<html><body>
Lendlease has scored a blue chip tenant for Melbourne Quarter, with financial services giant  AMP signing on.

No stranger to Docklands, AMP will take 9,720sqm of space within the currently under construction One Melbourne Quarter on 699 Collins Street. AMP already maintains a sizeable presence at 750 Collins Street within the wider Batman's Hill precinct.

Already tethered to the new 13-storey commercial tower are engineering firm Arup and Lendlease itself, with the project acting as the developer/builder's Victorian headquarters.

<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_9620.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="One Melbourne Quarter's October construction progress. "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="382" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_9620.jpg?itok=LUu1craT" title="One Melbourne Quarter's October construction progress. " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>One Melbourne Quarter's October construction progress.</figcaption></figure>The tower is currently midway through its structural phase, and is slated for completion during September 2018. As part of the first commercial tower's delivery, a sky park will be built and will look over Collins Street, providing a much needed burst of greenery to this section of Batman's Hill.

Ultimately the precinct will include extensive open public spaces plus 40 new retail shops and cafes/restaurants. Aside from the 24,000sqm plus of premium office space within 699 Collins Street, future Melbourne Quarter commercial towers at 681 Collins Street and 691 Collins Street are expected to add a further 104,000sqm of space to the area.

Commenting on AMP's move, Lendlease’s Managing Director for Urban Regeneration and Infrastructure Development, Mark Menhinnitt understands that Melbourne Quarter is competing against a raft of commercial proposals in Melbourne's CBD.

<blockquote>
Signing a blue-chip tenant like AMP to join us in the heart of the Southern Cross precinct demonstrates how this project promises to revitalise Melbourne’s corporate identity. One Melbourne Quarter brings together the latest thinking in sustainability and technology, offering businesses new, collaborative ways of working with a genuine focus on employee health and wellbeing.

More than half the precinct is dedicated to open green space including a Skypark, an elevated new public park on Collins Street that has been a key draw card for businesses. Following AMP’s commitment, One Melbourne Quarter will have only one more floor to lease, reflecting the strong market interest in the project.
</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/image2mq.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Lendlease's vision for Melbourne Quarter"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="366" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image2mq.jpg?itok=-5tFHQDU" title="Lendlease's vision for Melbourne Quarter" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Lendlease's vision for Melbourne Quarter</figcaption></figure>According to Lendlease, the Denton Corker Marshall-designed One Melbourne Quarter will target leading sustainability outcomes in water consumption, waste management, and indoor environmental quality.  A 6 Star Green Star rating and a 5 star NABERS energy rating is the expected outcome.

The pending two commercial towers are designed to be considerably taller than One Melbourne Quarter. All in all 12,000 workers are expected across the three towers once Melbourne Quarter's commercial component is complete.

681 Collins Street was granted a permit during March of this year and is now in the pool of potential projects seeking a pre-commitment whilst 691 Collins Street is still being assessed by the Planning Minister's office, having been submitted during June.
</body></html>

silvermb

Lendlease woos AMP to Melbourne Quarter

<html><body>
What was appearing across Melbourne's skyline a decade ago?

There certainly wasn't the stupendous number of high-rise towers or low-rise apartment apartment buildings at construction relative to today, but nonetheless a robust construction sector was churning out a respectable number of new and interesting projects.

See below a retrospective construction overview at this corresponding period a decade ago.

<h2><a href="/new-apartments/docklands-vic-3008">Docklands</a></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/image110y.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Docklands was a hive of construction activity, and still is"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="289" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image110y.jpg?itok=A6T7C5Nh" title="Docklands was a hive of construction activity, and still is" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Docklands was a hive of construction activity, and still is.</figcaption></figure>The then National Foods had its new headquarters taking shape at 737 Bourke Street whilst AXA Australia's adjoining campus-style development at 750 Collins Street was nearing construction completion. It's fair to say that upon completion neither were aesthetically astonishing buildings.

Victoria Harbour also kept construction rolling in the latter stages of 2007; the most notable build was ANZ's new global headquarters at 833 Collins Street. In a nice piece of symmetry their new tower adjoining 833 Collins Street is at roughly the same level of construction a decade later.

Digital Harbour was also tasting construction with then contractor Baulderstone working on the modest Life.Lab building. It feels like preciously little has occurred within Digital Harbour since.

<h2><a href="/new-apartments/melbourne-vic">Inner city</a></h2>

Some key projects were on the go in inner Melbourne during late 2007, and none were more noteworthy than the expansion of 'Jeff's Shed.' Once more, a decade later and another expansion of the complex is in progress.

<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/image310y.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The MECC expansion during 2007"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="219" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image310y.jpg?itok=cOXAc-NY" title="The MECC expansion during 2007" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The MECC expansion during 2007.</figcaption></figure>Neo 200 was nearing construction completion, thus taking its place as one of the CBD's early residential towers; how residential living through the CBD has flourished since. <a href="/builders/multiplex">Multiplex</a> was pushing through with the dual-towered commercial-oriented CBW development fronting Bourke and William, with 79,500sqm on its way to being delivered.

