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Site purchase and demolition for one of Footscray's key renewal sites occurred during 2012. Thereafter the Binks Ford site has seen precious little activity.

But now plans are afoot for an intensive redevelopment of the 9,047sqm plot which abuts the Footscray rail corridor.  Developer AVIC Developments Pty Ltd is seeking the green light for 412 dwellings across four separate residential buildings, with the tallest maxing out at 10 levels.

Dubbed 'Cowper Village' within the application, 34 Cowper Street was sold some years ago by Places Victoria. In a push to regenerate the massive land holding, AVIC Developments Pty Ltd has teamed with architects ClarkeHopkinsClarke. 

<h2>34 Cowper 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/image55_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The proposed development's northerly aspect. Planning image: ClarkeHopkinsClarke"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="564" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image55_6.jpg?itok=P0SBVfgG" title="The proposed development's northerly aspect. Planning image: ClarkeHopkinsClarke" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The proposed development's northerly aspect. Planning image: ClarkeHopkinsClarke</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Vacant 9,047sqm site with 166.7m street frontage</li>
	<li>Proposed residential development of 412 dwellings across 4 separate buildings</li>
	<li>16 x townhouses, 192 x 1BR, 194 x 2BR, 10 x SOHO</li>
	<li>Maximum building height: 10 storeys or 31.7m</li>
	<li>4 retail tenancies: total of 518sqm available</li>
	<li>Provision for 196 vehicles and 84 bicycles</li>
	<li>Cost of development estimated at $100 million</li>
	<li>Ground, Level 1 and rooftop green spaces</li>
</ul>
Current plans for 34 Cowper Street are modest from a height perspective, relative to a number of earlier site-specific designs created (as seen below), and relative to the scale of development throughout the adjacent Joseph Road Precinct.

Indeed ClarkeHopkinsClarke's initial submission for 34 Cowper Street was significantly higher; 7 levels have been lopped from earlier plans in order to comply with preferred building heights under local built form guidelines. The loss of 7 levels hasn't demonstrably affected to total project apartment yield, with 33 less dwellings across the project.

Further design changes following Maribyrnong City Council's initial feedback also see a reworked open space plaza, enhanced pedestrian connectivity and amendments to the internal laneway.

<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/image57_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Site concepts by Plus Architecture and Peddle Thorp Architects which advanced no further."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="390" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image57_6.jpg?itok=Tr2gGNiU" title="Site concepts by Plus Architecture and Peddle Thorp Architects which advanced no further." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Site concepts by Plus Architecture and Peddle Thorp Architects which advanced no further.</figcaption></figure>With Jospeh Road Precinct all but accounted for, and the Kinnears site <a href="/news/rf-property-australias-first-melbourne-project-enters-the-starting-gates">ready for its sales launch</a>, 34 Cowper Street is the last of Footscray's 'super sites' to enter planning. Beyond the Binks Ford redevelopment, smaller-scale blocks such as Ryco at 11-19 Whitehall Street and the 501 Receptions site at <a href="/new-apartments/495-507-barkly-street-footscray">501 Barkly Street</a> represent the next largest development sites in the pipeline.

The additions of 34 Cowper Street to the Apartments.com.au Project Database boosts the overall number of apartments monitored by Apartments.com.au within Footscray to an impressive 7,400. This figure is spread across 37 separate projects, with the majority of apartments found within Joseph Road Precinct.

Of those 7,400 plus apartments under 500 are at construction, alluding to the massive growth in Footscray's population that awaits.

<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/image56_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A broadside development perspective. Planning image: ClarkeHopkinsClarke"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="270" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image56_4.jpg?itok=DNs5j1ul" title="A broadside development perspective. Planning image: ClarkeHopkinsClarke" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A broadside development perspective. Planning image: ClarkeHopkinsClarke</figcaption></figure><h2>34 Cowper Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: AVIC Development Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Architect &amp; Urban Context: ClarkeHopkinsClarke</li>
	<li>Planning: Hellier McFarland</li>
	<li>Traffic Engineering: Traffix Group</li>
	<li>Waste Management: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Sustainable Management Plan: F2 Design</li>
	<li>Environmental Noise Assessment: Marshall Day</li>
	<li>Wind Assessment : MEL Consultants</li>
	<li>Landscape Plan: MDG Landscape Architects</li>
	<li>Statement of Environmental Audit: Golder Associates</li>
	<li>Social Impact Assessment: Ratio Consultants</li>
</ul>
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silvermb

Footscray's Binks Ford site finally in line for development

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The large-scale redevelopment of Richmond's former Jaques engineering complex has been marked by an number of onsite dedications.

