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Cremorne is enjoying a development spurt as predominantly office-driven applications continue to roll in.

The pocket rocket suburb's development progression has been somewhat foreshadowed by Cremorne2025, the urban design studio which is part of the Department of Architecture (Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture) at Monash University.

Some years ago the creation of Cremorne2025 was designed to allow students to "envision Cremorne in 2025 as a new, lively, mixed-use, dense and sustainable inner suburb of Melbourne."

Prior to outlining of the current developments which are choosing to call Cremorne home, the fundamentals of Cremorne2025 are worth revisiting.

<h2>Cremorne 2025 - a recap</h2>

<blockquote>
As part of their overall design vision, the students pursue the activation and occupation of urban space as a central strategy. This approach promotes new ideas for Cremorne and also an understanding of the future of Melbourne in a wider sense.

As a case study the vision and strategies for Cremorne address current and future challenges for the city of Melbourne specifically as well as for growing cities in general.​

The centrally located “forgotten” suburb forms a unique neighbourhood within Melbourne’s fabric, with a great industrial heritage. As an insular enclave, delimited by large infrastructures, it forms an ideal study area, to develop exemplary future oriented strategies for densification, which could later be transferred to other urban situations.
</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/image30cr.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Envisaging a new Cremorne. Image: Cremorne2025"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="375" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image30cr.jpg?itok=L3opk5WU" title="Envisaging a new Cremorne. Image: Cremorne2025" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Envisaging a new Cremorne. Image: Cremorne2025</figcaption></figure><h2>The development drive</h2>

Rather than exploring every strategy and vision of Cremorne2025 for the sake of comparison, a focus on what has been submitted for approval can provide an adequate assessment of Cremorne's push to "activation and occupation of urban space."

As mentioned, office-based applications are leading the charge within Cremorne, adding as much as 85,000sqm to the suburb's stock. Employment provider SEEK has pencilled in Cremorne as its new home and accounts for a sizeable proportion of the 85,000sqm figure, awaiting approval for an atypically shaped 27,000sqm campus-style building. 

The latest of a slew of office proposals to hit advertising is 64 Balmain Street. Alchant Investments Pty Ltd is pushing for approval of a BG Architecture-designed scheme encompassing an NLA of 10,814sqm. The render below demonstrates the scale of the proposal relative to its more modest surrounds, which is typical of the built form change expected within Cremorne.

New projects are also adding to the development queue, such as 2-6 Gwynne Street which seeks the development of a six-storey office building; these projects are on smaller land plots and themselves provide scale and contrast to some of the larger proposals in Cremorne.

Apartments too are present but not as prevalent. Caydon's plans for the Malt District are by far and away the largest in the pipeline, which could see approximately 1,000 new dwellings created on the banks of the Yarra River.

<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_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="64 Balmain Street in a lor-rise setting. Image: BG Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="188" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image29_10.jpg?itok=PWWF705e" title="64 Balmain Street in a lor-rise setting. Image: BG Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>64 Balmain Street in a lor-rise setting. Image: BG Architecture</figcaption></figure><h2>An issue emerging?</h2>

As with any other locale across Melbourne, a more frequent injection of higher density projects will lead to questions about the ability of location-specific infrastructure, transport, green spaces and services to cope with increased demand.

The postcard-sized suburb lends itself to being a pedestrian-friendly area which is well serviced by extensive public transport links. In addition, the already tight road network and limited parking adds extra emphasis on the efficient manner in which public transport services Cremorne.

As Cremorne continues to flourish, the necessity of Richmond Station's long-mooted redevelopment comes into sharper focus. An expanding office-based workforce will only add more demand to existing public transport services.

Is Richmond Station's redevelopment the biggest enabler to Cremorne's success? 

<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_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="9-11 Cremorne is the latest project to hit construction."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="260" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image32_9.jpg?itok=RKueGioL" title="9-11 Cremorne is the latest project to hit construction." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>9-11 Cremorne is the latest project to hit construction in the suburb.</figcaption></figure>
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silvermb

Cremorne 2025: proposition to reality?

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Developer Ausco Group has taken a 6,600sqm site in Mulgrave to planning with the intent of adding 93 new dwellings to their expanding portfolio.

At 2263-2267 Dandenong Road, the Mulgrave project reinforces the developer's preference for developing sites in Melbourne's South Eastern suburbs. Now utilised as the Enjoy Church (East Campus), dual single story brick buildings over the site would make way for a Cera Stribley-designed apartment and townhouse complex.

Indeed the Dandenong Road application brings together the entities who have both enjoyed a period of sustained growth in recent times.

Submitted to the City of Monash last month, the Mulgrave application's dwelling mix consists 5 three bedroom apartments, 63 two bedroom apartments and 15 one bedroom apartments, plus 4 two bedroom townhouses and 6 three bedroom townhouses.

<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_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Dandenong Road perspective. Planning image: Cera Stribley"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="221" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image22_10.jpg?itok=KsAtthQ0" title="Dandenong Road perspective. Planning image: Cera Stribley" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Dandenong Road perspective. Planning image: Cera Stribley</figcaption></figure>2263-2267 Dandenong Road is only the second residential listing in Mulgrave to appear in the Apartments.com.au Project Database, and reinforces the propensity of developers to continue the push of apartments into non recognised higher-density suburbs.

Cera Stribley's design ethos for the project reads as follows:

<blockquote>
The main architectural design concept if the proposed building is defined by a clear aesthetic reflecting an industrial vernacular employing exposed brickwork, exposed structural grid elements and the use of metal cladding, brick, and cement render.

