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Podia and Centennial Property Group are looking to add to Neutral Bay's tightly held apartment market via a fresh development application that landed with North Sydney Council earlier this month.

The submission for approval follows on from Colliers successfully selling 14-20 Premier Street during January; the site with 63 metres of frontage contained four small-scale freehold apartment buildings and was billed as a prime development site.

Site in hand, entity AIDOP No 2 Pty Ltd on behalf of the development duo is looking to inject 36 new dwellings into the Neutral Bay apartment market. Spread across a sloping 2,175 square metre plot, the development would maintain sweeping view over Forsyth Park, the North Sydney skyline and the Sydney Harbour Bridge beyond.

Presenting as two levels to Premier Street, the rear of the site would rise to five levels, affording many apartments with expansive vistas.

<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/image279.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial perspective of the site. Image: Colliers"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="360" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image279.jpg?itok=0ou_B-ln" title="Aerial perspective of the site. Image: Colliers" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial perspective of the site in close proximity to Forsyth Park. Image: Colliers</figcaption></figure>Architecture practice Ess Lifestyle is behind the design, opting for strong horizontal elements punctuated by generous amounts of greenery.

Internally the proposal provides for 36 apartments, broken down into the following matrix: 7 x 1 bedroom, 16 x 2 bedroom apartments, 12 x 3 bedroom apartments and 1 x 4 bedroom apartments. The healthy number of three bedroom apartments and the addition of a four bedroom apartment has the project aimed at the upper end of Sydney's residential market.

Ess Lifestyle has designed the apartments where possible to include a minimum of two frontages in order to maximise available light and ventilation. Effectively two buildings connected via an enclosed walkway, the highly transparent design provides a scale and apartment density that is appropriate for "both the existing and future multi-unit developments in the area, and within the proposed evolving local context."

<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/image278.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Light filled apartments are the order of the day. Planning image: Ess Lifestyle"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="384" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image278.jpg?itok=5Z39n32M" title="Light filled apartments are the order of the day. Planning image: Ess Lifestyle" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Light-filled apartments are the order of the day. Planning image: Ess Lifestyle</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The overall massing dual building form is a rational response to the particular constraints of the site/context and the functional needs of the proposed program. As such the final built form and facade articulation was the result of the process to create a project that maximises amenity while being sensitive and responsive to both its existing and future contexts.

The proposed façade articulation is horizontal in nature and provides a bespoke response to the amenity requirements. The inclusion of planter boxes helps break down the symmetrical rhythm of the internal planning providing a rich and textured facade. The simple material and colour pallet deliberate response to the project’s urban but garden locale.

Simple expressed horizontal elements provide the framework for an exploration of texture providing differing levels of solidity, transparency and opaqueness through material manipulation. The addition of greenery helps to further enliven the facade and blend it in with the locale.

Ess Lifestyle Design statement
</blockquote>

14-20 Premier Street has a development cost of $13.28 million, with the application currently at referral after having its time before Council's Design Excellence Panel.
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silvermb

Podia and CPG take aim at premier position in Neutral Bay

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Melbourne developer Bensons Property Group is spearheading the transformation of Chevron Island, taking to sales the island's first high-rise residential tower.

Sited directly behind the heart of Surfers Paradise, Chevron Island has been earmarked for increased high-density living. To that end, the number of high-rise towers proposed for Chevron Island has mushroomed, although Bensons Property Group will be the first sizeable project to market with Chevron One.

Designed by Marchese Partners, Chevron One is a $230 million project across a 2,627 square metre site that includes 247 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/image242_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Chevron One. Image: Bensons Property Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="409" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image242_1.jpg?itok=TtOHAPIe" title="Chevron One. Image: Bensons Property Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Chevron One. Image: Bensons Property Group</figcaption></figure>A <a href="http://www.mediahunt.com.au/bensons-launch-230m-chevron-one-tower/">recent piece</a> published by Media Hunt featured Bensons chairman Elias Jreissati. On Chevron One he said the following:

<blockquote>
We’re seeing the city setting itself up for a golden era of growth and Chevron Island is on the cusp of playing its role in this transformation.

It’s home to a thriving local village, yet it’s close to this amazing and extensive arts precinct on the doorstep of iconic Surfers Paradise. Our proposal is to embrace that village vibe and enhance it further.

Careful consideration has gone into our first development foray outside of Melbourne and the Gold Coast is performing very strongly on the fundamentals of population growth, major infrastructure spending and affordability.

With that in mind, we see Chevron as the first of many Gold Coast apartment developments for Bensons in the coming years.
</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/image259_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="New Chevron Island perspectives"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="649" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image259_0.jpg?itok=x6fMhl7v" title="New Chevron Island perspectives" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>New Chevron Island perspectives</figcaption></figure>With Chevron Island's future heading toward increased higher density living, 11 residential developments of note have identified for the enclave. Combined these projects are capable of adding a further 1,414 apartments to the island.

7 of the 11 projects are considered high-rise; examples include 30-36 Mawarra Street, <a href="/new-apartments/surfers-paradise-qld-4217">166-174 Stanhill Drive</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/surfers-paradise-qld-4217">17-21 Thomas Drive</a> and Brisbane developer Citimark's intended tower at 2-8 Mawarra Street.

More modest apartment projects are also at planning or have been approved. Most recently Marquee Development Partners have sought a planning permit for 266 Stanhill Drive; the BDA Architecture-designed project spans 9 levels and includes 61 apartments.

See below a collection of apartment developments that collectively may well change Chevron Island into a national apartment hot spot.

<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/image254.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Stanhill Drive is in line for another apartment project. Image: BDA Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="397" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image254.jpg?itok=KU6uFDCz" title="Stanhill Drive is in line for another apartment project. Image: BDA Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Stanhill Drive is in line for another apartment project. Image: BDA Architecture</figcaption></figure>
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Chevron One heralds the beginning of Chevron Island's transformation

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A new 3,800 square metre dual-level Woolworths is headed for Southbank.

Melbourne Square will host the Woolworths as part of a larger 6,000 square metre retail zone that will feature shopping, dining and cafe facilities in a European-inspired, piazza-style setting. As Southbank’s first full-line supermarket, it will also go some way to alleviating the needs of the hundreds of new residents that move into the high-density suburb each year.

