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<p>It appears the 'wrong side of the Yarra, right side of Maribyrnong' encompassing Fitzroy, Carlton, Brunswick, North Melbourne and Northcote has been chosen as the region where most Apartments.com.au readers would like to live or own a property.  The centre of the city and inner South round out the most popular regions of Melbourne respectively.  </p>

<p>That's the conclusion drawn from our ongoing <a href="http://www.effectivemeasure.com/" target="_blank">Effective Measure</a> reader surveys that are now in their third month.</p>

<p>The large amount of investment - both in infrastructure and residential construction - currently being funneled into Footscray does not appear to sway Apartments.com.au readers as only 15% of Apartments.com.au's audience selected inner West.  The inner East including Richmond - the suburb which lead the inner-city gentrification through the early 90s - appears to be off the boil with only 33% of the Apartments.com.au audience selecting it in the multi-choice question.</p>

<p>We did attempt to correlate any kind of relationship with the number of projects we're tracking on our database with the survey responses however we came up empty.</p>

<p>The total projects we're tracking in <a href="/developments/fitzroy-vic-3065">Fitzroy</a>, <a href="/developments/carlton-vic-3053">Carlton</a>, <a href="/developments/collingwood-vic-3066">Collingwood</a>, <a href="/developments/northcote-vic-3070">Northcote</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/brunswick-vic-3056">Brunswick</a> and <a href="/developments/brunswick-east-vic-3057">East Brunswick</a> rounds out to 46.  The inner South representing <a href="/developments/south-yarra-vic-3141">South Yarra</a>, <a href="/developments/prahran-vic-3181">Prahran</a>, <a href="/developments/st-kilda-vic-3182">St Kilda</a>, <a href="/developments/south-melbourne-vic-3205">South Melbourne</a> and <a href="/developments/port-melbourne-vic-3207">Port Melbourne</a> totals 59.  </p>

<p>The centre of the city -<a href="/developments/melbourne-vic" target="_blank"> Melbourne</a> (postcodes 3000 and 3004), <a href="/new-apartments/docklands-vic-3008">Docklands</a> and <a href="/new-apartments/southbank-vic-3006">Southbank</a> - totals a mammoth 77 projects.</p>

<p>The data provided by Effective Measure breaks down the responses in to gender categories - Apartments.com.au's total audience gender breakdown is 75% male, 25% female.</p>

<p>Amongst males, the inner North again came out on top whilst female readers nominated the centre of the City as their most desirable place to live or own a property. </p>

<p>It mightn't come as any surprise that the outer suburbs barely registered on the survey and it appears Apartments.com.au might have a small tree-changer following with 13% of audience share allocated to a rural area / other regional city in Victora.</p>

<p>So what is it that makes the inner North a favourite of Apartments.com.au readers?  </p>

<p>Truth be known, there was no specific purpose in asking the question on the survey - we thought we'd just throw it out there but it has given the editors some ideas for the next round of surveys which will be rolled out soon.</p>

<p>Perhaps this is a good time to disclaim that both Apartments.com.au editors currently live on 'the wrong side of the Yarra, but right side of the Maribyrnong' - one is a native of the region, the other a 'migrant' from the outer South East.  </p>

<p>We're very much interested in having a discussion on why the inner North has come up trumps, so feel free to leave a comment in the box provided below.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>The question asked:  Which of the following areas would you find most desirable to live, invest or own a property in (choose a maximum of 3)?</p>

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 100%;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Region</b></td>
			<td><strong>Audience Share</strong></td>
			<td><strong>Male</strong></td>
			<td><strong>Female</strong></td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Inner North (Fitzroy, Carlton, Brunswick, Northcote, North Melbourne)</td>
			<td>57%</td>
			<td>60%</td>
			<td>43%</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>The Centre of the City (CBD, Southbank, Docklands)</td>
			<td>52%</td>
			<td>51%</td>
			<td>57%</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Inner South (South Melbourne, Port Melbourne, South Yarra, St. Kilda, Fishermans Bend)</td>
			<td>45%</td>
			<td>46%</td>
			<td>43%</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Inner East (Richmond, Hawthorn/Glenferrie)</td>
			<td>33%</td>
			<td>34%</td>
			<td>29%</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Inner West (Footscray, Yarraville, Maribyrnong)</td>
			<td>15%</td>
			<td>15%</td>
			<td>14%</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>A rural area / other regional city or town in Victoria</td>
			<td>13%</td>
			<td>11%</td>
			<td>21%</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Middle ring of suburbs - North or West of the Yarra (Coburg, Thornbury, Moonee Ponds, Essendon, Heidelberg, Williamstown)</td>
			<td>11%</td>
			<td>12%</td>
			<td>8%</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Middle ring of suburbs - South or East of the Yarra (Sandringham, Elsternwick, Moorabbin, Caulfield, Oakleigh, Camberwell, Doncaster)</td>
			<td>10%</td>
			<td>9%</td>
			<td>14%</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>The urban heart of a regional city (Bendigo, Ballarat, Geelong) </td>
			<td>7%</td>
			<td>6%</td>
			<td>7%</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Outer ring of Suburbs - South or East of the Yarra</td>
			<td>4%</td>
			<td>4%</td>
			<td>1%</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Outer ring of Suburbs - North or West of the Yarra</td>
			<td>1%</td>
			<td>1%</td>
			<td>1%</td>
		</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p>To see the rest of our demographic data captured through the user surveys, you can view it on our recently published Media Kit located <a href="/contact">here</a>.</p>

<p> </p>
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Alastair Taylor

The inner North: most favoured by Urban.com.au readers

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<p>Announcing Imperial Doncaster 60% sold with Hacer Group to commence construction within weeks, <a href="http://www.axfgroup.com.au/" target="_blank">AXF Group</a> have simultaneously unveiled final renders for the now approved 34 level <a href="/new-apartments/sky-one-box-hill-545-563-station-street-box-hill">Sovereign Square</a> project at 545 Station Street, Box Hill.  </p>

<p>At 120 metres above sea level, Doncaster Hill commands excellent views in all directions and future residents will be afforded and even greater perspective once the 10 level Imperial Doncaster development is completed. </p>

<p>Sales and Marketing manager for AXF, Scott Jessop, says beyond the headline figure of 60% of apartments sold, Imperial Doncaster has attracted strong interest from local owner-occupiers looking to remain loyal to their community by downsizing into Imperial Doncaster's offerings.  The project has reportedly seen keen interest from buyers who wish to play a more hands-on role in configuring their apartments with multi-purchase and combine configurations a common occurrence.</p>

<p>Like all the projects we track around the city, Apartments.com.au will be keeping a watchful eye on Imperial Doncaster's construction progress post the construction launch in March.</p>

<p><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/GS_Doncaster_External%20Daylight%20V1_RETOUCH_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Imperial Doncaster - Image © Buchan Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/GS_Doncaster_External%20Daylight%20V1_RETOUCH_0.jpg?itok=lZIgIBEK" title="Imperial Doncaster - Image © Buchan Group" width="580"></a></p>

