<html><body>
Here's the first planning application Apartments.com.au will look at emanating from Fishermans Bend, in what will seemingly become a steady flow of applications from the area. 123-125 Montague St South Melbourne is located within the Montague sub-precinct, accordingly project architect Peddle Thorp have taken into account the Montague Precinct Structure Plan prepared by the City of Port Phillip even though the State government will be the deciding body.

 

<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/246to4y.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Suburb overview as per Peddle Thorp submission"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/246to4y.jpg?itok=YF-SxNma" title="Suburb overview as per Peddle Thorp submission" typeof="Image"></a>

Prepared for developer Austpac Group, the planning application consists of three towers above a five level common podium and one basement level. Catering for 746 vehicles, the carpark podium is hidden from view by an activated wrap to three street frontages consisting of apartments and office spaces convertible to residential use if required. 705 apartments in total are proposed with the taller tower standing at 36 levels and 111.5m to roof or 116m to maximum height, a crown involving angular solar panels. Both lesser towers are 28 levels and 87.5m to roof, or 92m to feature. Facilities available in the podium included a gymnasium, pool, business centre, barbeque area and extensive landscaping.

 

Heavy with blue glazing the complex does carry some typical Peddle Thorp traits particularly through the podium, defined by its shallow box features. Varied elements such as Ironbark timber cladding, Rheinzink cladding, folded aluminium panels and industrial framed glazing feature heavily over the podium in order to break the buildings form at street level and provide points of interest.

 

<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/2qtlm5v.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Peddle Thorp architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/2qtlm5v.jpg?itok=UqwOOthV" title="Image © Peddle Thorp architects" typeof="Image"></a>

 

<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/rbig7c.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Thistlethwaite St aspect © Peddle Thorp architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/rbig7c.jpg?itok=Qm_wTSdq" title="Thistlethwaite St aspect © Peddle Thorp architects" typeof="Image"></a>

Images above and below show a heavily activated streetscape. An anchor supermarket of 1752sqm will be surrounded by 14 retail spaces and two cafes. Future adjoining development sites have been considered with Ann St that currently runs north-south through the development site removed, in its place a public thoroughfare. This thoroughfare will provide a pedestrian link between Rosherville Place / Buckhurst St to the north and Thistlethwaite St / Akling Alley to the south. No doubt both architect and developer envisage this thoroughfare as being key to funnelling foot traffic in from surrounding areas to service the large number of retail spaces at ground level throughout the complex.

 

Thistlethwaite St will be rebirthed as "A shared space zone prioritising pedestrian and bicycle movements over vehicle traffic." Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles are included, with strategic lighting and increased street activity designed make the area safer for users. Further the <a href="/news/port-phillips-montague-structure-plan" target="_blank">Montague Precinct Structure Plan</a> shows Thistlethwaite St to be a Green Street Corridor. 123-125 Montague Street will attempt to adhere to the Green Street Corridor principles by harnessing:

<ul>
<li>capture and treatment of rainwater from podium and street level to reuse on site with excess possibly used for toilet flushing</li>
	<li>40km speed limit &amp; lessened on-street parking</li>
	<li>heavy tree planting and seamless level streetscape - no kerbs</li>
	<li>paving to replace asphalt</li>
	<li>integrating bike lanes to within shared space zones</li>
	<li>an urban art program</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/2s9t1et.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ground landscape plan with ground floor uses © Peddle Thorp architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/2s9t1et.jpg?itok=cOzCIMZx" title="Ground landscape plan with ground floor uses © Peddle Thorp architects" typeof="Image"></a>

Submitted for assessment during February, it's a fair assumption 123-125 Montague St is still some time off a planning decision. Given such extensive detail has been directed to street level interaction and activation, one hopes this to be a sign that all future submitted planning applications for Fishermans Bend adhere to the streetscape policies as laid out by the Montague Precinct Structure Plan. If this occurs, Fishermans Bend will go a long way to avoiding some of the disjointed urban outcomes that have occurred in Docklands.

 

All images above © Peddle Thorp Architects

 
</body></html>

silvermb

Planning Application > 123-125 Montague St, South Melbourne

<html><body>
7 Florence St, aka The Commons is a development of 24 apartments over five levels abutting Anstey Station, Brunswick. Designed by Brunswick firm Breathe Architects for developer Small Giants, it carries a list of ESD features as long as it is impressive, they include:

