaign for the block, which was fully fenced and included hardstand.
“All bidders were local including several who already owned sites in the estate,” she said.
"Bidding came down to a battle between two buyers bidding in $1,000 increments before the property was sold under the hammer for $296,000.”
Ms Ryan said the Coolum Industrial Estate is a rapidly expanding precinct comprising 147 lots, including small to medium core industrial sites plus the new state government large format blocks.
“The estate is conveniently located within easy access to the Sunshine Motorway and David Low Way via Yandina-Coolum Road and is located approximately 15 minutes from the Sunshine Coast Airport.”
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Coolum Beach block sold at auction‏

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Yuhu Group Australia has announced its settlement on a commercial property in North Sydney for $59 million.
The 15-storey block at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-nsw-north+sydney-500854103" target="_blank">20 Berry Street</a>, close to the Greenwood Plaza Shopping Centre and the North Sydney train station, occupies three prominent street frontages.
The freehold building of 9723.3 sqm sits on 1391 sqm of land, and with several recent upgrades, boasts an impressive foyer with a newly refurbished café/restaurant, excellent natural light, expansive harbour and district views from the upper levels, and has parking for 110 vehicles.
The complex is currently 100% leased with major global infrastructure consultants SMEC occupying 49% of net lettable area (NLA) until 2023.
Other tenants include financial, IT and childcare services.
Knight Frank noted the leased net income is $4.4 million per annum with an estimated weighted average lease expiry (WALE) by income of 5.42 years.
“Because of its highly convenient and desirable location, ready access to outstanding transport, recreational and education facilities as well as it vibrant commercial and residential sectors, we see this North Sydney purchase as a sound investment in securing long-term growth,” said Yuhu Group founder and chairman Xiangmo Huang.
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Yuhu Group confirms settlement of $59m building in North Sydney‏

Too often, heritage buildings become the podium for a contemporary tower. At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/623-collins-607-623-collins-street-melbourne-vic-3000">623 Collins</a>, <a>Sterling Global</a> challenged its design team to reverse that process.

The brief to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> was deliberately simple: "Don't design around the heritage. Design from it." It became the philosophy behind a project that draws inspiration not only from two landmark heritage buildings, but from Collins Street itself, a street layered with architectural history and civic significance.

That philosophy has shaped one of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">Melbourne</a> CBD's most considered residential projects, where the 1924 State Savings Bank and neighbouring Batman's Hill Hotel have become the architectural foundation for 623 Collins rather than remnants preserved beneath a new development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145324 project_image_fid=372749]

Rather than approaching the site as a blank canvas, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sterling-global">Sterling Global</a> saw the existing buildings as the beginning of the story.

"Sites like this rarely become available," the developer said.

"623 Collins wasn't simply an opportunity to develop a prominent CBD site. It was an opportunity to restore and reimagine one of Melbourne's important heritage landmarks while contributing to the continued evolution of Collins Street. For us, the existing buildings weren't constraints. They were the beginning of the story."

Instead of mimicking the ornate heritage architecture, Plus Studio studied the proportions, rhythm and craftsmanship of the original buildings before translating those characteristics into a contemporary 42-storey tower.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145324 project_image_fid=372748]

"The brief challenged us to create a contemporary landmark that respected Melbourne's architectural history without becoming nostalgic," Plus Studio said.

"Rather than mimicking heritage, we sought to understand its proportions, rhythm and material language before translating those qualities into a distinctly contemporary architectural expression."

The practice says the State Savings Bank and Batman's Hill Hotel became the project's primary source of inspiration, allowing the heritage buildings and contemporary architecture to exist "in conversation rather than contrast." Generous planted terraces further soften the transition between old and new, creating elevated green spaces while reinforcing the dialogue between the restored podium and the contemporary tower.

That dialogue continues throughout the interiors, where Melbourne designer Fiona Lynch developed a material palette inspired by the idea of alchemy, balancing contrasting materials that reference both the Neo-Grec detailing of the original bank and contemporary urban living. The result is a series of spaces that feel timeless rather than trend-driven.

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The project will deliver 316 residences across four collections, Heirloom, Signature, Reserve and the Penthouse Collection, with each responding differently to its position within the building, from the restored heritage podium through to the upper levels of the tower. The Heirloom Residences retain defining heritage elements including original heritage windows, generous proportions and high ceilings, while the tower introduces contemporary homes with expansive layouts and elevated views.

