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One of the latest planning applications to be advertised via City of Boroondara underlines the growing ambitions of Balwyn-based developer Melstone.

352-358 Canterbury Road is Melstone's latest endeavour, having enlisted Elenberg Fraser to deliver a design that will capitalise upon Melstone's confidence in Melbourne's local apartment market. The Surrey Hills project intends to replace a permit for a more modest Neil Architecture-designed scheme of 29 predominantly townhouse dwellings.

Conversely Melstone hopes to yield 42 apartments across the 5 level proposal which has a development cost of $20 million. Asked by Apartments.com.au, Melstone says the Surrey Hills project will squarely be aimed at local downsizers and owner occupiers.

<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/image86_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Wide pan view of 352-358 Canterbury Road. Image: Melstone"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="280" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image86_6.jpg?itok=AvNG0ezA" title="Wide pan view of 352-358 Canterbury Road. Image: Melstone" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Wide pan view of 352-358 Canterbury Road. Image: Melstone</figcaption></figure>352-358 Canterbury Road has been positioned to become the area's premier apartment development, as described by urban planning agency proUrban:

<blockquote>
The proposed development presents an elegant, mid-rise, mixed-use building of architectural excellence on an underutilised inner-urban landholding. The building proposes to reinforce an emerging character of mid-rise buildings, as emphasised within planning policy and evidenced through recent planning approvals in the area for buildings of increased scale.
</blockquote>

As a result the Surrey Hills proposal's apartment split sees 4 single, 25 double and 13 triple bedroom apartments.

Surrey Hills though is not the only apartment development on Melstone's agenda. A display suite sits at the ready at 33-35 Ringwood Street, after the DKO Architecture-designed application gained approval during April.

<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/image87_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="33-35 Ringwood Street. Image: DKO Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image87_3.jpg?itok=kURsXIkk" title="33-35 Ringwood Street. Image: DKO Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>33-35 Ringwood Street. Image: DKO Architecture</figcaption></figure>The Ringwood development is a seven storey mixed use project consisting of a basement car park, ground floor retail spaces and apartments above. Apartments.com.au <a href="/news/ringwoods-has-600-apartments-under-construction-as-a-new-project-nears-launch">recently highlighted</a> the currently robust Ringwood apartment market, with 600 apartments now under construction.

Melstone expect 33-35 Ringwood Street to launch in coming months, and will be aimed at capitalise upon the underlying demand for apartments in the suburb.

Melstone's largest project was a Box Hill apartment development which they successfully sold during 2017 with a permit in place. 16-22 Wellington Road includes approximately 130 apartments over 14 levels in another design conceived by Elenberg Fraser.

The Box Hill project entered planning during early 2016 under the guidance of Melstone and found approval late in the same year.

Melstone's rise to prominence is reflective of many Melbourne developers who began with small-scale apartment or townhouse pursuits and have progressed to more robust developments, mirroring the growing appetite for apartments across wider Melbourne.

<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/image84_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Box Hill's 16-22 Wellington Road. Image: Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="539" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image84_10.jpg?itok=rBSxb3Jn" title="Box Hill's 16-22 Wellington Road. Image: Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Box Hill's 16-22 Wellington Road. Image: Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>
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silvermb

Melstone moves on Melbourne's eastern suburbs

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Crown Group's third land parcel within their expansive Waterloo development precinct has reached planning.

Koichi Takada Architects have taken on design duties once more for the latest instalment, which is referred to as Building B. Thus far Buildings D and E edged into planning during March; Koichi Takada Architects have maintained a similar scale and design language across all three intended apartment projects.

The latest inclusion will cost in excess of $33 million to deliver and consists of 56 apartments across various living formats.

<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/image73_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Reed Street perspective. Planning image: Koichi Takada Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="328" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image73_5.jpg?itok=IOcDZd3U" title="Reed Street perspective. Planning image: Koichi Takada Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Reed Street perspective. Planning image: Koichi Takada Architects</figcaption></figure>Set over 6 levels, the 56 apartments are split between 6 x studio, 18 x 1 Bedroom, 28 x 2 Bedroom and 8 x 3 Bedroom options. The inclusion of studios within Building B is reflective of Crown Group's move to diversify the living options within the initial two planning applications.

Basement parking provides 58 vehicle bays alongside provisions for bicycles.