<ul>
<li>An incredible 8-star energy rating.</li>
	<li>Solar power &amp; solar hot water.</li>
	<li>Hydronic heating system.</li>
	<li>Rooftop garden and communal vegetable patch, acting as insulation for the building.</li>
	<li>Natural ventilation (no airconditioners installed).</li>
	<li>Extensive use of recycled building products, including recycled timber floors.</li>
	<li>First zero-car residential development outside the CBD, GoGet Car Share available.</li>
	<li>Yearly Myki card included.</li>
	<li>Vertical vegetation over northern facade, acting as sun shade.</li>
	<li>Double-glazed windows.</li>
	<li>Shared laundry room to minimise space and waste.</li>
	<li>Chrome and aluminium replaced by copper, brass and mild steel, providing a better enviornmental outcome.</li>
	<li>Use of cafe by residents as a communal area after business hours.</li>
	<li>Extensive bike parking located internally &amp; externally, including parking within the ground floor cafe.</li>
</ul>
<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.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Commons, front and rear. Image courtesy Eco Citizen Australia"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image21.jpg?itok=nHwvNSP6" title="The Commons, front and rear. Image courtesy Eco Citizen Australia"></a>

<figcaption>The Commons, front and rear. Image courtesy Eco Citizen Australia</figcaption></figure><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/Rooftop3-1024x870_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Vegetable garden. Image courtesy Eco Citizen Australia"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Rooftop3-1024x870_0.jpg?itok=RXGGxtoW" title="Vegetable garden. Image courtesy Eco Citizen Australia"></a>

<figcaption>Vegetable garden. Image courtesy Eco Citizen Australia</figcaption></figure>Incorrect skyline graphic aside, the rooftop area (above) is designed to be more than a typical communal area that are generally underutilised areas in far too many apartment buildings. Seemingly designed to be functional rather than elegant, the communal vegetable garden in particular should lead to this area being a well used, rather than wasted space.

Currently Kubic Construction are well along the path to completion. Salvaged brickwork from the factory which used to stand on site is due to be making an appearance throughout the ground level soon. Held onsite, these bricks represent increased efficiency while lowering waste. Those readers who understand the area will know that many of these bricks as with many others in the area are sporting extensive street art and graffiti tags, so when reconstructed the brick walls should carry an ecclectic colour pattern, adding visual interest.

<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_1651.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Commons - construction progressing nicely"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_1651.jpg?itok=7T879lBg" title="The Commons - construction progressing nicely"></a>

<figcaption>The Commons - construction progressing nicely</figcaption></figure>Upon completion Dead Man Espresso will move into the cafe space, this being their third Melbourne outlet following those in South Melbourne and Seddon. At that point they will where possible source produce from the rooftop garden, enforcing the notion of a self-sustaining building while residents can access the street via a stair well entry inside Dead Man Espresso fostering the notion of a communal hub. Also included throughout the ground floor will be three artist spaces.

So there you have it, an apartment building that's ideally situated and sized, ticks all the ESD boxes, is visually enjoyable and symapthtic to its history and surrounds - a strong enough case to make the most ardent higher density living / apartment critic sit up and take note. What becomes more difficult is scaleability, that being taking the ethos and features of a building such as The Commons and applying them to a 50 level apartment tower, not an easy prospect. Something else to consider, why don't more apartment buildings of similar size to The Commons carry similar ESD features? A question for planning authorities and responsible legislative bodies I suspect.

To answer my initial question, is this Melbourne's best new residential development? I say absolutely!
</body></html>

Is this Melbourne's best new residential development?

<html><body>
During 2011 developer MAB Corporation purchased the ING Real Estate owned and developed Waterfront City land parcel immediately fronting Victoria Harbour. Struggling with poor public perceptions and a lack of foot traffic brought on in part by delays to the Southern Star observation wheel, MAB stepped in with plans to redevelop the area considered by some to be poorly planned, windswept and unappealing. Media releases at the time carried a master-planned concept by DKO Architects, such as that below, showing five towers surrounding a new central park, one such tower - a waterfront hotel designed to provide a buffer against prevailing southerly winter winds. At the time a MAB spokesperson stated “The scheme will revitalise the existing retail, community and public realm by creating a major public park, residential buildings and an international hotel.”

 

<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/promenade_01_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © DKO Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/promenade_01_0.jpg?itok=mwZpJi86" title="Image © DKO Architects" typeof="Image"></a>

February 2013 saw MAB release limited images of the first two towers, with the initial Cool Silver residential tower to have its public sales launch in early April. Designed by Woods Bagot Architects, Cool Silver along with its larger bronze sibling are the first two of the five planned buildings to launch.

 

<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/main_bg2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Silver and bronze residential towers. Image © newquaypromenade.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/main_bg2.jpg?itok=R5fVOptX" title="Silver and bronze residential towers. Image © newquaypromenade.com.au" typeof="Image"></a>

Further, the images below show for the first time the next phase of Newquay Promenade highlighted by the waterfront hotel. Designed by en vogue architects McBride Charles Ryan, the building is impressive when viewed from the south, but downright incredible when viewed from the north. Although the model images below aren't spectacular, they do give a clear indication that when built it has the potential to become an iconic Melbourne building. Defined by its sloping semi-circle form, the waterfront hotel will be a truly impressive sight to behold and very much a unique shape on the Melbourne skyline.

