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Flagship Property Group have landed a new application at planning that they expect will set a high benchmark for luxury living in Richmond.

A 'villas in the sky' concept has been adopted for the project that "seeks to redefine medium-density living as a sanctuary of individually expressed homes." To facilitate this 28 oversized apartments have been designed by Woods Bagot within two buildings of five and twelve levels.

Oculus and Hecker Guthrie have also played their part in the design, incorporating extensive landscaped greenery and subtle open interior spaces with the intent of introducing a garden setting to each apartment.

Accounting for 195 Lennox Street, the proposal is seeking approval for the demolition of the former 'Tas Pickett Pty Ltd Tobacco Factory' at the rear of the site, although the retention and restoration of the existing two-storey Victorian-era mansion fronting Lennox Street is expected. 

<h2>195 Lennox 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/image142.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Woods Bagot's take on 'individually expressed homes"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="456" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image142.jpg?itok=aEf9O8RB" title="Woods Bagot's take on 'individually expressed homes" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Woods Bagot's take on 'individually expressed homes'</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site area: 1,484 square metres</li>
	<li>Planned: dual apartment buildings with the taller at 12 levels or 42.5 metres</li>
	<li>Taller structure set 36 metres back from Lennox Street</li>
	<li>28 oversized apartments: 5 x 1BR, 9 x 2BR, 13 x 3BR, 1 x 4BR</li>
	<li>3 basement levels for 51 vehicles and 12 bicycles</li>
	<li>Ground floor pool and green courtyard</li>
</ul>
<h2>Design response</h2>

<blockquote>
The key to the quality of the apartments is their size, and a floor plate that allows 3 sided views and natural light.

The architecture is defined by separate building elements which are articulated by a careful choice of materials and select openings in the facade. Parts of the facade are also, at certain points, screened with hit and miss brick work that coincides with the privacy requirements of each apartment.

A peripheral consistency of concrete planters at every level contributes to making each dwelling feel submerged in its own landscape, even if you are in an apartment on level 8. The teams landscape approach is integral to the overall success of the design.

It is intended that in every space of the building every occupant of the building has a connection to the environment through a considered landscape that works in both the horizontal and vertical direction.

The material palette also has a domestic quality that relates closely to the qualities most people find in the homes they have lived or grew up in.

Woods Bagot
</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/image146_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Neutral colours and greenery are the order of the day"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="204" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image146_2.jpg?itok=rFnyq6iz" title="Neutral colours and greenery are the order of the day" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Neutral colours and greenery are the order of the day</figcaption></figure><h2>A Richmond apartment snapshot</h2>

The Project Database lists 32 separate current residential projects within Richmond.

Of the 32 active projects, 11 are at construction and capable of adding some 967 new apartments to the suburb. Only one major project at registration and sales has yet to advance to construction, namely 429 Swan Street, which suggests that developers have pulled back from launching further projects within Richmond until the forthcoming wave of completions are absorbed.

An assessment of each project's apartment numbers and respective sizes shows that 195 Lennox Street is fairly and squarely the most opulent in terms of average apartment size. Aimed squarely at the owner-occupier, Flagship Property Group would hope that 195 Lennox Street services a niche in satisfying the top end apartment buyer market.

<h2>195 Lennox Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Flagship Property Group</li>
	<li>Architect: Woods Bagot</li>
	<li>Landscape Architect: Oculus</li>
	<li>Urban Planing: Tract Consultants</li>
	<li>Interiors: Hecker Guthrie</li>
	<li>Project Management: Premier Capital Developments</li>
	<li>Heritage: Bryce Raworth</li>
	<li>Building Surveyor: Philip Chun</li>
	<li>Traffic: GTA Consultants</li>
	<li>Services: Lucid Consulting</li>
	<li>Waste: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Structural: 4D Workshop</li>
</ul>
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silvermb

Luxury, green, homely: Flagship's new Richmond apartment project in detail

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Peak body Urban Taskforce Australia has weighed in on the release of Infrastructure Australia's Future Cities report.

Future Cities tackles the planning issues surrounding Australia's sustained population growth and calls on the Federal Government to take a leadership role in the development of Australia's cities. While noting that the nation's four largest cities will see 75% of population growth through to 2046, the paper particularly focuses on Melbourne and Sydney.

<blockquote>
The paper compares the performance of the three hypothetical scenarios for Sydney by modelling their respective impact on the performance of the city’s infrastructure. It provides evidence of the trade-offs which will be faced by Australia’s largest cities as they grow over the next 30 years, and presents an urban reform agenda for Australian governments.
<cite>Future Cities - Sydney</cite>
</blockquote>

Along similar lines to Melbourne's differing growth scenarios, three separate models have been put forward for Sydney, for which Urban Taskforce Australia has identified its preferred ‘Centralised High Density’ model which best matches the emerging living options for a vast number of Sydneysiders.