Stage One of Melbourne Square will also see a new public park spanning 3,700 square metres created, satisfying developer OSK Property's bid to have Melbourne Square become the benchmark development for amenity and services on Southbank.

When fully completed Melbourne Square will include approximately 15,000 square metres of retail, services, amenity and open space across its ground/podium 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/img_7319_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The site as of this week"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="400" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_7319_0.jpg?itok=o5231Ixh" title="The site as of this week" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The site as of this week</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
Southbank’s population is expected to exceed 50,000 by 2036, which is 174 per cent higher than the current population.

It is essential that the community is able to access basic everyday amenity so that the area’s expanding population can be adequately accommodated. We know Southbank residents have been waiting for a full-line supermarket in their local area and we are happy to be able to provide this much-needed amenity, along with other amenities for the community.

This is in line with our vision to create an integrated mixed-use lifestyle precinct for Melbourne Square residents and the Southbank community
<cite>Executive Chairman of Malaysian developer OSK Property, Tan Sri Ong Leong Huat</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
We’re pleased that we’ll soon be able to offer local residents the convenience of a supermarket that will include all the usual features our customers have come to expect. From fresh fruit and vegetables to a large range of grocery items at great prices, those living in the area will be able to pick up all their shopping essentials, without needing to travel too far.
<cite>Woolworths’ State Property Manager Brad Karge</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/image240.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Phase One of Melbourne Square. Image: Planning &amp; Property Partners"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="793" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image240.jpg?itok=Iu3JKD79" title="Phase One of Melbourne Square. Image: Planning &amp; Property Partners" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Stage One of Melbourne Square. Image: Planning &amp; Property Partners</figcaption></figure>Builder Multiplex has an August 2020 scheduled completion date for Stage One of Melbourne Square; the new Woolworths will open at this point.

The retail component will sit below two residential towers of 54 levels and 69 levels respectively, which amount to 1,043 new residential apartments for Southbank. Multiplex have Stage One valued at $490 million.

Ultimately the Woolworths will cater for an altogether larger development with OSK Property holding a permit to create four additional towers. Another two residential towers are planned, with the taller reaching 73 levels; total apartment numbers across Melbourne Square are permitted at 2,160.

A commercial tower and hotel are also slated for the 5-acre, Cox Architecture-designed mixed-use development.
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Southbank's largest development gains some retail clout

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Builders signage across a quartet of sites has heralded the commencement of a new wave of construction that will create 900 new dwellings.

The four separate projects are headlined by <a href="/buildings/st-boulevard-601-st-kilda-road-melbourne">601 St Kilda Road</a> which has just seen Icon signage made prominent across the site. 601 St Kilda Road was a low-rise commercial complex, but it is quickly making way so that Icon can deliver 400 plus apartments over three separate buildings.

Dubbed St. Boulevard and Magnolia, the towers onsite will be separated by a green communal space. 2,000 plus square metres of amenity also includes an outdoor pool, health club/gym, heated spa and sauna, dining area, outdoor BBQ pods, lounges and bathing pavilions.

The Elenberg Fraser-designed trio of buildings adds to St Kilda Road's seemingly endless flow of large-scale apartment projects.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image6_18.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="St Boulevard/Magnolia. Image: Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image6_18.jpg?itok=kAZL6Ik6" title="St Boulevard/Magnolia. Image: Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>St Boulevard/Magnolia. Image: Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>Although announced last year, Watpac is only now ready to advance on Stage 2 works, being the main building fronting 619 St Kilda Road.

With demolition all but complete, works will begin on the delivery of a new nine-storey building for Jewish Care Victoria. Watpac value the building contract for the multi-phase development at $73 million.

The Senior Living and Community Precinct includes construction of 156 residential units, health care, and medical services above basement car parking. An art gallery, community service centre, training rooms, function spaces, family lounges, winter gardens and indoor/outdoor terraces round out the smith + tracey architects-designed project.

<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/final_exterior-926-800-600-80.png" rel="gallery-all" title="619 St Kilda Road, Melbourne. Image: Jewish Care"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="407" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/final_exterior-926-800-600-80.png?itok=RKFiwWKS" title="619 St Kilda Road, Melbourne. Image: Jewish Care" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>An early render of 619 St Kilda Road. Image: Jewish Care</figcaption></figure>Verve Constructions has fresh signage up across 33-35 Hall Street in Moonee Ponds.

The builder has taken on the 14-storey tower after the project had stumbled at the first attempt; S.W.A.T Building initially had the job but the site had laid dormant for some 14 months after their appointment. Marketed as Central 35, the development includes near on 70 apartments and three ground-level retail spaces.

The appointment of Verve Constructions will no doubt hearten buyers within the project that is running well behind schedule.

<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/image238.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="33-35 Hall Street. Image: Davey Architecture Studio"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="688" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image238.jpg?itok=ch7Hjtbi" title="33-35 Hall Street. Image: Davey Architecture Studio" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>33-35 Hall Street. Image: Davey Architecture Studio</figcaption></figure>Hacer signage is also due at 127-139 Nicholson Street, East Brunswick.

The builder has snared the first stage of <a href="/buildings/east-brunswick-village-3-bluestone-way-brunswick-east">East Brunswick Village</a>, developer Banco Group's latest multi-residential project. With earthworks active across the massive site for in excess of 12 months, Hacer now has a target completion date of late 2019.

As part of the first stage, Hacer will create 223 new apartments within an 18,000 square metre building. A Coles supermarket, Liquorland and four additional retail tenancies are located above two basement levels.

East Brunswick Village has been designed by JAM Architects.

<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/1419_ebv-2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="East Brunswick Village - Stage 1. Image: Hacer"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="294" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1419_ebv-2.jpg?itok=mPz9WdhN" title="East Brunswick Village - Stage 1. Image: Hacer" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>East Brunswick Village - Stage 1. Image: Hacer</figcaption></figure>
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Signed, sealed but yet to be delivered. Work commences on 900 new dwellings

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Victoria University is once more pushing to consolidate its CBD presence into a single precinct, although not via the expected source.