The proposed development is broken up into two distinct areas. One set of townhouses along the northern boundary and an apartment building facing Dandenong Road. Each area addresses the different interfaces of each boundary. This allows each building to address individual concerns and stand proud as individual buildings.

The apartment building protects the rest of the site from the busy Dandenong road and has 2 communal gardens/light courts for the residents use and to allow for the optimum internal amenity for the apartments. We have kept to a neutral palette of materials to be complementary to the surrounding neighbourhood. 
</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/image25_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Clarinade at construyction along with Ausco Group's pending Cheltenham project"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="226" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image25_8.jpg?itok=0TvGz9nC" title="Clarinade at construyction along with Ausco Group's pending Cheltenham project" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Clarinade at construyction along with Ausco Group's pending Cheltenham project</figcaption></figure>Whilst 2263-2267 Dandenong Road is fresh to planning, Ausco Group can concern themselves with a number of additional apartments projects in their portfolio.

Mulgrave represents the firm's seventh listing in the Apartments.com.au Project Database; all in all Ausco Group now has approximately 430 apartments in development in Melbourne's South Eastern suburbs, plus townhouses and detached housing projects.

Ausco Group has also scaled up in size over their most recent projects. <a href="/buildings/the-clarindale-1213-centre-road-oakleigh-south">The Clarinade</a>, <a href="/buildings/collins-bates-19-25-collins-street-chadstone">Collins &amp; Bates</a> and <a href="/new-apartments/cheltenham-place-1234-1236-nepean-highway-cheltenham">1234-1236 Nepean Highway</a> all include at least 100 apartments; Collins &amp; Bates is Ausco Group's most recent release for sale whilst the 11-storey Cheltenham project is still at planning and looms as the developer's new headquarters once it is realised.
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AUSCO targets Mulgrave as their latest apartment project hits planning

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Melbourne's largest suburban mixed-use project is racking up some noteworthy milestones.

Construction works have begun on the site of <a href="/buildings/m-city-2107-dandenong-road-clayton">M-City</a>, <a href="/developers/saraceno-group">Saraceno Group</a> and Schiavello Group's $1 billion mixed-use development in <a href="/new-apartments/clayton-vic-3168">Clayton</a>. Piling and retention works across the 35,000sqm plot are underway on the corner of Princess Highway and Blackburn Road, signifying the project's transition into reality after being dormant for many years.

The works are a precursor to construction proper which will begin in earnest in the new year. A head contractor has yet to be revealed for the build.

<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/image9mcity.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="M-City's final residential release is reality. Image: Buchan Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="446" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image9mcity.jpg?itok=ciHduQjR" title="M-City's final residential release is reality. Image: Buchan Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>M-City's final residential release is reality. Image: Saraceno Group</figcaption></figure>Slated for M-City are three residential buildings, a hotel/serviced apartment component and an office building which fronts Princess Highway. These buildings are above a retail precinct which will be underpinned by a Village cinema complex, Kmart and Woolworths.

This weekend past witnessed the release of M-City's final residential building. Strong uptake of the project's first two residential buildings has prompted the release of the final stage dubbed M-2, which sees 239 additional dwellings offered.

With architecture by <a href="/architects/the-buchan-group">Buchan Group</a>, M-City's first residential tower sold out within 2 weeks of launch whilst the second building racked up 70% sales within 4 weeks. According to the development partnership, less than 5% of the project's 643 apartments have sold internationally.

At capacity, M-City will be able to accommodate 4,000 residents, workers and shoppers. 

<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/image17_16.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Retail, amenity and work spaces on show. Image: Buchan Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="480" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image17_16.jpg?itok=ovrG266p" title="Retail, amenity and work spaces on show. Image: Buchan Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Retail, amenity and work spaces on show. Image: Buchan Group</figcaption></figure>In addition to the release of M-2, the development partnership officially unveiled Mantra Group as the operator of M-City's hotel and serviced apartment component earlier this month.

The deal for what will be known as Mantra M-City consists of a 10-storey hotel encompassing 250 hotel suites and amenities such as conference and meeting facilities plus restaurant and bar spaces. 

Mantra Group will also be responsible for the operation of 180 serviced apartments in studio, one, two and three bedroom configurations in the adjoining building.

With works commencing, much of M-City has a targeted completion date of late-2020.
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Melbourne's largest suburban mixed-use development becomes reality

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Inner-city development opportunities the size of the Alphington Paper Mill site are not common occurrences. At 16.5 hectares the suburb-sized land parcel corners Heidelberg Road and the Chandler Highway, and fronts Yarra River on its southern boundary.

Developer Glenvill Group has begun the process of redeveloping the massive tract of land which is now dubbed YarraBend, envisaging a mixed-use enclave encompassing medium and high density living, retail, offices, open spaces and community facilities. The process of development will be guided by a site-specific Development Plan which was solidified after more than 18 months of planning.

At the heart of the development plan are key community-based outcomes such as 4.5% of the site being seeded to open space and at least 1,700sqm of space being made available for community facilities.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/ybend2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Yarra Bend will include masses of open space. Image: Glenvill"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="290" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ybend2.jpg?itok=W9i2jUQ7" title="Yarra Bend will include masses of open space. Image: Glenvill" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Yarra Bend will include masses of open space. Image: Glenvill</figcaption></figure>Glenvill Group has chosen to exceed the minimum community-based requirements of the development plan, in an effort to position YarraBend as Melbourne's premier example of what an amenity-driven development can achieve. Len Warson, Chairman and CEO of Glenvill Group spoke to Apartments.com.au this week regarding the merits of the sharing economy model that explores the merits of sharing communal spaces with neighbours.

