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Considering the sheer volume of apartment projects Melbourne has absorbed over recent years, the rate of stalled projects is comparatively minuscule.

Very few apartment projects that launched their respective sales campaigns over the last five years failed to progress to construction. One of the more notable projects though was 100 Park Street; the South Melbourne project straddling the busy Kings Way and Park Street intersection had over recent years been expected to be home to an 11 level mixed-use building.

The failure of the project to progress through its then sales campaign has presented an opportunity for current developer RESCOM, which also happens to be headquartered onsite.

<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/100park-2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="100 Park Street as was initially intended. Image: Rescom"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/100park-2.jpg?itok=BrxWxxFd" title="100 Park Street as was initially intended. Image: Rescom" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>100 Park Street as was initially intended. Image: Rescom</figcaption></figure>With the 2012 VCAT-approved scheme now consigned to history, RESCOM has utilised prolific residential apartment design practice CHT Architects to rework the scheme for the dual fronted 593sqm site which fronts a combined twelve lanes of traffic.

Lodged with City of Port Phillip earlier in the year, the new CHT Architects design seeks approval for a taller 19-storey building which includes offices and 67 apartments. Split between 10 single bedroom dwellings, 40 two bedroom dwellings and 17 three bedroom dwellings, the newly formatted tower provides a greater yield relative to the original design.

483.5 square metres of office space is present over the ground floor, first floor and second floor. 44 car parking spaces and 51 bicycle bays are housed across two basement levels and a portion of the ground floor.

Reaching 60 metres in height, the new 100 Park Street represents RESCOM's biggest apartment project to date, following on from their Fernhill Sandringham project and the at construction Herbert King on Richmond's Lennox Street which includes 40 dwellings.

100 Park Street's initial sales campaign was forsaken, with the site eventually <a href="https://www.cbremelbourne.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Park_St_100_4PP_v14.pdf">handed over to CBRE City Sales</a> during mid 2015 with all presales attached, but not acted upon.

<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_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A Kings Way perspective of 100 Park Street. Planning image: CHT Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="456" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image32_7.jpg?itok=Ph4RogDp" title="A Kings Way perspective of 100 Park Street. Planning image: CHT Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A Kings Way perspective of 100 Park Street. Planning image: CHT Architects</figcaption></figure>The current 100 Park Street proposal versus the initial 2012 scheme is chalk and cheese when placed into their respective built form.

Park Street and the immediate surrounds have become one of the more stable apartment development precincts across inner Melbourne. The majority of proposals have pushed through City of Port Phillip's planning channel in the last two years, effectively earmarking this area as a hotbed of apartment activity in years to come.

Including the reworked 100 Park Street, there are currently nine apartment projects either on Park Street or within a 300m radius that have yet to reach fruition. These projects amount to a further 911 apartments in the South Melbourne pipeline.

<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_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Fellow proposals at 33 Park Street, 5-7 Park Street and 9-13 Park Street."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="339" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image34_10.jpg?itok=QX0x2y09" title="Fellow proposals at 33 Park Street, 5-7 Park Street and 9-13 Park Street." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Fellow proposals at 33 Park Street, 5-7 Park Street and 9-13 Park Street.</figcaption></figure>
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silvermb

A problem South Melbourne site looks for new life

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The changing built form landscape within City of Yarra may well be nudged once more down the commercial path as plans are assessed for a sizebale development of the Kia/Patersons site at 198-242 Burnley Street, Richmond.

Council is deliberating over a plan which would create four separate office buildings that would hold an accumulated GFA of approximately 40,000sqm and support 800-1000 full time jobs.

On behalf of Burnley Developments Pty Ltd, 198-242 Burnley Street would also be the first entry for Wireframe Architecture within the Apartments.com.au Project Database. A pointer toward the developer's credentials is the fact that the Melbourne-based architecture practice is part of Meydan Group, who is a well established developer across metropolitan 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/image36wa.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial perspective of the development. Planning image: Wireframe Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="342" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image36wa.jpg?itok=Xtc5fDea" title="Aerial perspective of the development. Planning image: Wireframe Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial perspective of the development. Planning image: Meydan Planning</figcaption></figure>Part demolition is sought over the 8,020sqm site, with Lovell Chen providing advice in regards to a number of sensitive heritage buildings onsite.

