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In Urban's most recent webinar, Mike Bird (Urban CEO) was joined by an expert panel including TrueSite Director, Chris Omeissah, and Lucid Vue CEO, Brooke Smith.

If you missed the webinar, here is what was discussed:

<h2>Introduction</h2>

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tq1tgKGN9Ss" width="660"></iframe>

<h2>Lucid Vue Product Overview</h2>

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cAJmDmtWUdo" width="660"></iframe>

<h2>TrueSite Product Overview</h2>

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gnnmCb7cClQ" width="660"></iframe>

<h2>How to get ROI from virtual property experiences</h2>

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zVH6bqiiaDg" width="660"></iframe>

<h2>How much does it cost to get an MVP running?</h2>

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Aevtd4_h-9M" width="660"></iframe>

<h2>The future of virtual experiences</h2>

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/j21YFAp8tLc" width="660"></iframe>

If you'd like to be informed of Urban's next industry webinar, sign up to Urban's industry portal <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/login">here</a>.
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urban.com.au

Urban CEO Mike Bird chats to TrueSite's Chris Omeissah and Lucid Vue's Brooke Smith about VR + property marketing

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In Urban's most recent webinar, Mike Bird (Urban CEO) was joined by a renowned panel including Whitefox Founder, Marty Fox, and Castran Gilbert Director, Michael Laing. 

If you missed the webinar, here are some of the topics that were discussed:

<h2>How has the luxury end of the market been impacted by COVID-19?</h2>

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kTZqNxSQ9gk" width="660"></iframe>

<h2>How have you adapted your marketing activities to suit the current conditions?</h2>

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kPhuk-xNipw" width="660"></iframe>

<h2>Are you seeing any specific market segments rise due to COVID-19?</h2>

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xNqd0XXSAnM" width="660"></iframe>

<h2>If you had a site ready to go right now, what signs would you be looking for to know if it's the right time to launch?</h2>

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JpaumrPBgJc" width="660"></iframe>

If you'd like to be informed of Urban's next industry webinar, sign up to Urban's industry portal <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/login">here</a>.
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Urban CEO Mike Bird interviews Whitefox's Marty Fox + Castran Gilbert's Michael Laing about the property industry's response to COVID-19

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Last week Urban held a webinar hosted by CEO Mike Bird. Mike interviewed renowned property industry experts Andrew Leoncelli (CBRE Managing Director) and John Meagher (Founder and Managing Director Three Sixty° Property Group) about how the industry is responding to the recent outbreak of COVID-19. 

If you missed the webinar, here are some of the topics that were discussed:

<h2 class="rtecenter">Will Government fast-track new development permits once lockdown is over?</h2>

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/COGI2SU9xAQ" width="660"></iframe>

<h2 class="rtecenter">There has been a shift to owner-occupier stock in the last 15 months. Will this trend continue once the pandemic is over?</h2>

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kMC2MHf_uV0" width="660"></iframe>

<h2 class="rtecenter">What is the outlook for projects settling this year amidst COVID-19 and what are the strategies adopted to mitigate risks?</h2>

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SpIsKhQrvss" width="660"></iframe>

<h2 class="rtecenter">When would you anticipate the market to recover and why?</h2>

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/R1u2XBV8-OU" width="660"></iframe>

If you'd like to be informed of Urban's next industry webinar, sign up to Urban's industry portal <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/login">here</a>.
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Urban CEO Mike Bird interviews 360 Property's John Meagher + CBRE's Andrew Leoncelli about the property industry's response to COVID-19

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Footscray is a major western suburb of Melbourne located approximately 6 kilometres west of the city. As one of the earliest European settled areas of Melbourne, Footscray continues to welcome residents from many different ethnic backgrounds, creating a culturally diverse community.

The suburb is a Melbourne melting pot best personified by the multitude of global cuisine along Nicholson and Barkly streets.

Footscray is a similar distance from Melbourne as South Yarra but without the soaring property prices.

The Maribyrnong River area of Footscray is seeing the largest amount of new development currently.

