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Those who pushed for Fishermans Bend to host a primary school will be feeling somewhat chuffed with the news that the Hayball-designed project has scored a gong at the World Architecture Festival in Berlin.

South Melbourne Ferrars Street Primary School as it will be known, cleaned up in the Education – Future Projects category, beating out an international field of projects to claim the prize. 10 other entrants were vying for the title, encompassing architects from countries which included Vietnam, Taiwan, Russia, UK, Turkey, Morocco and Bangladesh.

Held late last week, the World Architecture Festival is a three-day event for architects and interior design professionals, culminating in the presentation of awards for design merit across dozens of categories.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image38_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hayball's winning entry alongside fellow WAF finalists"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="345" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image38_6.jpg?itok=_Kdg_ENm" title="Hayball's winning entry alongside fellow WAF finalists" width="580"></a>
<figcaption>Hayball's winning entry alongside fellow WAF finalists</figcaption></figure>On news of Hayball's win, firm Director Richard Leonard issued the following statement:

<blockquote>
It’s an incredible honour to be recognised on a global scale for our work on South Melbourne Ferrars Street Primary School in Victoria, Australia in the Education – Future Projects category at the WAF Awards. As the first vertical school in the state, the project is both experimental, innovative and enthralling.
What we’re most proud of is the combination of a learning hub with a community centre for the local residents to enjoy, which embraces the connection between learning and recreation, students and neighbours.The school will be the educational home to 525 students and will include an early learning centre, multi-purpose community rooms and indoor and outdoor multi-purpose sports courts across a sleek, light-filled building spanning five storeys.
Inside, the school invites students to learn in an open atrium that connect the ground floor to the ceiling, offering endless possibilities to all who enter.
In a precinct that is one of Australia’s largest urban renewal areas and expected to swell to 80,000 residents over the next 40 years, future proofing educational facilities is a critical factor in ensuring a suburb can evolve and behave according to the needs of its residents. With this primary school which offers more than the traditional spaces for learning, we’re building a new model for education that caters to more than just students, but the broader community.
<cite>Richard Leonard, Director, Hayball</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_8436.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Early works have been completed"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="346" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_8436.jpg?itok=dwNaXLY0" title="Early works have been completed" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Early works have been completed</figcaption></figure>Kane Constructions have completed early works onsite, with a contractor for the main works to be announced shortly.

The project's <a href="http://www.schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/Pages/Schools/South-MelbourneFerrars-St.aspx">website</a> indicates that the new facility is expected to be operational by January 2018, with student enrolments open from the latter part of 2017. Spanning five storeys, South Melbourne Primary School will be Victoria’s first vertical school with $44 million allocated to the project over the 2016-2017 State budget.

In collaboration with City of Port Phillip, Hayball have also created a new streetscape/public realm for the Ferrars Street Education and Community Precinct. Over a 5,000sqm site, the school and surrounds have been designed as a showcase for common integrated education and communal facilities, while also considering the needs of pedestrians, cyclists and ease of access to nearby public transport.
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silvermb

Hayball's South Melbourne vertical school wins on an international scale

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The period between local Council elections and year's end looks likely to throw up further key planning approvals, in light of four significant towers that are all but approved.

A Notice of Decision (NOD) has been issued for each of the projects during November, all but assuring they will gain final approval within weeks. Each planning application has been covered by Apartments.com.au over the course of the last year, with the quartet split between traditional residential apartment towers and student accommodation digs.

All in all, roughly 320 apartments and 1,000 student beds can be expected across the four projects.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image35_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Box Hill can expect two new entrants. Images: Savills and Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="283" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image35_7.jpg?itok=D3A9CLQt" title="Box Hill can expect two new entrants. Images: Savills and Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Box Hill can expect two new entrants. Images: Savills and Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>Box Hill's apartment market will benefit from dual residential towers that have received a Notice of Decision.

9-11 Prospect Street is the tallest of the quartet, with Artisan Architects designing the 26 level apartment tower that will hold just shy of 200 apartments. Owner Box Hill Investments (Vic) Pty Ltd has recently listed the 1,475sqm development site with Savills, with the expectation that the plot, which is surrounded by some of the suburb's largest towers, will be snapped up quickly by an established developer.

Over Whitehorse Road, and Melstone Wellington Pty Ltd is also in luck with the entity's 16-22 Wellington Road site also receiving the tick from City of Whitehorse.

Designed by Elenberg Fraser, 16-22 Wellington Road entered planning as a 14 level apartment tower containing 133 dwellings.

