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<a href="/new-apartments/south-yarra-vic-3141">South Yarra’s</a> latest development is about to strike a blow for excellent and inclusive urban realm design...and not before time.

As far back as <a href="/news/prime-time-in-forrest-hill">2014</a> and <a href="/news/add-another-to-south-yarras-emerging-forrest">2015</a>, Apartments.com.au has highlighted the runaway success of South Yarra's Forrest Hill urban renewal precinct. Unfortunately though as skyscrapers sprouted throughout the precinct, the ground plane and its importance to the success of the overall development was in essence lost.

Scant few recent apartment projects have provided a meaningful expression at street level, and the precinct is the poorer for it.

South Yarra's latest apartment release, <a href="/buildings/yarra-one-16-22-claremont-street-south-yarra">Yarra One</a>, will well and truly buck the trend though by way of a new open-air atrium fronting Claremont Street. Apartments will be set above the grand atrium within the <a href="/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis Architects-designed</a> project, which is on behalf of developer <a href="/developers/ecoworld-international">Eco World</a>-Salcon Y1 Pty Ltd.

An extension of the narrow and poorly lit Yarra Lane directly opposite, Yarra One's atrium will continue the mid-block pedestrian thoroughfare to Daly Street. Long term it is possible then a new entrance to South Yarra Station would see pedestrians disembarking and transiting Yarra One's atrium through to Chapel Street and by default Forrest Hill.

<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/v05_interior_precinct_lookup_copy_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Interior atrium perspective. Image: Salcon"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="725" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/v05_interior_precinct_lookup_copy_0.jpg?itok=pAlUS6-H" title="Interior atrium perspective. Image: Salcon" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Interior atrium perspective. Image: Salcon</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
There has been a true commitment to making a positive contribution to South Yarra’s growing community with the creation of this atrium.

The atrium is an example of placemaking at its best and will transform the Forrest Hill precinct with its diverse range of amenity for both residents and the wider community.
<cite>Andrew Leoncelli, managing director for residential projects at CBRE</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
Positioned in the centre of the area’s pedestrian traffic between the train station and Chapel Street, the atrium has been designed to be used and embraced by the community.
<cite>Karl Fender, founding director of Fender Katsalidis Architects</cite>
</blockquote>

Cafés, restaurants, and retail spaces are set to act as the atrium's drawcards, with the expectation that Yarra One will become a meeting place. The structure itself also continues Fender Katsalidis Architects' penchant for incorporating trellis-like structures into their high-rise designs; other notable examples include <a href="/news">Republic Tower</a> and <a href="/buildings/australia-108-southbank-70-southbank-boulevard-southbank">Australia 108</a>.

The timber trellis structure includes draped greenery whilst also allowing ample natural light penetration. Tiered seating is also incorporated as is a stage, allowing for small performances.

The pending excellence of Yarra One's public atrium brings into focus the shortcomings of many surrounding developments in creating a pleasant, interactive and genuinely usable street level interface. It can be argued that planning provisions should have been implemented across the Forrest Hill prior to the precinct's renewal in order to facilitate similarly impressive urban realm outcomes.

Although no one is ever wrong in hindsight, it is nonetheless highly encouraging to see both architect and developer deliver a project that includes much foresight.
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silvermb

Yarra One finally strikes a blow for Forrest Hill's urban realm

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It didn't happen overnight, but it is happening.

The spread of higher density living into Melbourne's virgin northern suburbs is beginning to unfold at a quickening pace, as various projects begin to take their place across certain fringe suburbs.

At the epicentre of the development action is Epping, with three major projects in motion. Largest of all is Empire Epping which has begun its sales campaign prior to deliver the 12 level mixed-use building.

Apartments will sit above 7 lower levels with the commercial space within expected to service the high growth corridor. Cafes, retail tenancies, a restaurant, day spa, gym and childcare facility will also be delivered, adding to the diversity City of Whittlesea is pushing for via the Epping Central 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/image33_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Empire Epping along with the Mantra and Quest developments"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="354" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image33_10.jpg?itok=SEF1X_cV" title="Empire Epping along with the Mantra and Quest developments" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Empire Epping along with the Mantra and Quest developments</figcaption></figure>Also under development are two separate short stay projects; Maben will oversee the delivery of Pacific Quest Epping whilst earlier this month Mantra Group signed on to operate Mantra Epping Hotel at 250 Cooper Street. Spurned on by the delivery of the new wholesale fruit, vegetable and flower market and the expanded Northern Hospital, the projects will create 96 and 214 rooms respectively.