Approximately a year before the first sod is turned for construction, Glenvill Group has bedded down a wide-ranging amenities plan. Len Warson explains that YarraBend will have the best possible amenities in place for future buyers, likening them to hotel/resort style experience.

"People want convenience, they want to maximise the use of their time" Warson states, asserting that buyers will be provided with a wealth of amenities within YarraBend, allowing residents to enjoy the best of Yarra Bend and surrounding Alphington.

This, in turn, fosters an inclusive, connected and socially adaptive community. Len Warson also believes that dwellings over the site will increase in value due to the mass of amenities on offer.

<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/ybend4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Open space and gym facilities within Yarra Bend. Image: Glenvill"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="175" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ybend4.jpg?itok=vMFTCAt8" title="Open space and gym facilities within Yarra Bend. Image: Glenvill" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Open space and gym facilities within Yarra Bend. Image: Glenvill</figcaption></figure>YarraBend's development plan incorporates five separate green spaces which will account for roughly 30,000sqm of parkland onsite, including direct access to the Yarra River. 

Len Warson refers to YarraBend as 'Tesla Town' due to its advanced use of technology. A charge point suburb, Glenvill Group has moved to eventually secure a 6 Star Green Star Rating for the suburb, whilst future residents will also be able to utilise a dedicated YarraBend app that will aid in day to day activities within the suburb.

Indeed technology is one of the 'pillars' that YarraBend's amenity is based upon, with other such as health, arts &amp; culture, education and gastronomy taken into consideration.

A shopping centre and 2,000sqm artisan gastronomy precinct are planned, as is an outdoor cinema. It is five level glass pavillion that Len Warson explains will be the design showpiece for YarraBend's amenity credentials. A theatre and sports recreation area are included, as are meeting rooms and  a rooftop bar.

<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/ybend5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Parkview is Yarra Bend's initial apartment release. Image: Glenvill"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="225" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ybend5.jpg?itok=mmeagSIU" title="Parkview is Yarra Bend's initial apartment release. Image: Glenvill" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Parkview is Yarra Bend's initial apartment release. Image: Glenvill</figcaption></figure>As for Parkview, YarraBend's initial apartment release, Len Warson makes note of the project's strong sales uptake. Sold as an entirely retail project in order to attract owner-occupiers, the DKO Architecture-designed building achieved 50% sales in the opening 6-8 weeks of its campaign.

It too will be heavy with amenity and includes a rooftop terrace with pool and heated onsen spa, residents’ lounge with fireplace, private dining room accompanied by a wine cellar and a gym.
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Glenvill positions YarraBend as Melbourne's premier amenities-driven development

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The University of Melbourne is once more chasing the right to create another significant student housing complex.

Located at 625-631 Swanston Street, the project has been dubbed Lincoln Square South and finds itself in the middle of Melbourne's evolving student precinct centred around Carlton's Swanston Street stretch. Lincoln Square South is the latest development that will help support the 50,000 students that visit the institution's Parkville campus.

Submitted last month, the Hayball-designed 14 level building includes capacity for 656 students.

Carrying a cost of development just shy of $70 million, the project requires demolition of three conjoined sites that house buildings dated from 1922 to 1955. An adjoining historic former warehouse building at 11-13 Lincoln Square will be reworked to become a learning hub.

<h2>625-631 Swanston 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/uomswan.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="UoM's new building in context. Planning image: Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/uomswan.jpg?itok=Qla2KML-" title="UoM's new building in context. Planning image: Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>UoM's new building in context. Planning image: Hayball</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site area: 2,568sqm</li>
	<li>Proposed: 14 level tower </li>
	<li>656 beds: 161 x studio, 154 x twin studio, 341 x cluster</li>
	<li>2,098sqm of communal area</li>
	<li>430sqm learning hub</li>
	<li>Ground floor retail space: 250sqm</li>
	<li>Provision for 20 vehicles and 172 bicycles</li>
	<li>GFA: 20,756sqm</li>
	<li>Estimated cost of development: $68,262,000</li>
</ul>
<h2>In Hayball's words</h2>

<blockquote>
The vision for the Lincoln Square South project is to establish an new exemplar for managed student accommodation within the City that brings together academic support with residential life. The facility will seek to set a new benchmark for quality accommodation operation, and to provide a unique addition to student accommodation offerings in Melbourne.

The residence will support a contemporary scholarly community, with academic leadership and quality professional support, delivering a new Hall of Residence on the South side of the Parkville campus. Central to the project is the alignment of a new and unique scholarship program with a quality residential experience. The new accommodation will support up to 60 scholarship students.

The architectural form provides a contemporary response to the University tradition of courtyard and cloister with student common spaces and upper level rooms arranged around a landscaped inner court.

The facade composition and materials incorporates a high quality of finishes and detail, reinforcing the emerging street wall civic scale of Swanston Street and which is complementary to the industrial heritage streetscape on Lincoln Square south.
</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/uomswan1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="625-631 Swanston Street's internal open space. Planning image: Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="641" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/uomswan1.jpg?itok=3gDG8iY4" title="625-631 Swanston Street's internal open space. Planning image: Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>625-631 Swanston Street's internal open space. Planning image: Hayball</figcaption></figure><h2>Swanston Street's appeal - or lack of</h2>

625-631 Swanston Street's arrival continues to boost the design merits of Swanston Street.