<blockquote>
The report on the future form of Australian cities is an excellent contribution to the discussions of how growth will be accommodated in Sydney and Melbourne. The presentation of three options, a Low Density, High Density and Medium Density scenarios is a good way to focus on the way forward.

The actual differences between these three options are not that great with the low density having 30% of new housing in greenfield areas, the medium density having 20% in greenfield and the high density having 10% in greenfield areas.
<cite>Urban Taskforce CEO, Chris Johnson</cite>
</blockquote>

Chris Johnson goes on to explain that the three scenarios work in a band where 1.43 million new homes is the lower expected outcome, cycling up to 1.65 million new homes for the high density option. The majority of this new housing stock will account for infill sites across existing Sydney suburbs.

How this change translates to the physical urban environment and the possible consternation that many may experience in this new higher density Sydney is a pertinent issue.

<blockquote>
Whether the infill is 70% (minimum) or 90% (maximum) it is clear that the existing suburbs of Sydney will have to change their character. The Urban Taskforce believes that centralised high density development around railway stations is the best way to accommodate new housing in existing suburbs.

Under this model most of Sydney’s existing low density suburbs will be retained as detached houses. A ring on medium density housing around the high density housing can provide a transition between the two urban forms.

The high density approach will better support investment into metro rail infrastructure which will be necessary as the city grows.
</blockquote>

Any which way Infrastructure Australia's Future Cities report is interpreted or potentially implemented, whats's clear is that the urban character of Australia's major cities will further change. Sydney has traditionally been at the vanguard of higher density living, stealing a march on other Australian cities who have come to accept higher density living relatively recently.

<blockquote>
The ‘Future Cities’ report also highlights the dramatic shift underway in Sydney and Melbourne to urban living which has different characteristics to suburban living.

The Urban Taskforce has recently undertaken research into Sydney’s emerging urban lifestyles and an understanding of the demographics of those now preferring urban apartment living will be important for planning bodies.
</blockquote>

Lead image: Meinhardt
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Urban Taskforce Australia says IA report reinforces the need for urban densities

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Developer Milieu Property has stepped up in scale with their latest residential project.

Specialising in small scale developments to date with a slant toward progressive urban design, the firm has now taken 121 Lygon Street on the western side of Lygon Street to planning. Larger than the developer's previous projects, the development would be inserted into an evolving Lygon Street streetscape which over recent years has seen the completion of numerous apartment buildings.

Along for the ride is regular cohort Fieldwork who have created a design outcome very much in line with their signature look.

<h2>121 Lygon 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/image81_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Lygon Street hero perspective. Image: Fieldwork"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="513" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image81_0.jpg?itok=dj_If0G-" title="Lygon Street hero perspective. Image: Fieldwork" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Lygon Street hero perspective. Image: Fieldwork</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site area: 1,382 square metres</li>
	<li>Apartments to Lygon Street, townhouses to secondary Edward Street frontage</li>
	<li>56 dwellings: 5 x 1BR, 39 x 2BR, 4 x 3BR, 8 x TH</li>
	<li>Ground floor retail/cafe: 163 square metres</li>
	<li>3 basement levels: 71 vehicles and 76 private/visitor bicycle bays</li>
	<li>152 square metre rooftop terrace</li>
</ul>
<h2>Designing for Brunswick East</h2>

<blockquote>
119A - 121 Lygon Street proposes a bold, considered residential project which responds to the evolving context of East Brunswick. The design speaks to the site’s dual interface: the active, bustling and developing Lygon Street and the finer grain residential character of Edward Street.

Through formal articulation, a considered material palette and sensitive treatment of the ground floor interface, the proposal mediates these two conditions and that speaks to both future and existing contexts.

It sets a strong, contextually responsive precedent for future development of the area which positively embraces growth.
<cite>Fieldwork design report</cite>
</blockquote>

In a broader sense 121 Lygon Street is a continuation of Fieldwork's trademark look that has seen the firm shoot to prominence.

The townhouse component fronting Edward Street takes design cues, particularly in the brick work presentation, from other Fieldwork projects such as <a href="http://www.fieldworkprojects.com.au/projects/ruskin-st-elwood">Ruskin Street</a>, <a href="http://www.fieldworkprojects.com.au/projects/clyde-st">Clyde Street</a> and <a href="http://www.fieldworkprojects.com.au/projects/armadale-townhouses">Armadale</a>. The taller structure fronting Lygon Street is also typical of a mid-rise Fieldwork project.

In this regard 121 Lygon Street is straight out of the Fieldword playbook, and features vertically ribbed concrete panels akin to their other designs such as <a href="http://www.fieldworkprojects.com.au/projects/patch-apartments">Patch Apartments</a> and <a href="/developments/fitzroy-north-vic-3068">249 Queens Parade</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/image80_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Townhouses fronting Edward Street. Image: Fieldwork"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="356" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image80_3.jpg?itok=w74rlWCQ" title="Townhouses fronting Edward Street. Image: Fieldwork" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Townhouses fronting Edward Street. Image: Fieldwork</figcaption></figure>The Lygon Street application reinforces Milieu Property's liking for Melbourne's inner northern suburbs.

