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Relic in the sense that 96-102 Franklin Street was an application that dated back prior to the implementation of current planning laws which dictate the shape and feel of inner Melbourne's built form.

The Franklin Street application had originally reached planning during 2015, under the tenure of the previous Minister for Planning. Sought then was a <a href="/news/plus-architectures-shimmering-burbank-house-proposal-revealed">slimline residential tower designed by Plus Architecture</a> for residential developer Burbank.

Plus Architecture's interpretation consisted of a 177 metre, or 57 storey tower. Included were 270 dwellings set closely behind the existing building's historic facade.

<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/franklin2_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Plus Architecture's Franklin Street proposal is consigned to history"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="891" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/franklin2_0.jpg?itok=EosoIwX_" title="Plus Architecture's Franklin Street proposal is consigned to history" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Plus Architecture's Franklin Street proposal is consigned to history</figcaption></figure>Mirroring the sentiment at the time toward planning and development, particularly in the norther reaches of Melbourne's CBD, Burbank's application looked to maximise the built form onsite.

Akin to other projects that have transitioned through the period of planning law upheaval, 96-102 Franklin Street has been redesigned to a point where a planning permit was granted for a considerably altered tower form. Burbank have chosen to further amend the design of the site to a point where Melbourne City Council will preside of the fate of the current application.

The amended tower is less than 25,000 square metres and therefore Melbourne City Council will determine whether the latest Peddle Thorp-designed version will grace Melbourne's skyline. Peddle Thorp was also responsible for the design of Burbank's high density Mosaic Living project in Dandenong.

96-102 Franklin Street in its shortened form is now expected to include 26 offices tenancies across floors one to nine, with the balance of the 22 storey tower including 72 apartments.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image2_16.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The comparatively modest Peddle Thorp-designed tower in situ"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="398" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image2_16.jpg?itok=iACxSPBu" title="The comparatively modest Peddle Thorp-designed tower in situ" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The comparatively modest Peddle Thorp-designed tower in situ</figcaption></figure>In addition to its vastly abbreviated height, the tower setback to the street has been expanded to 12 metres, allowing for the retention of both facade and interiors of the existing building to that depth. Serving as Burbank's CBD presence for many a year, the revised application also intends to remove the 'Burbank House' signage from the exterior.

Although Burbank may not be lost to the site. A 587 square metre commercial design studio and associated courtyard is designed into the ground floor; this will likely allow the current Burbank Edge Studio to remain onsite post development.

96-102 Franklin Street's pending final outcome effectively removes it from a dwindling list of planning applications predating the current planning law era that are still seeking resolution. Most notable are 139-141 Franklin Street and Southbank's 158 City Road which are both at appeal.
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silvermb

Cut down: A Franklin Street planning relic comes down to earth

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It may not share the same ultra lofty ambitions as nearby Parramatta, yet Epping is nonetheless seeing a healthy influx of residential towers.

Latest on the scene is a slimline 21 storey Nettleton Tribe-designed project for 16-18 Cambridge Street. Augusta Properties Pty Ltd have applied on behalf of Just Properties Group for the permit which accounts for a 1,917 square metre site fronting railway infrastructure.

The $50 million build is seeking to slot into a currently low-rise setting, although that is set to change in years to come. 

Six separate high-rise residential developments immediately surrounding 16-18 Cambridge Street have also been built or are also looking to become reality. Effectively a new high-density residential precinct would emerge should all of these towers come to fruition, with the tallest adjacent to 16-18 Cambridge Street spanning 29 storeys.

Whilst 16-18 Cambridge Street includes 84 apartments, the wider precinct could see thousands of new apartments once all developable sites are accounted for.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image9_22.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Towers intended for the sites immediately surrounding 16-18 Cambridge Street. Image: Nettleton Tribe"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="333" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image9_22.jpg?itok=IshURnGz" title="Towers intended for the sites immediately surrounding 16-18 Cambridge Street. Image: Nettleton Tribe" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Towers intended for the sites immediately surrounding 16-18 Cambridge Street. Image: Nettleton Tribe</figcaption></figure>Epping's rise is predominantly centred around its railway station, with streets adjacent to Cambridge such as Oxford Street also flush with sizeable apartment developments. Notable developments include fellow Nettleton Tribe-designed project <a href="/new-apartments/44-48-oxford-street-epping">44-48 Oxford Street</a> which includes two residential towers whilst Cbus Property is selling apartments within its <a href="/buildings/the-langston-epping-12-22-langston-place-epping">Langston Place</a> development.

That project includes over 450 apartments across three towers that span up to 29 levels.

16-18 Cambridge Street specifically sees a 75 metre podium and tower form above 3 basement levels accommodating 104 vehicles. In close proximity to Epping Railway Station, Nettleton Tribe's design also includes ground floor retail, 534 square metres of podium office space and a common room mid way up the tower.

As submitted the apartment yield consists of 35 single, 38 double and 11 triple bedroom apartments.

<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_20.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="16-18 Cambridge Street. Image: Nettleton Tribe"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="756" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image5_20.jpg?itok=i0bdc9B4" title="16-18 Cambridge Street. Image: Nettleton Tribe" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>16-18 Cambridge Street. Image: Nettleton Tribe</figcaption></figure>
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Augusta Properties drives another residential tower into Epping 

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Metro and regional centres alike stand to gain as developer Pellicano announces the latest round of cooperation with short stay provider Quest.

A trio of new locations have been announced in recent days, bolstering the relationship between the duo which already includes a Quest presence in Brisbane's Woolloongabba and metropolitan Melbourne's Dandenong. Gold Coast's Robina is to be joined by new Victorian locations in Geelong and Preston as Pellicano aggressively expands its development pipeline.