An expansive 240 square metre retail tenancy will corner Reed Street and Archibald Avenue, bolstering the retail intentions of the overall development. Thus far 16 retail and food/cafe tenancies have been included over the initial two buildings.

<blockquote>
Koichi Takada Architects' design for Lot 9 (Building B) focuses on providing a building that enhances the new streetscape. The proposal provides an iconic and recognizable addition to the new Lachlan Precinct.

A highly articulated facade defines the horizontality of the building, creating an organic form along the entire building’s length. The articulation assists to break down the mass of the building facade while the organic nature of the horizontal banding helps emphasise the street corners.

The artfully designed facade incorporates an integrated awning into the design to create a holistic design aesthetic. 
<cite>Design Statement: Koichi Takada Architects</cite>
</blockquote>

The 56 apartments slated for Building B are in addition to the 139 across both earlier stages.

<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/image72_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Crown Group's initial two residential intentions for Waterloo. Planning images: Koichi Takada Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="222" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image72_3.jpg?itok=fzMuOllF" title="Crown Group's initial two residential intentions for Waterloo. Planning images: Koichi Takada Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Crown Group's initial two residential intentions for Waterloo. Planning images: Koichi Takada Architects</figcaption></figure>Crown Group's trio of modest-sized apartment projects are located within the Lachlan Precinct in Waterloo which forms part of the Green Square Urban Renewal Area.

City of Sydney's vision for the Lachlan Precinct is that "it will continue to gradually transition from industrial and warehouse uses to a mixed-use residential neighbourhood with high-quality buildings and public spaces." The developer and architect have heavily invested into their precinct's ground plane, as evidenced by the numerous retail spaces principally fronting Archibald Avenue.

Crown Group's development site is strategic in that it holds the major axis intersection. Gadigal Avenue runs north-south and is pegged as a major mixed-use thoroughfare whilst Archibald Avenue is on an east-west setting and is slowly developing as the precinct's main retail and café strip.

Imagery for Building B also includes the taller 19 level future residential tower <a href="https://architectureau.com/articles/kengo-kuma-koichi-takada-to-design-vertical-urban-forest-for-sydneys-waterloo/">jointly designed by Kengo Kuma and Koichi Takada Architects</a>. 

Crown Group can expect approximately 380 apartments across all stages of their Waterloo development.
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Third time over; Crown Group tracks a third Waterloo apartment project

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Brisbane City Council has executed a quick turnaround on a major planning application in order to provide one of Brisbane's largest commercial office developments with the green light.

Project partners Investa and Charter Hall submitted the sizeable planning application earlier this year. Council has in turn granted the hulking 205 metre commercial office tower with approval a little over a week ago, subject to a raft of minor conditions.

Simply known as 360 Queen Street, the development will account for a quartet of low and medium-rise dated commercial buildings in the heart of Brisbane's CBD. In a relatively swift process, Investa and Charter Hall only secured all buildings across the 2,147 square metre site during June 2017 for $53.75 million.

<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/image61_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hero perspective. Image: 360queen.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="835" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image61_2.jpg?itok=9jw97liB" title="Hero perspective. Image: 360queen.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hero perspective. Image: 360queen.com.au</figcaption></figure>360-380 Queen Street is located in Brisbane's ‘Golden Triangle’ which home to a high concentration of financial institutions. Valued at $650 million, the co-owners task of securing a major tenant for the tower which includes 50,000 square metres of A-Grade office space will be bolstered by the recent approval.

The Blight Rayner-designed project includes a new public pedestrian thoroughfare which will link Queen Street to Giffin Lane and Ely Lane, and was to have been lined by retail tenancies. Final plans for the development have dropped the retail aspect in favour for food and retail, or hotel uses.

Additionally, an amphitheatre, underground supermarket, childcare centre, business lounge and various other entertainment/dining options will assist in drawing the public to the area.

A vertical green wall will mask the adjoining property boundary, whilst a 'suspended' green zone will feature mid podium. Thereafter three separate green spaces will break the tower's form at levels 13, 28 and 40, in addition to a vertical chasm that will add extra greenery externally. 

360 Queen Street will target a 5 Star Green Star Design rating, 5 Star NABERS Energy rating, plus WELL Core and Shell Gold certification.

