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Today marks the official commencement of construction across the Kinnears site in Footscray.

After years of laying dormant, developer R&amp;F Property Australia will turn the sod on the multiphased project which is valued at $750 million. Christened Live City, the development will see various aspects of the 1908 former Kinnears Ropeworks building retained or amalgamated into numerous residential buildings slated for the site.

Ultimately the urban regeneration project may include as many as 1,450 apartments plus retail, commercial office space and multiple publicly accessible areas.

<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/image59_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Live City's initial construction stage. Image: R&amp;F Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="912" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image59_4.jpg?itok=xU9llV2X" title="Live City's initial construction stage. Image: R&amp;F Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Live City's initial construction stage. Image: R&amp;F Property</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The development comes with a vision to create a sustainable hub that integrates seamlessly with the surrounding local neighbourhood, along with increased housing and amenity for Melbourne’s inner west.

We want to create lively communities that have good transport connections, shops, cafes and access to employment and education facilities.
<cite>R&amp;F Property Australia Vice President Thomas Chiu</cite>
</blockquote>

Designed by Elenberg Fraser, the entire project is to be delivered over the next 6-8 years and includes six separate precincts.

Urban.com.au noted that builder LU Simon was <a href="/news/kinnears-and-victoria-square-add-to-footscrays-construction-upswing">onsite as of late February</a> for enabling works, with construction proper now set to commence. Expected within the first stage of Live City which accounts for the western portion of the massive 33,393 square metre site are 208 apartments across three buildings.

LU Simon's aspect of the build reaches 15 levels, with future buildings across the site ranging between eight and eighteen storeys. Currently, demolition works are in progress elsewhere across the site, gradually removing the structure that formerly housed the rope manufacturer. 

<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/live_city_3_preview_0.jpeg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial overview of the development in its entirety. Image: R&amp;F Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="390" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/live_city_3_preview_0.jpeg?itok=qXXBxyqI" title="Aerial overview of the development in its entirety. Image: R&amp;F Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial overview of the Footscray development in its entirety. Image: R&amp;F Property</figcaption></figure>Post purchasing the Kinnears site from AXF Group during 2016 for a <a href="http://www.afr.com/real-estate/residential/richard-gu-nets-60m-for-footscray-development-site-20140722-jjllw">reported $60 million</a>, <a href="/buildings/live-city-124-188-ballarat-road-footscray">Live City</a> represents R&amp;F Property Australia’s first Melbourne project. Between site purchase and construction commencement R&amp;F Property Australia went through the planning process which included consultation with Maribyrnong City Council and Heritage Victoria in order for all parties to be satisfied with heritage aspects of the development.

Live City's commencement will see it be delivered in unison with another upcoming R&amp;F Property Australia project, in Brisbane's West End.

Earlier this month the developer confirmed intentions for the $500 million mixed-use precinct which spans 1.6 hectares. Expected to accommodate in excess of 1,000 apartments and a new public realm to the Brisbane River under the approved masterplan, R&amp;F Property Australia are chasing adjustments to the masterplan which includes a public plaza and retail/restaurant spaces.

<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/image56_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Brisbane's West End development. Image: R&amp;F Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="348" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image56_6.jpg?itok=iQOTdWGi" title="Brisbane's West End development. Image: R&amp;F Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Brisbane's West End development. Image: R&amp;F Property</figcaption></figure>Both the Kinnears and West End projects are in addition to Brisbane 1, which is R&amp;F Property Australia’s maiden Australian development. Hutchinson Builders are in charge of the build which will deliver 744 apartments across 3 towers and which has a 2020 targeted completion date.

R&amp;F Property Australia's penchant for large-scale projects will see their current apartment pipeline across the three Melbourne and Brisbane developments swell beyond 3,000 apartments, with further land holdings in both cities likely to bolster that figure further in years to come.
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silvermb

Live City Footscray begins construction, pushing R&F's current apartment pipeline beyond 3,000

Brunswick, Brunswick East and Brunswick West's respective apartment markets continue to steam along at pace, regardless of where the wider Melbourne apartment market is at.

A handful of freshly completed apartment developments have been replaced by projects which have begun their construction phase, and a freshly launched development is adding further buyer choice to the market. <a href="/buildings/the-finery-267-277-lygon-street-brunswick">The Finery</a> is the area's latest release and is located across 267-277 Lygon Street.

Consisting of 30 apartments atop a string of retail tenancies, the newly launched development accounts for a single storey nondescript brick building, and finds itself surrounded by fellow apartment projects.

The Finery joins 13 other sizeable apartment projects noted at sales that Apartments.com.au is tracking across the three suburbs.

