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The Gold Coast has achieved its highest level of apartment sales in five years, with record activity expected to continue, according to new research.
The latest Urbis Gold Coast Apartment Essentials report revealed a total of 314 transactions occurred among 44 projects between April and June with a weighted average sales price of $558,838.
Urbis senior consultant Lynda Campbell said developer confidence, affordable product and lifestyle opportunity were pushing a large number of new projects on to the market.
“Six new projects have launched this quarter with the possibility of another 22 project launches between now and the end of the year. This would bring another 2,500 new apartments on to the market which will keep supply levels strong into 2016,” Ms Campbell said.
“The Gold Coast has recorded almost 1,100 sales over the last year, an increase of 34 per cent compared to five years ago.
“We will start to see some price increases in the coming year as new projects are released in prime locations which is likely to increase demand from overseas and interstate investors,” Ms Campbell said.
The Urbis Gold Coast Apartment Essentials report also revealed the Coastal Fringe was the most active precinct with 159 sales, making up 50 per cent of all transactions.
Ms Campbell said the Coastal Fringe offered solid returns and good value for developers, investors and owner-occupiers.
“The precinct offers affordable product and access to major entertainment and retail hubs, providing flexibility for families and for investors,” she said.
The two-bed two-bath product remained the most popular across all precincts, equating to 58% of all supply.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Record apartment sales on the Gold Coast‏

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Ray White Commercial’s investment auctions achieved a clearance rate of 91.4% for the first half of 2015, according to the latest edition of the group’s Auction Insights report.
Ray White Commercial senior director auctions and investments, Richard Impiombato, said total auction sales of $151 million were achieved over the six months.
“Passive investment property with the ‘trifecta’ of a long lease, secure covenant and attractive location continue to be in strong demand.
“These property clearance characteristics and consistent high clearance rates in most sectors demand that auctions be implemented.
"We trust these consistently strong results will help remove any resistance to auctions.”
Mr Impiombato said notable Ray White Commercial auction sales for the June quarter included a $22.1 million sale price for a development site in the Belconnen Town Centre in Canberra, which attracted 11 registered bidders.
“Two large sales of $22.1 million in Canberra and $8.5 million at Vermont South in Melbourne underwrite the residential development site sector which had a clearance rate of 62.5% for the June quarter,” he said.
Mr Impiombato said the clearance rate for vacant buildings soared from 53.6% in the March quarter to 82.6% in the second quarter.
“This result proves the effectiveness of the auction process for what are traditionally more difficult and time consuming assets to divest from,” he said.
“It’s also worth noting properties in this sector averaged only 40 days on the market.”
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Ray White Commercial achieves 91% investment auction clearance‏

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Elite Surface Technologies has agreed terms on a new office and warehouse lease at Dandenong South in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs in a deal brokered by Savills Australia.
The 305 Frankston /Dandenong Road property comprises a 3327 square metre office and warehouse including 2779 square metres of warehouse space on a 8445 square metre site.
According to Savills associate director, Daniel Kelly, who brokered the deal with Chris Telley the property was let on a four year term at $250,000 per annum net.
Mr Kelly said the tenant had simply outgrown its existing facility and required a new fit-out catering to its laboratory department.
The company also required substantial hardstand and yard space.
"The property was a good fit for Elite’s requirements allowing it to operate within a facility which both catered to its expansion and facilitated further growth as well as adding a laboratory to the fit-out,’’ Mr Kelly said.
The lessor was a private Melbourne investor.
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Elite Surface Technologies moves to Dandenong South

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Fast-growing Braybrook business Baby Bistro has moved into a Williamstown commercial kitchen previously leased to Vili’s Pies and Cakes.
Baby Bistro delivers home-style, organic baby food to families around Melbourne.
The business was founded in the home kitchen of Braybrook mother Sevi Stolica, who was soon hiring a commercial kitchen by the hour to keep up with demand.
Baby Bistro needed to move from hiring a kitchen to a longer term lease and used small business tenancy advocate Amanda Anderson from The Tenant Company to source its new property.
“The brief from Baby Bistro was very specific and finding existing food grade buildings within Melbourne’s west, that had gas connected, was a challenge,” Ms Anderson said.
She adds that Vili’s had previously leased the property for more than 20 years and the kitchen met all of the strict requirements of a food manufacturing building.
The Chelmsford Street building is 500sqm and has been leased for three years with options.
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Braybrook's Baby Bistro into Williamstown kitchen

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The Instituto Cervantes, the world's largest provider focused on teaching the Spanish language, has found a new home in Sydney close to the CBD’s so-called Spanish quarter.
The institute, which has offices in 43 countries, has secured 348 sqm of office space at <a href="https://raywhitecommercialsouthsydney.com/nsw/sydney/1248987/" target="_blank">Level 3, 299 Sussex Street</a>, Sydney, in a deal negotiated by Ray White Commercial South Sydney’s John Skufris.
The Instituto Cervantes will be relocating to the city centre from premises near Sydney University at 22-24 City Road, Chippendale.
The Instituto Cervantes operates in 90 cities from 43 countries in the five continents. The Instituto Cervantes Sydney was inaugurated by the King and Queen of Spain, together with the Australian authorities, in 2009.
The Instituto Cervantes has taken out an initial lease term at 299 Sussex St of five years at a net rental of $130,000 per annum or $375 per sqm per annum.
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Language school will feel at home in Spanish Quarter‏