<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/image63_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="External terrace. Image: 360queen.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image63_7.jpg?itok=GTXGda8b" title="External terrace. Image: 360queen.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>External terrace. Image: 360queen.com.au</figcaption></figure>Leasing for the development is now active with CBRE appointed as the agent of choice. 360 Queen Street will enter the Brisbane commercial office market at an interesting juncture.

A Knight Frank report on the state of the Brisbane CBD office market dated April 2018 notes that total commercial vacancy is expected to fall from 16.2% at the start of 2018 to approximately 13.5% by the end of the year. Knight Frank assert that the Brisbane CBD office market will see little new stock over the course of 2018, although a number of major projects are in the pipeline.

The report identifies 12 separate commercial office developments slated for Brisbane's CBD that combined would add 300,000 plus square metres over and above existing stock. 360 Queen Street alongside Mirvac's 80 Ann Street and ISPT's The Regent development constitute the largest office developments in Brisbane CBD's pipeline.

According to the development partnership, construction is expected to commence in the first half of 2019, although overall approval and tenant pre-commitments are first required.

<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/image60_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial perspective of the approved commercial tower. Image: 360queen.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="412" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image60_3.jpg?itok=xQZSzxBM" title="Aerial perspective of the approved commercial tower. Image: 360queen.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial perspective of the approved commercial tower. Image: 360queen.com.au</figcaption></figure>
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Brisbane's 205m Queen Street commercial development gains approval

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The success to date of Williams Landing has prompted developer Cedar Woods to move ahead with a number of new developments.

On the back of attracting Target Australia and and the Minister for Finance's office to one of Melbourne’s fastest growing commercial precincts, images have been released of the tallest commercial development planned thus far for the suburb, spanning 10 levels. It along with an adjoining new commercial office building form the basis of Cedar Woods' next attempt to attract a major tenant to the suburb which is midway between Melbourne's CBD and Geelong.

Agents Colliers International &amp; Knight Frank have been appointed to market the new space designed by Gray Puksand with up to 20,000 square metres available.

<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/image11_23.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Williams Landing overview. Image: CBRE"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="389" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image11_23.jpg?itok=v7x9afdL" title="Williams Landing overview. Image: CBRE" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Williams Landing overview. Image: CBRE</figcaption></figure>The updated Williams Landing master plan includes the new home of the Minister of Finance. The new four-level A-grade office building is located at 107 Overton Road, with Cedar Woods successfully leasing the asset to the State Government agency for 15 years.

Completion is expected during July 2019, although earlier this year Cedar Woods chose to sell the building via an expressions of interest campaign handled by selling agent CBRE. 107 Overton Road includes in excess of 3,000 square metres of office space and 92 vehicle bays, and is reflective of the impetus Williams Landing has managed to muster since its inception.

Ultimately it's expected that Williams Landing will cater for a workforce in excess of 23,000 people, whilst also accommodating thousands of apartments and a proposed hotel which is slated for the southern-most plot within the suburb.

<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/image10_16.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Current progress within the suburb. Images: Hacer"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="274" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image10_16.jpg?itok=WKg0K7Ck" title="Current progress within the suburb. Images: Hacer" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Current progress within the suburb. Images: Hacer</figcaption></figure>The move to realise more projects within Williams Landing is in part due to the success of current projects that are at construction nearby. Hacer has a trio of projects at construction; most notable is the Gray Puksand-designed Target Australia headquarters which spans 8 levels, whilst a side by side build will also see further office space and apartments delivered by the builder.

One aspect of the dual site includes a 5 level strata office building including 39 suites, with the adjoining building a 7 level apartment building which encompasses 42 dwellings. Dubbed Lancaster Apartments, the project was 100% sold prior to commencement.

Also due for completion in August are Oxford Apartments. Builder Figurehead has been tasked with the $23 million delivery of 100 apartments and 3 retail tenancies within the projects which is located at 2 Clark Street, Williams Landing.

Figurehead completed the initial apartment offering within Williams Landing. The DKO Architecture-designed Newton Apartments were completed during April 2017 and includes 57 apartments.
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Williams Landing pushes on with additional commercial developments

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South Brisbane-based Pradella Developments and Constructions will move to make reality a substantial mixed-use development in neighbouring West End.