The early 2000s saw a raft of poorly executed student housing projects line the thoroughfare, turning vast stretches of Carlton's Swanston Street into somewhat of a merit free design wasteland, with the Ian Potter Museum of Art being the exception. In recent times though the general quality of projects proposed or delivered in the area has risen markedly.

Piccolo's award-winning Upper House and the RMIT Design Hub began to turn the design tide, with a number of other projects also waiting in the wings.

Should 625-631 Swanston Street gain approval, it would join the Jackson Clements Burrows-designed <a href="/developments/carlton-nsw-2218">558-566 Swanston Street</a> and the at construction <a href="/buildings/599-605-swanston-street-carlton">599-605 Swanston Street</a> in lifting the overall design qualities of 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/uomswan2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Swanston Street perspective of the development. Planning image: Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="492" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/uomswan2.jpg?itok=1RF7WZvm" title="Swanston Street perspective of the development. Planning image: Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Swanston Street perspective of the development. Planning image: Hayball</figcaption></figure><h2>625-631 Swanston Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: University of Melbourne</li>
	<li>Architect: Hayball</li>
	<li>Town planning &amp; landscape design: Tract Consultants</li>
	<li>Structural: Webber Design</li>
	<li>Geotechnical: GeoAust</li>
	<li>Services: Lucid Consulting</li>
	<li>Building Surveyor: Mckenzie Group</li>
	<li>Fire Safety: Omnii</li>
	<li>Traffic: Impact</li>
	<li>Facade Engineer: BG&amp;E</li>
	<li>Accessibility: MGAC</li>
	<li>ESD: Wood &amp; Grieve Engineers</li>
	<li>Heritage Consultant: David Bick</li>
	<li>Waste Consultant: Leigh Consulting</li>
	<li>Acoustic: Octave</li>
</ul>
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UniMelb adds Swanston Street to their student accommodation portfolio

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The tower dubbed 'Sol Invictus' may not have been conquered, but it is for sale.

Long after the initial media blitz extolling the virtues of the tower, going hand in hand with an explanation of its name, the now approved 48 Moray Street has been handed to Colliers. The agent along with ICR Property Group have been tasked with securing a new owner for the 1,173.5sqm site, which was granted approval during July.

At stake is the right to develop 287 apartments and 5 levels of commercial space encompassing approximately 3,000sqm.

Initially submitted at 60 levels, the approved 51 level outcome spans 48 Moray Street and 11-13 Hancock Street; the latter 168sqm site was approved for a super thin residential tower of 33 levels, but those plans have been incorporated into the current scheme.

<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/42moray1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="An earlier version of 48 Moray Street with significantly more street level flair. Image: Peddlr Thorp"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="253" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/42moray1.jpg?itok=Gcf4nPYy" title="An earlier version of 48 Moray Street with significantly more street level flair. Image: Peddlr Thorp" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>An earlier version of 48 Moray Street with significantly more street level flair. Image: Peddlr Thorp</figcaption></figure>David Lock Associates provided town planning for the project, and described it as follows:

<blockquote>
The building itself is designed to be a landmark, and to set new benchmarks regarding ESD by way of cutting-edge mechanisms including architecturally-integrated solar panels that will offset a substantial portion of the development’s energy requirements.

Myriad public realm upgrades – including offsite pocket parks, freeway underpass upgrades and an architecturally designed pocket plaza - are also proposed as a means of repositioning Southbank as a high quality, enjoyable public destination.

‘The building has been designed to act as a landmark, and respond to its prominent location at the gateway to the City of Melbourne through the introduction of a distinct, curvilinear tower form within the existing urban morphology of Southbank. The building also ‘raises the bar’ within the local existing urban context through exemplary ground floor activation and public realm amenity.
</blockquote>

Referencing the sun god of the Roman Empire, Sol Invictus was billed as Australia's "first substantially off-the-grid, green energy-generating residential tower." 

This was to be achieved by incorporating solar cells in the facade of the tower, thus allowing a greater area to capture the sun's rays. Rooftop wind turbines and a battery storage system were also envisaged in the initial design for the tower.

<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/42moray2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="42 Moray Street as rendered into Southbank. Image: Colliers"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="607" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/42moray2.jpg?itok=Zw9jU395" title="42 Moray Street as rendered into Southbank. Image: Colliers" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The approved version of 48 Moray Street rendered into Southbank. Image: Colliers</figcaption></figure>Design nuances aside, the sale of 42 Moray Street comes at an interesting time for the wider Southbank apartment development market.

A handful of major Southbank development sites have been listed and have subsequently languished, as prospective buyers have been difficult to secure. 127-129 Kavanagh Street and 38 Freshwater Place are the two most noteworthy examples, having approvals in place for a combined 1,000 plus apartments, and having been offered for sale for some months.

296-306 City Road and 292 City Road have suffered the same fate; they are though non permitted sites.

58 Southbank Boulevard shapes as the current exception to the sluggish Southbank market. With its sales campaign closed, no word has yet filtered through on the site's fate.
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The 'Unconquered Sun' of Southbank goes up for sale

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1,284,577 square metres is the raw number.

Apartments.com.au's Project Database is keeping tabs on close to 1.3 million square metres of office space at various stages of development across Melbourne. It is a phenomenal figure which shows just how bullish the office sector is across this city.