 

<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_2410_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="South view with Newquay hotel taking centre stage"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_2410_1.jpg?itok=GJqQtwnv" title="South view with Newquay hotel taking centre stage" typeof="Image"></a>

<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/Image2_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Model of Newquay Promenade with the unique hotel taking centre stage"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image2_6.jpg?itok=B9Mglxek" title="Model of Newquay Promenade with the unique hotel taking centre stage" typeof="Image"></a>

Equal to any notable towers are the open spaces and active frontages that this development will produce. The current complex is a malaise of average looking shopfronts with what I think is a poorly placed circus tent located mid plaza stifling sight lines. At the time ING Real Estate Developments CEO Greg Boyd said: “This scheme will provide a green, north-sun-facing public park to the south boundary of Harbour Town and also connect, as one, the currently-severed east and west NewQuay precincts.” Thankfully that plan has been adhered to with one of the largest green spaces in Docklands to be created, part of which is seen below. With both trams 70 and 86 terminating in the area, pedestrians will have the ability to step off directly into the park - a far more palatable prospect than what is there at the moment.

 

<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_2406.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © MAB Corporation"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_2406.jpg?itok=PeZCKdM0" title="Image © MAB Corporation" typeof="Image"></a>

MAB Corporation feel they have struck the right mixture in this development, finally ensuring the success of a site that to date has been an abject failure. Whilst this article has been more overview than analysis, Apartments.com.au will in coming days and weeks provide more details on all proposed MAB Newquay buildings including the last two towers of Newquay Promenade and McBride Charles Ryan's hotel. As for now, McBride Charles Ryan's current offering is powering ahead at Newquay further east toward the city. 

 

<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_9018.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Photographer - Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/IMG_9018.jpg?itok=31ipuF5q" title="Photographer - Ryan Seychell" typeof="Image"></a>

Click <a href="/news">here</a> so see additional images of the highly impressive and colourful Quays residential complex under construction.

 
</body></html>

The Quays to success

<html><body>
Following <a href="/news/272-queen-street-in-depth" target="_blank">Ryan's article</a> this morning on 272 Queen St, I thought it best to highlight an unknown aspect of the site itself.

Mundane in appearance, the existing building holds a generally unknown little gem by way of a private lane off Little Lonsdale Street. Endorsed by Melbourne City Council, the lane is adorned with some impressive street art.

Once 272 Queen St commences these artworks will be lost and hopefully another laneway will be chosen to take its place. Ultimately you win some, you lose some.
</body></html>

272 Queen Street collateral damage

<html><body>
It seems Australia 108 may not be the only new hotel to grace Southbank in the near future. Melbourne City Council <a href="http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/BuildingandPlanning/Planning/Pages/Planningregisteronlinesearchresults.aspx?permit=TP-2012-439">recently approved</a> a 16 level hotel tower at 167-169 City Road, wedged between two existing apartment towers.
Southern Capital Corporation engaged Peddle Thorp Architects to design the $20 million dollar building highlighted by a diagrid facade that changes shape, adhering to the slanted form toward the crown. Currently home to Melbourne Towing Service, the small site offered some challenges according to the architect.
<blockquote>
167 City Road is a project that has been in the system for quite some time. The current design is continually being challenged by the DDO’s, alleviating a greater developmental opportunity. 
Setbacks and street activation are the main design considerations from an urban planning perspective whilst reducing the impact on amenity of our neighbours and proving quality apartments in our proposal is looking to be the constant wrestle of the design process.
<cite>Peddle Thorp Architects</cite>
</blockquote>
Aesthetically pleasing, sympathetic to its neighbours by way of setbacks (as much as can be) and well sized relative to its immediate environment; a good result all round.
<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/167city-aerial_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="As seen on the architects website. Image © Peddle Thorp"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/167city-aerial_0.jpg?itok=1m7UJRW7" title="As seen on the architects website. Image © Peddle Thorp" typeof="Image"></a>
<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/Image1ff.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Initial concept (left), superseded by the current diagrid design. Image © Peddle Thorp"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image1ff.jpg?itok=Kvy-QPv8" title="Initial concept (left), superseded by the current diagrid design. Image © Peddle Thorp" typeof="Image"></a>
</body></html>

167-169 City Road, Southbank gains planning approval

<html><body>
Following a recent article highlighting the proposed tower at <a href="/news/planning-application-256-260-city-rd" target="_blank">256-260 City Road</a>, these two images have recently appeared on Carabott Holt Turnicov's website simply labelled <a href="http://chtarchitects.com.au/projects-3/multiresidential/city-road-southbank/" target="_blank">'City Road'</a>. Although not willing to say much to Apartments.com.au, a picture as they say, is worth a thousand words.

