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The mass migration of car dealerships from Essendon's Keilor Road is all but complete with the last super site at planning.

Holden's former dealership at 203-211 Keilor Road is now subject to a Peddle Thorp-designed scheme that would turn the sizeable 5,300 square metre site into a showcase of contemporary green design. The pending rebirth of the Holden dealership follows in the footsteps of similar sized lots along Keilor Road which have been developed or hold planning approval.

At Keilor road's expense, the bulk of car dealerships have chosen the expanses of the AutoCentro precinct within Essendon Fields.

Holden's departure is Panorama Investments Pty Ltd gain, the entity snared the site during a 2017 sales campaign. The proposal was lodged with City of Moonee Valley during March this year.

<h2>203-211 Keilor Road 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/image13_25.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Keilor Road perspective. Planning image: Peddle Thorp"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="221" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image13_25.jpg?itok=CSywNhKa" title="Keilor Road perspective. Planning image: Peddle Thorp" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Keilor Road perspective. Planning image: Peddle Thorp</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site area: 5303.52 sqm with a primary 110m frontage to Keilor Road</li>
	<li>Proposed 7 levels at 23.7m in height</li>
	<li>121 apartments: 17 x 1BR, 85 x 2BR, 19 x 3BR</li>
	<li>Ground floor retail/commercial space: 2,130sqm</li>
	<li>2 basement levels for 247 vehicles and 131 bicycles</li>
	<li>Internal green space/courtyard and rooftop terrace</li>
</ul>
Retail tenancies will front the primary Keilor Road frontage, along with the secondary Cooper Street and Roberts Street frontages. The design's southern aspect has chosen a particularly green method of addressing the neighbouring detached properties.

Vertical and horizontal green plantings boards serve to bolster privacy whilst also providing a softer, more aesthetically pleasing outlook form the perspective of existing adjoining properties. 

Between the green facade and Peddle Thorp's inclusion of design features such as elevated bridges and an angular build form expression to Keilor Road, 203-211 Keilor Road has been billed as capable of "setting a benchmark in urban design and architectural resolution for the area".

<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/image14_19.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Interface with adjoining detached properties. Planning image: Peddle Thorp"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="275" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image14_19.jpg?itok=A63Luil6" title="Interface with adjoining detached properties. Planning image: Peddle Thorp" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Interface with adjoining detached properties. Planning image: Peddle Thorp</figcaption></figure>In the wider Keilor Road context, 203-211 Keilor Road is the latest project which adds to an already robust pipeline of projects. At construction is <a href="/buildings/parkside-apartments-64-keilor-road-essendon-north">Parkside Apartments</a> at 64 Keilor Road, whilst <a href="/buildings/curve-294-296-keilor-road-essendon-north">Curve Apartments</a> at 294-296 Keilor Road is awaiting the arrival of a builder onsite.

These projects combined will add approximately 125 apartments.

<a href="/new-apartments/113-keilor-road-essendon">113 Keilor Road</a> and 261 Keilor Road are more modest apartment projects in waiting, although two relative brutes stand to add 350 apartments between them. <a href="/new-apartments/144-160-keilor-road-essendon-north">144-160 Keilor Road</a> and <a href="/new-apartments/165-169-keilor-road-essendon">165-169 Keilor Road</a> are both substantial approved apartment projects, with the latter also accounting for a former car dealership.
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silvermb

Keilor Road's last car dealership goes to apartments and goes super green

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A heavily industrial pocket of Lidcombe may turn high rise residential if a planning application for 2 Hill Road is looked upon favourably.

Flush against the Western Motorway and surrounded by industrial estates, applicant HP Subsidiary Pty Ltd is hoping their $114 million bid for three residential buildings gains approval, after being submitted with Parramatta City Council during May. 2 Hill Road sits on the periphery of the Carter Street Precinct, a zone earmarked for urban regeneration under a <a href="https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/plans-for-your-area/priority-growth-areas-and-precincts/carter-street">plan</a> backed by the NSW Government.

The application shapes as one of the first for the area which has yet to see development of any substance.

<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/image107_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Street level perspective. Planning image: integrated DESIGN group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="395" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image107_0.jpg?itok=fiwLG_Ug" title="Street level perspective. Planning image: integrated DESIGN group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Street level perspective. Planning image: integrated DESIGN group</figcaption></figure>Architecture practice integrated DESIGN group has taken on design duties for the project which consists of 302 apartments. The split sees 126 single bedroom, 159 dual bedroom and 17 triple bedroom apartments across three separate buildings.

The apartments will be supported by 379 car parking bays across 5 basement levels. The tallest building within the application spans 16 levels or 53 metres, marginally taller than an adjoining 15 level tower, whilst a more modest 6 level structure rounds out the built form.