Valued at $70 million, Hacer will build Mantra Epping Hotel which has a nominated completion date of mid-2019. Across 6 floors, Mantra Epping Hotel will include both hotel rooms and apartments, plus a café/restaurant and brewhouse.

Epping also has various other projects in the wings; the largest of which is 67 Rufus Street which sees approval in place for 92 apartments across 8 levels.

A short distance away Mill Park and South Morang are also garnering their fair share of apartment living.

Gibson Propery Group and Roche Holding's Mason Point mixed-use development continues to roll apartment projects out at a regular interval; Figurehead is well into building 74 dwellings as Alba Apartments with additional releases also planned. Diagonally opposite, Morang Views is beginning to make an impact upon the landscape.

Backed by Universal Corporation, Morang Views will eventually see in excess of 300 dwellings built, with stage one delivering 39 apartments. Not accustomed to tower cranes on the landscape, passers-by will likely see them across future apartments projects slated for the sprawling site.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image27_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Morang Views takes shape. Render: Hachem"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="309" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image27_8.jpg?itok=wRlh5hgO" title="Morang Views takes shape. Render: Hachem" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Morang Views takes shape. Render: Hachem</figcaption></figure>As development of higher density projects across the city's northern fringe lifts, so to does the prospect of further such developments. The abundance of land is beyond doubt, as is the role that Mernda Rail will play in bringing Mernda to the high density party.

The suburb currently has a tower crane erected for a commercial and retail development, with a new town centre planned for land opposite the new station.

As the edge of Melbourne moves beyond the current fringe to new 'city's' such as Merrifield, the inclusion of higher density projects has been considered since their conception. Merrifields central heart dubbed Waterfront City will service the 770 hectare project.

Included across all renders to date are low and mid-rise buildings for Waterfront City, suggesting that the push of higher density development into Melbourne's northern reaches will continue.

<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_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="What higher density outcomes can Merrifield muster? Image: GPC"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="392" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image28_8.jpg?itok=KRw0P601" title="What higher density outcomes can Merrifield muster? Image: GPC" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>What higher density outcomes can Merrifield muster? Image: GPC</figcaption></figure>
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Melbourne's northern fringe joins the high density movement

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Building Designers Association of Victoria (BDAV) is currently showcasing the cream of the state's design crop by way of the 22nd BDAV Building Design Awards.

The public now has a chance to vote for their favourite building over the course of the last year, with 35 entrants vying for differing category awards. Each project is intended to highlight Victoria’s best residential, interior, sustainable, heritage conservation and non-residential design projects including commercial, industrial, hospitality and public buildings over the last year.

<blockquote>
The BDAV Building Design Awards recognise the ever-growing talent of building design professionals and their importance to the building industry, as well as their local communities.

We are continually blown away by the high standard of entries we receive across all our award categories. Our building design community use innovation and creativity to produce cutting-edge design spaces while keeping sustainability front of mind.
<cite>BDAV President Lindsay Douglas</cite>
</blockquote>

 
Voting for the People’s Choice Award is now open at <a href="http://www.bdav.org.au/home">www.bdav.org.au</a> and closes midnight Sunday 23 July. 

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image32_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Greenedge Apartments. Image: "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="719" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image32_6.jpg?itok=NadItrVc" title="Greenedge Apartments. Image: " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Greenedge Apartments. Image:</figcaption></figure>Of most interest from Apartments.com.au's perspective is the higher density, Armsby Architects-designed Green Edge Apartments which has been included for consideration.

Green Edge includes 38 loft-style apartments, with retail at ground level and a self-sustaining rooftop garden. The development is certified at a 4 Star Green Star – Multi Unit Residential Design.

<blockquote>
The brief was to provide an exemplar building showcasing best practice in sustainability on a site formerly used as a carpark. Balancing town planning and community concerns whilst maintaining a building that was affordable to build, that could both revitalise this carpark and deliver best ESD outcomes, was an incredible challenge.