Covering a 1,700sqm site, 16-22 Wellington Road continues to add to the area's appeal with developers. Wedged between Whitehorse Road and Box Hill Hospital, Wellington Road has been subject to increased construction activity of late, and will in time see the arrival of taller residential towers, including 16-22 Wellington Road, <a href="/new-apartments/5-9-wellington-road-box-hill">5-9 Wellington Road</a> and <a href="/buildings/whitehorse-trio-845-851-whitehorse-road-box-hill">845-851 Whitehorse Road</a> which shares a Wellington Road frontage.

<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_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The inner city student accommodation additions. Images: Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="371" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image28_6.jpg?itok=hjn-Ci3L" title="The inner city student accommodation additions. Images: Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The inner city student accommodation additions. Images: Hayball</figcaption></figure>Carlton and North Melbourne will also receive a boost, with separate Hayball-designed student accommodation projects receiving a Notice of Decision in recent days.

Haymarket roundabout is the setting for 1 Flemington Road which at planning weighed in at 22 levels. The tower's distinctive wave facade will mask near on 400 student beds for Brisbane-based outfit Blue Sky Funds.

It along with <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">42-50 La Trobe Street</a> represents Blue Sky Funds' dual-pronged push into the Melbourne student accommodation sector. Incidentally 42-50 La Trobe Street bares a striking resemblance to the other student accommodation tower to has been given the nod, namely 599-605 Swanston Street, Carlton.

It at planning included 628 beds over 20 levels, for provider Urbanest. 599-605 Swanston Street joins a fellow Carlton and CBD outlet in representing Urbanest's Melbourne locations.

Both student accommodation applications were subject to changes post their initial submission, with final design renders yet to be made public.
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Four significant projects receive the NOD

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<h2>Comment</h2>

The humble podium can be a tough task to master.

There are plenty of misses, in both old and new builds, scattered around the inner city… as there are exemplary podium design outcomes. The latest project to put itself forward as a shining example of what an authentic, interactive and aesthetically excellent podium can be is 308 Exhibition Street.

<a href="/news/sp-setias-northern-statement-308-exhibition-street">Recently covered by Urban.com.au</a>, 308 Exhibition Street is the joint work of COX Architecture and Fender Katsalidis Architects for developer SP Setia. As interesting as the tower form is, the intended project's podium is worthy of individual praise.

It acts as the main conduit between the development and street level, and provides the opportunity to introduce a human scale to the site which for many years has been devoid of activity, given its use as an annex to one of Telstra's main Melbourne major data centres/telephone exchanges.

<blockquote>
At ground, the proposal integrates and strengthens the existing public realm and through site connections, maximizing opportunities to activate and enliven street edges and then inviting pedestrian movement into and through the heart of the site.

A verdant public forecourt extends the greenery of the gardens into the development; an urban sanctuary at the gateway of the CBD.
<cite>308 Exhibition Street urban context report</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image18_14.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="308 Exhibition Street's podium. Planning image: Cox/FKA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="393" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image18_14.jpg?itok=doRvdYgC" title="308 Exhibition Street's podium. Planning image: Cox/FKA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>308 Exhibition Street's podium. Planning image: COX/FKA</figcaption></figure>At street level, 308 Exhibition Street's podium is split between lower ground and ground levels, owing to the site's slope. A plaza, hotel lobby, bike share space and childcare lobby are the main activating areas across lower ground, whereas ground itself is a mixture of retails spaces, lobbies and an upper landscaped plaza.

In the true sense of a mixed-use project, 308 Exhibition Street's podium also encapsulates an indoor/outdoor childcare centre, bike station, apartments, hotel suites, a lounge and restaurant, sky lobby, pre-function spaces, a ballroom, terrace, various resident/hotel amenities and car parking shrouded by the podium structure itself.

Externally the podium is clad with pre-fabricated composite steel panels in a ceramic finish. The underside of the panels features strip LED lighting. Watertight removable planter boxes are most prominent over the podium, and diminish as the podium morphs into the towers proper; this is a nod to the Carlton Gardens directly opposite.

<blockquote>
The development of 308 Exhibition Street creates a unique opportunity to provide a high quality address to the northern entry to Melbourne’s CBD, link to the adjacent parkland precinct and add to the network of iconic streets and laneways throughout the CBD.

The proposal includes: a generous entry plaza, activated building edges, new laneway, animated landscapes comprising plantings, art and water elements as well as ‘greened’ buildings with extensive podium level landscapes.