<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/stc_20070908.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A sought after Melbourne address in the making"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="436" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/stc_20070908.jpg?itok=d-Y5iCp_" title="A sought after Melbourne address in the making" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A sought after Melbourne address in the making.</figcaption></figure><a href="/developers/salta-properties">Salta</a> was also working on what would become one of Melbourne's most sought after addresses, namely 150 Clarendon Street in <a href="/new-apartments/east-melbourne-vic-3002">East Melbourne</a>.

<h2>A St Kilda Road marvel</h2>

The curves that made Balencia an eventual award-winning design were nowhere to be seen during 2007; the <a href="/developers/sunland-group">Sunland Group</a>/<a href="/developers/pellicano-group">Pellicano Group</a> joint venture's core was barely above ground.

In time it too would become one of Melbourne's most sought after addresses. Post its completion, Balencia would go on to win awards such as The Australian Institute of Architects Frederick Romberg Award for Residential Architecture - Multiple Housing for the year 2009.

<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/image710y.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Construction and the finished product. Image: RealestateVIEW"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="228" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image710y.jpg?itok=425jlSzZ" title="Construction and the finished product. Image: RealestateVIEW" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Construction and the finished product. Image: RealestateVIEW.</figcaption></figure><h2>
<a href="/new-apartments/south-yarra-vic-3141">South Yarra</a> in vogue</h2>

Much can change in a decade in South Yarra. After a period of inactivity, 2007 witnessed works begin in earnest on South Yarra's premier development site. 

It would become Vogue South Yarra, the suburb's tallest, and it still remains so. That mantle though will in time go to <a href="/buildings/capitol-grand-241-toorak-road-south-yarra">Capitol Grand</a> which is on its way to becoming suburban Melbourne's tallest at 50 levels and 178 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/image1010y.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Vogue and a render of its successor, Capitoal Grand. Images: Buchan Group and Multiplex"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="329" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image1010y.jpg?itok=LOvZUsQ7" title="Vogue and a render of its successor, Capitoal Grand. Images: Buchan Group and Multiplex" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Vogue and a render of its successor, Capitoal Grand. Images: Buchan Group and Multiplex.</figcaption></figure><h2>Greater Melbourne</h2>

A building that would become a contender for the worst in Melbourne for both design and construction longevity began its move upward during late 2007. <a href="/new-apartments/brunswick-vic-3056">Brunswick's</a> 108 Union Street is abysmal in just about every way and speaks of a period where design sophistication was not what it is now.

<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/image1410y.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="U108 began in earnest during 2007. Image: RealestateVIEW"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="200" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image1410y.jpg?itok=5R9cmdZU" title="U108 began in earnest during 2007. Image: RealestateVIEW" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>U108 began in earnest during 2007. Image: RealestateVIEW.</figcaption></figure>Doncaster Hill's Westfield was in the midst of a truly massive construction programme, with only Eastland's expansion matching the project for sheer size in the past decade. Nearby in <a href="/new-apartments/box-hill-vic-3128">Box Hill</a> and the Eastern Health building was tasting low-rise expansion; in a sign of how rapidly the design and planning landscape has changed, Epworth Eastern is now pushing for high-rise tower in close proximity to the Eastern Health building.

Closer to the city and The Well in <a href="/new-apartments/camberwell-vic-3124">Camberwell</a> was at construction. A decade on and the mixed-use development still remains one of the few major projects to be built in the suburb, with Aerial Camberwell being the obvious exception.

<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/wdx_20070913.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="But a few of the cranes utilised on Westfield Doncaster"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="412" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/wdx_20070913.jpg?itok=15blZsLu" title="But a few of the cranes utilised on Westfield Doncaster" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>But a few of the cranes utilised on Westfield Doncaster during 2007.</figcaption></figure>
</body></html>

Melbourne under construction - a decade ago

<html><body>
Growland has sought to increase the size of all bar one of the six tower than constitutes their <a href="/buildings/victoria-square-8-hopkins-street-footscray">Victoria Square development</a>.

Hand in hand with the developer revealing it had <a href="https://urban.melbourne/development/2017/09/12/growland-aims-local-buyers-victoria-squares-second-stage-launched">effectively sold out the Footscray project's first tower release</a> during September, a revised planning application was put before Maribyrnong City Council seeking to add between 4-5 levels across five separate buildings. The revised application also sees a near fourfold increase in commercial space across the development.

Currently, Growland are pursuing sales for Victoria Square's most recently released tower which has been dubbed VS02.

<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/image1kud.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A new Dynon Road perspective. Planning image: KUD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image1kud.jpg?itok=hHKeQXZh" title="A new Dynon Road perspective. Planning image: KUD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A new Dynon Road perspective. Image: Scharp</figcaption></figure>Under plans currently on display with Maribyrnong City Council, the tallest tower across the development would increase from 24 to 28 levels. It along with the adjoining and unchanged 24 level building constitute Stage 1 of Victoria Square, and are defined by their white horizontal exterior.

The remaining four towers across Stages 2 and 3 are all earmarked for an additional five levels of apartment living. Stage 2's blue-glazed towers front Hopkins Street whilst the development's envisaged final release includes twin 19 level towers across the site's northern perimeter.

An increase in office space from 887sqm to 3,164sqm across Stage 2 is a concession to the objectives within the Footscray Metropolitan Activity Centre framework, which seeks a diversified land use within the wider Joseph Road Precinct.