Of late all of the developer's pursuits have been confined to Fitzroy, Collingwood, Brunswick and surrounding suburbs. On the tail end of Collingwood's Peel Street reaching completion, the developer's pipeline includes another Collingwood project dubbed Bedford By Milieu and Breese Street in Brunswick.

According to Milieu Property the latter project is a joint design effort between DKO Architecture and Breathe Architecture, and will include 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments with a targeted 7.5-star sustainability rating 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/image79_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Previous Milieu and Fieldwork collaborations. Images: Fieldwork"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="272" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image79_7.jpg?itok=tuiKST0L" title="Previous Milieu and Fieldwork collaborations. Images: Fieldwork" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Previous Milieu and Fieldwork collaborations. Images: Fieldwork</figcaption></figure>
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Milieu Property moves on Lygon Street's established apartment strip

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Melbourne Airport owner Asia Pacific Airports Corporation (APAC) is facilitating a new hotel development on airport land that will see two new operators take up a combined 464 suites.

In documents that are <a href="https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/Corporate/Planning-projects/MDP/Major-Development-Plan-Hotel-Development">available for public viewing</a>, APAC has identified Novotel and Ibis as likely operators of the 4-4.5-star hotels. If this is indeed the case, it would be the second time that parent company AccorHotels has chosen the dual brand model in Melbourne; the other being the currently under construction <a href="/buildings/399-little-lonsdale-street-melbourne">399 Little Lonsdale Street</a>.

Appearing as a single L-shaped building, the prospective hotel, designed by <a href="/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, will effectively be separated into two wings for either AccorHotels brand. Located adjacent to the recently completed Terminal 4 Car Park, the $95 million development would rise 31.3 metres and include rooms generally sized between 20-26 square metres, with some suites at 50 square metres.

Guest facilities expected within the build include a 373 square metre hotel bar and lounge developed around a courtyard, 660 square metre restaurant, 134 square metre sports bar, 225 square metre wellness/spa centre and a 716 square metre health &amp; fitness cente. The majority of the amenities are within the elongated pod design feature.

A 160 square metre café is also proposed, as is limited 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/image70_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial perspective of the selected site. Image: Urbis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="425" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image70_7.jpg?itok=6Dwekx-5" title="Aerial perspective of the selected site. Image: Urbis" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial perspective of the selected site. Image: Urbis</figcaption></figure><h2>The economic case</h2>

APAC along with <a href="/developers/urbis">Urbis</a> who acted as town planner cite key metrics as justification for the development of a dual operator hotel.

The application's economic impact statement noted:

<ul>
<li>Demand for tourist accommodation (measured by nights stayed) has risen by 30% between January 2012 and December 2016, whereas supply has risen by 11% over the same period.</li>
	<li>From 2011 to 2016, an average monthly occupancy rate of 84% has been seen, peaking at 96% in October 2014 and more recently at 94% in November 2016. In fact, occupancy rates in the local Tullamarine area have remained above 80% since January 2015.</li>
	<li>Taking into account existing and future supply (including the subject development), and applying an occupancy level of 80%, annual room supply is estimated at 486,000.</li>
	<li>Based on forecast demand, this level of room supply is expected to be met by demand in 2024/25.</li>
	<li>This additional supply will result in a short-term drop in occupancy to more reasonable levels, short-term, however will not impact the longer-term sustainability of the local commercial accommodation market.</li>
</ul>
Jobs generated by the project's construction are estimated at 315 directly for the equivalent of one year, and 797 jobs indirectly created elsewhere through the state economy. This equates to approximately $41 million in direct Gross Value Added (GVA) per year during the construction period, and $115 million in indirect GVA annually in constant 2017 dollar terms inclusive of GST.

Ongoing jobs post-construction are estimated at 588 (full-time, part-time and casual) with a further 505 indirect jobs created both within and beyond the municipality as a result of flow-on effects throughout the economy. Urbis has this benefit estimated $125 million per annum in direct and indirect GVA contribution to the Victorian economy.

<h2>Off property potential</h2>

Another short-term accommodation build is on the agenda in the medium term, albeit a short distance away from airport land.

Chen He Airport Property Pty Ltd holds approval for a six-level serviced apartment complex at 1-3 Freight Road, Tullamarine. The <a href="/architects/elevli-plus">Elevli Plus</a>-designed project encompasses 66 serviced apartments, a cafe, business centre, guests’ gym and shuttle bus to Melbourne Airport, and is valued at $15 million.