The smallest building will feature a rooftop terrace shrouded in a lattice-like structure with a sight line over Haslams Creek.

<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/image110_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Haslams Creek perspective. Planning image: integrated DESIGN group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="338" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image110_2.jpg?itok=Lnhus4VE" title="Haslams Creek perspective. Planning image: integrated DESIGN group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Haslams Creek perspective. Planning image: integrated DESIGN group</figcaption></figure>The 14,724 square metre triangular currently serves as an open air storage yard. Approximately half the site is dedicated toward open space, with landscape architect SiteDesign + Studios taking on design responsibilities for the ground plane.

In their report on the project, they highlight the opportunity presented by the sprawling site:

<blockquote>
The landscape design for the proposed residential development will provide an extensive area of usable landscaped open space with direct access to the public domain and the proposed Share Way, east of the existing stormwater channel.

The design includes important linkages to the pedestrian and cycle networks proposed under the Carter Street Precinct DCP and suggests ways in which high quality public spaces could be enhanced e.g. a future bicycle bridge opposite the proposed central pedestrian spine could be provided by others to enable a direct link to Newington and the Parramatta foreshore beyond.

The design includes displays of Public Art Work using local community artists and water features which extend the axii of the resident lobbies into the public domain, visually connecting with Haslams Creek or other key points in the public domain.
</blockquote>

Having only been submitted last month, the City Significant Development is some time off a final decision.
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Lidcombe's Carter Street Precinct receives a considerable residential application

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The erection of a tower crane for 233 East has seen the overall number of apartments under construction within Ringwood surge to approximately 600.

These 600 apartments are spread across seven separate apartment developments of varying sizes, yet the overall figure is representative of the underlying demand for apartment living in the outer eastern suburb. 233 East is at this stage the highest profile development to begin construction owing to its height and location.

Opposite Eastland and fronting Maroondah Highway, the LSA Architects-designed project will add just shy of 100 new apartments. At 10 levels it will also be the area's tallest apartment building upon completion.

<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/image105_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="302" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image105_0.jpg?itok=4_7fFuTv" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>233 East is at construction</figcaption></figure>The balance of projects at construction is located well back from Maroondah Highway in a pocket bound by Bond Street, Ringwood Street and the Ringwood Bypass.

Largest at construction is the tri-building Eden Square project; Head contractor Hamilton Marino is well into the build phase with the eventual outcome some 200 plus apartments adjacent to the Mullum Mullum Creek. Eden Square is noteworthy in that its premier residences managed to sell for $2.55m and $2.5m respectively.

Next in terms of size is Nelson Bourke Apartments at 1-7 Nelson Street. Builder Buxton has taken the floor plate above ground for the dual building development that will result in 111 apartments.

The balance of developments at construction adding to the 600 apartment figure includes Venus Apartments, Ark Apartments and The Edge Apartments.

<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_2525.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Nelson Bourke Apartments progress"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_2525.jpg?itok=O0hkrzfz" title="Nelson Bourke Apartments progress" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Nelson Bourke Apartments progress</figcaption></figure>Another development due for a construction start is The Selection with Method Constructions signage up across the site. The builder is set to begin works on the Embrace Architects-designed project which includes 49 apartments and two ground floor retail tenancies.

The project's marketing campaign billed it as Ringwood's premier apartment development, which includes seven levels of living above two basement levels. The Selection's facade will predominantly consist of exposed concrete, charcoal steel frames, perforated metal screens and shaded glazing wraps.

Whilst the number of apartments under construction within Ringwood is at an all-time high, a newly assembled display suite has appeared at 33-35 Ringwood Street.

The display suite's arrival may well signify the signifying the imminent launch of the DKO Architecture-designed seven level apartment development that hit planning with 38 apartments in tow.

<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/rwdko.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="33-35 Ringwood Street. Planning image: DKO"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/rwdko.jpg?itok=suHxqfRQ" title="33-35 Ringwood Street. Planning image: DKO" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>33-35 Ringwood Street. Planning image: DKO</figcaption></figure>
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Ringwood's has 600 apartments under construction, as a new project nears launch

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Project partners Pellicano Group and Perri Projects have taken their massive South City Square project back to planning in order to rework future stages of the development.

The project is very much representative of the boom in development that has been seen across Woolloongabba, although the bulk of South City Square has yet to be built. Earlier this month planning documents were lodged, seeking to alter the composition of future stages of the project which in time willencompasses more than two hectares.

Primarily fronting Logan Road, the applied for changes changes are relevant to the southern portion of the site and look to supersede planning approval granted during late 2016.

Initial buildings on the Logan Road and Deshon Street intersection were completed during 2017.

