<html><body>
Melbourne's outer west continues to warm to apartment living with news that 90% of dwellings on offer at Newton Apartments within Williams Landing have sold in rapid succession. The success of the suburb's first apartment development also points towards further higher density projects both in the suburb and the region in general.

A triumph for developer Cedar Woods Properties, the breakdown of apartment buyers within Newton Apartments hints toward the pent-up demand for apartment living in a region that has traditionally been the stronghold of detached housing estates.

31 purchasers for the project live in Williams Landing or adjoining suburbs, with a breakdown of their locations as follows: 

<ul>
<li>13 from Williams Landing</li>
	<li>5 from Point Cook </li>
	<li>4 from Truganina </li>
	<li>3 from Derrimut </li>
	<li>2 from Tarneit </li>
	<li>1 from Laverton </li>
	<li>1 from Wyndham Vale </li>
	<li>1 from Werribee </li>
	<li>1 from Deer Park</li>
</ul>
With Newton Apartments - the suburb's first apartment development - the project has managed to gain traction with investors, downsizers and first home buyers according to the development team. The project includes 57 one and two bedroom apartments over four storeys.

<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_7_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Construction is imminent for Williams Landing's first apartment project. Image: Cedar Woods"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="336" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image13_7_1.jpg?itok=X4wecQ1J" title="Construction is imminent for Williams Landing's first apartment project. Image: Cedar Woods" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Construction is imminent for Williams Landing's first apartment project. Image: Cedar Woods</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
It’s great feedback for us when existing customers are investing in, and living in our developments, because it means they can see the value that we’re adding to the area.

Newton Apartments supports the suburb’s growth sustainably by offering higher density dwellings that meet market demand.
<cite>Nathan Blackburne, Victoria and Queensland State Manager of Cedar 
 </cite>
</blockquote>

Urban.com.au has maintained a keen eye on the masterplanned 275 hectare Williams Landing development located between the Melbourne CBD and Geelong. As the first apartment development within Williams Landing and one of only a handful currently in development in Melbourne's west, the success of Newton Apartments points toward further apartment projects being rolled out in the region.

Williams Landing itself is a <a href="/news/placemaking-for-success-in-the-citys-west">Priority Development Zone</a> with the expectation that the majority of development within the suburb into the future will involve higher density, mixed use projects. This will be a departure from Williams Landing's early development which focused on detached housing.

According to Cedar Woods Newton Apartments in part responds to consumer, state government and local government demand for higher density in Melbourne’s south western sub-region to cater for population growth. According to a September 2015 Urbis report on Williams Landing, the south western sub-region is expected to accommodate some 1.1 million people by 2031, an increase of approximately 400,000 from today’s population of 700,000. 

Other apartment projects currently in development in Melbourne's west include The Lighthouse in Werribee South and 116 Watton Street, Werribee. 

Whilst these projects are in isolation successful developments, combined they also show that apartment living in Melbourne's west is slowly gaining traction; traction that may be accelerated rapidly should the East Werribee Employment Precinct be awarded to the likes of the <a href="http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/west/state-government-names-australian-education-city-as-preferred-developer-for-east-werribee/news-story/88a77d7022ab3001bc976e646b7f227d">AEC consortium</a>, with the development set to act as a catalyst for the region.
</body></html>

silvermb

Will success breed success in the west?

<html><body>
West Melbourne continues to evolve with the suburb subject to a steady flow of new developments, as evidenced by the roughly 3,000 apartments in development and currently noted within Apartments.com.au's Project Database.

With the boom in high density and high rise projects looming large over the suburb, City of Melbourne have gone about enacting two separate pieces of policy in order to better manage and facilitate the rapid change that is descending upon West Melbourne.

With either yet to be finalised, there remains the opportunity for the community to provide feedback on these two key policy implementations which are outlined below:

<h2>West Melbourne Structure Plan</h2>

City of Melbourne continues to work through the intricacies of creating a comprehensive structure plan for West Melbourne.

With community consultation as a cornerstone of the study, the aim is to guide/manage the residential precinct within the suburb as higher density living becomes increasing prevalent in the area. With maintaining the area’s unique character and heritage at the heart of the intended structure plan, an initial round of public consultation has been held in order to garner opinion.