<h2>Why is Footscray called Footscray?</h2>

Maribyrnong, the name of the river, is an Anglicisation of an aboriginal word 'Mirring-gnay-bir-nong' which translates as "I can hear a ringtail possum" according to <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://collections.museumvictoria.com.au/articles/2274" target="_blank">Museum Victoria</a>.

For over 40,000 years Footscray was home to the Woimurrung and Boonwurrung tribes of the Kulin nation.

Footscray was named after an English town - Foots Cray - which European settlers along the Maribyrnong River hailed from.

<h2>How far is Footscray from the CBD?</h2>

As the crow flies: 6km

By rail: 9 minutes to Southern Cross station (direct), 15 minutes to Flinders Street (via City Loop).

By road: 7km via Dynon Road.

<h2>What train line is Footscray on?</h2>

Footscray is a major railway junction with regional and metro services stopping at the station's 6 platforms.

The Sunbury line (which has some services originating/terminating at Watergardens) serves Footscray as well as the Werribee, Williamstown and Laverton via Altona lines. In peak times, you will rarely have to wait more than a handful of minutes to catch a city-bound train.

Warrnambool, Geelong, Ballarat, Ararat, Bendigo, Swan Hill and Echuca V/line regional services all run through, and many stop, at Footscray station as well.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/footscray_park1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Footscray Park"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/footscray_park1.jpg?itok=QblX3FEX" title="Footscray Park" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Footscray Park</figcaption></figure><h2>What is there to do in Footscray?</h2>

Eat, drink and cheer on the Western Bulldog's at Whitten Oval when they're training. 

The Maribyrnong river has bike paths running along the western side of the river connecting the area to many other suburbs including Maribyrnong, Seddon, and other suburbs further up the river, such as Avondale Heights.

Footscray is a Melbourne melting pot that has seen many waves of post-war migration with southern European, Indochinese and Sub-Saharan African influences throughout the region.

Dong Ba, Rudimentary, Pho Tam, Konjo Café and Up in Smoke are some of the most well-known Footscray restaurants you could be living near.

The Footscray Community Arts Centre along the riverfront is a performance space that has a large year-round program of entertainment that you can also hire for events. The Footscray Drill Hall in West Footscray is a community centre that also acts as a performing arts practice space.

The Footscray Market located directly opposite Footscray station offers a wide range of fresh produce and general goods. The market is located on the ground floor and has two levels of car parking located above the complex. The market is open every day except Monday and Sunday.

<h2>What other institutions are located in Footscray?</h2>

Footscray Community Arts Centre is a thriving hub for Footscray's vibrant arts scene. The centre, with support from the Maribyrnong City Council, Footscray Rotary and Victoria University, presents the biennial Footscray Artice Prize for visual arts.

Footscray Hospital is a public hospital operated by Western Health at a campus on Gordon Street. The Victorian Government will be spending $1.5 billion on a <a href="https://www.vhhsba.vic.gov.au/health-infrastructure/new-footscray-hospital" target="_blank">new Footscray Hospital</a> to be located opposite Victoria University's main campus. The new hospital is expected to open in 2025.

Victoria University has two campuses in the suburb. One at adjacent to Footscray Park is the larger of the two and the other campus is located on Nicholson Street to the south of Footscray station.

While not located in Footscray, Highpoint Shopping Centre is a short tram ride from central Footscray. The 82 tram between Footscray and Moonee Ponds, links Victoria University's Footscray Park campus, Highpoint Shopping Centre and the wider retail area in Maribyrnong.

Just over the other side of Maribyrnong River from Footscray Park is Flemington Racecourse, home of the Spring Racing Carnival.

<h2>Who lives in Footscray?</h2>

According to the <a href="https://quickstats.censusdata.abs.gov.au/census_services/getproduct/census/2016/quickstat/SSC20929" target="_blank">2016 census</a>, 43.8% of all Footscray residents were born in Australia with the 5 top non-Australia place of birth countries including Vietnam (9.6%), India (6.7%), China (excluding Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan - 3.9%), New Zealand (2.1%) and England (1.9%).