Taking into account the surrounding block form and lowrise buildings, CHT's concept is located at 268-270 City Rd, or abutting the aforementioned 256-260 City Rd. With nine glazed lower levels maintaining a higher floor to floor span than the levels above, I'll make the assumption that they consist of office space. Above these sit 40 levels of apartments with both the southern and northern facades sporting an interesting, engaging tetris-like pattern achieved by the use of irregular protruding floorplates. Add two plant levels and this tower sits at roughly 160-170 metres above City Rd.

Irrespective of height, street level activation fronting City Rd seems minimal based upon the image below - individuals interact with built form most commonly at street level and the inactive street frontage suggests a poor urban outcome.

<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/cht22.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="City Road tower. © CHT Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/cht22.jpg?itok=srdGkwlE" title="City Road tower. © CHT Architects" typeof="Image"></a>

<figcaption>City Road tower. © CHT Architects</figcaption></figure>Pretty patterns aside, the render below shows recessed balconies and light windows running the height of the western flank. The initial thought that came to mind was a potential stoush that would eventuate if the adjoining site to the west were to be developed to the boundary, much like that which has <a href="http://theage.domain.com.au/residents-balconies-would-be-enclosed-in-100m-hole-20120227-1tyxr" target="_blank">plagued the proposed 17-23 Wills St</a> in Melbourne's CBD. Windows and balconies along shared property boundaries can be dicey prospect.

This would be an issue for planning, but ultimately the above is merely speculation until an official planning application is lodged. Nonetheless this scheme has some unique, redeeming features should it ever come to fruition.

<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/cht0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Varied elements in this close-up. © CHT Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/cht0.jpg?itok=hpKmuul9" title="Varied elements in this close-up. © CHT Architects" typeof="Image"></a>

<figcaption>Varied elements in this close-up. © CHT Architects</figcaption></figure>Even if this is nothing more than a concept design, we've asked our in-house graphic guru Laurence Dragomir to render both buildings together for the sole purpose of illustrating the potential for a poor outcome - the copyright to the design of both 256-260 and 268-270 City Road remains with the respective architects. Two development sites with a common property boundary are generally expected to design precast concrete walls abutting one another, negating a number of planning concerns. In its current form before planning authorities, the centre tower below at 256-260 City Rd has a setback of 5 metres from its western boundary which faces 268-270 City Rd.

Furthermore the western flank is completely glazed meaning notionally floor to ceiling windows would face a blank concrete wall no more than 5 metres away for the entire height of the building, clearly an unacceptible outcome. The logical outcome would see planning authorities ask that 256-260 City Rd architects Hayball go back to the drawing board to avoid such an outcome by bringing the tower out to the western site boundary and implementing a precast wall.

<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/CHT%20city%20rd%2002-watermarked.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Illustrative render - copyright of individual tower design remains with Hayball and CHT"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/CHT%20city%20rd%2002-watermarked.jpg?itok=0cpqaLNl" title="Illustrative render - copyright of individual tower design remains with Hayball and CHT" typeof="Image"></a>

<figcaption>Illustrative render - copyright of individual tower design remains with Hayball and CHT</figcaption></figure><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/CHT%20city%20rd%2003-watermarked.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Illustrative render - copyright of individual tower design remains with Hayball and CHT"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/CHT%20city%20rd%2003-watermarked.jpg?itok=7ZdvtumM" title="Illustrative render - copyright of individual tower design remains with Hayball and CHT" typeof="Image"></a>

<figcaption>Illustrative render - copyright of individual tower design remains with Hayball and CHT</figcaption></figure><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/CHT%20city%20rd-watermarked.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Illustrative render - copyright of individual tower design remains with Hayball and CHT"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/CHT%20city%20rd-watermarked.jpg?itok=g2aVpVWM" title="Illustrative render - copyright of individual tower design remains with Hayball and CHT" typeof="Image"></a>

<figcaption>Illustrative render - copyright of individual tower design remains with Hayball and CHT</figcaption></figure>
</body></html>

The next big thing on Southbank?

<html><body>
Apartments.com.au in due course will devote much time to many a topic, least of which is the interaction between humans and built form - that which we create. Street art  has the ability to turn an otherwise sterile blank form into a point of interest, to appeal to people's senses, engage, provoke and delight. To my way of thinking the belief that street art is found in and generally inspired by its built enviornment, can only be a positive. A stroll down many of inner Melbourne's laneways will attest to this.
 