<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_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="South City Square as of late 2017. Image: Aussie Bhoy / Skyscrapercity"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="383" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image3_11.jpg?itok=mRoy71di" title="South City Square as of late 2017. Image: Aussie Bhoy / Skyscrapercity" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>South City Square as of late 2017. Image: Aussie Bhoy / Skyscrapercity</figcaption></figure>Changes sought within the new application include:

<ul>
<li>Adding a new parcel of land at 178 Logan Road and removing 31 Sword Street</li>
	<li>Changing the staging for the development proposal</li>
	<li>Delivering a supermarket and central square as a stand alone stage (owing to Woolworths signing on)</li>
	<li>A change in design for what will be known as Building 6</li>
	<li>Building 4 will be split to create two separate buildings known as Building 4 and Building 5 (18 and 15 levels)</li>
	<li>Inclusion of retirement living </li>
	<li>Additional parking</li>
</ul>
Overall seven separate developable buildings between 4 and 18 levels are in the wings, although Stage 3/Supermarket is noted as being at construction.

In line with a swag of applications that have targeted retirement living across Brisbane in recent times, South City Square aims to follow suit. Planning consultant Urbis noted "A vertical Retirement Facility is also proposed to be introduced into the development to meet Brisbane’s growing demand for retirement facilities and enhance the diversity and mix of uses included in South City Square.

The introduction of this use has tangible benefits to the broader community who may be looking for retirement options in Woolloongabba."

<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_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The development as envisaged upon completion. Planning image: DBI "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="349" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image1_11.jpg?itok=0fe8QgB3" title="The development as envisaged upon completion. Planning image: DBI " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The development as envisaged upon completion. Planning image: DBI</figcaption></figure>To this point the sprawling $600 million mixed-use project has held a nominated completion date of 2023. The initial plan consisted of six residential buildings and one hotel in addition to the major retail, dining and entertainment aspects at ground level.

It's likely that Brisbane's soft apartment market has in part contributed to the rebalancing of the project's uses. 
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Brisbane's South City Square changes composition

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Northcote will sport a uniquely designed and essentially daring new mixed-use building should Darebin City Council provide approval for a current application on dsiplay.

A distinct step away from most Melbourne buildings of a similar scale, Sharif Abraham Architects have gone above and beyond in terms of designing a striking visual marker. The long thin structure addressed 38 Arthurton Road is tucked up against the South Morang rail line and Herbert Street, making for an elongated site.

The design is noted as taking three to four years to refine within the planning documents, with the result a predominantly mesh facade capped by an almost whimsical double roof level which accommodates a 152 space childcare centre. 

<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/image104.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="38 Athurton Road from differing angles. Planning image: Sharif Abraham"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="297" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image104.jpg?itok=fgUs2Lpg" title="38 Athurton Road from differing angles. Planning image: Sharif Abraham" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>38 Athurton Road from differing angles. Planning image: Sharif Abraham</figcaption></figure>Alongside Sharif Abraham Architects, LR &amp; EC Enterprises Pty Ltd is the entity behind the development. Jointly they have dubbed 38 Athurton Road 'The Parent' due to its robust form and holistic and considered design response to its surrounds.

"It is practical, flexible and fun and will provide an exceptionally high quality environment for its future users, whilst integrating with its surrounds, particularly having regard to the emerging character along Arthurton Road toward High Street."

Included in the design are 28 one and two bedroom apartments, with 5 offices and a retail pod at ground level. Three basement levels accommodate parking for the project whilst a mid building double height void/terrace is present at the northern end.

The void is expected to provide visual relief to the design whilst also enhancing the architectural integrity 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/image101_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="External finishes laid out. Planning image: Sharif Abraham"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="252" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image101_0.jpg?itok=ggaCgh2D" title="External finishes laid out. Planning image: Sharif Abraham" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>External finishes laid out. Planning image: Sharif Abraham</figcaption></figure>Materials prevalent across the design include differing modes of metal screens, cladding and shutters alongside timber and concrete elements. The 'bling' factor comes by way of a pod atop the building finished with tinted rainbow glass in a orange hue.

The orange-hued glass feature is also replicated across an oversized sphere which forms part of the childcare facility.

Referenced above is the changing urban dynamic of the Arthurton Road and High Street precinct. A swag of new mid-sized apartment developments have taken their place along High Street, although Arthurton Road has been comparatively sluggish.

Waiting in the wings and opposite the Sharif Abraham Architects design is Meydan Group's Arthurton Gardens project which is expected to yield hundreds of new apartments in the years to come.
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Sharif Abraham's super sleek Northcote design on show

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Billbergia alongside Melbourne-based developer Golden Age Group have thrown forward separate development applications that stand to add 500 plus rooms to Sydney's hotel development pipeline.