The late 1800's Alcock’s Electric Light and Motive Power Co building, also known as the 'power station building' along Neptune Street to the site's rear will be restored and internally reconfigured to accommodate co-working office space. Secondary heritage facades to Burnley Street and the ‘Patersons Building’ to Neptune Street will be restored with new built form set back from the boundary.

As seen above, Building A accounts for the Patersons Building, Building B relates to the restored power station structure, Building C sits behind the existing redbrick sawtooth roof extension to the adjacent power factory whilst Building D as the developments largest, will account for a number of nondescript existing buildings.

198-242 Burnley Street is also slated to include retail tenancies, 385 car parking spaces and 250 bicycle parking spaces.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image38_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Burnley Street perspective. Planning image: Wireframe 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/image38_8.jpg?itok=L6PTzJu_" title="Burnley Street perspective. Planning image: Wireframe Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Burnley Street perspective. Planning image: Wireframe Architecture</figcaption></figure>198-242 Burnley Street is the latest commercial contender to stake a claim within City of Yarra, as the municipality rides a wave planning applications looking to take advantage of the area's popularity.

Richmond and Cremorne carry a combined 11 commercial projects within the Apartments.com.au Project Database, amounting to approximately 75,000sqm of new office space. New listings to the database include <a href="/developments/richmond-vic-3121">33-39 Stewart Street</a>, <a href="/developments/richmond-nsw-2753">12-18 Albert Street</a> and <a href="/new-apartments/church-600-church-street-cremorne">594-600 Church Street</a>.

Collingwood is also flying the flag in a commercial development perspective, accumulating another 33,000sqm within the Apartments.com.au Project Database.

A decision on the merits of the Burnley Street application won't be made before early next month.
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City of Yarra runs hot with another significant commercial development planned

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A handful of major construction projects are moving closer to reality, as evidenced by current construction tenders open for each of the respective projects.

With a minimum construction value of $50 million, the five projects across metropolitan Melbourne represent the largest projects currently at tender. Below is a brief overview of each of the five projects that will make their place in due course.

<h2>Flinders Gate</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/image20_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The view from Federation Square may include Flinders Gate shortly. Image: Dexus"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image20_9.jpg?itok=EzhuZOzi" title="The view from Federation Square may include Flinders Gate shortly. Image: Dexus" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The view from Federation Square may include Flinders Gate shortly. Image: Dexus</figcaption></figure>After being touted as a major commercial development for the best part of five years, Dexus have finally moved Flinders Gate to construction tender.

The adaptive reuse encompasses a 1,071 car park set behind two existing buildings. 20,000sqm of commercial floor space is approved within a mid-rise building that would appear above fully restored heritage facades. According to project architect SJB, "500 car spaces will be removed as part of this redevelopment and will see the addition of 150 bicycle spaces, as part of an ESD initiative to achieve a 5 star NABERS rating."

During 2016 it had been reported that Seek were likely to sign on for space within Flinders Gate, although no official announcement on a tenant for the project has been made to date.

<h2>East Brunswick Village - Stage 1</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/image22_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="East Brunswick Village is nearing reality. Image: Merbo"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="349" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image22_7.jpg?itok=YDIA30an" title="East Brunswick Village is nearing reality. Image: Merbo" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>East Brunswick Village is nearing reality. Image: Merbo</figcaption></figure>Another project with a long gestation period is East Brunswick Village at 129–149 Nicholson Street. Brunswick East.

Without a sales campaign in sight, developer Banco Group has pushed ahead with site works, facilitating early works across the massive 21,300sqm site. A construction is imminent with the tender for Stage 1 of the project now current.

Although eventually home to approximately 600 apartments, Merbo Project Management have Stage 1 consisting of 227 apartments over 2 basement levels, 2 buildings of 5 and 6 levels, a Coles supermarket, Liquorland and a host of specialty retailers.

<h2>M-City </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/image24_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="M-City will redefine its immediate surrounds in Clayton. Image: Schiavello"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="391" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image24_3.jpg?itok=8amvD7JP" title="M-City will redefine its immediate surrounds in Clayton. Image: Schiavello" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>M-City will redefine its immediate surrounds in Clayton. Image: Schiavello</figcaption></figure>With a construction value in excess of $200 million, Clayton's M-City development is the biggest of all projects currently at tender. To be developed jointly by The Saraceno Group and Schiavello, the 3.52ha site will eventually become a unique multi-use precinct located in the Monash Employment Cluster.