Many Melburnians would have at one point or another eyeballed a particular style of street art below, large paste-ups of mostly feminine figures in near ethereal poses. The responsible artist, <a href="http://babyguerrilla.com/" target="_blank">Baby Guerrilla</a>, has been prolific over a growing number of inner Melbourne suburbs - generally in the north and west. For a detailed interview with the artist, <a href="http://melbourne.concreteplayground.com.au/news/94767/concrete-playground-talks-to-street-artist-baby-gu.htm" target="_blank">visit concrete playground</a>. Below are but four from the artist's portfilio.
 
<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_4286.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="McLean Alley, Melbourne CBD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_4286.jpg?itok=0pk-J4xJ" title="McLean Alley, Melbourne CBD" typeof="Image"></a>
<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_2308.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Brunswick Rd, Brunswick"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_2308.jpg?itok=gSKcT0pW" title="Brunswick Rd, Brunswick" typeof="Image"></a>
<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_2305.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Gusto on Barkly, West Footscray"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_2305.jpg?itok=nLV-XanN" title="Gusto on Barkly, West Footscray" typeof="Image"></a>
<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_9966.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Donald St &amp; Barkly St, Footscray"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_9966.jpg?itok=s8L21S72" title="Donald St &amp; Barkly St, Footscray" typeof="Image"></a>
So when Apartments.com.au caught wind that the artist was currently showing, I was lucky enough to pay a visit. From March 1-17,  West Footscray gallery Post Industrial Design is hosting a Baby Guerrilla exhibition, covering a variety of mediums such as canvas paintings, sketches and inked acrylics backed onto plywood. Apartments.com.au visited Post Industrial Design in recent days - if time permits get yourself down there and visit this great venue, the Baby Guerrilla exhibit may be drawing to a close but there's no shortage of events and atypical retail offerings to keep any visitor engaged.
 
<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_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-half-width-351px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_half_width_351px/public/pictures/article-images/Image11_1.jpg?itok=6QbstVi7" typeof="Image"></a>
<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_2275.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Post Industrial Design shopfront"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_2275.jpg?itok=3bgThmq8" title="Post Industrial Design shopfront" typeof="Image"></a>
Apartments.com.au's profound thanks to Mary - to keep up with Post Industrial Design's exhibition and events calendar, check out their website and facebook links below. As always - enjoy.
 
http://www.postindustrialdesign.com.au/
 
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Post-Industrial-Design/178472495529056
 
Find below an assortment of images of the Baby Guerrilla exhibition at Post Industrial Design's West Footscray gallery.
</body></html>

Baby Guerrilla @ Post Industrial Design

<html><body>For those unaware Yarra's Edge is the southernmost precinct of Docklands. Essentialy a long, thin residential peninsula, it's bound by Bolte Bridge, the Yarra, and West Gate Freeway to the south. This isolation leads to the precinct at times lacking the character and bustle of Melbourne's CBD, or even other areas of Docklands. So with a an hour or so to burn and camera in hand i decided to sit back and watch the world go by. While the area does lack foot traffic developer Mirvac is in the process of formulating Bolte Precinct, the final westerly land parcel of Yarra's Edge with a number of features they believe will bring increased human traffic through the area; but that is a story for another day.</body></html>

Watching the world go by @ Yarra's Edge

<html><body>
As one office expansion at AMP Square (535 &amp; 555 Bourke St) nears completion, another directly opposite, is due to begin. EstimateOne recently listed four builders as vying for the construction rights to deliver a revamped 570 Bourke St; they being Brookfield Multiplex, Watpac, Built and Probuild Constructions. Known as Marland House, the tower was completed during 1972 and is currently owned by Charter Hall.
Standing at 121m with 31 levels of A-grade office space the Hassell-designed expansion consists of a new 12 level wing over the Bourke St forecourt, while also adding a dozen levels at the rear of the tower above the existing 645-bay Secure Parking facility facing Little Bourke St. According to project manager PDS Group, these new additions which are valued at approximately $70 million will employ the maximum site area while adding 15,620sqm of net lettable area to 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/Image1_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="570 Bourke St expansion. Image courtesy PDS Group."><img alt="570 Bourke St expansion. Image courtesy PDS Group." class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image1_6.jpg?itok=vC9rbvMG" typeof="Image"></a>
<figcaption>570 Bourke St expansion. Image courtesy PDS Group.</figcaption></figure><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/Image3_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="570 Bourke St expansion. Image courtesy PDS Group."><img alt="570 Bourke St expansion. Image courtesy PDS Group." class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image3_3.jpg?itok=r_EFkrFV" title="Images of 570 Bourke St expansion" typeof="Image"></a>
<figcaption>570 Bourke St expansion. Image courtesy PDS Group.</figcaption></figure>555 Bourke St on the other hand is in the final stages of it's regeneration. Backed by owner Juilliard Group and designed by Metier 3 architects, its expansion seeks to completely overhaul the 1969 landmark building designed by US firm Skidmore, Owings and Merrill. After nearly two years builder Construction Engineering has essentially completed all works with a variety of extensions added to the original tower at 535 Bourke and the L-shaped St James building.
The $120 million expansion includes three additional levels atop St James, characterised by overhung floorplates, angled blades and a glass facade with etched L-shapes; taking inspiration from the shape of the building. Photos of the expanded 555 Bourke St are found below