The aggregation of all developments followed by Apartments.com.au which contains dedicated office space was prompted by the addition of the latest major planning application to the database - Newmark Capital's <a href="/new-apartments/500-chapel-street-south-yarra">500 Chapel Street</a> - which came to light earlier this month. The total figure included mixed-use and dedicated office projects.

Of course, the headline number is by no means absolute but does take into account 94 separate developments across Melbourne.

<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_1126.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A redeveloped 405 Bourke Street will bring an extra 66,000 squre metres"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1126.jpg?itok=z1AvVPEj" title="A redeveloped 405 Bourke Street will bring an extra 66,000 squre metres" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A redeveloped 405 Bourke Street will bring an extra 66,000 squre metres</figcaption></figure>Firms such as <a href="http://pdf.savills.asia/asia-pacific-research/australian-research/australia-office-/savillsresearch-briefing-melbourne-cbd-office-q2-2017.pdf">Savills</a>, <a href="https://www.colliers.com.au/find_research/office/metro_office_-_second_half_2017/">Colliers</a>, <a href="http://www.jll.com.au/australia/en-au/Documents/office-investment/pdf/4Q16-Melbourne-CBD-Office-Market-Commentary.pdf">JLL</a> and <a href="https://www.investa.com.au/WWW_Investa/media/Resources/April-2017-Office-Market-Report.pdf?ext=.pdf&amp;alt=&amp;fpl=&amp;fpt=&amp;fpr=&amp;fpb=&amp;guid=0fd9d529-0db5-471f-9dbc-a3ee38ad8bf0&amp;lgW=0&amp;lgH=0&amp;mdW=680&amp;mdH=0&amp;smW=480&amp;smH=0">Investa</a> have released recent reports on the current strength of Melbourne's office market. Key points that underpin the 1,284,577 square metres in development include:

<ul>
<li>Melbourne’s CBD office market could be entering the largest development boom since the early 1990’s</li>
	<li>The Melbourne CBD office market recorded its strongest annual net absorption figure (188,670 sqm) since 1978</li>
	<li>Net absorption at its highest level since 2008 and leasing activity the strongest since 2010</li>
</ul>
Of course, Melbourne's CBD maintains the largest concentration of office space across the city, at approximately 4.7 million square metres. The current level of office-based development within the CBD stands at just under 10% of the total CBD figure, alluding to the heightened number of large-scale projects which have begun construction.

405 Bourke Street, Collins Arch, 477 Collins Street and 80 Collins Street are all subject to works, with the smallest of these adding 45,000 square metres of space.

<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/image1scross.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="664 Collins Street is nearing completion. Image: Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="676" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image1scross.jpg?itok=XmtV4POb" title="664 Collins Street is nearing completion. Image: Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>664 Collins Street is nearing completion. Image: Ryan Seychell</figcaption></figure>Docklands is not left behind either with approximately 200,000 square metres in development, but as has been outlined previously by Apartments.com.au, City of Yarra is the Melbourne's 'it' office market. Apartments.com.au is tracking 21 separate projects across the municipality that amount to 182,361 square metres in development.

The actual number is likely to be higher as a number of planning applications have yet to make it to the public sphere.

Further afield and Newmark Capital's 500 Chapel Street is shaded by Frasers Property's 254-294 Wellington Road as suburban Melbourne's largest office development in the making; the Mulgrave project encompasses 60,583 square metres.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_1189.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Nexus 10, one of suburban Melbourne's current office developments"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1189.jpg?itok=EYwaIU_i" title="Nexus 10, one of suburban Melbourne's current office developments" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Nexus 10, one of suburban Melbourne's current office developments</figcaption></figure>
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Urban.com.au is tracking 1.3 million square metres of office space in development

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409 St Kilda Road is being positioned as Melbourne's most elite address. 

In a recent media blitz, Devitt Property Group unveiled their intentions for the prime site which currently houses an exhausted-looking 14 level office building. In its place will rise a similarly-sized residential building that Devitt Property Group expect will become Melbourne's most prestigious address on Melbourne's most recognisable boulevard.

Kane Devitt of Devitt Property Group spoke with Apartments.com.au, providing further detail on the project which has been christened The Muse.

UM: Can you go into the rationale behind the choice of Bruce Henderson Architects as design lead for the project, and the design of the building itself?

KD: Bruce Henderson Architects are one of Melbourne’s top-tier architecture practices, and a group we have a strong working relationship with. In addition to their track record of delivering luxury apartment projects, they have a unique insight into our key target market, having designed some of Melbourne’s largest and most expensive homes.

They understand where these buyers are coming from, and consequently what their expectations are. The buyers we are targeting are uncompromising, they expect the very best, which is what we will be delivering.

We couldn’t be more pleased with the design of the building. The architecture of The Muse is both elegant and respectful of its site on St Kilda Road. It will become one of Melbourne’s preeminent pieces of architecture.

The front row of the building is not facetted, but curved glass to maximize the view from the interior and also reinforce the elegant feminine design throughout. It’s also designed to disappear within the Shrine of Remembrance vista from the CBD, reintroducing this concept for St Kilda Road.

UM: With so many high-end projects currently offering large apartments for sale, how will the development team discern The Muse from the pack?

KD: Yes, the luxury end of the property market is truly thriving not just in Melbourne but throughout Australia. While there are ample luxury developments in progress in the Melbourne market, we have gone a lot further with The Muse.