Heritage Victoria is assessing a current proposal to restore and refurbish the former Land Titles Office (LTO) and Strong Room, with a new vertical campus tower at 247-283 Queen Street expected. The institution did hold approval for a separate mixed-use tower on the adjoining block, mere metres from the current proposal, which was also to have seen its CBD presence consolidated.

John Wardle Architects have conceived the current 17-level tower which would rise from behind the restored LTO building.

<h2>247-283 Queen Street development 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/image218_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Street level perspective. Image: John Wardle Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="411" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image218_0.jpg?itok=AL1fkPlE" title="Street level perspective. Image: John Wardle Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Street level perspective. Image: John Wardle Architects</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>LTO Building vacant for three years, requires an internal refurbishment</li>
	<li>Proposed 87.5 metre tower</li>
	<li>Total Net Lettable Area for the project is 23,263 square metres</li>
	<li>27% of space dedicated to formal teaching and learning use</li>
	<li>Osteo and Dermal Clinic, Entrepreneurial Hub, VU College and social spaces also included</li>
	<li>Single basement level</li>
	<li>New pedestrian link at ground level between LTO Building and proposed tower, with canopy above</li>
</ul>
<h2>Heritage considerations</h2>

The former Land Titles Office is included in the Victorian Heritage Register for being a property is of architectural, technical and historical significance to Victoria. It was built in three stages between 1874 and 1877, with the Strong Room completed over 1884-1885.

John Wardle Architects' scheme is noted as being less intrusive on the historic structures than a 2014 permit for works to the LTO building. Under those plans demolition, refurbishment and new building works would have been undertaken to create a new tower for Victoria University above the Strong Room.

Similarly, under current plans "the support structure for the tower is to be placed around the Strong Room, and does not impact on the original enclosing walls of the building. The vertical campus core will be located in the south-west corner of the Strong Room, requiring demolition of the existing built-in shelving units and structure above and below.

The original northern section of the Strong Room will be retained and restored."

A photographic essay of the two historic structures can be found <a href="http://www.hinlimphotography.com/gallery_A1_files/Heritage/2016%20LTO%20Strong%20Room/index#">here</a>.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image223_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Former LTO - Strong Room. Image: Hin Lim Photography"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image223_0.jpg?itok=GW_dWtXk" title="Former LTO - Strong Room. Image: Hin Lim Photography" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Former LTO - Strong Room. Image: Hin Lim Photography</figcaption></figure><h2>John Wardle Architects design notes</h2>

<ul>
<li>The success of this new vertical campus for Victoria University amongst other criteria and measures is the project’s response to the Heritage aspects of the site, it’s accordance with Planning requirements and the development of the Tower form and floor plate that creates a flexible framework for new teaching and learning activities within a new city campus.</li>
	<li>This building takes stock of the expanding means by which people learn and communicate today, and transposes them into a tower form.</li>
	<li>While many advances in communication and learning have evolved independent of developments in the physical environment, the notion of a campus still holds considerable sway. The enduring nature of a campus is couched in its ability to bring creative and progressive minds together in physical space - providing a platform for their sustained interaction.</li>
	<li>Rather than an autonomous essay on the future of learning, the VU Tower acknowledges that Melbourne’s civic history can be found in buildings that are monumental – or through time, have become mute.</li>
	<li>The space between the Land Titles Office and the Strong Room has the potential to perform multiple roles by establishing a sense of Terra Firma for the project. Through a series of interventions that uncover its latent qualities, we propose an internal street that is at once a transitional moment between city and campus, and a key opportunity to set the tone for architectural and pedagogical values that follow.</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/image220_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Level five student area. Image: John Wardle Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="342" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image220_1.jpg?itok=qFJAJjiV" title="Level five student area. Image: John Wardle Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Level five student area. Image: John Wardle Architects</figcaption></figure><h2>First to fall?</h2>

Victoria University did hold approval for a more substantial mixed-use development across 364-378 Little Lonsdale Street, diagonally opposite the Queen Street tower proposal.

The permit has not been acted upon for a number of years, which would call into question the institution's intentions for the dual Little Lonsdale Street sites.

<blockquote>
"Planning approval is in place for redevelopment of these sites for a new multi-storey educational facility. This facility was designed to accommodate an expanded educational programme for the central city campus, including health and business faculties.

On more recent review of this approved development Victoria University has determined that the modest area of the floor plates, combined with lifting (vertical movement) requirements, makes the viability of this development questionable."
<cite>Lovell Chen</cite>
</blockquote>

Spanning 135 metres and designed by Jackson Architecture, the Little Lonsdale Street tower was designed to include academic and support services space, plush 11,350 square metres of leasable office space.

Time will tell if Victoria University pursues the Little Lonsdale Street tower in an altered form such as student accommodation or consigns it to 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/image221_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A dated render of VU Tower. Image: Jackson Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image221_0.jpg?itok=1SZOGjia" title="A dated render of VU Tower. Image: Jackson Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A dated render of the approved VU Tower. Image: Jackson Architecture</figcaption></figure>
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VU reworks its Queen Street Precinct tower plans

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Despite the planning uncertainty swirling around Fishermans Bend, the urban renewal area can now boast a world-beating and fully complete Primary School.

To mark the completion of South Melbourne Primary School (SMPS), project architects Hayball have commissioned new imagery of the complex. Melbourne-based architecture photographer Dianne Snape was tasked with capturing SMPS in use, in the process providing the wider public with a first glimpse of the project's internals.

After receiving the Future Project of the Year gong during the 2016 World Architecture Festival Awards, SMPS was handed over to contractor <a href="/builders/adco">ADCO Constructions</a> with completion achieved for term one 2018. Public plaza and landscaping works were completed thereafter.

The Ferrars Street complex is Victoria’s first high-rise state school and now caters for 160 students, although the six-level building will build up to a capacity of 525 primary school students and 44 early learning students, supplemented by various integrated community services and facilities.

<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/smps_diannasnape_print_02.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="SMPS is now a working education facility"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/smps_diannasnape_print_02.jpg?itok=f0s5O6Sw" title="SMPS is now a working education facility" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>SMPS is now a working education facility</figcaption></figure><h2>SMPS - the broader context</h2>

<blockquote>
This school is an exemplar of a contemporary 21st century learning environment, developed within the context of inner urban regeneration and focussing on the needs of today’s students and also the wider community.