Including the Quest apartment hotel at Ballarat Station’s $51 million mixed-use redevelopment, the quartet of projects stand to deliver 328 Quest apartment-hotel rooms, 99 purely residential apartments, a combined retail space of 2,500 square metres and a conference centre/theatrette.

All four projects have a nominated 2020 completion date, ballooning the combined Pellicano and Quest partnership to 555 rooms over eight locations.

<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/image4aa.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Quest Robina will become a reality"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="367" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image4aa.jpg?itok=W7X3EJYd" title="Quest Robina will become a reality" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Quest Robina will become a reality. Image: Pellicano</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
The newest deals with Quest will take our relationship to eight projects over the past decade.

The mixed-use nature of Quest’s offering combined with our residential apartments is a complementary offering and gives us the opportunity to value add by forming agreements with Quest to offer hotel-like services to the residential occupants in the building.
<cite>Pellicano managing director Nando Pellicano </cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
We are fortunate to have established a long term partnership with such a renowned developer as Pellicano. We look forward to providing greater apartment-style accommodation for our corporate and leisure travellers, in locations where our customers need to be.
<cite>Chairman of Quest Apartments Hotels, Paul Constantinou</cite>
</blockquote>

The latest announcement is a boon for both developer and operator.

Beyond the fruitful relationship with Quest, Pellicano has a number of active residential projects in both Melbourne and Brisbane, with the latter a joint venture alongside fellow Melbourne-based developer Perri Projects. Dubbed South City Square, the multi-towered precinct's current build includes 140 apartments within the latest residential tower, with future stages still to be delivered.

Urban.com.au recently revealed that Pellicano injected itself into Melbourne's Brunswick <a href="/news/pellicano-drops-in-as-mirabella-opts-out-of-moreland">via a new apartment project</a> which is now at planning.

Designed by Six Degrees Architects and including 66 apartments, the development at 212-214 Albion Street finds itself in a pocket of apartment projects, both existing and in development, that maintain a high degree of design nous coupled with environmental sustainability. The Albion Street 1,530 square metre site was nabbed by Pellicano for $5.8 million during mid 2017.

<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_30.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Quest Preston is in the pipeline"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image8_30.jpg?itok=01KifPl7" title="Quest Preston is in the pipeline" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Quest Preston is in the pipeline. Image: Peddle Thorp</figcaption></figure>Bolstered by Sinagporean firm The Ascott Limited increasing its stake in Quest lat year, the brand is proliferating at pace across Australia and elsewhere.

Whilst Ascott’s overall portfolio has expanded to 507 properties across 124 cities, Quest has for the most confined itself to Australia. It maintains a presence in over 150 locations across Australasia, although plans are in place to open as many as 10 apartment hotel properties in the United Kingdom over the coming five years with Liverpool the first nominated city.

The operator's most recent Australian project to reach completion was Quest Pacific Epping which was subject to a separate development agreement between Quest and Pacific Shopping Centres. Head contractor Maben recently completed the seven level complex which involves retail tenancies, office space and 96 rooms.

<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_4282.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Quest Eping upon completion"><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_4282.jpg?itok=dUsUYn8h" title="Quest Eping upon completion" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Quest Pacific Epping upon completion</figcaption></figure>
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Secondary markets benefit as Pellicano and Quest expand their national presence

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City of Melbourne are processing a gaggle of towers that are at planning and looking to make their mark on the skyline in years to come.

Across Melbourne and West Melbourne the applications combined have the ability to add hundreds of apartments, plus a considerable lump of short stay accommodation. In fact four of the five towers include hotel accommodation, amounting to 1,000 plus additional rooms.

Each of the towers in planning is outlined below:

539-545 Flinders Lane Melbourne 

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image245_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image: CBRE"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="371" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image245_0.jpg?itok=sIVhqTIe" title="Image: CBRE" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image: CBRE</figcaption></figure>Hotel and serviced apartment accommodation is planned for a significant development site fronting Flinders Street.

Demolition is expected across 540 Flinders Street and 539-545 Flinders Lane for the delivery of two towers of 24 and 32 levels. 476 hotel rooms and 99 serviced apartments are expected across the 1,741 square metre site.

CBRE marketed the site during 2016.

45-55 Dudley Street, West Melbourne

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image241.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image: Savills"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="372" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image241.jpg?itok=sFdRo5U7" title="Image: Savills" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image: Savills</figcaption></figure>United Asia Group is pushing for approval for the 1,304 square metre site after initially being rebuffed by City of Melbourne.

Having paid approximately $20 million for the Flagstaff City Inn, an application went before Council late last year for what is expected to be a 32 level tower with 189 apartments and 40 hotel rooms in tow. 45-55 Dudley Street is now noted as being at appeal after having failed its initial planning run.

Agent Savills sold the site last year, setting a new a new land record of approximately $15,000 per square metre for West Melbourne in the process.

372-378 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image242_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image: Doig Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="271" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image242_2.jpg?itok=KoQbzkqx" title="Image: Doig Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image: Doig Architecture</figcaption></figure>Berjaya Developments is believed to be behind a new office tower is planned to sit above the Hardware Lane precinct.

372-378 Little Bourke Street also spills onto Niagara Lane, with the current low-rise retail tenancies expected to be replaced by a predominantly commercial development spanning 18 levels. The slender yet long site will include retail tenancies along its ground level plane.

Doig Architecture have created the tower's design.

475-485 Flinders Lane, Melbourne

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image246_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image: Google"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="402" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image246_1.jpg?itok=9x_HjVch" title="Image: Google" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image: Google</figcaption></figure>The Flinders Lane proposal went to planning earlier this year with the expectation of yielding 391 new hotel suites within a 27 level tower. Also fronting Highlander Lane, the application directly south of Rialto Towers would replace an existing 4 level commercial building.