Amenities have likewise been designed to support long-term city living rather than short-stay convenience. Residents will have access to concierge services, wellness facilities including a pool, cold plunge, sauna, steam room and gym, alongside private lounges, entertaining spaces and dedicated resident clubs.

Sterling Global says that approach is resonating with buyers seeking permanence rather than novelty.

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According to the sales team, purchasers are looking for enduring architecture, generous floorplans, heritage character and long-term value, with many commenting that 623 Collins "doesn't feel like another apartment development" because of the way the architecture has been curated around the site's history.

Situated on the prominent corner of Collins and Spencer streets, the project occupies one of Melbourne's most recognisable gateway sites, marking the western entrance to the city's best-known street. For Sterling Global, it also reflects a broader shift in city-making.

"Rather than maximising development yield, the project embraces adaptive reuse as a design philosophy, allowing heritage to inform architecture, interiors and the overall resident experience," the developer said.

"The result is a building that feels uniquely connected to Melbourne."

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Joel Robinson

How Sterling Global designed 623 Collins from Melbourne's history

Avant Townhomes is adding to Ivanhoe’s family-sized housing options with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/three-82-ivanhoe-382-upper-heidelberg-road-ivanhoe-vic-3079">Three 82</a>, a collection of just 16 four-bedroom townhomes on Upper Heidelberg Road.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/intrapac-property">Intrapac Property</a> townhome division has taken a contemporary approach to the traditional family home, pairing larger floorplans with the lower-maintenance format of a townhouse.

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Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/arcadia-studio">Arcadia</a>, with landscaping by Landsite, the homes feature generous open-plan living and dining areas that connect directly to outdoor spaces, with layouts also designed to maximise natural light and privacy.

Natural stone is used throughout the interiors, including in kitchens that pair stone surfaces with bespoke cabinetry, considered storage and SMEG appliances.

The four-bedroom layouts include built-in wardrobes and a main bedroom with its own ensuite, while family bathrooms service the additional bedrooms. Each home also includes a lock-up double garage and intercom entry.

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Energy efficiency has been incorporated into the design through solar panels, double glazing and reverse-cycle heating and cooling, with the homes targeting 7-star energy ratings.

Rather than incorporating extensive communal facilities, Three 82 has been conceived around private residential amenity, with the 16-home scale keeping the focus on individual homes and their own indoor and outdoor spaces.

The development is located at 382 Upper Heidelberg Road, around one kilometre from Ivanhoe Village's cafés and retail and a short drive from Eaglemont Station and Ivanhoe Station.

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Several of Ivanhoe's established schools are also nearby, including Ivanhoe Girls' Grammar and Ivanhoe Grammar School. The address also provides access to the suburb's parklands and the wider Yarra River corridor.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/nelson-alexander">Nelson Alexander</a> has been appointed to handle sales.

Construction is underway and progressing well, with Three 82 currently tracking toward completion in Q2 2027.

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Three 82 brings boutique four-bedroom townhome collection to Ivanhoe

Builder-developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/graya">Graya</a> has secured a prime Newstead site from fellow developer Fraser, subsequently lodging plans for The Silo, a major mixed-use residential project in Newstead designed around a new public laneway linking the James Street precinct with the wider Gasworks and Newstead neighbourhood.

Proposed for the corner of Chester and Morse streets, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bureauproberts">Bureau^Proberts</a>-designed project places its strongest emphasis at ground level, where retail, landscaping and a new cobblestone pedestrian connection would open the site to the surrounding neighbourhood. The design team describes The Silo as “more than a residential building”, positioning the development as an extension of Newstead’s public realm rather than a standalone apartment tower.

“A new cobblestone laneway and landscaped connection between James Street and Gasworks unlock a missing pedestrian link, improving walkability and stitching together two of Brisbane’s significant urban destinations,” Bureau Proberts said in its Urban Design Report.

<img alt="First look: Graya plans The Silo as new pedestrian link between James Street and Gasworks" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0ea1b06a-75f5-40a5-b2c5-33c97bc86052" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/silo%20bldg.png?VersionId=KmjsAtNePu57_B31EM_DJ5T6KPJHtcmo" />

The Silo is planned as a mixed-use development incorporating apartments alongside a bar and centre activities including food and drink outlets, indoor sport and recreation, office and retail uses.

Architecturally, Bureau Proberts has conceived the building as a collection of vertically expressed, stepping forms rather than a single uniform tower. The composition rises from an articulated podium before being broken by a triple-height landscaped recreation level, with the upper section becoming more compact before terminating in a landscaped rooftop garden.