With enrolments for prep at capacity before even opening the doors, the need for such a facility in the area is clear. Similarly, we’re excited to see the support from the broader community who have embraced this new integrated model of school wholeheartedly.

The school operates as a genuine community hub. Nowhere is this more apparent than at ground level where there are no fences separating the school from its surrounds.

With thousands of new residents flocking to the adjacent Fishermans Bend precinct each year – and space a scarcity in the inner-city – it was important to design facilities that can be used outside of school hours and have a greater use to the community.
<cite>Richard Leonard, Director at Hayball</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/smps_diannasnape_print_18.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A dynamic view beyond the sandbox"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/smps_diannasnape_print_18.jpg?itok=653gCcfu" title="A dynamic view beyond the sandbox" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A dynamic view beyond the sandbox</figcaption></figure>The building's large footprint and vertical nature allowed <a href="/architects/hayball">Hayball</a> to include spaces unique to the schooling environment.

A feature that has become commonplace in many contemporary institutional designs across Melbourne makes its debut within SMPS. A large-scale atrium with tiered seating and a 'showcase' staircase become the focal point for the immediate area.

A meeting space, teaching space and auditorium seating as required, the atrium is representative of the multifunctional nature of SMPS.

Similarly, the traditional classroom is on the outer, with spaces arranged around “learning communities” to facilitate both aged-based and stage-based learning groups.

<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/smps_diannasnape_print_13.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The cavernous piazza with staircase to the roar"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="795" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/smps_diannasnape_print_13.jpg?itok=CK0SBrmS" title="The cavernous piazza with staircase to the roar" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The indoor 'piazza' with staircase to the roar</figcaption></figure><h2>SMPS - outdoor spaces a necessity</h2>

<blockquote>
Above the indoor gym, we have an outdoor sports area so kids can play typical ball games they love – of course there’re nets surrounding the play area so balls don’t fly off the roof!

There’s also a climbing play structure called ‘The Treehouse’ which allows vertical connection between the outdoor learning areas on levels two and three, promoting exercise and active play as well as connecting levels.

All in all, we’ve turned the horizontal school yard into a vertical play centre, so kids are not missing out on the best parts of going to school, which for them is playing and being active with their friends.

<cite>Richard Leonard, Director at Hayball</cite>
</blockquote>

Further images by Dianne Snape can be seen in the slideshow below
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A first look inside Hayball's South Melbourne Primary School

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Box Hill's emerging hotel sector will welcome another operator with Avani Hotel confirmed for Central Park Box Hill.

The 20 level development which has yet to appear above ground is backed by H&amp;F Property and is in the hands of builder Maxcon. H&amp;F Property is a Melbourne-based development firm which brings together Richard and Eddie Hirsch (United Petroleum) and Daniel Faigen (Deague Group).

Daniel Faigen confirmed to Apartments.com.au that Minor International will occupy 75 suites within the mixed-use project under their Avani Hotel brand, with the balance dedicated to 93 private apartments.

Minor International's Avani Hotel is an upmarket designer brand; the hospitality and leisure company also controls Oaks Hotels &amp; Resorts which are prevalent across Melbourne's CBD.

<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/image193_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="SJB Architects have included significant amenities within Central Park Box Hill"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="436" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image193_2.jpg?itok=DjuP3Brq" title="SJB Architects have included significant amenities within Central Park Box Hill" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>SJB Architects have included significant amenities within Central Park Box Hill</figcaption></figure>Supplementing Avani Hotel and the private apartments is 1,500 square metres of consulting suites within the podium, owing to the development's location opposite Box Hill's medical precinct.

According to Daniel Faigen Minor international was drawn to the development due to its high-quality design. Created by SJB Architects, Central Park Box Hill includes extensive outdoor rooftop amenities which include an indoor/outdoor dining areas, full-size kitchen, gym, pool and sauna.

Minor International's push into the Melbourne market will see its Box Hill presence supplemented by a new CBD hotel which is slated to open next month. Avani Central Melbourne will be located within the 55 level Avant tower at 60 A'Beckett Street which is rapidly approaching construction completion.

Daniel Faigen noted that H&amp;F Property and Minor International are in discussions regarding the prospect of further outlets across the developer's land portfolio.

<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/image190_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Bruce Henderson Architects have created 107 Darling Road."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image190_0.jpg?itok=Uf1oop36" title="Bruce Henderson Architects have created 107 Darling Road." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Bruce Henderson Architects have created 107 Darling Road.</figcaption></figure>Looking ahead and H&amp;F Property's upcoming project at 107 Darling Road will signify the developer's first foray into the fledgling build to rent sector.

Small in stature, 107 Darling Road will consist of only 9 high-end townhouses split between 7 x 3 storey townhouses with private lifts and 2 x 2 townhouses. Bruce Henderson Architects have undertaken the design for the development which includes underground car parking.

Daniel Faigen explained that on the back of H&amp;F Property's particular success in selling the designated 3 bedroom stock within their completed Grace Apartments at 1555 Malvern Road, the developer recognised the underlying depth for this product in the area. Consequently the compact site was always earmarked as a boutique project.

H&amp;F Property also has another significant development in the pipeline which Daniel Faigen has described as a "very special building." More details on that particular project in coming weeks.
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H&F Property secures Avani Hotel for Box Hill; Malvern East is next on the agenda

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One of Hawthorn's more recent proposed developments has come from an unlikely source.

Although headquartered in the same vicinity as the application, Brown Property Group has to date focused primarily on detached residential estates on the periphery of Melbourne’s South East. Diverging away from their typical modus operandi, Brown Property Group are behind a bid to redevelop a corner block at 2-4 Roche Street.

With the initial bid for the site's redevelopment running into a planning stumbling block, DKO Architecture was enlisted along with what amounted to a new project team to provide a new design outcome.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image197_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Roach and Gibney Streets perspective. Planning image: DKO Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="381" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image197_1.jpg?itok=fhJUQXdT" title="Roach and Gibney Streets perspective. Planning image: DKO Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Roach and Gibney Streets perspective. Planning image: DKO Architecture</figcaption></figure>The initial submission seeking 54 apartments has now been redesigned to include 33 apartments, equating to a reduction of 40%. This was a direct result of the introduction of the State Government’s Better Apartment Design Standards 2017.