Date of first documented occupation onsite spans back to 1839, and consequently the site holds heritage significance "for its potential to contain historical archaeological remains associated with the settlement and growth of early Melbourne. Under the terms of the Heritage Act 2017 there is protection for all historical archaeology sites and objects in the state."

The application includes basement levels.

407-415 King Street, West Melbourne

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image244_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The rejected design. 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/image244_1.jpg?itok=3iIHkGK9" title="The rejected design. Image: Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The rejected design. Image: Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure>Developer DCF Property initially tried to <a href="/news/dcf-property-looks-to-capitalise-atop-flagstaff-hill">gain approval for an 81 metre tower</a> onsite during 2016. With that Plus Architecture-designed tower also rebuffed by City of Melbourne, a new and yet to be seen application was submitted late last year.

Much like the initial application, partial demolition is sought for the corner site which plays host to a two to three storey building which carries an individual Heritage Overlay.

Whereas the initial application included both hotel capacity and apartments, the current multi-storey application is dedicated to hotel use. It is expected that the most recent design would be significantly lower in height.
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Five Melbourne towers at planning to watch out for

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Last year a Malvern development site was billed as a major urban renewal opportunity, and that has come to bare with a sizeable planning application before Stonnington Council.

On the corner of Glenferrie and Dandenong Roads, and adjoining Malvern Station, agency Colliers undertook the task of selling the 4,739 square metre plot which consisted of seven properties offered for sale in one line. Colliers noted the properties fell under flexible zoning and are centred within a major urban renewal precinct surrounding the station.

641-669 Dandenong Road and 1-5 Station Place is now in planning with Kokoda Property backing the development.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image8_17.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Site location and scale. Image: Colliers"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="350" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image8_17.jpg?itok=m0z62wRx" title="Site location and scale. Image: Colliers" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Site location and scale. Image: Colliers</figcaption></figure>The $80 million application hit planning mid this year with a mixed-use agenda in store. Partial demolition is sought in order to deliver apartments, office space plus retail/food and beverage tenancies at street level which would sit alongside The Angel Tavern which is to be retained. Also retained are dual low-rise buildings which front Station Place.

Contour Consultants are overseeing the application for Malvern Development Partnership PtyLtd with Glenthorn Pty Ltd the nominated owner. Currently a collection of low-rise buildings abutting the south-eastern rail corridor, the development based on initial renders looks to add a high-rise component to an otherwise low-rise area.

Jackson Clements Burrows are acting as design lead for the sizeable development which based on early renders looks to stand beyond the 20 level mark, employing a highly angular form across the scalene-shaped site. Tract Consultants have provided landscape design input.

<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/crop.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image: Kokoda Property Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="259" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/crop.jpg?itok=srVfnL47" title="Image: Kokoda Property Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image: Kokoda Property Group</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
This exciting gateway site adjoins Malvern station and will deliver a masterplan that includes a new dining, retail and commercial precinct, with two residential apartment buildings. This mix-used development will offer communal facilities rivalling a 5-star international hotel, plus stunning city and bay views.

There are a range of commercial and retail opportunities, plus a variety of apartment types to suit buyers of all ages and budgets.
<cite>Kokoda Property</cite>
</blockquote>

Traditionally strong in the Melbourne apartment market, Kokoda Property's focus has diversified in recent times to include Brisbane. Currently the developer has hundreds of apartments in development across two Brisbane sites, Obsidian plus Chester &amp; Ella, whilst backing a small-scale Hawthorn East apartment project dubbed The Mowbray in Melbourne.

Stonnington Council is now assessing the merits of the Malvern development which shapes as a standout project for the area in terms of height. 

The only equivalent height challenger within the Stonnington stretch of Dandenong Road is the Bensons Property Group-backed Vanguard Apartments in Malvern East. That project is approaching completion and although is stands at 18 levels, it looks to be comfortably outsized by 641-669 Dandenong Road.

<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/image1me.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Vanguard Apartments is a Dandenong Road high point"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="419" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image1me.jpg?itok=wqRN2Th6" title="Vanguard Apartments is a Dandenong Road high point" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Vanguard Apartments is a Dandenong Road high point</figcaption></figure>
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Malvern's super development site subject to a considerable application

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Better known for its extensive interests in retail and commercial assets, GPT Group is shaping up for an apartment foray.

The diversified property group via is GPT Funds Management 2 Pty Ltd arm is circling planning approval for a Rouse Hill development site. GPT Group's funds management platform is normally focused on national retail and commercial interests, with the Rouse Hill bid a distinct departure from the norm.

In focus is a site which falls in within the Rouse Hill Town Centre precinct. With over 56,000 square metres of existing retail space, the freshly submitted development application is looking to capitalise on the approved Stage 2 Precinct Plan that will delivery mixed residential and retail expansion.

On the corner of Caddies Boulevard and Rouse Hill Drive, GPT Group's 4,300 square metre site is earmarked for 141 apartments.

<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/image212_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Cox Architecture's Rouse Hill design"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="340" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image212_1.jpg?itok=2jYkqi4c" title="Cox Architecture's Rouse Hill design" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Cox Architecture's Rouse Hill design</figcaption></figure>The intersection will carry the main building bulk which rises 11 storeys or 37.4 metres, stepping down to 6 storeys at its rear. Holding 12,254 square metres of gross floor area, the development also includes an outdoor terrace located on level 7 above the 6-storey built form to the north.

Serviced by dual lift cores, Cox Architecture have included 39 single, 91 double and 11 triple bedroom apartments.

The wider precinct will see an extension of the retail centre and associated at grade car parks, in addition to road network enhancements. Commercial space and an additional apartments are also planned.