Dating back to 1885 and with frontages to Palmer, Coppin, Dyer and Griffiths Streets, the 9,945sqm site's engineering heritage has been permanently embossed across the site. Planning Minister Richard Wynne and Riverlee Group's Clement Lee were recently onsite to unveil plaques dedicated to the Jaques family; these are in addition to the many original engineering sketches and blueprints dotted throughout the build.

The recent event signified completion of the $290 million redevelopment backed by Riverlee Group and Macquarie Real Estate Equity Funds, and which has been delivered in stages. Overall the Fender Katsalidis-designed complex includes 377 apartments and 17 townhouses, car parking provisions, two landscaped courtyards, a rooftop terrace and four retail tenancies.

2,530sqm or 30% of the site is provided for amenity, underpinned by Dyer Street, who's unveiling was marked by Yarra City Council's Lord Major Amanda Stone and Jack Dyer Jr.

<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/jaques_unveiling_of_historical_panels-1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Commemorating Jaques' place in Richmond's history. Image:supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="704" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/jaques_unveiling_of_historical_panels-1.jpg?itok=m6bRyEqP" title="Commemorating Jaques' place in Richmond's history. Image:supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Commemorating Jaques' place in Richmond's history. Image: supplied</figcaption></figure>After picking up the Jaques site during 1997, Riverlee Group and Fender Katsalidis reworked initial plans for the site to provide a heightened design outcome.

Works began an Stage One during 2012, with this month's event heralding the completion of the entire project which includes three separate buildings. Following on from Stage One's Boiler Shop Building &amp; Hammermill Apartments, and Stage Two's 5 Tonne Apartments &amp; Iron Works Building, Palmer Street was completed earlier this year.

Palmer Street includes 22 one bedroom, 23 two bedroom and 10 three bedroom apartments in a highly articulated building designed to be the precinct's most luxurious offering.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image44_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Differing aspects of the now completed Jaques development"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="436" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image44_0.jpg?itok=YsEAxaGb" title="Differing aspects of the now completed Jaques development" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Differing aspects of the now completed Jaques development</figcaption></figure>Architect Karl Fender of Fender Katsalidis was on hand to walk Apartments.com.au through the completed project, paying much attention to the project's street-level interface along the way.

Upon taking on the project, Fender Katsalidis effectively scrapped the existing development scheme which Karl Fender described as being highly unsympathetic to the surrounding low-rise street character. Under the new design, Stage One saw the retention of the existing brick facade which was worked into the development, with higher levels set well back.

The scaled brick theme continues across Stage Two's lower levels, with Stage Three/Palmer Street a nod to modern design. Copper panels, white polished pre-cast framing, metal features and copper framing provide the building with a modern character.

Dyer Street is a cross-site link that includes the retail tenancies at ground level. Set on a skewed axis, it's expected that Dyer Street will link up with a new pedestrian link to be created on the opposite vacant site that will soon be home to the new <a href="http://www.schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/Pages/Schools/Richmond-High-School.aspx">Richmond High School and community-based Multi-Purpose Facility</a>.

On the corner of Palmer and Dyer streets the original main visitors entry from the original industrial building has been retained, with viewable displays charting the site’s history and paying tribute to Richmond icon Jack Dyer.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image43_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Jaques Stage 1. Image:supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="352" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image43_5.jpg?itok=-ydSGr8L" title="Jaques Stage 1. Image:supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Jaques Stage 1. Image:supplied</figcaption></figure>Jaques Richmond was the initial project between architect and developer, and has since spawned further projects.

<a href="http://riverlee.com.au/projects/108-flinders-street">108 Flinders Street</a> was completed during 2014 and features a Tract Landscape Architects-designed internal courtyard and 190 apartments. The <a href="/developments/docklands-vic-3008">Northbank Goods Shed</a> is next on the duo's agenda, with Fender Katsalidis preparing plans for a mixed-use tower containing apartments and hotel suites.
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Karl Fender provides insight as Jaques Richmond reaches completion

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Yarra continues to rack up substantial commercial planning applications, solidifying a <a href="/news/city-of-yarras-commercial-prospects-boosted-by-100-000sqm">recent spate of office projects</a> within the municipality as highlighted by Apartments.com.au earlier in the year.

Latest to enter the fray is 57 Balmain Street, seeking partial demolition of the existing heritage form which in years gone by was part of the historic Rosella complex. A seven storey commercial building above three basement levels is planned, with a cafe at ground level.

Valued at $30 million, the scheme was lodged with City of Yarra last month.

Rothelowman's website carries fresh images of what shapes as the likely design for 57 Balmain Street, with the following description: 

<blockquote>
Balmain Road’s proposed design restores the iconic Rosella facade while boldly juxtaposing old and new to create a modern mixed-use commercial space for a top-tier international tenant.