The property is listed as being available for short-term lease, suggesting that a possible construction start is some time away.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image71_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The approved Freight Road building. Image: Elevli Plus"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="305" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image71_4.jpg?itok=j4ZbnYfs" title="The approved Freight Road building. Image: Elevli Plus" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The approved Freight Road building. Image: Elevli Plus</figcaption></figure>
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Novotel and Ibis earmarked for Melbourne Airport

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Construction works will once more resonate within the walls of Pentridge, as developer Shayher Group begins the next stage of the precinct's transformation.

Builder Construction Engineering will now take on the job of delivering Pentridge Coburg's retail hub building. Breaking ground over the weekend, construction of the retail, cinema and supermarket development will be completed by late 2019.

Spread over a 6,000 square metre site, the hub will be headlined by a 15-screen Palace Cinemas complex.

Construction Engineering's delivery of the new hub will signify Shayher Group's push into the next phase of the 167-year-old former prison's regeneration.

Invariably Shayher Group would have liked to have been eyeing off the commencement to another of their planned buildings within what will become a major mixed-use precinct. An appeal is in process against Moreland City Council's refusal of a mixed-use tower fronting Champ Street which would have amalgamated itself with the former B Division cell block.

Designed by Cox Architecture, the tower includes private apartments and 114 short stay suites.

<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/shayher_group_palace_cinema_-_interior.-1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Inside Pentridge Coburg's new retail hub. Image: Shayher Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/shayher_group_palace_cinema_-_interior.-1.jpg?itok=PM6olMZv" title="Inside Pentridge Coburg's new retail hub. Image: Shayher Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Inside Pentridge Coburg's new retail hub. Image: Shayher Group</figcaption></figure>After years of planning and the delivery of two modest residential buildings, Shayher Group has pulled the trigger on the new retail hub building in order to provide Pentridge Coburg with some impetus.

In a statement, Shayher Group spokesperson Anthony Goh explained that for the project's future tenants such as Palace Cinemas, Zero95 Wood Fire Pizza Bar and Adina Apartment Hotel Pentridge, the construction commencement marks the beginning of Pentridge Coburg's transition into a place for the local community to experience and enjoy.

TFE Hotels have committed the Adina brand to Pentridge Coburg, with the hotel tied into the proposal spanning B Division and the adjacent Cox Architecture tower.

Shayher Group is expecting the new retail hub will act as a catalyst for the local economy whilst also turning the area into the next inner-city hotspot.
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Construction Engineering snares Shayher Group's next Pentridge build

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The year's first large-scale permitted site to be offered for sale will see Dexus Property Group exit as the long-term holder of 32 Flinders Street.

Dexus has over recent years headed a planning push to have the site find a different purpose, eventually gaining approval for two residential buildings onsite that could yield hundreds of new apartments overlooking Birrarung Marr and surrounds. The prospective buyer will not only have the right to develop the property, but could also maintain the existing commercial asset. 

Agent CBRE City Sales have the task of moving on the property which currently holds 546 car spaces and generates a net income in excess of $2 million annually.

<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/image114_0_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A different perspective at a different height. Image: SJB Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="384" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image114_0_0.jpg?itok=3HUlERdS" title="A different perspective at a different height. Image: SJB Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A different perspective at a different height. Image: SJB Architects</figcaption></figure>The site is listed as holding approval for 47 levels to Flinders Street and a more modest 14 levels building to Flinders Lane. This is down from the original version that has sought a 212 metre outcome including 625 dwellings. The height of the SJB Architects-designed tower has fallen to 175 metres AHD so as not to cast a shadow within 15 metres of the north bank of the Yarra.

The development did gain support form planning officers at 191 metres AHD, and Dexus subsequently lodged an appeal with VCAT over the eventual height. With that effort failing, Dexus's apartment yield for the development would have likely fallen in excess of 20 percent since the project's initial visit to planning.

Alongside the apartment towers, the scheme also involves an extensive ground floor reconfiguration, enhancing pedestrian network connections and at one stage had intended to gift the private portion of Spark Lane to Melbourne City Council.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image2dex.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A new and improved Flinders Street frontage may eventuate. Image: Dexus"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="368" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image2dex.jpg?itok=ww9zgK6H" title="A new and improved Flinders Street frontage may eventuate. Image: Dexus" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A new and improved Flinders Street frontage may eventuate. Image: Dexus</figcaption></figure>Currently, the car park adds little to the Flinders Street urban realm. The prospect if it making way for a new and activated building along with the expansion of the adjoining Lindrum Hotel does raise the likelihood of the rejuvenation of the urban realm in this portion of the CBD.