Phase 2 of community engagement for the West Melbourne Structure Plan is imminent according to the <a href="http://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/westmelbourne">project's webpage</a>.

<h2>West Melbourne Waterfront</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image27_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Perri Projects' working image for West Melbourne Waterfront"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="301" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image27_1.jpg?itok=1FuBQAmX" title="Perri Projects' working image for West Melbourne Waterfront" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Perri Projects' working image for West Melbourne Waterfront</figcaption></figure><a href="/news/industrial-west-melbourne-the-latest-urban-renewal-contender">As outlined</a> by Apartments.com.au earlier in the year, a stretch of West Melbourne waterfront is up for renewal by way of City of Melbourne's Amendment C221 to the Melbourne Planning Scheme.

<a href="http://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/application/files/1514/5972/5680/Amendment_C221_West_Melbourne_Waterfront_Development_Plan_-_Exhibition_11_March_2016.pdf">WMW Developments</a> is a venture between Perri Projects and Qanstruct, who are jointly seeking the right to develop the land which would first require rezoning from Commercial 2 Zone to Mixed Use Zone.

In keeping with the Dynon Urban Renewal Area objectives, buildings of up to 14 levels are expected while 7% of the 28,337sqm site area is slated to be dedicated open space. Residential, commercial and retail uses are prevalent, with the project split over four stages.

Currently the public has the opportunity to provide <a href="http://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/c221">written feedback</a> on the proposed amendment until 20 May 2016.

<h2>Comment</h2>

West Melbourne Waterfront looks to be a lay down misère, but it's West Melbourne's structure plan that is of interest, specifically the <a href="http://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/westmelbourne">published comments</a> associated with the first round of public feedback.

Some patently ridiculous comments such as turning West Melbourne into an arts precinct and E-Gate into a park or maintaining a two level height limit throughout (something about a horse and gate) provide little by way of meaningful responses. These suggestions tend to come across as the opinions of those who aren't living in the land of reality.

But of course in between the pointless droll there are ideas with merit. Extending the tram line north along Spencer Street, improved pedestrian access, a new bus link to the Parkville Employment Precinct and mandatory inclusion of green space for higher density projects shape as ideas of merit.

Invariably with manure comes the opportunity for enlightened ideas to grow; ahh the joys of public opinion!
</body></html>

Two key planning policies set to reshape West Melbourne

<html><body>
Doncaster Hill is set to receive another substantial apartment development. 600 Doncaster Road is currently holding at Notice of Decision to Grant a Permit with a full planning permit essentially a formality.

Located on a prominent site bound by Elgar Road, Elgar Court and Doncaster Road, the twelve level project sits on the crest of Doncaster Hill and will maintain unfettered views toward Melbourne's CBD.

Created by BKK Architects, the project has spent the best part of two years in planning, but is now on the verge of adding to the architecturally diverse Doncaster Hill activity area.

<h2>600 Doncaster Road, Doncaster 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/image25_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Angles in play. Planning image: BKK Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="449" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image25_5.jpg?itok=ZaK-tRVP" title="Angles in play. Planning image: BKK Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Angles in play. Planning image: BKK Architects</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Development site area: 3,231sqm</li>
	<li>Current use: single storey office buildings</li>
	<li>Proposed: 12 level apartment building at 38.9 metres to parapet</li>
	<li>Built form to cover 61% of site area</li>
	<li>174 apartments: 84 x 1BR, 83 x 2BR, 7 x 3BR</li>
	<li>701sqm commercial office space</li>
	<li>Three basement levels: 236 vehicle bays, 53 bicycle bays, 177 storage cages</li>
	<li>Ground floor 174sqm residential lounge</li>
	<li>Estimated development cost: $45 million</li>
</ul>
<h2>A green touch</h2>

After a process in which the design was amended while at planning, the resultant form employs a highly angular built form with a design highlight provided by a green 'vein' that runs the height of the building.

<blockquote>
A key feature of the overall design response is a feature orchard landscape treatment across the western side of the site. The orchard feature is proposed at both ground level and extends up through the centre of the western facade resulting in a “Vertical Garden” anchored by canopy trees.