The internal laneway is located on the southern boundary and links from Exhibition Street in an east west direction to Burton Street. This legible and generous link is animated by a dynamic digital screen to provide a themed and dynamic illuminated experience to the public and residents guests and visitors.
<cite>T.C.L Landscape Design</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image19_12.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Cutaway podium diagram. Planning image: COX/FKA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="346" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image19_12.jpg?itok=vZ4cP1Wl" title="Cutaway podium diagram. Planning image: COX/FKA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Cutaway podium diagram. Planning image: COX/FKA</figcaption></figure>308 Exhibition Street is not the only prospective podium of great merit in Melbourne at the moment.

Other noteworthy pending builds with inviting and aesthetically pleasing podiums include <a href="/buildings/queens-place-157-a-beckett-street-and-370-queen-street-melbourne">Queens Place</a>, <a href="/buildings/conservatory-9-23-mackenzie-street-melbourne">Conservatory</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/elysium-54-clarke-street-southbank">54 Clarke Street</a>, Box Hill's <a href="/new-apartments/sky-one-box-hill-545-563-station-street-box-hill">Sky One</a>, <a href="/buildings/capitol-grand-241-toorak-road-south-yarra">Capitol Grand</a> South Yarra and of course the freshly approved Jean Nouvel inspired <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">383 La Trobe Street</a> with its mesmerisingly multi-coloured arcade. Another podium of great design merit is Fridcorp's prospective <a href="/developments/south-yarra-vic-3141">627 Chapel Street</a> tower which is understood to be under appeal.

It could be argued that all of the above projects will create a demonstrably better public realm outcome/interface when they are realised.

Conversely, there are some podium failures in recent times, with the finger being pointed toward at clutch of towers lining the northern end of Elizabeth Street. With recent changes to planning laws enacted, the hope and expectation is that the above examples will become the norm, rather than the exception.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image79_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Podiums with intent: 54 Clarke Street, Queens Place and 383 La Trobe Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="374" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image79_3.jpg?itok=beBRcbmp" title="Podiums with intent: 54 Clarke Street, Queens Place and 383 La Trobe Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Podiums with intent: 54 Clarke Street, Queens Place and 383 La Trobe Street</figcaption></figure>
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When the podium works... it really works

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Anyone who has traversed the former Pentridge site in recent times can attest to how unsophisticated and unwelcoming the first tranche of apartment and townhouse projects are within the former prison's grounds. More than that it's the failure of these projects to adequately integrate with their surrounds that is perhaps most disappointing.

While developed only a few short years ago, they are almost symptomatic of a different time and/or attitude toward quality integrated development.

Yet there is hope that the vast majority of Pentridge can become a quality urban regeneration project that adequately addresses the needs of both residents and the general public. This is on the back of developer Shayher Group's recent announcement that they will facilitate the development of a large tract of land in the heart of their 6.7 hectare site for the purposes of a community piazza.

<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/image15_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Pentridge Coburg's public realm perspective. Image: pentridgecoburg.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="322" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image15_8.jpg?itok=V5nR6o17" title="Pentridge Coburg's public realm perspective. Image: pentridgecoburg.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Pentridge Coburg's public realm perspective. Image: pentridgecoburg.com.au</figcaption></figure>This exercise in placemaking by way of a sprawling piazza is on face value a leap in the right direction that will go a long way to promoting the site's strengths, while also providing the wider community with increased amenity, green spaces and services. It could be argued that this underpins the fundamentals of placemaking; that is the "creation of quality public spaces that contribute to people’s health, happiness, and well being."

Shayher Group's plan is to have markets, community events and performance spaces supporting laneway retail zones and a dining precinct within the walls of the old Pentridge. Integral to the piazza are landscaped gardens, with existing and new built form including a two-level boutique shopping precinct surrounding the piazza.

The developer will this month lodge four separate planning applications with either Moreland City Council or Heritage Victoria, with the expectation of beginning works during 2017. Shayher Group's placing of the spotlight on the communal aspects of the Pentridge development follows on from their announcement during August that TFE Hotels will operate an Adina Apartment Hotel onsite.

By signing on Adina to the new Cox Architecture-designed hotel (which includes B Division) and in adding a five screen cinema complex, a greater diversification of patrons/customers will be attracted to Pentridge.