<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/image49_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Finery is available for purchase. Image: Jellis Craig"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="296" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image49_9.jpg?itok=jbEU4-vM" title="The Finery is available for purchase. Image: Jellis Craig" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>The Finery is available for purchase. Image: Jellis Craig</figcaption>
</figure>

Directly opposite The Finery, two apartment projects have received their finishing touches in recent weeks. Both designs&nbsp;of CHT Architects,&nbsp;<a href="/buildings/the-burgin-residence-260-274-lygon-street-brunswick-east">The Burgin Residences</a> and East Apartments are now complete and combined add approximately 140 new apartments to the area.

Freshly completed too is CBD Development Group's <a href="/buildings/288-albert-street-brunswick">288 Albert Street</a> in Brunswick, with 269 apartments over two buildings at practical completion at the hand of builder LU Simon. Brunswick West has also notched a completed project in recent weeks; Exner Building completing The Moreland at 444 Moreland Road, taking over the buiild post the collapse of Watersun Constructions.

Hundreds of further apartments are also nearing completion, in the form of Iseo, <a href="/buildings/rima-22-lygon-street-brunswick-east">Rima</a> and <a href="/buildings/8-lygon-street-brunswick-east">8 Lygon Street</a>, all of which are located on Lygon Street.

Despite the flood of newly completed apartment into Brunswick and surrounds, an even larger contingent of projects have just begun, or are about to tip into their construction phase.

<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/image43_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="288 Albert, East and Burgin have reached completion"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="513" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image43_11.jpg?itok=3Z0ifEap" title="288 Albert, East and Burgin have reached completion" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>288 Albert, East and Burgin have reached completion</figcaption>
</figure>

Demolition onsite signifies that <a href="/buildings/lygon-place-240-lygon-street-brunswick-east">Lygon Place</a> is on the verge of a construction start following its lengthy sales campaign. Its 96 apartments will soon join the approximately 1,470 apartments at construction across the three Brunswicks.

Chief among these projects at construction in terms of size are Blue Earth Group's 300 apartments in Brunswick West headed by&nbsp;<a href="/buildings/the-grove-1-5-olive-york-way-brunswick-west">The Grove</a>&nbsp;and Banco Group's first stage of&nbsp;<a href="/buildings/east-brunswick-village-3-bluestone-way-brunswick-east">East Brunswick Village</a>&nbsp;which includes 223 apartments. Both of these projects are in the early stages of their delivery.

Soon to join the construction rush is the combined <a href="/new-apartments/lt-miller-nightingale-55-nicholson-street-brunswick-east">Lt Miller/Nightingale Brunswick East</a> which has been awarded to Liberty Builders, as is <a href="/buildings/mr-nichols-65-nicholson-street-brunswick-east">Mr Nichols</a> a short distance away. Brunswick East's <a href="/buildings/seamstress-11-13-lygon-street-brunswick-east">Seamstress</a> is also closing in on a construction&nbsp;start.

<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/1715littlemiller_lucentcapital_external_cafecopy_cg_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Nightingale Brunswick East is set to begin construction"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="303" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1715littlemiller_lucentcapital_external_cafecopy_cg_0.jpg?itok=DlAQy4FH" title="Nightingale Brunswick East is set to begin construction" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Nightingale Brunswick East is set to begin construction</figcaption>
</figure>

As various apartment projects filter through their respective development phases, additional projects currently before City of Moreland are seeking to fill the breach. Apartments.com.au has already covered major intended projects such as <a href="/news/jw-lands-park-street-proposal-goes-down-a-different-design-path">699 Park Street</a> and <a href="/news/milieu-property-moves-on-lygon-streets-established-apartment-strip">121 Lygon Street</a> over the course of 2018, with a swag of other prospective projects also seeking approval.

Although smaller in stature, the latest application to enter the Apartments.com.au&nbsp;Project Database within the area is Brunswick West's <a href="/new-apartments/134-136-melville-road-brunswick-west">134-136 Melville Road</a>.

Orion Investments Pty Ltd is looking to take advantage of a vacant site by way of a&nbsp;Design Consortia Australia scheme for 15 apartments across a four level apartment block.

<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/melville.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Design Consortia Australis'a Melville Road scheme"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/melville.jpg?itok=79K7HOjp" title="Design Consortia Australis'a Melville Road scheme" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Design Consortia Australis'a Melville Road scheme</figcaption>
</figure>

Comings and goings in Brunswick's engaged apartment market

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In a move reflective of a number of RSL decisions in recent years, the Roseville Memorial Club has chosen to development its premises at 62-66 Pacific Highway.