Consequently, 2-4 Roche Street's 33 apartments sit within a 6-story building above 2 levels of basement parking.

DKO Architecture has gone with a brick exterior injected with hanging greenery, with the bulk of the building seemingly set back from the perimeter. Bronze balustrades, frames and planter boxes, plus exposed horizontal concrete bands round out the project's exterior look.

Akin to many other apartment projects currently slated for Hawthorn, 2-4 Roche Street is heavily skewed toward two and particularly three bedroom 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/rochestreet.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial view. Image: Savills"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="352" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/rochestreet.jpg?itok=OKDbrsqc" title="Aerial view. Image: Savills" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial view. Image: Savills</figcaption></figure>Brown Property Group picked up the site for $9 million during mid 2017, when the 1,209 square metre site was offered by Savills for sale.

The addition of 2-4 Roche Street to the Urban Project Database sees the number of active Hawthorn residential projects with 10 or more dwellings increase to 28. Of these 8 are at registrations and sales with JD Group's <a href="/buildings/sierra-hawthorn-196-202-burwood-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Sierra Hawthorn</a> the largest; it contains 293 dwellings.

Furthermore, <a href="/new-apartments/21-27-queens-avenue-hawthorn">Queens Avenue</a>, Manningtree, <a href="/buildings/longhouse-17-lynch-street-hawthorn">Longhouse</a>, <a href="/buildings/hawthorn-club-apartments-625-glenferrie-road-hawthorn">Hawthorn Club</a> and <a href="/buildings/hawthorn-bond-609-burwood-road-hawthorn">Hawthorn Bond</a> are at construction, amounting to a further approximately 330 new dwellings for the popular suburb.
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Brown Property Group turn their hand to apartments

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Developer Mulpha's bid to significantly upscale their its Norwest Business Park precinct within Baulkham Hills is gathering momentum, as evidenced by their latest residential project which is slated to reach 23 levels.

At 2-6 Maitland Place, the proposal which was submitted during late February is the developer's first tangible manoeuvre post Mulpha's announcement during late 2017 that they would <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/mulpa-embarks-on-3b-new-developments-at-norwest-20171024-gz73wk">undertake a considerable expansion</a> of the Norwest Business Park with the aim of creating a smart city. This expansion would see an additional $3 billion pumped into the expanded 377-hectare masterplanned precinct.

Jackson Teece have designed 2-6 Maitland Place; it features vertical 'green DNA' strands running the height of the building and green terraces, in addition to substantial landscaping around the tower form.

<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/image172_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hero perspective. Planning image: Jackson Teece"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="723" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image172_0.jpg?itok=1ZZNsY5w" title="Hero perspective. Planning image: Jackson Teece" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hero perspective. Planning image: Jackson Teece</figcaption></figure>131 apartments are included within the proposal, which would be considerably taller than existing surrounding buildings. The apartment matrix sees 32 studio or single bedroom, 72 dual bedroom and 27 triple bedroom apartments.

The tower is slated to reach 69.8 metres.

Mulpha is also developing Haven Apartments on a nearby site fronting Solent Circuit; Haven along with a completed residential building adjoining it stand at the 10-11 level mark.

Construction firm Taylor is undertaking the $44 million build of Haven Apartments, and is well into construction. 80 new dwellings within Haven's 11 storey form are supplemented by 4 retail tenancies and 3 levels of underground car parking. 

<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/w1920-h1080-w2000-h1500-2012456679_12_pi_160809_122703.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Haven is well into construction. Image: Taylor"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/w1920-h1080-w2000-h1500-2012456679_12_pi_160809_122703.jpg?itok=zLacLf3x" title="Haven is well into construction. Image: Taylor" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Haven is well into construction. Image: Taylor</figcaption></figure>Only during December a further, and larger, planning application was lodged for 7 Maitland Place which is directly opposite Mulpha's latest proposal.

Four separate buildings amounting to 287 apartments are proposed in the scheme created by architecture firm TURNER for BHL 7 Norwest Dev Pty Ltd. Ranging between 6-24 levels, the buildings are located above a 3 level basement for 470 vehicles.

Spanning 9,630 square metres, the site under the proposal would see 4,500 square metres dedicated toward open green space.

7 Maitland Place's status has been noted at 'Stop the Clock' suggesting amendments to the design are required for the proposal not to fall foul of planning authorities.

<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/image173_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="7 Maitland Place. Planning image: TURNER"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image173_1.jpg?itok=O1obJVbR" title="7 Maitland Place. Planning image: TURNER" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>7 Maitland Place. Planning image: TURNER</figcaption></figure>
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More apartments flood into Norwest

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A freshly advertised planning application with City of Yarra has shown K7 <a href="/developments/collingwood-vic-3066">Developments </a>to be the purchaser last year of an already approved development site at 288-296 Johnston Street.

Rather than proceed with the previous Cox Architecture-designed scheme, K7 Developments have reworked the project, effectively looking to double the apartment yield. Plus Architecture have been engaged to deliver the new design.

The project is diagonally opposite Pace of Abbotsford which may well act as a height precedent for 288-296 Johnston Street; both projects are at 12 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/untitled.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Plus Architecture's new take on Johnston Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="444" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/untitled.jpg?itok=161lTu25" title="Plus Architecture's new take on Johnston Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Plus Architecture's new take on Johnston Street</figcaption></figure>In getting to 12 levels from the previously approved 8, K7 Developments are hoping to bump apartment numbers from the approved 44 to 87. The prospective apartment mix is broken down as 23 single bedroom apartments, 62 dual bedroom and 2 triple bedroom apartments.

The dwellings would sit above a 214 square metre cafe and dual retail tenancies amounting to 374 square metres.

A triple level basement holds 87 car parking spaces and capacity for 101 bicycles. Vehicle access to the intended project is via Little Turner Street at the rear of the property.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image63_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Cox Architecture's initial Johnston Street design"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="366" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image63_5.jpg?itok=Ph_JaoS5" title="Cox Architecture's initial Johnston Street design" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Cox Architecture's initial Johnston Street design</figcaption></figure>The Abbotsford property has been in a state of flux for many years from a development perspective, with a planning history spanning seven years. Last year the Cox Architecture approved scheme across the 1,182 square metre site wes offered for sale by CBRE.