<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/pentridge_public_realm_render_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Pentridge Coburg's public realm perspective. Image: pentridgecoburg.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="322" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/pentridge_public_realm_render_2.jpg?itok=JO4_bmcL" title="Pentridge Coburg's public realm perspective. Image: pentridgecoburg.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Pentridge Coburg's public realm perspective. Image: pentridgecoburg.com.au</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
We are excited to confirm open spaces, beautifully landscaped gardens and active retail offerings will characterise the piazza, bringing a sense of vibrancy and community to Pentridge, as well as offering a new space for locals to gather for events, picnics, markets and festivals.
The site’s centralised location makes it the perfect spot for an activated centre to complement the vibrancy of Coburg, providing the opportunity to introduce new integrated residential and food and retail offerings into the existing area.
<cite>Anthony Goh, project spokesman, Shayher Group</cite>
</blockquote>

Pentridge is unique in that it provides an opportunity to integrate heritage and new buildings across a massive site in a suburban location.

It's expected that 14 new buildings will be delivered across the site. Not only is it a chance to appropriately meld heritage aspects of Pentridge with new built form, but also an opportunity to brings existing heritage structures up to scratch via restoration. Perhaps though, the expectation that Pentridge can act as a catalyst and provide a positive outcome for the immediate community is the best outcome of all.
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Placemaking at Pentridge for an improved social and design outcome

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Queens Road is likely to lose one of two major vacant development sites in the near future, with 31 Queens Road now resting with City of Port Phillip's planning department.

Alongside a site adjoining Bayview Eden Melbourne which was once subject to a hotel proposal, 31 Queens Road is one of the two 'missing teeth' detracting from the thoroughfare which is itself undergoing a construction spurt. Queens Road Projects Pty Ltd is the entity looking to gain approval for the 16 level residential tower.

Set within the Plus Architecture-designed tower are 155 apartments. Externally, Plus Architecture have chosen a tubular or curvaceous expression which is designed to set the tower apart from its angular neighbours.

Costed at near on $45 million, the proposal would add to the hundreds of apartments in the development pipeline along Queens Road, which at the moment is equalling St Kilda Road in terms of development activity.

<h2>31 Queens 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/image10_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A curved addition to Queens Road. Planning image: Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="323" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image10_8.jpg?itok=v777WXB3" title="A curved addition to Queens Road. Planning image: Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A curved addition to Queens Road. Planning image: Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Vacant site area: 2,320sqm</li>
	<li>Proposed 16 level tower at 49.9 metres to roof</li>
	<li>155 residential dwellings: 33 x 1BR, 109 x 2BR and 13 x 3BR</li>
	<li>3 basement levels: 178 car parking spaces, 60 bicycle spaces and 155 residential stores</li>
	<li>Ground floor communal facilities: gym, pool and spa, cinema, lounge and games room, and a private dining room</li>
	<li>Rooftop terrace</li>
	<li>Estimated cost of development: $44,970,000</li>
</ul>
<h2>Design rationale</h2>

<blockquote>
The majority of buildings within the area are free standing rectangular objects interspersed with a number of exemplary designed buildings from the last century. 31 Queens Road sits between two such examples with the Expressionist Newburn Flats at 30 Queens Road and the Art Deco Brookwood Flats at 32 Queens Road.

Extensive analysis of these allows the proposal to draw inspiration from them to create a more contextual response. The design techniques shared with them include: jutting out of the side elevations to orientate views toward Albert Park and curvilinear forms softening building edges. The overall massing of our proposal balances the surrounding building heights, which vary greatly from almost 20 stories down to a few stories.

The curvilinear shape of the massing provides that side elevation articulation, it responds with the internal planning, and creates a varying silhouette against the sky. The circular in plan form adjusts as it grows vertically, and the number of curved segments reduce into larger circles at the top of the building. The jutting circular forms create apartments with great amenity and interesting spaces.
<cite>Town planning submission, Plus Architecture</cite>
</blockquote>

Citing the likes of SOM's Al Sharq Tower and Hetherwick Studio's Learning Hub as design leads, Plus Architecture's Queens Road edifice will see five different shades of glazing over the tower. Also present is precast concrete with applied finishes and wintergarden louvres to match tinted glazing.

The application was lodged during September.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image13_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Design leads alongside 31 Queens Road. Planning image: Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="390" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image13_11.jpg?itok=4DhM3PZX" title="Design leads alongside 31 Queens Road. Planning image: Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Design leads alongside 31 Queens Road. Planning image: Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure>31 Queens Road adds to the healthy number of residential projects along Queens Road. <a href="/buildings/the-arthur-14-queens-road-melbourne">The Arthur</a>, <a href="/buildings/lakeside-77-queens-road-melbourne">Lakeside</a> and Queens Domain are at construction while <a href="/buildings/victoriana-melbourne-20-queens-road-melbourne">Victoriana</a> and <a href="/buildings/k1-residences-melbourne-1-union-street-melbourne">K1</a> are waiting in the wings with their respective sales campaigns about to commence.