Responding to its local architectural context and landmarks such as the Nylex Clock, Balmain Road’s design explores the relationship between framing and structure and extroverted and introverted space. 
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image1ros.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image: Rothelowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="314" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image1ros.jpg?itok=5fy4PKwT" title="Image: Rothelowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image: Rothelowman</figcaption></figure>Whilst the above has yet to reach advertising, a duo of new commercial projects has.

111-115 Bridge Road, Richmond sees an already approved commercial scheme expanded to include the neighbouring property. The result is an enlarged footprint behind existing shopfronts that holds 1,274sqm of commercial space across 6 levels.

Whilst Bridge Road is a relatively modest development, established residential developer Alpha 14 Property Group's first foray into the commercial sphere is far more substantial. 71-93 Gipps Street is a Hayball-designed project spanning 11 storeys across a 1,579sqm site.

Carrying a development value of $19 million, Net Leasable Area for the project spans 8,873sqm with end of trip facilities and 2 basement levels for 87 vehicles included.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image4_13.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Commercial projects slated for Bridge Road and Gipps Street. Images: 8 Property Investments &amp; Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="246" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image4_13.jpg?itok=TTwsSgFN" title="Commercial projects slated for Bridge Road and Gipps Street. Images: 8 Property Investments &amp; Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Commercial projects slated for Bridge Road and Gipps Street. Images: 8 Property Investments &amp; Hayball</figcaption></figure>In further planning news, 345 Swan Street was granted a Notice of Decision last month for the development of a seven storey office building.

Designed by Jackson Clements Burrows for Periphery Pty Ltd, the building can now expect to add a further 2,702sqm of offices and two retail tenancies to the local streetscape. Already at construction is 96-102 Cubitt Street within Cremorne, which continues the trend of boutique commercial developments in the immediate area.

Project Group are handling construction of the building which absorbs all of its modest 476sqm site footprint.

Finally, Alfasi Property are planning a grand gesture for 510 Church Street. COX have been installed as project architect, with the end result a total lettable area of approximately 20,000sqm across the 3,070sqm site.

<blockquote>
510 Church Street will set a new benchmark for Architecture &amp; Workplace design in Richmond’s Church Street commercial precinct.

510 Church Street will be a building of timeless architecture, appealing to a wide range of tenant types, especially tech firms and creatives, moving beyond the current ‘warehouse’, ‘business park’ or ‘corporate CBD’ typologies.
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image6_13.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Swan, Church and Cubitt. Images: JCB, Cox &amp; Project Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="233" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image6_13.jpg?itok=kIwIEbmb" title="Swan, Church and Cubitt. Images: JCB, Cox &amp; Project Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Swan, Church and Cubitt. Images: JCB, COX &amp; Project Group</figcaption></figure>
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Yarra's commercial prospects reloaded

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Straddling Brunswick East and Fitzroy North, Nicholson Street is in the midst of a development boom. Apartments.com.au is keeping tabs on approximately 1,000 new apartments currently in development toward the northern end of the increasingly popular thoroughfare. 

Due to the increasingly limited number of development sites along <a href="/buildings/east-brunswick-village-3-bluestone-way-brunswick-east">Nicholson Street</a>, and particularly those with a large footprint capable of handling hundreds of apartments, Nicholson Street is currently at the zenith of its development potential. 10 separate apartment projects are now in play, with the majority at sales or under construction.

By far the largest project is Banco Group's East Brunswick Village, which is a large-scale urban renewal project on the site of the former Tontine Pillow Factory. 

Hand in hand with the recent commencement of piling onsite is the project's reconfiguration of Lots 1 and 2. This initial stage of East Brunswick Village will see a slight increase in apartments to 307 (split between 218 x 1BR and 81 x 2BR), increased retail space equating to 4,254sqm, and an increase in both car parking and bicycle 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/image95_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="An early East Brunswick Village render along with current piling works onsite"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="214" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image95_1.jpg?itok=1Rmz4UDz" title="An early East Brunswick Village render along with current piling works onsite" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>An early East Brunswick Village render along with current piling works onsite</figcaption></figure>The overall development includes seven separate buildings with total apartments around the 600 mark. Whilst technically under construction, East Brunswick Village has yet to see its sales campaign formally launched. The same cannot be said for a handful of other projects along Nicholson Street.

Victory House with its 102 apartments is fresh to construction, with builder Element Five's signage freshly across the corner site. Fellow projects in their construction infancy include MiaMia and Fitz &amp; Co, whilst NYKO and 88-90 Nicholson Street are further into their construction cycle.

Combined these 5 projects which have successfully attained necessary presales, will yield approximately 220 dwellings which puts into perspective the massive nature of East Brunswick Village.