The result is a positive response for creating sustainable buildings for our future. This building achieves cutting-edge sustainability at little or no additional cost to the developer's bottom-line. It not only offers 9 star energy efficiency, but also a certified Greenstar rating, demonstrating the holistic approach to sustainability.

Due to outstanding thermal performance, the efficiency of the dwellings will result in ongoing electricity savings for the life of the building, significantly reducing the buildings' long-term carbon footprint.
<cite>Armsby Architects</cite>
</blockquote>

Whilst Green Edge is the highest density project on show, a raft of other designs are included within the BDAV People’s Choice Award for 2017. Entrants across all categories can be seen <a href="http://www.bdav.org.au/peoples-choice-2017">here</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/image33_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Fold House and Alphington Townhouses have been nominated for gongs. Images: BDAV"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="197" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image33_9.jpg?itok=DuC16eBD" title="Fold House and Alphington Townhouses have been nominated for gongs. Images: BDAV" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Fold House and Alphington Townhouses have also been nominated for gongs. Images: BDAV</figcaption></figure>
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Vote for your favourite project in the BDAV 2017 People’s Choice Award

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John Demos Architects have conceived a new apartment building with the expectation that the project be an appropriate design gesture for a key Ivanhoe infill site.

Vacant for many years, 40 Upper Heidelberg Road was in the past subject to a smaller apartment development that failed to materialise. The current project team led by developer SB&amp;G Group have sought a reinvigorated and much larger apartment project for the triangular gateway site which leads into Ivanhoe's premier retail strip.

Under new plans, the majority of the project's ground level will become a publicly accessible piazza activated by a cafe and commercial space, with the latter holding a health, wellbeing and arts focus.

Ostensibly an undercroft, the design feature is unusual in its sizeable generosity toward the public realm. 40 Upper Heidelberg Road's ground plane intends to provide the Ivanhoe retail strip with a design showpiece, while also injecting green space into the area.

<h2>40 Upper Heidelberg 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/image12_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Upper Heidelberg Road perspective. Planning image: John Demos Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="365" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image12_8.jpg?itok=ZSn743vx" title="Upper Heidelberg Road perspective. Planning image: John Demos Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Upper Heidelberg Road perspective. Planning image: John Demos Architects</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Vacant triangular site: 2,443.7sqm</li>
	<li>Proposed 8-10 level building</li>
	<li>111 apartments: 5 x 1BR, 96 x 2BR, 10 x 3BR</li>
	<li>Average 3BR internal size above 130sqm</li>
	<li>270sqm cafe and 450sqm commercial space</li>
	<li>Ground floor public domain of 1,180sqm</li>
	<li>Five level basement: 232 vehicles and 150 bicycles</li>
	<li>Estimated cost of development: $42 million</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
The landscape Concept Design for 40 Upper Heidelberg Road is considered the key to unlocking the potential of this significant gateway site, allowing it to make a significant contribution to the vibrancy, functioning and success of Ivanhoe.

The Landscape Concept Design envisages outdoor seating/dining opportunities along the edges of the public spaces with the main event/gathering/communal seating spaces located towards the centre of the site. This creates an opportunity for a weekend market concept, ‘pop-up’ and cultural events, using the plaza space, the catenary ‘ceiling’ and building program to facilitate programmed events and community engagement.

Circulation has been carefully considered through the selection of paving materials and positioning of physical elements. The design creates permeability from the street and other major spaces within the site, but ensures spaces are defined and have a distinct character to allow wayfinding and pedestrian comfort.

Capturing the life and vibrancy of a new urban village and plaza in an intimate human scale, the landscape is bound by retail and building entries. Creating a network of fine grain that establishes the base for a contemporary urban development through planting, urban elements, paving and furniture.
<cite>Landscape concept design, Oculus</cite>
</blockquote>

While Oculus is responsible for the design of the landscaped piazza, the building also distinguishes itself through the use of irregular materials.

The design's Upper Heidelberg Road frontage is split into two distinct 'modules'. The northern facade is finished with an angular brass mesh veil which allows for both daylight access and privacy. The southern aspect is wrapped by a glass laminated brass mesh facade, articulated with white banding.