Meanwhile, another commercial project has been earmarked for Collingwood.

Plans are on display for a new part four, part seven storey building at 61-75 Langridge Street. Designed by Preston Lane for Domain Hill Property Group, the Langridge Street proposal includes 4,900 plus square metres of office floor space above retail and commercial tenancies.

<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/doma9764_langridge-st-planning.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Langridge Street. Image: Preston Lane"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="342" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/doma9764_langridge-st-planning.jpg?itok=w9Tu_OJu" title="Langridge Street. Image: Preston Lane" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Langridge Street. Image: Preston Lane</figcaption></figure>Preston Lane imagery shows an open floor format and industrial finishes within the building.

The proposed Langridge street complex backs on to 2-16 Northumberland Street which has begun construction. Grocon have the job of delivering the 15,000 square metre build for tenants The Commons and Aesop.

The Langridge and Northumberland projects are joined by three additional current Collingwood office projects which between them are seeking to add approximately 40,000 square metres of new office space to the suburb.
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K7 Developments moves on Abbotsford; Collingwood eyes another commercial development

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sunland-group">Sunland Group</a> has officially lodged plans for its first Gold Coast apartment project since the departure of the Abedian family from the company three years ago, unveiling a new high-rise proposal for a prominent Broadbeach corner site on Old Burleigh Road.

The application was submitted by an entity directed by Tom Jamieson, stepson of longtime Sunland leader Soheil Abedian, and Riaz Rezvanipour, brother-in-law of Sahba Abedian, Soheil’s son.

Sunland acquired the 1,283 sqm site on the corner of Old Burleigh Road and Armrick Avenue for $9.5 million late last year and is now seeking approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/99-101-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">42-storey tower with 81 apartments</a>.

<img alt="First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fea2946d-90ee-4cfc-babe-2a8ad5db2cb6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers.png?VersionId=BV0fihJw31nDIQ8ozY_h3GbS8mxDyhnm" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/contreras-earl-architecture">Contreras Earl Architecture</a>, the proposed tower at 99-101 Old Burleigh Road would deliver a predominantly larger-format apartment mix aimed at the owner-occupier market. Plans include 17 two-bedroom apartments, 55 three-bedroom apartments, and nine four-bedroom residences across 35 residential levels.

The development also incorporates three basement levels, four podium parking levels, two levels of communal recreation facilities, and rooftop plant and equipment. A total of 189 car spaces are proposed, significantly exceeding the 90 spaces required under the planning scheme.

The architecture adopts a sculpted, curvilinear form, with deep wraparound balconies and integrated landscaping intended to soften the tower’s vertical expression. The planning report states the building’s “slender footprint/form provides a complimentary yet varied built form within the local streetscape” and contributes to “a varied, yet ordered skyline.”

Contreras Earl noted in its Architectural Statement that from the early stages, the project addressed a fundamental challenge: how to accommodate the required residential yield while avoiding the conventional model of a tower sitting on a rigid, fully resolved parking podium.

“The most direct response would have been to consolidate parking into a singular, flat podium and extrude a repetitive tower above,” the statement said. “While efficient, this approach would result in a consolidated built form with limited engagement with the surrounding landscape and public realm.”

Instead, the conventional podium model was “deliberately rejected”. The architects described the base of the building as “a landscaped architectural condition where structure, planting and circulation are integrated”.

“Rather than presenting a continuous built mass, the base of the building is articulated through a series of concrete planter elements that organise the podium into a fragmented system,” the statement said. “This approach reduces the perceived bulk of the lower levels while establishing a more permeable interface with the streetscape and adjacent open space.”

<img alt="Sunland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="923fad8d-c960-4527-8fbe-975cf1ddf88d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%2010.32.03%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=pngwb0hYOIUpq9vDw6F2EsOiVuHF3DiX" />

&nbsp;

The site sits within the High Density Residential Zone and inside the City of Gold Coast’s unrestricted “HX” building height area, where the planning framework anticipates intensified residential development tied to the expanding light rail corridor. The planning report notes the area is undergoing “transition toward more intense development forms” given its proximity to Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, and high-frequency public transport infrastructure.

Positioned directly opposite Broadbeach Park and within walking distance of Florida Gardens light rail station, the development would sit among a rapidly evolving stretch of Old Burleigh Road that has become one of the Gold Coast’s most active apartment development corridors.

The application joins a growing pipeline of luxury residential projects reshaping Broadbeach, including nearby developments by 5Point Projects, Polycell, and Graya.

The planning report argues the project contributes toward the Gold Coast’s long-term housing targets under the South East Queensland Regional Plan, which forecasts the need for more than 100,000 additional high-rise dwellings across the city by 2046.

<section data-scroll-anchor="false" data-testid="conversation-turn-4" data-turn="assistant" data-turn-id="request-WEB:84a2af5e-d7cf-4ddf-922a-f4d44d6c6caa-1" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:84a2af5e-d7cf-4ddf-922a-f4d44d6c6caa-1" dir="auto">
The Abedian family departed Sunland Group in late 2023, ending a four-decade association with the company, and subsequently established the private development firm Abedian &amp; Co. The group is currently delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/greenmount-residences-cnr-hill-street-and-marine-parade-coolangatta-qld-4225">Greenmount Residences</a> at Rainbow Bay and recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/18-mary-avenue-14-18-mary-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218">18 Mary Avenue</a> in Broadbeach.
</section>

Joel Robinson

First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach new apartment market with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans

The Minns Labor Government has established the new Bays West Delivery Authority to lead the development&nbsp;of the Bays West Precinct and Blackwattle Bay Precinct.&nbsp;

The Authority is charged with creating Sydney’s newest precinct, a thriving, connected, sustainable hub with White Bay Power Station as its cultural heart. Its vision is to build on the area’s natural, cultural and industrial history to shape a vibrant new neighbourhood.

The precinct will deliver up to 8,500 well-located homes, including a minimum of 10 per cent affordable and essential worker homes. Combine new housing with public open space, opening public access to the waterfront for the first time in more than 100 years, while retaining important deep-water facilities to support Sydney’s working harbour.