<p>A short trip along the aptly named Tram Road - the route of the <a href="http://www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au/papers/boxhill.htm" target="_blank">Southern Hemisphere's first electric tramway</a> which opened in 1889 - is another development by AXF Group previously known as 545 Station Street Box Hill, and now referred to as Sovereign Square.</p>

<p>Having spent more than a decade observing projects all around Melbourne, this site has appeared on the radar multiple times in one guise or another, yet the current proposal is the pick of all that have been put forward.  AXF Group have once more utilised Imperial Doncaster designers <a href="http://buchan.com.au/" target="_blank">Buchan Group</a> to produce this 34 level residential tower on the corner of Station Street and Carrington Road, destined to be suburban Melbourne's tallest building.</p>

<p>Perhaps most satisfactory of all, Sovereign Square will set an example as to what can be done with the surface car parks that blight our suburban activity centres throughout the metropolitan area.</p>

<p>Where Imperial Doncaster consisted of 94 apartments, Sovereign Square will boast 419.  Studio, one, two and three bedroom configurations will be present throughout the building and 288 car, 15 motorbike and 167 bicycle spaces will round out the on-site transport aspects of the project.</p>

<p><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/External%20Image.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Sovereign Square - Image © Buchan Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="1030" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/External%20Image.jpg?itok=jQdF8KTv" title="Sovereign Square - Image © Buchan Group" width="580"></a></p>

<p>Given Sovereign Square's location directly adjacent to Box Hill Station with the comprehensive array of transport options located within the immediate vicinity, this tower is located in an area ripe for intensive urban development.</p>

<p>Carrington Road, synonymous with Indochinese cuisine, forms one of the site's boundaries and Sovereign Square looks set to expand the dining precinct with 2677 square metres of restaurant space within the podium, supplemented by 715 square metres of ground floor food premises. A further 2263 square metres of premium serviced office space is also to be included.</p>

<p><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/Podium%20Corner.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Buchan Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="348" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Podium%20Corner.jpg?itok=_y-sVl-9" title="Image © Buchan Group" width="580"></a></p>

<p>Sovereign Square is an interesting turn of events for the this middle ring corridor in Eastern Melbourne, not only because of the scale of the development but more so the prolonged period of time taken for Box Hill to densify?</p>

<p>As discussed earlier, Box Hill appears - on paper at least - to be the better node to support higher densities given both the high frequency of rail services right through the heart of the suburb, Tram 109 as well as its concentration of bus routes to and from the activities district.</p>

<p>With a flurry of mid-rise proposals north of Whitehorse Road, Box Hill Hospital's redevelopment and the now under construction ATO office accommodation, Box Hill has started to flex its muscle by demonstrating it can capitalise on all the necessary elements it has at its disposal to mature into an urban hub, with Sovereign Square leading the way</p>

<p> </p>
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Imperial Doncaster starts construction, Sovereign Square unveiled

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<p>During November Apartments.com.au presented Guiding Melbourne's Urban Growth ('GMUG 2013'), an event as part of Melbourne Knowledge Week 2013.  Today's article focuses on the presentation given by William McDougall, Principal and Public Transport practice leader at global consulting firm <a href="http://www.globalskm.com/" target="_blank">SKM</a>.  </p>

<blockquote>
<p><em>If Melbourne is to fulfil its own motto of gaining strength as it grows, planning policy must shift away from the auto-centric low-density suburban growth patterns of the past.  Cities which encourage diverse human interaction through policies which enable increased residential and employment densities benefit from increased localised economic and social activity. With the great Australian dream of owning a home becoming increasingly unattainable where spiralling congestion and travel distance to employment and services offset the lower prices of new fringe suburban development, how can Melbourne make medium and high-density living more attractive to individuals and families at a price they can afford?</em></p>
</blockquote>

<div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-family: Gotham, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;">Each of the invited presenters were asked to respond to the above question, drawing on their expertise and views from within the Urban Industry and here is William's presentation.</span></div>

<div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-family: Gotham, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div>

<div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/84362525" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="100%"></iframe></div>

<p><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://vimeo.com/84362525">Urban.com.au - Guiding Melbourne's Urban Growth: Part 5 - William McDougall</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user19840635">The Video Agency</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>

<blockquote>
<p>In my presentation I was highlighting that we urgently need to accommodate change and flexibility in urban planning for Melbourne (and elsewhere), perhaps more than ever before. The main reasons for this are to ensure that we can take full advantage of technological and social change – which are both expected to accelerate enormously – instead of assuming some sort of ‘business as usual’ (which is jargon for ‘no change’) when we’re predicting the future and trying to plan for it.</p>

<p>The example I quoted (which is just one of many) – autonomous vehicles – is quickly becoming the hottest topic in transport. All the major vehicle manufacturers are developing self-driving capabilities and collaborating with Google and its competitors in the process. With this industry investment, self-driving cars will be a reality very quickly. Initially this will be in high-end models but eventually in all new cars, and even in modular form to retrofit into existing vehicles. The traffic efficiency, safety and social benefits are potentially enormous and we must ensure that our urban planning and regulatory systems facilitate, rather than obstruct, their progress.</p>

<p>Coupled with revolutionary changes in transport energy sources and efficiency (electric vehicle technologies in particular), and integration with fast-changing internet and social networking technologies, a new paradigm of automated, efficient and smart transport systems will evolve rapidly from this groundswell.</p>

<p class="rteright"> - William McDougall, January 2014.</p>
</blockquote>

<p>The editors of Apartments.com.au would once again like to thank William for taking time out his Friday night to share his perspectives and similarly would like to thank The State Library of Victoria team and our partners at <a href="http://www.thevideoagency.com.au/" target="_blank">The Video Agency</a> for filming the entire event.</p>
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GMUG 2013: William McDougall on future transport trends for cities

