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Today we look at a progressive design within Carlton that not only rejuvenates an underused tract of land, but also helps to break down a stigma associated with Melbourne's established social housing stock.

I'd like to think I'd be right in assuming the average Melburnian generally frowns upon social housing estate's such as those found in Richmond, Carlton or Prahran. Whether it be a perception of safety, crime, drug use or an altogether inhospitable public realm social housing estates in the eyes of many are no-go zones.

Enter the <a href="http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/about-the-department/plans,-programs-and-projects/projects-and-initiatives/housing-and-accommodation/carlton-housing-redevelopment" target="_blank">Carlton Housing Redevelopment</a> project which "is an urban renewal and community development project that provides housing and community facilities for the entire Carlton community."

<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/Carlton_redevelopment_sites-550.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="An overview of the Carlton housing redevelopment. Image courtesy DHS"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="248" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Carlton_redevelopment_sites-550.jpg?itok=2UTwiuTi" title="An overview of the Carlton housing redevelopment. Image courtesy DHS" width="580"></a>
<figcaption>An overview of the Carlton housing redevelopment. Image courtesy DHS</figcaption></figure>Jointly developed by Citta Property Group and Australand, Living Carlton stage 3, better known as <a href="http://apartmentscarlton.com.au/location" target="_blank">Local Carlton</a> is a collection of 116 newly built six star green-rated private dwellings which share communal facilities with the long established Nicholson Street social housing complex. Designed by ARM Architecture and Fender Katsalidis, the centrepiece of the project is a new public park and linear urban park which connects Elgin Street and Palmerston Street.

Three new apartment buildings are designed in a horse-shoe format with the aforementioned park centrally located. At the core of the development is the notion that the large, open area with new recreational facilities will improve social interaction, safety and usability within the estate.

<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/Img_3676.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Where there was none prior"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_3676.jpg?itok=mumuhC4Y" title="Where there was none prior" width="580"></a>
<figcaption>Where there was none prior</figcaption></figure>The green area and urban park (a children's playground) essentially invite inhabitants of the social housing towers and the public alike into the 'backyard' of the private apartments. Whilst it's a commendable design feature, ultimately the effectiveness of the layout will be borne out over time.

Will the park attract apartment dwellers, social housing dwellers of the general public? Will the park be used at all? Could this style of public-private living be easily adapted to other estate's such as Footscray or Richmond?

I can't answer those questions but I can provide a set of images taken within and around Local Carlton recently, highlighting both building and public spheres alike. Enjoy.
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silvermb

New apartment meets old commission in Carlton

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A small piece of Melbourne's history will begin disappearing in the days and weeks to come as Melbourne Airport's water tower continues to be engulfed by scaffolding and mesh in preparation for demolition.
A pronounced structure viewed by hundreds of millions of travellers yet never at the forefront of anyone's thoughts, the tower has stood the test of time since it began appearing on the horizon during 1969 as evidenced by the Melbourne Airport image below.  More recently the water tower became far more recognisable, gaining a lick of paint to closely resemble a Tiger Airways aircraft livery.
<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/1384_19-11-2013_3817.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Airport's image of the water tower under construction during 1969"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="380" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1384_19-11-2013_3817.jpg?itok=w69b9LT2" title="Melbourne Airport's image of the water tower under construction during 1969" width="580"></a>
According to Melbourne Airport, demolition will consist of  "A series of innovative cutting and propping techniques, regarded by engineering specialists as the safest procedure for a demolition of this scale."  In what will most likely resemble the demolition of the Lonsdale Street Power Station chimney some years ago, large horizontal rings will be cut with a diamond tipped cable mechanism and then repositioned by mobile crane to terra firma for recycling offsite.
The water tower is to make way for the new integrated ground transport hub with forms part of the larger precinct redevelopment of which <a href="http://www.leightoncontractors.com.au/" target="_blank">Leighton Contractors</a> is the chief builder.  As seen below works have commenced well back from the terminal precinct for associated infrastructure such as elevated roadways and the like.  Piling for the integrated ground transport hub and part of the terminal precinct are well advanced.
<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/Img_3625.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Early works with Melbourne's skyline in the distance"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_3625.jpg?itok=WMYbZ732" title="Early works with Melbourne's skyline in the distance" width="580"></a>
Visit Melbourne Airport's website <a href="http://melbourneairport.com.au/about-melbourne-airport/media/photo-gallery?gallery=historical-photos" target="_blank">here</a> to see a collection of images dating back to the early 1960's.  Further construction images of current works are provided in the link below.
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Tiger loses its tail!

