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The core of Sydney's Auburn is in for further urban consolidation with LFD Developments and KWC Capital Partners pushing to add 500 plus new apartments to the northern side of Auburn railway station.

Plans for the $123.3 million build were lodged with Cumberland City council during February, and are now on display.

LFD Developments is intending to raze the now redundant Auburn RSL club buildings and car parks on either side of Northumberland Road at the intersection of Hall Street, in order to facilitate the delivery of five apartments buildings. Sydney CBD-based Arc Architects are charged with the project's design.

<h2>26-36 Northumberland 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/image31_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Northumberland Street perspective. Planning image: Arc Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="353" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image31_6.jpg?itok=Gydu0FzQ" title="Northumberland Street perspective. Planning image: Arc Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Northumberland Street perspective. Planning image: Arc Architects</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site area: 11,848 square metres</li>
	<li>Proposed: 5 buildings up to 12 levels or 38 metres</li>
	<li>530 apartments: 165 x 1BR, 337 x 2BR, 28 x 3BR</li>
	<li>Total GFA: 42,782 square metres</li>
	<li>Allowable FSR: 3.6</li>
	<li>14 retail tenancies at ground level</li>
	<li>611 vehicle bays over 3 basement levels</li>
</ul>
Extensive landscaping surrounding the buildings and a refreshed Northumberland Road urban realm are pencilled in as part of the development.

<blockquote>
The proposed development reinforces the street alignment along Northumberland Road permitting the development of a landscaped boulevard, with planting on both sides of the street leading directly to the Auburn Train Station and the existing town centre.

Large scale planting is also proposed along the 9m wide setbacks to the eastern and western boundaries, providing both deep soil planting and a landscaped buffer to the adjoining sites. Provision is made for substantial landscaping in the carpark entry area to soften the hard-edged built forms and to provide a visual focus for residents.
<cite>Arc Architects: Design Quality Principles Report</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/image32_13.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="14 retail tenancies dot the ground level. Planning image: Arc Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="331" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image32_13.jpg?itok=G9I7X9E5" title="14 retail tenancies dot the ground level. Planning image: Arc Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>14 retail tenancies dot the ground level. Planning image: Arc Architects</figcaption></figure>We're keeping tabs on 17 separate apartment projects around Auburn town centre, with 26-36 Northumberland Road comfortably the largest development in Auburn's pipeline.

Its 530 apartments are more than double that of <a href="/new-apartments/41-auburn-road-auburn">41 Auburn Road</a> which is the intended redevelopment of Auburn Shopping Village to include 245 apartments. Thereafter <a href="https://urban.melbourne/projects/cumberland/13-19-mary-street-auburn">13-19 Mary Street</a> and <a href="/new-apartments/auburn-nsw-2144">18-22 Mary Street</a> shape as the next largest apartment developments in waiting.

For LFD Developments, the Northumberland Road project is a step up in terms of scale relative to its other current project. Cascade Gardens in Pymble is a SHED and DKO Architecture-designed collection of three low-rise apartment buildings.

Cascade Gardens includes near on 100 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/image35_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Cascade Gardens. Image: LFD Developments"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="357" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image35_11.jpg?itok=i6dFYxBo" title="Cascade Gardens. Image: LFD Developments" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Cascade Gardens. Image: LFD Developments</figcaption></figure>
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silvermb

LFD Developments plans an Auburn apartment enclave

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Woods Bagot has circulated fresh images of the newly approved Carlton Connect Initiative. 

Outlined by Apartments.com.au at the time of approval, Woods Bagot as the masterplan and lead design architect has also provided commentary on the development which will account for the former Royal Women's Hospital on the corner of Grattan and Swanston Streets in Carlton.

In its place will rise five new connecting buildings around the perimeter of the site, all surrounding a publicly-accessible 'Oculus' open space.

The string of buildings will upon completion lay claim to being the nation's most advanced, and a globally recognised innovation precinct. University of Melbourne staff and students, researchers, local and international businesses and start-up companies will be present in the same location, with the intent of efficiently formulating new ideas and taking them to market.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/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/image45_9.jpg?itok=8eNYxlEa" title="Vivid interplay on Swanston &amp; Grattan. Image: Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Vivid interplay on Swanston &amp; Grattan. Image: Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure>Upon completion of the site's demolition, Lendlease will begin construction of the $425 million project mid this year. Shops, cafes, public spaces and a new home for Science Gallery Melbourne will be the public drawcards, whilst accommodation for more than 500 students along with co-working and commercial office spaces will form the backbone of the development.