All in all Victoria Square's final outcome would see as many as 1,066 apartments delivered, plus the aforementioned 3,164sqm of office space and over 2,700sqm of retail space spread across 20 separate retail tenancies. 

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image4_18.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A new vista beckons for Footscray. Planning image: KUD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="361" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image4_18.jpg?itok=cFLr5PL8" title="A new vista beckons for Footscray. Planning image: KUD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A new vista beckons for Footscray. Image: Scharp</figcaption></figure>The project's exterior continues to evolve as well, as described by Kavellaris Urban Design within the planning documents:

"The three separate stages incorporate the swaying/shifting floor plates as a common architectural language but have differing material palettes. The central towers (stage 1) incorporate a solid expression of white concrete and perforated metal screens, whereas stage 2 and 3 (southern and northern respectively) incorporate a lighter reflective glass language.

Both stage 1 and 2 towers share a singular podium built form which incorporates a landscaped terrace at the roof level. The podium has been designed to capture the various curvilinear architectural expressions and explores suburban parks and public spaces typologies.:

Imagery created by design agency Scharp also points toward the impending bulk headed for the wider Joseph Road Precinct. Should it be approved, Victoria Square's tallest tower at 28 levels would still be shadowed by taller towers already approved for the urban renewal area.
</body></html>

Growland pushes Footscray's Victoria Square to new heights

<html><body>
City of Melbourne intentions for a reimagined University Square are now available for viewing. The significant piece of public space at 190-192 Pelham Street is in line to receive a total makeover, bringing the green landscape into a 21st century.

With the surrounding area rapidly bulking up and receiving a new Metro line and station, City of Melbourne's long held plans for the site have taken on added impetus. This is doubly so given that 40% of Elms which form part of University Square have reached the end of their useful life expectancy.

In partnership with the University of Melbourne and the Victorian Government, the reworked University Square is now in its third phase of consultancy, which was submitted for consideration during September. They were promptly placed on <a href="http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/building-and-development/property-information/planning-building-registers/Pages/town-planning-permits-register-search-results.aspx?appid=282456">public display</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/image39_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Enhanced green spaces for University Square"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="247" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image39_8.jpg?itok=kn2y49GC" title="Enhanced green spaces for University Square" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Enhanced green spaces for University Square</figcaption></figure><h2>Lord Mayor Robert Doyle's take on the project</h2>

<blockquote>
To recognise the Square’s role and location as a gathering space for residents, students, visitors and workers, the University Square Master Plan has drawn on extensive community feedback to guide the design of this space; to craft a 21st century park.

We want to create a larger park and make the landscape more user friendly and engaging. Over time, many of the elm trees at University Square have declined; a legacy of the drought from 1998 to 2007.

In response we will increase the tree canopy and species diversity by planting more than 250 climate-appropriate trees and add a rich understorey, while preserving the Square’s existing trees during transition. In the years ahead we can look forward to a new urban forest and the new avenues that will emerge for future generations of Melburnians to enjoy.

In addition to creating vibrant social spaces that respond to the needs of our community, we will increase the size of University Square, create new plazas and activity areas, capture stormwater, install solar energy and WiFi.
</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/image43_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="An aerial of University Square's development zones"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="350" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image43_6.jpg?itok=lRlyIpwn" title="An aerial of University Square's development zones" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>An aerial of University Square's development zones</figcaption></figure>University Square's redevelopment can be broadly broken down into the following categories:

<ul>
<li>1 - Planning for trees: Create a new urban forest at University Square, with the addition of almost 250 new trees</li>
	<li>2 - Barry Street new park spaces: Increase the size of the square by closing Barry Street to traffic and car parking</li>
	<li>3 - Leicester Street road within a park: Reduce the width of Leicester Street and maintain northbound traffic only to retain essential bus services, bicycles, and traffic while enlarging the square</li>
	<li>4 - Plaza and Grattan Street: Build a new heart for University Square in a re-designed plaza. New features include diverse trees and gardens, a recessed basketball half-court, table tennis and chess boards</li>
	<li>5 - Water Terrace A transition from the Plaza to The Green will be created with a Water Terrace. The new space will include trees, gardens and aquatic plantings with a focus on water</li>
	<li>6 - The Green: Expand and improve the square’s much-loved lawn area</li>
	<li>7 - Pelham Street park front and biodiversity corridor: Replace the current single central entrance with a new park entrance and address at Pelham Street. Pelham Street itself will be transformed into a green corridor linking University and Lincoln squares</li>
	<li>Creating social spaces: Design and locate park elements that meet the needs of social, accessible and connected spaces in the new park including seating</li>
	<li>Building a living laboratory: Provide opportunities and infrastructure that encourages research and prototyping in fields such as alternative energy sources, biodiversity, air quality and heat-island-effect</li>
	<li>Integrated public art vision: Integrate art into University Square from the design phase through a strategic creative vision that enables art to be a fundamental component of the site’s design</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/image44_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The planned Water Terrace"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="419" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image44_2.jpg?itok=9uxtO-9T" title="The planned Water Terrace" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The planned Water Terrace</figcaption></figure>Whilst the application for a planning permit plays out, City of Melbourne are preparing top implementation certain aspects of the Master Plan.