Vietnamese (11.4%) is the language spoken most at home after English, followed by Mandarin (4.2%), Cantonese (2.5%), Telugu (1.7%) and Greek (1.6%).

35.7% of people travel to work by public transport versus 43.1% who travel to work by car.

The median weekly household income for Footscray was $1,314 in the 2016 census, while the median age was 31 years old.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/footscray3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="View of Melbourne City from Footscray"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/footscray3.jpg?itok=Bgd1vdX7" title="View of Melbourne City from Footscray" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>View of Melbourne City from Footscray</figcaption></figure><h2>What new Footscray developments are in the pipeline?</h2>

There are over <a href="/developments/footscray-vic-3011">60 new developments</a> on the cards for Footscray.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" scrolling="no" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/footscray-vic?embeddable=list-map" width="100%"></iframe>

 
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Footscray, Victoria, 3011: The complete suburb guide for buyers

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Located in the City of Whitehorse, Box Hill is a traditional business and retail centre located in Melbourne's eastern suburbs that is undergoing rapid change.

With over <a href="/developments/box-hill-vic-3128">50 residential projects in the development pipeline</a>, Box Hill's shopping area will be the focal point for many changes over the coming years. The retail precinct itself will see a major upgrade and Box Hill station will see expansion with the mooted plans to terminate phase 1 of the Suburban Rail Loop at Box Hill.

The suburb is already one of the best in Melbourne connected by public transport with a very large bus network and interchange located at Box Hill central that feeds multiple bus routes into the retail and transport hub.

Station Street is the suburb's primary north-south arterial with Whitehorse Road - also known as the Maroondah highway - is the primary east-west arterial road.

The suburb is home to many educational and health organisations including the Box Hill Institute, Box Hill hospital and Epworth Eastern private hospital.

<h2>How far is Box Hill from the CBD?</h2>

As the crow flies: 14km.

By rail: 25 min stopping all stations (Flinders Street Station to Box Hill direct) or 16 min Box Hill express to Parliament, calling at Richmond only.

By road: 21km via the Eastern Freeway.

<h2>What train line is Box Hill on?</h2>

Box Hill station is served by the Belgrave and Lilydale lines.  Trains to/from Blackburn also stop at Box Hill station.

Trains run every 3-4 minutes in peak, and every 7-8 minutes off-peak.

Box Hill is the 109 tram terminus which connects the suburb along Whitehorse Road to Mont Albert, Balwyn and Kew.

<h2>What is there to do in Box Hill?</h2>

Box Hill Central shopping centre sits atop the suburb's train station and is one of the key retail centres in Eastern Melbourne.  The shopping precinct spills out on to Carrington Road, a street famous for having some of the best Asian cuisine outside central Melbourne.

The suburb is home to <a href="https://www.aqualink.com.au/">Aqualink</a> located in Surrey Park, a large scale aquatic and fitness centre located south of the retail and transport core and the suburb hosts multiple sporting clubs across AFL, Rugby, Athletics and Tennis among others.

Box Hill Gardens has a large grassy area for chilling, a duck pond and also includes facilities to keep you even more active: it has a skateboard park, a basketball court and a 1000m running/walking track.

The <a href="https://www.boxhilltownhall.com.au/">Box Hill Town Hall</a> is the former meeting place for the City of Box Hill (now known as the City of Whitehorse) and is now used for exhibitions and events. 

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/shutterstock_452788339.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Box Hill Hospital."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/shutterstock_452788339.jpg?itok=8OK0qx5t" title="Box Hill Hospital." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Box Hill Hospital.</figcaption></figure><h2>What other institutions are located in Box Hill?</h2>

Box Hill Institute - locally known as Box Hill TAFE - is one of Victoria's main VET/TAFE education providers and the TAFE has two campuses in the suburb - Nelson and Elgar.