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<p class="rtejustify">I didn't expect to be writing about a momentous project in the municipality I spent my Secondary School days and most weekends, however this is most certainly warranted.  I must admit I was pleasantly surprised when perusing our forum and in particular a <a href="/news">thread</a> created by Apartments.com.au member Fedsquared featuring the new <a href="http://www.caseyculturalprecinct.com.au/design/design/" target="_blank">Casey Cultural Precinct</a>.</p>
<p class="rtejustify">After a 6 month design competition with finalists including Ashton Raggatt McDougall, DCM and John Wardle, City of Casey have selected the winning design for the Casey Cultural Precinct.  Conceived by fjmt (<a href="http://www.fjmt.com.au/" target="_blank">Frances-Jones Morehen Thorp</a>), the cultural hub will encapsulate an 800 seat theatre, gallery and community spaces.  Further, the new centre will also function as a Library and Civic Centre replacing the existing buildings located just to the north of the site.</p>
<p class="rtejustify"><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/Image-1_external.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Casey Cultural Precinct - image source: http://www.caseyculturalprecinct.com.au/design/design/"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="243" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image-1_external.jpg?itok=UfXY9iRq" title="The Casey Cultural Precinct - image source: http://www.caseyculturalprecinct.com.au/design/design/" width="580"></a></p>
<p class="rtejustify">Further to the aforementioned features of the project, the Cultural Precinct will also host a plaza, pictured at top, whilst also acting as a regional schools centre for the arts. </p>
<p class="rtejustify">Sourcing City of Casey Mayor Geoff Ablett via a <a href="http://www.caseyculturalprecinct.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Media-Release_Contemporary-and-innovative-design-unveiled-for-125-million-Casey-Cultural-Precinct.pdf" target="_blank">media release</a>,</p>
<blockquote>
	<div class="rtejustify">
		‘The winning design is striking, engaging and functional and will ensure the Casey Cultural Precinct will be an inviting central heart for the community that celebrates participation, belonging and civic pride. </div>
	<div class="rtejustify">
		 </div>
	<div class="rtejustify">
		‘The design rises from the landscape and integrates with the surrounding environment, while the iconic roof which resembles soaring eagle wings, reaches out to create an interactive meeting space for the community. </div>
	<div class="rtejustify">
		 </div>
	<div class="rtejustify">
		‘The building incorporates a blend of materials, including an impressive metal and timber roof, contemporary curved glass facade and a warm timber interior. </div>
	<div class="rtejustify">
		 </div>
	<div class="rtejustify">
		‘The performing arts centre, regional art gallery, multi-purpose exhibition space, library and Civic Centre are easily accessed on the ground level through a common foyer which welcomes visitors to the precinct. </div>
	<div class="rtejustify">
		 </div>
	<div class="rtejustify">
		‘Outdoor pathways meander through the precinct, drawing visitors to the central community plaza where people will be able to celebrate, collaborate and connect. </div>
	<div class="rtejustify">
		 </div>
	<div class="rtejustify">
		‘The design is a fantastic outcome for the community and will be a welcoming place for everyone to come together when it opens in 2017’.</div>
</blockquote>
<p class="rtejustify">First thought to cross my mind when viewing the foyer images...drawing inspiration from the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scottish_Parliament" target="_blank">Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh</a>.</p>
<p class="rtejustify">  <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/Image-2_foyer.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The striking foyer in the Casey Cultural Centre - image source: http://www.caseyculturalprecinct.com.au/design/design/"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="324" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image-2_foyer.jpg?itok=mqcC8-t5" title="The striking foyer in the Casey Cultural Centre - image source: http://www.caseyculturalprecinct.com.au/design/design/" width="580"></a></p>
<p class="rtejustify">  <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/Image-3_foyer_plaza.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Another view of the foyer in the Casey Cultural Centre - image source: http://www.caseyculturalprecinct.com.au/design/design/"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="274" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image-3_foyer_plaza.jpg?itok=8SJaO_GD" title="Another view of the foyer in the Casey Cultural Centre - image source: http://www.caseyculturalprecinct.com.au/design/design/" width="580"></a></p>
<p class="rtejustify">The new Cultural and Civic Centre is reportedly set to open in 2017 and is to be financed by the council itself owing to 'Many years of responsible financial management...Council can finance the Casey Cultural Precinct without an increase to rates".  The Council's own <a href="http://www.caseyculturalprecinct.com.au/project/faq/" target="_blank">FAQ</a> page states a combination of savings, a small loan and external funding will combine to finance the $125 million dollar project.  </p>
<p class="rtejustify">Given a State election is due in November it might not come as a surprise to anyone that both the Government and Opposition may just pledge cash to the precinct given that, according to ABC election guru Antony Green's <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/elections/vic/2013/redistribution.htm" target="_blank">analysis</a>, both the Narre Warren North and Narre Warren South seats sit on margins of 4.8% and 7.4% after the final redistribution of seat boundaries.</p>
<p class="rtejustify"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="450" mozallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/83821030?byline=0&amp;portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="100%"></iframe></p>
<p class="rtejustify"><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://vimeo.com/83821030">Casey Cultural Precinct Design</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/cityofcasey">City of Casey</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>
<div>
	 </div>
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Casey Cultural Precinct comes up with the goods

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<p>Today we have re-launched our site - imagnatively dubbed Apartments.com.au 2.0 - with a completely new theme.</p>
<p>Over the Christmas and New Year break the team have been working on customising the theme, as well as making some infrastructure upgrades which will allow us to integrate many different content silos.</p>
<p>All content areas of Apartments.com.au 2.0 are now completely responsive, meaning whether you're looking at Apartments.com.au on a desktop, laptop, tablet or smartphone, the site will render to best suit the device you are using. In our previous theme, the forum - which attracts near 40% of our total site traffic - was not responsive and mobile users (which represent 20% of all Apartments.com.au users) had a very poor browsing experience. Not anymore.</p>
<p>For our heavy forum users, when you hotlink images you wish to post, the site will automatically resize the image if it is wider than the viewable area. No need to resize existing images you have posted, it is all automatic and the images will resize depending on the device you're using to browse.</p>
<p>We have also heeded advice and we're responding to feedback on the need to integrate the main 'silos' of content we have been working with for the past nine months. As part of the infrastructure upgrades, we're now able to show Project Database information directly on related Projects &amp; Construction forum threads at the top of the left sidebar. See our <a href="/news">single project thread</a> and <a href="/news">multi-project thread</a> examples. The process of linking Project Database pages to forums is a slow process, so bear with us as we continue to roll this out.</p>
<p>While only a small visible change at present, the ability to integrate information that rests in different areas on the site will play a big role in future development.</p>
<p>You might have also noticed that <a href="/news">Visual Melbourne</a>, previously integrated with other news items, now sits prominently in the main menu - this is because we have introduced "Photo of the day". This is a single image we either take ourselves, or find from an external source, that we love and want to highlight. It may have been previously posted on the forum, or submitted to us by content partners.</p>
<p>If you are interested in participating, you can submit images in <a href="/news">this forum thread</a>.</p>
<p>We've also made changes to article categories. Given we specialise on planning application reporting, we've split this from a general 'Development' category and any planning application pieces will be in the new 'Planning' category. Likewise we have split Design from Sustainability &amp; Environment as well as splitting Policy and Culture into their own individual categories.</p>
<p>These article category splits have been partly guided by our ongoing user surveys conducted by Effective Measure.</p>
<p>We've also enhanced the login process to allow using either a username or associated e-mail address as the login. We have also implemented Transport Layer Security (TLS/SSL) across the site - data transmitted between your browser and our server is encrypted.</p>
<p>A belated apology for taking the site down for the past few days - when we only anticipated needing one - however we're back and ready to roll for 2014.</p>
<p>If you have any feedback, questions or would like to report any issues, we've created <a href="/news">this forum thread</a> that we'll be monitoring.</p>
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Welcome to Urban.com.au 2.0

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<p class="rtejustify">On December 24th City of Stonnington lodged a request seeking approval for <a href="http://www.stonnington.vic.gov.au/connect-with-us/state-planning-reforms-/new-residential-zones-/" target="_blank">new planning zones</a> with the State Government.  According to the still active <a href="http://www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/planning/theplanningsystem/improving-the-system/new-zones-for-victoria/new-and-reformed-residential-zones" target="_blank">DPCD website</a> "<span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif;">Reformed residential zones for Victoria have been approved to better respond to present-day requirements and will give greater clarity about the type of development that can be expected in any residential area."  </span></span>With that in mind City of Stonnington, like all metropolitan Melbourne councils are required to analyse and consult their municipality and then ultimately roll out the newly reformed zones.</p>