The first stage of University Square's redevelopment will see both Leicester Street and Pelham Street come in for some attention. Sections of Leicester Street adjacent to University Square will be demolished in favour of a new 5m wide north-bound lane and dedicated bicycle path/pedestrian thoroughfare.

Pelham Street, on the other hand, will receive a new park entrance and pedestrian crossings, plus new garden beds and seating, whilst also relocating the temperance fountain to the new Pelham Street entrance.
</body></html>

University Square goes ultra green 

<html><body>
Fueled by an investor-driven market, the CBD and Southbank ruled the apartment sales market over recent years. That was then, but now the mantle rests with Melbourne's inner eastern suburbs, where developers have jumped upon a recurring project format which gives their project the greatest chance of success.

Low-rise developments with spacious apartments designed for the owner-occupier. Simple really?

Simple or otherwise, the proliferation of low-rise three to five level apartment buildings in suburbs such as Hawthorn, Malvern and Glen Iris demonstrates the strong consumer uptake of projects which shy away from smaller, investor-driven apartment formats. 21 Riversdale Road is the most recent example of the strength of the inner east apartment market.

Agent Marshall White Projects has just revealed they signed off on $12 million in sales during a single day for the luxury residential project in Hawthorn which features 22 oversized apartments. This high mark was achieved one month prior to the project’s public launch and before any sales or marketing material was made available.

The $32 million project is being developed by Moda, whilst Ewert Leaf undertook the design; the practice has made a habit of creating highly successful low-rise apartment schemes in Melbourne's southern and eastern suburbs for some time now.

Director of Marshall White Projects, Leonard Teplin denotes 21 Riversdale Road's features which are apparent across many of the current batch of apartment projects in Melbourne's east - oversized, light-filled apartments with high-quality finishes, designed to attract the owner occupiers and the ability customise floor plans to create larger apartments.

95% of the early purchasers were local downsizers from either Stonnington and Boroondara.

<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/image5mwh21_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="21 Riversdale Road's open plan living space. Image: Marshall White Projects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="390" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image5mwh21_0.jpg?itok=VdclnC0a" title="21 Riversdale Road's open plan living space. Image: Marshall White Projects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>21 Riversdale Road's open plan living space. Image: Marshall White Projects</figcaption></figure><h2>Commentary by Leonard Teplin</h2>

<blockquote>
The success of a project is dependent on its ability to understand the needs of the market and deliver a product that not only meets, but exceeds those needs.

21 Riversdale Road is a prime example of what happens when developers get it right – when you create a quality project and invest the time and resources early on, the development speaks for itself and you end up spending less on sales and marketing down the track.

Projects located within Melbourne’s wealth belt affords the benefits of connectivity and proximity to lifestyle amenities, while also offering the quiet leafy streets that are favoured by the downsizer market.
</blockquote>

<h2>The format for success</h2>

Assessment of the Apartments.com.au Project Database shows the strength on the low-rise luxury apartment market through the inner eastern suburbs.

Adding locales such as Camberwell, Hawthorn East, Kew, Malvern East and Toorak to the aforementioned suburbs Hawthorn, Malvern and Glen Iris reveals a clear cut penchant for low-rise apartment projects. Across these 8 suburbs, 136 apartment projects are in various stages of development, and of those only 27% have six or more levels.

Restrictive planning controls coupled with the target market's appetite of low-rise luxury living across Stonnington and Boroondara in particular is plain to see.

<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/image34_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A sample of current apartment project in Melbourne's inner east"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="467" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image34_11.jpg?itok=6OutAFXr" title="A sample of current apartment project in Melbourne's inner east" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A sample of current apartment project in Melbourne's inner east</figcaption></figure>
</body></html>

Melbourne's inner east keeps the apartment light burning bright

<html><body>
Fishermans Bend's overall development activity has slowed almost to the point of stagnation over the past year, as the collective development industry waits for the release of the draft framework for the urban renewal area.

In the shadows of the State Government announcement of these permanent planning controls, the three prospective projects below have in one way, shape or form broken the quiet spell of development related news within Fishermans Bend over recent days.

<h2>272-280 Normanby Road</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/image15norma.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Slightly varying designs for Normanby Road. Planning images: Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="237" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image15norma.jpg?itok=P-eoi8QQ" title="Slightly varying designs for Normanby Road. Planning images: Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Slightly varying designs for Normanby Road. Planning images: Hayball</figcaption></figure>A reworked design for 280 Normanby Road Pty Ltd's intended tower has gone before City of Port Phillip, with Council's October report on the project still recommending that it does not support the application in its current form. The 40 level mixed-use development was previously considered by Council during August 2016.

Included within the current scheme are 289 apartments (down from 396), an affordable housing component, 5 retail tenancies, 4 commercial tenancies, resident amenities and a 342sqm ground floor level community room. A through block link between Normanby Road and Munro Street along is also on the agenda.

"The amended plans satisfactorily address a number of Council concerns with the original application regarding tower setbacks, loading bay design, car park layout...but does not meet the new Local Policy for employment or affordable housing. The amended plans do not respond to Council concerns regarding tower height, and changes to the podium and tower façade treatments.