<h2>31 Queens Road development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Queens Road Projects Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Architectural plans and design response: Plus Architecture</li>
	<li>Landscape plans: John Patrick Landscape Architects</li>
	<li>Arboricultural Preliminary Assessment: Greenwood Consulting</li>
	<li>Traffic Impact Report: Traffix Group</li>
	<li>Sustainable Management Plan: Green Rate</li>
	<li>WSUD report: Adams Consulting Engineers</li>
	<li>Wind report: SLR Consulting Australia</li>
	<li>Waste Management Plan: Leigh Design</li>
</ul>
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The long-dormant 31 Queens Road heads to planning

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Asian Pacific Group is preparing to move ahead with <a href="/new-apartments/west-melbourne-vic-3003">West Melbourne's</a> largest residential project.

Partnered by <a href="/developers/ironfish-developments">Ironfish Developments</a>, the duo are behind <a href="/buildings/melbourne-village-377-spencer-street-west-melbourne">Melbourne Village</a>, with signage for the project appearing onsite in recent days. At 83-113 Batman Street, Asian Pacific Group's purchase of the site a year ago came with planning approval for a <a href="/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>-designed 522-apartment scheme.

Covering 3,800-square metre plot and with a secondary frontage to Spencer Street, imagery for Melbourne Village shows a new exterior look which differs considerably to the Bruce Henderson Architects design.

<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/apg9305_melbourne-village_el01_elevated-towards-docklands_a1cmyk_skyextension-crop.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial view of the intended project. Image: melbournevillage.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="310" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/apg9305_melbourne-village_el01_elevated-towards-docklands_a1cmyk_skyextension-crop.jpg?itok=IHtYuIo2" title="Aerial view of the intended project. Image: melbournevillage.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial view of the intended project. Image: melbournevillage.com.au</figcaption></figure>83-113 Batman Street first appeared on the planning horizon during 2012 when West Melbourne was less of a high-rise magnet. Two residential buildings of 31 and 41 storeys were initially requested, although Asian Pacific Group snared the approved site with dual 27-level residential towers permitted.

The site went back to planning during September of this year, encompassing the revised design and was promptly approved during October.

Although shorter than <a href="/buildings/the-spencer-420-spencer-street-west-melbourne">The Spencer</a> which will stand at 131 metres upon completion, Melbourne Village can become the suburb's biggest development by apartment numbers. Should Asian Pacific Group and Ironfish Developments push through with anywhere near the approved 522 apartments, Melbourne Village will comfortably surpass The Spencer and <a href="/developers/trenerry-property">Trenerry Property's</a> <a href="/buildings/west-end-185-rosslyn-street-west-melbourne">Rosslyn Street</a>, both of which have total apartment numbers in the 400's.

Marketing material for the project suggests that both towers will be set above a village-like podium.

<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_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="An early site design by Bruce Henderson Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="259" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image5_8.jpg?itok=476DYZvK" title="An early site design by Bruce Henderson Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>An early site design by Bruce Henderson Architects</figcaption></figure>With registrations of interest now open for Melbourne Village, it becomes Asian Pacific Group's fourth Melbourne project in play.

The developer along with Ironfish found rapid success with <a href="/buildings/whitehorse-towers-850-whitehorse-road-box-hill">Whitehorse Towers</a> atop <a href="/new-apartments/box-hill-vic-3128">Box Hill</a>, which sold out promptly. With that project well into construction, Asian Pacific Group also has a stake alongside <a href="/developers/golden-age-group">Golden Age Group</a> in <a href="/buildings/opera-450-st-kilda-road-melbourne">Opera St Kilda Road</a> and <a href="/buildings/collins-house-melbourne-460-466-collins-street-melbourne">Collins House</a>. Both are in their early construction phase.

Asian Pacific Group's increased push into residential apartments supplements their successful hotel drive over recent years by way of their Art Series Hotel Group.
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Melbourne Village to become West Melbourne's next big apartment project

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Melbourne University and Australian Catholic University are expected to host two new buildings that will further enhance their respective academic capabilities. With both projects at planning assessment, either build is still some time from fruition.