A development agreement between the club and Hyecorp Property Group was conceived during 2017, culminating in last week's lodgement of a development application for the dual fronted 1,375 square metre site. Working under the project name <a href="https://www.newrose.com.au/">New Rose</a>, a new ground floor 759 square metre RSL club would be incorporated under the plans devised by PBD Architects.

Identifying the need to refresh the club whilst also taking advantage of Ku-Ring-Gai's favourable planning controls, the development application seeks 33 apartments above a rejuvenated club space.

A mix of one, two and three bedroom apartments are proposed, as are 3 basement levels incorporating 51 spaces.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image30_13.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="PBD Architects have designed Sydney's latest RSL redevelopment"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="377" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image30_13.jpg?itok=7ZtLz2vS" title="PBD Architects have designed Sydney's latest RSL redevelopment" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>PBD Architects have designed Sydney's latest RSL redevelopment</figcaption></figure>At the time of agreement, Hyecorp Managing Director Stephen Abolakian provided the following statement on the redevelopment of the sixty year old venue:

<blockquote>
The building of new club premises is essential in ensuring the Club can continue to sustain itself for future generations to enjoy. We will be introducing new facilities and service offerings to accommodate a range of age groups and interests, creating a true community hub.

While an important goal of the redevelopment will be to attract younger members and visitors, we certainly recognise the need to preserve the traditions and attributes that have helped the Roseville Memorial Club become a much-loved community establishment.
</blockquote>

The redevelopment whilst maintaining a presence onsite is a palatable outcome in the eyes of many Sydney RSL clubs, given 31 of the institutions within New South Wales <a href="https://sourceable.net/property-development-imperils-sydney-rsl-clubs/">reportedly closed</a> during 2000-2010 timeframe. 

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image32_15.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Kogarah and Bondi RSL developments"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image32_15.jpg?itok=1MjZAXu7" title="Kogarah and Bondi RSL developments" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Kogarah and Bondi RSL developments</figcaption></figure>A handful of Sydney RSL's are currently in major development mode, seeking more robush outcomes than that of Roseville's.

The Kogarah RSL site is well into construction with the final outcome to include 220 apartments and a 2,000 square metre home for the Club. Bondi RSL's is currently at planning with the intend of creating a $200 million project over 13 storeys containing 124 apartments.

Developer Capital Bluestone will partner with the Bondi branch as it did with kogarah's.

Other intended projects around Sydney include Petersham RSL's transformation into approximately 300 apartments and Merrylands RSL pursuing 401 apartments across multiple buildings at their <a href="/buildings/10-15-military-road-merrylands">Military Road</a> address.

<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/image27_14.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne's Fairfield RSL site and failed Williamstown development"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="234" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image27_14.jpg?itok=FAZxxVh4" title="Melbourne's Fairfield RSL site and failed Williamstown development" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne's Fairfield RSL site and failed Williamstown development</figcaption></figure>The trend has taken root in Melbourne, albeit on a lower scale.

Most notable is Grocon and Fairfield RSL's partnership which created a residential opportunity on the site of club land at 7 Railway Parade. A $50 million residential project containing 83 apartments dubbed Greenwich Fairfield is now under construction.

Williamstown's RSL has been sold off with intentions for an early learning centre, replacing earlier plans for an apartment development which also involved Grocon. The latter's intentions were scuppered due to heritage overlays.
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Roseville reinforces the RSL development trend

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This month's announcement that University of Queensland's Sustainable Futures Building is drawing closer to reality has given cause to touch upon architecture firm Lyons' stellar design legacy across multiple Australian cities.

Lyons in association with m3architecture won the design competition for the development during late 2015, but the project has only this month received a major boost with alumni Andrew N. Liveris <a href="https://www.uq.edu.au/news/article/2018/04/historic-gift-andrew-and-paula-liveris">pledging $13.5 million</a> to take the project from design to reality. The intended 11-storey engineering, education and research hub will now be known as the Liveris Academy.

At University of Queensland's St Lucia campus, Liveris Academy is yet another project which showcases Lyons' uncommon design traits. 

<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/image20_12.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="University of Queensland's newest addition. Image: Lyons"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="367" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image20_12.jpg?itok=hFd1oZSf" title="University of Queensland's newest addition. Image: Lyons" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>University of Queensland's newest addition. Image: Lyons</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
Having won a Design Competition in late 2015, Lyons and m3architecture have now commenced Schematic Design and Design Development work on the new Sustainable Futures Building, a major investment by the University of Queensland for their School of Chemical Engineering and new campus learning spaces.

The project will be UQ’s flagship platform to integrate innovative teaching with interdisciplinary and solutions focused research by incorporating a range of collaborative spaces with overlapping boundaries between learning, research and industry.