Council indeed want the tower dropped to 35 levels at the most, regardless of the fact it's in a 40 level height limit area.

Aesthetically the tower has seen its design merits lessened somewhat with its exterior simplified relative to earlier versions of the Hayball-designed tower, with Minister Wynne to have the final say on the tower.

<h2>68 Buckhurst Street </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/image13buck.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="South Melbourne's latest site up for purchase. Images: Colliers"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="225" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image13buck.jpg?itok=YeXWBqUm" title="South Melbourne's latest site up for purchase. Images: Colliers" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>South Melbourne's latest site up for purchase. Images: Colliers</figcaption></figure>The right to deliver 1,000 plus apartments is in the offing, with Colliers &amp; Savills jointly listing for sale one of Fishermans Bend's largest development sites.

Approval is in place for a quartet of Fender Katsalidis Architects-designed residential towers, installing 68 Buckhurst Street as one of the urban renewal area's largest permitted sites to be offered for sale. As many as 1,004 apartments can be realised under the permit, with the ability to have the project delivered over stages likely to be an attractive selling point.

Spanning 9,478sqm, 68 Buckhurst Street's design outcome supersedes earlier versions for the site; one of which included 1,312 apartments, 1,055 bicycle bays and 772 car parking spaces.

Prospective buyers have until November 2nd to submit their Expression of Interest for the site which is in close proximity to the currently under construction South Melbourne Primary School.

<h2>2-28 Montague Street</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/image16cymazda.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Movement on the Mazda site. Image: McGlashan Everist"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="348" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image16cymazda.jpg?itok=G8SkB294" title="Movement on the Mazda site. Image: McGlashan Everist" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Movement on the Mazda site. Image: McGlashan Everist</figcaption></figure>Developer Tim Gurner last week flagged the likelihood of 2-28 Montague Street heading down the path of redevelopment in the medium term.

GURNER's acquisition of the 10,000sqm island site will eventually lead to a $1.5 billion mixed-use, multi-tower project which is weeks away from planning submission. Having used COX Architecture on a number of current projects within City of Yarra, GURNER has again turned to the design practice for the Montague Street project.

Surrounded by a variety of towers which are at planning or approved, 2-28 Montague Street is expected to house thousands of apartments, childcare facilities, serviced apartments, a 4.5 star hotel, commercial office space and over 9,000sqm of retail space.

<blockquote>
We are very keen to play an important role in Melbourne’s regeneration and the evolving urban landscape, so this represents an opportunity for us to really sink our teeth into urban renewal. The size of this site is aligned with our vision to create projects that are iconic and recognised both around Australia and internationally.

Our focus will be to price the first few stages strategically, offering a high-end product at an affordable price, so that we can quickly move through to construction of the ground level retail plane, and start contributing to the area’s regeneration as soon as possible
<cite>Tim Gurner: GURNER founder and director</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
The site will be the ‘front row’ not only for excellence in architecture but also in how an activated groundplane will weave together old and new, providing amenity and a genuine magnet for the surrounding neighbourhoods even beyond the building.

The location will provides the benchmark, the precedent and the catalyst for the link between the rejuvenated South Melbourne and newly envisioned Fishermans Bend precinct.
<cite>Philip Rowe: director of Cox Architecture.</cite>
</blockquote>
</body></html>

Fishermans Bend's development scene rumbles back to life

<html><body>
Based on the flow of planning applications into Oakleigh, the suburb was identified by Apartments.com.au as <a href="/news/pellicano-group-cements-oakleigh-as-an-upcoming-apartment-hotspot">an emerging apartment hot spot</a> at the turn of 2016.

Oakleigh's apartment-driven regeneration has now taken a step forward with the official launch of another major apartment project. Mount Waverley-based developer Pellicano has pulled the trigger on Alke, their latest residential project that will add 89 dwellings along Oakleigh's Atherton Road.

With an end value of $53 million, Alke is the result of a stint at planning which culminated with a win for Pellicano at VCAT.

Subsequent to the project's approval, Pellicano chose to drop the number of apartments within Alke from 115 to 89, in order to provide larger dwellings and better meet local demand stemming from Oakleigh and surrounding suburbs.

<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/image6alke.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Oakleigh's new edition - Alke."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image6alke.jpg?itok=dPCmYhPe" title="Oakleigh's new edition - Alke." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Oakleigh's new edition - Alke.</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
Oakleigh holds a great significance to Pellicano and we want to uphold our history by bringing a more premium product to the area, adding value to the urban context and providing long-term, quality homes for its inhabitants.

These generously sized and well-designed apartments provide a great opportunity for contemporary, community-focused living within an established neighbourhood. Due to the area’s rich history and strong community, we are seeing a lot of interest from local downsizers and local first home buyers.

Many second and third-generation Europeans, who want to stay in their established community and continue to enjoy the abundant amenity but without the hassle of looking after a large family home, are looking to move into these larger, well-appointed apartments. The local primary schools and close links to relatives also make it attractive for the young families looking for a home.
<cite>Nando Pellicano: Pellicano managing director</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
Our interior arm created a scheme that offers residents the opportunity to express their own personality though the selection of furniture, artwork, and accessories.