In Carlton, The Graduate Union of the University of Melbourne is planning to expand their services provided by way of a new building accommodating 136 studio apartments. Gladstone Terraces which fronts University Square at 197-235 Bouverie Street will be retained as part of the development, and remain largely in tact.

Three floors to the rear of the site will host a new cafe, administration and membership/function spaces, with the remaining floors dedicated to residential apartments. The height of the project is 37.6 metres, with a gym, laundry and 33 car parks found within a five level basement.

<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_12.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="University Square perspective of the proposed building. Planning image: MGS"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="347" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image4_12.jpg?itok=ewxgkkFe" title="University Square perspective of the proposed building. Planning image: MGS" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>University Square perspective of the proposed building. Planning image: MGS</figcaption></figure>Purchasing the site during 1957, the Graduate Union have near on 60 years later chosen MGS Architects to lead the regeneration project. 

Carrying a development cost of $20 million, The Graduate Union hopes that 197-235 Bouverie Street will in due course be able to better service the expanding accommodation needs for postgraduate, alumni and visiting academics. 197-235 Bouverie Street is unique in that it becomes the first project in recent years to service this very niche requirement.

In nearby Fitzroy, Australian Catholic University is pursuing a sizeable redevelopment of its St Patrick's campus. Located at 115 Victoria Parade and 28-42 Young Street, the project's centrepiece is a planned tower at 59.45 metres in height.

Lyons Architecture have been installed as design lead, with the enhanced Development Plan set to guide future planning permit applications 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/image1_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Lyons have created a new Victoria Parade showpiece. Planning image: ACU"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="262" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image1_6.jpg?itok=uVcqgFMv" title="Lyons have created a new Victoria Parade showpiece. Planning image: ACU" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Lyons have created a new Victoria Parade showpiece. Planning image: ACU</figcaption></figure>The tower's likely internal layout is set to include teaching and learning spaces, office accommodation and a student hub set above 7 levels of basement car parking. 

Currently an at-grade car park, 115 Victoria Parade will arc over the existing campus building at 28-42 Young Street, providing it with three additional levels. It's expected that the new build will add approximately 25,000sqm of space to Australian Catholic University's campus.

Described as a landmark mixed-use development within associated planning documents, the tower is a key plank in Australian Catholic University's planned growth in student and teacher numbers, as well as increased research activities. By 2020 it's expected that 10,700 equivalent full-time students will be on campus.
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Two tertiary institutions line up new build projects

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With preliminary construction works underway, Lendlease have completed the sale of their first offering within the multi-towered Melbourne Quarter development.

Announced yesterday was the sale of the precinct's first commercial tower to Lendlease-managed affiliate, Australian Prime Property Fund Commercial. The transaction comes at a point of near full tenancy for the commercial tower dubbed One Melbourne Quarter.

Upon completion, initial signatory Arup will also be joined by Lendlease within the 13 level commercial tower, with the latter absorbing four floors across the Denton Corker Marshall-designed, 26,400sqm complex.

Updated project renders accompanying yesterday's announcement also better highlight the tower's activated frontage to Collins Street, perhaps the project's single biggest positive.

<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_0471.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Quarter's onsite works gather momentum"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_0471.jpg?itok=Y3WtWWqx" title="Melbourne Quarter's onsite works gather momentum" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Quarter's onsite works gather momentum</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
The sale of this building brings the vision of Melbourne Quarter to life and will drive increased momentum for the project. We continue to witness the city shift its commercial centre west along Collins Street, with many leading national and global enterprises already having made the move. It’s a very exciting time for the project.

As we did with our global head office move to Barangaroo in Sydney this year, we will be consolidating our Melbourne offices to bring our Victorian people together at One Melbourne Quarter in 2018.
<cite>Kylie Rampa, Chief Executive Officer for Property, Lendlease</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
We are delighted to provide our institutional investors access to this exciting integrated precinct, which will offer unique public space, including Melbourne’s first Skypark, and direct access to a variety of transport options.

The investment is consistent with APPF Commercial’s strategy to up-weight into efficient, sustainable and people-centric buildings, and complements the Fund’s recent acquisition of Darling Square and its interests in International Towers One, Two and Three at Barangaroo in Sydney.
<cite>Josh McHutchison, Managing Director of Australian Investment Management, Lendlease</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/1mq_hero_shot_75_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A new Collins Street perspective. Image: Lendlease"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="687" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1mq_hero_shot_75_0.jpg?itok=WECrAkWk" title="A new Collins Street perspective. Image: Lendlease" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A new Collins Street perspective. Image: Lendlease</figcaption></figure>As the last vacant site fronting Collins Street within Batman's Hill, One Melbourne Quarter's frontage has been amped up.