GPT Group's application is another in the wider Rouse Hill apartment drive which is seeing thousands of new higher density dwellings flood into the area, spurred by the Sydney Metro Northwest project.
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GPT Group dips into apartment development

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Expansion is on the agenda for an ageing North Sydney commercial complex.

In the face of mounting competition from a wave of new commercial developments landing in the expanding commercial hub opposite Sydney's CBD, owner Propertylink is looking to bring 73 Miller Street up to a contemporary standard. Having bought the commercial asset off Chinese conglomerate Fosun International for near on $150 million late last year, Propertylink are looking to undertake an extensive $48 million overhaul of the 12 level complex.

Floor plates are to be increased, resulting in a net gain of 4,000 plus square metres of space. 

Fitzpatrick + Partners have the design lead alongside Colliers International Project Management who will see the project through to completion.

<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/image145_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Street level perspective. Planning image: Fitzpatrick + Partners"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="378" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image145_0.jpg?itok=44y8XxuS" title="Street level perspective. Planning image: Fitzpatrick + Partners" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Street level perspective. Planning image: Fitzpatrick + Partners</figcaption></figure>Under plans submitted during June the existing 14,672 square metre B-grade tower will expand to include 19,439 square metres of Gross Floor Area. Fitzpatrick + Partners have also added end-of-trip facilities and an outdoor terrace to the new look complex.

Beyond the intended refurbishment, 73 Miller Street will be pitted against a host of commercial developments looking to land noteworthy tenants in the North Sydney market.

Currently 1 Denison Street and 100 Mount Street are at construction with a combined 100,000 square metres of new premium space to be added. Demolition is underway at 118 Mount Street; that Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp-designed tower has just moved to demolition with Zurich Australia backing the delivery of the tower on its former headquarters.

Also in the pipeline are developments at  86-88 Walker Street, 41 McLaren Street and the Victoria Cross Over Station Development, with the latter set to add a massive slab of commercial space to the North Sydney market.

<a href="http://content.knightfrank.com/research/444/documents/en/north-shore-office-market-overview-march-2018-5375.pdf">A Knight Frank report </a>on the state of the nation's office market noted that as of March this year North Sydney's total office space weighed in at 823,982 square metres, with a vacancy rate of 7.9%. 

73 Miller Street aside, the new builds outlined above stand to add approximately 180,000 square metres of new stock to the market.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image147_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="73 Miller Street in situ. Planning image: Fitzpatrick + Partners"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="307" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image147_1.jpg?itok=VMzGuozn" title="73 Miller Street in situ. Planning image: Fitzpatrick + Partners" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>73 Miller Street in situ. Planning image: Fitzpatrick + Partners</figcaption></figure>
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North Sydney's commercial market expands further with a Miller Street refub planned

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Radiology professional turner property developer is perhaps not the most trodden career path, yet it has influenced a new apartment development designed with a holistic approach.

Health, happiness and family living are at the core of <a href="/buildings/no-71-71-station-street-fairfield">Fairfield's No.71 station Street</a>. 32 year old developer Vincent Sun who heads Osten has left his medical career behind and is about to launch the development which consists of 13 oversized apartments.

<a href="/architects/cheah-saw-architecture">Cheah Saw Architecture</a> were brought on for design duties; Eugene Cheah was formerly with <a href="/architects/bates-smart">Bates Smart</a> and is in part responsible for luxury apartment developments such as <a href="/buildings/35-spring-street-melbourne">35 Spring Street</a>. Under the Cheah Saw Architecture guise, both practice and developer now are pursuing a string of modestly sized yet highly considered residential projects across Melbourne.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image174_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Cheah Saw Architecture's exterior expression"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="749" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image174_1.jpg?itok=j3qnEvBD" title="Cheah Saw Architecture's exterior expression" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Cheah Saw Architecture's exterior expression</figcaption></figure>Key to the common stance taken by the pair is the want to design residences with space, light and nature as necessities.

Vincent Sun's stance on design stems from the belief "that we only have one life so we have to enjoy it and share it.” The idea of holistic wellness through design grew upon the now developer during his previous profession, spurned by long hours and excessive time away from family.

“We cannot compromise a home, I am focused on trying to make a better life, and home is the place where the majority of our memories happen. This is so important to us at Osten and we spend more money, effort and time creating quality, well designed homes for people to truly appreciate.”

Essentially Vincent Sun via Osten is determined to create "comprehensively designed spaces, infused with natural light, and surrounded by nature. Families and people of all ages are given plenty of space too; there is room for kids, parents and grandparents."

The Fairfield result is new residential buildings consisting of 13 oversized 2 and 3 bedroom apartments. Two bedroom apartments range up to 102 square metres internally, with three bedrooms apartments peaking at 145 square metres internally.

<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/image171_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="No.71 Station's side perspective"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="372" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image171_1.jpg?itok=6xTD_pGV" title="No.71 Station's side perspective" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>No.71 Station's side perspective</figcaption></figure>On No.71 Station's design, Eugene Cheah states “We are endeavouring to use a heavy material in a light way through considered design. The outcome is a filigree."

Spanning four storeys, the project's exterior presents as a stacked form dominated by concrete and metal framing.

It is the interior layout and finishes that Osten hopes will distinguish their projects from others from a design perspective. Light and space are paramount for living spaces, as is privacy; John Patrick-designed landscaped gardens will frame apartment views.

In design parlance "the ample light highlights the tactility of the natural finishes, whilst the generosity of the space, ensures that all finishing details, while understated, are noticed, centre stage."

No.71 Station will also feature photographic artist Derek Henderson's work, providing a visual essay of Fairfield’s culture, environment and street life.