<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_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Street level aspect. Planning image: John Demos Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="334" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image26_6.jpg?itok=oe8C3wBv" title="Street level aspect. Planning image: John Demos Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Street level aspect. Planning image: John Demos Architects</figcaption></figure>Accustomed to hotel ownership and funds management, 40 Upper Heidelberg Road represents SB&amp;G Group's first listing within the Apartments.com.au Project Database. Conversely, John Demos Architects continues to grow its presence within the database, reeling off a number of interesting and highly articulate residential designs of late.

Essendon's heavily faceted 193 Buckley Street is a design recently realised, while two further John Demos Architects projects of high design merit are unfolding in Footscray.

Side by side, the golden-clad Hugo has just commenced construction while the adjoining 209 Ballarat Road also brings with it a heightened degree of design credibility.

<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_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Recent John Demos Architects projects. Image: Edge Architectural"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="507" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image28_7.jpg?itok=hH8wkcOX" title="Recent John Demos Architects projects. Image: Edge Architectural" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Recent John Demos Architects projects. Image: Edge Architectural</figcaption></figure>
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Ivanhoe's latest apartment proposal provides a grand public gesture

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Over the course of the last week, Malaysian developer S P Setia has landed two telling blows in Melbourne's apartment market, further enhancing its stature locally.

Malaysian publication The Edge Markets has in recent days reported that the developer has secured 111-125 A’Beckett Street for a price of $61 million. Complete with permit for an Elenberg Fraser-designed apartment tower spanning 200 plus metres, the A'Beckett Street plot of 1,714sqm is the developer's sixth Melbourne foray.

CBRE City Sales recently ran an Expression of Interest campaign for the site which was initially controlled by Singaporean outfit Tong Eng Group. The scheme had been dubbed Myriad Melbourne prior to S P Setia's involvement.

The Edge Markets <a href="http://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/s-p-setia-acquires-sixth-parcel-land-melbourne-rm137-bil-project">reported</a> S P Setia's CEO and president, Datuk Khor Chap Jen as stating the following:

<blockquote>
We are truly pleased and happy with this fantastic news. This is another golden opportunity for S P Setia to deliver yet another development par excellence in Melbourne, the world's most livable city for the sixth year in a row.

The winning bid reaffirms Setia’s long-term commitment and confidence in the Australian real estate market. We remain optimistic on the property market in Australia and will continue to look out for more acquisition opportunities.
<cite>Datuk Khor Chap Jen, CEO, S P Setia</cite>
</blockquote>

In its currently approved form S P Setia can pursue 632 apartments within their new project.

According to The Edge Markets, 111-125 A'Beckett Street will be launched this year and will carry an estimated gross development value of $419 million.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image5_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="111-125 A'Beckett Street. Image: CBRE City Sales"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="725" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image5_9.jpg?itok=rNGJcaLL" title="111-125 A'Beckett Street. Image: CBRE City Sales" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>111-125 A'Beckett Street. Image: CBRE City Sales</figcaption></figure>News of S P Setia's A'Beckett Street foray comes hot on the heels of <a href="/news/s-p-setias-308-exhibition-street-approved-shangri-la-hotels-resorts-confirmed-as-operator"> the developer launching Sapphire By The Gardens</a>, which includes dual towers in the 250 metre range.

While one tower has been dedicated to Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts to be operated under their premium Shangri-La banner, the other which includes 345 luxury apartments has seen a high level of sales made, according to offshore markets website The Edge. Located at 308 Exhibition Street, the Cox and Fender Katsalidis-designed development features a distinctive green podium.

Released for sale only last weekend, The Edge Markets also <a href="http://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/s-p-setias-sapphire-gardens-70-taken-over-weekend-launch">reports</a> that more than 70% of apartments have been accounted for after the launch which was held simultaneously in Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Sydney and here in Melbourne. Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai and Singapore are reportedly to have their launch this weekend.

Construction of the mammoth project is slated to start later this 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/image6_15.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Sapphire By The Gardens. Image: S P Setia"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image6_15.jpg?itok=QmcuMweq" title="Sapphire By The Gardens. Image: S P Setia" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Sapphire By The Gardens. Image: S P Setia</figcaption></figure>With Maison Carnegie at construction and A'Beckett Street poised to join Sapphire By The Gardens at sales over the course of 2017, S P Setia's only remaining Melbourne project which has yet to be launched is the more modest mid-rise 103-105 High Street in Prahran.
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S P Setia lands 111-125 A'Beckett Street as offshore media reports Sapphire is all but sold out

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Glen Eira's apartment construction scene is particularly healthy at present.