Next in line is Lt Miller and Mr Nichols; both having begun their marketing campaigns. The very swish 38 Nicholson Street designed by Hachem is also sitting on 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/image94_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The stylish lines of 38 Nicholson Street. Image: Hachem"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="347" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image94_1.jpg?itok=6v0Tljmj" title="The stylish lines of 38 Nicholson Street. Image: Hachem" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The stylish lines of 38 Nicholson Street. Image: Hachem</figcaption></figure>Nicholson Street's dearth of pending projects at planning hints towards the diminishing number of sites available for future development.

77-83 Nicholson Street presents as the only noteworthy current planning application. Home to cafe and eatery Pope Joan, 77-83 Nicholson Street is subject to a 6-7 level development over two basement levels, with intentions for 6 retail tenancies and 73 dwellings.

With 29m of frontage to Nicholson Street and an area of 2,250sqm, the site was sold mid last year by Vinci Carbone.

Putting Nicholson Street's current apartment boom into perspective, the only recent major completion along its northern stretch has been TreViso at 91-93 Nicholson Street which added 31 apartments to the strip.
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Nicholson Street's apartment activity slips into top gear

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Melbourne's dynamic hotel sector continues to see new deals done, further expanding the lengthy queue of short stay accommodation projects in development around the city.

After opening their first Melbourne outlet in Docklands at the turn of 2016, Peppers will take on a new Southbank tower as part of parent company Mantra Group's <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://thehotelconversation.com.au/news/2016/11/30/mantra-group-secures-five-new-hotels/1480459707">aggressive expansion plan throughout Australian and New Zealand</a>. The plan sees Peppers Southbank as one of five new hotels for Mantra Group in the region, with 900 new rooms in total planned.

Peppers Southbank will be sited at 64-68 Clerendon Street, currently a two level commercial building across a 412sqm site. In anticipation of a late 2018 opening date, preliminary demolition has begun 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/image84_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Peppers Southbank. Image: Point Polaris"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="350" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image84_5.jpg?itok=dL5HSdH_" title="Peppers Southbank. Image: Point Polaris" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Peppers Southbank. Image: Point Polaris</figcaption></figure>Although <a href="http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/building-and-development/property-information/planning-building-registers/Pages/town-planning-permits-register-search-results.aspx?appid=227857">garnering 63 objections</a> during the planning process, 64-68 Clarendon Street received approval during late 2015 for a residential hotel tower. The building's overall appearance has been altered from earlier images, with a cleaner facade, defined podium to Clarendon Street and additional floors added, slightly boosting the overall room count to 165.

Point Polaris are also involved at a <a href="http://www.pointpolaris.com.au/experience/peppers-southbank/">project management level</a>, with Peppers Southbank's development value slated as $60 million.

To the opposite side of the Yarra, and prolific developer Caydon have availed themselves as the driving force behind 1 Queen Street. Formerly home to Fletcher Jones, approval was sought and won by then entity Creative Wealth (Aust) Pty Ltd for a K2LD Architects-designed 26 storey tower above the historic edifice.

<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/image86_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="1 Queen Street. Image: Caydon"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="336" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image86_3.jpg?itok=MRp6kmFU" title="1 Queen Street. Image: Caydon" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>1 Queen Street. Image: Caydon</figcaption></figure>Gone is the plan for 117 residential apartments, with Caydon via its website confirming TOGA Group as the new operator of the now hotel development, under their Vibe brand. 1 Queen Street is in addition to Vibe Hotel Carlton and Vibe Savoy Hotel, also in Melbourne's CBD.

Caydon describes the project as a 23 level, boutique 4.5-star hotel, which is expected to start construction this year for an anticipated completion during early 2019. The building will include 204 hotel rooms, plus an indoor heated pool, gym facilities and retail spaces to street level.

Based on the image below, 1 Queen Street's development will also see the historic Fletcher Jones Queen Street frontage reinstated.

<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/image88_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="1 Queen Street. Image: Caydon"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="272" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image88_4.jpg?itok=h2LJV-J-" title="1 Queen Street. Image: Caydon" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>1 Queen Street. Image: Caydon</figcaption></figure>
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Peppers and Vibe land new Melbourne addresses

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The long-dormant Kinnears site fronting Ballarat Road is all but ready to begin its transformation into one of Footscray's largest apartment-driven urban renewal projects.

An onsite display suite that will cater for the multiple towers to be developed over the life of the project is now complete, and ready to be swung into action once developer R&amp;F Property Australia launches the first phase of the project. And Kinnears' first stage looks to be a 15 level apartment tower at the eastern end of the sprawling site.

Kinnears which is addressed 124-188 Ballarat Road is R&amp;F Property Australia's first major development in Melbourne. 

Kinnears' rebirth first came to prominence <a href="/news/rf-properties-advance-plans-for-kinnears-footscray-redevelopment">during late 2015</a>, with Elenberg Fraser enlisted by the developer to create a new masterplanned residential enclave. In doing so, limited demolition and adaptation of existing heritage buildings spread over the site has been worked into the overall masterplan, which also includes provisions for 1,400 plus new dwellings.