Under the development application expectations, a rebirthed 32 Flinders Street would:

<ul>
<li>Providing a new pedestrian connection from Flinders Lane to Sargood Lane</li>
	<li>Providing new retail activation &amp; interfaces</li>
	<li>Consolidating vehicular access at Flinders Street, away from the laneways</li>
	<li>Allowing Spark Lane to be optimised by removing the existing 5 level car parking link bridge above</li>
	<li>Providing a new lobby address to Spark Lane by gifting MCC with private land</li>
	<li>Allowing for greater passive surveillance throughout the area</li>
</ul>
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Dexus opts out of Flinders Street and opens the door to a new urban realm

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Developer Beulah International revealed yesterday it has an eye toward enlisting an international architecture firm to join the design process for its recently acquired Southbank super site.

It has been roundly reported that the Malaysian-backed developer was successful in obtaining the BMW Melbourne dealership site on the corner of Southbank Boulevard and City Road late last year. At 6,061 square metres, the sheer size of the landholding provides Beulah International with the opportunity to deliver a large-scale mixed-use development. 

Retail, hotel, residential, commercial, cultural and public spaces have been touted as possible outcomes.

According to the developer, seven international firms are already on the meet and greet list, including Pritzker prize winners. Beulah International will meet with firms in New York, Basel, Vienna, Copenhagen, Rotterdam and Amsterdam during the selection process.

<blockquote>
Some of the firms we’re meeting with are ones often referred to throughout academia, who are responsible for setting new benchmarks and informing discussions around architecture and design philosophy. We’re thrilled to potentially bring their forward-thinking design solutions to the city we call home and to have them collaborate with an innovative Australian firm.

We’re also looking for a firm that puts public amenity at the forefront of their approach, as engaging with the community and integrating with the urban context is an important driver as a developer.

Our overarching vision is to turn the BMW site into a landmark lifestyle destination that will be recognised around the world and that contributes to the surrounding community by lifting the urban fabric to a new level.
<cite>Beulah International Executive Director Adelene Teh</cite>
</blockquote>

As mentioned above, Beulah International is hoping to see a collaboration between an international design practice and an as yet unnamed Australian based firm. The collaborative method has been popular in recent times for big-ticket projects in Melbourne's core, as evidenced by designs such as 600 Collins Street, 383 La Trobe Street and 447 Collins Street. 
Beulah will begin a shortlist process in the coming months, with shortlisted firms to partake in a design competition.

<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/building_render.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Concept rnder for the BMW site. Image: GoAutoNews"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="723" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/building_render.jpg?itok=nE9a0GRp" title="Concept rnder for the BMW site. Image: GoAutoNews" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Concept render for the BMW site. Image: GoAutoNews</figcaption></figure>A fair indication of the project's scale was given during the site sales campaign. Above is the concept design created by Fender Katsalidis which included two skyscrapers above a common podium.

Mid last year Apartments.com.au <a href="/news/southbanks-densest-block-to-become-even-denser">modeled possible build form scenarios</a> based upon what is allowable under planning provisions for the overly large site. Ultimately Beulah International's development will round out what already is one of Melbourne's densest city blocks which accommodates multiple towers in the 200-300 metre bracket.

Upon completion of the project, BMW Melbourne have indicated they intend to stay on at 118 City Road, taking space within the new development's podium for a state of the art showroom. 

<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/bmw_building_render.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A conceptual new home for BMW Melbourne. Image: GoAutoNews"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="335" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/bmw_building_render.jpg?itok=eek-HV96" title="A conceptual new home for BMW Melbourne. Image: GoAutoNews" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A conceptual new home for BMW Melbourne. Image: GoAutoNews</figcaption></figure>
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International architects line up for Southbank's last super-sized development site

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Melbourne's suburban apartment market is in full swing. With record numbers of active apartment projects across the suburbs, the spike in development activity has allowed a bevvy of small and medium-sized builders to capitalise upon the favourable market conditions.

Citi-con is one such builder that falls into this category; the Footscray-based apartment constructor has increased its project output in recent years, now holding eight current builds across its books. Latest to the ledger are three freshly signed-off apartment projects in Hawthorn East, Malvern East and Essendon.

Brasshouse Apartments which has been in the Apartments.com.au Project Database since early 2015 is the eye-catching project of the trio. At one point fellow builder Trio Construct was listed as Brasshouse's contractor, but Citi-con has since snared the build on behalf of K7 Developments.

Brasshouse repeats the partnership between developer and builder, with Citi-con completing the Rothelowman-designed Canterbury Hill for K7 Developments at the turn of 2017. Also the work of Rothelowman, Brasshouse will include 48 dwellings.

<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/image7_17.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Brasshouse. Image: Rothelowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="407" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image7_17.jpg?itok=6Hlp_y4-" title="Brasshouse. Image: Rothelowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Brasshouse. Image: Rothelowman</figcaption></figure>Next on Citi-con's agenda is Volume Malvern East. It first surfaced during 2014 and was <a href="/news/some-architects-eat-style-for-malvern-east">likened to Darth Vader</a> in appearance by creator Architects EAT. Although the project has lost its then decisive black and purple exterior, plus an additional level, Architects EAT have remained as architect for the development backed by VOLUME Projects.