The respective applications were both lodged earlier this month with North Sydney Council and City of Sydney and have a cumulative estimated cost just shy of $200 million. Both towers also intend to absorb and repurpose existing heritage buildings into their facade

The sustained surge in hotel developments across Sydney is seeing a flourish of hotel project proposals, although in Billbergia's case the hotel rooms share the proposed tower with commercial office space.

<h2>86-88 Walker Street, North Sydney</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/image92_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Walker Street is in line for a new addition. Planning image: Fitzpatrick+Partners"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="671" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image92_4.jpg?itok=amUeEhiD" title="Walker Street is in line for a new addition. Planning image: Fitzpatrick+Partners" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Walker Street is in line for a new addition. Planning image: Fitzpatrick+Partners</figcaption></figure>Entertainment venue Firehouse Hotel is set to gain a hulking addition to its rear with Billbergia pushing to add the 123 metre tower above the historic building. This will be achieved bay way of a cantilevered support structure that enables the tower to maximise its footprint.

The tower's new podium addition will compliment the Firehouse Hotel in both scale and composition. Flexible work spaces an executive lounge and gym plus reception and a restaurant account for the podium space.

Thereafter the Fitzpatrick + Partners-designed tower is a mix of 224 hotel rooms across the lower portion of the tower, chased by approximately 4,500 square metres of office space at the peak of the building. The office space is situated across levels 24 to 31.

86-88 Walker Street sits next door to what will become one of North Sydney's commercial developments; in excess of 40,000 square metres of office space is being delivered by builder Laing O’Rourke for Dexus Property Group. The new 38 level tower has progressed to see its floorplate move beyond 20 levels.

<h2>47-53 Wentworth Avenue, Sydney </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/image93_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The time and the place for 47 Wentworth Avenue. Planning image: Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="871" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image93_6.jpg?itok=DGmLkwe0" title="The time and the place for 47 Wentworth Avenue. Planning image: Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The time and the place for 47 Wentworth Avenue. Planning image: Bates Smart</figcaption></figure>A further 287 hotel rooms are on the agenda within Sydney's CBD as Golden Age Group project partner Time &amp; Place heads a planning effort to push through with an adaptive heritage development of 47-53 Wentworth Avenue. All in all the new buildings is slated to span 19 levels with Bates Smart tasked with incorporating the dated facade into the development.

Bates Smart prevailed in an Competitive Design Competition held during 2016; the managed to surpass fellow design firms SJB, Tribe Studio and Koichi Takada Architecture by way of a design which is "capable of achieving Design Excellence as required by the City’s provisions."

In addition to the 287 guest rooms, a restaurant/cafe and bar are present at lower levels, with a rooftop bar and terrace crowning the building.

Lodged this month, the Bates Smart proposal includes revisions which sees residential apartments dropped in favour of increasing the size of the hotel. Consequently all parking within the development has been removed.

Fairfax has <a href="http://www.afr.com/real-estate/golden-age-buys-michael-teplitskys-surry-hills-site-for-a-350-million-hotel-20180611-h118ha">reported</a> that Golden Age Group intend to dub the project The Treehouse, with it being a joint effort between the developer and Starwood Capital.
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Two fresh hotel applications enter the Sydney spotlight

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The Chinese-backed influence over Box Hill's skyline has strengthened once more with advertised plans unveiling LongRiver Group as the force behind a 37 storey skyscraper slated for 843 Whitehorse Road.

Opposite their similarly sized <a href="/buildings/east-central-tower-820-whitehorse-road-box-hill">East Central Tower</a> at 820 Whitehorse Road which is currently at sales, 843 Whitehorse Road's $90 million construction value would see 287 apartments built above a retail, office and showroom podium. Latest designs for the tower were submitted earlier this month and show 111 three bedroom apartments included which equates to 43% of all dwellings.

This 43% figure positions the tower as being unique in that very few if any towers of this magnitude have attempted to include such a high proportion of three bedroom apartments.

As per <a href="/buildings/east-central-tower-820-whitehorse-road-box-hill">East Central Tower</a>, Fender Katsalidis Architects were handed the design duties for the current application and have in turn created a tower which compliments their initial design. This is especially the case for the tower components of either tower, with the principal difference being the white banding that discerns <a href="/buildings/east-central-tower-820-whitehorse-road-box-hill">East Central Tower</a>.

Agent Savills handles the sale of what is now a BP Service Station during mid 2017, with a sales tag of $22.5 million.