The new spaces will act as a vibrant hub for industry and interdisciplinary collaboration that will address global challenges such as energy, water and sustainable manufacturing.
<cite>Lyons</cite>
</blockquote>

Expected to be built by 2020, Liveris Academy's multicoloured facade and sandstone base are distinctive design features. Protruding design elements are very much in keeping with Lyons' design style, as evidenced by existing projects such as Melbourne's <a href="http://www.lyonsarch.com.au/la-trobe-university-institute-for-molecular-science-2/">LIMS Building</a> and Newcastle University's <a href="http://www.lyonsarch.com.au/new-space-the-university-of-newcastle/">New Space</a> project.

In terms of Liveris Academy, an open aired staircase provides the form-breaking design aspect; it along with common spaces add to the design's standpoint of being ‘outwardly open and transparent, while inwardly intense and focused’.

Liveris Academy is but one of many Lyons projects across the nation that are readily recognisable. In shape, style and especially colour, Lyons designs are exceedingly unique. This is particularly the case with their education and research-based designs, of which a sample are shown below.

<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/image67_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Lyons' not so uniform approach to design"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="1500" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image67_4.jpg?itok=t58HY5GO" title="Lyons' not so uniform approach to design" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Lyons' not so uniform approach to design</figcaption></figure>Next on Lyons' agenda is the position of design lead for University of Melbourne’s forthcoming New Student Precinct project. During March <a href="/news/design-team-for-university-of-melbournes-student-precinct-announced">it was announced</a> that University of Melbourne’s Parkville campus will play host to nine refurbished or redeveloped buildings which will amalgamate a range of services and university bodies.

The $229 million project will see Lyons head an expanded design team which includes United States-based Koning Eizenberg Architects, Aspect Studios, Breathe Architecture, NMBW Architecture Studio, Greenaway Architects, Glas Urban and Architects EAT.

<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/uom-aerial-dusk.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Lyons' depiction of University of Melbourne’s new $229m student precinct"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/uom-aerial-dusk.jpg?itok=kMZmQzN6" title="Lyons' depiction of University of Melbourne’s new $229m student precinct" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Lyons' depiction of University of Melbourne’s new $229m student precinct</figcaption></figure>
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Lyons expand their design legacy as Brisbane's Liveris Academy draws closer to reality

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Crown Group have lodged their second development application within a month for a large tract of land in Waterloo.

Building D is the second of five separate land parcels within the developer's expansive site which falls across the Lachlan Precinct renewal area. Addressed 44-48 O'Dea Avenue, the development in its entirety will see buildings of up to 20 levels delivered.

For the time being though Crown Group has seen it fit to focus on the smaller-scale aspect of their budding precinct. The freshly lodged Building D at 7 levels is similar in scale to <a href="/news/koichi-takada-designs-crown-groups-next-considerable-residential-project">Building E which was lodged during March</a>, albeit with a lower overall apartment count.

As with the first stage, Koichi Takada Architects have been given the design duties.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image11_22.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Archibald Avenue and Reed Street perspective. Planning image: Koichi Takada Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="307" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image11_22.jpg?itok=dXav2A5-" title="Archibald Avenue and Reed Street perspective. Planning image: Koichi Takada Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Archibald Avenue and Reed Street perspective. Planning image: Koichi Takada Architects</figcaption></figure>Building D contains 7 commercial tenancies and 44 residential apartments above 2 levels of basement parking and services. The intended apartment split sees 2 studios, 12 single bedroom, 24 double bedroom and 6 triple bedroom apartments rolled into the building.

Both Buildings D and E maintain similar external gold banding, although Building D's external arrangement is in a vertical configuration. Koichi Takada Architects describe Building D as follows:

<blockquote>
The development is organised in 2 primary masses formed in a L-shape. This comprises of a 4 storey low rise built form along Archibald street, and a 7 storey mid rise fronting Gadigal Ave.

The continuous awning both enhances the streetscape quality and continuous nature of the active street frontage. The upper floors integrate a vertical blade treatment along the facade which assists in breaking down the massing.

As the facade wraps around the building on the three primary frontages, it assists in creating a dynamic facade that helps to break down the apparent mass and visual bulk of the building. The built form is driven by principles of natural ventilation, solar access and visual privacy. 
</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/image14_16.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Crown Group's initial Waterloo site. Planning image: Koichi Takada Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="382" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image14_16.jpg?itok=37FzSdoj" title="Crown Group's initial Waterloo site. Planning image: Koichi Takada Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Crown Group's Waterloo site. Planning image: Koichi Takada Architects</figcaption></figure>Thus far combined apartment numbers between both lodged applications amount to 139.

