<html><body>
Fishermans Bend's most recent planning application has been loaded with a host of community-oriented features.

18-22 Salmon Street Port Melbourne was lodged with the State Government earlier this month, and is the first project to do so post Planning Minister Richard Wynne's release of the <a href="/news/fishermans-bend-draft-framework-released-uplift-controls-to-drive-affordable-housing">draft framework</a> for the urban renewal area during October.

Dubbed Wirraway Central, the project would account for a 9,400sqm corner site that is currently home to a variety of low-rise commercial buildings and is metres away from Plummer Street's JL Murphy Reserve. Knight Frank handled the site's sale during February, with local developer Fishermans Bend Management Pty Ltd securing the site for $27.5 million.

The entity has moved at pace in taking the site to planning, enlisting Armsby Architects who have in turn created a premium mixed-use scheme which is intended to be delivered upon the expiry of current leases during 2019.

<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/pwvjic4qioadawokheey.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial overview. Image: Knight Frank"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="381" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/pwvjic4qioadawokheey.jpg?itok=MgJhSqdm" title="Aerial overview. Image: Knight Frank" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial overview. Image: Knight Frank</figcaption></figure>Wirraway Central consists of multiple 12 storey towers reaching 55 metres in height, in what is an 18 storey height limited area. The project's 80,000 square metres of Gross Building Area is expected to be built at a cost of $170 million, although the end value of the development will be far higher.

Community benefits underpin the development, with a Library and Community Hall proposed. These facilities are expected to be handed over to City of Port Phillip upon completion.

A primary school is also proposed, as are two supermarkets and a number of retail spaces and cafes.

Warriway Central will also include 260 apartments, in a split that sees 66 single bedroom, 91 dual bedroom and 70 triple bedroom apartments. The proposal is a departure from the norm in that it is heavily weighted toward three bedroom 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/image28_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Sketch of Wirraway Central's interior. Image: Armsby Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image28_10.jpg?itok=I9_R5WMt" title="Sketch of Wirraway Central's interior. Image: Armsby Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Sketch of Wirraway Central's interior. Image: Armsby Architects</figcaption></figure>Included in the proposal are 290 bicycle bays and 426 car parking spaces. In terms of design provisions for future infrastructure, Wirraway Central maintains a substantial setback to Plummer Street in order to cater for future light rail and/or a potential underground rail station.

With a history of pushing ESD boundaries, Armsby Architects will offer the project for certification as Fishermans Bend's first Green Star building, which carries with it internationally-recognised sustainability rating system.

Design lead John Armsby expects 18-22 Salmon Street to be the closest fit to the new draft framework that blankets Fiahermans Bend.
</body></html>

silvermb

Community benefits and a Green Star rating underpin Fishermans Bend's latest proposal

<html><body>
Lotushill Investment Pty Ltd is looking to double the size of an approved apartment scheme in Greensborough.

The site at 273-275 Para Road has endorsed plans for a 75-dwelling apartment complex designed by Urban Design Architects. Urbourne Architecture has assumed design control for the project, doubling the six level approved scheme to 12 levels.

It was <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/business/market-wrap-offshore-buyer-pays-6m-for-uni-hill-retail-property-20150427-1muiw4">reported</a> that a buyer from mainland China acquired the site during 2015, paying $3.1 million for the 1,615 square metre property which is opposite Greensborough Station. At planning for the bulk of 2017, the recast design now holds a development value of $22 million.

<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/image2bfb.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Render of the approved 273-275 Para Road, Greensborough. Image:Urban Design Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="329" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image2bfb.jpg?itok=sN0vDDGy" title="Render of the approved 273-275 Para Road, Greensborough. Image:Urban Design Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Render of the approved 273-275 Para Road, Greensborough. Image:Urban Design Architects</figcaption></figure>For that development figure, Lotushill Investment Pty Ltd have dropped the number of apartments to 65, whilst adding a serviced apartment element the intended development. Both the serviced apartments and traditional apartments range in size between 46sqm and 93sqm.

Amenities are high on the development's agenda, with a cafe, conference rooms, gym, lounge, library, multifunction room and sky garden included across the building.

Urbourne Architecture has sought to introduce a far greener face to the design, expecting that it will have a landmark effect on the Para Road Central Activity Zone.