The developer has secured Woolworths as a pivotal tenant within the intended $175 million project which includes retail, dining, office and residential components. Pradella has dubbed the development Montague Markets and Residences, launching the development one year after <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://www.pradella.com.au/news/montague-markets-now-da-approved/117">gaining approval</a>.

Construction is slated to begin later this year, with the substantial supermarket at the heart of the initial phase. Under approved plans 1,600 square metres of specialty retail will be underpinned by the approximately 3,400 square metre Woolworths outlet, with an adjacent public plaza, central arcade and alfresco dining zone accounting for an additional 1,200 square metres.

Pradella's West End development is located at 405 Montague Road.

<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/image54_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Montague Markets and Residences. Image: Pradella "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="396" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image54_7.jpg?itok=vRiyGFcY" title="Montague Markets and Residences. Image: Pradella " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Montague Markets and Residences. Image: Pradella</figcaption></figure><h2> What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
Montague Markets will be an excellent fit for West End with a market-style ambience that extends the suburb’s thriving foodie culture closer to the river.

It will also introduce the region’s laneway culture to this precinct by extending Tondara Lane for community pop-up spaces and a 200sqm public art piece that will further showcase the personality of West End. We look forward to starting construction of this project and making further announcements about other future tenants coming to Montague Markets.
<cite>Pradella Director Kim Pradella</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
At Woolworths, we pride ourselves on delivering high quality produce at great value for local residents. We are delighted to be part of the Montague Markets development and are excited that local residents will soon have access to one of Australia’s most modern supermarkets.
<cite>Woolworths’ Regional Property Manager, Phillip Peel</cite>
</blockquote>

Architecture firm Nettleton Tribe is behind the design of Montague Markets and Residences, with the project first hitting planning during 2015. Nettleton Tribe describe the project as follows:

<blockquote>
The brief called for a ground floor retail complex incorporating a supermarket and specialty retail stores to serve the increasing West End population. With two residential towers above, the complex is well placed to provide a successful public/private interface in the booming Brisbane suburb.

The development is designed to deliver a vibrancy and activity in the urban realm, reaching beyond its boundaries providing a connective landscaped public space activating Tondara Lane and Montague Road. The built form responds to the lane to encourage activity within the public realm and landscape. Building mass is carefully considered to respond to surrounding views and developments whilst maximizing exposure to daylight and the private landscaped recreation space.
</blockquote>

<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/image55_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Montague Markets and Residences' new promenade space. Image: Pradella "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="269" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image55_10.jpg?itok=pGCRAEau" title="Montague Markets and Residences' new promenade space. Image: Pradella " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Montague Markets and Residences' new promenade space. Image: Pradella</figcaption></figure>Montague Markets and Residences is poised to become Pradella's fourteenth project in West End, which according to the developer results in 3,000 plus people living within a variety of Pradella-backed apartment buildings across the Riverside West End precinct.

Montague Street has been earmarked by Brisbane City Council as being ripe for transformation into a retail strip with varying uses above. For its part Pradella intend to deliver two apartment buildings above the mixed-use ground plane, consisting of 181 apartments and 1,300 square metres of resident amenities.

Whilst the Woolworths aims to serve the immediate area's booming population, the development will also include basement capacity for 292 vehicles and 1,300 square metres of commercial space, underlining the mixed-use nature of the development.
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Pradella moves on Brisbane's West End with Montague Markets and Residences

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Victoria Parade's vista is due to change dramatically as the Australian Catholic University (ACU) readies for a major expansion of its Fitzroy campus.

115B Victoria Parade has reached construction tender, drawing the sizeable development closer to reality. With a construction value well in excess of $100 million, the build will invariably draw the attention of Melbourne biggest builders.

ACU's expansion intentions <a href="/news/acu-lays-out-its-future-growth-plans">were first flagged</a> on Apartments.com.au during 2016 when a comprehensive development plan was put before Yarra City Council, with architecture firm Lyons heading design duties. 115B Victoria Street, which also fronts Napier and Young Streets, encompasses the first stage of a wider campus development, and with the first phase highlighting a new multi-level building which will replace a current at-grade car park.

The new Lyons-designed building will be known as the Mother Teresa Building.