Owing to the scope, size and complexity of the design, Woods Bagot considers the new precinct as unprecedented in Australia. 

<blockquote>
For this extraordinary site to support people working together in the creative and entrepreneurial ways envisioned by the University of Melbourne's  ambitious plan for innovation, we needed to completely re-think what the project could offer back to both the university and to Melbourne's urban innovation. 

What we've generated are new forms and, importantly, opportunities for exceptional circulation through the site and a great diversity of spaces at ground level, as well as maximising sunlight for wellbeing and sustainability.
<cite>Woods Bagot principal and project design leader, Hazel Porter</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/image47_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial perspective. Image: Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="433" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image47_9.jpg?itok=CToHb3yN" title="Aerial perspective. Image: Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial perspective. Image: Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure>Externally the Carlton Connect Initiative maintains strong design semblance to National Australia Bank's campus at <a href="https://www.woodsbagot.com/projects/national-australia-bank-docklands">700 Bourke Street</a>. Both Woods Bagot designs maintain a similar shape, triangular facade detailing and fissures running the height of the buildings.

Along with the complexities of effectively designing for the melding of multiple entities within a purpose-built precinct, Woods Bagot also factored in sustainability aspects.

From winning University of Melbourne's design competition for the project in December 2016, Woods Bagot intended for the design to be bold and iconic, and a symbol of the university's unyielding pursuit of excellence. The focus on the person and their experience within is also a major design aspect thought through by Woods Bagot.

<blockquote>
Innovation comes from people, the way they interact, the way they  collaborate on a common purpose. Therefore, it's essential that every part of this scheme lives and breathes human-centred design

Providing an exceptional educational and professional experience to attract the best and brightest demands the setting of a new global benchmark to stay competitive on the world stage of higher education.  
This education and innovation precinct will complement the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct in Parkville and the Arts Precinct in Southbank. It's also part of the emerging Melbourne Innovation Districts – a City of Melbourne initiative to drive investment in the knowledge economy and help shape Melbourne's future.
<cite>Woods Bagot principal and global education sector leader, Sarah Ball</cite>
</blockquote>

Targeted completion for the development which consists of 74,000 square metres of Gross Floor Area is late 2020.

<h2>Woods Bagot CCI project contributors</h2>

Hazel Porter, Sarah Ball, Alastair Flynn, Harry Charalambous, Wes Baigent, Sophie Blain, Ali Tehami, Femi Akande, Nirvan Basnet, Krisi Patras, Susannah Xu, Pete McKew, Derek Huynh, Roberto Spadaccino, Mluk Nehme, Peter Miglis, Sara Sidari, Kevin Mitchem, Robert Rosamilia, Lara Viguet. 

<div>
<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_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Contrasting built forms. Image: Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="572" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image49_8.jpg?itok=JxASvHE9" title="Contrasting built forms. Image: Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Contrasting built forms. Image: Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure>
</div>
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Woods Bagot elaborates on the Carlton Connect Initiative

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A public thoroughfare is the stand out feature of a newly advertised planning application for 200-216 Sydney Road, Coburg.

Hayball-designed plans for the site are intended to supersede an already approved scheme which along with the land holding were offered for sale by Colliers during 2016. Colliers pitched the site as a versatile project capable of creating a new urban precinct on one of Melbourne’s major shopping strips.

Reportedly sold for in excess of $13 million, developer Ruiyi Australia took on the site and is backing the new planning set which seeks a greater apartment yield across the 7,500 square metre site.

<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_24.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Initial and revised design for 200-216 Sydney Road. Images: Colliers &amp; Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="575" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image13_24.jpg?itok=iGiKvYCV" title="Initial and revised design for 200-216 Sydney Road. Images: Colliers &amp; Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Initial and revised design for 200-216 Sydney Road. Images: Colliers &amp; Hayball</figcaption></figure>Ruiyi Australia's sole Melbourne project of note to date is South by Rothe Lowman, which is currently one of the few apartment projects at sales within Fishermans Bend. Whilst it contains 49 apartments, 200-216 Sydney Road is slated to include 170 dwellings.

This is a marked increase of 41 over the approved site plans which saw 124 apartments in place, plus 5 townhouses, a ground floor supermarket, 3 retail shops and office space across the first floor.

The Hayball revision which is currently before Moreland City Council carries a $46 million delivery cost is similar in certain aspects to the endorsed design, albeit larger in scale.