Billed as the largest mixed-use project within Melbourne's metropolitan area, the sheer size of M-City's construction value points toward multiple stages of the project being constructed simultaneously. Multiple residential buildings are joined by commercial and hotel components, plus a mass of retail and entertainment options that will make M-City a destination in itself.

M-City's move to construction signifies the end of a very long effort by The Saraceno Group to develop the site, having tried and failed to facilitate development onsite prior to the tie-up with Schiavello.

<h2>Seasons Doncaster East</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/150708-reynolds-road-view-03-initial-draft.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Pushing the apartment cause in Doncaster East. Image: JD Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="295" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/150708-reynolds-road-view-03-initial-draft.jpg?itok=1zZo-e0l" title="Pushing the apartment cause in Doncaster East. Image: JD Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Pushing the apartment cause in Doncaster East. Image: JD Group</figcaption></figure>Already sporting a number of tower cranes, Doncaster East will receive a handful move as Seasons Donacster East moves through the construction tender process.

The suburb's largest apartment project, Seasons is the effort of developer JD Group. Approximately 300 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom apartments are earmarked across the 13,340sqm site located at 180-200 Reynolds Road.

Seasons is the largest development within The Pines Activity Centre which is on the Blackburn, Reynolds and Andersons Creek Road axis and spans an area of approximately 37.5 hectares. JD Group have previously been active in the area, developing the Reynolds Gardens apartment project diagonally opposite Seasons.

<h2>252 Collins Street - The Hour Glass Refurbishment</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/image26_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="252 Collins Street is headed toward change. Image: Kodak"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="494" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image26_8.jpg?itok=rAA0fevL" title="252 Collins Street is headed toward change. Image: Kodak" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>252 Collins Street is headed toward change. Image: Kodak</figcaption></figure>Although quite different to the above new builds, 252 Collins Street's pending overhaul still stacks up in terms of construction value.

Home to The Hour Glass which is one of Australasia's premier luxury watch retail groups, 252 Collins Street's pending works are in excess of $50 million in value. Collins Street continues to see the refurbishment of existing buildings such as the T&amp;G Building, Australia on Collins, Rialto, 360 Collins and 367 Collins.

Although varying in their scope and size, these refurbishments whilst solitary in their nature have had the cumulative effect of ensuring Collins Street remains Melbourne's premier retail thoroughfare.
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The next wave of major builds line up

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One of Melbourne's diminishing number of larger-scale planning applications has broken cover.

Local developer Perri Projects is seeking to push through a substantial apartment tower on a prominent site at the northern tip of the CBD. 23-29 Victoria Street is currently a service station, but under plans conceived by Woods Bagot a 25 storey predominantly residential would take its place.

The site finds itself in a mixed-use zone with a wide discrepancy of heights on show. Over recent years a high degree of development has taken place immediately south of 23-29 Victoria Street, with dual 38 storey buildings currently at construction.

North-facing apartments within the prospective tower would command imposing views down the Drummond Street axis, with little prospect of being built out. Perhaps this potential selling point along with current market trends has seen the majority of apartments within the proposal holding three bedrooms.

<h2>23-29 Victoria 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/image10_14.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="23-29 Victoria Street as rendered from Drummond Street. Planning image: Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image10_14.jpg?itok=r0eSKnwE" title="23-29 Victoria Street as rendered from Drummond Street. Planning image: Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>23-29 Victoria Street as rendered from Drummond Street. Planning image: Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Application lodged June 2017</li>
	<li>Site area: 894sqm with two street frontages</li>
	<li>Proposed: 25 storey tower at 86.2m to roof line</li>
	<li>Apartment mix: 27 x 1BR, 26 x 2BR, 37 x 3BR</li>
	<li>2 retail tenancies of 117sqm and 86sqm</li>
	<li>539sqm of office accommodation within the podium</li>
	<li>79 vehicles and 88 bicycles within 4 basement levels</li>
	<li>2 amenities levels: pool, gym, lounge, dining area</li>
	<li>Estimated development cost: $50 million</li>
	<li>NSA: 10,400sqm</li>
</ul>
<h2>Speaking the Carlton language</h2>

<blockquote>
The building speaks two languages, one to its cultural heritage neighbours (both the building and Carlton’s Victorian terrace housing) and another, towards its younger and taller companions for centralised, city living. The geometric facade is conceived as an analogy of Carlton’s architectural typology.