<blockquote>
The 'landmark' for this project is not driven by architectural form, shape nor avant-garde typologies. In reverse, we decided to express the 'landmark' via its inner means of the building, letting the community experience new communal amenities and new ways of framing spaces and views through a spatial arrangement concept that we call the VERTICAL VILLAGE. 
<cite>Urbourne Architecture</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/image9_18.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Street level perspective. Image: Urbourne Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="441" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image9_18.jpg?itok=1K89Ht0i" title="Street level perspective. Image: Urbourne Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Street level perspective. Image: Urbourne Architecture</figcaption></figure>At 36 metres high, the proposal is marginally above the discretionary height limit of 32 metres for the area. When viewed from Grimshaw Avenue to the rear the proposal presents as a 10 storey development.

The planning documents note the discretionary height limit, outlining circumstances where greater height is acceptable.

Existing retail and amenities, extensive public transport links, setbacks and its positive contribution to the Greensborough Activity Centre are noted as reasons why the scheme should be approved. Should it gain approval the development has the right to become Greensborough's tallest building.
</body></html>

Doubling up in Greensborough

<html><body>
Five years have passed since Burnley's Botanicca Corporate Park received its last major commercial office development. Having been gradually expanded over the past 13 years, the corporate hub now stands to gain in excess of 25,000 square metres of new office space as well as Australia's first Element Hotel.

Works are underway on both the hotel and a substantial strata office building that will be constructed side by side. At 588 Swan Street, both developments have the backing of TRC (Aust) Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of Malaysian firm TRC Synergy Berhad.

Works on what will become Element Melbourne Richmond will include delivery of 168 hotel suites (with minimum sizes beginning at 24 square metres) plus a fitness centre and meeting space. 

Both buildings are designed by Rothelowman with construction in the hands of Hamilton Marino. The office building carries in excess of 6,000 square metres of sellable space over 73 strata-titled suites, plus 135 car park spaces.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image39_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ground works are active across both Rothelowman-designed buildings."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="304" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image39_9.jpg?itok=nBudu58o" title="Ground works are active across both Rothelowman-designed buildings." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ground works are active across both Rothelowman-designed buildings.</figcaption></figure>Botanicca's transformation began in earnest during 2005 via builder St Hilliers who constructed General Electric's Asia Pacific headquarters. Spanning seven levels and comprising approximately 14,400 square metres, the building designed by Billard Leece Partnership was the precinct's first large-scale development.

Icon Construction undertook the last major build within Botanicca, completing Botanicca 8 during 2013 for partners Icon Developments and The Pacific Group of Companies. It consists of 8,300 square metres of commercial space in a 4.5 Star NABERS rated building.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image43_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="GE's Botanicca campus under construction over a decade ago plus the location of Botanicca 3."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="217" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image43_8.jpg?itok=wvzrqsGU" title="GE's Botanicca campus under construction over a decade ago plus the location of Botanicca 3." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>GE's Botanicca campus under construction over a decade ago plus the location of Botanicca 3.</figcaption></figure>Current construction aside, Growthpoint Properties Australia is seeking tenants for the master planned precinct's largest development to date.

Architecture firm Gray Puksand have conceived a scheme involving 20,000 square metres of A Grade office space split over two buildings. Dubbed Botanicca 3 and designed with a 5 Star NABERS rating, the duo will eventually account for Botanicca's most prominent corner fronting Swan Street and Madden Grove.

Botanicca 3 is the final stage of the original site master plan and will incorporate a host of features now standard across many of Melbourne's contemporary office developments. End-of-Trip facilities, a childcare centre, gym and an expansive outdoor terrace have all been incorporated into the design.

According to Growthpoint Properties Australia the buildings at 572 Swan Street can be completed within 18 months of a lease being executed; a lease which they are now actively trying to secure.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image45_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Gray Puksand's Botanicca 3 dual office complex."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="276" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image45_8.jpg?itok=TJo6wsVE" title="Gray Puksand's Botanicca 3 dual office complex." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Gray Puksand's Botanicca 3 dual office complex.</figcaption></figure>
</body></html>

Construction works echo around Botanicca as further office buildings await

<html><body>
On of Hawthorn's more peculiar buildings may well be replaced by a new tower with 393-397 Burwood Road subject to a planning application.

Expected to make way for a new apartment building is the incumbent low-rise and architecturally unique commercial building onsite. Although not carrying heritage significance - that is reserved for properties elsewhere along Burwood Road - the current structure does provide a design point of difference along the strip.