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Another chapter today in the ever evolving artwork that is Hosier Lane which of late has begun a vertical expansion, elevating the visual delights to a point where they can be seen from afar.
Under the auspices of <a href="http://hosierrutledge.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Hosier Inc</a> and with funding from Melbourne City Council, <q cite="http://hosierrutledge.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/19_2_14_media_release_hosier_inc__paint_up.pdf">Melbourne-based artist Adnate will transform Australia's most iconic laneway, painting a significant wall that has never before been available to any artist. This is the first installment in a series of major artworks to be commissioned by local community association Hosier Inc. Paint Up! is part of an ongoing program of activities designed to activate the laneways and create a safe and engaging environment for all to work, live, visit and enjoy the area.</q>
<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/wednesdaymorning003.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Works underway as seen from Hosier Lane. Image © David Russell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="773" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/wednesdaymorning003.jpg?itok=RETuobIf" title="Works underway as seen from Hosier Lane. Image © David Russell" width="580"></a>
The associated PDF press release is <a href="http://hosierrutledge.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/19_2_14_media_release_hosier_inc__paint_up.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.
Works on the 1945 McDonald and Company building at 165 Flinders Lane we undertaken in recent weeks. Whether further works are applied to McDonald and Company or the adjoining Forum Theatre remains to be seen.
The results of stage one are below along with the comings and goings on Hosier Lane &amp; Rutledge Lane during a typical Sunday afternoon.
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Paint Up! Hosier Lane reaches for the sky

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It does seem there will be many more interstate and international visitors performing the obligatory jump on a Melbourne hotel bed in years to come, as available hotel rooms grow markedly. Following <a href="/news/5000-new-hotel-rooms-for-melbourne" target="_blank">yesterday's article</a>, today Apartments.com.au looks at the remaining large scale hotel projects expected to grace Melbourne's skyline in the not too distant future.

<h2>Southbank due for 1400 plus rooms</h2>

<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/Image10_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Queensbridge Tower, 400 City road and 167 City Road. Images © Bates Smart, Crone &amp; Peddle Thorp"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="506" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image10_9.jpg?itok=9iHY_k5-" title="Queensbridge Tower, 400 City road and 167 City Road. Images © Bates Smart, Crone &amp; Peddle Thorp" width="580"></a>

Crown is the established 'gorilla' on Southbank, with 1604 suites over three premises. Yet if all proposed hotels rooms are delivered, combined additional Southbank hotel suite numbers would approach that of Crown's.

Interestingly though only one proposal is a stand-alone hotel, namely the approved 167 City Road complex which would find itself wedged between two established Central Equity residential towers if built. All other proposed Southbank hotels form part of a larger mixed-use development.

By numbers, PDG and Schiavello's <a href="/new-apartments/one-queensbridge-street-1-23-queensbridge-street-southbank" target="_blank">Queensbridge Tower</a> leads the remaining mixed-use candidates with 408 rooms within the hulking tower set aside for a hotel operator. A stone's throw away M &amp; L Hospitality have 360 suites included within their equally tall proposal at <a href="/news">25-35 Power Street</a>. Presently controlling 460 rooms at Citigate Melbourne and Travelodge Docklands, reports indicate M &amp; L Hospitality will retain management of the Power Street development, although under which hotel brand is unknown.

The much talked about <a href="/buildings/australia-108-southbank-70-southbank-boulevard-southbank">Australia 108</a> project slots in next with 288 suites envisaged within a shortened tower's summit while last and least likely to proceed is the approved <a href="/new-apartments/400-430-city-road-southbank">400 City Road</a> development. As part of a larger four tower mixed-use complex, 280 hotel rooms are incorporated, although the $1 billion dollar project has been put on ice in favour of leasing out the existing low-rise office space.

<h2>Who's left?</h2>

<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/Image11_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="M Docklands © Elenberg Fraser &amp; The Larwill under construction"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="296" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image11_11.jpg?itok=EaeQBjfa" title="M Docklands © Elenberg Fraser &amp; The Larwill under construction" width="580"></a>

Three developments round out the selected 20, with a further two within Docklands. Peppers Resorts have signed up to the <a href="/buildings/m-docklands-679-la-trobe-street-docklands" target="_blank">M Docklands</a> development, securing 68 rooms for their first metropolitan Melbourne foray while Parkroyal have taken a hefty 281 rooms within the soon to be constructed <a href="/new-apartments/docklands-vic-3008">Altus</a> development at Digital Harbour.

Rounding out City of Melbourne's upcoming hotel projects is The Larwill, although it's more nearing completion as seen above. The fourth chapter in Asian Pacific Group's Art Series Hotels, The Larwill will carry 100 rooms and principally serve the adjoining Royal Children's Hospital.

<h2>What the future holds</h2>

<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/Image1444.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Space Hotel St Kilda initial and final designs. Images © CHT Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="317" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image1444.jpg?itok=i_irCU2F" title="Space Hotel St Kilda initial and final designs. Images © CHT Architects" width="580"></a>

Time for the crystal ball once more! Crown delivering a super tall fourth mixed-use complex with traditional apartments and serviced apartments? Outrigger joining a host of new operators on the Melbourne scene? A bevy of new and existing operators flooding into Fishermans Bend once the area establishes itself? Or increased hotel developments outside the CBD and surrounds?

Naturally not all activity will be bound to the central city, although the ability to deliver a project outside the City of Melbourne seems altogether more difficult. Big ticket developments such as Crowne Plaza Doncaster Hill or Space Hotel St Kilda (seen above) have yet to materialise after being on the radar for some time.

Accurately predicting the future in this regard should be left to the likes of Nostradamus, but two things seem certain. The sheer numbers of proposed hotel developments means a mass of new hotel accommodation will add to existing stock even if a handful of the aforementioned projects are never reaslised, whilst the overall health and outlook for the hotel sector remains strong.
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5000 new hotel rooms for Melbourne (continued)

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How the face of Melbourne has changed over the last decade, and digital camera technology for that matter. Today will the first in a semi-regular look back at Melbourne's biggest and best projects which were under construction this month 10 years ago.