<p class="rtejustify">The map produced for the initial consultation period (see below) shows a larger use of the new Residential Growth Zone, whilst a comparison of the consultation/adopted maps shows High Street, Wattletree Road and Waverley Road have had their Residential Growth Zone overlay replaced with General Residential.  Likewise Toorak Road east of Orrong Road no longer sports the Residential Growth zone along one of the municipality's main thoroughfares.</p>

<p class="rtejustify">The prominence of the Commercial Zone, <a href="http://www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/197352/34_01.pdf" target="_blank">which can incorporate residential uses</a>, in the western end of the municipality will ensure Chapel Street remains the primary focus of Stonnington's growth.  Chadstone Shopping Centre toward the far eastern end of Stonnington is naturally Commercial and interestingly the entire Stonnington side of Dandenong Road and Warrigal road around Chadstone is to receive the new Residential Growth zone.  </p>

<p class="rtejustify">How long can we leave Chadstone without a fixed heavy rail link?  <a href="/news/all-roads-lead-to-chadstone" target="_blank">Urban.com.au has posed the question in the past</a>.</p>

<p class="rtejustify">Upon analysing the maps - both the consultation period and council-adopted versions - a clear theme for the new Residential Growth Zone has been paired with Stonnington's many tram corridors.  For instance this section of Malvern Road, as seen below in Google's Street view, has been endorsed to have the new Residential Growth Zone.  </p>

<p class="rtejustify"><iframe frameborder="0" height="394" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://maps.google.com.au/?ie=UTF8&amp;t=m&amp;layer=c&amp;cbll=-37.854137,145.049741&amp;panoid=8joBoWpXdiWRYac7sWehkQ&amp;cbp=13,266.32,,0,11.05&amp;source=embed&amp;ll=-37.857113,145.051482&amp;spn=0.006675,0.01502&amp;z=16&amp;output=svembed" width="100%"></iframe><br><small><a href="https://maps.google.com.au/?ie=UTF8&amp;t=m&amp;layer=c&amp;cbll=-37.854137,145.049741&amp;panoid=8joBoWpXdiWRYac7sWehkQ&amp;cbp=13,266.32,,0,11.05&amp;source=embed&amp;ll=-37.857113,145.051482&amp;spn=0.006675,0.01502&amp;z=16" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small></p>

<p class="rtejustify">Similarly the section of Glenferrie Road between Malvern Road and High Street has been endorsed for the same Residential Growth zone treatment, enforcing the ideal that  higher density living should be within close proximity to light rail services.</p>

<p class="rtejustify"><iframe frameborder="0" height="394" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://maps.google.com.au/?ie=UTF8&amp;t=h&amp;layer=c&amp;cbll=-37.853831,145.029708&amp;panoid=xssO6qjs_sf0UGMTYVf69Q&amp;cbp=13,15.52,,0,1.58&amp;source=embed&amp;ll=-37.855167,145.030367&amp;spn=0.003338,0.00751&amp;z=17&amp;output=svembed" width="100%"></iframe><br><small><a href="https://maps.google.com.au/?ie=UTF8&amp;t=h&amp;layer=c&amp;cbll=-37.853831,145.029708&amp;panoid=xssO6qjs_sf0UGMTYVf69Q&amp;cbp=13,15.52,,0,1.58&amp;source=embed&amp;ll=-37.855167,145.030367&amp;spn=0.003338,0.00751&amp;z=17" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small></p>

<p class="rtejustify">Click the maps below to see a larger images of the residential zones as envisaged by City of Stonnington.  Alternatively click <a href="/news/reformed-planning-zones-city-of-moreland" target="_blank">here</a> to see Apartments.com.au's previous rundown on City of Moreland's changes, another council with intense development within its locality that will receive clarity in planning via the reformed residential zoning.</p>

<p> </p>
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Reformed planning zones: City of Stonnington

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<p>The Planning Minister, Matthew Guy, has given approval to 54-56 Clarke Street, Southbank.</p>

<p><a href="/new-apartments/elysium-54-clarke-street-southbank" target="_blank">54-56 Clarke Street</a>, designed by <a href="http://b-k-k.com.au/" target="_blank">BKK</a>, will rise 240 metres above its peers, standing third tallest on Southbank (which could be shifted to forth tallest should <a href="/news/planning-application-1-23-queensbridge-street-southbank" target="_blank">1-23 Queensbridge Street</a> be built).  </p>

<p>Thanks to its slender profile, the building will only yield 256 apartments over 73 levels and the architects have managed to squeeze a café at ground level.  </p>

<p>Much of the talk in the mainstream press has revolved around the building's height however we at Apartments.com.au would like to draw attention to another important aspect of the building: its interaction with us, the passer-by on the street.</p>

<p><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/54clarke_street.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="54-56 Clarke Street street interaction"><img alt="" class="image-article-half-width-351px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_half_width_351px/public/pictures/article-images/54clarke_street.jpg?itok=M9DlAsr5" title="54-56 Clarke Street street interaction" typeof="foaf:Image"></a></p>

<p><sub>Image source: <a href="http://b-k-k.com.au/projects/multi-residential/project/clarke-street-apartment-development/" target="_blank">http://b-k-k.com.au/projects/multi-residential/project/clarke-street-apartment-development/</a></sub></p>

<p>Organic, active, green and unlike anything either on or a stone's throw away from City Road - a picture speaks a thousand words.  </p>

<p>54-56 Clarke Street will inevitably become a destination for more than just its residents and it most certainly will be a welcome one in an otherwise street life deprived block of Southbank.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Media Release in full:</p>

<p style=" margin: 12px auto 6px auto; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; -x-system-font: none; display: block;"><a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/192603718/54-56-Clarke-Street-approval" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="View 54-56 Clarke Street approval on Scribd">54-56 Clarke Street approval</a></p>

<p><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="undefined" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_99568" scrolling="no" src="//www.scribd.com/embeds/192603718/content?start_page=1&amp;view_mode=scroll&amp;show_recommendations=true" width="100%"></iframe></p>
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54-56 Clarke Street Southbank Approved

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<p>After having attended a lecture last Tuesday at the University of Melbourne presented by <a href="http://www.mcgill.ca/architecture/faculty/friedman" target="_blank">Avi Friedman</a>, Professor of Architecture at McGill University, many questions on housing affordability were posed in general and specifically relating to Melbourne. Professor Friedman is best known for his pioneering housing affordability work in Montréal through the creation of the Grow home and the Next home concepts which started out as pilot projects on the grounds of McGill University's campus and has since evolving to many thousands of individual units delivered in Montréal and further afield.</p>

<p>The <a href="http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/inpr/afhoce/afhoce/afhostcast/afhoid/cohode/buhoin/buhoin_005.cfm" target="_blank">Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation</a>'s case study states that Grow homes are targeted at new home buyers "to create an affordable ownership housing form where the interior can be finished incrementally to match the space requirements and financial circumstances of the homeowners".</p>