<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/image173_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="No.71 Station's envisaged interior"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="552" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image173_2.jpg?itok=1ukW1Mfa" title="No.71 Station's envisaged interior" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>No.71 Station's envisaged interior</figcaption></figure>
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A holistic design ethos lands in Fairfield

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Little Projects continues to reinvent its place in the local and national residential market.

Focused for the bulk of its history on high density apartment projects, the developer has now reaffirmed its push into new markets and new development typologies. Apartment developments have been supplemented by aviation, hotel, student accommodation and boutique townhouse pursuits.

On the approval of a maiden townhouse project, Little Projects' Construction Director Paris Lechte took time out to chat with Apartments.com.au, regarding the firm's diversification and expectations for the Melbourne and national residential market.

The discussion transpired as follows:

Apartments.com.au: Can you outline the shift in market (or company) fundamentals that has seen Little Projects pursue a more diversified development portfolio?

Paris Lechte: We’ve been consistently building on the strength and track record of our development history, expanding our portfolio into complementary sectors in which our residential expertise is incredibly lucrative. With changes to stamp duty, lending, foreign tax and more, the residential market (in particular the high-density space) was somewhat compromised and the student accommodation, hotels, commercial and industrial sectors became more attractive to us.

These sectors have always been in our periphery, so when the market shifted we were ready to take advantage of new opportunities and had actively sought to balance our existing residential operations with our new Hyatt Centric and Melbourne University projects.

To continue our work in the residential space, we knew it meant our product needed to change in line with the market. The removal of investors from the medium to high-density space caused us to refocus our attention on smaller-scale, townhouse developments.

Our newest townhouse projects in Glen Iris and Brighton have been created purely with local owner-occupiers in mind.

<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/image232.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="ADDARC's take on Little Projects' new Brighton development"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="348" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image232.jpg?itok=Msa44GXp" title="ADDARC's take on Little Projects' new Brighton development" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>ADDARC's take on Little Projects' new Brighton development</figcaption></figure>U: ADDARC have been utilised for the first time by Little Projects - how was the design firm appointed to the Brighton townhouse project?

PL: ADDARC is the brainchild of Rohan Appel, who has worked with Little on previous projects during his time at SJB.

We were impressed by ADDARC’s early work and have always maintained an interest in their projects. When Brighton came about, we already knew ADDARC’s design sensibility and approach would be perfectly suited to the higher-end homes we were envisaging.

U: How difficult is it to source appropriate townhouse sites currently?

PL: At the moment, townhouse sites are the most difficult to procure. Demand for this type of property is higher than ever, especially in established suburbs like Brighton and Glen Iris, where land is more tightly held and appropriate sites are few and far between.

The sites that do exist are met with fierce competition as developers vie for the opportunity to capitalise on this demand.

As a result, we’ve become more direct in our acquisition approach and are actively pursuing joint ventures with landowners. In opening ourselves up to partnerships like this and empowering private landowners to realise the value of their blocks, we are quickly building a pipeline of sites primed for townhouse development.

U: Speaking of joint ventures with landowners, was the Prahran site in planning one such example and what features will define that project?

PL: Yes. Prahran is a JV with the landowner.

It's designed with sensitivity to the adjoining park in mind, Plus Architecture’s response features a sloping façade to Grattan Street. This prevents any overshadowing of Grattan Gardens and creates a visual spectacle that can be appreciated by locals and residents alike.

<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/sig.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Signature Broadbeach is headed for construction"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/sig.jpg?itok=c6jiEmJL" title="Signature Broadbeach is headed for construction" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Signature Broadbeach is headed for construction</figcaption></figure>U: How have sales progressed at Signature Broadbeach to this point?

PL: Very well, in fact Signature Broadbeach was the best-selling project on the Gold Coast for Q1 2018.

With over 100 sales complete, we will be going to construction tender in the next few months and aim to start construction in early 2019.

U: Will there be further expansion into non-Victorian residential markets?

PL: While our core residential focus has always been the Victorian market, we continue to monitor New South Wales and Queensland and wouldn’t hesitate to explore other options there if the numbers stacked up the way they did for Signature Broadbeach.

U: And finally, where do you see the Melbourne residential market heading over the next 2 or 3 years? Is there a swing back to investor grade stock and larger developments on the horizon, or will owner occupier developments remain strong?

PL: I foresee the continued dominance of owner occupier developments, with townhouse products and medium-density projects in established suburbs being the strongest performers. Melbourne’s south-east will remain popular and I see demand and competition for homes and sites in this area increasing.

The reality is that Melbourne’s population growth and migration will necessitate higher-density development and as demand builds for apartments and projects of scale again, the investor market will return. I believe we’re still 12 months off seeing a recovery.

Until then and for the short to medium term, owner occupiers will be the main target market. Being more environmentally aware, we’re finding these buyers respond to developments that meet their evolved needs and extend beyond basic financial and lifestyle considerations to sustainability and brand credibility.

They want to know that the values of who they’re buying from are aligned with their own principles.
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A discussion with Little Projects' Construction Director Paris Lechte

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Mascot's Holiday Inn Sydney Airport is poised for major expansion, as a bevvy of additional hotel operators earmark a presence in the blossoming aviation turned development precinct.

Plans were lodged last week seeking to add another hotel building adjacent to the existing Holiday Inn Sydney Airport. Created by Cox Architecture, the submission looks to wedge the new building in at the corner of Bourke Road and O'Riordan Street.

The Silversea Trust-backed proposal holds a build value near on $45 million and is expected to account for a small portion of the overall 6,534 square metre site. Agent Savills has been installed as project manager.

Holiday Inn Sydney Airport's location is in the heart of the Mascot Station Town Centre Precinct approximately 7 kilometres form Sydney's CBD, with surrounding uses generally dedicated to commercial offices and other hotels servicing the wider aviation precinct.