A selection of 2004's under construction projects that helped reshape Melbourne include:

<h2>Southbank hits the heights</h2>

The soon to be Melbourne's tallest had just reached its level 55 jump form reconfiguration, on the way to becoming the city's tallest residential tower and subsequently tallest building by year's end. Eureka was ably supported by Australand's Freshwater Place development next door which commenced with PwC's 2 Southbank Boulevard and Freshwater Tower.

Elsewhere Southbank Central was under construction, adding to Central Equity's incredible architectural repertoire... well at least it was a step in the right direction.

<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/comp6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="PwC, Freshwater Place and Eureka Tower circa 2004"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/comp6.jpg?itok=MQLUc8wi" title="PwC, Freshwater Place and Eureka Tower circa 2004" width="580"></a>
<figcaption>PwC, Freshwater Place and Eureka Tower circa 2004</figcaption></figure><h2>One wasteland for another?</h2>

Depending upon who you ask that's what Docklands was in the process of becoming. Southern Cross Station's roof was taking shape while 700 Collins was found guilty for crimes against architecture even before completion. The Conder at Newquay was in its formative stages as was Victoria Point, with Lonsdale Street's chimney still in tact.

Lower left is Watergate Apartments, with V1 Docklands and Victoria Point either side for company. Watergate was arguably the first project to showcase Elenberg Fraser's flair, and of course their trademark bronze facade.

<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/comp4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Construction images of 2004"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="719" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/comp4.jpg?itok=EwF2Z0ov" title="Construction images of 2004" width="580"></a>
<figcaption>Construction images of 2004</figcaption></figure><h2>Into the burbs</h2>

Mondo Tower was soon to become the tallest tower outside the inner city at 17 levels, and was joined in construction by Foxtel Moonee Ponds... both would subsequently be found guilty of crimes against architecture.

The mammoth Austin and Mercy Heidelberg was still chugging along under Baulderstone's $270 million build contract while the 14 level Barrett Apartments in Hawthorn became that suburb's vanguard development... much would change.

<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/comp1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" style="font-size: 12px;" title="Construction images of 2004"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="474" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/comp1.jpg?itok=nW9LtM6T" title="Construction images of 2004" width="580"></a>
<figcaption>Construction images of 2004</figcaption></figure><h2>Inner city</h2>

The comparatively huge Royal Domain Tower had just broken the car park levels and was into the first floor of apartments while once of Melbourne's signature buildings, Yve, was little more than a twisted mess as site demolition progressed. Demolition was word of the week at the MCG as the world's biggest tower crane (Favelle Favco M2480D) worked above the Northern Stand.

Even in 2005 Hayball has a fascination with precast... some kids never grow up! And Mirvac was continuing with Beacon Cove in Port Melbourne... anyone found any retail in Beacon Cove as yet? Notable mentions to Gateway on Queens Road which at 20 levels was built without a tower crane and Bio21 on Flemington Road. Time has and will continue to be kind to this newly completed ripper from Designinc.

<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/comp5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Construction images of 2004"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="554" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/comp5.jpg?itok=hiUOtTO5" title="Construction images of 2004" width="580"></a>
<figcaption>Construction images of 2004</figcaption></figure><h2>Big city build</h2>

2004 in general was a massive year with a clear upswing in apartment living leading to a new rash of apartment projects such as QV, Mondriane, Concept Blue within the CBD along with many others. April 2004 also saw a group of commercial office towers under construction, the first such grouping since the boom and bust of the early 1990's.

380 La Trobe Street was receiving its final touches and Herald Weekly Times was beginning its transformation. 11 Exhibition, Southern Cross, RACV - 501 Bourke Street and Urban Workshop (all pictured below) would add a mass of office space upon completion, while all having sizeable tenant commitments - once bitten, twice shy!

<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/comp7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Best of the CBD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="755" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/comp7.jpg?itok=qUY92eQx" title="Best of the CBD" width="580"></a>
<figcaption>Best of the CBD</figcaption></figure>
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Melbourne under construction > April 2004

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City of Port Phillip are currently assessing the merits of a recently submitted planning application which seeks to replace an dreary, dated car park with 20 levels of residential living. <a href="http://pdaaustralia.com/" target="_blank">PDA Australia</a>, Message Consultants and <a href="/architects/dko-architecture" target="_blank">DKO Architecture</a> form the core of the project team, preparing the scheme for overseas entity and site owner Kangoala Pty Ltd.

<h2>All the vitals</h2>

<ul>
<li>Site area of 2,320 square metres, currently hosting a seven level commercial car park</li>
	<li>Proposed is a 20 level, 65 metre residential tower</li>
	<li>Basement provides 104 bicycle bays and 260 car parking spaces, below the statutory 331 required</li>
	<li>235 apartments split between 82*1, 104*2 and 49*3 bedrooms</li>
	<li>Setback of 15 metres to Queens Road with generally 4.5 metres to other boundaries</li>
	<li>Pool, gym, event space and rooftop terrace/spa included within the proposed development</li>
	<li>Pedestrian link to site's south, linking Queens Road and Queens Lane</li>
	<li>No borrowed light to any bedrooms within any dwellings</li>
</ul>
<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/Image16_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Google snap shot of what currently exists onsite"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image16_2.jpg?itok=Elx_zWBX" style="height:299px; width:580px" title="Google snap shot of what currently exists onsite"></a>

<h2>Quality of Architecture</h2>

External finishes are slated to include glazed balustrades, precast panels, perforated metal and brickwork. Although hard to discern via the renders, many of the external finishes "Meet on an angle to one another, creating a dynamic affect across the facade."