A cascading diagonal motif set at the scale of an apartment integrates the balcony condition into the envelope. A brick podium provides an anchor point whilst subtly referencing its context.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image18_18.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Seeking a new CBD-Carlton nexus. Planning image: Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="416" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image18_18.jpg?itok=1s3SDScL" title="Seeking a new CBD-Carlton nexus. Planning image: Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Seeking a new CBD-Carlton nexus. Planning image: Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure>The tower form along the northern elevation is highly agitated, synonymous with the Carlton verandah depth, however, the south facade is flattened reflecting the city’s restrained geometric qualities.
<cite>Urban context Report</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Ground plane activation</h2>

The application seeks to do its part in overhauling the currently poor street level experience along McKenzie Street.

23-29 Victoria Street's podium toward the west utilises white flemishbond brick, referencing the adjoining Horticultural Hall’s red-brick facades. The balance of the design's ground floor is clear glazed and expressive toward the streetscape, whilst mature trees will sit atop the terraced western podium.

Landscaping plays a key part across the tower's lower levels, with four separate design aspects proposed to enhance the pedestrian network. MacKenzie Street's pavement would be widened in order to introduce planterboxes whilst the MacKenzie and Victoria Street intersection is earmarked for overhaul by way of a pocket urban forest.

A new string of trees to Victoria Street and an upgrade to Bell Place's connectivity are also on the cards as part of the development team's bid to gain approval.

<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/image14_12.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="McKenzie Street perspective. Planning image: Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="428" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image14_12.jpg?itok=zynOYeZk" title="McKenzie Street perspective. Planning image: Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>McKenzie Street perspective. Planning image: Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure><h2>23-29 Victoria Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Perri Projects</li>
	<li>Architect: Woods Bagot</li>
	<li>Town Planning: Contour Consultants</li>
	<li>Landscape Architects: Oculus</li>
	<li>Heritage Consultant: GJM Heritage</li>
	<li>Traffic Engineer: GTA</li>
	<li>Waste Consultant: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>ESD: Sustainable Development Consultants</li>
	<li>Acoustic: Acoustic Logic</li>
	<li>Wind Engineers: MEL Consulting</li>
	<li>Structural Consultant: Webber</li>
	<li>Services Consultant: O'Neill Group</li>
	<li>Building Surveyor: PLP</li>
	<li>Land Surveyor: Taylors</li>
</ul>
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Perri Projects and Woods Bagot seek a new northern CBD focal point

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In light of Malaysia's OSK Property preparing to begin works on the massive Melbourne Square development on Southbank, Apartments.com.au took the opportunity to chat with the developer's Managing Director, Ju Yan.

Covering all things Melbourne Square and the firm's grander Australian intentions, the interview transpired as follows:

UM: What prompted OSK to enter Melbourne as the first international venture for the company?

JY: As we embarked on our overseas expansion, we studied various market opportunities in several countries, and concluded that Australia is the most attractive market for OSK to grow for the long term.

We decided on investing in Melbourne because of the strong fundamentals of the market. Melbourne is a world-class city that has a strong economy, well-planned urban infrastructure, a great education system, quality healthcare, as well as a rich cultural and sporting scene. It is really no wonder that Melbourne has been named the world’s most liveable city for seven years in a row.

As the population in Melbourne grows, we believe that there will be growing demand for more quality urban housing, and Melbourne Square is our response to that market demand.

We believe that there is strong demand for a high-quality product that has unique amenities in the heart of Melbourne.

UM: How will OSK attract owner occupiers to an area which has traditionally delivered stock that is more investment grade?

JY: We’ve taken a conscious view to design a precinct that caters to owner occupiers by including amenities and design for an enhanced lifestyle.

Melbourne Square’s master plan provides for four residential towers, one commercial office tower and a hotel, with an active street-level retail offering surrounding a beautiful urban park. In stage one of our development, we will be delivering a 3,700 square metre park for the community in Southbank.

Within the development we will have a full-line supermarket, a childcare centre, alongside a unique F&amp;B offerings. Due to the size of our development, we have also been able to deliver larger and a more comprehensive list of amenities, such as a large pool, multiple dining rooms, gazebos, a private theatre, a large gym, etc. There is also a premium indoor sky pool and sky gym at the 54th floor for premium unit owners.

Imagine a day in the life of a resident in Melbourne Square:

You can wake up in the morning, go to the gym for an early workout, then drop off your children at the childcare centre in the podium and walk to work in the CBD. On the way back in the evening, you can buy your groceries in the full-line supermarket in Melbourne Square, pick up your children from childcare, and then have a swim with them at our large pool.