Failing any construction works on marquee projects such as Caulfield Village or Monash University, a 'mosquito fleet' of low-rise apartment projects are ably taking up the slack and keeping the crane count within Glen Eira at a heightened level. Across the Apartments.com.au Project Database, 27 separate projects are listed as at construction, whilst additional smaller builds within the municipality further boost that number.

Of the projects tracked by Apartments.com.au, the sum of apartments under construction currently stands at just beyond 900.

<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_1816.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Arrow Construct at M Carnegie"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="361" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1816.jpg?itok=KUNEIuFD" title="Arrow Construct at M Carnegie" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Arrow Construct at M Carnegie</figcaption></figure>The typical apartment project consists of 3-4 levels, with the current crop at construction averaging out to approximately 40 apartments per development.

Bentleigh is currently a stronghold of construction works; 6 projects are under construction and all are a short distance from the freshly completed Bentleigh Station. Carnegie also punches hard with 8 projects heading skyward, although they spread across the suburb.

In light of the swing away from investment grade inner city apartments to the owner occupier middle ring suburban market, municipalities such as Glen Eira, Stonnington and Whitehorse have seen a boost in demand for apartment living. This is borne out by the healthy number of projects at construction; these projects are smaller, require less capital and in general create less risk for their respective developers.

Usually a heavy hitter in Melbourne's inner city market, SP Setia is very much representative of larger developers delving into middle suburbs. Their Carnegie project dubbed Maison sees 48 apartments at construction at the hand of builder Ironstone.

Not to be overlooked is Steller; the prolific developer of smaller projects consisting predominantly of 2 and 3 bedroom apartments always maintains a healthy presence within Glen Eira. Currently, Steller has 13 projects within Glen Eira on the Apartments.com.au Project Database, with only a handful at construction.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_1793_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Steller are developing Vickery Apartments"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1793_0.jpg?itok=356tzksN" title="Steller are developing Vickery Apartments" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Steller are developing Vickery Apartments</figcaption></figure>And Steller's mass of projects within the municipality yet to reach construction is symptomatic of the strong pipeline within Glen Eira.

Apartments.com.au is tracking a further 27 projects within Glen Eira that are at registrations and sales. Carnegie and Murrumbeena look to be the suburbs to watch in terms of construction activity over the next period.

Larger projects too are set to join the fray, as evidenced by 1060 Carnegie and Woorayl Street which involves Pace Development Group as builder. Both projects at between 10-12 levels represent a step up in projects size within Carnegie.
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Boom times for apartment construction in Glen Eira

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In recent times it has been a race of sorts between the University of Melbourne's Parkville campus and the Clayton domicile of Monash University to see which institution can deliver the most impressive new build facilities across their respective campuses.

Urban.com.au last month highlighted Monash University's <a href="/news/monash-clayton-facilitates-another-grand-design-gesture">grand design gesture</a>, the new Biomedical Learning and Teaching Building, which will begin construction shortly. Not to be left behind, University of Melbourne have also moved to create a new design showpiece, titled the Western Edge Biosciences (WEBS) building.

Kane Constructions have begun early works on WEBS which includes the demolition of the current Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences Building, and subsequent site works. Construction proper is expected to begin later this year, post-Kane Constructions' targeted October 2017 completion of the early works.

<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/image208_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Western Edge Biosciences. Image: University of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="336" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image208_0.jpg?itok=Yp4p2p2u" title="Western Edge Biosciences. Image: University of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Western Edge Biosciences. Image: University of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>According to the builder, other firms involved in the delivery of WEBS at the tertiary provider's Parkville campus include Aurecon, Hassell, Donald Cant Watts Corke, Irwinconsult, Norman Disney &amp; Young and McKenzie Group Consulting.

Along with design lead Hassell, Semaphore provided a wayfinding strategy for the project which will be the first stage in a larger master plan to be rolled out over the years to come.

Within the distinctly green facade, the intention is to create an environment designed to foster world-class outcomes for biosciences teaching, research, and training.