<p>Architects like to talk about their craft with all its processes being a journey and as Professor Friedman noted in his lecture last Tuesday, he wasn't on a journey to land himself into glossy Architecture magazines (although he now is) – he wanted his work to make nations and markets change.</p>

<p>In the Western World, a car and white picket fence in a far flung suburb has been the predominant housing development pattern for the best part of half a century and yet when the conversation switches to housing affordability, it's generally this outer suburban development which gets categorised in the “most affordable” method.</p>

<p>But is it truly affordable?</p>

<p>Professor Friedman's work on the Grow home and the following incarnation - the Next Home - challenges the notion that when you buy a dwelling the internal fit out must be entirely complete upon picking up the keys.</p>

<p>In a nutshell the Next homes work like this: narrow - 6.1 metre wide - modules built with timber frames can be stacked both vertically and horizontally creating a diverse amount of unpartitioned internal space. The prospective buyer then proceeds through a formula of choosing a) how many floors they would like to purchase, b) how each floor's layout will be configured and c) how much of their dwelling they wish (and can <em>afford</em>) to fit out from the day they obtain the keys. Think of an IKEA catalogue for dwellings - refer to the 9th page, numbered 111 <a href="http://www.housingeducators.org/Journals/H&amp;S_Vol_25_No_1-2_The_Next_Home_Affordability_Through_Flexibility_and_Choice.pdf" target="_blank">here</a> for an example.</p>

<p>The whole concept forces the buyer to sharpen their focus on what they can truly afford.</p>

<p>Apart from empowering the purchaser with multiple individual choices to suit their needs and budget, the buyer in essence enters into a longer-term relationship with the developer than what currently is the norm, rather than the traditional method where which involves the purchase process, build, occupancy followed by the parting of ways upon completion. Next home buyers are instead encouraged to adapt the space they own as their needs change and financial position dictates.</p>

<p>Professor Friedman drew inspiration from the Car Manufacturing industry where buyers are given an inordinate amount of choice on exteriors, interiors, engine and various other other bells and whistles like GPS and iPod connectivity. Where you wouldn't want to buy a car with 3 wheels (when there's space, and a requirement, for 4), someone might want to buy 100 square metres of adaptable space and only partition and fit out 50% of it from day one.</p>

<p>The example Professor Friedman talked about in his lecture was a young couple selecting only a kitchen, bathroom and living area partitioned initially whilst having a second floor left unpartitioned and used as a giant bedroom. Over time as the young couple's space requirements and financial position evolves - such as when the family unit grows by 1 through the birth of a child - the couple can start to partition the second level accordingly. The home evolves with the occupants.</p>

<p>Even the cost of installing individual rooms has many different price points, the kitchen being a prime example - costs can be reduced by opting to have shelving instead of cupboards above benchtops with incremental change over time by purchasing cupboards from the developer at a later stage or by taking DIY route.</p>

<p>The Next home concept directly responds to changing demographics both on a neighbourhood basis and right down to a building level. Initially designed to cost $50,000CAD per floor (75 square metres) with land (Montreal prices at the start of last decade), 4 level buildings - perfect for the new Residential Growth zones being rolled out around Melbourne - could have a mixture of uses: ground floor retail, a 1 bedroom unit or office on the first floor and a 3 bedroom family unit on floors 2 and 3. The configuration of every individual building is solely reliant in the needs of a group of buyers.</p>

<p>In the Australian context, there are many issues to confront before we could ever hope to have affordable housing such as the Next home concept become mainstream. This mainly revolves around illustrating to the wider public the benefits of not necessarily "smaller" housing, but more compact housing and ensuring NIMBYism doesn't get the upper hand beyond the implementation of the new Residential Growth zones.</p>

<p>By all accounts, the NIMBY problem exists in Canada just as much as it does here however compact and higher density housing is far more prevalent right across Canada - something Australia would do well to learn from, mimic and even enhance the Canadian experience.</p>

<p>See below for a video of a similar lecture given by Professor Friedman at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlOWpmN6nXI</p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="396" scrolling="no" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/BlOWpmN6nXI" width="100%"></iframe></p>
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Avi Friedman's outside the box thinking on affordable housing

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<div class="rtejustify">
	That's one of the recommendations from the <a href="http://www.ces.vic.gov.au/victorias-environment/state-of-environment-victoria-2009-2013" target="_blank">State of Environment Victoria 2013</a> report. </div>
<div class="rtejustify">
	 </div>
<div class="rtejustify">
	The SOEV 2013 report quotes Sir Rod Eddington's observation of the 'Pursuit of "iconic" projects at the expense of small projects' as not being optimal and in section 4.3.5.1 on <a href="http://www.ces.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/230918/J_CfES_SoE-report_PartB-G4_382-495_lo-res_reduced.pdf" target="_blank">page 453</a>, the report goes on to explain cheaper and more effective public transport options can be brought to those who currently have access to mediocre levels of public transport by ramping up investment in bus services.</div>
<div class="rtejustify">
	 </div>
<div class="rtejustify">
	Notwithstanding the broad nature of the report, to have such a specific recommendation aiding sustainable communities via significant bus investment is telling.  The Public Transport debate tends to revolve around the big ticket items: Melbourne Metro, the entire PTV Heavy Rail plan with buses and trams seemingly put to the wayside.</div>
<div class="rtejustify">
	 </div>
<div class="rtejustify">
	<img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_702px" height="519" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/transit_modes_at_a_glance_SOEV_2013_page_443.jpg?itok=2Z6RvgSa" width="702">
</div>
<div class="rtejustify">
	The above graphic can be found on page 443 of the report and provides a brilliant rundown on the costs of implementation, the time to start services and potential ridership of different modes of Public Transport.</div>
<div class="rtejustify">
	 </div>
<div class="rtejustify">
	If there is one thing that could be looked upon as a great positive from the past 50 years of auto-centric suburban expansion in Melbourne. it's the scale and capacity of the road network which has over time come along with it.  Wide medians, wide lanes and wide corridors - think Springvale Road, Cheltenham Road and Stud Road in the East for example - are all prime examples where prior State Governments have begun to see the potential in investing in better bus services via the Smart Bus network.</div>
<div class="rtejustify">
	 </div>
<div class="rtejustify">
	Yet, to date Smart Bus has been the highest profile road-based Public Transport investment.  In essence the difference between a Smart Bus service and a 'normal' bus service is unique livery for the fleet operating the routes, higher frequency of service, longer operating hours, extraordinarily long routes and real time information at select bus stops.</div>
<div class="rtejustify">
	 </div>
<div class="rtejustify">
	Whilst strong growth in patronage can be <a href="http://ptv.vic.gov.au/assets/PTV/PTV%20docs/Research-and-statistics/Bus-patronage-growth-December-2011.pdf" target="_blank">demonstrated</a> for Smart Buses, might we query whether expansion of the Smart Bus network is the best course of action for Melbourne?</div>
<div class="rtejustify">
	 </div>
<div class="rtejustify">
	Buses run on roads.  Melbourne has a robust and expansive road network.  You don't need to install expensive real time information bus stops to run buses more frequently.  Route straightening, frequency increase on weekdays and weekends and greater investment in fleets and drivers can easily be marketed directly to local users.  </div>
<div class="rtejustify">
	 </div>
<div class="rtejustify">
	As the below graphic illustrates, convenience is one of the highest reasons for not catching Public Transport.  Given the depth and breadth of our road network, there should be no excuse for investing in a bus route network which utilises this great asset.  And to make it all work, frequency of service - whether it is a major arterial route or a collector - should be the absolute top priority.  </div>
<div class="rtejustify">
	 </div>
<div class="rtejustify">
	Notwithstanding the number of people who would scream blue murder at the thought of <em>their</em> road network being taken over by buses (by way of extended bus lanes to allow multiple routes running on major corridors at higher frequencies) or trucks, in the outer suburbs where I grew up, the bus was looked upon as the poor man's transport.  Trains?  That's how you got to the city.  But to get to Fountain Gate?  You drove, or had your parents drive you.</div>
<div class="rtejustify">
	 </div>
<div class="rtejustify">
	This is the very culture and mentality that needs to be attacked head on and the buses are the cheapest and most rapidly deployable mode of Public Transport in arsenal to win not just the battle, but the war on congestion and basic service access.</div>
<div class="rtejustify">
	 </div>
<p class="rtejustify"><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_702px" height="359" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/selected_reasons_for_not_using_pt_SOEV_2013_page_452.jpg?itok=M8HSEZkL" title="Select reasons for not using Public Transport - SOEV 2013 report, Page 452" width="702"></p>
<p class="rtejustify">It's interesting the collective 20% from the transport survey above who nominated "Need to carry passengers, equipment or tools" or "Own vehicle needed" seem to be some of the loudest voices when it comes to a Public Transport versus Road expansion debate on mainstream media outlets - yet as this study shows, they're quite a significant minority.    </p>
<p class="rtejustify">If balance of transport modes and dwelling type for a growing Melbourne is the aim of the State Government of the day and into the future, then why aren't buses prioritised over say, the Mernda Rail extension?   Bus drivers are the fastest and cheapest to procure and train, bus routes are the cheapest to implement and they're a vehicle type which can run on infrastructure that already exists.</p>
<p class="rtejustify">The SOEV 2013 report's authors ought to be commended for focusing on the blindingly obvious Public Transport mode which will have the greatest effect on new growth areas as well as aiding the network effect in existing areas for a future sustainable Melbourne.</p>
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Melbourne needs more focus on buses: SOEV 2013 Report