<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/image50_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ground level activation. Image: Lyons"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="347" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image50_2.jpg?itok=ZXRaECZ5" title="Ground level activation. Image: Lyons" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ground level activation. Image: Lyons</figcaption></figure>The Mother Teresa Building will arc over the existing campus building at 28-42 Young Street, providing it with three additional levels. It's expected that the new build will add approximately 25,000sqm of space to Australian Catholic University's campus.

The building will underpin Australian Catholic University's planned growth in student and teacher numbers, as well as increased research activities. By 2020 it's expected that 10,700 equivalent full-time students will be on campus.

An extensive 7 level, 12,700 square metre basement will accommodate parking for 244 vehicles, with below and above ground provisions for 100 bicycles.

The building contains approximately 18,400 square metres of space above ground, dedicated to an array of uses. Additionally, 3,000 square metres of landscaping is located across multiple levels of the development.

<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/image51_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Differing angles of the expanded campus. Image: Lyons"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="279" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image51_8.jpg?itok=oSnuf0ph" title="Differing angles of the expanded campus. Image: Lyons" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Differing angles of the expanded campus. Image: Lyons</figcaption></figure>ACU's pending move to build at 115B Victoria Parade will be the tallest of three separate projects effectively side by side. Immediately west of the new Mother Teresa Building, St Vincent's Hospital will also look to expand the existing multi-level car park at 93-99 Victoria Parade.

The colourful building is expected to see three new levels of parking for 185 additional cars atop the existing structure.

St Vincent's Hospital also holds approval for an 11-storey expansion of their current facility. In the corner of Victoria Parade and Brunswick Street, the new Billard Leece Partnership-designed building was slated to reach 43 metres in height.

Both the Mother Teresa Building and St Vincent's Hospital's new build would defer to a prospective development at 151-159 Victoria Parade for both bulk and height. Apartments.com.au was <a href="/news/yarra-receives-a-commercial-boost-including-plans-for-fitzroys-tallest-office-building">first to highlight</a> Angelo Property Group's plans for a 16 level commercial tower for the site.

Should all the above projects come to fruition, this particular stretch of Victoria Parade will boast multiple examples of high-quality contemporary architecture.

<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/image228_0_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A dated Billard Lecce Partnership render of the St Vincent's Hospital expansion"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image228_0_0.jpg?itok=JBBb0RJL" title="A dated Billard Lecce Partnership render of the St Vincent's Hospital expansion" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A dated Billard Lecce Partnership render of the St Vincent's Hospital expansion</figcaption></figure>
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ACU's new Lyons-designed campus goes to construction tender

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Another of Brunswick East's prime development lots is at planning, accounting for well known Middle Eastern eatery Rumi and an adjacent at grade car park.

Collingwood-based Architects EAT have designed the apartment block, arguably hitting an interesting balance between form and function. 116-118 Lygon Street is the latest project to show a heightened degree of design nous along the established apartment strip, potentially adding another strong addition to the higher density design dynamic which has swept along the northern reaches of Lygon Street.

Potentially in that the application has just reached advertising with Moreland City Council, and is some time away from a decision.

Expected to fall to development for some time, the application's proponent Deryan &amp; Co Pty Ltd took the application to planning late in 2017. An island site, the application also absorbs the adjacent 205 Edward Street.

<h2>116-118 Lygon Street application summary</h2>

<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/image40_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="High activation over the rear of the site. Planning image: Architects EAT"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="427" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image40_11.jpg?itok=tS7mAOpL" title="High activation over the rear of the site. Planning image: Architects EAT" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>High activation over the rear of the site. Planning image: Architects EAT</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site area: 1,275sqm with 4 frontages</li>
	<li>Proposed: 8 level apartment block at 24.5m in height</li>
	<li>47 apartments: 4 x 1BR, 37 x 2BR, 6 x 3BR</li>
	<li>2 basement levels for 72 vehicles and 111 bicycles</li>
	<li>5 retail tenancies: 275.4sqm</li>
	<li>New Rumi restaurant: 246.7sqm</li>
	<li>Ground floor communal area and rooftop terrace</li>
</ul>
<h2>Design basis</h2>

Architects EAT via their website note the arch is a symbol of a gateway, an entry, transition or landmark, thus the arched window was employed across the building. "We looked at the arched window prevalent in Brunswick’s eclectic neighbourhood and have transported it to the 21st century to match modern-day living."