After dinner, you put your kids to bed and have a night-cap while taking in the beautiful views at the sky lounge on the 54th floor. This is truly a unique lifestyle offering that Melbourne Square can deliver for our residents.

<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/oskh9386_melbourne-square_el02_level-54_amenity-area_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Level 54 amenities area"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="270" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/oskh9386_melbourne-square_el02_level-54_amenity-area_0.jpg?itok=J6kgZpkf" title="Level 54 amenities area" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Level 54 amenities area</figcaption></figure>UM: Can you please provide a general breakdown of the apartment configurations/sizes? Are they larger than the norm?

JY: We are offering a range of high quality apartment styles from one, two and three bedrooms as well as penthouses.  We have a generous number of two and three bedroom apartment offerings as we believe that Melbourne Square will rejuvenate Southbank and will transform how Southbank residents will live and play. 

As a reflection of our focus on owner-occupiers, we have a large proportion of two and three bedroom apartments on offer. Only 22% of our apartments are one bedroom units, while 78% are two and three bedroom units.

Our one bedroom apartments will range from around 50 to 55 square metres.

UM: Is OSK targeting a high-end operator for the hotel currently?

JY: We are currently looking at a number of hotel operators that will realise our vision for the site. So far there is a strong level of interest from a number of international hotel operators, and we are working on the most suitable partner to deliver the right hotel product for Melbourne Square.

It’s important that we find the right partner and we look forward to being able to share more information with you soon.

UM: Is Melbourne Square OSK's sole intended project for Melbourne? Given it will be in development for some years to come, will OSK consider other projects in Melbourne or Australia in the interim?

Melbourne Square is OSK Property’s first project in Australia. Given the scale of the project, we will need around 10 years to complete building Melbourne Square.

For the time being, we will be purely focused on delivering Melbourne Square. In the longer term, we plan to expand our presence in Australia over time.

UM: Would the use/mix of future towers be reconsidered, dependent upon market conditions? Is there a delivery timeline for future towers?

JY: The masterplan approval for Melbourne Square provides for 380,000 square meters of above-ground gross floor area. The exact allocation of this space is flexible, and therefore we have some degree of flexibility to adjust the product offering as the market situation changes, subject to the necessary approvals by the relevant government authorities.

For the time being, we are committed to delivering what is reflected in the original approved masterplan.

<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/image2_14.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Stage one of Melbourne Square"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="773" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image2_14.jpg?itok=Tt7nqxdJ" title="Stage one of Melbourne Square" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Stage one of Melbourne Square</figcaption></figure>UM: Is there an anticipated construction start date for stage one, or is that date dependent upon reaching a target sales mark? How have sales progressed thus far?

JY: Stage one has been approved and we are on track to start construction by the end of the year.

Interest from the VIP database has been very positive, and we expect a good response form the market when we officially launch the project.  We recommend people register their interest now to receive VIP updates ahead of our grand launch in October 2017.
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Q & A with OSK Property's Ju Yan

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Timber merchant Gunnersen looks to have stumbled in an initial bid to revamp its Port Melbourne headquarters into a multi-towered residential development.

As City of Port Phillip tabled a less than glowing report on the proposal last week, the project's status on the State Planning Register has been adjusted to 'on hold'. A planning application for the massive 17,500sqm site was lodged during April, lasting only a handful of months until it was recently placed in hiatus.

Under plans devised by ARM Architecture the entire site would be cleared, including an office building which is graded as a significant Heritage place, in favour of six buildings of between 12 and 18 storeys. 

Located within the Wirraway precinct of Fishermans Bend, 112 Salmon Street is one of three separate applications lodged within the Urban Renewal Area this year. Planning activity has this year slowed to a crawl within Fishermans Bend, as the State Government looks to solidify planning controls for the Urban Renewal Area.