The display suite model depicting the entire project is very much in line with the 2015 site plan, and sees a number of new north-south pedestrian and vehicle links dividing the 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/image2kinn.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Kinnears site masterplan."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image2kinn.jpg?itok=cXhqcWcX" title="The Kinnears site masterplan." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Kinnears site masterplan.</figcaption></figure>Information within the display also elaborates on the project's public features. Shops and a supermarket will be set around a plaza, with communal facilities such as a childcare centre, kindergarden, maternal and child health centre also in the mix. Offices, a gym and further medical-based spaces add the the development's mixed-use nature.

R&amp;F Property Australia, part of Guangzhou-based R&amp;F Properties, has been trying to gain a foothold in Melbourne for some years.

At one stage the developer was primed to secure Fishermans Bend's <a href="https://urban.melbourne/projects/fishermans-bend-renewal-area/60-82-johnson-street-south-melbourne">60-82 Johnson Street</a>, but that deal <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/business/property/developer-mcnee-makes-a-30-million-killing-on-south-melbourne-apartments-site-20170124-gtxnkd">failed to materialise</a>, with local developer Salvo Property Group subsequently securing the approved site. R&amp;F Property Australia's next move was for Kinnears, successfully acquiring the site from <a href="http://www.afr.com/real-estate/residential/richard-gu-nets-60m-for-footscray-development-site-20140722-jjllw">AXF Group for $60 million during 2014</a>, with development plans already in motion at that stage.

Based in Melbourne, R&amp;F Property Australia's first successful move on the national development scene was in Brisbane. Dubbed <a href="http://www.rfaustralia.com.au/project/brisbane-1/">Brisbane 1</a>, the project sees 600 plus apartments in development over multiple buildings on a 4,661sqm plot in South Brisbane.

With the imminent launch of Kinnears, R&amp;F Property Australia also now has a Melbourne-based apartment project that will be rolled out in stages over coming years. Imagery for subsequent stages of the Kinnears development can be seen <a href="http://www.starweekly.com.au/news/plans-lodged-for-first-stage-of-kinnears-rope-factory-redevelopment/pub/maribyrnong_hobsons_bay/">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/image77_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="R &amp; F Properties first Australian project. Image: brisbane1towers.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="724" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image77_1.jpg?itok=sb9vAKmn" title="R &amp; F Properties first Australian project. Image: brisbane1towers.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>R &amp; F Properties first Australian project. Image: brisbane1towers.com.au</figcaption></figure>
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R&F Property Australia's first Melbourne project enters the starting gates 

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The planning equivalent of a 'Days of our Lives' episode may be on the verge of a development resolution.

<a href="/developers/action-group-australia">Action Group Australia's</a> very long and public bid to redevelop a prime slice of land opposite Station Pier has entered its latest phase, with plans now on display for a new design seeking grace the defunct site. Since development plans for <a href="/new-apartments/port-melbourne-vic-3207">1-7 Waterfront Place</a> first surfaced early this decade, it has been subject to a local resident backlash, <a href="http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/waterfront-place-development.htm">Council bids to protect the site</a> from overdevelopment, VCAT hearings and <a href="http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/amendment-C104-Waterfront-Place.htm">Ministerial intervention</a>.

During 2015, the Minister for Planning approved site specific amendments to the Port Phillip Planning Scheme, which ushered in new policy and planning controls. Among them were a mandatory 35m maximum height limit, in addition to podium, setback and overshadowing requirements.

Via entity Waterfront Place Pty Ltd, Action Group Australia and long serving project architect <a href="/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a> have come back with revised plans for a substantial residential project featuring a mass of resident amenities.

<h2>
<a href="/new-apartments/port-melbourne-vic-3207">1-7 Waterfront Place</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/image39wp.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A broadside perspective of the proposed development. Planning image: Fender Katsalidis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="307" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image39wp.jpg?itok=Lgr8z1qc" title="A broadside perspective of the proposed development. Planning image: Fender Katsalidis" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A broadside perspective of the proposed development. Planning image: Fender Katsalidis</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site area: 5,487sqm</li>
	<li>Currently a vacant amenities complex for the immediate area</li>
	<li>Proposed: 10 level residential building spanning 38.5m to plant level</li>
	<li>175 dwellings: 31 x 1BR, 8 x 1BR townhouse, 103 x 2BR, 14 x 2BR townhouse, 17 x 3BR, 1 x Penthouse</li>
	<li>Provisions for 244 car spaces across 2 basement levels</li>
	<li>184sqm of ground floor retail space</li>
	<li>A publicly accessible plaza and north-south laneway</li>
	<li>Amenities include: golf simulator, fitness studio, lounge, lap pool, library, business room, dining and events room.</li>
</ul>
Two retail tenancies opposite the Port Melbourne railway station frame a proposed western plaza that continues through the development at ground level. A large northern courtyard also breaks the building's form to Beach Street.