The communal areas are light-filled and landscaped with vegetation, offering spaces for social interaction or quiet respite, and adding to the quality of life for Alke residents.
<cite>Tristan Wong: SJB director</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/image5alke.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Alke's finer street level treatment"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="725" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image5alke.jpg?itok=QHCrUUru" title="Alke's finer street level treatment" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Alke's finer street level treatment</figcaption></figure><h2>The design</h2>

After various planning machinations, architecture firm SJB has settled Alke's design; two six level buildings set above a common podium level sweep away from one another, with a low-rise third building also part of the development.

Each building consists between 14-45 apartments, with the larger buildings bisected by a podium top communal garden space. Externally the project is finished in brick snap panels which speaks to Oakleigh's traditional housing finish, floor to ceiling glazing and perforated metal screens for shading and privacy.

Internally Pellicano have split the 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments into different categories; Garden Loft Residences, Terrace Homes and 3 bedroom Penthouse sized residences. Interior schemes carry timber floorboards, contrasting lines plus soft grey and white colour schemes with an overtone of industrial detailing.

The almost ubiquitous trendy cafe will also account for Alke's retail 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/image7alke.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Alke's communal terrace"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image7alke.jpg?itok=N2_Xd7w6" title="Alke's communal terrace" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Alke's communal terrace</figcaption></figure><h2>Oakleigh bulks up</h2>

Alke joins Oros as projects currently at sales within Oakleigh. 

Oros will eventually become a sprawling development accounting for a 9,605sqm site fronting Dandenong Road; its 348 apartments are joined by a serviced apartment contingent and in excess of 2,000sqm of retail space. Conversely Alke is more conservative in scale and closely cited to Oakleigh's retail and commercial heart, plus Oakleigh Station.

Combined they will add 400 plus apartments to the suburb which has only one considerable apartment project approaching construction completion, namely 8 Degrees at 83 Drummond Street which consists of 54 apartments.
</body></html>

Alke adds another buyer option to the strengthening Oakleigh apartment market

<html><body>
Prospective Kensington development sites continue to drift toward higher density residential outcomes. 

The latest to do so is Naser Group's 347-367 Macaulay Road which is now at planning, with the developer hoping to create 55 overly large two and three bedroom apartments within a new C-shaped, six-storey building. The site itself is currently home to an ordinary single storey warehouse which abuts the mid-rise Kensington Warehouse Apartments complex to the south.

Designed by Pitch Architecture + Developments, 347-367 Macaulay Road draws heavily upon the area's brick warehouse heritage, which is evident across the design's lower levels. Grimbos Building surveyors is also associated with the project.

Received by City of Melbourne during August, Pitch Architecture + Developments refer to the project as <a href="http://pitchad.com.au/sky-house/">Sky House</a> on their website, perhaps indicating the name that the project will carry down the track.

<h2>347-367 Macaulay Road application summary</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image11_19.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Macaulay Road perspective. Planning image: Pitch Architecture + Developments"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="330" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image11_19.jpg?itok=HEqOegS1" title="Macaulay Road perspective. Planning image: Pitch Architecture + Developments" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Macaulay Road perspective. Planning image: Pitch Architecture + Developments</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site area: 2,011sqm with 55m main street frontage</li>
	<li>Proposed 6 level building</li>
	<li>55 dwellings: 23 x 2BR, 32 x 3BR</li>
	<li>Estimated cost of development: $26 million</li>
	<li>103 car parking spaces and 55 bicycles across two basement levels</li>
</ul>
<h2>Naser/Nascon expanding</h2>

347-367 Macaulay Road is the latest project for Naser Group Property, who's director Mohammed Naser is also director of Nascon Group.

Combined the two property entities have developed a string of apartment projects across Melbourne. Most recently completed was Ivanhoe's The Orchard which holds 39 apartments, with Fitzroy North's Fitz &amp; Co and <a href="/new-apartments/moore-21-moore-street-moonee-ponds">Moore Apartments</a> in Moonee Ponds both currently under construction.

After a long stint at planning Nascon Group also successfully gained a mid-2017 permit to develop an <a href="/new-apartments/21-yarra-street-heidelberg">88-apartment, Artisan Architects-designed tower</a> in the heart of Heidelberg.

347-367 Macaulay Road adds to the Naser Group/Nascon Group stable, but distinguishes itself by intending to add larger than average apartments to Kensington. Smallest sized apartments within the proposal begin at 73sqm internal, with the largest loft apartment covering 162sqm of internal 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/image13_19.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Design aspects of the proposed building. Planning image: Pitch Architecture + Developments"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="323" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image13_19.jpg?itok=-_u5p4bz" title="Design aspects of the proposed building. Planning image: Pitch Architecture + Developments" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Design aspects within the proposed building. Planning image: Pitch Architecture + Developments</figcaption></figure><h2>Kensington higher density</h2>

Kensington is not flush with development sites, but certain pockets are lending themselves to redevelopment.

Traditionally a light commercial and/or industrial stronghold, the area surrounding 347-367 Macaulay Road is receiving increased apartment-based proposals. A stone's throw away, both <a href="/new-apartments/51-61-hardiman-street-kensington">51-61 Hardiman Street</a> and <a href="/new-apartments/28-32-albermarle-street-kensington">28-32 Albermarle Street</a> are at planning and combined could potentially add a further 92 dwellings to this emerging development pocket.