Box Hill High School is the main secondary college within Box Hill's school zone. Laburnum Primary School, Kerrimuir Primary School and Box Hill North Primary School as well as St Francis Xavier's Catholic Primary School service Box Hill.

Box Hill hospital underwent a major upgrade that was completed in 2014 that saw the addition of a 10 story building that houses new emergency facilities as well as a maternity, cardiac and intensive care unit.

Private hospital operator Epworth has a presence in the suburb that is also seeing a major expansion with a new 14 storey wing that will house a new emergency department, three new clinical floors, additional operating theatres and additional consulting suites as well as more car parks.

<h2>Who lives in Box Hill?</h2>

Box Hill is one of the most diverse areas of Melbourne. 27% of trhe suburb's population at the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://quickstats.censusdata.abs.gov.au/census_services/getproduct/census/2016/quickstat/207031163?opendocument" target="_blank">2016 census</a> nominated Chinese as their ancestry and Malaysia, India and Vietnamese feature prominently in the suburb's place of birth statistics.

Mandarin, Cantonese, Greek, Vietnamese and Korean are the top 5 languages other than English spoken at home according to the census and 52% of residents in Box Hill work full time while a further 35% work part-time.

24% of all residents in Box hill commuted by public transport versus 55% who commuted by car and the average weekly income at the 2016 census was $522 for individuals and $1,200 for households.

The median age of people in Box hill was 33 years and children aged 0 - 14 years made up 14% of the population. People aged 65 years or older made up 13% of the population.

<h2>What new Box Hill developments are in the pipeline?</h2>

There are over <a href="/developments/box-hill-vic-3128">50 new developments in the pipeline for Box Hill</a>.  

<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" scrolling="no" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/box-hill-vic?embeddable=list-map" width="100%"></iframe>

 
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Box Hill, Victoria 3128: The complete suburb guide for buyers

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Urban's Display Suite Walkthrough series started with a look at the <a href="/news/urbans-tour-of-the-shelley-st-display-suite">Shelley Street display suite</a> in Richmond. Today, our second tour of the series features FOCUS by Central Equity in Melbourne’s Southbank. The Urban team were able to visit the display before it was deconstructed in time for construction to commence. 

<div class="rtecenter">Check out our video tour:</div>

<div class="rtecenter"> </div>

<div class="rtecenter"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qDiYoOxsxoU" width="660"></iframe></div>

FOCUS AT A GLANCE

Developer: Central Equity

Architect: Doig Architecture

Location: 75 City Road, Southbank

Number of apartments: 592

Construction slated to begin: Nov 2019

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/focus_kitchen_light_types_a_k.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="FOCUS by Central Equity"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/focus_kitchen_light_types_a_k.jpg?itok=ScX68IO_" title="FOCUS by Central Equity" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>FOCUS by Central Equity</figcaption></figure>After 30 years in the industry, and 75 residential projects delivered, Central Equity has now embarked on the construction of their latest project, FOCUS Melbourne. 

Situated in the heart of Melbourne’s Southbank, the sought-after location is likely to be a drawcard for buyers who want to live in the epicentre of one of the world’s most liveable cities.

Just a stone's throw from Melbourne’s Arts Precinct, residents will be able to enjoy exploring the city by foot, with theatres, the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), music venues, 5-star restaurants and Universities within walking distance.

FOCUS Melbourne boasts impressive amenities, including a 17-seat luxe movie theatre; an expansive barbecue and social dining area; as well as lifestyle facilities including a pool, gymnasium and sauna.

For added comfort and liveability, each apartment features openable windows, which facilitate natural airflow throughout the residence. This is complemented by the state-of-the-art reverse cycle air conditioning system in each home.

The design also considers the impact of city-noise on the residences by assessing the sound-proofing of all glazing, walls, and insulation. Acoustic engineers have been engaged from the beginning of the design process to ensure optimum resident comfort.

Central Equity General Manger Ian Carkeek explains that double glazing is important for environmental reasons, cost-effective thermal control and sound attenuation.