<h2>Project details</h2>
Further details for 555 Bourke as per <a href="http://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-vic-melbourne-500420731" target="_blank">realcommercial.com.au</a>:

<ul>
<li>Large Efficient Floor Plates</li>
	<li>Centrally Located to all public transport with Southern Cross station 400 metres away</li>
	<li>100% Full Fresh Air Distribution System with LTVAV (Low Temperature Variable Air Volume)</li>
	<li>Up to 14,000 sqm of Office Space available</li>
	<li>Excellent Natural Light</li>
	<li>Innovative &amp; Unique Design</li>
	<li>Abundant End Of Trip Facilities and tenant amenities including bike storage for 200 Bicycles and 20 customized shower facilities.</li>
	<li>4.5 star NABERS Energy Rating (Target)</li>
	<li>Meeting &amp; Conference facilities</li>
	<li>Substantial on-site retail and public space amenity</li>
</ul>
<h2>Comment</h2>

Although a moot point now, a case may have been made for retaining AMP Square as was, given its design by a world renowned architecture firm: Skidmore, Owings and Merrill. The age, character, appeal and interest associated with the complex may have let to AMP Square being considered as a place of local significance and a potential heritage listing. Everyone will have their own opinions on this matter. Regardless from my perspective the new AMP Tower, St James development is generally a good outcome.


While I may have misgivings regarding the etched facade applied to the St James extension, the general size and scope of the revamp is quite good. One of the key aspects of any aged building regeneration is increasing human interaction. Once up and running AMP Square will feature massively expanded retail offerings, active street frontages as opposed to blank walls and a covered internal area heavily weighted towards user amenity and retail purposes which in turn enhances social interaction. That is always a good result.
</body></html>

Regenerating office buildings on Bourke

<html><body>
Strange things can happen when local Council's have no coherent height structure plans to deal with Melbourne's burgeoning apartment building boom. Yarra City Council's website states "Council has deferred consideration of the Swan Street Structure Plan to allow further detailed work to be undertaken on it." The initial consultation began during 2010 and carries on with no end in sight.
During this period a local developer lodged plans for a remarkable (in both location and scale) 33 level apartment building at 381 Punt Road in Richmond, which was to hold 326 apartments. Following Council refusal, 2011 saw the arrival of a smaller proposed tower at 12 levels seen below. Yarra City Council resolved to reject the 12 level complex, partly due to the 89 objections that were received but also due to concerns over height, bulk and maintaining neighbourhood character.
<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/2uihzbp_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © A Genser &amp; Associates "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/2uihzbp_0.jpg?itok=QQ9L4A2g" title="Image © A Genser &amp; Associates " typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
Again project architect A Genser &amp; Associates returned with a revised scheme, this time an eight level complex consisting of 490sqm office space and 91 units &amp; townhouses with space for 118 bicycles and 119 vehicles through the basement. The proposal maintained a 55m frontage to both Punt Road &amp; Huckerby Street.
The above scheme was taken to VCAT during 2012 and ultimately gained approval albeit at 6 levels due to concerns over bulk and height. Recently, property development firm Austpac have <a href="http://www.austpachotels.com/properties/punt-road-hotel-melbourne/" target="_blank">added the 6 level complex to their website</a>, which reads as follows "Currently in development, this proposed apartment style hotel is situated on the edge of Melbourne’s premier sporting arenas; this new development will become the ideal base for those looking for a little luxury. Austpac Hotels and Resorts are the consultants to the developer and owner of this property on design, operation and forecasts."
<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/Punt-Road-Hotel1-300x185.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy Austpac"><img alt="" class="image-article-half-width-351px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_half_width_351px/public/pictures/article-images/Punt-Road-Hotel1-300x185.png" title="Image courtesy Austpac" typeof="Image"></a>
Further Yarra City Council's website also shows two additional towers immediately surrounding Richmond Station as recently being refused. 63-65 Swan Street (below left) by CK Designworks was to be a 13 level tower containing a cafe and 43 serviced apartments while 9-13 Stewart Street by Plus Architecture (below right) was to contain 80 apartments also over 13 levels.
<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/Image2_12.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="63-65 Swan St left, image © CK Designworks &amp; 9-13 Stewart St right, image © Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image2_12.jpg?itok=rf5OYsfV" title="63-65 Swan St left, image © CK Designworks &amp; 9-13 Stewart St right, image © Plus Architecture" typeof="Image"></a>
Good policy and common sense suggests it would be in Yarra City Council's interest to expedite its Swan Street Structure Plan, given they have a track record of rejecting ambitious proposals around the area.  If nothing else I'm sure local rate payers would appreciate their Council rates not being subsumed by VCAT, for if a binding Structure Plan (read height limit) were in place developers would have a clear understanding of what could be expected.
Would this not be beneficial for both Council and developers by minimising the cost and tedium of repeated planning applications for the same site?
Further to this Yarra City Council now has the added concern of the impending Richmond Station redevelopment, loosely based around GHD Engineering's <a href="http://www.ghd.com/global/projects/zero-concept/" target="_blank">Zero Concept</a> and expected to yield towers of 20 levels. Council having successfully opposed the Stewart Street proposal principally on height at VCAT now faces the prospect of towers nearly twice its size only meters away.
Some time after the announcement of Richmond Station's redevelopment by Matthew Guy, then Yarra Major Geoff Barbour <a href="http://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/News/media-releases-2012/state-government-throws-open-the-door-to-developers-in-richmond/" target="_blank">expressed his disappointment</a> at his Council being left out of negotiations. Understandably so one would think, but if Council cannot produce a coherent, clear, all-encompassing Swan Street Structure Plan after three years, why should the State Government afford them a seat at the discussion table?
<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/s_n07_21146728_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Going nowhere fast. Image courtesy washingtonpost.com"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/s_n07_21146728_0.jpg?itok=3b15ac6b" title="Going nowhere fast. Image courtesy washingtonpost.com" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
In terms of its handling of the Swan Street Structure Plan, I can't help but equate Yarra City Council to the oldfangled hand-car shown above, ever so slowly making its way into Richmond Station.
Problem is a fast train by the name of Matthew Guy is quickly approaching from behind; this seemingly will end very poorly for one of the two.
 