The above is reinforced by planning agency Hansen Partnership who describe 116-118 Lygon Street in the following way:

<blockquote>
The proposed building is of high architectural quality and incorporates a number of different elements to break up the form and ensure that it is an interesting building both at a pedestrian scale but also in the broad context of views from further north and south of Lygon Street and from the east and west of Edward Street.

At the podium level, the balconies will be vertically framed with steel metal fins and mesh balustrades to provide balcony protection, these have been designed in scalloped form along the Cocoa Jacksons Lane, Lygon and Edward Street.
</blockquote>

<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/image41_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Lygon Street frontage. Planning image: Architects EAT"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="362" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image41_10.jpg?itok=MY2Uxo76" title="Lygon Street frontage. Planning image: Architects EAT" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Lygon Street frontage. Planning image: Architects EAT</figcaption></figure><h2>Changing the Lygon form</h2>

Lygon Street's changing built form has in itself evolved over recent years. Earlier apartment developments were very much rudimentary in their exterior expression, heavily dependant upon precast elements.

Hansen Partnership notes that the swing to higher density "change has already started to occur and is notable along Lygon Street with the level of mixed-use buildings under construction or recently finished. Approved developments are largely representative of the outcomes anticipated under the DDO19, with various heights that fall within and outside of the discretionary height limit, dependant on context."

116-118 Lygon Street is the latest application to enforce the upswing in design quality along Lygon Street. More recent atypical designs to land Brunswick East's Lygon Street include 396 Lygon Street and <a href="/new-apartments/362-366-lygon-street-brunswick-east">362-366 Lygon Street</a>.

<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/image47_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Lygon Street has gained some architectural merit"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="1041" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image47_10.jpg?itok=Nzg49L_i" title="Lygon Street has gained some architectural merit" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Lygon Street has gained some architectural merit</figcaption></figure>
</body></html>

Having your cake and EATing it on Brunswick East's Lygon Street

<html><body>
Brisbane-based landscape contractor Martin Brothers is shining a light upon the increased utilisation of rooftop spaces across a host of Brisbane-based apartment projects.

So much so, in release penned by the landscape construction and maintenance firm, they posed the question; is rooftop amenity the new standard inclusion for residential development? The fortitude Valley-based builder has extensive experience in a range of high density and detached residential, commercial projects, and has 40 staff on its books.

In an inner city residential context, Martin Brothers contend that the new Great Australian Dream is an apartment, particularly for young Australians looking to own their first home. The sustained growth in apartment living in Brisbane, and the continued differentiation of product in the market, has seen amenities, particularly useable rooftop space, take precedence.

<blockquote>
As apartment living becomes a standard choice for not only Millennials but also many downsizing retirees, developers need to think about how they improve their customers’ quality of high density living.

Especially in cities like Brisbane, that enjoy a temperament climate year-round, planning the inclusion of beautifully landscaped rooftop amenity can not only help developers capitalise on once-overlooked space, but also improve the capital value of their residents’ apartments over the long term.

Brisbane City Council’s ‘Buildings that Breathe’ guidelines have resulted in rooftop amenity being increasingly recognised for its potential, and for subtropical tailored infrastructure, developers are utilising rooftop space as an asset, which in turn becomes a major talking point for their development.
<cite>Jack Martin, co-founder and Director</cite>
</blockquote>

The prime example is Silk One who's recently launched marketing and sales campaign saw its rooftop terrace space become the primary selling aspect of the apartment project. Apartments.com.au <a href="/news/silk-one-secures-woolloongabbas-best-seat-in-the-house">covered the project last month</a>; it boasts Brisbane's only rooftop Skystand which will include tiered seating and unobstructed views over The Gabba.

<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/image32_17.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Silk One's Skystand. Image: CBRE"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="338" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image32_17.jpg?itok=SIIJuFfQ" title="Silk One's Skystand. Image: CBRE" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Silk One's Skystand. Image: CBRE</figcaption></figure>Martin Brothers has recently completed three major rooftop amenity areas atop high-density residential projects in inner Brisbane. The lead image depicts the firm's build for Oxley and Stirling, a 16-storey South Brisbane project designed by Elenberg Fraser.