<blockquote>
“Our latest designs have 2.7m high ceilings and full-height windows, letting in natural light, and importantly all those windows are double glazed, which means better energy efficiency, lower energy bills and better acoustic properties – and acoustics are very important.”
</blockquote>

Ian Carkeek, General Manager – Product Design, Central Equity

The apartment kitchens feature composite stone benchtops, LED feature lighting, soft-close cabinetry, Miele stainless steel appliances, high-quality German tapware, externally ducted range-hoods and innovative storage solutions. Buyers will also be invited to customise their apartments with a wide range of floorplan layouts to choose from.

Special offer: For a limited time, qualifying buyers could save $20,000-$52,000 in government stamp duty.

While the display suite is no longer open for tours as construction has already commenced, you can <a href="/buildings/focus-melbourne-81-city-road-southbank">reach out to the Central Equity sales agent</a> via Urban at any time.
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Urban’s tour of the FOCUS Melbourne display suite

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Written By Julia Frecker

With Melbourne’s projected population growth of an additional 4 million people by 2051 (<a href="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/hdp.au.prod.app.vic-engage.files/6915/6463/0112/BetterApartmentsInNeighbourhoods_DiscussionPaper_-_Public_Consultation_Release_1.8.19.pdf">DEWLP</a>), we are faced with the complex equation of an ever-increasing number of people within a constant amount of urban area. This leads to the inevitable outcome of stacking people on top of each other to conserve our rapidly depleting liveable space.

In a reaction to the unfortunate association of apartment dwellings with a lower standard of living, the <a href="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/hdp.au.prod.app.vic-engage.files/6915/6463/0112/BetterApartmentsInNeighbourhoods_DiscussionPaper_-_Public_Consultation_Release_1.8.19.pdf">Better Apartment Design Standards (BADS)</a> were introduced in 2016 by the Department of Environment, Water, Land and Planning (DEWLP), with an inclusion into the planning scheme in the form Clause 58 for <a href="/new-apartments">Apartment Developments</a> in early 2017. 

It forced developers and architects to focus heavily on better layouts, access to daylight, windows and ventilation amongst other things. It worked to redefine the well-worn narrative of the shoebox apartment that is cramped, dark and stuffy.  

Out of regulation was born resolution and grew respect for apartment living. It was a collective realisation that if you are spending most of your life in a dwelling, you should feel that it is not just liveable but an enjoyable space too.  

Whilst bringing change for more liveable multi-dwelling developments, the inclusion of <a href="/news/5-of-australias-top-apartment-gardens">greenery and open space</a> into the standards always felt like an afterthought. The communal space objective aimed to provide open areas for the residents of the apartment.

The standard is:

Developments with 40 or more dwellings should provide a minimum area of communal open space of 2.5 square metres per dwelling or 250 square metres, whichever is lesser.

However, there is no strong enforcement for the provision of greenery within these standards. 

The standards for Landscaping in the BADS only aims to “maximise landscape opportunities.” For most apartment developments, a communal open space usually means an easy to maintain, mostly concrete communal area. In this case, the potential for maximum landscaping is minimal. 

The requirements for this standard are that an apartment proposal should “consider landscaping opportunities.” In terms of a guideline, this is not a strong enough incentive or enforcement to get people to creatively think about that communal open space. There is no enforcement or encouragement for developers, architects and the like to truly aim to maximise the access to greenery and landscaping in a way that would create lush communal areas. Or create areas that have a tangible impact on urban heat island and increase permeable surfaces. 

The most critical breakdown of the BADS and the plight for access to greenery and open space is that the standards for a minimum area of communal open space only apply to developments with 40 or more dwellings. Meaning that apartment proposals providing anything below this are not required to provide any communal open space. Developments that aren’t considered intense enough to trigger the provision of open space can, therefore, get away with not providing any green escape for those apartment residents. 

Apartments have historically been situated in inner-city areas with higher height limits, but in this new era, apartments are common everywhere from <a href="/new-apartments/epping-vic-3076">Epping</a> to <a href="/new-apartments/bonbeach-vic-3196">Bonbeach</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/ringwood-vic-3134">Ringwood</a> and beyond. More and more people are opting, or indeed, needing to live in apartments, in a more diverse range of locations. Therefore, the standards need to keep up with the urban changing fabric.