Hayball's new plans call for 158 apartments, 12 townhouses, a business incubator and commercial tenancies across 8 levels; three more levels than the approved scheme. The major building to Sydney Road includes 8 townhouses, 11 terrace dwellings and 139 apartments consisting of 21 single, 110 double and 8 triple bedroom options.

The balance of dwellings are townhouses which front Cash Street on the site's eastern boundary.

<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/image9_21.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ground level treatment. Planning image: Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="291" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image9_21.jpg?itok=HO6izxf-" title="Ground level treatment. Planning image: Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ground level treatment. Planning image: Hayball</figcaption></figure>To compensate for the increased number of dwellings, a host of new amenities have been included.

A landscaped public laneway spans the distance between Sydney Road and Cash Street, and would be lined by a business incubator, commercial tenancies and retail spaces. A private residents garden runs off the pedestrian link, accounting for just under 800 square metres of the site's footprint.

Another resident communal space at ground floor and rooftop facilities rounds out Hayball's H-shaped building, which sits above 268 car parking spaces across two basement levels.

Moreland City Council received the new planning application during December 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/image8_16.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Townhouse component of the intended development. Planning image: Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="302" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image8_16.jpg?itok=fiPQF1K8" title="Townhouse component of the intended development. Planning image: Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Townhouse component of the intended development. Planning image: Hayball</figcaption></figure>
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Hayball rework plans for a major Sydney Road apartment development

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Urban Taskforce Australia has reacted swiftly to the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute's (AHURI) latest report on increasing affordable housing supply.

AHURI's report examines how planning mechanisms support affordable housing supply in both Australia and overseas locations. Headline points covered in the report which was released yesterday include:

<ul>
<li>'Inclusionary planning' tools leverage significant quantities of affordable housing supply in many parts of the UK and US.</li>
	<li>12,866 affordable housing units (43% of total affordable housing output) were delivered through inclusionary planning requirements in England between 2015–16. About 12 per cent of annual housing completions in San Francisco are affordable dwellings produced through inclusionary zoning or impact fee requirements. Similar schemes apply to more than 500 cities across the United States.</li>
	<li>In comparison to this international practice, inclusionary planning for affordable housing is not as widespread in Australia. However, South Australia delivered 5,485 affordable homes between 2005–15 through an inclusionary planning target applying to new residential areas. This amounts to around 17 per cent of total housing supply in that state.</li>
	<li>In NSW, a planning incentive scheme introduced in 2009 has yielded around 2,000 affordable rental dwellings in Sydney, equivalent to about 1 per cent of the city’s total supply.</li>
	<li>Across all jurisdictions examined, planning system tools can support affordable housing supply, but additional funding or subsidy is usually required to produce homes affordable to those on low and very low-incomes.</li>
	<li>Planning system tools for affordable housing supply work best when part of a wider whole-of-government strategy to address the continuum of housing needs.</li>
</ul>
As a result, AHURI has leaned toward the expansion of inclusionary planning approaches across Australia where "affordable housing inclusion can be mandated when land is rezoned for residential development, when planning rules are varied for particular projects, or following significant infrastructure investment."

AHURI's suggested measure is intended to make affordable housing (especially apartments) more attainable for buyers across Australia, and particularly so in Sydney which is home to the nation's most expensive real estate.

For its part, Urban Taskforce Australia fired back promptly yesterday arguing that any move to advance inclusionary zoning measures would in fact drive prices up. Urban Taskforce CEO Chris Johnson released in-depth commentary on AHURI's paper.

With a particular focus on Sydney, excerpts from Chris Johnson's statement read as follows:

<blockquote>
The AHURI report by a number of Australian academics is a useful exploration of trends and policies across the world but the Sydney market is different. 

Houses and apartments in Sydney are amongst the most expensive in the world when related to household income. Much of this high price is driven by restrictions on zoning new land for residential homes according to the Reserve Bank report on ‘the Effect of Zoning on Housing Prices’.

The zoning effect increased Sydney per house price by a whopping $489,000 and in Melbourne by $324,000. On top of all this there is a range of levies and taxes added to the cost of a dwelling by the NSW Government and the local council.

To add even more cost to new dwellings as proposed by AHURI will only drive overall housing costs upwards.

The AHURI preferred approach is to have inclusionary zoning only applied to apartments yet apartments have already become the affordable way to live for many Sydney households. The average apartment in Sydney is around 40% cheaper than the average house so this dwelling type has become the affordable way to live for many households.