Atop the tower is a 1,300 square metre communal rooftop space which includes a pergola laden with greenery, a lap and plunge pool, al fresco barbeques, day beds and terraced seating areas. Martin Brothers describe the South Brisbane project's rooftop amenity as a national benchmark.

On the back of developments such as Oxley and Stirling, Martin Brothers are urging developers to capitalise on a huge opportunity to leverage what is traditionally a ‘second thought' on most projects.

<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/image33_15.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Pinnacle@Duxton's rooftop garden. Image: ArchitectureLab"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="421" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image33_15.jpg?itok=hbb-YLRI" title="Pinnacle@Duxton's rooftop garden. Image: ArchitectureLab" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Pinnacle at Duxton's rooftop garden. Image: ArchitectureLab</figcaption></figure>In terms of benchmarking, Mr Martin has found overseas projects particularly inspirational.

<blockquote>
Looking abroad to more densely developed cities such as Hong Kong, Tokyo and Singapore, developers have long leveraged the potential offered by rooftop spaces.

In Hong Kong, for example, the rooftop amenity at Skypark in central Kowloon is geared towards young professionals seeking a lifestyle balance, with developer New World creating a setting primed for socialising and relaxation, offering lawned gardens, a green clubhouse and park spaces with amphitheatre-style outdoor seating.

Mr Martin also singled out Singapore’s Pinnacle at Duxton building, winner of the CTBUH’s award for Best Tall Building Asia &amp; Australasia in 2010, which features the world’s two longest linear sky gardens at 500 metres each.

At 50 levels above ground, the higher sky garden features publicly accessible, tropically-landscaped recreation zones, separate green zones and children’s play equipment, which is prime greenspace for such a high-density urban area.
<cite>Jack Martin, co-founder and Director</cite>
</blockquote>

Martin Brothers has also had a hand in the emerging South City Square development in Woolloongabba. Once complete the project will include six rooftop gardens across five residential towers and a hotel building onsite.

<blockquote>
We worked closely with Pellicano and Oculus to rethink the boundaries of green space in a high-density urban area. Buyers are looking for apartments that offer state-of-the-art design, bespoke fittings and resort-style experiences.

A well-planned rooftop amenity is invaluable, especially in high-density areas that are lacking in green space and outdoor facilities.
<cite>Jack Martin, co-founder and Director</cite>
</blockquote>

 

Lead image: Aria Property Group
</body></html>

Martin Brothers sees the rooftop amenities area take precedence across Brisbane 

<html><body>
East End Newcastle's developer Iris Capital has pushed through with significant changes to the sprawling development that will eventually account for multiple city blocks.

Chief among the planning manoeuvres was the lodgement of Stage Two with Newcastle City Council during May. Under its East End Stage 2 Pty Ltd subsidiary, Iris Capital intends to realise 129 apartments, retail and commercial spaces within the $50 million development application.

CKDS Architecture has conceived the most recent stage, working with fellow design practice SJB in the process.

<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/image30_15.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="CKDS Architecture's intended Newcastle addition"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="344" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image30_15.jpg?itok=p11pi8iZ" title="CKDS Architecture's intended Newcastle addition" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>CKDS Architecture's intended Newcastle addition</figcaption></figure>Stage Two's built form encompasses 13,695 square metres and includes as many as nine retail tenancies spanning 1,500 square metres. Apartments and retails spaces aside, Stage Two also features a green internal courtyard and north-south laneway that divides the built form into two separate volumes.

CKDS Architecture's take on Stage Two reads as follows:

<blockquote>
The proposed Newcastle East End Stage 2 development carefully navigates the varied conditions of the site through sensitive additions above and between existing heritage buildings.

Together with the reinstatement and upgrade of the finer grain buildings that define the King Street frontage, the proposal considers the historical layering as well as the future aspiration of the East End redevelopment. Multiple design massing options were considered to arrive at the most appropriate built form.

The final proposal combines the site topography, future character as well as the retention of existing buildings. Existing buildings deemed significant are to be restored, celebrated and maintained; ensuring the heritage layering across the site is preserved.
</blockquote>

Meanwhile in unison with Stage Two's lodgement, Iris Capital has also lodged a Modification Application for the overall development which is bound by Hunter, King, Perkins and Newcomen Streets.