Nonetheless, the current application would amongst other things, seek to enliven Burwood Road, Serpells Lane and the public plaza located at 372 Burwood Road with active frontages.

Incidentally, the addition of 393-397 Burwood Road to the Apartments.com.au Project Database now sees the number of apartments monitored by Apartments.com.au and under development within Hawthorn teetering on the 1,100 mark.

<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/image14haw.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Burwood Road's latest aspirant. Planning image: Ascui &amp; Co"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="330" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image14haw.jpg?itok=1Mfq5dGt" title="Burwood Road's latest aspirant. Planning image: Ascui &amp; Co" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Burwood Road's latest aspirant. Planning image: Ascui &amp; Co</figcaption></figure>Spanning 11 levels, 393-397 Burwood Road 47 apartments are categorised as 24 x 1 Bed + 1 Bath, 3 x 2 Bed + 1 Bath, 20 x 2 Bed + 2 Bath. ranging between 45sqm and 76sqm, the apartments are above 3 sub ground stacker levels and a ground floor which includes 4 retail tenancies over 265sqm.

393-397 Burwood Road finds itself next to one of Hawthorn's pioneering high density builds. The Barrett was built over 2004/2005 and rises to thirteen storeys and includes 107 residential apartments plus 41 student dwellings which front Burwood Road.

A design collaboration between Bird de la Coeur and the then Hayball Leonard Stent, The Barrett's podium height will be replicated across the podium of 393-397 Burwood Road. Above that, project architect Ascui &amp; Co describes the facade as an "interwoven and faceted bronze curtain wall cladding form intended to provide contrast and relief from existing built forms consisting largely of brick and concrete frame buildings."

<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/image15_12.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The site with Barrett under construction during 2004"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="377" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image15_12.jpg?itok=CVEhrSCq" title="The site with Barrett under construction during 2004" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The site with Barrett under construction during 2004</figcaption></figure>For Ascui &amp; Co 393-397 Burwood Road continues the architecture practice's affinity with Hawthorn, registering their fifth current project within the Apartments.com.au Project Database for the suburb. These five follow on from a handful of already completed apartment developments in Hawthorn conceived by the practice.

Not too far away developer PC Prestige Pty Ltd has sought approval for the construction of an 8 storey apartment building holding 45 apartments across a 1,178 square metre site spanning 620-624 Burwood Road.

624 Burwood Road which dates back to 1917 is to be razed under submitted plans. According to planning documents, 624 Burwood Road has undergone significant alterations and although a Heritage Overlay applies to land to the north and west of the site, the overlay does not include the site itself.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image11_20.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="What is and what could be. Images: Google Earth &amp; Interlandi Mantesso Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="304" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image11_20.jpg?itok=UqBlw34F" title="What is and what could be. Images: Google Earth &amp; Interlandi Mantesso Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>What is and what could be. Images: Google Earth &amp; Interlandi Mantesso Architects</figcaption></figure>In an area that includes a mix of built form, Interlandi Mantesso Architects have conceived the 8 storey project which includes tessellated facebrick, perforated patterned concrete, textured White/ Grey renders and Charcoal highlights over its facade.

Internally 7 single bedroom apartments are around the 51sqm mark, 33 dual bedroom apartments band between 68sqm and 89sqm, with 5 triple bedroom apartments holding internals between 100sqm and 137sqm. A ground level 599sqm retail space has been earmarked as a car sales showroom.

620-624 Burwood Road has pushed the number of dwellings in development that are being tracked by Apartments.com.au to beyond the 1,200 mark.
</body></html>

Two residential projects seek their spot on Hawthorn's Burwood Road

<html><body>
As expected GreenFort Capital is in the process of creating one of Melbourne's largest student accommodation projects at 478-488 Elizabeth Street.

It was <a href="http://www.afr.com/real-estate/commercial/development/greenfort-capital-snaps-up-melbourne-highrise-site-for-35m-20170913-gygn25">revealed during September</a> that the alternative real estate investment outfit secured the site at the top end of Elizabeth Street for $35 million. GreenFort Capital is headed by Adam Vaggelas who was previously with Blue Sky, with that operator rolling out three separate projects in Melbourne under the Atira Sudent Accommodation banner.

GreenFort Capital's Elizabeth Street project is their first in Melbourne, and has the financial backing of Goldman Sachs.