Located just minutes from the Sydney CBD and connected to a world-class metro, ferry, walking and cycling links, the Bays West precinct will rebalance housing growth towards well-serviced inner-city locations and help tackle the state’s housing crisis.

The Bays West Delivery Authority,&nbsp;an agency of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, will report to the NSW Minister for Lands and Property who already has oversight of major precinct renewal projects including at Blackwattle Bay and Barangaroo.

As part of the broader Bays West transformation, the Minns Government recently announced that a proposal from Lendlease to redevelop part of the Bays West Precinct has progressed to Stage 2 of the NSW Government’s unsolicited proposals process.

<img alt="Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2ed71eb9-d8e8-4fa7-b9d1-de4531dcf2f3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%209.42.31%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=IDryFIbped9SNDg72LEN_EecvhUsOPvp" />

The Minns Labor Government has also confirmed the Bays West precinct will have a new suburb name. This will be the first major suburb built in close proximity to Sydney’s CBD in decades and will encompass the area currently being referred to as Bays West, including Glebe Island and the White Bay Power Station. Served by a new Metro station just five minutes from the CBD, it will become one of the most populous suburbs in the Inner West and one of Sydney’s premier cultural destinations.

An early works program is taking shape, which&nbsp;includes the first stages of an international design competition.&nbsp;

The aim of the Bays West&nbsp;International&nbsp;Design Competition is to&nbsp;ensure design excellence is embedded in the project from the start. The competition will deliver an&nbsp;urban framework that defines the character, ambition and long-term identity of&nbsp;this&nbsp;former industrial precinct as it transitions to a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable residential&nbsp;neighbourhood.

The competition will be led by the Bays West Delivery Authority in partnership with Government Architect NSW.&nbsp;

It will launch with an invitation for a global Expressions of Interest, before moving to an invitation-only stage that will be assessed by a panel that&nbsp;will provide advice to Cabinet who will select a winner.

Premier of NSW, Chris Minns said the establishment of the new Authority is the first step in transforming the Bays West precinct into a vibrant, livable suburb minutes from the Sydney CBD and two stops from Hunter St Station on the Metro West line.

“The Authority will deliver well-located homes close to the heart of the city and integrate the new precinct with Blackwattle Bay and the new Sydney Fish Market.

“This is a generational opportunity to build a new suburb on the city’s edge and open the harbour foreshore to the public for the first time in a century.”&nbsp;

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said the new Bays West Delivery Authority established by the Minns Government will turbocharge the development of Sydney’s newest suburb.

“The Authority is working at a record pace to deliver an international design competition, planning pathways and a financial model so that this development benefits Sydney with well-designed homes in a central location, close to public transport, jobs, entertainment and essential services.

“If we want Sydney to stay liveable and affordable, we need to be bold about using underutilised government-owned land to deliver homes for the future while making sure essential working harbour functions can be accommodated.”

Bays West Delivery Authority established to "turbocharge" Sydney’s newest suburb

Around 400 additional homes could be built at Southwark Grounds on Port Road, lifting total site capacity from 1300 to around 1700 dwellings.

A recently approved code amendment would allow apartment towers of up to 14 storeys in some areas of Renewal SA’s redevelopment of the former West End Brewery.

Renewal SA Acting Chief Executive Shane Wingard said he welcomed the code amendment, with the increase in heights and homes making a positive impact on the supply of high-quality, well-connected housing close to the city.

“By going higher across some parts of Southwark Grounds, we are adding a substantial number of very well-located homes with little impact on project delivery time or planned open space,” Mr Wingard said.

Since the project officially launched in 2025, Mr Wingard said more than 12,000 enquiries had been received about living at Southwark Grounds.

“The very strong early interest we’ve seen since homes were first released in the precinct reinforces our plans to create more housing opportunities,” he said.

The Southwark Grounds code amendment was launched in December last year, with community engagement undertaken over five weeks from January.

It proposed increasing maximum building heights from eight to 14 storeys on the eastern section of Southwark Grounds, and to 12 storeys across the remainder of the site, with minimum building heights ranging from two to four storeys.

The code amendment was implemented through an Early Commencement policy in late January, allowing developers to quickly explore the viability of increased height and housing yield while other planning processes continue.

One of the first developers delivering apartment sites have already finalised redesigns to increase the number of apartments following the code amendment.

Samaras’ development adjacent to the future Colonel Light Park is now planning to deliver 125 apartments across 11 storeys, significantly greater than original plans of around 50 apartments across four storeys.

The developer is also exploring the potential for additional affordable housing outcomes.

Most of the apartments at Southwark Grounds will be delivered within a master-planned precinct on a large parcel of land on the eastern portion of the site, covering around two-thirds of its 8.4 hectares.

Wingard said detailed precinct planning over the coming months may identify further opportunities to increase yield further that could see total apartment numbers at Southwark Grounds, exceed this number.

Affordable homes at Southwark Grounds will also see a net increase, with Renewal SA maintaining its commitment to a minimum of 20 per cent affordable housing across the development.

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Civil works have begun across the site, with construction under way on the first new roads surrounding a townhouse precinct in the south‑west corner of Southwark Grounds. This includes Renewal SA’s 17 Founder’s Row homes, which are on track for completion by Christmas.

“We expect to have people living at Southwark Grounds by the end of the year, so delivering roads and public spaces for those residents is among our highest priorities.”

Construction of 40 townhouses off Anderson Street, known as West Village and being delivered by Contour, is forecast to begin in mid‑2026. Kolabb’s Anderson Lane development will follow shortly after, delivering a further 26 townhouses.

Southwark Grounds is a state government‑led urban renewal project now set to deliver around 1,700 homes over the next decade.

Homes will be supported by a supermarket, a range of retail and hospitality offerings anchored by a revitalised Walkerville Brew Tower, a childcare centre, car parking and well‑connected public spaces.

400 new homes planned for Adelaide's former West End Brewery site

Brisbane developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/cavcorp">Cavcorp</a> has lodged plans for a new mixed-use residential development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-wyandra-street-teneriffe-qld-4005">55 Wyandra Street</a>, Teneriffe, anchored by an 85-metre public laneway designed to reconnect the suburb’s riverfront with the Gasworks precinct.