A modest increase in overall gross floor area would see 63,116 square metres delivered in total, whilst a reduction in commercial and corresponding increase in retail spaces are also on the agenda. The bulk of the additional floor area has been directed toward Stage Two.

<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/image31_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="SJB's staged concept proposal for the development"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="261" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image31_11.jpg?itok=cufKM8H3" title="SJB's staged concept proposal for the development" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>SJB's staged concept proposal for the overall development</figcaption></figure>Iris Capital's move on Stage Two follows on from East End Newcastle's initial apartment release which occurred in the last quarter of 2017.

Stage One of four consisted of 155 apartments on a site bound by Hunter, Wolfe, King and Perkins Streets; it is the largest of the four development parcels. The initial stage consisted of apartments only, with its construction expected to be complete by mid-2020.

The overall project value is slated at $750 million and upon completion will include substantial retail offerings plus multiple publicly accessible spaces throughout the precinct.

<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/r0_1162_5000_3987_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Iris Capital's released first stage of East End Newcastle"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="328" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/r0_1162_5000_3987_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg?itok=W_i-ai8S" title="Iris Capital's released first stage of East End Newcastle" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Iris Capital's released first stage of East End Newcastle</figcaption></figure>
</body></html>

Iris Land pushes on with Stage Two of East End Newcastle

<html><body>
Only last week Apartments.com.au <a href="/news/two-fresh-hotel-applications-enter-the-sydney-spotlight">highlighted</a> two new hotel-based proposals for Sydney.

The dose has been repeated this week with two additional new hotel developments also intending to make their mark on the Harbour City. In addition to an application within inner city Haymarket, a new application has also emerged adjacent to the Westmead medical precinct.

Closer to the CBD, a $50 million development bid was lodged during May for the purposes of replacing a Haymarket car park with a 15 storey hotel. InterContinental Hotels Group revealed its intentions for the site at the turn of April, nominating Hotel Indigo as the operator of choice for the complex.

<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/image21_17.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hay Street perspective. Planning image: Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="738" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image21_17.jpg?itok=GbfPrOTG" title="Hay Street perspective. Planning image: Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hay Street perspective. Planning image: Bates Smart</figcaption></figure>Garden Development No. 1 Pty Ltd is backing the Bates Smart-designed tower which would cantilever over the existing and historically delicate Corporation Building. The new hotel scheme replaces approved plans for a student accommodation tower which was to have included 160 rooms.

Instead, the project is now slated to include 168 hotel rooms plus a café/bar, gym and rooftop terrace.

The hotel is expected to benefit from an ongoing relationship with Gallery 4A which occupies the Corporation Building, resulting in a rotating art display on the hotel's soffit which would be visible from surrounding streets.

<blockquote>
The soffit of the cantilever is celebrated as a canvas, a large-scale piece of urban art visible from surrounding streets, enhancing the entertainment precincts liveliness. This is public art as Urban Theatre.
</blockquote>

<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/image22_15.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Street level interface. Planning image: Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="423" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image22_15.jpg?itok=NG2g-VU0" title="Street level interface. Planning image: Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Street level interface. Planning image: Bates Smart</figcaption></figure>Meanwhile, plans for a substantial mixed-use tower were lodged earlier this month for a site opposite Westmead Railway Station and in close proximity to the Westmead medical precinct.

Hovey Urbis Pty Ltd intends to clear 24-26 Railway Parade in order to deliver a 16 level tower consisting primarily of 97 hotel rooms. 33 apartments and 112 car parking spaces within a 4 level basement are also included within the Sissons Architects-designed project.

The tower's top six levels are dedicated toward private apartments, with the lower levels absorbing the hotel accommodation. Underlining the mixed-use nature of the project is a supermarket, gym, tavern and medical centre which are located within the podium.

Few exceptions aside, the bulk of hotel accommodation servicing the Westmead area is based in neighbouring Parramatta. Hovey Urbis Pty Ltd will invariably be looking to tap into the medical related short term accommodation market.

<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/image23_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Westmead's latest proposal. Planning image: Sissions"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="758" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image23_11.jpg?itok=2QR5kBKn" title="Westmead's latest proposal. Planning image: Sissions" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Westmead's latest proposal. Planning image: Sissons</figcaption></figure>
</body></html>

Sydney reloads for two additional hotel projects

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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