New plans for the 1,172sqm site at 478-488 Elizabeth Street sees a new 52 level tower on the cards, incorporating 864 student beds. This figure is broken down into ensuite studios (59%), twins (7%), ensuited 5 bedroom clusters (23%), ensuited 7 bedroom clusters (3%), 2 bedroom cluster with shared bathroom (5%) and DDA bedrooms (3%).

According to documents the development will include a minimum of 26 accessible rooms to cater for people with disabilities. 

Holding a build value close to $100 million, 478-488 Elizabeth Street also includes 180 bicycle bays, common areas and retail tenancies at street level. The tower's facade will be a mix of curtain wall glazing, precast concrete and screens, with all habitable areas having access to openable windows.

Slated for a 5 Star Green Star Rating, 478-488 Elizabeth Street's reworked purpose is based upon the following design principles:

<ul>
<li> Co-located community meeting places &amp; terraces</li>
	<li>Public realm primacy and eligibility</li>
	<li>Civic scale and detailed streetscapes and interfaces</li>
	<li>Reinforcing the Local, Social, Natural and Built Context</li>
	<li>Memory, material response and identity</li>
	<li>Resilience and Sustainability</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/image28_2_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The original tower proposed onsite. Image: Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="815" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image28_2_0.jpg?itok=5k3PN9Ff" title="The original tower proposed onsite. Image: Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The original tower proposed onsite. Image: Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>A 52 level student accommodation outcome is a far cry from the tower's original form. 68 levels onsite was expected at the project's first run at planning, resulting in a tower of 208.4 metres in height containing 383 apartments plus 198 hotel suites over lower levels.

Lodged during mid 2015 prior to amended planning rules being implemented, 478-488 Elizabeth Street slots in between two of Melbourne's tallest residential buildings, namely Vision Tower and Victoria One. Elenberg Fraser was the architect of choice prior to GreenFort Capital assuming control of the site.

Construction is likely to begin next year given construction tenders have come to a close for the development.
</body></html>

488 Elizabeth Street turns to student accommodation

<html><body>
A Fitzroy North institution is in line for an overhaul, as Piedimonte Developments Pty Ltd pushes through with an apartment complex on their current and well-recognised supermarket site.

The existing supermarket will be levelled, as will a number of adjoining properties, in order to make way for an expanded supermarket with residential living above. 27-45 Best Street and 102-114 Scotchmer Street are subject to the development application which was received by City of Yarra during August.

The proposal spans the prominent 3,715sqm corner site and carries a combined street frontage in excess of 100 metres.

Piedimonte Developments along with architect Peddle Thorp and town planners Contour Consultants have teamed on the proposal, asserting that the development would satisfy the need for urban consolidation on this strategically placed redevelopment site.

<h2>Piedimonte 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/image33_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of the proposed development. Planning image: Peddle Thorp"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="311" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image33_11.jpg?itok=77vN7SjP" title="Artist's impression of the proposed development. Planning image: Peddle Thorp" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of the proposed development. Planning image: Peddle Thorp</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Redevelopment spanning 7 storeys, highest point adjacent to Best Street</li>
	<li>Expanded supermarket over ground/mezzanine levels: 2,894sqm retail &amp; 1,763sqm back-of-house</li>
	<li>877sqm bottle shop</li>
	<li>89 apartments above: 23 x 1BR, 62 x 2BR, 4 x 3BR</li>
	<li>3 basement levels: 164 car parking spaces</li>
	<li>86 bicycle bays</li>
	<li>Amenity: roof garden and terraces</li>
	<li>Estimated cost of development: $45 million</li>
</ul>
<h2>Heritage retention</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/image36_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Scotchmer street frontage. Planning image: Contour Consultants"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="279" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image36_5.jpg?itok=zlJAkWMX" title="Scotchmer street frontage. Planning image: Contour Consultants" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Scotchmer street frontage. Planning image: Contour Consultants</figcaption></figure>The site includes lengthy street frontages, with an attempt made by the design team to visually manage built form across these interfaces by way of scaling new structures to match the existing streetscape.

Two separate existing frontages will be retained and restored as part of the development, owing to their heritage significance.  25-31 Best Street on the development's south-east corner and 102-114 Scotchmer Street which includes frontage to Egremont Street across the site's north-west corner will be incorporated.

Their facades will be restored, with the buildings retained to a depth of 3 metres.