</body></html>

A head-on at Richmond Station?

Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FH_1EzB-1vs?si=XScVlP1ERsTDJoME" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356818]

After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356828]

Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tsioMLcnjas?si=zq-ys3JuWpfa5hFv" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356829]

Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351104]

Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351102]

Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

Joel Robinson

From ONE to ERA: Why buyers are choosing GWH again in Newcastle West

Virgate Property Group is preparing to commence construction of Verdé, its new apartment development in Melbourne's Arts Precinct at Southbank, following a strong run of sales that has seen more than half of the project's 173 apartments secured.

Verdé has attracted a broad mix of first home buyers, owner-occupiers upgrading from nearby inner-city suburbs and investors, with younger owner-occupier couples aged between 28 and 45 accounting for the strongest enquiry. Many are already living in Southbank, South Melbourne, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and the CBD.

"Verdé is located in one of the most desirable pockets of southern Melbourne," Blair Property Group Director Darren Blair, who is managing sales at Verdé, said.

"It's within walking distance of the Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and Southbank's restaurants and retail. It's a great lifestyle location with strong amenity and liveability, which made it a very attractive choice for the project."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372549]

Virgate was already familiar with the precinct, having previously delivered the successful Domain House development in neighbouring South Melbourne. That experience gave the developer confidence to acquire the Coventry Street site and continue expanding its presence in Melbourne's inner south.

"We had been keeping an eye on the site and the broader precinct for a few months before deciding to move forward with the acquisition," Virgate said.

The project was ultimately secured in 2020 following feasibility studies, planning assessments and due diligence, with the brief centred on delivering "a high-quality, considered design that feels both refined and fit for purpose."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=314259]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, Verdé comprises 173 one, two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $599,000. The architecture is distinguished by a faceted glass façade that responds to both the site's outlook and Melbourne's changing light conditions.

According to Bruce Henderson Architects, the coloured glazing gives the building a distinctive identity while also providing privacy and solar shading, with residences oriented to capture views across the bay, city skyline and surrounding parklands.

Inside, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> has created interiors focused on natural light, efficient planning and enduring materials. Apartments feature engineered oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, floor-to-ceiling glazing and SMEG appliances, while a restrained material palette aims to complement the expansive outlooks rather than compete with them.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372550]

Resident amenity has also been designed around everyday functionality rather than occasional use. Facilities include a concierge-serviced lobby, residents' lounge with fireplace, library and co-working space, gym, terrace garden with barbecue facilities, ground-floor café, and package delivery management.