The project's name and architectural language draw directly from Newstead's industrial history. Patterned off-form concrete is proposed as the principal façade material, complemented by slender metal rod balustrades and extensive planting. The cylindrical and vertically ribbed elements give the building its silo-like expression, while curved balconies and planted edges introduce a softer subtropical layer.

“The Silo reinterprets its robust forms, scale and materiality through a contemporary subtropical architectural expression, creating a building that acknowledges its industrial legacy, while responding to the way the precinct is occupied today,” Bureau^Proberts said.

The recreation level is one of the defining breaks in the tower. Plans include a lap pool, mature subtropical planting and shared resident facilities within an elevated communal garden. Landscaping continues through the podium and onto the rooftop, where a further garden forms what the architects describe as a “subtropical crown” to the building.

<img alt="First look: Graya plans The Silo as new pedestrian link between James Street and Gasworks" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f8451036-35a4-49a9-8d88-2ef4438eba3d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Silo%20Lane.png?VersionId=h8N31_rYmCEqoNrpt4kbYVQhJGZn60LH" />

At street level, the development has been designed to establish a more permeable block. Retail and hospitality tenancies address the public realm, while landscaped pedestrian spaces lead into the new laneway connection. Renders in the design report show the proposed “Silo Lane” as a substantial opening through the podium, framed by cylindrical concrete forms with cascading planting above.

The Silo continues Graya's move into larger apartment developments after building its reputation across high-end residential projects in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Graya buys Frasers Newstead site, plans The Silo between James Street and Gasworks precincts

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/wickton">Wickton</a>’s completed Linacre Rise development in Hampton is giving Bayside downsizers the opportunity to move into a spacious apartment near the beach, with the developer covering stamp duty for a limited time.

The 27-residence development has been designed for buyers who want to simplify their living arrangements without giving up the space, warmth and quality associated with a long-term family home. Most apartments have already been secured by Bayside locals, leaving a select collection of two and three-bedroom residences and penthouses available.

Two-bedroom apartments are priced from $1.275 million, three-bedroom residences from $2.25 million and penthouses from $3.375 million, with the completed homes available to inspect and move into now.

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<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/linacre-rise-hampton-8-10-linacre-road-hampton-vic-3188">Linacre Rise</a> occupies an elevated position on one of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/hampton-vic-3188">Hampton</a>’s quiet, tree-lined streets, around 250 metres from the bay and 500 metres from Hampton’s village centre. Its setting gives residents access to the beach, local cafés, shops and Hampton Train Station while retaining the feel of an established residential neighbourhood.

Architecture and interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf</a> draw on the warmth and permanence of traditional brickwork, with the building integrated into terraced landscaping by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/john-patrick-landscape-architects">John Patrick</a>. Ground-floor apartments are elevated above the street and include private garden courtyards, while several upper-level residences have generous balconies and outlooks toward the bay.

Inside, the residences favour natural materials and generous proportions. Herringbone-pattern European oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, premium joinery and Swiss V-ZUG appliances are among the key inclusions, while integrated storage has been incorporated across kitchens, bathrooms, studies and living areas.

The kitchens have been planned as practical spaces for both everyday use and entertaining, with substantial island benches, detailed cabinetry and adjoining dining and living zones. Full-height wardrobes, plush bedroom carpeting and carefully considered lighting reinforce the residential character Wickton sought to retain for buyers moving from larger homes.

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A Linacre Rise purchaser said the completed apartment had delivered the space, outlook and construction quality they had been seeking.

“The unit is very light, has views to die for over the bay, all construction materials and fittings are premium quality, we have secure parking for three cars, EV charging at very competitive rates, the neighbours are friendly and there is just a lovely ambiance about the place,” the purchaser said.

Environmental features include solar panels, shared electric vehicle charging stations, rainwater harvesting for toilet flushing and landscape irrigation, double-glazed windows and water-efficient fixtures and appliances.

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The development was built by Balmain &amp; Co, with Wickton managing the broader development process through its in-house team.

For downsizers, the project’s completed status removes much of the uncertainty associated with buying off the plan. Purchasers can inspect the finished apartments, understand their outlook and proportions, and move in without waiting for construction to conclude.

The remaining selection includes north-oriented balconies, corner configurations and penthouses with elevated bay views. The developer-paid stamp duty initiative is available for a limited time, with potential savings of up to $200,000 depending on the residence purchased.