According to <a href="https://ourcampus.unimelb.edu.au/western-edge-biosciences-program">University of Melbourne</a>, "It will improve research performance and learning experience in the biosciences, and help train the next generation of bioscientists, vets, and doctors. The program will also meet requirements for the global accreditation of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program in 2020, safeguarding the only accredited veterinary course in Victoria."

<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/image214_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Adding to Melbourne design fabric. Images: UoM, Ben Kreunen &amp; John Wardle Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="234" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image214_2.jpg?itok=BQU2okqp" title="Adding to Melbourne design fabric. Images: UoM, Ben Kreunen &amp; John Wardle Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Adding to Melbourne design fabric. Images: UoM, Ben Kreunen &amp; John Wardle Architects</figcaption></figure>WEBS joins a strong list of buildings that University of Melbourne have either developed directly or have had a hand in developing over recent years. Builds such as the Business and Economics building, Peter Doherty Institute, Bio 21 and the Melbourne School of Design are prime examples.

Most recently completed was the Arts West Redevelopment building designed by ARM Architecture and Architectus; it too was built by Kane Constructions to a value of $66 million.

WEBS will join two further projects University of Melbourne currently has in development. Builder Cockram is working on the latest addition to the Bio21 medical research precinct whilst the future home of the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music on Southbank is cleared and awaiting construction commencement.
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University of Melbourne adds another design showpiece to their Parkville campus

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In light of the boom in student accommodation projects, Apartments.com.au recently took the opportunity to chat with Hayball duo Marcus Ieraci and Tom Gilbert.

As senior members of the Southbank-based design practice, both are heavily involved in Hayball's numerous student accommodation endeavours, and are all to happy to outline where the sector has come from in Melbourne, and more importantly, what lies ahead.

As a point of reference Hayball has designed 6,726 student accommodation beds to date, and have a further 5,474 beds in design and development. <a href="https://www.cbp.com.au/insights/2016/june/student-accommodation-market-in-australia-growing">Research</a> indicated that during 2015, Hayball was working on approximately 20% of all projects within the student accommodation market.

But both demand and design weren't always to current levels.

Tom Gilbert explains that prior to the Global Financial Crisis of 2009, the student accommodation market was a very different beast. In those times student accommodation developments generally consisted of strata owners buying into projects where studios were stacked atop one another, and the design nous was akin to that of a silo.

Built at the lowest price possible, they led to rudimentary design and livability outcomes. Post the Global Financial Crisis a hiatus in student accommodation occurred as the strata model fell by the wayside, whilst overseas student numbers grew steadily in the interim.

A new model of student accommodation delivery was taking shape in response to the <a href="http://www.jll.com.au/australia/en-au/Research/jll-australian-student-accommodation-market-update-2015.pdf">shortage of beds</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/image204.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Urbanest at 599 Swanston Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="278" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image204.jpg?itok=WwmK_0AO" title="Urbanest at 599 Swanston Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Urbanest at 599 Swanston Street</figcaption></figure>The entrance of investment vehicles backed by multinational/institutional funding has led to a 'ready to go' mentality for project delivery. It has also led to the typical student accommodation project now being a very different beast.

Marcus Ieraci explains that even though a handful of players are now dominating the development scene within the sector, competition to attract students and the endorsement of any given university is high. Add the extensive research undertaken by institutions such as University of Melbourne, and the design of the once humble student accommodation building has radically changed.

It's this university driven research that shows students are looking for the inner city living experience close to their place of education, but not necessarily on campus. Design informed by research on how students prefer to study, socialise and interact within these new buildings has given rise to the cluster formation; a 'dormitory' of sorts.

Tom Gilbert adds that of current crop of developers in the sector, some are simply misreading the market and still providing solely studios.

Hotel like in their amenities and appearance, all student accommodation designs also now include Melbourne City Council's mandate that there must be a minimum of 1.25sqm of communal space per student within any given development. More astute players are pushing the envelope to 2.5sqm in light of the competition between providers.

Marcus Ieraci maintains that these communal areas are at the crux of the modern student accommodation building, where design budgets and allocated space are tight yet pivotal to the end result. 