The Waterfront Place frontage is dominated by townhouses across the building's podium, whilst public artwork is also set to feature at ground level.

<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/image41_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Development at the human scale. Planning image: Fender Katsalidis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="318" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image41_2.jpg?itok=FSGgs6Lx" title="Development at the human scale. Planning image: Fender Katsalidis" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Development at the human scale. Planning image: Fender Katsalidis</figcaption></figure>1-7 Waterfront Place has spawned a number of designs over the years, with the most notable being an early wave-shaped tower that was also the largest proposal seen for the site. Subsequently, following designs have been more modest in height, with the latest version being the shortest.

On the current scheme, planning consultancy <a href="/developers/urbis">Urbis</a> asserts "DDO23 is a site-specific overlay that has taken into account the strategic location and objectives for the site. Accordingly, this report assesses the planning permits of the proposal, primarily in regard to the objectives and requirements of DDO23 but also the relevant sections of the Port Phillip Planning Scheme."

All things being in accordance with the regulatory formwork, it now looks like one of this city's longest planning sagas will find resolution soon enough.

<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/image47_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Designs for Waterfront place that have been consigned to history"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="471" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image47_4.jpg?itok=mSOnV1B_" title="Designs for Waterfront place that have been consigned to history" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Designs for Waterfront place that have been consigned to history</figcaption></figure><h2>1-7 Waterfront Place development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Waterfront Place Pty Ltd (Action Group Australia)</li>
	<li>Architecture and Urban Context Report: Fender Katsalidis</li>
	<li>Planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>Sustainability Management Plan: Norman Disney &amp; Young</li>
	<li>Traffic Impact Assessment: Cardno</li>
	<li>Waste Management Plan: Salt</li>
	<li>Landscape Plan and Landscape Report: Tract</li>
	<li>Acoustic Assessment: Acoustic Logic</li>
</ul>
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Port Melbourne's long running Waterfront Place saga enters a new phase

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One of the northern CBD's new breed of skyscrapers reached a monumental construction marker last week. Hengyi Australia's <a href="/buildings/light-house-450-elizabeth-street-melbourne">Light House</a> apartment development appeared sans jump form, signifying the termination of the tower at 69 levels above Elizabeth Street.

Using Light House's milestone as a nominal halfway point of development for the current crop, it's an opportune time to provide an update on the progress of the many towers that are transforming the CBD's northern fringe into a much taller, denser environment.

<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/image60_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Light House and Empire will go no higher"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="433" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image60_1.jpg?itok=ue1c0L0n" title="Light House and Empire will go no higher" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Light House and Empire will go no higher</figcaption></figure>Light House has been joined by <a href="/buildings/empire-melbourne-398-elizabeth-street-melbourne">Empire</a> in having its jump form removed, with the latter terminating at 62 levels. Also along the north-south Elizabeth Street axis, the distinctly green <a href="/buildings/victoria-one-452-472-elizabeth-street-melbourne">Victoria One</a> is approaching the 200m mark, on its way to an eventual floor count of 75 and the mantle of Elizabeth Street's tallest building.

A'Beckett Street's <a href="/buildings/avant-60-abeckett-street-melbourne">Avant</a> is shaping as the precinct's most daring tower in terms of facade treatment, defined by its vibrant purple facade and stretched diagrid exterior; the project has approximately 35 floor left prior to its topping out.

<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/image61_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Avant, Aurora and Scape Swanston. Images: Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="302" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image61_0.jpg?itok=vzQwBskb" title="Avant, Aurora and Scape Swanston. Images: Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Avant, Aurora and Scape Swanston. Images: Ryan Seychell</figcaption></figure>Avant's purple exterior is matched by that of another Elenberg Fraser-designed tower nearby, with the curving <a href="/buildings/eq-tower-127-abeckett-street-melbourne">EQ Tower</a> all but complete.

At 63 levels, the tower reached its significant marker during December, with a <a href="/news/three-years-on-eq-tower-tops-out">topping out ceremony held onsite</a>. According to developer ICD Property, the balance of apartments are due to settle during April.