AHURI however proposes an inclusionary zoning system that can only lead to forcing apartment costs up. We should be getting other building types like detached houses, commercial and retail developments to contribute to affordable housing rather than add an extra cost to the most affordable dwellings in the city.

The Urban Taskforce has developed an approach to providing up to 40,000 affordable homes across Sydney over a ten year period. We propose using the Affordable Rental Housing SEPP that gives an uplift in floor space if 20% of the apartments are affordable rentals for 10 years.  
 
</blockquote>

Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute's r<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.ahuri.edu.au/research/final-reports/297">eport on supporting affordable housing supply</a> can be seen in full here.

Lead image: City West Housing
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Affordable housing to come at the cost of ... affordable housing?

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Another of Melbourne's expansive list of hotel and serviced apartment developments has reached completion.

Located at the western end of the expanded Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre precinct, the $150 million Novotel Melbourne South Wharf is now open for business. The distinct golden-clad tower is 26 storeys high and accommodates 347 guestrooms and suites.

Its design is a collaborative effort with Woods Bagot and NH Architecture accounting for the overall form, whilst Woods Bagot and Fender Katsalidis divided interior 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/p4041404.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Novotel Melbourne South Wharf upon completion. Image: Redden"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/p4041404.jpg?itok=TE_B-ZOL" title="Novotel Melbourne South Wharf upon completion. Image: Redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Novotel Melbourne South Wharf upon completion. Image: Redden</figcaption></figure>Delivered by Probuild, multinational hotel group AccorHotels which operates the Novotel brand was quick to point out the hotel's new features at handover. Hotel General Manager Glen Erickson said "Novotel Melbourne South Wharf is redefining the four-star hotel experience by providing an exceptional level of amenity, along with the most stringent customer service standards.

Our location also brings together unrivalled access to modern conferencing and events facilities, with the energy and atmosphere of a dynamic, city-fringe precinct rich in 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/image4_19.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Novotel Melbourne South Wharf's bar scene. Image: Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image4_19.jpg?itok=OWYMf_Ee" title="Novotel Melbourne South Wharf's bar scene. Image: Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Novotel Melbourne South Wharf's bar scene. Image: Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure>The completion of Novotel Melbourne South Wharf diminishes by one the number of active hotel or serviced apartment developments currently being tracked by Apartments.com.au. Of the 38 still in development, another has flouted its design credentials.

Developer Capital Alliance has released new imagery of the first Marriott to be built in Australia in 20 years.

In conjunction with DKO Architecture, Capital Alliance intend for Marriott Docklands to be a showcase of contemporary hotel design. Reflective of current trends, the development is a step away from a previous generation of hotel design in that many features considered to be the norm have been superseded.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image5_15.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Marriott's intended poolside bar. Image: Capital Alliance"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="384" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image5_15.jpg?itok=WT9yzArH" title="The Marriott's intended poolside bar. Image: Capital Alliance" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Marriott's intended poolside bar. Image: Capital Alliance</figcaption></figure>The development team is positioning the new Marriott as "showcasing a design that boldly illustrates the evolution of the traditional five-star hotel for a new generation of traveller who lives, works and plays much differently." Carpet, branding and desks are on the outer with timber flooring, beds sitting atop frames and exposed joinery included.

In many ways, the new Marriott Docklands interior design mirrors the latest in luxury apartments trends, and employs a higher degree of communal spaces. The 200 rooms are supplemented by a 28-metre rooftop infinity pool and adjoining bar, a ground-level bar, restaurant and cafe, all of which are open to hotel guests, residents and the public.

Marriott International senior director development for the Australia-Pacific region Richard Crawford reinforces the design path taken by the development team. "We’ve reinvented the hotel room as we’ve found that hotel guests don’t use desks in hotel rooms, preferring to lounge on beds or sofas or work in well-designed communal spaces with a relaxed atmosphere.

Our guests do have a strong appreciation of great design and want to stay in high-end hotels that are luxurious while also reflecting the unique character of their location."

Part of a wider mixed-use development, Marriott Docklands is expected to begin construction this year with an eye toward a late 2020 completion date.

<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/image6_19.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rendered aspect of Marriott docklands' entrance. Image: Capital Alliance"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="338" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image6_19.jpg?itok=0UpUos6U" title="Rendered aspect of Marriott docklands' entrance. Image: Capital Alliance" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rendered aspect of Marriott docklands' entrance. Image: Capital Alliance</figcaption></figure>
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Two new Melbourne hotels flaunt their design credentials

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Penrith continues to garner its fair share of development as developers Toga Group and St Hilliers prepare to add major apartment developments to the suburb's ranks.