Of the design quality, the application asserts:

<blockquote>
"The curved indentation to the facade, together with the rounded corners of the building give it a sinuous and elegant appearance, while the interplay of solid and translucent balcony surrounds creates a subtle sense of 'movement' across the facades that adds to the visual interest dynamism in the building's presentation."
</blockquote>

<h2>Improving the public realm</h2>

<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/Img_2774.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ground floor layout. Image © dKO Architecture "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_2774.jpg?itok=kocl20pL" style="height:254px; width:580px" title="Ground floor layout. Image © dKO Architecture "></a>

Granted the immediate area is neither heavily utilised by pedestrians or a retail draw card, but put quite simply any development would be an improvement as the existing structure presents poorly to all frontages. Landscaping is expected along all frontages while a pedestrian link seeks to promote foot traffic through the site during all hours, something which is generally not the case with commercial buildings.

Although taller than surrounding buildings, 12 Queens Road is according to the planning application consistent with City of Port Phillip policy fostering a focus toward higher density development. Surrounded by existing buildings, the proposal wouldn't significantly change the shadow profile of the area.

<h2>Elsewhere on Queens Road</h2>

<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/queens%20road.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="77 Queens Road. Image © Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/queens%20road.jpg?itok=GzQwYohp" style="height:326px; width:580px" title="77 Queens Road. Image © Elenberg Fraser"></a>

Neighbouring property Atari House was purchased during 2013 by local developer <a href="/builders/hallmarc" target="_blank">Hallmarc</a>. With a price tag of $13 million for the dated 12 level office structure, it to is expected to make way for apartments in the future. Elsewhere <a href="/buildings/lakeside-77-queens-road-melbourne">77 Queens Road</a> also changed hands last year with expectations and rippled 13 level apartment building designed by <a href="/architects/fraser-partners-0">Elenberg Fraser</a> will become a focal point in due course.

Together these three developments may yield somewhere in the vicinity of 700 new dwellings if built.
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Planning Application > 12 Queens Road, Melbourne

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News reports have flowed thick and fast of late detailing Melbourne's robust hotel sector. Recent <a href="http://www.afr.com/" target="_blank">AFR</a> articles show hotel occupancy rates have increased near 4% year on year, investors and operators hold bullish sentiments for the future while Melbourne maintains the lowest national major city room rate averaging $182 which ties in with affordability.

Via <a href="http://www.afr.com/p/business/property/hotel_demand_to_push_up_occupancies_kdQRdwJg9mlKSCZ9GH2HfL" target="_blank">this article</a> Deloitte suggests "In Melbourne, demand for rooms is forecast to outstrip new supply by 1.7 per cent over the next three years, pushing occupancies up to 85.7 per cent and room rates up to $209."

But what of the actual buildings which will deliver solely, or as part of a larger mixed-use development, the throng of new hotel suites destined for Melbourne? <a href="/news/5000-new-hotel-rooms-for-melbourne-continued">Continuing into tomorrow</a>, Apartments.com.au highlights 20 upcoming hotel developments located within the City of Melbourne.

<h2>Hiap Hoe the benchmark</h2>

<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/Image3_271.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hiap Hoe's intended projects at Docklands and 380 Lonsdale Street. Images © DKO &amp; Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="331" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image3_271.jpg?itok=2bvm8B_h" title="Hiap Hoe's intended projects at Docklands and 380 Lonsdale Street. Images © DKO &amp; Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

If one firm epitomises the faith in Melbourne's hotel sector, it's Hiap Hoe. Shortly after acquiring three development sites late last year worth $177 million, the Singaporean firm revealed a letter of intent was penned with Starwood's Asia Pacific Hotels &amp; Resorts to manage two of their Melbourne properties.

Four Points by Sheraton are slated to take naming rights over 6-22 Pearl River Road, located within Melbourne's Docklands while 380 Lonsdale Street (above right) will be home to Aloft Hotels once the project has been completed. A third property at 206 Bourke Street is currently subject to a preliminary design process, with concept renders depicting what looks to be a typically sleek Elenberg Fraser complex.

Together these developments will deliver near 1000 hotel rooms to Melbourne's inner core - impressive in both scale and speed of progression.

<h2>Top of the town</h2>

<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/Image4_23.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Windsor, 101 Flinders Lane and 27 Little Collins. Images © DCM &amp; Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="293" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image4_23.jpg?itok=QynI7Zz2" title="Windsor, 101 Flinders Lane and 27 Little Collins. Images © DCM &amp; Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

The grandeur of Melbourne CBD's east end is well documented so it's no surprise that many hotel operators are seeking a slice of the acation close to Spring Street. The trials and tribulations of the Windsor Hotel are well documented, although last week it was announced the 152 room expansion of the grand complex would proceed to construction late this year.