The vertical space is to be a common area accessed by all future residents from Levels 1-10, inclusive. A third landscape area is provided along the eastern side of the building adjacent to the office floorspace and the residential club lounge.
<cite>Council report regarding 600 Doncaster Road</cite>
</blockquote>

A heavy tree planting schedule is also proposed at ground level, elevating the project above all other recent apartment project completions in the area which provide little by the way of greenery or a softened interface to the pedestrian realm.

<h2>Diversity on the Hill</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/image34_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Current Doncaster Hill apartment projects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="366" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image34_5.jpg?itok=CkIWt3ry" title="Current Doncaster Hill apartment projects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Current Doncaster Hill apartment projects</figcaption></figure>It's a veritable who's who of architecture firms on Doncaster Hill. Eight projects currently under construction have been designed by eight separate architecture entities: CHT Architects, Artisan Architects, ML Design, Peddle Thorp, Ascui &amp; Co, JAM Architects, Woods Bagot and Sgourakis Architects.

The Buchan Group created the recently completed Imperial Doncaster while the paint is still drying on Pearl which is the work of RotheLowman. Architecture firms with projects approved or at sales include Hayball, ClarkeHopkinsClarke, K2LD, De Nova Group and of course BKK with 600 Doncaster Road.

Based on the above, architectural design diversity is not an issue at Doncaster Hill.
</body></html>

BKK Architects the latest to enter Doncaster Hill

<html><body>
Recent weeks have yielded some significant planning outcomes for a host of inner city projects.

Whilst 447 Collins Street has justifiably garnered the lion's share of media attention, other projects of note such as 248 Sturt Street have also received the green light. Of the six projects outlined three have a planning permit in place with 447 Collins Street a fait accompli, whilst another has faltered at VCAT and another on tenterhooks following City of Melbourne's dissatisfaction.

An overview of each project is provided below:

<h2>248 Sturt Street, Southbank</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/image137_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Southbank success. Planning image: Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="458" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image137_0.jpg?itok=N768kJ49" title="Southbank success. Planning image: Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Southbank success. Planning image: Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>The sleek 248 Sturt Street won approval last month, two years after being submitted. Initially rejected by Planning Minister Richard Wynne, the project has since been granted a permit via VCAT.

Seen above in its initial version is the Elenberg Fraser-designed building which at 123 metres could accommodate in excess of 300 dwellings for long time Melbourne developer Hudson Conway. Finishes for the tower include stainless steel, silver and ceramic frit glazing along with perforated mesh.

<h2>9-27 Downie Street, Melbourne</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/image1_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Various incarnations of 9-27 Downie Street. Planning image: Peddle Thorp"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="232" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image1_4.jpg?itok=YXxvI4si" title="Various incarnations of 9-27 Downie Street. Planning image: Peddle Thorp" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Various incarnations of 9-27 Downie Street. Planning image: Peddle Thorp</figcaption></figure>After receiving two 'haircuts' in which the height of 9-27 Downie Street was reduced by approximately one third to 106 metres, the tower has received approval during February. Now at 33 levels (seen above right), the reshaped Peddle Thorp creation is approved to include 100 x 1 bedroom, 173 x 2 bedroom and 2 x 3 bedroom apartments.

66 car parking spaces, two retail tenancies and various amenities are included within the project which is under the control of development entity Einwood Pty Ltd.

<h2>140 King Street, Melbourne</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_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Street level perspectives. Planning image: ROTHELOWMAN"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="290" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image4_5.jpg?itok=cyIv6i-i" title="Street level perspectives. Planning image: ROTHELOWMAN" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Street level perspectives. Planning image: ROTHELOWMAN</figcaption></figure>Whilst not a final decision, City of Melbourne have indicated their displeasure with Besgate's 140-146 King Street. The slim 187 metre tower designed by RotheLowman has undergone slight design refinements since appearing on Apartments.com.au during 2015.

With 271 apartments included, the tower has fallen foul of City of Melbourne planners with key issues cited including excessive height and inadequate setbacks, the project's impact on the public realm, wind impacts and internal amenity concerns.