Documents were lodged last month on behalf of Toga Group, with SJB undertaking the design of two residential towers that may yield as many as 187 new apartments. The development has been billed by the developer as "a new benchmark in urban regeneration and placemaking."

Accounting for a disused car sales lot and vacant land, the development has a primary address of 634-638 High Street, but also maintains a secondary frontage to Union Road. Toga Group expects that the development which has an estimated delivery value of $63.5 million will further expand Penrith's urban renewal push to the western flank of its CBD.

<h2>634-638 High Street application summary</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/untitled_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A new groundscape. Image: Toga Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="291" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/untitled_1.jpg?itok=m7x7y_zj" title="A new groundscape. Image: Toga Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A new groundscape. Image: Toga Group</figcaption></figure>634-638 High Street sees 63 x 1BR, 103 x 2BR, 21 x 3BR apartments, with retail tenancies amounting to 1,540 square metres at ground level. A dual level basement includes 285 vehicles and 45 bicycle bays whilst amenities include podium top green space.

Owing to its size and significance, 634-638 High Street will go before the Sydney West Planning Panel. Toga Group are carrying imagery of the intended development via their website, which adds to the nine additional apartment projects the developer notes as active.

St Hilliers meanwhile has enlisted DKO Architecture to continue its transformation of a tract of land abutting Engineers Place.

With completion now due on St Hilliers' Quest Penrith development which sits alongside, 15 Engineers Place has gone to planning seeking a nine storey building containing 48 apartments. A mix of one and two bedroom dwellings, the apartments sit above two sizeable commercial tenancies and a veiled above ground car park.

<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/untitled_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="St Hilliers and DKO Architecture have teamed for the engineers Place project"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="371" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/untitled_3.jpg?itok=wb7IP2fk" title="St Hilliers and DKO Architecture have teamed for the engineers Place project" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Engineers Place. Planning image: DKO Architecture</figcaption></figure>Whilst not excessively large projects in their own right, the two fresh planning applications reinforce Penrith's push to higher density living.

A host of other developments are either at construction or intended, particularly along Lord Sheffield Circuit or Barber Avenue. These are in addition to developer Cabe's teaming with the Penrith Rugby League Club to create a $500 million residential development that can create as many as 850 apartments.

Although not at planning, property firm Trifalga has flagged a major development at 39-49 Henry Street within Penrith's CBD. 

According to Trifalga, "An application has been prepared for the 6,300sqm gateway site at 39-49 Henry Street, Penrith for a major mixed-use development within the CBD. As part of Trifalga’s mission to develop vibrant mixed-use communities in high-growth CBDs, this redevelopment aims to revitalise a major site within Penrith CBD by bringing new commercial, residential and retail spaces, a new hotel, and embellishment of public open space."

The prospective Henry Street development would rank among Penrith's largest.

<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/untitled_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Trifalga's vision for Penrith"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="340" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/untitled_2.jpg?itok=f1ww8Thq" title="Trifalga's vision for Penrith" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Trifalga's vision for Penrith</figcaption></figure>
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Toga Group and St Hilliers add to Penrith's skyward push

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<a href="/developments/box-hill-vic-3128">Box Hill residents</a> and visitors alike may soon have the chance to access a publicly accessible space atop a new mixed-use tower on Station Street.

No stranger to residential development with a string of recent residential builds completed, Station Street may soon sport a new design highlight with the prospective public space rolled into the development championed by Austone International Pty Ltd and Australia Dingjiu Group Pty Ltd.

Designed by Elenberg Fraser, the proposal accounts for a trio of low-rise buildings across 702-706 Station Street. As part of the intended development, a dedicated and separate public elevator will shuttle visitors from the landscaped ground level foyer to the dual level rooftop 'lookout park'.

The incorporation of the communal sky garden is one of a number of design changes and enhancements since the application for development first landed with Whitehorse City Council during 2016. Initially seeking a higher outcome, the tower has been scaled back to 15 levels, which is itself taller than surrounding buildings.

702-706 Station Street was sold during mid-2015 for $5.7 million, and now forms part of the wider development footprint. The amalgamated site spans 1,350 square metres and has a frontage of 29 metres.