Nearby Sheraton at 27 Little Collins Street is well advanced into construction, yielding 175 rooms while other projects in the area include the expected redevelopment of Rosati's at 95-101 Flinders Lane into a 195 room hotel, QIC's redevelopment of Nauru House with plans including a 252 room hotel and of course the Palace Theatre redevelopment seeking 200 suites under the W Hotel brand.

<h2>Elsewhere in the CBD</h2>

<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/Image8_12.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="William Street, The Forum and 180 Russell. Images © EF, Forum &amp; Buchan Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="498" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image8_12.jpg?itok=zgKytTL6" title="William Street, The Forum and 180 Russell. Images © EF, Forum &amp; Buchan Group" width="580"></a>

There's no shortage of developers vying to land a hotel operator elsewhere in the CBD with 1500 additional rooms currently on the cards. Aside from Wyndham on William with 87 dwellings under construction as part of Hengyi's 199 William Street, six other aspirants have yet to solidify their intentions.

Biggest of all is Far East Consortium's intended redevelopment of 250 Spencer Street highlighted by 488 hotel suites over two towers. Elsewhere 131-141 Russell Street holds approval for 182 suites as does 110-112 Franklin Street with 129 rooms over a modest eight levels. Currently seeking approval is 386-412 William Street with 210 suites available as part of the mixed-use development. Ace Hotel Group have put themselves forward as a potential operator.

The two remaining proposals are also controversial given their sensitive locations. As part of a larger mixed use development AXF Group seek to add 200 hotel suites to their 280 metre replacement of the Total Car Park which has been <a href="/news/new-proposals-seek-to-join-the-200m-club" target="_blank">touched upon</a> by Apartments.com.au. Nearby Marriner Group have submitted plans for a 32 level hotel development behind a restored Forum Theatre. Both projects are still under planning consideration.

<a href="/news/5000-new-hotel-rooms-for-melbourne-continued">To be continued...</a>
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5000 new hotel rooms for Melbourne

<html><body>
Time to gaze into the crystal ball after <a href="/news/victorian-government-announces-suite-of-super-tuesday-approvals">yesterday's announcements concerning 'Super Tuesday'</a>; or the approval of five residential towers through inner Melbourne.

Reading over the press release, much could be derived from the short few paragraphs which were provided. Here's my interpretation:

<h2>Backyard Blitz</h2>

Yesterday's release made reference to Plan Melbourne and reformed residential zones which protect established suburbs from high rise development.

I can't help but think that the certain council's implementation of this policy has left a few noses out of place on a state level. Expect some further announcements on this topic in coming weeks.

<h2>Having a bender</h2>

<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/art-ipad2310fishermansBend_729-620x349.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy of The Age."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/art-ipad2310fishermansBend_729-620x349.jpg?itok=vbZuZ97W" title="Image courtesy of The Age." width="580"></a>

The first glimpse of justifying relaxed heights limits for Fishermans Bend may have been contained in yesterday's press release. "Melburnians have made it clear that they want their suburbs protected from high-rise apartment development. To achieve this we're delivering density in defined locations like Melbourne's CBD and Docklands - not in our quiet suburban streets."

Prediction: the above coupled with strong population growth will form the nucleus of the argument to relax height limits in Fishermans Bend. 40 level towers in four level zones may not eventuate, nor will they stay at 4 levels either.

<h2>Western World</h2>

<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/254444-cbd.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy of the Herald Sun."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/254444-cbd.jpg?itok=xqrFzwGp" title="Image courtesy of the Herald Sun." width="580"></a>

If one development epitomises the change in decision-makers stance toward high-rise living it just might be 420 Spencer Street. The best part of eight years ago a squat development was proposed for the site, drawing disgust from local residents. Fast forward to yesterday's announcement and a 38 level, 131 metre tower with 438 apartments gains approval.

It sets a precedent for projects such as <a href="/buildings/melbourne-village-377-spencer-street-west-melbourne" target="_blank">371 Spencer Street</a> nearby which are of a similar height. Will West Melbourne/Dudley become the next Southbank? Yes it will.

<h2>Super CBD</h2>

Unless it's proposed around the Parliament precinct, it'll likely to receive planning approval and at a substantial height. The suburbs are safeguarded but tall towers within Melbourne's CBD will become all the more common.

Good, bad or otherwise, the change and the rate at which it occurs for Melbourne's CBD over the next decade will be immense with at least a tripling of the number of 200 metre plus towers in the big smoke. Prediction: welcome to mega Melbourne.
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Ramifications of 'Super Tuesday'

<html><body>
News surfaced last week of another prime Southbank site slated for a major residential tower being snapped up by an Asian property firm intent on making an immediate impact in Melbourne. The Australian <a href="http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/property/chinese-firms-18m-berth-at-southbank/story-fniz9vg9-1226831987691#">reported</a> that Chinese group Financial Fook has purchased 84-88 Queensbridge Street for $18 million via its new subsidiary Starryland Melbourne.

While Starryland may be in its formative stages, parent company Financial Fook have pounced on the site and The Australian suggests they may also be running the ruler over a nearby site at 25 Queensbridge Street, which holds a planning permit for a 71 level, 586 apartment tower.

The subject of today's article however was submitted for consideration to DTPLI during December by <a href="http://www.contour.net.au/">Contour Consultants</a> on behalf of then site owners Shriar Nominees Pty Ltd and D&amp;L Harris Investment Pty Ltd.