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CBRE has been appointed to sell an industrial property in the rapidly growing Yatala Enterprise Area, centrally positioned between Queensland’s commercial centres, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Located at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-industrial+warehouse-qld-ormeau-501674201" target="_blank">24-30 Blanck Street, Ormeau</a>, the property features a 1,250sqm two level corporate office and 3,853sqm high clearance warehouse, which includes mezzanine storage and an additional 800sqm awning area.
Grundfos, a national and global leader in advanced pump solutions and innovator in water technology, has recommitted its presence at the property, recently signing a new lease.
CBRE’s David Corke, who has been appointed to sell the property in conjunction with fellow agent Luke Brechin, said the site represented an outstanding investment opportunity.
“Centrally located between Brisbane city and the Gold Coast, along the M1 Motorway, this is a quality investment opportunity that will suit the astute investor looking for a secure asset that presents a number of future advantages.”
Built in 2007, the property was designed by Spaceframe Constructions with the purpose of accommodating a head office tenant looking for corporate amenity and functionality.
The expression of interest campaign closes September 18.
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Queensland commercial coast investment up for grabs‏

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The waterside property at 71 Barnstaple Road, Russell Lea is anticipated to set a sales record for the suburb.
With a price guide of $3.6 million, the expectations surpass the previous suburb record that belongs to nearby 27 Burnell St. that sold for $3.2 million at 2008 auction.
The home, built in 2012 is being advertised as a glamorous, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-russell+lea-120693785" target="_blank">waterside luxury family home</a>.
It features five bedrooms, a custom home theatre, a study and a gym.
Its listed with Martin Lorello at McGrath Inner West.
The median house price in <a href="/news">Russell Lea is $1,517,500,</a> according to CoreLogic RP Data.
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Russell Lea's $3.6 million listing

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Masterchef George Calombaris and his Made Establishment business partner George Sykiotis have bought again in Sydney's Surry Hills.
It is the building adjacent to the building secured earlier this year on the corner of <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-nsw-surry+hills-501323299" target="_blank">Albion and Mary street</a> costing $1.85 million.
"We did a site visit a few weeks ago and noticed next door was for sale so we purchased it," Fairfax Media was told.
It had an asking price close to $2 million through Steffan Ippolito from Oxford Agency having last sold in 2010 at $950,000. 
Made Establishment is planning a combination of two popular brands, Jimmy Grants and Gazi at the Surry Hills, Sydney location.
Earlier this month the celebrity chef George Calombaris' Gazi and The Press Club restaurants in Melbourne's CBD were sold to listed Singaporean real estate investment trust <a href="/expert-insights/investing/george-calombaris-gazi-the-press-club-sold-for-8-61-million">REIT Keppel for $8.61 million</a>.
The restaurants, 2 Exhibition Street and 52 &amp; 72 Flinders Street Melbourne were sold through an expressions of interest campaign in conjunction with CBRE’s Josh Rutman, Mark Wizel and Paul Tzamalis in conjunction with Fitzroys Chris Kombi and Paul Burns on behalf of vendor Cerberos Pty Ltd. 
Gazi and The Press Club attracts more than 170,000 visitors each year. 
Keppel REIT owns a 50% stake in the 2-8 Exhibition Street office development and two retail units and all five retail units at 2-8 Exhibition Street.
The property was sold with a long-term lease.
<img src="/images/2015/09/16/Screen%20Shot%202015-09-16%20at%2011.50.09%20AM.png" alt="" width="509" height="311">
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George Calombaris buys again in Surry Hills

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Mortgage Choice Limited has shut down its Help Me Choose business unit five years after its purchase of one of Australia’s leading websites for home loan leads sold to mortgage brokers.
The comparison website was bought to generates tens of thousands of home loan leads annually from potential home loan customers.
The then Mortgage Choice CEO Michael Russell said the purchase marked an exciting strategic investment for the company "given that over 70% of our home loan leads are currently sourced online.”
HelpMeChoose.com.au featured when Mortgage Choice presented its FY15 financial results in August .
The new chief executive officer John Flavell made it clear that Help Me Choose’s financial result needed addressing.
“The less than favourable financial result of the Help Me Choose business prompted a comprehensive review of the operation and a decision has been made to close it down in its current form,” John Flavell said yesterday. 
“Continuing to invest in a business that is unlikely to be profitable in the foreseeable future does not make sense.”
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Mortgage Choice decides to close Help Me Choose‏

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A architecturally designed residence at Hamilton in Brisbane’s inner north has been sold for $3.05 million.
The modern home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-hamilton-119766351" target="_blank">141 Crosby Road, Hamilton</a> was sold to a bank executive through North South Real Estate’s Drew Davies.
Mr Davies said the buyer had been living in London and has returned to Australia with their family.
“The buyer loved the home’s position high on Hamilton Hill as well as the sense of space, style and privacy that is evident the moment you walk through the door,” he said.
With six bedrooms and five bathrooms, the home features a gym and steam room, wine cellar, billiards room, sitting room, dining room and eight seat cinema.
Mr Davies said the property had previously been on the market with another agency for three months and a failed auction campaign.
“The property was sold to the first buyer I showed through the home,” he said.
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Hamilton Hill home sells for $3.05 million

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145324 project_image_fid=354343]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145324 project_image_fid=354347]

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."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145324]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152069 project_image_fid=374399]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152069 project_image_fid=374393]

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.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152069]

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.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=95289]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13181 project_image_fid=348530]

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."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13181 project_image_fid=348533]

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.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=13181]

Staff reporter

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New apartments

New townhouses

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