<h2>112 Salmon 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/image27_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="North East perspective. Planning image: ARM Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="494" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image27_9.jpg?itok=1A4PaWQa" title="North East perspective. Planning image: ARM Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>North East perspective. Planning image: ARM Architecture</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Existing use: Timber yard</li>
	<li>Site area: 17,552 with 3 street frontages</li>
	<li>Proposed: 6 buildings between 12-18 storeys, maximum height 57.55m</li>
	<li>636 apartments:  289 x 1BR,162 x 2BR, 185 x 3BR</li>
	<li>Tower separation: 19.65m and above between all towers</li>
	<li>603 car parking spaces and 689 bicycle bays</li>
	<li>Public facilities: 4,600sqm including play equipment, park and sport courts beneath electricity lines</li>
	<li>Resident facilities: Dual rooftop podium open spaces, gym, pool, yoga room, resident lounge</li>
	<li>370sqm of retail space within 2 tenancies, 605sqm childcare centre</li>
</ul>
<h2>A finish like no other</h2>

ARM Architecture have brought their typical design flair to the initial application.

Brick snap cladding in ten different colours/finishes (black glazed, black, blue, cream, orange, grey terracotta, pink, and brick face, and terracotta screen) forms the bulk of the design's exterior, along with timber cladding, timber and painted steel detailing, steel piping, black steel window reveals, clear and fritted glazing.

Complying with the DDO30 maximum building height, podium height and tower separation requirements, the application delivers a site plot ration of 5:1.

<div class="sketchfab-embed-wrapper">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" allowvr="" frameborder="0" height="480" mozallowfullscreen="true" onmousewheel="" src="https://sketchfab.com/models/ed63b4cc1184431ab770231b7a42ba1f/embed" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="640"></iframe>

<h2>Port Phillip's take on the application</h2>

City of Port Phillip's report on 112 Salmon Street is informal in that it is not binding and is considered advisory. Nonetheless various aspects that City of Port Phillip chose to highlight may explain why the planning application has been placed on hold at the State lavel.

Under the Fishermans Bend Strategic Framework Plan (September 2016), 112 Salmon Street is identified as the land appropriate for Neighbourhood Open Space. Key to this assertion are the "high voltage electricity transmission lines which reduce the sites appropriateness / desirability for residential development."

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image28_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="In the line of power. Planning image: ARM Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="511" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image28_9.jpg?itok=J-ye7Hsi" title="In the line of power. Planning image: ARM Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>In the line of power. Planning image: ARM Architecture</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The proposal was internally referred and officers raised concerns including inconsistency with the FBSFP identification of the site as Open Space, inconsistency with local policy for employment and affordable housing, the extent of demolition, the design and/or width of the internal road network, building setbacks...and architectural and urban design matters.

Open space areas along the southern perimeter of the land and podium roof top level would be overshadowed through most of the day, and would have reduced amenity as a result of being beneath or in close proximity to major electricity transmission lines.

Officers disagree with the applicant’s arguments for demolition of all of the buildings on the land, and believe the existing offices and one of the existing industrial buildings are suitable for retention and adaptive reuse, as part of any mixed use or open space development of the site.

It is considered these concerns cannot be ameliorated by conditions to modify the proposal and the development of the land needs to be fundamentally reconsidered having regard to the Strategic Framework Plan and Fishermans Bend Vision.
</blockquote>
</div>
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Gunnersen's radical Fishermans Bend intentions in limbo?

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The long-running bid to redevelop Abbotsford's historic St Crispin House has found a resolution, with Pace Development Group granted the right to deliver 133 apartments over 12 levels.

In conjunction with SJB Architects, Pace Development Group have refined the design for the development to a point where it was considered an acceptable outcome. Well before Pace assumed control of the site during 2015, St Crispin House was subject to development overtones, with an earlier application seeking a 17 storey high-rise outcome.

The newly approved envelope will see a mid-rise apartment building rising from behind the Art Deco-styled facade which will be restored. The site's history dates back to the early 1920's when it was utilised as a boot making factory.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image45_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Pace of Abbotsford. Image: PACE Development Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="673" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image45_6.jpg?itok=dWf-cdSp" title="Pace of Abbotsford. Image: PACE Development Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Pace of Abbotsford. Image: Pace Development Group</figcaption></figure>Pace of Abbotsford, as it will be known, is expected to begin construction later this year; sales of the one, two and three bedroom apartments are expected to begin during October, with construction earmarked for November. Completion is expected during mid-2019.

Within the associated media release, Pace's Planning and Design Manager Michael Holah made note of Johnston's Street gradual transformation, as an increased number of higher density projects take their place within Abbotsford.

Apartments.com.au's Project Database shows Pace of Abbotsford is joined by five additional projects along the Abbotsford stretch of Johnston Street which have yet to become reality. Combined there is scope to add approximately 250 apartments and 40 serviced apartments to the area which has traditionally been low-rise.