On the intersection of Emo and Dandenong Roads, Volume's sales were handled by Est8 Agency. It contains 29 apartments across 4 levels of living.

Volume is one of 22 apartment projects within Apartments.com.au's Malvern East Database capture; it will be the sixth project currently under construction within the suburb, amounting to 666 new dwellings.

<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_15.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Volume. Image: Architects EAT"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="357" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image8_15.jpg?itok=EK3muDLj" title="Volume. Image: Architects EAT" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Volume. Image: Architects EAT</figcaption></figure>Rounding out Citi-con new trio is the less adventurously designed and named 222 Buckley Street, Essendon.

In a constrained pocket of apartment developments that includes the stylish <a href="https://images.listonce.com.au/listings/305193-buckley-street-essendon-vic-3040/822/00482822_img_05_1600x.jpg?1">195 Buckley Street</a>, 222 Buckley Street will see four levels of living containing 25 apartments above basement car parking. Closest to construction commencement, the design is attributed to The Silver Arc.

Combined the three above projects add 100 plus apartments to the builder's pipeline. Amalgamated with Citi-con's at construction projects, namely Pica, Modern, Punton, Fitz&amp; Co plus Moore Moonee Ponds, and the builder has approximately 275 apartments under construction.

<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/main_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="222 Buckley. Image: The Silver Arc"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/main_5.jpg?itok=MmvMkxEi" title="222 Buckley. Image: The Silver Arc" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>222 Buckley. Image: The Silver Arc</figcaption></figure>
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Citi-Con scores a trio of apartment builds

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One of Fishermans Bend's largest development applications is tonight poised to score a victory of sorts, with City of Melbourne officers urging management to support a massive development at 162-188 Turner Street, Port Melbourne.

Council officers have recommended support for the project of five towers, or nearly 1,500 apartments which would sit on a roughly 21,000 square metre plot abutting both Citylink and the West Gate Freeway. City of Melbourne's support shapes as a boost for proponent Springbank Properties Pty Ltd who have taken the matter to VCAT, owing to the Planning Minister's failure to determine the application within the prescribed time.

Springbank Properties Pty Ltd's Managing Director is Bede Noonan, who also doubles as the Chief Executive Officer of ACCIONA Geotech. Geotech is one of the more active participants in Melbourne development industry, providing geotechnical construction works across a wide range of projects.

In a <a href="https://engage.vic.gov.au/application/files/6715/1355/4309/Submission_104_-_Springbank_Properties_Pty_Ltd.pdf">submission to the Fishermans Bend Planning Review Panel</a>, Mr Noonan outlined the history of 162-188 Turner Street's application which was submitted during 2015, whilst also rejecting proposed planning provisions across the site which would stymie the application in its current 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/image1_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Site aerial. Image: Springbank Properties"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="369" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image1_9.jpg?itok=b00U2dW7" title="Site aerial. Image: Springbank Properties" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Site aerial. Image: Springbank Properties</figcaption></figure>According to City of Melbourne's <a href="http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/about-council/committees-meetings/meeting-archive/MeetingAgendaItemAttachments/805/14439/AGENDA%20ITEM%206.3.pdf">report</a> on the Turner Street application, five towers would appear onsite in a staged development process.

The sum result would see 1,483 apartments, 8,856 square metres of office, 2,743 square metres of retail, 876 car parking spaces and 1,375 bicycle parking spaces created via the Rothelowman-designed scheme. Refined over time, the latest iteration sees a drop in apartment numbers, office space more than double and car parking capacity diminish by 20%.

Dual basketball courts plus 297 square metres community space are also included.

Currently their head office, ACCIONA Geotech have indicated they would account for a portion of the office space located across the lower levels of the project when built. Three of the five intended towers would peak at the 40 level mark, with the remaining duo terminating at 36 and 28 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/image31_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ground level perspective. Concept image: Rothelowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="257" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image31_8.jpg?itok=A-0UJ2oE" title="Ground level perspective. Concept image: Rothelowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ground level perspective. Concept image: Rothelowman</figcaption></figure>Although supportive of the application, City of Melbourne has sought a reduction in the height of one tower in order to reduce overshadowing to a future open space. Council would also like to implement increased dwelling and land use diversity, plus add a tangible affordable housing component.

Owing to the demise or moderation of a number of other projects within Fishermans Bend, 162-188 Turner Street shapes as one of the largest applications still in play within the Urban Renewal Area.
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The latest Fishermans Bend developer with a spring in their step?

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Not a week after Apartments.com.au noted the submission of a tower for a vacant corner West Melbourne block, plans for the project have been revealed.

What is shown is practice ClarkeHopkinsClarke's definitive foray into high-rise apartment design. Proponent City Gate Pty Ltd is backing plans for a 20-storey development for 404-418 Spencer Street, a site immediately south of the recently finished Spencer Melbourne which is double the height of the prospective tower.