<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/image158_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A crude representation of the expansion in situ. Image: Cox Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="292" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image158_2.jpg?itok=mKxWNrhV" title="A crude representation of the expansion in situ. Image: Cox Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A crude representation of the Holiday Inn expansion in situ. Image: Cox Architecture</figcaption></figure>As a result of the expansion hotel numbers onsite would increase from the current 252 to 456 rooms, with onsite vehicle capacity expanding to 212.

Holiday Inn maintains a lengthy lease over the site and adjacent road reserve which expires in 2039, with another 50 year lease extension at their discretion. The current hotel spans 11 storeys whilst the new Cox Architecture-designed wing increases to 12 storeys or 43 metres.

A precast art wall fronts the major intersection, with either flank dominated by precast panels with aluminium highlights.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image159_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Ewan Street mixed-use project. Image: Savelle"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image159_4.jpg?itok=es-m5zGJ" title="The Ewan Street mixed-use project. Image: Savelle" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Ewan Street mixed-use project. Image: Savelle</figcaption></figure>In and among the thousands of apartments in development within Mascot, a strong hotel delivery pipeline also exists. Pro-invest Group is endeavouring to gain approval for a new 178-room Holiday Inn Express at <a href="/developments/mascot-nsw-2020">2-8 Sarah Street</a> whilst Apartments.com.au earlier in the year <a href="/news/savelle-supersize-their-mascot-mixed-use-development">outlined developer Savelle's upscaled intentions for 5-11 Ewan Street</a>.

Included within Savelle's development is capacity for 187 hotel rooms.

Sydney Airport Corporation is looking to capitalise upon Mascot's robust short stay demand with intentions to create a portfolio of hotels on airport land. The corporation began this process last year with the opening of a Mantra-branded hotel adjacent to the domestic terminal last year.
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Holiday Inn stays ahead of the Mascot curve with a sizeable expansion planned

Around 400 additional homes could be built at Southwark Grounds on Port Road, lifting total site capacity from 1300 to around 1700 dwellings.

A recently approved code amendment would allow apartment towers of up to 14 storeys in some areas of Renewal SA’s redevelopment of the former West End Brewery.

Renewal SA Acting Chief Executive Shane Wingard said he welcomed the code amendment, with the increase in heights and homes making a positive impact on the supply of high-quality, well-connected housing close to the city.

“By going higher across some parts of Southwark Grounds, we are adding a substantial number of very well-located homes with little impact on project delivery time or planned open space,” Mr Wingard said.

Since the project officially launched in 2025, Mr Wingard said more than 12,000 enquiries had been received about living at Southwark Grounds.

“The very strong early interest we’ve seen since homes were first released in the precinct reinforces our plans to create more housing opportunities,” he said.

The Southwark Grounds code amendment was launched in December last year, with community engagement undertaken over five weeks from January.

It proposed increasing maximum building heights from eight to 14 storeys on the eastern section of Southwark Grounds, and to 12 storeys across the remainder of the site, with minimum building heights ranging from two to four storeys.

The code amendment was implemented through an Early Commencement policy in late January, allowing developers to quickly explore the viability of increased height and housing yield while other planning processes continue.

One of the first developers delivering apartment sites have already finalised redesigns to increase the number of apartments following the code amendment.

Samaras’ development adjacent to the future Colonel Light Park is now planning to deliver 125 apartments across 11 storeys, significantly greater than original plans of around 50 apartments across four storeys.

The developer is also exploring the potential for additional affordable housing outcomes.

Most of the apartments at Southwark Grounds will be delivered within a master-planned precinct on a large parcel of land on the eastern portion of the site, covering around two-thirds of its 8.4 hectares.

Wingard said detailed precinct planning over the coming months may identify further opportunities to increase yield further that could see total apartment numbers at Southwark Grounds, exceed this number.

Affordable homes at Southwark Grounds will also see a net increase, with Renewal SA maintaining its commitment to a minimum of 20 per cent affordable housing across the development.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Civil works have begun across the site, with construction under way on the first new roads surrounding a townhouse precinct in the south‑west corner of Southwark Grounds. This includes Renewal SA’s 17 Founder’s Row homes, which are on track for completion by Christmas.

“We expect to have people living at Southwark Grounds by the end of the year, so delivering roads and public spaces for those residents is among our highest priorities.”

Construction of 40 townhouses off Anderson Street, known as West Village and being delivered by Contour, is forecast to begin in mid‑2026. Kolabb’s Anderson Lane development will follow shortly after, delivering a further 26 townhouses.

Southwark Grounds is a state government‑led urban renewal project now set to deliver around 1,700 homes over the next decade.

Homes will be supported by a supermarket, a range of retail and hospitality offerings anchored by a revitalised Walkerville Brew Tower, a childcare centre, car parking and well‑connected public spaces.

Joel Robinson

400 new homes planned for Adelaide's former West End Brewery site

Brisbane developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/cavcorp">Cavcorp</a> has lodged plans for a new mixed-use residential development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-wyandra-street-teneriffe-qld-4005">55 Wyandra Street</a>, Teneriffe, anchored by an 85-metre public laneway designed to reconnect the suburb’s riverfront with the Gasworks precinct.

The buildings, known as Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane, would replace the existing Queensland Cotton head office site with a 15-storey residential tower transitioning to eight storeys toward Helen Street. The project has been designed by Plazibat Architects and lodged as a code assessable development application for 93 apartments across a 3,401 sqm mixed-use site within the Newstead and Teneriffe Waterfront neighbourhood plan.