<h2>Limited opportunity </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/image37_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The St Georges Road outlook is set for change. Planning image: Peddle Thorp"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="403" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image37_7.jpg?itok=d21w95zO" title="The St Georges Road outlook is set for change. Planning image: Peddle Thorp" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The St Georges Road outlook is set for change. Planning image: Peddle Thorp</figcaption></figure>Piedimonte Developments' bid if successful would see the corner site join only a handful of contemporary apartment developments created in Fitzroy North. 

In recent years Adio Properties delivered Aquila Apartments nearby at 496-500 Brunswick Street, whilst Blue Earth Group was behind the creation of <a href="http://www.blueearth.com.au/completed/northwood">Northwood</a> at 392 St Georges Road. The latter project contains 71 apartments over 6 levels, with a retained heritage facade to St Georges Road.

Cranecorp have a current proposal adjoining Northwood at <a href="/buildings/georges-378-st-georges-road-fitzroy-north">378-390 St Georges Road</a>, although the highest profile development in the area is GURNER's bid for <a href="/new-apartments/26-56-queens-parade-fitzroy-north">26-56 Queens Parade</a>.

Approximately one kilometre from the Piedimonte site, that project is by far and away Fitzroy North's largest as GURNER pushes for near on 300 apartments plus townhouses within a COX Architecture-designed scheme.
</body></html>

Piedimonte joins the development movement

<html><body>
<a href="/developers/australian-nan-xin-investment-pty-ltd">Nanxin Investment Pty Ltd</a> otherwise known as NX Property Group have scored a sizeable win at planning, clearing the way for the developer to add another 221 dwellings in Melbourne's south-east.

City of Monash earlier this month gave the green light to the project on the former Clayton Primary School site, delivering a Planning Permit to Issue for the expansive apartment and townhouse project. Having submitted the Mushan Architects-designed brief for approval during March this year, final approval for the project has now been effectively provided.

At 29 Browns Road, NX Property Group's project carries a proposed development cost of $65 million.

Zoned General Residential, the site was sold by JLL some years ago and obtained approval for a site master plan at the turn of 2017, with Mecone overseeing strategic planning and the development plan for the former school site.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image32_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Panoramic perspective of the Browns Road development. Image: Mushan"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="185" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image32_10.jpg?itok=8ze2Gqtp" title="Panoramic perspective of the Browns Road development. Image: Mushan" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Panoramic perspective of the Browns Road development. Image: Mushan</figcaption></figure>Under the site masterplan, 250 dwellings were approved, although this has been scaled back with the final split now consisting of 74 townhouses and 147 apartments.

The 74 townhouses consist of either two or three storeys and are split between 33 x 2 bedroom, 1 x 2 bedroom plus study, 32 x 4 and 5 bedroom with double garage and 8 x 4 bedroom dwellings with a tandem garage formats. The apartment component split sees 40 x 1 bedroom and 107 x 2 bedroom apartments, with the final number of apartments 25 lower in order to satisfy the conditions of approval.

NX Property Group's Browns Road success follows on from their initial <a href="/new-apartments/clayton-vic-3168">Clayton</a> project dubbed Brightwood Monash. Also the design work of <a href="/architects/mushan-architects">Mushan Architects</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/brightwood-monash-1-renver-road-clayton">Brightwood at 1 Renver Road</a> is now with builder <a href="/builders/valeo-construction">Valeo Constructions</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/2-5.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Brightwood Monash. Image: Valeo Constructions"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="404" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/2-5.png?itok=QRQET7f7" title="Brightwood Monash. Image: Valeo Constructions" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Brightwood Monash. Image: Valeo Constructions</figcaption></figure>After accounting for the likes of <a href="/builders/verve-construction">Verve Constructions</a> and <a href="/builders/lu-simon-builders">LU Simon Builders</a> during the tender process, Valeo was awarded the $37 million build.

Brightwood Monash includes 129 one and two bedroom apartments, plus 26 three and four bedroom townhouses. Brightwood Monash and Browns Road carry certain design similarities, although the Browns Road development does feature a higher proportion of townhouses which Melbourne property purchasers are currently buying at an insatiable rate.

Both NX Property Group projects are approximately one kilometre from one another, and in close proximity to Monash University's Clayton campus.
</body></html>

NX Property Group scores big in Clayton

<html><body>
South Yarra's latest residential addition is rapidly approaching completion, and to mark the occasion Apartments.com.au was guided through Noir by developer Dahua Group.