<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/Imagegfh1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hero image. Image © Rothe Lowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="346" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Imagegfh1.jpg?itok=Ns9_14ge" title="Hero image. Image © Rothe Lowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hero image. Image © Rothe Lowman</figcaption></figure>Conceived by <a href="http://www.rothelowman.com.au/">Rothe Lowman</a>, the architect envisages replacing the modest existing low rise office block at the junction of the Kings Way overpass with a 55 level predominantly residential tower reaching 183 metres in height.

Rothe Lowman state "The proposed development will make a major contribution to the surrounding public realm and will be defined by high-quality architecture. The contemporary architectural expression will create a beneficial bookend to Queensbridge Street and provide a natural Gateway to and from the City when experienced from Kings Way overpass."

The above assertion may have credence, yet when viewed with the <a href="/buildings/bella-248-city-road-southbank">Verge</a> and <a href="/buildings/home-southbank-256-260-city-road-southbank">256 City Road</a> combination on the opposite flank of Kings Way, the proposal gains a new dimension. Laurence Dragomir has produced a render visualising what the area surrounding Kings Way may resemble in a few years time, as seen below.

In addition to being a bookend to towers situated closer to the Yarra, it seems 84-88 Queensbridge Street coupled with 256 City Road would act more as a twin gateway to Southbank for those heading in a northerly direction, owing the the fact they're the tallest structures in the immediate area and of a similar height.

<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/88_queensbridge%20street_and%20friends%203.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The handy work of Laurence Dragomir aka Blockhead visualising a new Kings Way entry to Southbank."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="302" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/88_queensbridge%20street_and%20friends%203.jpg?itok=o3-fJPIm" title="The handy work of Laurence Dragomir aka Blockhead visualising a new Kings Way entry to Southbank." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The handy work of Laurence Dragomir aka Blockhead visualising a new Kings Way entry to Southbank.</figcaption></figure>As for the tower itself the immediate eight levels constitutes the podium, with retail spaces and a distinctive lobby fronting Queensbridge Street. Broken by black bands, two fractal elements protruding from the podium represent a 151 sqm commercial space and 108 sqm gym, activating what for the most is an above ground car park.

Included within the podium are 108 car parking spaces and 92 bicycle bays while the podium top sees a green common area and dining hall. Thereafter the slender tower hosts 295 apartments with options slated to include 1 Bed/1 Bath, 2 Bed/1 Bath and 2 Bed/2 Bath layouts. Generally each level will carry six dwellings with apartments sizes ranging between 50 sqm and 75 sqm.

Breaking the tower's form at level 42 is a recessed floor plate which features a mix of apartments and residential amenity, chief of which is a 23-seat cinema room which when not in use acts as a viewing deck with sweeping views toward the CBD.

<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/Image5_21.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Podium aspect. Image © Rothe Lowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="426" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image5_21.jpg?itok=k15eBI0N" title="Podium aspect. Image © Rothe Lowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Podium aspect. Image © Rothe Lowman</figcaption></figure>Of the design quality, Rothe Lowman states "The proposed building is a sophisticated response to the brief and context where the complexities inherent in the project are confronted through a solution that belies its simplicity. Delivering the requisite apartment amenity, responding effectively to the urban context and ensuring an inherently efficient solution are all resolved through a carefully considered and orchestrated tower plan.

The architectural expression in turn translates the plan into a beautifully elegant, timeless building. At the grandest scale the building is designed to fulfil its role as an important addition to the city yet on approach the building reveals a fine scale and level of detail appropriate to its use as a residential building." Basically it's an articulated, visually pleasing building.

What will be of interest is the speed at which the project will advance to sales, assuming the tower receives approval. Fellow Asian developers have wasted no time in marketing their projects, with the <a href="http://marcomelbourne.com.au/#header">Marco Melbourne</a> project close to 84-88 Queensbridge Street a prime example. Expectations are that upon approval 84-88 Queensbridge Street will join the throng of residential towers seeking their place on the skyline.
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What the Fook: 84-88 Queensbridge Street, Southbank

<html><body>
To say Melbourne's apartment market is an attractive target for Asian based developers and institutional investment vehicles is quite the understatement these days.  Seemingly every week there's a new announcement concerning the arrival and/or ambitious expansion of Asian developers seeking their slice of the Melbourne pie.

<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/Imagelogo1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Three brands combine for Melbourne's Eq. Tower"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="101" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Imagelogo1.jpg?itok=hxVzW1y8" title="Three brands combine for Melbourne's Eq. Tower" width="580"></a>

This week is no exception with local developer <a href="http://www.icdproperty.com.au/" target="_blank">ICD Property</a> joining forces with two Hong Kong Stock Exhchange-listed entities in order to deliver a forthcoming Melbourne project - Eq. Tower.  ICD Properties website reads a follows:

<blockquote>
ICD Property is proud to announce two joint venture partners, <a href="http://www.sinooceanland.com/en-US/About/AboutIndex" target="_blank">Sino-Ocean Land Holdings Limited</a> and <a href="http://www.geminiinvestments.com.hk/global/home.php" target="_blank">Gemini Investments (Holdings) Limited</a>, who are investing in ICD Property’s landmark project in Melbourne’s CBD, Eq. Tower.  Gemini Investments (Holdings) Limited is a subsidiary of Sino-Ocean Land Holdings Limited which is one of China’s largest property developers.