The project's location continues to be one of its strongest drawcards. Positioned on Coventry Street, Verdé sits within walking distance of the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park Lake, while Southbank's dining precinct, Sturt Street trams and the new ANZAC Station are all nearby. The surrounding education catchment also includes Melbourne Grammar, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School and several major university campuses.

The sales team says buyers have responded particularly well to the combination of location, design quality and long-term liveability.

"They're responding really positively to the quality of the design, premium resident amenities and the uninterrupted views. Many also appreciate the location and how connected it is to everything they need."

The ability to secure stamp duty savings before completion has also been a key factor for purchasers, alongside the opportunity to personalise finishes ahead of settlement.

With construction set to commence soon and more than half the apartments already sold, Verdé enters its next phase as one of the Arts Precinct's more established apartment developments, offering remaining buyers an opportunity to secure a residence before construction advances further. Expected completion is scheduled for late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4661]

Virgate's Verdé Southbank moves toward construction as sales fly past halfway stage

Downsizer-focused apartment development Kooyongkoot in Hawthorn has been recognised at the 2026 Better Future Melbourne Design Awards, taking home Gold and Silver awards in two categories.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a>, currently being delivered by developer PQD and designed by Cera Stribley, received Gold in the Interior Design – Proposed category and Silver in the Architecture – Proposed category.

The dual recognition reflects the design approach behind the boutique development on prestigious Kooyongkoot Road, where the focus has been on creating homes for downsizers seeking the space, quality and functionality of a detached house within a low-rise apartment building.

Rather than maximising apartment numbers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pqd">PQD</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> limited the development to just 18 residences, allowing for larger floorplans, greater privacy, generous landscaping and expansive communal spaces.&nbsp;The majority of the apartments also benefit from corner aspects, allowing for dual sources of natural light.

Now around 70 per cent complete and on track for completion in November 2026, Kooyongkoot will comprise a mix of garden residences, ter​race apartments, sub-penthouses, and is crowned by two half-floor penthouses with direct lift access and private rooftop terraces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355297]

The Silver Award for Architecture recognised the way the building responds to its prominent corner position at the ent​rance to Hawthorn's Scotch Hill precinct, one of Melbourne's most established residential neighbourhoods.

Rather than competing with the grand homes that line Kooyongkoot Road, the architectural approach focused on restraint and longevity, using curved brickwork, generous landscaping and carefully considered proportions to integrate with the existing streetscape.

"The form feels fluid and timeless, as though shaped by the landscape itself – architecture that belongs, rather than competes," said Chris Stribley, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Cera Stribley.

The judging submission also highlighted practical innovations throughout the building, including lift cores servicing only nine homes each, a central landscaped lightcourt designed to bring daylight and ventilation into the building, and fully enclosed private storage rooms with lighting, power and shelving to better accommodate residents transitioning from larger family homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355293]

The Gold Award for Interior Design recognised the project's focus on long-term liveability rather than display-home aesthetics.

According to the awards submission, the interiors were designed from the inside out, prioritising how homes would function over decades of daily use through generous proportions, practical storage, durable natural materials and flexible layouts.

The specification includes natural stone throughout, upgraded acoustic glazing, V-ZUG appliances and fully enclosed storage rooms, alongside an amenity offering focused on wellness, entertainment and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Residents will have access to a gym and yoga studio, a wellness centre featuring traditional and infrared saunas, a cold therapy shower and treatment room, as well as a residents' lounge and golf simulator/cinema room for entertainment.&nbsp;Kooyongkoot has also considered the everyday convenience of its residents by offering a private carwash and pet wash facilities on site as well as dedicated parcel lockers and oversized fully enclosed storage rooms.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355303]

The project's attention to detail has already resonated with buyers. Earlier this year, Kooyongkoot recorded one of Boroondara's highest apartment sales when an $8 million penthouse was purchased by a Melbourne CEO downsizing from a nearby family home.

"Every detail feels deliberate, from the overall design down to the smallest touches," the purchaser said.

"The level of quality and refinement is exceptional, but what really sold it was how liveable it felt... It felt like a place where everything had been considered, not just a luxury building."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355304]

Sustainability also formed a key part of both award submissions. Kooyongkoot is targeting a minimum 7.5-star NatHERS rating across all residences, supported by passive design principles, high-performance glazing, EV charging infrastructure, water reuse systems and a wellness model focused on lower-energy dry facilities rather than pools and large wet areas.

Located within walking distance of Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College, Koo​yong Lawn Tennis Club, Aubur​n Village and Camberwell Junction, Kooyongkoot continues to target owner-occupiers looking to remain in Melbourne's inner east without compromising on space or quality. A limited selection of two, three and four-bedroom residences remains available, with prices starting from $1.9 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102717]

Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=372394]

Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=953]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=925]

Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=5374]

The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Mark Baljak

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News