Both are located within the Lachlan Precinct which forms part of the Green Square Urban Renewal Area. City of Sydney's vision for the Lachlan Precinct is that "it will continue to gradually transition from industrial and warehouse uses to a mixed-use residential neighbourhood with high-quality buildings and public spaces."

Crown Group's development site is strategic in that it holds the major axis intersection. Gadigal Avenue runs north-south and is pegged as a major mixed-use thoroughfare whilst Archibald Avenue is on an east-west setting and is slowly developing as the precinct's main retail and café strip.

Koichi Takada Architects' commentary on Building D's street level interaction included the following:

<blockquote>
Koichi Takada Architects focuses on a design that enhances both public and residential amenity. The ground plane opens to Archibald Ave, with a highly active retail frontage that will invigorate the streetscape and public domain, providing continuous row of retail tenancies.

The primary active frontage faces south while maximising the district outlook and enhancing available amenity.
</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/image12_14.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The prospective view from Gadigal Avenue. Planning image: Koichi Takada Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="315" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image12_14.jpg?itok=Ug438OFN" title="The prospective view from Gadigal Avenue. Planning image: Koichi Takada Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Building D view from Gadigal Avenue. Planning image: Koichi Takada Architects</figcaption></figure>
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Crown Group doubles up in Waterloo

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Urban.com.au whilst onsite during August last year reported <a href="/news/west-melbournes-destination-development-begins-construction">on the progress</a> of one of West Melbourne's largest developments.

At that time, the former Australia Post facility was well into demolition, with display suite staff stating Trenerry Property's West End mixed-use project would begin construction in the last quarter of 2017 under the guidance of head contractor Hamilton Marino. Despite piling equipment appearing onsite twice in the interim, West End has yet to formally start construction.

In the past week, the expansive project has been put back to tender, with submissions set to close during early May. This indicates that an announcement on a builder for West End which sits on a 9,200 square metre site will be revealed around mid this year.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image41_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Mailing is now accepting sales. Image: Trenerry Property Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="790" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image41_7.jpg?itok=lkibjPik" title="The Mailing is now accepting sales. Image: Trenerry Property Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Mailing is now accepting sales. Image: Trenerry Property </figcaption></figure>Despite the pause in construction commencement, uptake across the project has been strong. Buyer interest as seen West End’s newest residential launch, The Mailhouse with its 98 New York-style loft apartments over 11 levels, released for sale.

Addressed 185 Rosslyn Street, The Mailhouse is reflective of the entire development in that it is a collaborative design effort. CHT Architects have teamed with interior design practice Mim Design to create the building which reflects the area's industrial character, utilising raw and natural materials as readily as possible.

<blockquote>
The design of The Mailhouse is completely holistic – the building’s interiors, outdoor spaces and architecture are all in harmony, which creates a harmonious lifestyle.

The interiors take cues from the industrial-style exterior, while also incorporating the sophistication and refined look that we are known for and pride ourselves on.
<cite>Mim Design Director, Mim Fanning</cite>
</blockquote>

The Mailhouse will share amenities with other residents and Adina Hotel guests, which adds to the mixed-use nature of the development. Those amenities for future residents include room service, cleaning on demand, near on 2,000 square metres of gardens designed by Eckersley Garden Architecture, pool and spa, a gym, plus a wine cellar and medical 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/image40_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Kitchen space within The Mailhouse. Image: Trenerry Property "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="408" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image40_9.jpg?itok=XrEkkRc8" title="Kitchen space within The Mailhouse. Image: Trenerry Property " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Kitchen space within The Mailhouse. Image: Trenerry Property</figcaption></figure>The Mailhouse's release follows on from that of The Adderley's, which utilised Carr Design Group for its interior finishes.

Apartments aside, West End will also see a 4.5 star hotel operated under the Adina Hotel brand and a full line supermarket. 14 restaurants/bars and cafes, the aforementioned medical/wellness centre, a public arcade and a public open space which will be ceded to Melbourne City Council upon completion.

West End's adjoining display suite dubbed the Lifestyle Gallery is reflective of the different design styles offered across West End.

Six Degrees, Mim Design, Carr Design Group and Hecker Guthrie are all responsible for one West End residential building each, with the varying design styles mimicked across the quartet of display suites over differing levels within the Lifestyle Gallery.
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The Mailhouse is launched; West End to construction tender

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The already healthy number of residential towers milling around South Melbourne's Domain Precinct can add another to their ranks.

9-11 Palmerston Crescent is the latest development looking for approval with City of Port Phillip, and represents a step up in scale for developer Frater Group. Accustomed to smaller projects to date such as <a href="/buildings/charlotte-241-dryburgh-street-north-melbourne">233-239 Dryburgh Street</a>, Frater Group's push to realise a high-rise tower comes in the form of a Rothelowman-designed 19-storey building.