The Planning Minister will have the final say as to whether or not the project receives the green light.

<h2>447 Collins Street, Melbourne</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/image7cbus.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Third time's a charm. Image: Cbus Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="247" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image7cbus.jpg?itok=HY6hyEmT" title="Third time's a charm. Image: Cbus Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Third time's a charm. Image: Cbus Property</figcaption></figure>You may well have been on the moon if not aware of the compromised design outcome between Victoria's Planning Minister and Cbus Property. A degree of discretion was exercised by Minister Wynne in effectively approving the project which will bring a heightened level of design merit and public benefit to Collins Street.

It's been reported the project will commence during September which in all actuality involves demolition of the remainder of the existing structure before any ground works can begin in earnest.

<h2>109-111 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne</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/image8_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The site in question. Image: Google Maps"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="339" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image8_4.jpg?itok=CievRLIW" title="The site in question. Image: Google Maps" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The site in question. Image: Google Maps</figcaption></figure>AFR reported last week that Brady Group's intentions of creating a second Brady Hotel-badged tower have been rejected by VCAT. Following in the footsteps of 30 Little Latrobe Street, the proposed building at 109-111 Little Lonsdale Street was to have been 21 storeys and dedicated solely toward hotel use.

Lodged with City of Melbourne during March 2015 the proposal was initially rejected by Council during October 2015 and subsequently once more at the hands of VCAT.

The rejection raises the prospect of Brady Group retaining a hotel component within <a href="/developments">380 Lonsdale Street</a>, an approved large-scale project in which Brady recently relieved Singaporean developer Hiap Hoe of their half share in order to gain full control of the site.

<h2>65-71 Haig Street, Southbank</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/image11_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Southbank continues to expand. Planning image: Fender Katsalidis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="281" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image11_7.jpg?itok=FNPTFddu" title="Southbank continues to expand. Planning image: Fender Katsalidis" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Southbank continues to expand. Planning image: Fender Katsalidis</figcaption></figure>March also saw the approval of Sunvale Development's Southbank residential tower, with the initial version seen above.

Down from initially loftier intentions, the approved Fender Katsalidis scheme will be capped at 125 metres and will further fill Haig Street which hes been subject to measured apartment development over the past decade.

65-71 Haig Street's journey through planning spanned near on 17 months.
</body></html>

A six pack of significant planning decisions

<html><body>
Last week's announcement of funding for various Broadmeadows infrastructure projects has cast the often maligned suburb back into the urban renewal spotlight.

Designated a Major Activity Centre on the Metropolitan Planning Authority's citywide <a href="http://planvic.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Viewer/index?appid=b9ac624e3b344a4db2cefaa7a39bea2d">interactive project map</a>, the heart of Broadmeadows is set to receive $14.3 million from the State Government in order to continue its revitalisation, with Broadmeadows Train Station and Boadmeadows Town Hall accounting for the lion's share of funding.

More specifically the funding will:

<ul>
<li>Add $7m toward the $20.2 million refurbishment price tag for the Broadmeadows Town Hall, creating a community focused hub</li>
	<li>Contribute $4m to a new Broadmeadows Station northern entrance, concourse and toilets, and partial pedestrian subway upgrade</li>
	<li>Allow beautificalion works to commence along Pascoe Vale Road with $1 million for tree planting and improved crossings</li>
	<li>Add a further $2.1m to Meadowlink, the 3.2km bicycle, pedestrian and open space link that traverses Broadmeadows town centre</li>
</ul>
<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/image67_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Broadmeadows town centre from above. Image: MPA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="627" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image67_1.jpg?itok=whyfOC56" title="Broadmeadows town centre from above. Image: MPA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Broadmeadows town centre from above. Image: MPA</figcaption></figure>Whilst not necessarily a startling figure, the $14.3 million investment set aside in the 2016/2017 Budget does confirm the State Government's ongoing commitment in pushing Broadmeadows through as an activity centre. The measured flow of capital into Broadmeadows does carry similar traits to the Revitalising Central Dandenong project where the heart of Dandenong received considerable State funding in order to upgrade infrastructure.