<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/image157_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Part of the amalgamated development site. Image: CBRE"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="384" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image157_1.jpg?itok=HvP61IQg" title="Part of the amalgamated development site. Image: CBRE" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Part of the amalgamated development site. Image: CBRE</figcaption></figure>A cafe, sky deck, dining area, green space, ampitheatre and playground feature at the tower's peak. All told the stepped terrace design spans 586 square metres and will be accessed via a dedicated lift fronting Paynes Lane, which itself will be overhauled as part of the development.

Paynes Lane's transformation is expected to include new paving, art installations, a green wall, planters and additional bicycle parking.

Elevated public park aside, a handful of additional design features have been rolled into the development. Future residents can expect to see a gym, karaoke lounge and massage parlour across level 2, with dual retail spaces accounting for the Station Street ground level frontage.

1,746 square metres of leasable office space is also included within the tower that reaches 56 metres, and which sits above a 5 level basement accommodating 98 vehicle bays and 74 bicycle racks.

In terms of apartments 702-706 Station Street looks to add another 99 dwellings to Box Hill's already hefty apartment pipeline. These 99 dwellings are split between 53 single bedroom and 46 dual bedroom apartments.

The application is currently at advertising, with a planning result likely in the second half of 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/image159_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Blue area denotes the public rooftop space. Planning image: Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="332" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image159_2.jpg?itok=EWItrWxU" title="Blue area denotes the public rooftop space. Planning image: Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Blue area denotes the public rooftop space. Planning image: Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>
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Box Hill's latest tower proposal incorporates a public rooftop park

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Despite being height limited to 125 metres, the raw development numbers for the intended Munro Site tower opposite Queen Victoria Market propel the proposal into the upper echelon based purely upon size.

Developer PDG with the backing of Melbourne City Council had initially mooted a tower just shy of 200 metres for the 6,233 square metre site, only to have the Planning Minister impose a height limit of 125 metres. This has not perturbed the development team, with gross floor area for the proposal before DELWP approaching 100,000 square metres.

Design firms Bates Smart and Six Degrees Architects are responsible for the respective east and west portions of the Munro Site.

Costed at $230 million, the development has been supported of Melbourne City Council from the outset as part of their wider redevelopment intentions for the entire Queen Victoria Market Precinct. Whilst plans to push on with the market's redevelopment were snagged last week due to a Heritage Victoria edict, the Munro Site's progression is a separate application.

<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/image140_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="CBD skyline with Munro to the fore. Planning image: Bates Smart / 6 Degrees Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="368" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image140_0.jpg?itok=3gMhSCg7" title="CBD skyline with Munro to the fore. Planning image: Bates Smart / 6 Degrees Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>CBD skyline with Munro to the fore. Planning image: Bates Smart / 6 Degrees Architects</figcaption></figure>From the outset Melbourne City Council had sought a truly mixed-use development for the Munro Site who's major frontage absorbs 93-143 Therry Street, and this is very much reflected within the development application on behalf of PDG.

410 apartments are spread across the two buildings, with 48 dedicated to affordable housing. Three bedroom dwellings are well represented with 56 in total, whilst 86 and 220 single and double bedroom apartments are also intended.

Melbourne stands to gain another new hotel or serviced apartment location, with 81 hotel rooms/suites shrouding the podium of the taller Bates Smart-designed tower.

It is though at ground level and subsequent podium levels where the development drives home key initiatives sought by Melbourne City Council. 5,332 square metres of space is considered communal in nature; the bulk of that space is within the Six Degrees Architects-designed western building.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image143_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ground level perspective. Planning image: Bates Smart / 6 Degrees Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="442" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image143_1.jpg?itok=_EqBFOue" title="Ground level perspective. Planning image: Bates Smart / 6 Degrees Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ground level perspective. Planning image: Bates Smart / 6 Degrees Architects</figcaption></figure>Council's desire for a new retail precinct has also been fulfilled with a mass of tenancies at ground level, in addition to two taverns. One effectively replaces the Mercat Cross Hotel and includes capacity for 350 patrons, whilst a new restaurant/bar for 180 patrons fronts Therry Street.

Parking for 666 vehicles has been rolled into the project, as has the capacity for 412 bicycle bays, with associated end of trip bicycle facilities.

Parking will be located within four basement levels and above ground within the podium of the east tower. Access to parking is split between Queen Street and Therry Street.

Of the existing buildings, the only aspect expected to be incorporated into the new build is Munro's Corner.