Central to the scheme is the transformation of an existing service easement into a publicly accessible cross-block connection linking Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the new laneway will act as both a pedestrian shortcut and a landscaped civic space between the Teneriffe Riverwalk, ferry terminal, and Gasworks precinct.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26e7f058-b065-4de8-b13d-a2b8cb64dfcc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bldg.png?VersionId=sELS0ZKYi361oYipUa1BIKfe_.DLZoFV" />

“The revised proposal delivers a legacy public-realm cross-block link, permanently secured for community use, transforming an existing private easement into a safe, high-quality pedestrian connection between the Teneriffe heritage riverwalk and the Gasworks–Long Island precinct,” the planning report states.

The laneway will sit beneath a large subtropical loggia integrated into the podium levels of the development. The design incorporates deep landscaping, water gardens, lobby spaces, business lounges, and ground-floor apartments to create what Cavcorp describes as a climate-responsive “urban verandah.”

The tower itself has been designed as a slender form with recessed floorplates and curved translucent corners inspired by contemporary Japanese architecture. The building height aligns with the Commercial Road precinct controls, which permit towers up to 15 storeys within proximity to Longland Street.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8a17d40-43b6-4718-b3fd-67676fcbb485" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers%202_1.png?VersionId=i3VwDtp5AmL_8InW7w4qRbDFEpb744Jt" />

The project will comprise a mix of larger-format apartments aimed at owner-occupiers, downsizers, and families. The proposed apartment mix includes 11 loggia apartments across the lower levels, 50 four-bedroom Sky-Terrace apartments from levels three to seven, and 32 Sky-Pool Homes occupying the upper tower levels. The Sky-Pool Homes will feature private thermal plunge pools integrated into oversized balconies.

According to the application, the apartments are intended to reinterpret the scale and character of Teneriffe’s woolstore conversions and Queensland homes within a vertical residential format.

“The sky-pool homes build on Cavcorp’s previous projects and introduce a distinct apartment typology to Teneriffe, informed by both local and international precedent and responding to an identified market demand for enhanced safety, space and amenity,” the planning submission notes.

A major focus of the proposal is its five-level wellness and lifestyle offering, extending from the basement through to the rooftop.

Amenities proposed include a rooftop Swim &amp; Racquet Club with a 25-metre Olympic lap pool and tennis court, coworking spaces and libraries, golf simulators, wine storage, concierge facilities, business lounges, pet wash areas, and rooftop longevity-focused wellness spaces with spas, outdoor fitness zones, and landscaped terraces.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="944b352c-49b9-4247-a4c6-5967b4b69fda" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/amenity.png?VersionId=Ed_qKjAtMwFT.5gfl3jiA9QwdWxSMsaX" />

All parking will be concealed within basement levels accessed from Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the deep-basement engineering approach allows the entire ground plane to prioritise landscaping, pedestrian movement, and active frontage rather than vehicle infrastructure.

The development continues Cavcorp’s concentration in Newstead and Teneriffe, where the Brisbane developer has delivered a number of apartment projects including Lucent, Le Bain, and Luminare, as well as the Long Island Wellness Precinct nearby. Several of those projects have received national design and architecture awards, including recognition under Brisbane’s “Buildings that Breathe” program.

Cavcorp unveils wellness-focused Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane apartment buildings

Focus Group Investments has lodged plans for a new apartment development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-70-hanover-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">64–70 Hanover Street</a> in Fitzroy, seeking to utilise the Victorian Government’s recently introduced Great Design Fast Track pathway to accelerate approvals for the project.

The proposal is among the latest developments to emerge through the state-led initiative, which was established to fast-track well-designed residential projects in activity centres and transport-connected inner-city locations. The pathway allows qualifying developments that meet elevated design and housing benchmarks to bypass traditional council planning timeframes and instead be assessed directly by the Department of Transport and Planning.

Designed by SJB, the development will comprise a mix of apartments above activated lower levels, with a strong focus on architectural articulation, landscaping, and communal amenity. The design response seeks to balance the industrial character of Richmond’s former warehouse precincts with a more contemporary residential form.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abea51cc-d85b-479e-9aef-a589f3b37ca7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ground.png?VersionId=e1Kf8EyPWwyiVumtqQ4rM5S4GpOR3CCz" />

Proposed are 63 new dwellings, a wide ranging mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, and townhouses and duplexes. They will be spread across a part-three, part-eight storey building.

The Planning and Urban Context Report by Tract says the development is of an "exemplary architectural standard" and has been carefully crafted by SJB Architects.

"Dwellings&nbsp;will benefit from excellent access to natural light, cross-ventilation opportunities and extensive communal space," the report noted.

The architectural material highlights the project’s integration of landscaped elements and communal spaces throughout the building. The proposal also incorporates sustainability initiatives aligned with the Victorian Government’s push for higher-performing apartment developments under the fast-track program.

The Great Design Fast Track was unveiled by the Victorian Government in 2024 as part of a broader housing supply strategy aimed at accelerating the delivery of new homes. Projects assessed through the pathway must demonstrate high-quality architecture, sustainability outcomes, and housing diversity while being located close to public transport and existing infrastructure.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="afdbe834-8dc4-4a77-a943-ba07bc927348" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_11.png?VersionId=0J657j.TaChAZfp93wqJYBTqSsnREJx2" />

Focus Group, founder and led by Paul De Lutiis, is increasingly active across Melbourne’s inner suburbs, targeting well-connected urban renewal locations suited to medium and higher-density residential development. The Fitzroy proposal continues that strategy, leveraging the area’s strong transport links, established retail amenity, and proximity to the CBD.

Fitzroy has been one of the most popular spots for developers and buyers in recent years. The likes of PACE Development Group, SMA Projects, Crema Group and Chapter Group, currently selling projects in the suburb.

First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Fitzroy apartments

The Gold Coast Planning Committee has supported the preliminary approval for the Benowa Gardens Urban Village project following an extensive community consultation and assessment process.