The controlling shareholder of Sino-Ocean Land is China Life Insurance Company Limited, which is the largest life insurer in the People’s Republic of China.  Both Sino-Ocean Land and Gemini Investments are listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.  ICD Property’s managing director, Michael Mai said the partnership between ICD Property, Sino-Ocean Land Holdings Limited and Gemini Investments (Holdings) Limited would maximise the strengths of each individual entity and help earn international recognition of the Australian property market.”  ICD Property is thrilled to announce Sino-Ocean Land and Gemini Investments as our new joint venture partners for Eq. Tower – our new apartment project in Melbourne’s CBD.”

By cementing an international partnership we can play to our strengths and form synergies for the joint benefit of the project, whilst at the same time we can focus on placing Australia’s property market firmly on the world stage,” he said.
</blockquote>

Eq. Tower with the address 127-141 A'Beckett Street is located within the northern reaches of  Melbourne's CBD.  Highlighted by Apartments.com.au last year, the <a href="http://elenbergfraser.com/" target="_blank">Elenberg Fraser</a> design draws inspiration from Dior's Fahrenheit bottle - a detailed overview can be found <a href="/news/the-fahrenheit-tower-a-closer-look-at-127-141-abeckett-street" target="_blank">here</a>.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of this project is the speed at which it has progressed.  Having been submitted last September for approval, many steps have since been taken in order to facilitate a public sales launch upon receiving planning approval, which includes appointing <a href="http://www.sinclairbrook.com.au/" target="_blank">Sinclair Brook</a> as project manager.

One would expect the addition of Sino-Ocean and Gemini Investments as joint venture partners provides surety in terms of project finance and the ability to tap a large, established customer bases in both Hong Kong and China who are willing to purchase overseas properties - both of which bode well for Eq. Tower.

<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/Image31_0_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Eq. Tower - Image © Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="1175" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image31_0_0.jpg?itok=l8QReeI2" title="Eq. Tower - Image © Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

Apartments.com.au has been informed that a site for registrations of interests will be launched soon.
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Eq. Tower - three times the power

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.

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.

<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.

The development will be delivered across two stages, with the first stage carrying an estimated gross realisation value of around $360 million.

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.

The residential mix will include townhomes, oversized two-bedroom apartments, substantial three-bedroom residences and four-bedroom homes.

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.

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.

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.

<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" />

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.

"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.

"With Gold Coast Airport on its doorstep, it also offers a level of accessibility that broadens its appeal across almost every market demographic."

The project comes as the southern Gold Coast continues to attract an increasing share of high-end apartment development and buyer activity.

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.

Mould said those characteristics had informed the approach MAYD and Cera Stribley had taken to the project.

"We've worked closely with Cera Stribley to create a vision that is deeply connected to its surroundings," he said.

"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."

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.

"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.

"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."

Cottam said the proximity to Gold Coast Airport was also proving increasingly important for interstate and second-home buyers.

"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."

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.

MAYD is targeting an early 2027 launch.

Joel Robinson

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

<main data-perf-region="main">
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.

But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377679]

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.

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]

Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.

Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.

Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]

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.

"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.

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.

It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.

At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377680]

Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.

"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.

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.

More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152737]

<h3 data-end="3697" data-section-id="q3n5ak" data-start="3672">&nbsp;</h3>
</main>

Nova Rêve arrives as Reve Group bets on Castle Hill's next growth phase

A collection of just 25 large-format apartments and penthouses overlooking Goodwin Park is entering the Coolangatta market, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marea-residences-coolangatta-27-27a-dixon-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Maréa Residences</a> combining a low-density, residential-only approach with uninterrupted park and Pacific Ocean outlooks.

Located at 27 Dixon Street, Maréa comprises three and four-bedroom residences alongside a limited number of dual-level penthouses, with the project positioned between Goodwin Park and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/coolangatta-qld-4225">Coolangatta</a>’s coastal precinct.

Construction has commenced, with completion currently estimated for late 2027. Three-bedroom residences are priced from $1.8 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374005]

The project has been designed around its northern outlook across the park, with the building’s architecture, landscaping and material palette intended to establish a connection with the neighbouring green space. The residences have been configured to maximise natural light and views across Goodwin Park towards the ocean.

Inside, the material palette incorporates timber, stone and brushed brass, complemented by curved detailing and ambient lighting. Kitchens and bathrooms carry the same natural material approach, while residences also include basement parking, storage and lift access.

Maréa’s penthouses are arranged over two levels and include private pools, adding another layer to the project’s focus on larger-format apartment living. Across the development, residences are configured with three or four bedrooms rather than the broader mix of smaller apartment types commonly found in larger projects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374010]

Resident amenity is concentrated at rooftop level, where landscaped entertaining terraces and pools take advantage of elevated views across Coolangatta and the Pacific Ocean.

The project has so far been particularly well received by local owner-occupiers and downsizers, according to Urban Activation Property Sales and Marketing Director Matt George, with the residential-only format, construction quality and northern park outlook among the features resonating with purchasers.