The Muse differentiates itself in many ways, but one of our key points of difference is that we offer 6-star facilities and services, to an exclusive group of only 47 residents. Our buyers will enjoy 24/7 concierge services, swimming pools, a gymnasium and spa, plus a residents club lounge with private meeting rooms.

No other building in Melbourne, arguably Australia, offers so much to so few residents.

We have taken our cue from cities like London, New York and Singapore, where exclusive buildings like this cater for a high net worth audience that equally value services and facilities with privacy and security. While there is luxury on offer in Melbourne, as we say in the team, The Muse is well and truly 
“life beyond luxury”.

<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/image3devitt.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's perspective of The Muse"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="403" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image3devitt.jpg?itok=-yBWdH1-" title="Artist's perspective of The Muse" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's perspective of The Muse</figcaption></figure> UM: Are there any features that are unique to The Muse relative to other high-end apartment projects across Melbourne, or is The Muse's selling point that is simply does everything bigger and better in terms of living spaces and amenities? 

KD: Every residence in The Muse is being treated as an entirely separate entity.

Bruce Henderson Architects, in collaboration with our exciting soon to be named top tier design team, will plan each residence to the specific requirements of every purchaser. These homes will be truly customizable, molding themselves to suit each buyer’s specific requirements.

Every apartment will have penthouse quality finishes, large terraces and 10ft ceilings. All apartments will have lockable garages to be comprised of a minimum of 3 spaces, with each space wider than average to accommodate luxury cars. We are catering to the most discerning purchaser, so have gone above and beyond to make this a stand out project.

With the level of luxury and amenity on offer, we are not expecting these properties to come onto the market very often at all. Luxury such as this is often tightly held by owners and becomes almost unattainable.

UM: Can apartments be merged into larger dwellings should prospective buyers request it?

KD: Absolutely. The concept behind The Muse is that a purchaser can quite literally build their own, unique apartment. We are expecting many of our buyers will do this.

Ordinarily a building of this size would house around 200 apartments, we have planned for 47, however we are expecting this will drop further with people combining residences. I wouldn’t be surprised if there were only 40 residences once complete.

UM: Having considered the higher density 200-apartment option versus the luxury 47-apartment intended outcome, which had the higher degree of development risk from Devitt Property Group’s perspective?

KD: There is, of course, an element of risk with any project, but from our perspective, this is a project that we have been in planning for 15 years and is a passion project not just for us, but the whole team.

We have a unique insight in the prime apartment market in Melbourne, and we know that this project fills a void in the Melbourne apartment market as an exclusive, prime offering. There is nothing else out there that can compare on this front, so we are confident moving into launch phase.

We have had many enquiries from people in other buildings in Melbourne who are tired of stepping into their lift with strangers. They do not want to own a luxury home on top of a building full of tenants, they want to be part of an exclusive community of like-minded owners.

UM: Assuming planning for the project goes as expected, when will The Muse be released for sale, and is there a construction start date in mind?

KD: Construction is planned to begin in 2018 and completion 2020. We plan to launch to a VVIP audience in early 2018, with construction of our amazing display suite already underway.
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Devitt takes aim at the pinnacle of Melbourne's luxury apartment market

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Developers continue to stake their claim in Fishermans Bend, as the State Government prepares to release the draft Fishermans Bend Framework which will outline the future composition of the massive urban renewal area.

CostaFox Developments has entered Fishermans Bend at an interesting juncture, lodging an application for a prime Dockland site in the shadows of the State Government announcement. Sited behind Yarra's Edge's low-rise townhouse enclave, CostaFox's 111 Lorimer Street is a 4,109sqm plot on the northern border of Fishermans Bend.

Fishermans Bend's development lull was snapped last week, as <a href="/news/fishermans-bends-development-scene-rumbles-back-to-life">news on three major projects broke</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/imagecfox.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="CostaFox's Fishermans Bend tower."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="738" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/imagecfox.jpg?itok=jRglhlqJ" title="CostaFox's Fishermans Bend tower." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>CostaFox's Fishermans Bend tower.</figcaption></figure>CostaFox have also taken to the front foot, outlining their aspirations for 111 Lorimer Street to the media.

Provisional plans include 396 apartments and 3,841sqm of retail and commercial space, with the latter spread over two dedicated levels. Across the scheme, a further 3,390sqm is dedicated to residential amenities. 

Rothelowman have designed the 40-storey scheme which includes 1, 2, 3 &amp; 4 bedroom apartments. CostaFox adding a proportionately high number of larger apartments which is expected to reflect the project's targeted buyer demographic.

<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/image5rlfb.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rothelowman's Fishermans Bend catalogue includes South and Johnston Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="188" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image5rlfb.jpg?itok=EBeX_hbI" title="Rothelowman's Fishermans Bend catalogue includes South and Johnston Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rothelowman's Fishermans Bend catalogue includes South and Johnson Street</figcaption></figure>111 Lorimer Street's submission represents CostaFox's first entry into the Apartments.com.au Project Database. 

The relatively new South Yarra-based property outfit is the coming together of Michael Fox and Robert Costa.

Under the guise of Little Projects, Michael Fox has experience within Fishermans Bend, guiding nearby <a href="/developments/docklands-vic-3008">85 Lorimer Street</a> through the approvals process, consequently securing the right to develop 940 apartments across dual towers.

Rothelowman on the other hand can notch another major project up within Fishermans Bend, although none have yet to reach construction.