Landing with City of Melbourne during January, 404-418 Spencer Street potentially sees the end of the corner block's underuse; the 1,070 square metre plot has been vacant for some years.

<h2>404-418 Spencer 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/image94_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Active street level interface. Image: Orbit Visualization"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="281" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image94_2.jpg?itok=6TF6M0H-" title="Active street level interface. Image: Orbit Visualization" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Active street level interface. Image: Orbit Visualization</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Application lodged 16/01/2018</li>
	<li>Proposed 20 level tower at 66.3 metres</li>
	<li>177 apartments of consisting of 92 x 1 bedrooms and 85 x 2 bedrooms</li>
	<li>Communal area of 690 square metres</li>
	<li>287 square metres of retail over 3 spaces</li>
	<li>48 car parking spaces within 2 basement levels plus 94 bicycle bays</li>
	<li>16,779 square metre GFA at a FAR of 13.7:1</li>
	<li>Anticipated development cost of $55.1 million</li>
</ul>
<h2>Design statement</h2>

Key design factors and assertions regarding the tower's design have been outlined by Urbis within the planning documents:

<blockquote>
At ground level, glazing has been maximised to the retail spaces and the apartment lobby, providing views from the public realm into the development and enhancing pedestrian amenity. Above, darker metal cladding has been used to provide solidity to the podium and the appearance of a stronger street wall. 

Strong white vertical and horizontal banding provides visual interest to the façade, which, when coupled with glazing in varying grey tones, provides visual depth and verticality.

The proposal will not result in unacceptable visual bulk, with the facades highly articulated. As such, the proposal accords with the design objectives of Clause 22.17.

To the north, the proposed 2 metre setback will provide a minimum separation of 8.8 metres, increasing to 12.4 metres to the west. Although the neighbouring development provides greater tower setbacks, the building is 11 storeys higher than the proposed and sits atop a heritage building. Thus, increased setbacks assist to minimise visual impacts of the tower and reduce dominance of the higher built form. 
</blockquote>

<h2>Going green up top</h2>

ClarkeHopkinsClarke have included typical amenities atop the podium by way of a gym and outdoor pool.

It is the roof level though where 404-418 Spencer Street is looking to distinguish itself. Near on 600 square metres is set aside as a heavily greened rooftop terrace which is set to include a substantial area dedicated toward productive gardens, a dining area and breakout spaces.

In and among the heavy planting schedule, four distinct zones are envisaged based upon their respective solar access. These zones will cater for smaller root vegetables and above ground plantings through to potential citrus and walnut groves.

In its submitted form 404-418 Spencer Street would be one of a few contemporary designs and/or developments that fully embraces city of Melbourne's <a href="http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/building-and-development/sustainable-building/Pages/rooftop-project.aspx">Rooftop Project</a> initiative.

<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/image95_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hero perspective. Image: Orbit Visualization"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="662" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image95_3.jpg?itok=xpyOPWma" title="Hero perspective. Image: Orbit Visualization" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hero perspective. Image: Orbit Visualization</figcaption></figure><h2>404-418 Spencer Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: City Gate Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Architectural Plans and Urban Design Report: Clarke Hopkins Clarke</li>
	<li>Planning and Landscape Design Report: Urbis</li>
	<li> Visuals: Orbit Visualization</li>
	<li>Acoustic Assessment: SLR</li>
	<li>Arborist Report: Tree Map Arboriculture</li>
	<li>Pedestrian Wind Environment Statement: Windtech Consultants</li>
	<li>Traffic and Transport Assessment: Cardno</li>
	<li>Waste Management Plan: Irwin Consult</li>
	<li>Sustainable and Stormwater Management Plan: Wood &amp; Grieve Engineers</li>
</ul>
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West Melbourne's latest tower on show

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.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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.

Joel Robinson

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.

First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Fitzroy apartments

The Gold Coast Planning Committee has supported the preliminary approval for the Benowa Gardens Urban Village project following an extensive community consultation and assessment process.

The proposal will now proceed to a full council vote on June 2.

The application sought approval for a masterplanned urban village on the existing Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre site, combining new housing, retail, dining, health and lifestyle amenities within a walkable, integrated precinct.&nbsp;

The proposed redevelopment includes around 413 apartments integrated above a revitalised mixed-use centre featuring a full-line supermarket of 4,000 sqm, 6,000 sqm of specialty retail and dining space across around 30 retailers, a 7,000 sqm health and wellness precinct, and roughly 9,630 sqm of office and medical suites.&nbsp;

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fb36ae47-80bc-45f0-9914-31b0c7b6007d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/PR26576%20Ashmore%20Road%20C4%201121%20FI.jpg?VersionId=6mRKk2uU4r67TmTt39DKGUlvFRbTVqWa" />

The broader masterplan also includes very significant traffic and transport improvements, wide pedestrian walkways, upgraded pedestrian and cycle connections, and enhanced public areas designed to create a more connected and walkable community environment.&nbsp;

Centre owner Patrick Lu said the milestone reflected months of detailed planning, technical assessment and ongoing communication with local residents, businesses, schools and stakeholders.