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Limited-time stamp duty offer at completed Linacre Rise apartments in Hampton

Luxury apartment buyers have long prioritised design, space and finishes, but increasingly they're placing equal importance on something less tangible: how easily they can live without relying on a car.

At <a>Richmond Square</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/fortis">Fortis</a> believes that convenience begins beyond the apartment itself, with the mixed-use precinct earning a near-perfect Walk Score of 99.

The development has been planned around the idea that some of the most valuable amenities aren't contained within a building, they're the restaurants, cafés, parks, transport connections and daily conveniences that can all be reached on foot.

Located just behind Swan Street and Church Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/richmond-square-1-wiltshire-street-richmond-vic-3121">Richmond Square</a> places residents within one of Melbo​u​rne's most established lifestyle precincts while offering a quieter residential setting removed from the busiest thoroughfares. East Richmond Station is moments away, trams run along both Swan and Church Streets, and the MCG, Melb​​ourne Park, Yarra River trails and the CBD are all within walking distance. At the same time, the precinct itself will introduce a curated mix of dining, retail, hospitality and wellness offerings, creating a destination that extends well beyond its residential buildings.

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For Fortis, that combination of location and scale was what made the site unique.

"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/richmond-vic-3121">Richmond</a> is one of Melb​o​urne's most established and distinctive inner-city neighbourhoods, with a rare combination of dining, culture, recreation, public transport and proximity to the CBD," the developer said.

"The opportunity at Wiltshire Street was particularly compelling because the site sits slightly removed from the activity of Swan and Church Streets while remaining only moments from everything that makes the area desirable."

Rather than developing a standalone apartment building, Fortis consolidated 15 individual properties to create one of the larger development parcels assembled on Mel​b​ourne's city fringe in recent years. That allowed the team to deliver a genuine mixed-use precinct comprising 107 residences across Wiltshire House and Carmine House, premium office space, hospitality venues, retail, wellness offerings and a future 57-room hotel.

"The scale of the site allowed Fortis to think beyond a standalone apartment building," the developer said.

"Richmond Square could be planned as a complete lifestyle precinct, bringing homes, workplaces, dining, retail, hospitality and wellness together around a series of activated public spaces. The aim was to create a destination that feels connected to Richmond rather than separate from it."

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The emphasis on walkability has also resonated with buyers.

Interest has been strongest from established owner-occupiers, particularly downsizers from Richmond and Melb​ourne's inner east who want to remain close to familiar restaurants, workplaces, family and social networks while moving into a more secure, lower-maintenance home. The project is also attracting Mornington Peninsula and interstate buyers seeking a Melb​ourne residence they can lock up and leave between visits.

Many are looking for generous living spaces, room to entertain, quality finishes and confidence in the project team, but location remains one of the biggest deciding factors.

"For many buyers, Richmond Square provides a way to simplify the practical side of home ownership without reducing the quality of their lifestyle," the sales team said.

"Location is also a major driver of interest. Buyers can remain connected to the CBD, major sporting events, the arts centres, local restaurants, cafes and bars and their family while living in a private and secure residence that is easy to lock up and leave for weekends or longer periods away."

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The residences themselves have been designed with that buyer in mind. Award-winning architecture practice SJB and interior designers Hecker Guthrie have created spacious two and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses that prioritise generous living areas, natural light, bespoke joinery and private terraces. Above, a rooftop sanctuary by Acre includes landscaped lawns, bookable dining rooms, barbecue facilities, wellness spaces and panoramic views across the CBD, the MCG and Port Phillip Bay.

Fortis believes Richmond Square reflects a broader evolution in apartment living, where the surrounding neighbourhood becomes just as important as the residence itself.

"Richmond Square introduces a different proposition: generously proportioned residences within a genuinely mixed-use, hospitality-led destination," the developer said.

"The project's location and Walk Score of 99 further support a lifestyle where residents can complete many everyday journeys without relying on a car."

Fortis has assembled an experienced team that includes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/hecker-guthrie">Hecker Guthrie</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/acre">Acre</a> and builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hacer-group">Hacer Group</a>, reflecting the developer's commitment to creating projects with enduring design quality and meaningful connections to the communities in which they sit.&nbsp;

Richmond Square is an expression of that philosophy, bringing together homes, workplaces, hospitality and wellness within one of Me​lb​ourne's most walkable neighbourhoods.&nbsp;

Construction is now almost complete, providing purchasers with growing confidence ahead of its expected September 2026 completion.

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