Under the guidance of head contractor Hacer Group, Noir's construction has moved at breakneck speed, so much so Dahua Group asserts it has risen in record-breaking time. The project, on Garden Street, has advanced from its ground level slab to completion in only eight months.

Noir's final slab was poured during April, followed in August by a traditional topping out ceremony. 

The rapid acceleration through the concrete structure can be attributed to the tower's simple square floorplate, combined with the brisk work of concrete structure specialists I&amp;D Group.

<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_1887.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Noir South Yarra is approaching completion"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="781" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1887.jpg?itok=aCVGsnHr" title="Noir South Yarra is approaching completion" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Noir South Yarra is approaching completion</figcaption></figure>Fast forward to Apartments.com.au's visit earlier this month and Noir's exterior is all but complete. The building carries a trademark CHT Architects finish which consists of predominantly black and white interlocking geometric shapes; this finish is prevalent across numerous CHT Architects projects such as <a href="http://chtarchitects.com.au/projects-3/multiresidential/ebony-apartments-camberwell/">Ebony Apartments</a>, <a href="http://chtarchitects.com.au/projects-3/evita-maroondah-highway/">Evita</a> and the award-winning <a href="http://chtarchitects.com.au/projects-3/multiresidential/the-maze-apartments/">Maze Apartments</a> in Richmond.

Residents will get to see the building up close soon enough, with settlement approaching and many of its residents able to move in before Christmas 2017.

As Dahua Group's first Melbourne site acquisition post their office being established locally in 2014, Noir's pending completion is a milestone project for the developer and its Project Manager for apartment developments in Australia, PDS Group. At the peak of Melbourne's apartment boom, dwellings within the project sold out promptly.

<blockquote>
We’re delighted to have reached this milestone and thank our partners, particularly Hacer, for getting us to this stage ahead of schedule.

PDS Group is proud to have partnered successfully with Dahua Group for Noir and we are looking forward to Noir welcoming its first residents in the coming weeks and Dahua Group’s next Melbourne project Hawthorn Park.

Dahua Group  and PDS Group wish to thank our partners for their innovation and hard work to date

- Andrew Fortey, Managing Director of PDS Group
</blockquote>

91 residential apartments are located above 6 ground floor tenancies for restaurants and/or retail.1, 2 and 3 bedroom configurations were offered, although a top floor apartment was combined to deliver a massive dwelling looking over Melbourne's skyline.

<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_1891_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Professional photographers get to work on a completed apartment"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="305" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1891_0.jpg?itok=jEkCLeQm" title="Professional photographers get to work on a completed apartment" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Professional photographers get to work on a completed apartment</figcaption></figure>At the time of Apartments.com.au's visit, two apartments were fully completed and styled with DOMO furniture packages. Seen above is a glimpse of a completed single bedroom apartment going through its marketing paces.

DOMO's furnishings were offered across Noir, with certain buyers electing to purchase a combined apartment and furniture package. The synergy will continue with DOMO set to anchor a major Camberwell Road tenancy in Dahua Group upcoming development dubbed Hawthorn Park at 33 Camberwell Road, Hawthorn East.

That project will include hundreds of apartments and townhouses, and is a major aspect in Dahua Group's Australian portfolio which is valued at $4.5 billion across 13 projects, with a development pipeline stretching to 2030.

Noir has an end value of $60 million. 

<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_1893.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Uninterrupted and impressive sight lines"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="310" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1893.jpg?itok=Nx1KeBXb" title="Uninterrupted and impressive sight lines" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Uninterrupted and impressive sight lines</figcaption></figure>
</body></html>

A look inside Noir as the project races toward completion

<html><body>
Little Lonsdale Street wouldn't immediately be considered Melbourne's most glamorous thoroughfare, but for the time being at least the street which spans the length of the CBD is attracting more than its fair share of high-end development and construction value.

Billions of dollars in fact, as seven major projects at various stages of construction are gradually changing the feel and composition of Little Lonsdale Street. The majority of these builds gained approval under previous planning regulations, turning Little Lonsdale Street into somewhat of a showcase of previous planning attitudes. 

Nonetheless construction marches on, with two vastly different projects currently bookending Little Lonsdale Street, and both under the guidance of Probuild.