“We appreciate the time, consideration and care Council officers and the Planning Committee have given this proposal throughout the assessment process,” Lu said.

“We also sincerely thank the local community for engaging with us, sharing feedback and participating in the consultation process over many months.

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32fd1fc3-d0e6-485f-ac57-9916c9bcb818" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/PR26576%20Ashmore%20Road%20C5%201121%20FI_2.jpg?VersionId=fz8qQKDBLQ7MyFRc856Zccfbh9nFwLOe" />

“We understand projects of this scale bring questions and concerns, which is why we have worked hard to listen carefully, provide information transparently and continue refining elements of the proposal where possible.

“Our vision has always been to create a well-designed, community-focused urban village that responds to the changing needs of the Gold Coast, while delivering improved amenity, housing diversity, healthcare access and local lifestyle benefits.

“This proposal is about creating a genuine live-work-play environment where residents can access everyday services, schools, healthcare, dining, shopping and green space within walking distance, while also supporting local jobs and economic activity.”

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="50dfbd04-590e-4fc6-983b-766880947867" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Dining%20Day%20Time%20-%20High%20Resolution.jpg?VersionId=BP7ZoKJ0DdL_8iRkkC8VVx99moICV6kg" />

Lu said the proposal had evolved significantly through consultation and technical review, particularly around traffic, pedestrian and student safety and neighbourhood connectivity.&nbsp;

Melissa Griffin, Director at Urbis, said the recommendation recognised the strategic importance of delivering more housing and services within established urban areas already supported by infrastructure.

“This proposal represents the type of thoughtful, integrated growth that planning frameworks across South-East Queensland are encouraging,” Ms Griffin said.

“The project seeks to place housing, retail, healthcare and employment opportunities together in a highly accessible location close to schools, transport and existing services.

“Importantly, the process has involved significant technical assessment and community engagement to ensure local issues and feedback were properly considered throughout the planning pathway.”

$1 billion Benowa Gardens Urban Village heads to council vote following Planning Committee support

Surfers Paradise is officially set for its first new residential development with a 45-storey skybridge connecting the two towers.

John Camilleri’s Celestino Developments has been given the green light by the Gold Coast City Council to develop its major beachfront precinct across its huge 4,000 sqm oceanfront site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/63-79-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">63–79 Garfield Terrace</a>, just five months after its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-exclusive-billionaire-winx-breeder-s-bold-two-tower-surfers-paradise-play-with-45th-storey-skybridge">submission in late 2025</a>.

The approved scheme will deliver two towers rising 55 and 48 storeys, connected by a skybridge positioned on level 45 that will house a range of resident-only wellness and entertainment spaces.

In its notice of approval, the Gold Coast City Council said the&nbsp;proposed overall built form has been designed to complement the scale, intensity and protect the adjacent amenity and surrounding streets through the use of varied setbacks, site cover and architectural elements.

<img alt="First look exclusive: Billionaire Winx breeder’s bold two-tower Surfers Paradise play with 45th-storey skybridge" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-30%20at%209.53.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=ADyPJ_TFbJvSU9wZFOiCBnlPtgF7VWqW" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dbi">DBI</a>, the development will comprise 275 apartments across the two towers, including a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom residences, as well as several penthouses. The apartments will sit above a landscaped podium featuring more than 90 metres of beachfront pool frontage, private resident lawns, lounges, and wellness spaces.

DBI said the design draws heavily from the movement and form of the coastal environment, with curving balcony lines and sculpted façades intended to soften the scale of the towers while maximising ocean outlooks and passive shading outcomes.

“The project occupies a rare, uninterrupted oceanfront site and has been shaped by a design philosophy that merges architectural elegance with environmental responsiveness and a carefully curated lifestyle experience,” DBI said in planning documents submitted to the Gold Coast City Council.

The most distinctive element of the approved project is the skybridge linking the two towers at level 45. The elevated communal space is planned to include executive lounges, formal dining areas, wellness facilities, and panoramic ocean-facing outlooks.

“The skybridge enhances the identity of the development, promotes social interaction, and delivers a lifestyle experience not found elsewhere on the Gold Coast,” DBI said.

At podium level, residents will have access to a suite of resort-style amenities, including resident lounges, private dining rooms, a yoga lawn, gymnasium, plunge pools, and treatment spaces. The beachfront pool has been designed with separate lap, lounge, and children’s areas extending across the width of the site.

The project will also introduce new food and beverage offerings along the Enderley Avenue and Oceanway frontages, contributing additional activation to the beachfront precinct.

Mark Baljak

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