Developer Australia Ruiyi has the Rothelowman-designed <a href="/buildings/south-15-thistlethwaite-street-south-melbourne">South</a> at sales, whilst another approved design at <a href="/new-apartments/60-82-johnson-street-south-melbourne">60-82 Johnson Street</a> is controlled by local developer Salvo Property Group.
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CostaFox tackles Fishermans Bend with new proposal

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Crema Group is the driving force behind the purchase of 8 Palmerston Crescent, South Melbourne which was successfully sold by Colliers earlier this year. Perhaps better known as home to Pink Palace, the 908sqm island site has gone to planning with the expectation of another high-rise for this burgeoning pocket of South Melbourne.

Bids for the site closed during March, having been offered for sale for the first time in 30 years. Reportedly sold for approximately $15 million, Crema Group is spearheading redevelopment efforts for the site under entity Palmerston Crescent Development Pty Ltd.

Designed by Elenberg Fraser, plans for the mixed-use tower were lodged with City of Port Phillip during July.

<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/image17pp.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Perspective of the development's ground floor restaurant. Planning image: Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="247" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image17pp.jpg?itok=N3JZyH6e" title="Perspective of the development's ground floor restaurant. Planning image: Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Perspective of the development's ground floor restaurant. Planning image: Elenberg Fraser.</figcaption></figure>Expected is an 18-storey, 64m building above 6 basement levels. Included within the basement is a wine cellar.

433sqm across the ground floor is committed to food and drink premises, whilst the tower's podium is dedicated to 3,300sqm of office space and amenities. Thereafter 44 apartments are split between 36 two-bedroom apartments, 6 three-bedrooms apartments and dual penthouses; both span 236sqm.

The design's excessive level of amenity versus the limited number of larger apartments (internals floorplans begin at 118sqm) hints at the project being positioned for owner-occupiers. Recent projects such as GURNER's Albert Place Residences nearby found immediate sales success, particularly with downsizers. Incidentally Elenberg Fraser was also the design lead behind that project.

A 413sqm rooftop lounge and pool crown 8 Palmerston Crescent.

For Crema Group, 8 Palmerston Crescent shapes as the next step in meeting Melbourne's heightened desire for oversized apartments. The developer/builder is currently building a luxury end-to-end development dubbed Derby Place in Kew.

<h2>Elenberg Fraser dominance</h2>

Whilst Crema Group pushes into South Melbourne, architect Elenberg Fraser is right at home in the precinct. According to the Apartments.com.au Project Database, the design practice currently has five additional projects in development in close proximity of 8 Palmerston Crescent.

<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/image3efsm.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Elenberg Fraser's work"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="263" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image3efsm.jpg?itok=TsnHn8iO" title="Elenberg Fraser's work" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Elenberg Fraser's current work.</figcaption></figure>Designed by Elenberg Fraser, <a href="/buildings/park-ave-39-park-street-south-melbourne">37-43 Park Street</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/13-21-palmerston-crescent-south-melbourne">13-21 Palmerston Crescent</a> and <a href="/new-apartments/first-light-28-albert-road-south-melbourne">28-32 Albert Road</a> all hold approval. <a href="/buildings/74-eastern-road-south-melbourne">74 Eastern Road</a>'s wave-like facade is nearing construction completion and <a href="/buildings/albert-place-7-bowen-crescent-south-melbourne">Albert Place Residences</a> has moved to demolition, with an eye toward an immediate construction start thereafter.

All in all Elenberg Fraser are responsible for the creation of in excess of 700 apartments in the precinct.

Lead image: Google
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Crema Group sizes up another tower for South Melbourne

Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FH_1EzB-1vs?si=XScVlP1ERsTDJoME" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356818]

After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356828]

Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tsioMLcnjas?si=zq-ys3JuWpfa5hFv" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356829]

Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351104]

Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351102]

Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

Joel Robinson

From ONE to ERA: Why buyers are choosing GWH again in Newcastle West

Virgate Property Group is preparing to commence construction of Verdé, its new apartment development in Melbourne's Arts Precinct at Southbank, following a strong run of sales that has seen more than half of the project's 173 apartments secured.

Verdé has attracted a broad mix of first home buyers, owner-occupiers upgrading from nearby inner-city suburbs and investors, with younger owner-occupier couples aged between 28 and 45 accounting for the strongest enquiry. Many are already living in Southbank, South Melbourne, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and the CBD.

"Verdé is located in one of the most desirable pockets of southern Melbourne," Blair Property Group Director Darren Blair, who is managing sales at Verdé, said.

"It's within walking distance of the Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and Southbank's restaurants and retail. It's a great lifestyle location with strong amenity and liveability, which made it a very attractive choice for the project."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372549]

Virgate was already familiar with the precinct, having previously delivered the successful Domain House development in neighbouring South Melbourne. That experience gave the developer confidence to acquire the Coventry Street site and continue expanding its presence in Melbourne's inner south.

"We had been keeping an eye on the site and the broader precinct for a few months before deciding to move forward with the acquisition," Virgate said.

The project was ultimately secured in 2020 following feasibility studies, planning assessments and due diligence, with the brief centred on delivering "a high-quality, considered design that feels both refined and fit for purpose."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=314259]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, Verdé comprises 173 one, two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $599,000. The architecture is distinguished by a faceted glass façade that responds to both the site's outlook and Melbourne's changing light conditions.