The buildings, known as Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane, would replace the existing Queensland Cotton head office site with a 15-storey residential tower transitioning to eight storeys toward Helen Street. The project has been designed by Plazibat Architects and lodged as a code assessable development application for 93 apartments across a 3,401 sqm mixed-use site within the Newstead and Teneriffe Waterfront neighbourhood plan.

Central to the scheme is the transformation of an existing service easement into a publicly accessible cross-block connection linking Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the new laneway will act as both a pedestrian shortcut and a landscaped civic space between the Teneriffe Riverwalk, ferry terminal, and Gasworks precinct.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26e7f058-b065-4de8-b13d-a2b8cb64dfcc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bldg.png?VersionId=sELS0ZKYi361oYipUa1BIKfe_.DLZoFV" />

“The revised proposal delivers a legacy public-realm cross-block link, permanently secured for community use, transforming an existing private easement into a safe, high-quality pedestrian connection between the Teneriffe heritage riverwalk and the Gasworks–Long Island precinct,” the planning report states.

The laneway will sit beneath a large subtropical loggia integrated into the podium levels of the development. The design incorporates deep landscaping, water gardens, lobby spaces, business lounges, and ground-floor apartments to create what Cavcorp describes as a climate-responsive “urban verandah.”

The tower itself has been designed as a slender form with recessed floorplates and curved translucent corners inspired by contemporary Japanese architecture. The building height aligns with the Commercial Road precinct controls, which permit towers up to 15 storeys within proximity to Longland Street.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8a17d40-43b6-4718-b3fd-67676fcbb485" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers%202_1.png?VersionId=i3VwDtp5AmL_8InW7w4qRbDFEpb744Jt" />

The project will comprise a mix of larger-format apartments aimed at owner-occupiers, downsizers, and families. The proposed apartment mix includes 11 loggia apartments across the lower levels, 50 four-bedroom Sky-Terrace apartments from levels three to seven, and 32 Sky-Pool Homes occupying the upper tower levels. The Sky-Pool Homes will feature private thermal plunge pools integrated into oversized balconies.

According to the application, the apartments are intended to reinterpret the scale and character of Teneriffe’s woolstore conversions and Queensland homes within a vertical residential format.

“The sky-pool homes build on Cavcorp’s previous projects and introduce a distinct apartment typology to Teneriffe, informed by both local and international precedent and responding to an identified market demand for enhanced safety, space and amenity,” the planning submission notes.

A major focus of the proposal is its five-level wellness and lifestyle offering, extending from the basement through to the rooftop.

Amenities proposed include a rooftop Swim &amp; Racquet Club with a 25-metre Olympic lap pool and tennis court, coworking spaces and libraries, golf simulators, wine storage, concierge facilities, business lounges, pet wash areas, and rooftop longevity-focused wellness spaces with spas, outdoor fitness zones, and landscaped terraces.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="944b352c-49b9-4247-a4c6-5967b4b69fda" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/amenity.png?VersionId=Ed_qKjAtMwFT.5gfl3jiA9QwdWxSMsaX" />

All parking will be concealed within basement levels accessed from Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the deep-basement engineering approach allows the entire ground plane to prioritise landscaping, pedestrian movement, and active frontage rather than vehicle infrastructure.

The development continues Cavcorp’s concentration in Newstead and Teneriffe, where the Brisbane developer has delivered a number of apartment projects including Lucent, Le Bain, and Luminare, as well as the Long Island Wellness Precinct nearby. Several of those projects have received national design and architecture awards, including recognition under Brisbane’s “Buildings that Breathe” program.

Cavcorp unveils wellness-focused Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane apartment buildings

Focus Group Investments has lodged plans for a new apartment development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-70-hanover-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">64–70 Hanover Street</a> in Fitzroy, seeking to utilise the Victorian Government’s recently introduced Great Design Fast Track pathway to accelerate approvals for the project.

The proposal is among the latest developments to emerge through the state-led initiative, which was established to fast-track well-designed residential projects in activity centres and transport-connected inner-city locations. The pathway allows qualifying developments that meet elevated design and housing benchmarks to bypass traditional council planning timeframes and instead be assessed directly by the Department of Transport and Planning.

Designed by SJB, the development will comprise a mix of apartments above activated lower levels, with a strong focus on architectural articulation, landscaping, and communal amenity. The design response seeks to balance the industrial character of Richmond’s former warehouse precincts with a more contemporary residential form.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abea51cc-d85b-479e-9aef-a589f3b37ca7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ground.png?VersionId=e1Kf8EyPWwyiVumtqQ4rM5S4GpOR3CCz" />

Proposed are 63 new dwellings, a wide ranging mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, and townhouses and duplexes. They will be spread across a part-three, part-eight storey building.

The Planning and Urban Context Report by Tract says the development is of an "exemplary architectural standard" and has been carefully crafted by SJB Architects.

"Dwellings&nbsp;will benefit from excellent access to natural light, cross-ventilation opportunities and extensive communal space," the report noted.

The architectural material highlights the project’s integration of landscaped elements and communal spaces throughout the building. The proposal also incorporates sustainability initiatives aligned with the Victorian Government’s push for higher-performing apartment developments under the fast-track program.

The Great Design Fast Track was unveiled by the Victorian Government in 2024 as part of a broader housing supply strategy aimed at accelerating the delivery of new homes. Projects assessed through the pathway must demonstrate high-quality architecture, sustainability outcomes, and housing diversity while being located close to public transport and existing infrastructure.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="afdbe834-8dc4-4a77-a943-ba07bc927348" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_11.png?VersionId=0J657j.TaChAZfp93wqJYBTqSsnREJx2" />

Focus Group, founder and led by Paul De Lutiis, is increasingly active across Melbourne’s inner suburbs, targeting well-connected urban renewal locations suited to medium and higher-density residential development. The Fitzroy proposal continues that strategy, leveraging the area’s strong transport links, established retail amenity, and proximity to the CBD.

Fitzroy has been one of the most popular spots for developers and buyers in recent years. The likes of PACE Development Group, SMA Projects, Crema Group and Chapter Group, currently selling projects in the suburb.

Mark Baljak

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