<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/7da108d5216cf984792a95fd23e84767.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="EQ Tower standing tall. Images: Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/7da108d5216cf984792a95fd23e84767.jpg?itok=w5Dzp1b8" title="EQ Tower standing tall. Images: Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>EQ Tower standing tall. Image: Ryan Seychell</figcaption></figure><a href="/buildings/aurora-melbourne-central-224-la-trobe-street-melbourne">Aurora Melbourne Central</a> as the area's biggest build is progressing well, with the podium structure for the 88 level goliath at its mid point. Also marching along is Scape Student Living's first Melbourne project at <a href="/buildings/scape-melbourne-393-swanston-street-melbourne">393 Swanston Street</a>. Regular floor plates and a precast exterior which is installed with windows in situ has allowed construction on the 42 storey building to rocket along.

Further toward the CBD's north-east corner, both <a href="/buildings/conservatory-9-23-mackenzie-street-melbourne">Conservatory</a> and <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">42-50 La Trobe Street</a> are at early stages of their construction life, with both projects being undertaken by builder Hickory Group.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/melbourne_model_02_18082016_0.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Laurence Dragomir's 2016 depiction of Melbourne's CBD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="270" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/melbourne_model_02_18082016_0.png?itok=k6eHUeKj" title="Laurence Dragomir's 2016 depiction of Melbourne's CBD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Laurence Dragomir's 2016 depiction of Melbourne's CBD</figcaption></figure>As the area's unprecedented construction growth changes the northern CBD's environs, it's far from a completed product. Various high-rise projects have yet to make their mark on the skyline, including some very tall buildings.

308 Exhibition Street, Queens Place, 111 A'Beckett Street, RMIT's new mixed-use A'Beckett Street tower and Scape Student Living's reworked 97 Franklin Street are but a few of the projects that can be expected in coming years. Add a raft of smaller skyscrapers that are either at planning or hold approval, in addition to Victoria Market's mooted high-rise buildings, and the built form transformation in the area has many towers yet to come.

<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/image58_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="308 Exhibition Street, Scape CUB and 111 A'Beckett Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="309" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image58_4.jpg?itok=gxyemCpA" title="308 Exhibition Street, Scape CUB and 111 A'Beckett Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>308 Exhibition Street, Scape CUB and 111 A'Beckett Street</figcaption></figure>
</body></html>

Where the tall ones are: a construction snapshot of the CBD's northern talls

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Box Hill continues to rack up significant planning applications, with the eastern hub showing no sign of slowing in its skyward progression. Three significant proposals are in the works, potentially adding hundreds of new apartments to the Box Hill market, which has well and truly blossomed over recent years.

Ausgood Development Pty Ltd is proposing a 14 level tower directly opposite Box Hill Hospital, the first time that a tower of that magnitude has ventured that far north within the Hospital and Western TAFE precinct. At 17-19 Arnold Street, Desyne Developments have conceived the proposal which includes 119 apartments above 4 medical suites.

Well away from Box Hill's Whitehorse Road spine, the proposal is more significant in size than any of the contemporary apartment developments adjacent to it.

<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/image8_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Arnold Street's potential new outlook. Planning image: Desyne Developments"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="288" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image8_9.jpg?itok=PL0jYLJY" title="Arnold Street's potential new outlook. Planning image: Desyne Developments" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Arnold Street's potential new outlook. Planning image: Desyne Developments</figcaption></figure>More grandiose in its nature is 517-521 Station Street; the latest prospect for Golden Age Group.

Plans are afoot to rezone the land parcel acquired by the developer during 2016 from Public Use Zone to a Mixed Use Zone. If successful, the 7,344sqm site which cost Golden Age $51.8 million will be transformed into multiple residential towers.

Preliminary plans by DKO Architecture shows the site hosting dual 18 level towers, supplemented by a smaller 6 level building. In addition to 429 apartments, the scheme also calls for 6,638sqm of retail space, 77 serviced apartments, 1,950sqm of office space, a gym, 400sqm medical centre and a child care centre with capacity for 107.

Whitehorse City Council have provided support for the development, with the rezoning subject to a final nod from the Minister for Planning.

<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/image19_13.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Golden Age's latest Box Hill project. Planning image: DKO Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="382" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image19_13.jpg?itok=jrzauCTh" title="Golden Age's latest Box Hill project. Planning image: DKO Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Golden Age's latest Box Hill project. Planning image: DKO Architecture</figcaption></figure>Among some of the other more prominent planning applications for Box Hill within recent months is that of 34-36 Prospect Street. Sought is approval for the development of a 30 storey mixed use building for the 1,208sqm plot.

Last year Apartments.com.au speculated that a <a href="/news/is-this-box-hills-next-big-tower">current design for the site</a> by Taouk Architects may be the design which is at planning. Whilst that remains to be seen, what is black and white is Box Hill's position now as Melbourne's dominant suburban apartment market.

After the addition of 17-19 Arnold Street and 517-521 Station Street, Apartments.com.au's Project Database is now keeping tabs on 4,150 apartments across 34 projects which are currently in the <a href="/developments/box-hill-vic-3128">development</a> pipeline across Box Hill.