Isolated higher density developments such as <a href="/new-apartments/2-22-gatehouse-drive-kensington">2-22 Gatehouse Drive</a> and <a href="/new-apartments/2-22-gatehouse-drive-kensington">265-271 Racecourse Road</a> will likely add to Kensington's future apartment stock, but the area most likely to see pronounced development is a stretch of land alongside Hobsons Road that is now receiving its first taste of construction, by way of River Walk Kensington.

A likely construction hot spot in years to come, the vast stretch of land fronting Hobsons Road is adjacent to the West Melbourne Waterfront urban renewal project.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image35_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Macaulay Road with fellow Kensington projects. Construction image: Hacer"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="392" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image35_10.jpg?itok=NlbYtaNr" title="Macaulay Road with fellow Kensington projects. Construction image: Hacer" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Macaulay Road with fellow Kensington projects. Construction image: Hacer</figcaption></figure>
</body></html>

Naser Group goes for the Sky in Kensington

<html><body>
A planning application before City of Monash has sidestepped the traditional 'mixed-use' format, instead opting to label the pending project as a ‘multi-age precinct’ development.

BC Mount Waverley Project Pty Ltd is pushing through with the application across 445-467 Blackburn Road Mount Waverley, which also abuts the Monash Freeway. The Box Hill North-based entity was created during 2015 to purchase the property and existing 4-star Hotel Bruce County, with the intent of delivering a larger development onsite.

And that development consists of the ‘multi-age precinct’ which would cater specifically for both children and the elderly, whilst adding short, mid and long-term accommodation options.

445-467 Blackburn Road is the work of Marchese Partners, whose last major Melbourne design effort was <a href="http://www.marchesepartners.com/project/v1/">Village Docklands V1 Tower</a> which was completed during 2005.

<h2>445-467 Blackburn Road application summary</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image17_15.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rendered perspective. Planning image: Marchese Partners"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="403" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image17_15.jpg?itok=31RaBTvf" title="Rendered perspective. Planning image: Marchese Partners" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rendered perspective. Planning image: Marchese Partners</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Current use: Hotel Bruce County, conference centre, restaurant, car park</li>
	<li>Site area: 6,353sqm with 2 street frontages</li>
	<li>Proposed: U-shaped building rising to 10 levels or 32.4m</li>
	<li>Hotel: 120 rooms and 8 serviced apartments</li>
	<li>Retirement village: 60 independent living units</li>
	<li>47 apartments and 10 townhouses</li>
	<li>A medical centre and retail outlet</li>
	<li>Single basement level for 135 cars</li>
	<li>Child care centre for 140 children. 589.9sqm indoor area and a 320.9sqm terrace</li>
	<li>Amenities: central courtyard, gym, swimming pool, hydro therapy area</li>
</ul>
<h2>Design Philosophy excerpts</h2>

<blockquote>
The architectural detailing of the proposed building is exceptional in quality, which is a rare occurrence in the middle and outer ring suburbs of Melbourne. As a result, the proposed development makes a significant contribution to the neighbourhood, presenting a well-resolved design with highly articulated facades and active ground level interfaces.

The 10 storey building height proposed in this part of the site presents a robust interface to the Monash Freeway exit ramp and Blackburn Road, defining this corner and recognising the prominence of this location by proposing a key built form marker for the locality.

The proposal makes a positive contribution to the public realm by providing attractive and activated frontages to all street addresses. The commercial address to Blackburn Road will be retained and new food and drink premises and health care services fronting the central courtyard will promote activity and engagement within the site.
<cite>Urban Context Report and Design Response: Hollerich Town Planning</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/image18mp.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rendered perspective. Planning image: Marchese Partners"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="359" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image18mp.jpg?itok=OzA9NqEe" title="Rendered perspective. Planning image: Marchese Partners" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rendered perspective. Planning image: Marchese Partners</figcaption></figure><h2>Mount Waverley's largest</h2>

445-467 Blackburn Road inserts itself as Mount Waverley's largest project in development. Apartments.com.au is tracking six other projects within the suburb, but all pale into insignificance relative to 445-467 Blackburn Road's overall size.

Current notable projects within Mount Waverley include further commercial buildings slated for the Axxess Corporate Park on Gilby Road and the intended mixed-use development spanning 170-174 Highbury Road. The latter was well publicised as early works ran into issues during the excavation process, resulting in damage to adjoining properties.

Also in the works for Mount Waverley is Pace Development Group's 554-558 High Street Road; awaiting a VCAT hearing, Pace took the proposal to VCAT because Council did not decide upon the application within the required 60 day timeframe

445-467 Blackburn Road on the other hand was lodged with City of Monash earlier this year, and only began its advertising stint last week.
</body></html>

Mount Waverley earmarked for a ‘multi-age precinct' development

<html><body>
Brunswick East's popularity continues to cut through with apartment buyers, as Jameson Capital has noted with the recent launch of B.E. Apartments.

Acting as a capital partner to date, Jameson Capital has turned its hand to development with 11-15 Brunswick Road, a 1,724sqm site that is located in an already established apartment pocket. On the eve of the project's launch, Apartments.com.au chatted with Jeremy Urbach, director of Jameson Capital regarding Melbourne's latest apartment release.