The diversity of apartment locations<a href="/new-apartments/vic"> around Victoria</a>, and the Better Apartment Design Standards shortfalls have necessitated a follow-up paper in the form of the <a href="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/hdp.au.prod.app.vic-engage.files/6915/6463/0112/BetterApartmentsInNeighbourhoods_DiscussionPaper_-_Public_Consultation_Release_1.8.19.pdf">Better Apartments in Neighbourhoods Discussion</a> paper by DEWLP.  The paper is currently open for public consultation <a href="https://engage.vic.gov.au/building-better-apartments-in-neighbourhoods">here</a> with submissions welcome till 27 September 2019.

It addresses the key issues associated with Green Space and the Better Apartment Design standards of 2016, these include:

<ul>
<li>
	Despite the current planning rules, landscaping is often an afterthought in the building design and planning process. Canopy trees, which improve people’s well-being and provide urban cooling, are often either too small or not provided at all. 
	</li>
	<li>
	Developments of 40 dwellings or fewer will often not have communal open space which means that residents may not have access to a garden. 
	</li>
	<li>
	Some apartment buildings at street-level do not contribute to green streetscapes.
	</li>
</ul>
(DEWLP 2019)

It is cheering to see the proposed changes as a direct reaction to the dubious attempt at the inclusion of green space in the 2016 BADS.  

The question is if the new standards were to be introduced, could they ever strive to meet the success of the Minimum Garden Area Requirement for the inclusion of greenery and<a href="/news/5-new-sustainable-apartment-developments-in-australia-2019"> garden area in new developments</a>?

The <a href="https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0016/127114/PPN84-Applying-the-minimum-garden-area-requirement.pdf">Minimum Garden Area Requirement (Practice Planning Note 84)</a> has been the most effective planning practice for enforcing the provision of garden area. Although often causing developers and homeowners alike to tear their hair out, it has been critical in protecting the leafy green character of the General Residential and Neighbourhood Residential zones. The Planning Note is enforced, making it planning practice and creates a strong, fixed standard that ensures the garden area is retained and protected. The stronger wording of the practice note itself, “The minimum garden area requirement is a mandatory requirement that must be met and cannot be reduced,” is successful in conveying the necessity of the provision. Concurrently with Clause 54 and 55 Rescode standards, the Minimum Garden Area Requirements has been undeniably effective in retaining the character, and general enjoyment of urban streets and dwellings. 

The introduction of the Better Apartments in Neighbourhoods discussion paper, with proposed changes to the BADS, is coming at a perfect time. The language involved in the discussion paper is already noticeably more strongly worded.

For landscaping amongst the proposed standards it reads that;

(2.4)“Canopy trees should be provided at the number specified in column 2 of Table D2” 

It focuses on boosting the provision of deeper soil trees with larger canopy potential. This means communal areas and private areas would be more enjoyable. This ensures that the landscaping being provided isn’t just low-level; swallow plants and trees that don’t provide shade or lushness. The provision of a few small trees does not feel conducive to the holistic living experience that is yearned for with apartment living.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/proposed_standards_for_deep_soil_areas_and_canopy_tree_requirements_-_delwp-min.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Proposed standards for deep soil areas and canopy tree requirements – DELWP"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="633" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/proposed_standards_for_deep_soil_areas_and_canopy_tree_requirements_-_delwp-min.png?itok=evqp7KhT" title="Proposed standards for deep soil areas and canopy tree requirements – DELWP" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Proposed standards for deep soil areas and canopy tree requirements – <a href="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/hdp.au.prod.app.vic-engage.files/6915/6463/0112/BetterApartmentsInNeighbourhoods_DiscussionPaper_-_Public_Consultation_Release_1.8.19.pdf">DELWP</a></figcaption></figure>It could be worded more strongly with ‘must’ rather than ‘should’ however, it shows that these <a href="/news/future-focus-australian-institute-of-landscape-architects-call-for-new-living-infrastructure-strategy">new standards the provision greenery</a> has been more closely considered. It will hopefully put the provision of greenery to the forefront of apartment developments, rather than the afterthought it was becoming. 