<h2>843 Whitehorse Road 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/image78_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="843 Whitehorse Road and East Central Tower in context. Images: Fender Katsalidis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="382" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image78_2.jpg?itok=eRXVferf" title="843 Whitehorse Road and East Central Tower in context. Images: Fender Katsalidis" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>843 Whitehorse Road and East Central Tower in context. Images: Fender Katsalidis</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site area: 1,972 sqm, 2 frontages, 49.25m to Whitehorse Road</li>
	<li>Proposed: 37 storey tower at 117.9m</li>
	<li>287 apartments: 9 x 1BR, 167 x 2BR, 111 x 3BR</li>
	<li>371 car parking spaces and 132 bicycle parking spaces over 4 basement levels and 6 podium levels</li>
	<li>5 retail tenancies between 25sqm and 570sqm, with a total retail floor area of 1,053sqm</li>
	<li>962sqm double height car showroom</li>
	<li>3 office tenancies with a total area of 2,073sqm</li>
	<li>Amenities: Level 6 common area spanning 1,864sqm, including open terrace, pool, spa and sauna, gym, yoga room, dining and lounge room, theatre and wine store. Level 30 communal lounge and dining facilities</li>
</ul>
Property and Infrastructure consultancy APP provides comment on the project via their website:

<blockquote>
With impressive architectural quality delivered by Fender Katsalidis, the development includes approximately 300 apartments, key retail spaces and an architecturally enunciated car showroom. Fender Katsalidis Australia will now continue on developing the apartment interiors, striving for opulent finishes.

The site is located directly opposite Longriver’s current development, East Central Tower at 820 Whitehorse Road. The two sites at 820 Whitehorse Road and 843 Whitehorse Road will create a strong synergy for the area and compliment Box Hill’s current development boom to service an anticipated population increase of 37,000 within the next 20 years.

The overall design and development will continue to be refined in 2018, before commencing construction.
</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/image80_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="843 Whitehorse Road shadowed by a scheme for 835 Whitehorse Road. Images: Fender Katsalidis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="370" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image80_6.jpg?itok=i2XoC7K6" title="843 Whitehorse Road shadowed by a scheme for 835 Whitehorse Road. Images: Fender Katsalidis" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>843 Whitehorse Road shadowed by a scheme for 835 Whitehorse Road. Images: Fender Katsalidis</figcaption></figure><h2>Three of many</h2>

The aforementioned East Central Tower joins 874-878 Whitehorse Road as LongRiver's other Box Hill developments. The latter will eventually become a DoubleTree by Hilton with 200 guest rooms in tow; it was recently given the green light by VCAT.

<a href="/developments/box-hill-vic-3128">Box Hill's development scene</a> and skyline is experiencing great change at the moment. Fender Katsalidis have added a scheme for 835 Whitehorse Road directly west of 843 Whitehorse Road, which site at approximately 130 metres; 835 Whitehorse Road has been subject to <a href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/east/whitehorse-could-be-sitting-on-multimilliondollar-box-hill-block-if-planning-report-recommends-it-be-rezoned/news-story/7cafaa06a2565a00cabec4354344a80b">development overtones</a> of late.

The sites accommodating East Central Tower and CBD Development Group's tri-towered development immediately east of 843 Whitehorse Road are preparing for demolition, whilst demolition is all but complete on Box Hill Institute's 1000 Whitehorse Road. Plans for a 29 and 24 storey development which also covers 16-18 Spring Street are with the State Government.

In the midst of all the pending development, Golden Age Group's SKY ONE Box Hill continues to rise; upon completion is will become Box Hill's tallest tower.

<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_2536.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="SKY ONE Box Hill is the latest Box Hill tall on the move"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="425" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_2536.jpg?itok=gwjLC3FA" title="SKY ONE Box Hill is the latest Box Hill tall on the move" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>SKY ONE Box Hill is the latest Box Hill tall on the move</figcaption></figure><h2>Application team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: LongRiver Group</li>
	<li>Architect: Fender Katsalidis Architects</li>
	<li>Site Survey/ Existing Conditions Plan: Bosco Jonson</li>
	<li>Urban Design and Context Report: Urbis</li>
	<li>Waste Management Plan: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Traffic Impact Assessment: Ratio Consultants</li>
	<li>Wind Impact Assessment: Vipac Engineers and Scientists</li>
	<li>Sustainability Management Plan: WGE</li>
	<li>Economic Benefits Analysis Report: Essential Economics</li>
	<li>Landscape Plan: John Patrick Landscape Architects.</li>
</ul>
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LongRiver Group's three bedroom surprise for their third Box Hill skyscraper

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The Inner West Council has released for public viewing the much anticipated plans for the rebirth of the Balmain Leagues Club. Dubbed Rozelle Laneways, the development was submitted to Council during May and would see the $135 million proposal bring Balmain Tigers back to their Rozelle home which is currently in a state of disrepair.