“The uninterrupted northern aspect overlooking Goodwin Park has been a key point of difference, with buyers attracted to the sense of serenity and open space the park provides, while still enjoying easy access to the ocean and being within walking distance of the lifestyle and amenities Coolangatta has to offer,” George said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374002]

“The combination of high-quality construction, a residential-only building, park outlook and proximity to the beach has resonated strongly with the local downsizer market.”

The Dixon Street address is within walking distance of Coolangatta Beach and the broader southern Gold Coast coastline, including the surf breaks at Snapper Rocks and Kirra. Coolangatta’s cafés, restaurants and retail are nearby, while Gold Coast Airport is also within close proximity.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150999]

Maréa Residences brings parkside apartments to Coolangatta

Melbourne developer PDG has secured Victorian Government approval for its $1.5 billion Southbank development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-one-1-queens-bridge-street-southbank-vic-3006">The One</a>, clearing the way for the long-dormant riverfront site opposite Crown to finally be developed.

The Minister for Planning has approved the project at 1-29 Queens Bridge Street, with the Department of Transport and Planning issuing the planning permit following its assessment.

The approval will allow PDG to develop the prominent 5,059 sqm site with a major mixed-use tower comprising premium apartments, including branded residences, a luxury hotel and boutique office space.

PDG acquired the site in late 2024, with its position directly opposite Crown's main entrance and near Melbourne's Arts Precinct making it one of Southbank's most significant remaining development opportunities.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3933013e-6332-4386-b9be-089df05caf17" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.22%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sITIgBqDL0N3VNSMwWEmF5UA.uvcsRyu" />

Designed by COX in collaboration with ODO and PDG, the tower's architecture draws on the movement of the Yarra River, with six vertical pleats running the height of the sculpted facade.

The project will also see the heritage-listed Queens Bridge Hotel restored and incorporated into the development&nbsp;with new hospitality and public uses, including a rooftop venue.

A significant component of The One will be its residential amenity.

More than 5,000 sqm of resident facilities will be delivered across a single level, making it one of the largest consolidated residential amenity offerings proposed in an Australian apartment development.

The planning approval also incorporates a major upgrade of Queensbridge Square, which PDG will deliver in partnership with the City of Melbourne.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73167fcd-1031-4b6f-a408-a064cfe45ed1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.17%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Pf1AEWxw6SNmBqR0zQW5lyEze.MtxgFp" />

The existing square will be revitalised as a new civic and pedestrian space along the Yarra River, strengthening the connection between the project, Southbank and the riverfront.

PDG Founder and Managing Director Vince Giuliano said the approval represented a major milestone for a site which has remained largely underutilised for more than 15 years.

“This is the most significant Planning Permit approval Melbourne has seen in recent years,” Giuliano said.

“For more than 15 years, this site has remained underutilised. This approval enables us to deliver a project that will contribute meaningfully to the revitalisation of Southbank, restore and reactivate an important heritage building, and create a new civic and hospitality destination for Melbourne.”

The latest approval follows an earlier planning permit issued by the City of Melbourne covering demolition works across part of the site at 9-29 Queens Bridge Street. Those demolition and early works are already underway.

PDG has also started generating early interest in the residential component from owner-occupiers ahead of a planned public launch in early 2027.

PDG secures approval for $1.5bn Southbank apartment development, The One

Local developer Harridan is seeking to turn its Woolloongabba apartment project into the first stage of a broader transformation of Burke Street, using a new 16-storey mixed-use building to establish a greener pedestrian connection toward the rapidly evolving Boggo Road transport and knowledge precinct.

The South East Queensland developer has filed plans for 154 apartments on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-burke-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">southern side of Burke Street</a>, where its proposal has been designed alongside a wider vision by LatStudios for the street.

That vision positions the southern side of Burke Street for buildings of 15 storeys and above, while envisaging lower-rise development of up to five storeys on the northern side to transition into Woolloongabba's existing character housing. It also proposes wider pedestrian verges, deep planting, new street trees and upgrades to the pedestrian approach to Boggo Road Station.

The Harridan development itself has been designed by Brisbane-based Arqus Design and will comprise 154 apartments across 16 storeys. The mix is weighted heavily toward two-bedroom apartments, with 121 proposed alongside 10 one-bedroom and 23 three-bedroom residences. There will typically be around 14 units per floor.

A lower-ground car park and three podium levels will accommodate 156 resident parking spaces, along with visitor and commercial parking. There will also be 154 resident bicycle spaces and 40 visitor bicycle parks.

&nbsp;

Harridan is a family-owned developer and part of the Holmwood Highgate Group, with more than three decades of development activity across South East Queensland. Its portfolio spans residential, commercial and industrial property, with current residential projects including Riverbank on Byron in Bulimba, Esperance Residences in Carina and The Precinct at Kinross Road in Thornlands.

Wooloongabba has been popular for apartment developers, particularly since the announcement of the 2032 Summer Olympics games in Brisbane.

While there have been a lot of development applications, it has failed to materialize into real supply.&nbsp;

Sarazin has been the major player in the area. They are under construction at Murcia Residences, on the fringe of East Brisbane and Woolloongabba. They have just launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-stanley-residences-woolloongabba-8-trafalgar-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">The Stanley Residences</a>, in Woolloongabba on Trafalagar Street. They also have Nuage coming soon on the nearby <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nuage-woolloongabba-14-wellington-road-woolloongabba-qld-4102">Wellington Road</a>.

Mark Baljak

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