Agent Allard Shelton offered the modest 476 square metre site for sale mid last year; for the time being, the land accommodates a modest 711 square metre dual level office building onsite.

<h2>9-11 Palmerston Crescent 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/image38_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial perspective - site context. Image: "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="371" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image38_9.jpg?itok=A1v9CneQ" title="Aerial perspective - site context. Image: " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial perspective - site context. Image: Allard Shelton</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site area: 476 square metres with 11.58 metre frontage</li>
	<li>Proposed: 19 level tower at 64 metres in height</li>
	<li>54 apartments: 17 x 1BR, 32 x 2BR, 4 x 3BR, 1 x 4BR</li>
	<li>Each apartment to have a balcony</li>
	<li>2 stacker basement levels: 43 vehicles &amp; 19 bicycles</li>
	<li>52.8 square metre cafe space</li>
	<li>47.7 square metre office space on level 1</li>
	<li>2 roof level communal spaces: 238 square metres in total</li>
</ul>
<h2>Designing for space</h2>

RotheLowman's design for the dimensionally tight site was impacted by the human body in sculpture. Michelangelo's Slaves and Standing Female Nude by Pablo Picasso were referenced as informing the shape of the narrow tower component, resulting in a creased feature facade to Palmerston Crescent.

Practically though Rothelowman's task was to deliver a tower that has a clearance of 3 metres to the east in the form of a narrow laneway and approval in place for a similar sized tower on the adjoining site to the west. 

The result is a roughly 9 metre space between the tower forms of 9-11 Palmerston Crescent and the adjoining Elenberg Fraser-designed approved tower at 13-21 Palmerston Crescent. Opaque glazing will also assist in protecting privacy across 9-11 Palmerston Crescent where required.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image37_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Intended development with approved adjacent building. Planning image:Rothelowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="757" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image37_8.jpg?itok=O4LSrIH1" title="Intended development with approved adjacent building. Planning image:Rothelowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Intended development with approved adjacent building. Planning image:Rothelowman</figcaption></figure><h2>South Melbourne towers in waiting</h2>

With the addition of Frater Group's latest, we're tracking as many as 12 current residential projects beyond 15 levels in height in and around South Melbourne's Domain Precinct.

The majority of projects are approved, with projects such as 9-13 Park Street and <a href="/new-apartments/south-melbourne-vic-3205">5-7 Park Street</a> noted as at appeal. One project recently progressed through the approvals process with VCAT recently ruling in favour of developer Holder East's <a href="/buildings/oasis-residences-1-13-cobden-street-south-melbourne">Cobden Street</a> proposal.

This now means the developer has the right to deliver as many as 231 apartments within the Hayball-designed project; an image of the tower when initially submitted is seen below. The 2,001 square metre island site is approved to include retail spaces and amenities such as a pool, gym, library and cinema.

<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/image118_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Holder East have the green light for Cobden Street. Image: Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="641" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image118_1.jpg?itok=FnrnMMvf" title="Holder East have the green light for Cobden Street. Image: Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Holder East have the green light for Cobden Street. Image: Hayball</figcaption></figure>
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Frater Group enters the high-rise game in South Melbourne

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The push to develop a major Mascot site is gaining momentum as developer Savelle seeks renewed approval for a mixed-use project.

Bayside Council fielded a development application for 5-11 Ewan Street &amp; 342 King Street, Mascot during March. The latest plans come on the back two separate approvals for the site granted during 2012 and 2015, with the current application adjusting the project's intended uses.

Gone is a sizeable serviced apartment component, with Savelle instead favouring 187 dedicated hotel rooms and suites. New to the project is the inclusion of 12,192 square metres of commercial office space.

Located in the southern reaches of the Mascot Station Town Centre Precinct, the sprawling 10,590 square metre site is already under construction with contractor Taylor <a href="http://taylorau.com.au/projects/king-street-carpark-mascot/">undertaking the project's initial phase</a>. Taylor's role is a design and construct program which will see the delivery of 750 parking bays over 5 levels.

<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/image27_15.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Phase One is at construction. Image: Taylor"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="229" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image27_15.jpg?itok=EVYo0W-N" title="Phase One is at construction. Image: Taylor" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Phase One is at construction. Image: Taylor</figcaption></figure>5-11 Ewan Street's proximity to Sydney Airport is set to see it become the area's largest off-airport car park upon completion, accommodating 1,610 vehicles with the balance to be built during the second phase of construction.