The proposal will now proceed to a full council vote on June 2.

The application sought approval for a masterplanned urban village on the existing Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre site, combining new housing, retail, dining, health and lifestyle amenities within a walkable, integrated precinct.&nbsp;

The proposed redevelopment includes around 413 apartments integrated above a revitalised mixed-use centre featuring a full-line supermarket of 4,000 sqm, 6,000 sqm of specialty retail and dining space across around 30 retailers, a 7,000 sqm health and wellness precinct, and roughly 9,630 sqm of office and medical suites.&nbsp;

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fb36ae47-80bc-45f0-9914-31b0c7b6007d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/PR26576%20Ashmore%20Road%20C4%201121%20FI.jpg?VersionId=6mRKk2uU4r67TmTt39DKGUlvFRbTVqWa" />

The broader masterplan also includes very significant traffic and transport improvements, wide pedestrian walkways, upgraded pedestrian and cycle connections, and enhanced public areas designed to create a more connected and walkable community environment.&nbsp;

Centre owner Patrick Lu said the milestone reflected months of detailed planning, technical assessment and ongoing communication with local residents, businesses, schools and stakeholders.

“We appreciate the time, consideration and care Council officers and the Planning Committee have given this proposal throughout the assessment process,” Lu said.

“We also sincerely thank the local community for engaging with us, sharing feedback and participating in the consultation process over many months.

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32fd1fc3-d0e6-485f-ac57-9916c9bcb818" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/PR26576%20Ashmore%20Road%20C5%201121%20FI_2.jpg?VersionId=fz8qQKDBLQ7MyFRc856Zccfbh9nFwLOe" />

“We understand projects of this scale bring questions and concerns, which is why we have worked hard to listen carefully, provide information transparently and continue refining elements of the proposal where possible.

“Our vision has always been to create a well-designed, community-focused urban village that responds to the changing needs of the Gold Coast, while delivering improved amenity, housing diversity, healthcare access and local lifestyle benefits.

“This proposal is about creating a genuine live-work-play environment where residents can access everyday services, schools, healthcare, dining, shopping and green space within walking distance, while also supporting local jobs and economic activity.”

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="50dfbd04-590e-4fc6-983b-766880947867" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Dining%20Day%20Time%20-%20High%20Resolution.jpg?VersionId=BP7ZoKJ0DdL_8iRkkC8VVx99moICV6kg" />

Lu said the proposal had evolved significantly through consultation and technical review, particularly around traffic, pedestrian and student safety and neighbourhood connectivity.&nbsp;

Melissa Griffin, Director at Urbis, said the recommendation recognised the strategic importance of delivering more housing and services within established urban areas already supported by infrastructure.

“This proposal represents the type of thoughtful, integrated growth that planning frameworks across South-East Queensland are encouraging,” Ms Griffin said.

“The project seeks to place housing, retail, healthcare and employment opportunities together in a highly accessible location close to schools, transport and existing services.

“Importantly, the process has involved significant technical assessment and community engagement to ensure local issues and feedback were properly considered throughout the planning pathway.”

$1 billion Benowa Gardens Urban Village heads to council vote following Planning Committee support

Surfers Paradise is officially set for its first new residential development with a 45-storey skybridge connecting the two towers.

John Camilleri’s Celestino Developments has been given the green light by the Gold Coast City Council to develop its major beachfront precinct across its huge 4,000 sqm oceanfront site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/63-79-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">63–79 Garfield Terrace</a>, just five months after its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-exclusive-billionaire-winx-breeder-s-bold-two-tower-surfers-paradise-play-with-45th-storey-skybridge">submission in late 2025</a>.

The approved scheme will deliver two towers rising 55 and 48 storeys, connected by a skybridge positioned on level 45 that will house a range of resident-only wellness and entertainment spaces.

In its notice of approval, the Gold Coast City Council said the&nbsp;proposed overall built form has been designed to complement the scale, intensity and protect the adjacent amenity and surrounding streets through the use of varied setbacks, site cover and architectural elements.

<img alt="First look exclusive: Billionaire Winx breeder’s bold two-tower Surfers Paradise play with 45th-storey skybridge" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-30%20at%209.53.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=ADyPJ_TFbJvSU9wZFOiCBnlPtgF7VWqW" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dbi">DBI</a>, the development will comprise 275 apartments across the two towers, including a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom residences, as well as several penthouses. The apartments will sit above a landscaped podium featuring more than 90 metres of beachfront pool frontage, private resident lawns, lounges, and wellness spaces.

DBI said the design draws heavily from the movement and form of the coastal environment, with curving balcony lines and sculpted façades intended to soften the scale of the towers while maximising ocean outlooks and passive shading outcomes.

“The project occupies a rare, uninterrupted oceanfront site and has been shaped by a design philosophy that merges architectural elegance with environmental responsiveness and a carefully curated lifestyle experience,” DBI said in planning documents submitted to the Gold Coast City Council.

The most distinctive element of the approved project is the skybridge linking the two towers at level 45. The elevated communal space is planned to include executive lounges, formal dining areas, wellness facilities, and panoramic ocean-facing outlooks.

“The skybridge enhances the identity of the development, promotes social interaction, and delivers a lifestyle experience not found elsewhere on the Gold Coast,” DBI said.

At podium level, residents will have access to a suite of resort-style amenities, including resident lounges, private dining rooms, a yoga lawn, gymnasium, plunge pools, and treatment spaces. The beachfront pool has been designed with separate lap, lounge, and children’s areas extending across the width of the site.

The project will also introduce new food and beverage offerings along the Enderley Avenue and Oceanway frontages, contributing additional activation to the beachfront precinct.

Mark Baljak

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