The development has been well publicised in that Jameson Capital has chosen to offer 10 of the project's 97 apartments at a 5% deposit rate, half the norm. Designed to aid first home buyers and those looking to buy again, Jeremy Urbach told Apartments.com.au that at the time of launch earlier in September, 7 of the 10 incentivised apartments had been accounted for with 5 of those first home buyers.

Dubbed 'Your Path Your Start' the incentive has also served to increase the profile of the development in a competitive off-the-plan apartment market.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image9aa.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Exterior perspective. Image: Jameson Capital"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="381" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image9aa.jpg?itok=C1pSTYwN" title="Exterior perspective. Image: Jameson Capital" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Exterior perspective. Image: Jameson Capital</figcaption></figure>Asked if the incentive could be rolled out across future projects, Jeremy Urbach explains that at this point the scheme is restricted to the Brunswick East project.

'Your Path Your Start' is much like Jameson Capital's role as developer of B.E. Apartments; a meeting of opportunity with the capital capacity to deliver. Jeremy Urbach states that Jameson Capital's chief role will remain that of a financier and capital manager, but the numbers stacked up to step in as developer when the site was offered for sale with a permit in place.

B.E. Apartments has a completion value of $60m, with a targeted internal rate of return of 30.2% gross.

With sales now underway a shortlist of builders has been compiled, with the successful head contractor expected to be onsite during the first quarter of next year.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image10aa.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rothelowman's design influence. Image: Jameson Capital"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image10aa.jpg?itok=LvQXrdC6" title="Rothelowman's design influence. Image: Jameson Capital" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rothelowman's design influence. Image: Jameson Capital</figcaption></figure>Post site acquisition, Jameson Capital enlisted Rothelowman to overhaul the existing permit. Although the previous permit was adequate, Jeremy Urbach explains that as a continuation of an existing relationship, Rothelowman were tasked with redesigning the project to meet the Better Apartments Design Standards criteria.

The resultant B.E. Apartments now has no saddleback configurations, increased daylight access and increased sellable area, although the redesign did add an extra 10 months to the development's timeframe.

Apartments were also made larger, with single bedroom apartments between 50-53sqm, whilst the largest three bedroom dwelling comes in at 105sqm.

Another point of difference is the work of street artist Ghostpatrol which will feature on the building's exterior and within the project's common areas. B.E. Apartments will also include ground floor retail space and a rooftop terrace holding an unimpeded CBD sight line.
</body></html>

The right fit, the right time: profiling Jameson Capital's B.E. Apartments 

A long-stalled Campbelltown development site is back in play, with new plans for 139 apartments set to supersede a mixed-use scheme approved almost a decade ago but never built.

The new proposal for 28 Cordeaux Street would deliver 116 market and 23 affordable apartments in a part 14-storey building, bringing a substantial new project into a Campbelltown market where new apartment supply remains limited.

Plans have been filed over the 3,092 sqm corner site at Moore-Oxley Street, around 600 metres from Campbelltown Railway Station and the city-centre retail core.

The site already carries a mixed-use residential approval dating to 2016. Doroch Architects has now been engaged on a larger replacement scheme, which is progressing as a State Significant Development Application following a Housing Delivery Authority determination in August 2025.

The apartment mix comprises 39 one-bedroom, 72 two-bedroom and 28 three-bedroom residences. Two-bedroom apartments make up just over half of the project, while three-bedroom homes account for 20 per cent.

<img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="136dd5b9-3791-4da6-9e31-76f533f5b4de" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da2.png?VersionId=LgOSy9nwf5u.MGswBBwaGGxuX8QpHSl_" />

Of the 139 apartments, 23 will be delivered as affordable housing under the in-fill affordable housing provisions of the Housing SEPP. The affordable component represents 15 per cent of the residential gross floor area and will be managed by a registered Community Housing Provider.

Doroch has sought to break the scale of the building into two distinct elements, with a masonry podium of around four storeys establishing the street edge before the residential tower steps back above.

The corner position has shaped that approach. Cordeaux Street faces toward the commercial and civic centre, while Moore-Oxley Street leads into the lower-scale residential neighbourhood to the south, and the design verification report describes the site as "bridging the commercial core to the north and established residential areas to the south."

The podium will be expressed predominantly in face brick, while the upper levels shift to brushed and grooved concrete cladding with darker metal detailing. Recessed sections, deep balcony edges and landscaping break down the upper form, with an approximately 11.8-metre setback to the northern boundary addressing the adjoining St Peters Anglican School.

<img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c8b3d2d3-c561-4bfc-a5d9-a68c0c10dac1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da1.png?VersionId=AeAEyJU02Gk2k5noUj2StziCvdQ7fW4B" />

Campbelltown has been starved of new residential developments in the last decade.

The only other notable development set to come to market this year is ALAND's Queen Square, a mixed-use precinct on over two hectares that will comprise apartments above a vibrant ground-level retail and hospitality dining precinct.

Joel Robinson

First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site

First Look: Sherlock Construction pitches apartments for low-rise Deception Bay

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.

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]

Mark Baljak

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News