Design practice Vanovac Tuon Architects are driving the project, providing active uses to either frontage with the car park structure mid-site. The northern frontage to King Street will include the bulk of the project's size, amenities and services; they include meeting rooms, a break-out area, gym, hotel and commercial lobby/reception areas and a cafe.

The smaller southern aspect fronting Ewan Street includes retail tenancies at ground level with office space above. A new auditorium is also included under the latest plans, primarily allocated to hotel use; it will have a capacity of 500 seats. 

Australian Nursing &amp; Midwifery Federation New South Wales signage appears across the commercial component of the development, suggesting that the body may absorb an amount of space within 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/image30_12.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="ANMF signage is atop the commercial component. Planning image: VT Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="388" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image30_12.jpg?itok=HC14ADnS" title="ANMF signage is atop the commercial component. Planning image: VT Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>ANMF signage is atop the commercial component. Planning image: VT Architects</figcaption></figure>Developer, architect and builder are active elsewhere within Mascot, as evidenced by 338 King Street on the adjoining lot. Savelle and Vanovac Tuon Architects teamed to create the 12 level building dubbed King Apartments which allows buyers the option of sole private retention, short term leasing or dual key operation.

Taylor meanwhile is at the tail end of construction of Goodman Group's Connect Corporate mixed-use development nearby.

After building the initial two stages, Taylor is nearing completion of the 9 level building that includes office space supplemented by retail and showroom tenancies. Additional office space and a Pullman Hotel with 229 rooms were included in the first two stages of Connect Corporate.

Savelle's intended hotel along with a string of recently completed hotel developments within Mascot are aimed at absorbing the latent demand for short term accommodation in close proximity to Sydney Airport.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image33_13.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="King Apartments. Image: Savelle"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="407" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image33_13.jpg?itok=HQfQekwJ" title="King Apartments. Image: Savelle" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>King Apartments. Image: Savelle</figcaption></figure>
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Savelle supersize their Mascot mixed-use development

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A new high-density precinct fronting Fitzroy North's Queens Parade is taking shape.

Developer Gurner is mid way through the planing process for a new mixed-use building at 81-89 Queens Parade. It along with Gurner's 26-56 Queens Parade and Development Victoria's pending renewal of the adjoining Gasworks site makes for three large-scale developments in close proximity to one another.

81-89 Queens Parade is the latest development to break cover, accounting for a 3,201 square metre triangular site that also fronts George Street.

Expected within the Cox Architecture designed scheme is a 1,732 square metre supermarket at ground level, 4,074 square metres of commercial office space and 110 serviced apartments. If Gurner chooses to operate the serviced apartment component directly, it would represent the developer's first foray into the field.

<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/image45_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Vivid interplay on Swanston &amp; Grattan. Image: Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="356" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image17_21.jpg?itok=8eNYxlEa" title="Queens Parade perspective. Planning image: Cox Architecture" width="580"></a></figure>Laden with greenery and featuring terrace-sized balconies, 81-89 Queens Parade would account for a single storey brick building onsite that is now used for warehouse and commercial purposes. The intended development effectively covers the entirety of the site and sits above two basement levels for 153 vehicles and 72 bicycles.

81-89 Queens Parade's cost of development is estimated to be just shy of $30 million.

Also the work of Cox Architecture, Gurner's 26-56 Queens Parade has maintained a high public profile since's its initial planning submission. Originally a Koichi Takada Architects design, the twin 16-storey buildings proposed were heavily altered after Planning Minister Richard Wynne imposed a 10 storey height limit across the site.

Still at planning, the redesigned project is aiming for 281 apartments and 14 townhouses, although this figure will be dwarfed by the numbers touted for Fitzroy North's Gasworks site at 111 Queens Parade.

<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/image45_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Vivid interplay on Swanston &amp; Grattan. Image: Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="356" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image17_17_0.jpg?itok=8eNYxlEa" title="Queens Parade perspective. Planning image: Cox Architecture" width="580"></a></figure>Located directly opposite 81-89 Queens Parade, the former Gasworks site which also fronts Smith Street is being positioned by Development Victoria as "a mixed-use village comprising a variety of housing types, community facilities and open space".

Indicative massing for the site suggests six separate buildings are in the offing, ranging up to 14 storeys, with one slated as a vertical sporting and education facility.

The former Gasworks is considered ideal for development as opposed to purely open space due to the significant cost of remediating the site. Currently planning necessities such as formal rezoning is taking place, with site remediation and a period of community engagement expected later this year.