According to Bruce Henderson Architects, the coloured glazing gives the building a distinctive identity while also providing privacy and solar shading, with residences oriented to capture views across the bay, city skyline and surrounding parklands.

Inside, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> has created interiors focused on natural light, efficient planning and enduring materials. Apartments feature engineered oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, floor-to-ceiling glazing and SMEG appliances, while a restrained material palette aims to complement the expansive outlooks rather than compete with them.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372550]

Resident amenity has also been designed around everyday functionality rather than occasional use. Facilities include a concierge-serviced lobby, residents' lounge with fireplace, library and co-working space, gym, terrace garden with barbecue facilities, ground-floor café, and package delivery management.

The project's location continues to be one of its strongest drawcards. Positioned on Coventry Street, Verdé sits within walking distance of the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park Lake, while Southbank's dining precinct, Sturt Street trams and the new ANZAC Station are all nearby. The surrounding education catchment also includes Melbourne Grammar, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School and several major university campuses.

The sales team says buyers have responded particularly well to the combination of location, design quality and long-term liveability.

"They're responding really positively to the quality of the design, premium resident amenities and the uninterrupted views. Many also appreciate the location and how connected it is to everything they need."

The ability to secure stamp duty savings before completion has also been a key factor for purchasers, alongside the opportunity to personalise finishes ahead of settlement.

With construction set to commence soon and more than half the apartments already sold, Verdé enters its next phase as one of the Arts Precinct's more established apartment developments, offering remaining buyers an opportunity to secure a residence before construction advances further. Expected completion is scheduled for late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4661]

Virgate's Verdé Southbank moves toward construction as sales fly past halfway stage

Downsizer-focused apartment development Kooyongkoot in Hawthorn has been recognised at the 2026 Better Future Melbourne Design Awards, taking home Gold and Silver awards in two categories.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a>, currently being delivered by developer PQD and designed by Cera Stribley, received Gold in the Interior Design – Proposed category and Silver in the Architecture – Proposed category.

The dual recognition reflects the design approach behind the boutique development on prestigious Kooyongkoot Road, where the focus has been on creating homes for downsizers seeking the space, quality and functionality of a detached house within a low-rise apartment building.

Rather than maximising apartment numbers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pqd">PQD</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> limited the development to just 18 residences, allowing for larger floorplans, greater privacy, generous landscaping and expansive communal spaces.&nbsp;The majority of the apartments also benefit from corner aspects, allowing for dual sources of natural light.

Now around 70 per cent complete and on track for completion in November 2026, Kooyongkoot will comprise a mix of garden residences, ter​race apartments, sub-penthouses, and is crowned by two half-floor penthouses with direct lift access and private rooftop terraces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355297]

The Silver Award for Architecture recognised the way the building responds to its prominent corner position at the ent​rance to Hawthorn's Scotch Hill precinct, one of Melbourne's most established residential neighbourhoods.

Rather than competing with the grand homes that line Kooyongkoot Road, the architectural approach focused on restraint and longevity, using curved brickwork, generous landscaping and carefully considered proportions to integrate with the existing streetscape.

"The form feels fluid and timeless, as though shaped by the landscape itself – architecture that belongs, rather than competes," said Chris Stribley, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Cera Stribley.

The judging submission also highlighted practical innovations throughout the building, including lift cores servicing only nine homes each, a central landscaped lightcourt designed to bring daylight and ventilation into the building, and fully enclosed private storage rooms with lighting, power and shelving to better accommodate residents transitioning from larger family homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355293]

The Gold Award for Interior Design recognised the project's focus on long-term liveability rather than display-home aesthetics.

According to the awards submission, the interiors were designed from the inside out, prioritising how homes would function over decades of daily use through generous proportions, practical storage, durable natural materials and flexible layouts.

The specification includes natural stone throughout, upgraded acoustic glazing, V-ZUG appliances and fully enclosed storage rooms, alongside an amenity offering focused on wellness, entertainment and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Residents will have access to a gym and yoga studio, a wellness centre featuring traditional and infrared saunas, a cold therapy shower and treatment room, as well as a residents' lounge and golf simulator/cinema room for entertainment.&nbsp;Kooyongkoot has also considered the everyday convenience of its residents by offering a private carwash and pet wash facilities on site as well as dedicated parcel lockers and oversized fully enclosed storage rooms.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355303]

The project's attention to detail has already resonated with buyers. Earlier this year, Kooyongkoot recorded one of Boroondara's highest apartment sales when an $8 million penthouse was purchased by a Melbourne CEO downsizing from a nearby family home.

"Every detail feels deliberate, from the overall design down to the smallest touches," the purchaser said.

"The level of quality and refinement is exceptional, but what really sold it was how liveable it felt... It felt like a place where everything had been considered, not just a luxury building."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355304]

Sustainability also formed a key part of both award submissions. Kooyongkoot is targeting a minimum 7.5-star NatHERS rating across all residences, supported by passive design principles, high-performance glazing, EV charging infrastructure, water reuse systems and a wellness model focused on lower-energy dry facilities rather than pools and large wet areas.

Located within walking distance of Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College, Koo​yong Lawn Tennis Club, Aubur​n Village and Camberwell Junction, Kooyongkoot continues to target owner-occupiers looking to remain in Melbourne's inner east without compromising on space or quality. A limited selection of two, three and four-bedroom residences remains available, with prices starting from $1.9 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102717]

Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=372394]

Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=953]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=925]

Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=5374]

The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Mark Baljak

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