<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/image22_12.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Progress across Australian Unity and West Side Place"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="234" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image22_12.jpg?itok=FbLDfwor" title="Progress across Australian Unity and West Side Place" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Progress across Australian Unity and West Side Place</figcaption></figure>Intersecting Spring Street and Little Lonsdale, ISPT and Probuild are delivering 271 Spring Street, a $150 million mixed-use tower on the edge of the CBD. The 16-storey building has been designed by John Wardle Architects and will become the new headquarters for Australian Unity, which has agreed to a 15-year term over the entire 15,600sqm build. 

Conversely Probuild are also moving on the first stage of West Side Place at the opposite end of the city. In time the builder will deliver the first stage of the project, involving thousands of apartments and a Ritz-Carlton hotel.

At 81 and 64 levels, both towers will comfortably surpass the 200m mark, with the first phase of West Side Place scheduled for completion in 2022.

<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/image25_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Union Tower and 399 Little Lonsdale in view, along with the rear of 380 Lonsdale"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image25_10.jpg?itok=0SfWGDLF" title="Union Tower and 399 Little Lonsdale in view, along with the rear of 380 Lonsdale" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Union Tower and 399 Little Lonsdale in view, along with the rear of 380 Lonsdale</figcaption></figure>A trio of builds are most definitely changing the feel of Little Lonsdale Street west of Elizabeth Street.

Union Tower and 399 Little Lonsdale Street deliver sheer vertical facades from street level spanning the best part of 40 levels, whilst demolition is progressing rapidly on <a href="/buildings/380-melbourne-380-lonsdale-street-melbourne">380 Lonsdale Street</a>. The rear of Brady Group's massive tower will stretch the best part of 220 metres above Little Lonsdale Street whilst the adjoining Timothy Lane will be extended to provide a typical Melbourne laneway outcome.

Close to 1,000 apartments and hundreds of new hotel suites are being constructed across this tightly spaced trio. Crema Constructions is accounting for 399 Little Lonsdale, Watpac is handling the $47 million build that is Union Tower whilst Brady Group will handle 380 Lonsdale internally via Brady Constructions.

<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/image29_12.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Union Tower and the Little Lonsdale Street frontage for Brady's 380 Lonsdale"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="431" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image29_12.jpg?itok=QO4jd7e0" title="Union Tower and the Little Lonsdale Street frontage for Brady's 380 Lonsdale" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Union Tower and the Little Lonsdale Street frontage for Brady's 380 Lonsdale</figcaption></figure>As <a href="/news/wesley-place-begins-construction-as-com-planners-endorse-stage-two-of-the-project">outlined last week</a>, Wesley Place has begun construction with the initial tower and future commercial building both fronting Little Lonsdale Street. A sizeable landscaped courtyard will also spill onto Little Lonsdale Street, providing further permeability to Lonsdale Street and surrounding areas.

Flying under the radar and adjoining Wesley Place is Brady Group's commencement of 109-111 Little Lonsdale Street. A Peddle Thorp-designed tower will soon rise onsite, with the likelihood that it will become the CBD's second Brady Hotel outlet.

The pocket-sized tower will abut Regency Towers and is expected to rise 21 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_2260.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="109-111 Little Lonsdale Street will become reality"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="365" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_2260.jpg?itok=L1w4v7xX" title="109-111 Little Lonsdale Street will become reality" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>109-111 Little Lonsdale Street will become reality</figcaption></figure>Whilst the current crop of projects settling upon Little Lonsdale Street number seven, a similar number of projects are in the pipeline.

<a href="/buildings/aspire-melbourne-301-king-st-melbourne">299 King Street</a>, a future tower at Upper West Side and <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">Victoria University's vertical campus</a> will all have frontage to Little Lonsdale Street, with VU Tower likely to reach construction first. The much hyped <a href="/new-apartments/crystal-gardens-276-russell-street-melbourne">Crystal Gardens</a> tower though remains somewhat of an enigma, whilst Brady Group continues to plot future towers along Little Lonsdale Street.

272-282 Queen Street and 278 Little Lonsdale Street are on the developer's books, with the latter gaining approval via VCAT for a 32 level tower spanning 105 metres earlier this year.

On its curent construction trajectory awathes of Little Lonsdale Street will be barely recognisable in a short few years time.
</body></html>

Little Lonsdale big on construction

<html><body>
RSL Care RDNS Limited, which recently changed its operating name to Bolton Clarke, is moving to rework a substantial St Kilda development site for the purpose of an aged care complex.

Spanning 3,799sqm, 31-39 Alma Road did hold approval for a Plus Architecture-designed mid-rise building holding 135 apartments. Under recast plans, the East Melbourne office of global architecture firm Design Worldwide Partnership has rejigged the approved scheme into a part-four and part-six storey development containing 81 retirement living dwellings.