<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_6973.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Pace of Collingwood under construction"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="414" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_6973.jpg?itok=8Gr5rcGk" title="Pace of Collingwood under construction" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Pace of Collingwood under construction</figcaption></figure>Pace of Abbotsford is also another notch in the developer's push into City of Yarra; three of Pace's seven current projects within the municipality.

Nearly, Pace of Collingwood has commenced construction proper, with Pace's in-house construction team set to oversee proceedings. 79 apartments are to be delivered within the predominantly brick snap finished building, which accounts for a 1139sqm corner site on Welington Street and Langridge Street.

Diagonally opposite, Pace is also pursuing a development albeit with a commercial outcome. Last week Apartments.com.au highlighted the <a href="/news/spowers-adds-to-the-collingwood-development-blitz">slim-form, Spowers-designed commercial building</a> which if approved will mark Pace Development Group's first foray into purely commercial development.
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Pace of Abbotsford gains approval and eyes a 2017 construction start

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It's been a long time coming, but Doncaster Hill may finally receive a hotel.

As far back as 2006 Manningham Council sought to facilitate a luxury hotel in the area. A nine story, 140-suite hotel which was to be constructed at 682 Doncaster Road as part of the Doncaster Hill vision even had an operator inked, with Crowne Plaza Doncaster Hill the expected outcome.

Although that particular project never eventuated, Doncaster Hill may now play host to a hotel at 810 Elgar Road. Previous applications for the 983sqm Elgar Road land holding were approved for residential use, although an amendment was received by Council during August 2016 seeking an 11-storey residential hotel outcome.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image9_14.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Doncaster Hill's first hotel site. Image: Real Properties"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="383" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image9_14.jpg?itok=dps38e8P" title="Doncaster Hill's first hotel site. Image: Real Properties" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Doncaster Hill's first hotel site. Image: Real Properties</figcaption></figure>Manningham City Council lists 810 Elgar Road's application as in progress, nonetheless the site has been offered for sale with Real Properties the handling agent.

Developer <a href="http://nicsonproperty.com.au/portfolio_page/doncaster-hill-hotel/">Nicson Property Group</a>'s website carries provisional imagery of a design for 810 Elgar Road, along with a brief summary of the project which has an end value of $35 million. Kyriacou Architects has conceived a prospective design for the site for a building which includes 116 suites across 11 levels.

While 810 Elgar Road shapes as Donacster's first hotel, residential projects on the hill are still active as always. 9-11 Williamsons Road is also on the market with approval for 8 townhouses and 137 apartments within a Bruce Henderson architects-designed building.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image11_17.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="9-11 Williamsons Road and The Peak"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="272" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image11_17.jpg?itok=m5DVzqpj" title="9-11 Williamsons Road and The Peak" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>9-11 Williamsons Road and The Peak</figcaption></figure>Nest at the Hill is well into construction while fellow large-scale projects The Peak and The Point Doncaster Hill are at registrations and sales.

Urban.com.au's <a href="/developments">Project Database</a> is currently keeping tabs on 2,200 apartments in development within Doncaster. 810 Elgar Road is in fact the first entry within Doncaster that is not residential in use.
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A decade on, Doncaster may finally host a luxury hotel

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They are at either end of the size scale, yet two key Melbourne developments are beginning to show their wares.

Both Australia 108 and South Melbourne Primary School have received their first exterior finishes over recent weeks, providing the passersby with a glimpse at the final product which is still some time away, particularly in the case of Australia 108.

Melbourne's soon-to-be tallest tower situated on Southbank has received cladding over the first habitable floor above its podium, allowing fit-outs to begin on the first of the tower's one thousand plus apartments. The highly reflective, blue-tinged facade will be continued for the height of the massive building, save for intermittent white bands and the gold coloured 'starburst' that will break the blue monotony of 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/image10_13.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Australia 108 now elements of the facade in place. Image: Redden"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image10_13.jpg?itok=0Ku98hdO" title="Australia 108 now elements of the facade in place. Image: Redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Australia 108 now elements of the facade in place. Image: Redden</figcaption></figure>Australia 108's facade is highly complimentary to nearby neighbour Eureka Tower, with Fender Katsalidis the presiding architect for both projects. Blue, white and gold elements are present across both towers, although Australia 108's podium will be markedly different.