Passers-by will be greeted by a cavernous entry to the precinct, defined by a Sky Park perched above Collins Street. 980sqm of retail space will also bolster Batman's Hill's retail offerings, complimenting the neighbouring Collins Square retail zone.

Melbourne Quarter will also include 106 car parking spaces and extensive cycle facilities while targeting a 6 Star Green Star Design and As Built rating plus a 5 star NABERS energy rating.

One Melbourne Quarter is the first of seven commercial and residential buildings destined for Lendlease's Melbourne Quarter. Future offering within Melbourne Quarter include 681 Collins Street which is at planning and encompasses 55,000sqm of commercial space, and multiple approved residential towers with 1,600 plus apartments in the pipeline.

The total value of the precinct weighs in at $2 billion.
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Lendlease steps in on One Melbourne Quarter

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The weather may not be upholding its end of the deal, but it is indeed Spring… and Spring means buying season.

Invariably there's a boost in the number of new apartment projects released for public perusal, as developers jostle to get their projects off the ground in a traditionally strong period for sales.

While many new projects have been recently released for sales, seen below is a selection of higher density apartment projects which are at registrations or which have just tipped into their sales campaign.

<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/image7_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="999 Box Hill and Central Park"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="315" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image7_11.jpg?itok=ckH4z-3Q" title="999 Box Hill and Central Park" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>999 Box Hill and Central Park</figcaption></figure>As has become the norm, Box Hill features prominently. 999Box Hill is the latest Hayball-designed apartment project for the suburb, with Lindellas Real Estate tasked as the selling agent.

Also in the works is Central Park Box Hill, with Apartments.com.au covering the 12-14 Nelson Road planning application extensively. H&amp;F Property is the developer behind the project, with Central Park Box Hill set to include three separate interior schemes and a rooftop amenities area featuring a pool and sauna which overlooks Box Hill Gardens.

In Heidelberg, Cape Residences is nearing the starter's gun and is also taking registrations from prospective buyers. Developed by Fenn Projects and created by Peter Brown Architects, the project will include 31 dwellings. Cape Residences is poised to join Villa and Forge, which is the latest apartment development released within Heidelberg.

<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/littleprojects_hedgeleymalverneast_atriumdeck_lr-882x585.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hedgeley is headed for Malvern East"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="385" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/littleprojects_hedgeleymalverneast_atriumdeck_lr-882x585.jpg?itok=0yTguO1p" title="Hedgeley is headed for Malvern East" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hedgeley is headed for Malvern East</figcaption></figure>Hedgeley Malvern East shapes as one of the larger projects due to be released for sale.

Located at 60 Belgrave Road, Malvern East, Hedgeley will be the reincarnation of the former Dairy Bell site. Including one, two and three bedroom apartments, the project is the work of Little Projects and features Adeb, SJB and Jack Merlo as key members of the design team.

Fresh to sales is Seamstress Brunswick East with EST8 Agency appointed as sales agent for the 32-apartment project backed by K7 Developments.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/seamstress_external_1200x946.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Seamstress Brunswick East"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="457" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/seamstress_external_1200x946.jpg?itok=uc6rJsUC" title="Seamstress Brunswick East" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Seamstress Brunswick East</figcaption></figure>​Moving further west and the already robust Moonee Ponds and Essendon apartment markets are in for a boost.

Editor Moonee Ponds is a new development which will in time add to the hundreds of apartments under construction in the suburb while Buckley&amp;Co is the latest apartment project to development surge surrounding Essendon Station.

Designed by RotheLowman and addressed 18 Buckley Street, the project carries approval for 47 apartments and 3 townhouses; the final dwelling mix will be revealed upon the projects launch.

<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/image98.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Cbus Property's Holme Apartments"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="374" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image98.jpg?itok=LFjYvKQC" title="Cbus Property's Holme Apartments" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Cbus Property's Holme Apartments</figcaption></figure>Of course there are a swag of upcoming projects in the not too distant future. Among the larger on the radar are Cbus Property's Holme Apartments project at 61 Wellington Street, Collingwood which includes 154 dwellings.

Also of note is the 412 St Kilda Road with UEM Sunrise initiating the sales suite process recently. Expected within the ARM Architecture conversion of the existing building onsite is as many as 180 apartments.