Furthermore, in regards to the provision of communal space involves changes to the open space standards to include all apartment developments. As a result, the less than 40 dwellings slipknot has been removed. The discussion paper is proposing that:

(2.5) “Developments with 10 dwellings or less should provide a minimum area of communal open space of 25 square metres. Developments with 11 or more should provide a minimum area of communal open space of 2.5 square metres per dwelling or 250 square metres, whichever is the lesser”

This means that apartments developments of any space can be awarded the luxury of communal open space, regardless of size and intensity. Of course, the token greenery and open space in apartments will never compare to the leafy character of neighbourhood gardens associated with the Minimum Garden Area Requirement. However, as a trade-off for the amenity of inner city living, access to greenery that is intertwined into the urban living experience should be prioritised. The policy should reflect this in a way that both encourages and champions its inclusion.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/vertical_forest_lines_the_side_of_apartment_building_bosco_verticale_milan.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Vertical forest lines the side of apartment building: Bosco Verticale, Milan – Photo by Stefano Boeri Architetti"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="306" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/vertical_forest_lines_the_side_of_apartment_building_bosco_verticale_milan.jpg?itok=2JXLaJQf" title="Vertical forest lines the side of apartment building: Bosco Verticale, Milan – Photo by Stefano Boeri Architetti" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Vertical forest lines the side of apartment building: Bosco Verticale, Milan – Photo by Stefano Boeri Architetti</figcaption></figure>The future holds an ever-increasing need for apartment living and often the lack of access to greenery can be a deterring factor. In reality, it has the potential to take the forefront as a feature to promote a new development and peak people’s interests. The <a href="/news/exploring-the-merits-of-a-vertical-forest-has-it-a-lasting-place-in-melbourne">Bosco Verticale</a> development by Stefano Boeri Architetti in Milan instantly rose to prominence due to its green façade and vertical canopy planting. Closer to home, <a href="/news/the-commons-ceo-cliff-ho-discusses-the-differences-between-co-working-spaces-vs-traditional-offices">The Commons</a> and the <a href="/developments/brunswick-vic-3056">Breese Street</a> developments have championed greenery as a way to marketing to the public.

The proposed changes to the Better Apartment Design Standards are critical for better prioritising and applying greenery, landscaping and communal open space to apartment developments. The benefits of access to greenery for physical health, mental health and for offsetting urban heat absorption and the reduction of impermeable surfaces are well known and well researched. Greenery is critical for the development of urban areas, making them more enjoyable to be in, and in maintaining <a href="/news/is-australia-ready-for-smaller-footprint-apartment-living">people’s desire to live in apartments</a>. It’s a necessity for the future and as the urban fabric changes around us, the policies in place must help us protect and promote such critical greenery.
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The Good, the BADS and the Green in Future Apartment Living

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<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/the_one_brisbane_construction_update_2-min.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/the_one_brisbane_construction_update_2-min.jpg?itok=eNKk144X" width="580"></a></figure>Glass facade at level 34.

Concrete poured successfully for level 40.

With Brisbane Quarter retail opening early this year, with a connection to <a href="/buildings/the-one-residences-brisbane-8-adelaide-street-brisbane">The One Residences</a>, we could potentially see the first purchasers settling late 2019 in low lying apartments. Estimated completion for the tower, late 2020.
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The One Brisbane construction update

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<li>
	264 metres.
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	<li>
	82 floors.
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	<li>
	<a href="/buildings/the-one-residences-brisbane-8-adelaide-street-brisbane">Second tallest tower</a> in Brisbane.
	</li>
	<li>
	10th tallest building in Australia.
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	<li>
	Sixth tallest residential tower in the Southern Hemisphere.
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The One Brisbane height

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Located on the banks of the winding Brisbane River, <a href="/buildings/the-one-residences-brisbane-8-adelaide-street-brisbane">The One</a> Residences boasts the tallest riverfront apartments in the city. In its bid to become Australia’s next World Class City, Brisbane is amping up the development progress with huge new projects such as Brisbane Quarter, featuring the second tallest tower in the city, The One.