<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/2056_1_flem_rd_v03.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The amalgamated Bedford Place / Flemington Road will feature cluster living spaces"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="678" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/2056_1_flem_rd_v03.jpg?itok=S2dpXeRL" title="The amalgamated Bedford Place / Flemington Road will feature cluster living spaces" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The amalgamated Bedford Place / Flemington Road will feature cluster living spaces</figcaption></figure>Currently Hayball's major Melbourne student accommodation projects include Blue Sky's 42-50 La Trobe Street, Urbanest's 599 Swanston Street, 1 Flemington Road plus Blue Sky’s Waymouth Street accommodation in Adelaide.

In the light of design features which champion communal spaces, connectivity, dynamic design and interaction with one's surrounds, the question was posed regarding the future direction of student housing, both in Melbourne and in the wider context.

Marcus Ieraci believes that Hayball's La Trobe project is a true ground breaker in a number of regards. A light weight facade and light structure thanks to builder Hickory Group's HBS method will allow for speed of construction, increased build quality and adaptability upon completion. Modern student accommodation builds increasingly have an eye toward the future. 

Extensive modelling during design allows for facades and even entire floors to be adjusted for different use, should a need arise down the track.

Overseas design trends also factor into current design considerations. Tom Gilbert points toward the emerging trend of communal design aspects within student accommodation projects where research, commercial and residential elements blend to create incubator-like environment. Melbourne has yet to see this format.

<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/1996_c_v01.04_extheroaa_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hayball cite 42-50 La Trobe Street as a benchmark design for student accommodation"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="463" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1996_c_v01.04_extheroaa_0.jpg?itok=zqiHSvlQ" title="Hayball cite 42-50 La Trobe Street as a benchmark design for student accommodation" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hayball cite 42-50 La Trobe Street as a benchmark design for student accommodation</figcaption></figure>
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Hayball discuss the evolution of Melbourne's student housing sector

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Development news from Footscray continues to flow at an increasing level.

Maribyrnong Council is providing the wider public with a first look at a new mixed use development in the heart of Footscray. <a href="/developers/k7-developments">K7 Developments</a> has enlisted <a href="/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> to create a scheme for 72-76 Paisley Street, with the expectation that it will eventually accommodate a substantial and predominantly residential building.

One block back from Barkly Street, 72-76 Paisley Street is a 1,840sqm site wedged between a multi level community healthcare centre and the Footscray Baptist Church. Not-for-profit community health organisation cohealth have occupied the modest brick building onsite for some time.

<h2>
<a href="/new-apartments/72-paisley-street-footscray">72-76 Paisley Street</a> 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/image151.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Street level perspective. Planning image: Rothelowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="320" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image151.jpg?itok=5SytAd7t" title="Street level perspective. Planning image: Rothelowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Street level perspective. Planning image: Rothelowman</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Proposed 12 level building at 38.4m in height</li>
	<li>140 apartment: 81 x 1BR, 59 x 2BR</li>
	<li>2 office tenancies of 225.8sqm and 251sqm</li>
	<li>1 restaurant of 131.3sqm with capacity for 50 patrons</li>
	<li>1 retail tenancy of 225.8sqm</li>
	<li>2 basement levels includes capacity for 137 vehicles &amp; 60 bicycles</li>
	<li>Expected cost of development: $25 million</li>
</ul>
The proposed development's treatment of the eastern and northern ground level interface is a direct response to the site's immediate surrounds. An existing through link will be enhanced and activated in order to join with the laneway network bisecting the block between Barkley Street and Paisley Street. 

To the rear of the site an urban street art installation is envisaged. According to Rothelowman, "The concept for the artwork is to use an abstract form in either linear / checked patterns, with principal colors of blue and gold which are bright and complimentary to the proposed building material pallet. The artwork will be placed on the dedicated metal panels on the northern elevation with anti-graffiti coating."

72-76 Paisley Street's eastern flank is to feature the restaurant space and outdoor seating area to the Baptist Church interface.

<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/image152_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Laneway perspective. Planning image: Rothelowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="312" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image152_1.jpg?itok=1EHzlUyw" title="Laneway perspective. Planning image: Rothelowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Laneway perspective. Planning image: Rothelowman</figcaption></figure>The Footscray application is K7 Developments' third active apartment project.