Falling under the Box Hill Structure Plan, although technically within Mont Albert, it's worth noting that 813-823 Whitehorse Road is also at planning. The high profile vacant corner site is subject to a Bruce Henderson Architects-designed 18 level apartment tower encapsulating 96 apartments.
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Box Hill bubbles along with multiple new towers at planning

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Historic buildings on Southbank are as rare as proverbial hen's teeth. Yet one of the few that has not been subject to development thus far is in line for a major new addition, with plans afoot for a hotel and high-end apartments.

The <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/1037">Robur Tea Building</a> or Tea House at 28 Clarendon Street is included on the Victorian Heritage Register for its scientific, historical and architectural significance, and dates back to 1887. Developer RJ International hopes that in addition to bringing the Tea House back to its past glory, the State Government will find their plans for a 39 storey tower satisfactory.

Geelong-based architecture firm CLWA and heritage architects Lovell Chen have undertaken design work on the the elliptical tower. 

In addition to pre-application discussions with various governing bodies, the project team have also met with the Department of Justice, which owns the adjoining Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, and CitiPower who maintain a caveat affecting the site; both have given in-principle support for the redevelopment.

<h2>28 Clarendon 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/image17_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rendered perspective of the tower's podium . Image: OCD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="337" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image17_8.jpg?itok=8XCZ0N5O" title="Rendered perspective of the tower's podium . Image: OCD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rendered perspective of the tower's podium . Image: OCD</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>2,948sqm site occupied in part by the Tea House</li>
	<li>Proposed 39 level tower at 145m</li>
	<li>Gross Floor Area: 35,035sqm including the Tea House</li>
	<li>Floor Area Ratio: 1:11.9</li>
	<li>312 hotel suites across levels 1-23</li>
	<li>38 apartments: 30 x 3BR, 6 x 4BR, 2 x 5BR</li>
	<li>Provision for 105 car parking bays and 23 bicycle bays</li>
	<li>1 retail space at ground level facing Clarendon Street: 100sqm</li>
	<li>Amenities include a restaurant, gym, pool, conference and function centre</li>
</ul>
<h2>Tea House modifications</h2>

In addition to the tower, the intended development will include a refurbishment of the Tea House, with the southern lift core to be demolished and the original facade reinstated. The refurbishment will also see Tea House altered from a commercial building to a multi-purpose structure, encapsulating a retail space to Clarendon Street, hotel lobby, restaurant, function centre and hotel suites within the existing structure.

The intended tower abuts a section of the Tea House's southern facade, in order to provide passage between old and new structures. The tower's ground level is set back 13m to 20m from Clarendon Street, with a landscaped forecourt accounting for the remaining space. The existing northern car park will be reworked but maintained for the hotel's principal drop-off zone.

The tower's lower levels will be predominantly clad in tessellated and perforated masonry and concrete screening, effectively shrouding vehicle parking within the podium structure. Amenities crown the podium with further hotel suites and apartments behind black curtain glazing thereafter.

<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/image78.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Tea House's southern addition will receive the chop. Image: Victorian Heritage Database"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image78.jpg?itok=Lh0cVFME" title="Tea House's southern addition will receive the chop. Image: Victorian Heritage Database" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Tea House's southern addition will receive the chop. Image: Victorian Heritage Database</figcaption></figure><h2> Clarendon Street on a hotel hot streak</h2>

Melbourne's appetite for further hotel and serviced apartment suites is on show along Clarendon Street.

In addition to 28 Clarendon Street's 312 hotel suites, Yang Clarendon Pty Ltd has a mixed-use tower at 56 Clarendon Street under planning consideration. Along with hundreds of new apartments within the 48 storey mixed-use tower, 128 serviced apartment suites have been included over the design's lower levels.

<a href="/developments/southbank-vic-3006">64-68 Clarendon Street</a> is also in the pipeline, with construction nearing commencement for a new Peppers Southbank hotel which is approved to yield a further 165 rooms over a 412sqm site.

<h2>28 Clarendon Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: RJ International (Aust) Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Architect: CLWA</li>
	<li>Urban Context Report: The OCD</li>
	<li>Transport Impact Assessment: GTA Consultants</li>
	<li>Wind Assessment: MEL Consultants</li>
	<li>ESD Statement: Murchie Consulting</li>
	<li>Waste Management Plan: Leigh Design </li>
	<li>Structural Considerations and Design: Robert Bird Group</li>
	<li>Building Regulations Compliance Report: PLP Building Surveyors &amp; Consultants</li>
	<li>DDA Compliance Statement: Before Compliance </li>
	<li>Geotechnical Report: Black Geotechnical Pty Ltd</li>
</ul>
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Tea for two: Southbank's historic Tea House up for a towering 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.

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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.

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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."

[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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