The application is in unison with Chinese-backed Heworth Development who for their part would hope realise 173 apartments across three apartment buildings. Balmain Tigers would take on a new 2,200 square metre club, with extensive landscaping and public spaces included across the development which is located at 152 Victoria Road.

A degree of uncertainty surrounds the application with <a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/property/apartment-plans-for-old-balmain-leagues-club-site/news-story/d47230bd3d0e5c6bd10822c838e4b20c">reports</a> that a compulsory acquisition is on the cards as the New South Wales Government looks to take over the site for infrastructure needs.

<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/image71_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Waterloo Street perspective. Planning image: Scott Carver"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="337" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image71_6.jpg?itok=3pxqvjcj" title="Waterloo Street perspective. Planning image: Scott Carver" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Waterloo Street perspective. Planning image: Scott Carver</figcaption></figure>Despite the possibility of State Government intervention, the development team has pushed on with the application, headed by architects Scott Carver. 

For their part, the design practice has envisaged the project as "an opportunity to create a unique cultural and community focus and place to live and work for the residents of Rozelle and Balmain. This redevelopment proposes the idea of bringing back the Balmain Tigers, one of Australia’s founding rugby league clubs, to their historical home and creating a new public Town Square connected to the surrounding streets, shops and homes through a network of laneways that extend the character of the Rozelle neighbourhood."

Seven key design pillars are incorporated into the development. They are:

<ul>
<li>A Commercial and Community Anchor: A new Town Square provides a large outdoor venue for community events as well as day to day spaces for eating, meeting with friends and children’s play and rest. </li>
	<li>A new Balmain Leagues Club: The facility is designed as the centrepiece of Rozelle Lanes. It is located adjacent to the Town Square at Darling Street level to promote the connectivity of the club to the surrounding streets and community.</li>
	<li>Club Terrace: In the tradition of the surrounding neighbourhoods a Club Terrace provides a north facing and shaded public space of pocket parks and grand stairways to Victoria Road.</li>
	<li>Creative Commercial Community: These form a campus of indoor and outdoor spaces for collaborative work ideally positioned in the heart of the Rozelle Commercial Neighbourhood closely connected to public transport.</li>
	<li>Food and Beverage Precinct: They would provide a 7 day per week economy within the heart of Rozelle whilst being separated from the traffic of Victoria Road. A supermarket is located beneath the Town Square.</li>
	<li>Affordable Housing: A component of the residential apartments will be designated as Affordable Housing to cater for low to moderate income households.</li>
	<li>Residential Apartment Village: situated against Victoria Road to provide an acoustic buffer to the Town Square and to preserve the scale and character of Waterloo Street.</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/image70_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rozelle Square as rendered. Planning image: Scott Carver"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="325" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image70_9.jpg?itok=ijRVM9YW" title="Rozelle Square as rendered. Planning image: Scott Carver" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rozelle Square as rendered. Planning image: Scott Carver</figcaption></figure>The Balmain Leagues Club component will be complementary to the intended Town Square in that it is an internal/external space that is designed with a variety of flexible areas, including a bar, cafe, restaurant and lounges that adapt throughout the day, enriched with a variety of food, events and entertainment."

Rozelle Square's anchor point will be The Tigers Club with Scott Carver endeavouring to form a seamless transition between all sub precincts across the site. Reinforcing the strong street level design dynamic is the heavy inclusion of green spaces that will be tiered across a number of levels throughout the development.

For its part the Balmain Tigers board is satisfied with progress over the course of 2018, <a href="https://weeklytimes.com.au/new-development-plan-balmain-leagues/">stating</a> "Discussions with the new owners have been very cordial and positive concerning the club’s future and assurances of their support have been received. It continues to be at the foremost of our minds to honour the legacy of those who established Balmain Tigers in 1908 and to all those who guided it through its long and distinguished history."

<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/image74_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Planning image: Scott Carver"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="348" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image74_1.jpg?itok=NYZSwe6v" title="Planning image: Scott Carver" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Planning image: Scott Carver</figcaption></figure>
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Balmain Leagues Club's development plans unveiled

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The rise of Melbourne's tallest building has reached a noteworthy milestone.

Stage 1 of Australia 108 has achieved practical completion with 277 apartments and level 11 amenities now complete. As has become common practice elsewhere across Melbourne skyscrapers, residents will begin moving in this month whilst the balance of the tower is being built above.

Head contractor Multiplex currently has level 60 of 101 in the jump form with the floorplate at level 53. According to Project Manager Sinclair Brook, the next staged completion handover will see levels 31 to 67 ready for occupancy.

Lower level communal areas and the lobby space have been completed, allowing residents to come and go as they please, whilst workers will access the upper floors via a separate site entrance. Multiplex have advanced the floorplate more than 20 levels above the completed apartments, allowing for a substantial noise buffer zone.