<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/image136_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A retail heavy ground floor. Planning image: Bates Smart / 6 Degrees Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image136_2.jpg?itok=uC6GmUVA" title="A retail heavy ground floor. Planning image: Bates Smart / 6 Degrees Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A retail heavy ground floor. Planning image: Bates Smart / 6 Degrees Architects</figcaption></figure>Site permeability and street activation are key to both enlivening the site and ensuring the maximum number of retail tenancies at ground level.

<blockquote>
The proposal provides for excellent street activation across all frontages along Therry Street, Queen Street and the new north-south laneway and north-south arcade that is consistent with the above requirements.

As the site along Queen Street is only 52 metres and there is no specific requirement within QVMPFP for an east-west pedestrian link there is no technical requirement for a link to be provided along this frontage. The proposed development incorporates a 6 metre wide north-south pedestrian laneway in the centre of the site along Therry Street that connects to a new eastwest laneway running along the southern boundary of the site which also connects to the existing laneway network to Franklin Street.

In addition a pedestrian arcade is also provided through the centre of the Munro East site.

Munro Site planning report
</blockquote>

The format of the north-south spur passage suggests that should any developer with to redevelop the adjoining Franklin Street property, they may be urged by Council to extend the pedestrian link further south in order to create a complete through block pedestrian thoroughfare.

<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/image139_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Internal passage softened by greenery.Planning image: Bates Smart / 6 Degrees Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="366" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image139_2.jpg?itok=xuNOcwch" title="Internal passage softened by greenery.Planning image: Bates Smart / 6 Degrees Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Internal passage softened by greenery. Planning image: Bates Smart / 6 Degrees Architects</figcaption></figure>
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Big numbers sought for PDG's Munro Site development

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A property play between Charter Hall and Investa that began mid last year with the intentions of delivering a major office tower to Brisbane's CBD reached a milestone last week.

The development partnership announced that the planning approvals process for a Blight Rayner-designed commercial tower at 360-380 Queen Street has begun. During June 2017 the duo outlaid $53.75 million for three adjoining office buildings across a 2,147 square metre site for the purposes of a commercial office development.

The result is a 41 storey skyscraper that will reach 205 metres above ground, potentially becoming one of Brisbane's tallest towers.

360-380 Queen Street is located in Brisbane's ‘Golden Triangle’ which home to a high concentration of financial institutions. Valued at $650 million, the co-owners hope to add further to the precinct with 50,000 square metres of A-Grade office space slated for 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/image122_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hero perspective. Planning image: Blight Rayner"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="873" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image122_2.jpg?itok=MYzJGV6K" title="Hero perspective. Planning image: Blight Rayner" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hero perspective. Planning image: Blight Rayner</figcaption></figure>The intended development will see a reworked ground plane, resulting in a highly permeable and accessible structure.

A new public pedestrian thoroughfare will link Queen Street to Giffin Lane and Ely Lane, and is set to be lined by retail tenancies. Additionally, an amphitheatre, supermarket, childcare centre, outdoor cinema and various other entertainment/dining options will assist in drawing the public to the area.

A vertical green wall will mask the adjoining property boundary, whilst a 'suspended' green zone will feature mid podium. Thereafter three separate green spaces will break the tower's form at levels 13, 28 and 40, in addition to a vertical chasm that will add extra greenery externally. 

All in all the tower is aiming to achieve a 5 Star Green Star Design rating, 5 Star NABERS Energy rating, plus WELL Core and Shell Gold certification.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image124.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Central viod doubles as a design feature. Planning image: Blight Rayner"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="334" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image124.jpg?itok=DbffAxrG" title="Central viod doubles as a design feature. Planning image: Blight Rayner" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Central viod doubles as a design feature. Planning image: Blight Rayner</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
CPOF Fund Manager, Matthew Brown said: “This is a very exciting investment opportunity for both Charter Hall and Investa.

The joint venture development and ownership structure with ICPF diversifies risk with a credible institutional counter party and provides certainty of delivery.

Our combined office experience and expertise, will see us create a new generation, high quality building designed to support tenant customers’ requirements for collaborative workplaces, higher density and flexible occupancy along with the latest technology.
<cite>Matthew Brown: CPOF Fund Manager</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
The 370 Queen Street development strongly supports ICPF’s ‘build to core’ strategy and reflects our commitment to investing in high quality, new office developments that deliver diversification for ICPF’s office portfolio.