Brisbane CBD is home to less than 20,000 people, a number that is expected to jump with the reunification of Southbank, apartment developments and migration.

In walking distance of the iconic Botanic Gardens, Museum of Brisbane, Treasury Buildings, Queens Street retail and the Eagle Street Pier, The One Residences are surrounded by some of the best boutiques, restaurants, entertainment and nightlife precincts in the city.

With nearby mega project, Queens Wharf, residents will be able to cross over the Brisbane River effortlessly to be within walking distance of the Queensland Museum, Gallery of Modern Art and the electric Southbank Promenade.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/the_one_brisbane_loc_2-min_0.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Location of the Brisbane Quarter complex. Image by Google Maps."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="248" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/the_one_brisbane_loc_2-min_0.png?itok=zAHDSsYC" title="Location of the Brisbane Quarter complex. Image by Google Maps." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Location of the Brisbane Quarter complex. Image by Google Maps.</figcaption></figure>
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The One Brisbane location

The residential transformation of St Kilda Road is set to continue into with more new apartment plans for the sought-after boulevard.

Wing Tai Asia has lodged plans for a major residential tower at 464-466 St Kilda Road, replacing the former VACC House with an 18-storey mixed-use development designed around a retained heritage podium and a sculpted contemporary tower.

The proposal, prepared under Victoria’s Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway, would deliver 325 apartments and ground-floor retail across the prominent 4,653 sqm boulevard site in Melbourne’s St Kilda Road North Precinct.

The project centres on the adaptive reuse of the site’s heritage-listed VACC Building, an eight-storey office designed by Bernard Evans that has occupied the address for decades. Planning documents state the development would involve “carefully dismantling and conserving off-site the original metal fabric of the podium visible from St Kilda Road,” before reinstating it as the defining frontage of the new scheme.

Above the restored podium, Wing Tai is proposing a curvilinear residential tower. The scheme includes 172 one-bedroom apartments, 63 two-bedroom apartments, 66 three-bedroom apartments, and 24 four-bedroom apartments, alongside two ground-floor food and beverage tenancies fronting St Kilda Road.

The tower has been designed with substantial articulation and variable setbacks to minimise perceived bulk and maintain view corridors along the boulevard. Urbis, which prepared the planning report, said the design “has been significantly articulated through a curvilinear design” with “an interplay with materials, façade expression and depth” to create visual separation and visual interest.

The proposal also includes 254 basement car spaces, landscaped pedestrian links connecting St Kilda Road and Queens Lane, and a biophilic landscape strategy featuring canopy trees, raised planters, cascading greenery and a glass oculus pool overlooking the eastern frontage.

Planning documents confirm the $270.1 million development will contribute 3 per cent of project costs to the Social Housing Growth Fund as part of the application process.

Wing Tai acquired the St Kilda Road property in 2018 alongside Abacus Property Group for $95.38 million, before later consolidating ownership of the site. The property previously served as the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce headquarters for around 60 years.

The transformation of the St Kilda Rd boulevard is already beginning to materialise, with a number of high-profile projects recently completed, launched, or approaching launch as developers continue to back the long-term appeal of the precinct.

Among the most notable recent completions is Louise by Samuel Property Group, just off the strip on Queens Lane, the same pocket Hirsch &amp; Faigen recently launched The Queensbury. Mirvac is too on the same street with The Albertine, which is approaching completion.

Dexus recently secured approval for its slice of St Kilda Road, while Gurner also has approved plans for the precinct.

Joel Robinson

Wing Tai unveils 325-apartment St Kilda Road tower on former VACC House site

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

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

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

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

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

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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

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