Following on from builder <a href="/builders/citi-con">Citi-Con</a>'s recent completion of Canterbury Hill which includes 37 dwellings, two further projects are nearing a construction start. Hawthorn East's <a href="/buildings/brasshouse-771-toorak-road-hawthorn-east">Brasshouse</a> is defined by its undulating gold facade whilst Brunswick East's <a href="/buildings/seamstress-11-13-lygon-street-brunswick-east">Seamstress</a> references the past life of the site in question, which will in due course become a building of some 32 apartments.

Including the Paisley Street application, Rothelowman has become the incumbent architecture practice of choice for K7 Developments, accounting for the developers last four projects. 

72-76 Paisley Street is comfortably the developer's biggest project to date.

<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/image159_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The completed Canterbury Hill with Brasshouse. Render: Rothelowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="222" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image159_1.jpg?itok=ojpSCYjR" title="The completed Canterbury Hill with Brasshouse. Render: Rothelowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The completed Canterbury Hill with Brasshouse. Render: Rothelowman</figcaption></figure>
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K7 Developments look to push up Paisley Street

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It seems the former Alphington Paper Mill may not be alone in reshaping the face of the inner suburb.

Lodged with Yarra Council, plans for a sleek and sizeable apartment development on an adjacent 2,980 square metre site marks the arrival of a new architecture firm to the Apartments.com.au Project Database. XO Projects is the design force behind 700-718 Heidelberg Road; the relatively new firm represents the meeting of local design giant Elenberg Fraser with that of Amsterdam-based firm Elastik.

With the mantra of "creating the Extra Ordinaries within cities" XO Projects has hit the ground running with the 9 level building that features a split colour scheme and mature trees over its exterior.

<h2>700-718 Heidelberg Road, Alphington 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/image133_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Heidelberg Road perspective and finishes. Planning image: XO Projects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="347" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image133_1.jpg?itok=P-YNkIfA" title="Heidelberg Road perspective and finishes. Planning image: XO Projects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Heidelberg Road perspective and finishes. Planning image: XO Projects</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Corner 2,980sqm site containing four attached single-storey retail premises</li>
	<li>Proposed 9 level building at 34.1m above Heidelberg Road</li>
	<li>109 apartments: 31 x one-bedroom, 56 x two-bedroom, 22 x three-bedroom</li>
	<li>2 ground floor retail tenancies: 325sqm general retail &amp; 316sqm café/food and drink premises</li>
	<li>2 level basement and ground level parking for 157 cars &amp; 82 bicycles</li>
	<li>Communal amenities: library, meeting rooms, fitness/gym, roof top gardens, spa-sauna</li>
</ul>
Opposite the eastern flank of the Alphington Paper Mill site which has a preferred height of 6-8 levels, 700-718 Heidelberg Road has a high level of compliance with the Yarra Planning Scheme according to planning documents.

XO Projects have included a terraced southern facade which tapers down toward the residential zoned southern boundary.

Key to the overall design is the facade treatment of the proposed building with more than 50% of apartments having double facades. Dual level privacy walls across the facade funnel into deep planter boxes for mature trees; 1.2 meters of soil is provided per tree planter in order to accommodate abnormally large plantings.

The deep soil planters will aid in providing 700-718 Heidelberg Road in attaining a 'vertical forest' finish, as will surface level plantings across higher levels of the 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/image132_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Deep rooted trees are proposed across the facade. Planning image: XO Projects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="384" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image132_2.jpg?itok=A-dfm6KC" title="Deep rooted trees are proposed across the facade. Planning image: XO Projects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Deep rooted trees are proposed across the facade. Planning image: XO Projects</figcaption></figure><h2>700-718 Heidelberg Road, Alphington development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer Giancorp Property Group</li>
	<li>Architecture: XO Projects</li>
	<li>Town Planning &amp; Landscape: Urbis</li>
	<li>Traffic Engineering GTA Consultants</li>
	<li>Waste Management RB Waste Consulting Service</li>
	<li>Services, Structural &amp; Civil: O'Neill Group</li>
	<li>ESD: Sustainable Development Consultants</li>
	<li>Land Survey: Bosco Jonson</li>
</ul>
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XO Projects' first database entry makes for a sleek Alphington addition

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.

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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;

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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."

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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.

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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."

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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."

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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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