<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_1321.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Podium planters in place"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1321.jpg?itok=xnyUJ0zp" title="Podium planters in place" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Podium planters in place</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
This is a historic moment for this iconic project, which is not only on its way to becoming Melbourne’s tallest building but will also house the highest residences in the Southern Hemisphere. We extend a warm welcome to all of our inaugural residents who will now call this iconic address home.

With construction well advanced, we have a limited edition of three-bedroom apartments available in this iconic building for those interested in purchasing within a future landmark on Melbourne’s skyline
<cite>World Class Global CEO David Ng</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
We are delighted to be progressing as expected and have drawn on our technical expertise in delivering high-rise residential towers within the CBD environment. This country hasn’t seen a project like Australia 108 from a sheer numbers perspective.

If we look at the glass façade alone, all up some 2,500 tonnes of glass spanning 47,000 square metres will be used to create the tower’s innovative façade.
<cite>Multiplex Regional Managing Director Graham Cottam</cite>
</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/img_1337.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Australia 108's dominating presence"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="1002" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1337.jpg?itok=yIv1p1Bx" title="Australia 108's dominating presence" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Australia 108's dominating presence</figcaption></figure>Melburnians will have their chance to see what will become the <a href="/buildings/australia-108-southbank-70-southbank-boulevard-southbank">Southern Hemisphere's tallest building</a> up close and personal during this year's Open House Melbourne.

Project architect Fender Katsalidis will host tours of the site over Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th of July, with booking available via the Open House Melbourne <a href="http://Openhousemelbourne.org">webpage</a>. Those who take the tour will get a chance to visit the tower's early amenities and common areas, with a host of other design features yet to materialise.

The tower’s golden Starburst, which will include two full floors of private amenities 210 metres above street level, is on target to be lifted into place early next year. It along with the undulating facade give Australia 108 its unique look.

According to the development team each facade pane weighs between 200-300 kilograms and measures approximately 4.5 square metres in area. The 2,500 tonnes of facade glass alongside 71,000 cubic metres of concrete will combine to form the structural backbone of Australia 108.

Developer World Class Global has noted that of the tower's 1,105 apartments, 19 remain for sale with all located above level 71. Australia 108's 750 square metre penthouse distinguished itself as Australia’s most expensive apartment when it sold to a Chinese buyer for $25 million during April 2015.

Lead image: Sinclair Brook
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Australia 108 reaches a significant construction marker, included within Open House 2018

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Weeks after launching its maiden Melbourne residential project, Guangzhou-backed R &amp; F Property Australia has availed itself as the buyer of Box Hill's 9-11 Prospect Street.

The developer has taken the permitted site back to planning with the intentions of pushing through a new design conceived by Hayball. The site was offered for sale over a year ago with approval for an Artisan Architects-designed 25 level mixed use development in place.

Sold by Savills for $11,932 per square metre, the 1,475 square metre site was noted as sold to a China-backed developer at the time.

The reworked Hayball design "does not represent a significant departure from the existing approved proposal on the site and continues to warrant support" according to urban planner Message Consultants. R &amp; F Property Australia will be invariably hoping that the new design, which effectively adheres to the dimensions of the permitted design, is looked upon favourably by Council.

<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_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hayball's design for 9-11 Prospect Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="734" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image51_7.jpg?itok=ndEMxGqv" title="Hayball's design for 9-11 Prospect Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hayball's design for 9-11 Prospect Street</figcaption></figure>Much like the approved design, the developer is looking for the nod create a 25 storey mixed use development above five basement car park levels. Also mirroring the approved design, flexible office spaces will account for levels 2 and 3, followed by apartments above.

187 apartments, 2,860 square metres of net leasable area, 217 car parking spaces and 79 bicycle spaces were within the initial Artisan Architects-designed tower. Comparatively R &amp; F Property Australia's reworked application is eyeing 193 apartments, commercial space over levels 2 and 3, plus provisions for 204 vehicles and 127 bicycles.

Of the 193 intended apartments, the split sees a 14% reduction in one-bedroom apartments relative to the approved scheme, with a corresponding 12% increase in two-bedroom apartments and a 2% increase to three-bedroom apartments.

Amenities have been boosted within the Hayball design, and see a lap pool, gym, sauna and communal lounge in place.

According to Hayball, "the existing approved plans have been revised to improve the internal amenity and livability for the occupants. The building is expressed externally as a refined, coherent and elegant form."

Further, "the arrangement of active frontage along the ground plane and the integrated landscape response to the podium levels improves the street-scape and the pedestrian experience. Residential amenity is improved with the introduction of natural light and ventilation to all residential corridors in the tower levels.