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<p class="rtejustify">For the past few weeks you may have noticed a small popup in the bottom right hand corner stating Apartments.com.au is looking to better understand its audience.  </p>

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<p>We have recently onboarded Melbourne-based global online measurement company <a href="http://www.effectivemeasure.com/" target="_blank">Effective Measure</a> to help us with this task.</p>

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<p>So on behalf of the Editors of Apartments.com.au we'd like to thank you for helping us out by you taking a few minutes out of your day to complete the survey.</p>

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Urban.com.au audience survey

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/broadbeach-qld-4218">Broadbeach</a> offers plenty of reasons to live vertically, but moving from a substantial family home into an apartment can expose the compromises of high-density living. Privacy, room for guests and usable living space tend to matter more when an apartment is intended as a permanent home rather than an occasional coastal base.</p>

<p>A typical residential floor at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-eveleigh-broadbeach-7-9-surf-parade-broadbeach-qld-4218">The Eveleigh</a>, on Surf Parade,&nbsp;contains just four apartments. The 94-residence development by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hirsch-faigen">Hirsch &amp; Faigen</a> is predominantly made up of expansive three-bedroom homes, with a limited collection of half-floor penthouses above.</p>

<p>Across the apartment floors, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> has used the relatively limited number of residences to give each home greater access to natural light and outlook. Living spaces extend towards full-height glazing, while a series of bay windows frame selected views across the Pacific Ocean, city and hinterland rather than treating the building edge as a continuous wall of glass.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360965]</p>

<p>“The apartment floors deliver a collection of homes that embrace controlled outlook via a series of bay windows deliberately framing moments of view,” Rothelowman Director Kim Lowman said.</p>

<p>From outside, those projecting forms contribute to the tower’s faceted profile. Strong horizontal and vertical elements establish its proportions, while the changing position of the sun alters the light, shadow and reflection across the façade throughout the day.</p>

<p>The same attention moves inside the apartments, where the material palette combines warm timber, natural stone, metallic detailing and softer curved forms. Kitchens sit within the main living zone, with stone island benches, integrated joinery and European appliances, before the living areas extend towards the glazing and the outlook.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360981]</p>

<p>Three genuine bedrooms provide room to accommodate family and guests, while two secure car spaces and storage address some of the practical considerations that can become more noticeable when moving from a larger home. Feedback from the display suite has centred on the warmth and restraint of the interiors, with buyers commenting that the residences feel like homes rather than conventional coastal apartments.</p>

<p>A limited collection of half-floor penthouses occupies the upper levels, increasing the scale of the living spaces and adding private balconies and elevated finishes. From this position, the outlook extends between the ocean and hinterland.</p>

<p>Outside the private residences, The Eveleigh separates its shared spaces between the podium and rooftop. The podium is centred on wellness, with subtropical landscaping surrounding a swimming pool and pool terrace, yoga garden, private gymnasium, sauna and hot and cold plunge facilities. Landscaped retreats and pavilions provide additional places to sit away from the main recreation areas.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360966]</p>

<p>Higher in the building, a rooftop pavilion and private dining suite sit alongside resident lounge, barbecue and outdoor dining areas, opening towards panoramic views across the ocean, city and hinterland.</p>

<p>“Buyers are no longer just looking for an apartment, but a lifestyle where they can relax, reset, and enjoy a balanced way of living,” Hirsch &amp; Faigen Director of Sales Matt George said.</p>

<p>Interest to date has come from established owner-occupiers and interstate lifestyle purchasers, including buyers planning a future move to the Gold Coast. Many are coming from larger homes and want to reduce ongoing maintenance without giving up space for family and guests, privacy, two car spaces or the ability to entertain at home.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360969]</p>

<p>Much of that daily life can also take place beyond the building without requiring a drive. Kurrawa Beach and Pratten Park are an easy walk from Surf Parade, while Pacific Fair, Oracle Boulevard, The Oasis, restaurants, cafés, entertainment and public transport are also within walking distance.</p>

<p data-end="8307" data-start="8063">The Eveleigh is Hirsch &amp; Faigen's fourth Gold Coast development since entering the market in 2021, following The Hemingway at Palm Beach, The Emerson at Kirra and Yves at Mermaid Beach. Each of the preceding projects sold out before completion.</p>

<p data-end="8543" data-start="8312">“Broadbeach had been on our radar throughout our time operating on the Gold Coast,” the developer said. “Following our projects in Palm Beach, Kirra and Mermaid Beach, Broadbeach represented the natural next step for the business.”</p>

<p data-end="8915" data-start="8548">The Surf Parade site brought together proximity to the beach, protected coastal outlooks and walkability to dining, shopping and recreation. Hirsch &amp; Faigen also identified the street as an emerging premium residential address, with enough separation from Broadbeach's busier destinations to retain a quieter environment at home.</p>