Later in its construction, Australia 108's tiered podium will receive mature planters, greening and softening the lower levels relative to street level. Currently level 27 is in Australia 108's jump form, equating to roughly 80 metres in height; still well short of the tower's ultimate height of 319 metres.

At the other end of the scale, South Melbourne Primary School (as it's known for now) is also receiving bursts of colour across its facade, albeit on a much smaller scale relative to Australia 108.

<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/image12_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Reality versus artist's impression. Render: Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="257" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image12_11.jpg?itok=r9BSmmpP" title="Reality versus artist's impression. Render: Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Reality versus artist's impression. Render: Hayball</figcaption></figure>Pops of pink have appeared across both its eastern and western flanks, as the exterior cladding continues to be rolled out over Fisherman's Bend's first school.

Architecture firm Hayball's design for the vertical campus won the Future Project of the Year at the 2016 World Architecture Festival.  Hayball have in the past described South Melbourne Primary School design as an outcome of research and the open exchange of ideas and different ways of thinking. 

The vivid colours across the building's facade will be opposed by the more sedate curtain finish which is being applied to the building's northern frontage. At its northern interface the building will eventually transition into an open, landscaped area for public use.

Completion of South Melbourne Primary School is due prior to the beginning of the 2018 academic year whilst Australia 108's final handover is slated for mid 2020.

<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_6580_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="South Melbourne Primary School's main frontage"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="322" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_6580_1.jpg?itok=6wCjKFEp" title="South Melbourne Primary School's main frontage" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>South Melbourne Primary School's main frontage</figcaption></figure>
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Two stand out Melbourne projects reveal their true colours

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Long-established architecture firm Spowers has made a return to the Apartments.com.au Project Database as the design force behind an application to account for a vacant Collingwood corner plot with a new commercial building.

Located on the south-east corner of Langridge Street and Wellington Street, 51 Langridge Street finds itself at the epicentre of <a href="/developments/collingwood-vic-3066">Collingwood's latest development wave</a>. The vacant block of 510sqm is perhaps best known from a passersby perspective as being home to a prominent mural referencing the site's past as the Cats Cosmopolitan Boarding Cattery.

Under new plans on behalf of Pace Development Group, Spowers have created a commercial building that they hope will slot into the rapidly changing Collingwood landscape. 

<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/image23_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="51 Langridge Street's lower levels. Planning image: Spowers"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="314" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image23_8.jpg?itok=cCsVmMTn" title="51 Langridge Street's lower levels. Planning image: Spowers" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>51 Langridge Street's lower levels. Planning image: Spowers</figcaption></figure>Traditionally an area characterised by commercial and light industrial low-rise development, this particular pocket of Collingwood is riding the wave of renewal as evidenced by a string of high profile commercial and residential projects.

51 Langridge Street is a new slim 11 story proposal; the ground floor restaurant / café space of 82sqm provides street level activation with subsequent office levels adding a total of 3,436sqm of commercial space. Spanning 40.5m, 51 Langridge Street sits above four basement levels with car park access via a car lift.

Across the design's lower levels, Spowers have chosen to continue the trend of presenting a brick-pattern masonry finish to the building; a finish that is very much in vogue currently across a host of recently completed and forthcoming Collingwood developments.

<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/image5_12.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A selection of projects in development around 51 Langridge Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="381" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image5_12.jpg?itok=lmGM6Aj_" title="A selection of projects in development around 51 Langridge Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A selection of projects in development around 51 Langridge Street</figcaption></figure>The area surrounding 51 Langridge Street is a hive of development activity. Diagonally opposite Pace Development Group have also begun works on Pace of Collingwood, whilst a further dozen developments are in the immediate blocks surrounding the latest Langridge Street proposal, with the net result an immense change to the area's character and composition.

The most recent and high-profile proposal is that of GURNER's planned <a href="/news/spowers-adds-to-the-collingwood-development-blitz">1-57 Wellington Street</a> development, which has garnered its fair share of media attention.

Whilst the previous wave of development across 2013-2014 that swept Collingwood was exclusively residential, the current development cycle is a mixture of residential and commercial proposals, as developers look to capitalise upon current market conditions. This is also the case throughout City of Yarra currently with commercial making somewhat of a resurgence.

51 Langridge Street is also the 28th current listing within the Apartments.com.au Project Database for Collingwood, firmly keeping the suburb in the top echelon of Melbourne's development hot spots.
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Spowers adds to the Collingwood development blitz

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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