Bolton Clarke's Alma Road project joins Jewish Care's nearby <a href="http://www.jewishcare.org.au/how-to-give/growing.-for-our-community/jewish-care-st-kilda-road/#residential-aged-care">Senior Living and Community Precinct</a> at 619 St Kilda Road; both intend to deliver a substantial boost in retirement living capacity to the area.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image10_15.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Plus Architecture's defunct design and Jewish Care's nearby development"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="189" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image10_15.jpg?itok=8n79wppt" title="Plus Architecture's defunct design and Jewish Care's nearby development" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Plus Architecture's defunct design and Jewish Care's nearby development</figcaption></figure>VCAT provided the original Plus Architecture scheme with approval on 21 June 2017. 

<blockquote>
The most significant change to the approved development discussed above is the use. Instead of residential dwellings (apartments), the proposal seeks to use the land for a retirement village.

The subtle changes to built form and layouts compared to the approved development are necessary elements to respond to the function of the new use proposed. This includes the additional, enhanced communal areas throughout the building, ancillary uses on-site, and a food and drink premises open to the public as well as residents of the building.

Planning report: SJB
</blockquote>

To that end communal space provided within 31-39 Alma Road has increased from 551sqm to 1,498sqm, whilst dwellings numbers have dropped considerably. Car spaces have also dropped from 170 to 109, resulting in expected traffic movements diminishing from 690 to 405 on a daily basis.

<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_16.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Alma Road perspective. Image: Design Worldwide Partnership"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="302" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image7_16.jpg?itok=HY8kLt-Z" title="Alma Road perspective. Image: Design Worldwide Partnership" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Alma Road perspective. Image: Design Worldwide Partnership</figcaption></figure>Design Worldwide Partnership is an irregular entrant into the Apartments.com.au Project Database. Their previous work includes the joint design of <a href="http://dwp.com/community-project/rathdowne-place/">Rathdowne Place</a> with Jackson Architecture, with the result an aged community vertical village.

31-39 Alma Road's increased provision of communal space has resulted in a novel elevated bowls green atop level 4. Additional elevated amenities include multiple terraces, a 'community sky room' and a vegetable garden.

The St Kilda project forms part of Bolton Clarke's push to <a href="https://www.australianageingagenda.com.au/2017/08/08/rsl-care-rdns-rebrands-ambitious-target/">double in size over the next five years in order to maintain market share</a> in the expanding aged care and retirement living sector.
</body></html>

Bolton Clarke reworks its Alma Road aged care complex

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

Joel Robinson

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

<main data-perf-region="main">
Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.

But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.

Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377679]

The project will comprise three residential towers alongside a hotel, restaurants, cafes and a skybar, more than 1,600 sqm of ground-floor retail and almost an acre of landscaped gardens.

It represents the largest project undertaken by Reve Group, the development arm of the Kassis family, which has been building across the Hills District for more than 30 years through Kassis Homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]

Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.

Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.

Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]

Reve Group Managing Director Sam Kassis said the project reflected the family's three decades of building in the Hills, which has evolved from trophy homes on quarter-acre blocks to larger-scale apartment development.

"Grand Rêve was our first apartment project here and it showed us what this pocket of Castle Hill could be. Nova Rêve is the refinement of that idea: not just apartments, but a place the whole suburb can use," Kassis said.

A key part of that approach is the hotel, which has been designed to operate as an amenity for the wider Castle Hill community rather than solely hotel guests.

It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.

At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.

Almost an acre of gardens designed by Land and Form Studios will run through the precinct, incorporating pathways, seating, barbecue areas and children's play spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377680]

Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.

"There are gardens with pathways, barbecues, seating and play areas, shops and cafes opening onto the street, and a hotel with restaurants and a skybar that anyone in Castle Hill can walk into," Georges said.

The project's elevated position on one of Sydney's highest ridgelines will also provide apartments with outlooks toward the Sydney skyline, surrounding parkland and the Blue Mountains.

More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152737]

<h3 data-end="3697" data-section-id="q3n5ak" data-start="3672">&nbsp;</h3>
</main>

Nova Rêve arrives as Reve Group bets on Castle Hill's next growth phase

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

Maréa Residences brings parkside apartments to Coolangatta

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

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

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

Mark Baljak

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News