A commitment of this scale also reflects our confidence in the underlying strength of the Brisbane CBD office market and we’re very pleased to reach this important DA milestone.
<cite>Jason Leong: ICPF Fund Manager</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
Our in-house development team will deliver an office building of a standard not yet offered in the Brisbane market.

Targeting the highest level of sustainable design and building performance, it will provide extensive recreational and landscaped areas at podium level and throughout the tower, with higher density and technology enabled workplaces providing greater connectivity and flexibility for the future tenants of this progressive, new workplace community.
<cite>Andrew Borger: Charter Hall’s Head of Office Development</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/image123_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ground floor activation. Planning image: Blight Rayner"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="311" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image123_0.jpg?itok=XicQuVxt" title="Ground floor activation. Planning image: Blight Rayner" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ground floor activation. Planning image: Blight Rayner</figcaption></figure>According to the development partnership, construction is expected to commence in the first half of 2019, although overall approval and tenant pre-commitments are first required.
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Investa and Charter Hall eye Brisbane's Queen Street for a new commercial skyscraper

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Telopea's tilt at urban renewal received a boost late last week as the New South Wales Minister for Social Housing initiated an Expression of Interest (EOI) campaign that will ultimately lead to a mass-scale redevelopment within the suburb.

The EOI process will target the private development sector and/or not-for-profit organisations in the expectation of leading a development team that will remodel the 64-hectare Government-owned land parcel. Telopea's master plan is likely to deliver an estimated $2.5 billion of new social, private and affordable housing, along with associated infrastructure over a 10-15 year timeframe.

The land in line for renewal includes 600 existing social housing dwellings and falls under the New South Wales Government's Future Directions in NSW Social Housing blueprint that aims to introduce 30 per cent / 70 per cent split between social and private housing on redeveloped Government land.

<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/image119_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Telopea and surrounds. Image: TfNSW"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="646" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image119_1.jpg?itok=Imc_RExY" title="Telopea and surrounds. Image: TfNSW" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Telopea is in close proximity to Parramatta. Image: TfNSW</figcaption></figure>PBD Architects conceived Telopea's concept master plan, and have outlined the area's importance within the wider Sydney context:

<blockquote>
This area is currently, and will continue to, undergo significant change and renewal as industries move out of this area of Sydney providing the opportunity for new homes, jobs and community facilities between Sydney and Parramatta CBDs.

The Telopea master plan area is based on an 800m radius east of the existing heavy rail station. With a total of 1400 existing dwellings that are a mix of medium rise apartments, dwellings houses, high rise apartments and townhouses, it is estimated that Telopea could deliver between 3500-4500 new dwellings by 2036.

With a focus on improving permeability, new connections across the rail corridor has been introduced. The tallest building will be focused opposite the light rail stop and transitioned appropriately within the core to facilitate the renewal of the denser and aged social housing stock.

The transitioning of building heights, together with the topography, will provide a clear urban structure focused on the station and core, and facilitate good solar access and views.
</blockquote>

It's envisaged that existing housing stock will be replaced with multiple towers reaching 70 metres.

<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_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Light rail is optioned as part of the Telopea renewal. Image: PBD Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="344" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image118_0.jpg?itok=7Lp5IT15" title="Light rail is optioned as part of the Telopea renewal. Image: PBD Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Light rail is optioned as part of the Telopea renewal. Image: PBD Architects</figcaption></figure>Progression to the EOI stage has prompted Urban Taskforce Australia to call for further urban renewal and cooperation between the New South Wales Government and the private development sector.

<blockquote>
The Telopea project follows on from the successful outcome for the Ivanhoe precinct where social and affordable dwellings are provided to Government by allowing significant numbers of market apartments to be built. The outstanding design of a mixed use precinct at Ivanhoe can now occur at the Telopea site.

Telopea has a light rail station and the potential to develop a new town centre with a public plaza. The private sector development industry will be very interested in the Telopea revitalisation project.

The scale of the Telopea project where 600 old social housing dwellings will be replaced by 1,000 social and affordable dwellings as well as 2,500 market apartments demonstrates the value of developing a more urban character with greater densities than Sydney’s typical suburban form of housing.

By generating greater density and height around metro rail and light rail stations the Government is reinforcing the shift to public transport while housing Sydney’s growing population.
</blockquote>

The EOI campaign will close in May, with the process of relocating residents in motion. Current residents will be provided the opportunity to return to Telopea as future stages of the project are completed.
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Telopea's transformation moves to the EOI stage

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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