412 St Kilda Road is in addition to <a href="/news/victoriana-looks-to-trump-the-competition-along-queens-road-and-st-kilda-road">Victoriana on nearby Queens Road</a>, with registrations open for the ultra luxury project.
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Spring in the suburbs: new apartment projects line up

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The wider public now has a chance to see what developer SP Setia has in store for its prime development site on the northern edge of the CBD fronting Carlton Gardens.

These are the first images made available of the proposed application that carries a nominal development cost of $250 million, with the total value of the project much higher. Having secured the site earlier in the year, SP Setia now hopes to gain approval for the twin towers which are greater in height than Rialto.

After teaming up to devise the similarly scaled <a href="/buildings/queens-place-157-a-beckett-street-and-370-queen-street-melbourne">Queens Place</a> development at 350 Queen Street, firms Cox Architecture and Fender Katsalidis have united once more to create the mixed-use scheme for the Exhibition Street plot which Telstra offloaded following the telco's decision to not develop the site.

<h2>308 Exhibition 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/image4_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of 308 Exhibition. Planning image: COX/FKA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="1267" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image4_11.jpg?itok=vohudetd" title="Artist's impression of 308 Exhibition. Planning image: COX/FKA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of 308 Exhibition. Planning image: COX/FKA</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site acquired by SP Setia for $101 million earlier in 2016</li>
	<li>Site area: 4,140sqm covering 288-308 Exhibition Street</li>
	<li>Planned 70 storeys towers measuring 254m from La Trobe Street</li>
	<li>504 hotel rooms and 16 hotel residences</li>
	<li>500 plus apartments</li>
	<li>330 vehicle bays and 254 bicycle bays</li>
	<li>3 retail tenancies combining for 437sqm</li>
	<li>Estimated cost of development: $250 million</li>
</ul>
Billed by CBRE City Sales during the site's marketing campaign as a "generational opportunity to activate and redefine a CBD precinct, offering the potential for a world-class mixed-use tower", SP Setia have lived up the hype surrounding the site.

Planned are dual towers set above a green podium; one tower containing 5-star hotel suites for an intended international hotel operator and the other private luxury apartments. Documents lodged for the development emphasise SP Setia's intent "to provide a development of the highest quality incorporating the best quality architecture, landscape design and environmental sustainability."

Lodged as a master plan permit application, the development team will provide a heightened degree of design detail as conditions to any permit, should the project receive the green light from the Planning Minister.

Across the development, a host of public and private facilities have been included. Retail spaces, a 1,370sqm child care centre, restaurants, lounge/bars, a 548sqm ballroom and 1,333sqm of pre-function and function space headline the project's lower level offerings.

Scattered across the tower are also a yoga studio, gym, pool and sauna, residents wine cellar, cigar lounge and library and outdoor garden 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/map-excellence.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Home of SP Setia's development aspirations. Image: 308exhibition.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="229" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/map-excellence.jpg?itok=JHSu-bKJ" title="Home of SP Setia's development aspirations. Image: 308exhibition.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Home of SP Setia's development aspirations. Image: 308exhibition.com.au</figcaption></figure>Arguably the project's main design feature, a curving sky bridge will link the towers across levels 49 and 50, with the structure slated to include communal spaces among other features.

According to the lodged Urban Context Report, "The Client and the Design Team (FKA and Cox in association) have developed the preliminary concepts in close consultation with DELWP and MCC. Over a series of presentations and meetings the tower forms, setbacks, building separation and ground floor activation have been refined."

In further addressing potential development obstacles, an aviation statement has been included within the lodged documents. It outlines 308 Exhibition Street's incursion into the prescribed OLS area by 55.75m, whilst falling 35.75m short of the PANS‐OPS barrier.

OLS breaches have become somewhat common in recent times, and may not necessarily present an issue for the soaring application as its moves through the approvals process.

<h2>308 Exhibition Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Urban Context and Design Response: Cox Architecture &amp; Fender Katsalidis</li>
	<li>Landscape plans: TCL Landscape Architects</li>
	<li>Traffic and Transport Assessment: GTA Consultants</li>
	<li>Waste Management Plan: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Wind Statement: MEL Consultants</li>
	<li>Environmentally Sustainability Design Strategy: Aurecon</li>
	<li>Structural Engineering Statement: Irwinconsult Engineering Consultants</li>
	<li>Aviation Statement: Thompson GCS</li>
	<li>Heritage Advice: Lovell Chen Heritage Consultants</li>
</ul>
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SP Setia's northern statement: 308 Exhibition Street

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.

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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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