<p>The Eveleigh is now under construction by Maxcon, with completion forecast for mid-2028. Three-bedroom residences are currently available from $2.87 million.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149670]</p>


Joel Robinson

The Eveleigh brings house-like apartments to Broadbeach

<p>A long-stalled Campbelltown development site is back in play, with new plans for 139 apartments set to supersede a mixed-use scheme approved almost a decade ago but never built.</p>

<p>The new proposal for 28 Cordeaux Street would deliver 116 market and 23 affordable apartments in a part 14-storey building, bringing a substantial new project into a Campbelltown market where new apartment supply remains limited.</p>

<p>Plans have been filed over the 3,092 sqm corner site at Moore-Oxley Street, around 600 metres from Campbelltown Railway Station and the city-centre retail core.</p>

<p>The site already carries a mixed-use residential approval dating to 2016. Doroch Architects has now been engaged on a larger replacement scheme, which is progressing as a State Significant Development Application following a Housing Delivery Authority determination in August 2025.</p>

<p>The apartment mix comprises 39 one-bedroom, 72 two-bedroom and 28 three-bedroom residences. Two-bedroom apartments make up just over half of the project, while three-bedroom homes account for 20 per cent.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="136dd5b9-3791-4da6-9e31-76f533f5b4de" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da2.png?VersionId=LgOSy9nwf5u.MGswBBwaGGxuX8QpHSl_" /></p>

<p>Of the 139 apartments, 23 will be delivered as affordable housing under the in-fill affordable housing provisions of the Housing SEPP. The affordable component represents 15 per cent of the residential gross floor area and will be managed by a registered Community Housing Provider.</p>

<p>Doroch has sought to break the scale of the building into two distinct elements, with a masonry podium of around four storeys establishing the street edge before the residential tower steps back above.</p>

<p>The corner position has shaped that approach. Cordeaux Street faces toward the commercial and civic centre, while Moore-Oxley Street leads into the lower-scale residential neighbourhood to the south, and the design verification report describes the site as "bridging the commercial core to the north and established residential areas to the south."</p>

<p>The podium will be expressed predominantly in face brick, while the upper levels shift to brushed and grooved concrete cladding with darker metal detailing. Recessed sections, deep balcony edges and landscaping break down the upper form, with an approximately 11.8-metre setback to the northern boundary addressing the adjoining St Peters Anglican School.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c8b3d2d3-c561-4bfc-a5d9-a68c0c10dac1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da1.png?VersionId=AeAEyJU02Gk2k5noUj2StziCvdQ7fW4B" /></p>

<p>Campbelltown has been starved of new residential developments in the last decade.</p>

<p>The only other notable development set to come to market this year is ALAND's Queen Square, a mixed-use precinct on over two hectares that will comprise apartments above a vibrant ground-level retail and hospitality dining precinct.</p>


First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site

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<p>A 60-apartment building nine storeys tall would be a rarity almost anywhere along this stretch of Moreton Bay, but that's exactly what's been lodged for a modest Deception Bay street better known for its single-storey weatherboard homes.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherlock-construction-homes">Sherlock Construction Homes</a> is seeking to push Deception Bay’s emerging medium-density housing profile higher, lodging plans for a nine-storey apartment building near the suburb’s shopping centre and foreshore.</p>

<p>Dubbed Grosvenor Apartments, the proposal at 14-20 Grosvenor Terrace would replace two detached homes with a new building designed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/mode">Mode Design</a>&nbsp;which would&nbsp;reach nearly 30 metres, well above the site’s mapped 21-metre building height.</p>

<p><img alt="First Look: Sherlock Construction pitches 9-storey tower for low-rise Deception Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="86c21a25-5a97-4ca7-a361-80757137ea5b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Deception%20da%20front.png?VersionId=aXIujfvEhH33sLHOEjHFv9Ii6qxSvAF4" /></p>

<p>The apartment mix is weighted toward larger homes, with 14 three-bedroom apartments, 31 two-bedroom apartments and 15 one-bedroom apartments. Six apartment types are spread across the floors, ranging from 66 sqm one-bedroom units through to three-bedroom apartments of 116 sqm, most with private balconies or terraces.</p>

<p>Levels one through seven follow a consistent layout of six to eight apartments per floor arranged around a central lift and stair core, with the top floor, level eight, trading one apartment for a landscaped community breakout space rather than repeating the standard layout below.</p>

<p>Ground floor is dedicated to arrival and services, with a lobby, mailroom and manager's office, alongside 91 car spaces.</p>

<p><img alt="First Look: Sherlock Construction pitches 9-storey tower for low-rise Deception Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b098bde0-5fe1-4e6c-9601-e5446612e5fc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Deception%20podium.png?VersionId=A0hfENMNxSxkfh9Jl6D4WJ9XIraeOukA" /></p>

<p>Mode Design's brief describes a "serene coastal-inspired design blending soft curves, natural textures and light-filled spaces to reflect the relaxed Deception Bay lifestyle."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The material palette leans on white and grey render, timber-look aluminium screening and stacked-brick-look finishes, with hanging greenery and vine planting proposed across balcony edges and ground-level walls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Balconies feature asymmetrical geometries intended to vary the building's rhythm rather than repeat a single module up the tower, while lush planting is concentrated over the entry and level one balconies to soften the building's base.</p>

<p><img alt="First Look: Sherlock Construction pitches 9-storey tower for low-rise Deception Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c05c5693-3e00-42d0-b075-55c36094f4db" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Deception%20da%201.png?VersionId=cMKJgBsBaaVCd2dA5O22SOT38OT_.BPA" /></p>

<p>The design evolved following an April 2025 prelodgement meeting with council. At that stage, the project was conceived as a seven-storey building containing 45 apartments. The subsequently lodged scheme increases the development to nine storeys and 60 apartments while introducing one-bedroom residences to the mix.</p>

<p>Zone Planning argues the additional scale reflects the site's position within an area earmarked for increased residential intensity. The planning report points to the North Lakes-Redcliffe-Moreton Bay Rail corridor strategy, which identifies Deception Bay as a district-level activity centre and supports greater housing choice within urban neighbourhoods.</p>

<p>Market Square Deception Bay, Deception Bay Sports Centre, Deception Bay State School, public transport, community facilities and the Moreton Bay foreshore are all identified within approximately one kilometre of the site, while the property falls within a 400-metre walking catchment of Market Square.</p>

First Look: Sherlock Construction pitches apartments for low-rise Deception Bay

<p data-end="587" data-start="368">Queensland builder-developer MAYD has revealed the first look at its major North Kirra beachfront development, lodging amended plans that reduce the number of apartments and increase the proportion of larger residences.</p>

<p data-end="778" data-start="589">The project is planned across a substantial 4,742 sqm amalgamated site spanning seven lots at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/2-6-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">2-6 Pacific Parade</a> and 27-33 Golden Four Drive in Bilin​ga, directly opposite Nor​th Kirra Beach.</p>