Development Victoria's <a href="https://developmentvictoria.engagementhub.com.au/fitzroy-gasworks">timeline for the project</a> has construction commencing at the back end of 2020, raising the prospect that thousands of new dwellings may be at construction simultaneously across the three major sites that form Fitzroy North's newest development precinct.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image45_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Vivid interplay on Swanston &amp; Grattan. Image: Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="356" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image31_7.jpg?itok=8eNYxlEa" title="Massing and use. Image: Development Victoria" width="580"></a></figure>
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Gurner adds weight to Fitzroy North's emerging high-density precinct

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Some may scoff, other will question if ethics truly maintains a place in Melbourne's development scene.

A values-led, people-oriented and sustainable development model is what many development firms espouse, but few have actually gone down the path of implementing the business model to turn theory into reality. There is, some would argue, a place for ethically driven development outcomes.

The Nightingale development model is the prime example of this new trend entering Melbourne's development industry; its ever-increasing popularity with apartment buyers - those who join Nightingale's lengthening waiting list - can attest to that.

With this in mind, a panel will convene next week to discuss the role of ethics relative to Melbourne's property market. Convened by Communications Collective, the panel will include:

<ul>
<li>Tim Riley, Founder, Property Collectives</li>
	<li>David Martin, CEO, Small Giants Developments</li>
	<li>Sophie Whittakers, Development Manager, Lucent Capital</li>
	<li>Katherine Sundermann, Associate Director, MGS Architects</li>
	<li>Andrew Hoyne, Principal, Hoyne Design</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/image39_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Brunswick's The Commons was a vanguard project by Little Giants. Image: Arcspace"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image39_10.jpg?itok=_lchnk9X" title="Brunswick's The Commons was a vanguard project by Little Giants. Image: Arcspace" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Brunswick's The Commons was a vanguard project by Little Giants. Image: Arcspace</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
It is no coincidence that as our cities grow people long for more meaningful connection with those around them, which these kinds of community-focused developments provide. 

People want more than somewhere to live – they want to belong. Much-lauded projects such as The Commons (Brunswick and now Hobart) and Nightingale align affordability and sustainability, and in doing so naturally attract a community of like-minded people.
<cite>Genevieve Brannigan, director of Communications Collective</cite>
</blockquote>

Under the banner of the rise of ethical property development, the panel will address topics such as how to correctly interpret the business model for developing 'ethical' properties, the future of Australia’s multi-residential apartment market, tracking increasing consumer demand for sustainable developments and identifying population growth trends relative to property.

Acknowledging the increasing sophistication of buyer preferences and correctly approaching community engagement are also on the agenda.

Triple-bottom-line principles where project strikes a balance between affordability, sustainability and liveability notionally are at the heart of delivering projects such as Nightingale or The Commons. Small Giants Developments and Lucent Capital will present on the evening from a developers perspective. 

<blockquote>
Community engagement has been central to The Commons Hobart, which follows our vision to humanise the property purchasing process. These are spaces that people will live in, so that already involves an ethical commitment.

Creating a home starts long before the building is complete. That’s why we hosted a series of community events and design presentations before the homes went on sale, and are now continuing to host events with our residents throughout the construction process.

Dave Martin, Small Giant Developments
</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/thecommonshobart.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hobart's The Commons. Image: Core Collective"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="395" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/thecommonshobart.jpg?itok=fEp-dzNc" title="Hobart's The Commons. Image: Core Collective" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hobart's The Commons. Image: Property Collective</figcaption></figure>Hoyne Design, Property Collectives and MGS Architects will talk about the design mechanics of community-focused development, covering topics such as placemaking and urban renewal. 

Deliberative development will also be examined closely; the model effectively sees a group of intending owner-occupiers become the proponent of multi-unit developments in place of the developer. This differs to the traditional speculative development model in that profit-oriented motivations are removed.

MGS Architects' Katherine Sundermann will specifically address the deliberative development model.

<blockquote>
In countries such as Germany, the baugruppen (building groups) model of collective housing is well established and encourages home owners to work together to create their own developments.

By contrast, Australia’s planning and taxation systems actively encourage property as an investment rather than a place to live.

But by moving away from speculative development towards models that embrace affordability as well as sustainability we can hope to create cities, in Australia, where a wider range of people can live and enjoy better access to culture, amenities and employment opportunities, without being pushed further from the centre.
<cite>Katherine Sundermann, Associate Director, MGS Architects</cite>
</blockquote>

‘The rise of ethical, community-focused property development’ is being held at The White House, 11 Princes Street, St Kilda on Thursday 19 April at 6.30pm. For information and ticketing, visit <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-rise-of-ethical-community-focused-property-development-tickets-44542724488">the rise of ethical, community-focused property development</a>.
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Exploring the role of ethics in Melbourne's property scene

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

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

Maréa Residences brings parkside apartments to Coolangatta

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

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

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

Mark Baljak

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