Simplification of construction within the building further improves the residential amenity by maximised ceiling heights and increasing daylight penetration within apartments."

<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/image52_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="9-11 Prospect Street's new exterior takes shape under Hayball's guidance"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="250" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image52_6.jpg?itok=rrSfa3vo" title="9-11 Prospect Street's new exterior takes shape under Hayball's guidance" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>9-11 Prospect Street's new exterior takes shape under Hayball's guidance</figcaption></figure>R &amp; F Property <a href="/developments/box-hill-vic-3128">Australia's box Hill</a> unveiling comes little more than a month after the firm <a href="/news/live-city-footscray-begins-construction-pushing-r-fs-current-apartment-pipeline-beyond-3-000">officially launched Live City Footscray</a> to the market.

Expected within the first stage of Live City are 208 apartments with builder LU Simon tasked with delivering an initial 15 level tower. Future buildings across the site are expected to range between eight and eighteen storeys, with an overall apartment count of approximately 1,450, in addition to retail, commercial office space and public uses.

Lead image: Savills
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R & F Property Australia enters the Box Hill apartment market

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]

Joel Robinson

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>.

Rainbow Bay apartment doubles in price since off the plan sale during pandemic

The long-planned transformation of Brisbane's historic Shafston Estate has taken another major step, with Capella Hotel Group announced as the luxury hospitality partner behind what will become Brisbane's first branded residences.

The project, to be known as Capella Residences Brisbane, is being delivered by Verso Projects at the landmark Kangaroo Point riverfront estate, with completion targeted for 2029.

The announcement follows a series of planning changes to the project over recent years. The site was originally approved in 2023 for a 15-level, 37-apartment development designed by Rothelowman for Burgundy Group before Verso Projects took over the 10,070 sqm riverfront holding and lodged revised plans with Kerry Hill Architects to increase the development to a 25-level tower with 51 apartments.

The latest announcement confirms Capella Hotel Group will bring its branded residential offering to the project, marking just the second Capella Residences development globally after Seoul, and the group's first branded residential project in Australia.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/23-castlebar-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Castlebar Street development</a> will centre around the restoration of the heritage-listed Shafston House, one of Brisbane's oldest residences, originally constructed in 1851 by Reverend Robert Creyke as a single-storey cottage known as Ravenscott.

<img alt="Capella" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2b9f4ce5-638f-4d6b-8082-3ca7e4b75fca" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-09%20at%207.20.41%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=f7aeqsW_DzOJI4FymWb3lD8NptSfsP7q" />

Capella said the project aligns with its focus on heritage-led developments, with the Brisbane estate combining the restored historic residence with a new luxury apartment tower and hospitality-inspired resident amenities.

Residents will have access to the Capella Living Room, a concierge-led communal space inspired by the group's luxury hotels, alongside landscaped gardens, six swimming pools, wellness and recreation facilities.

The broader estate will also include two riverfront homes, a six-berth private marina, porte cochère arrival experience, secure basement parking and a new section of public riverwalk along the Brisbane River frontage.

The heritage Postal Depot Building will also be retained and repurposed as a guest house, in line with the revised development plans.

The project represents another evolution for the site, which Kerry Hill Architects previously described as a rare opportunity to restore one of Brisbane's most significant heritage estates while creating a new benchmark for apartment living.

"The Shafston Estate provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to restore one of Brisbane's finest heritage precincts and to reinstate residential use as a unique site perched on the edge of Kangaroo Point," Kerry Hill Architects said in its Urban Context Report accompanying the planning submission.

"The project will celebrate excellence in sub-tropical residential design, setting a new benchmark for vertical living in Brisbane."

Verso Projects, which now has an $8.5 billion development pipeline spanning more than 6,000 dwellings across apartments, townhouses, retail and commercial projects, said the partnership with Capella would elevate the development beyond a traditional residential project.

"We feel honoured to be restoring Shafston Estate to its former glory, elevating it to new heights of luxury and excellence underpinned by Capella's distinctive service ethos and design philosophy, and making it a standout landmark in Brisbane," Verso Projects CEO Steve Laffey said.

"By partnering with Capella, globally recognised for its refined approach to luxury hospitality and deep respect for cultural and historical context, we will elevate this project beyond a residential offering into a world-class destination."

Capella Hotel Group President Roland Fasel said Brisbane's emergence as a global city made it the right location for the company's Australian residential debut.

"Brisbane is a city on the cusp of something remarkable, and Capella Residences is our commitment to being part of that story," Fasel said.

"The Capella residential experience is more than luxury. It is about a sense of belonging to a place with deep meaning."

Private appointments have now opened for the project, with a display suite expected to open in late 2026 ahead of the planned 2029 completion.

Mark Baljak

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