<p data-end="907" data-start="780"><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD</a> secured the site for $32.5 million in 2025, in what was one of the Gold Coast's largest property transactions of the year.</p>

<p data-end="1052" data-start="909">The development will be delivered across two stages, with the first stage carrying an estimated gross realisation value of around $360 million.</p>

<p data-end="1311" data-start="1054">The latest amendments seek to reduce the overall apartment count and shift the project further toward the owner-occupier market, with larger residences designed for buyers wanting considerably more space than traditionally offered in a beachfront apartment.</p>

<p data-end="1451" data-start="1313">The residential mix will include townhomes, oversized two-bedroom apartments, substantial three-bedroom residences and four-bedroom homes.</p>

<p data-end="1676" data-start="1453">MAYD has appointed Cera Stribley to lead the architecture and interiors, with the Melbourne-based design practice drawing on the beachfront setting through a series of ocean-facing terraces and heavily landscaped balconies.</p>

<p data-end="1908" data-start="1678">Strong horizontal forms and curved balconies will define the exterior, with subtropical landscaping integrated throughout the building to soften the built form and increase the connection between the residences and the beachfront.</p>

<p data-end="2142" data-start="1910">The project will also include an extensive collection of resident wellness and lifestyle facilities, continuing the broader shift across the Gold Coast's luxury apartment market toward larger homes supported by resort-style amenity.</p>

<p data-end="2142" data-start="1910"><img alt="MAYD" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1bcbb05-e659-4b47-8bd4-1e595315e2ad" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%202.05.03%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=jj0XEud1X1DuLt7_KyElhjMdZGOXmLHP" /></p>

<p data-end="2308" data-start="2144">MAYD Founder Todd Mould said North Kirra was increasingly appealing to buyers attracted to the more established, lower-density character of the southern Gold Coast.</p>

<p data-end="2648" data-start="2310">"North Kirra presents one of the most compelling luxury residential opportunities currently emerging in Australia, combining absolute beachfront with the character and authenticity that buyers are increasingly seeking, and the same sense of tight-knit community that defined Burleigh and Currumbin perhaps 10 or 15 years ago," Mould said.</p>

<p data-end="2797" data-start="2650">"With Gold Coast Airport on its doorstep, it also offers a level of accessibility that broadens its appeal across almost every market demographic."</p>

<p data-end="2938" data-start="2799">The project comes as the southern Gold Coast continues to attract an increasing share of high-end apartment development and buyer activity.</p>

<p data-end="3216" data-start="2940">Kirra in particular has emerged as one of the region's more tightly held beachfront markets, with its relatively low-density character, established surf and hospitality scene and proximity to Gold Coast Airport differentiating it from the higher-density markets further north.</p>

<p data-end="3325" data-start="3218">Mould said those characteristics had informed the approach MAYD and Cera Stribley had taken to the project.</p>

<p data-end="3442" data-start="3327">"We've worked closely with Cera Stribley to create a vision that is deeply connected to its surroundings," he said.</p>

<p data-end="3662" data-start="3444">"Inspired by the coastline itself, the architecture has been shaped around space, privacy and resort-style living, creating a collection of homes that reflects the next generation of luxury on the southern Gold Coast."</p>

<p data-end="3818" data-start="3664">MOTIV Managing Director Carly Cottam, who has been appointed to market the project, said buyer attention had continued to move south along the Gold Coast.</p>

<p data-end="4076" data-start="3820">"Purchasers who may once have defaulted to Broadbeach, Main Beach or Surfers Paradise are increasingly recognising the value of a genuine beachfront location that offers lower density, strong amenity and a more established sense of community," Cottam said.</p>

<p data-end="4375" data-start="4078">"Kirra has a powerful combination of growing demand and genuine scarcity. Beachfront supply is inherently constrained, the area remains relatively low density, and buyers are increasingly placing a premium on locations that feel established, uncrowded and authentic rather than heavily developed."</p>

<p data-end="4503" data-start="4377">Cottam said the proximity to Gold Coast Airport was also proving increasingly important for interstate and second-home buyers.</p>

<p data-end="4741" data-start="4505">"Being minutes from Gold Coast Airport makes it particularly compelling for interstate buyers, frequent travellers and second-home purchasers who can access an authentic coastal lifestyle almost immediately after stepping off a flight."</p>

<p data-end="4910" data-start="4743">The acquisition takes MAYD's active development portfolio to more than $500 million, with the North Kirra project representing one of its largest undertakings to date.</p>

<p data-end="4951" data-start="4912">MAYD is targeting an early 2027 launch.</p>


First look at MAYD's North Kirra mixed-use precinct

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<p data-end="600" data-start="394">Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.</p>

<p data-end="733" data-start="602">But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.</p>

<p data-end="970" data-start="735">Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.</p>

<p data-end="970" data-start="735">[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377679]</p>

<p data-end="1159" data-start="972">The project will comprise three residential towers alongside a hotel, restaurants, cafes and a skybar, more than 1,600 sqm of ground-floor retail and almost an acre of landscaped gardens.</p>

<p data-end="1357" data-start="1161">It represents the largest project undertaken by Reve Group, the development arm of the Kassis family, which has been building across the Hills District for more than 30 years through Kassis Homes.</p>

<p data-end="3400" data-start="3216">[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]</p>

<p data-end="3400" data-start="3216">Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.</p>

<p data-end="1664" data-start="1517">Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.</p>

<p data-end="1826" data-start="1666">Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.</p>

<p data-end="1826" data-start="1666">[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]</p>

<p data-end="2045" data-start="1828">Reve Group Managing Director Sam Kassis said the project reflected the family's three decades of building in the Hills, which has evolved from trophy homes on quarter-acre blocks to larger-scale apartment development.</p>

<p data-end="2269" data-start="2047">"Grand Rêve was our first apartment project here and it showed us what this pocket of Castle Hill could be. Nova Rêve is the refinement of that idea: not just apartments, but a place the whole suburb can use," Kassis said.</p>

<p data-end="2430" data-start="2271">A key part of that approach is the hotel, which has been designed to operate as an amenity for the wider Castle Hill community rather than solely hotel guests.</p>

<p data-end="2606" data-start="2432">It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.</p>

<p data-end="2724" data-start="2608">At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.</p>

<p data-end="2892" data-start="2726">Almost an acre of gardens designed by Land and Form Studios will run through the precinct, incorporating pathways, seating, barbecue areas and children's play spaces.</p>

<p data-end="2892" data-start="2726">[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377680]</p>

<p data-end="3004" data-start="2894">Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.</p>

<p data-end="3214" data-start="3006">"There are gardens with pathways, barbecues, seating and play areas, shops and cafes opening onto the street, and a hotel with restaurants and a skybar that anyone in Castle Hill can walk into," Georges said.</p>

<p data-end="3400" data-start="3216">The project's elevated position on one of Sydney's highest ridgelines will also provide apartments with outlooks toward the Sydney skyline, surrounding parkland and the Blue Mountains.</p>

<p data-end="3400" data-start="3216">More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.</p>

<p data-end="3670" data-start="3538">&nbsp;</p>

<p data-end="3670" data-start="3538">[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152737]</p>

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Alastair Taylor

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