Thus far, both the State Government and Hume City Council have already invested heavily in Broadmeadows, with projects such as Hume Global Learning Centre, the Hume School Regeneration project, the state-of-the-art basketball stadium and the local aquatic centre recent additions.

All vested parties will hope that Broadmeadows will follow a similar path as Dandenong in that the south eastern suburb has since managed to attract a considerable level of private investment post public expenditure, with both commercial and apartment developments flowing into the suburb.

<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/image70_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Future Broadmeadows and surrounds. Image:MPA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="528" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image70_3.jpg?itok=3n_MUPGN" title="Future Broadmeadows and surrounds. Image:MPA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Future Broadmeadows and surrounds. Image:MPA</figcaption></figure>On a grander scale, redevelopment surrounding Broadmeadows' town centre will eventually encapsulate areas known as Northmeadows and Eastmeadows. With up to 60 hectares of underutilised industrial land on the agenda, the prospects for the creation of new urban villages is high.

Northmeadows is situated east of Broadmeadows proper and according to planning documents has scope to include essentially the full gamut of uses - namely housing, employment, commercial, recreation and leisure. Eastmeadows is potentially a long term regeneration area with a mixture of housing options and diverse employment earmarked for the area.

It is likely that both zones will incorporate a higher degree of housing density.

The Metropolitan Planning Authority and Hume City Council are calling for public feedback during the initial Community Engagement Phase, with the intention of creating a structure plan for Broadmeadows and surrounds which accommodates public expectations.

Information on Broadmeadows' regeneration can be found <a href="http://www.shapevictoria.vic.gov.au/broadmeadows">here</a>, with an associated <a href="http://shapevictoria.vic.gov.au/broadmeadows/survey">public consultation survey</a> also available.

<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/image74_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A conceptualised new Broadmeadows. Image: MPA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="256" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image74_0.jpg?itok=tEIj0K3Q" title="A conceptualised new Broadmeadows. Image: MPA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A conceptualised new Broadmeadows. Image: MPA</figcaption></figure>
</body></html>

Broadmeadows receives a boost as urban regeneration beckons

<html><body>
Boroondara continues to be an irresistible prospect for apartment developers as evidenced by the seven fresh projects added recently to the Apartments.com.au Project Database.

Spread over Kew, Hawthorn, Hawthorn East and Balwyn North, the seven projects would add hundreds of new apartments to the municipality. Further they take to 18 the total number of new Boroondara projects entered into the database during 2016.

Whilst six projects are at planning, a seventh has already commenced its sales campaign. A summary of each new Apartments.com.au Project Database listing is provided below:

<h2>76-78 Doncaster Road, Balwyn North</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/image51_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Planning application image: DKO Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="382" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image51_1.jpg?itok=8Zsp_0VJ" title="Planning application image: DKO Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Planning application image: DKO Architecture</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Developer: DCF Property Group</li>
	<li>Architect: DKO Architecture</li>
	<li>60 apartments: 29 x 1 bedroom, 29 x 2 bedroom, 2 x 3 bedroom</li>
	<li>
473 square metres of retail space over 3 tenancies
</li>
	<li>90 car spaces &amp; 18 bicycle spaces</li>
	<li>Communal areas and rooftop garden</li>
</ul>
<h2>382-386 Burwood Road, Hawthorn</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/image56_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image: CDG"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image56_2.jpg?itok=_pdboBJQ" title="Image: CDG" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image: CDG</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Developer: CDG</li>
	<li>Architect: ROTHELOWMAN</li>
	<li>39 apartments: 13 x 1 bedroom, 26 x 2 bedroom</li>
	<li>
330.2 square metres of retail space over 2 tenancies
</li>
	<li>31 car spaces</li>
</ul>
<h2>1159 - 1163 Burke Road, Kew </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/image52_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Planning application image: CHC Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="345" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image52_1.jpg?itok=wFw3YCeX" title="Planning application image: CHC Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Planning application image: ClarkeHopkinsClarke</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Developer: BENLUK Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Architect: ClarkeHopkinsClarke</li>
	<li>5 apartments: 1 x 1 bedroom, 2 x 2 bedroom, 2 x 3 bedroom</li>
	<li>
1,055 square metres of commercial office space
</li>
	<li>170 square metre cafe</li>
	<li>42 car spaces</li>
	<li>Communal areas and rooftop garden</li>
</ul>
<h2>402-408 Riversdale Road, Hawthorn East</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image53_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Planning application image: Ewert Leaf"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="279" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image53_0.jpg?itok=t9mdvGcF" title="Planning application image: Ewert Leaf" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Planning application image: Ewert Leaf</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Developer: Steller</li>
	<li>Architect: Ewert Leaf</li>
	<li>32 apartments: 1 x 1 bedroom, 19 x 2 bedroom, 12 x 3 bedroom</li>
	<li>6 x two storey townhouses</li>
	<li>54 car spaces</li>
</ul>
<h2>422-526 Riversdale Road, Hawthorn East</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image54_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Planning application image: CHT Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="352" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image54_2.jpg?itok=2xJlk7J9" title="Planning application image: CHT Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Planning application image: CHT Architects</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Developer: Delta Property Group</li>
	<li>Architect: CHT Architects</li>
	<li>41 apartments: 9 x 1 bedroom, 32 x 2 bedroom </li>
	<li>45 car spaces and 30 bicycle spaces</li>
</ul>
<h2>9 Montrose Street, Hawthorn East</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/rtyujk_zpsml1yeju4.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Image: ROTHELOWMAN"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="340" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/rtyujk_zpsml1yeju4.png?itok=1rZTK3MM" title="Image: ROTHELOWMAN" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image: ROTHELOWMAN</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Developer: MK Emerald Developments Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Architect: ROTHELOWMAN</li>
	<li>34 apartments:12 x 1 bedroom and 22 x 2 bedroom</li>
	<li>27 car spaces and 28 bicycle spaces</li>
	<li>1 commercial tenancy of 51.6 square metres</li>
</ul>
<h2>Derby Place - 369 High Street, Kew</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/image57_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image: Crema Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image57_4.jpg?itok=GDByrHkf" title="Image: Crema Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image: Crema Group</figcaption></figure>Derby Place enters the database as the latest project for Port Melbourne-based Crema Group. Designed by Fender Katsalidis and CBG Architects the project will feature 1,2 and 3 bedroom apartments set above an activated streetscape.

The six level project features amenities such as a garden terrace, lounge, library, private dining space and bar. Crema Constructions will build Derby Place.

<h2>Boroondara at large</h2>

With the inception of the above projects, Boroondara now maintains 72 separate project entries in the Apartments.com.au Project Database; that is projects in the development pipeline, but yet to reach completion.

As with most areas of Melbourne the listings are heavily skewed in favour of residential use, although a small number of commercial projects are present.

Working on the assumption that all projects will be realised, Boroondara would see an additional 3,300 apartments spring from the current crop of listings.
</body></html>

Seven projects added as Boroondara booms

<html><body>
Highett is set to mirror neighbouring suburbs such as Cheltenham and Moorabbin with a taste of high density apartment living. No stranger to smaller stature apartment projects, a planning application was lodged with City of Kingston during February for a prime Highett development site located at 1233-1237 Nepean Highway.

Designed by RotheLowman for developer Growland Group, the 13 level building sits on a site of 4,383sqm. Apartments.com.au recently <a href="/news/growland-group-assumes-a-greater-presence-across-melbourne">touched upon the site</a> which was subject to a concept design by McBride Charles Ryan, although RotheLowman has been installed as project lead.

Dubbed the Highett Gateway Project, the large tract of land holds frontages to Southland Shopping Centre and an open air car park to the south, the ever-busy Nepean Highway to the west and low-rise residential properties to the north and east. The proposal also maintains a secondary address of 60-64 Matthieson Street, Highett.

The development site was offered for sale by Savills during September 2015.

<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/image66_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial perspective of the site. Image: Savills"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="388" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image66_1.jpg?itok=6RQnfDle" title="Aerial perspective of the site. Image: Savills" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial perspective of the site. Image: Savills</figcaption></figure>RotheLowman Senior Associate Belinda Nincevic provided Apartments.com.au with the following project description:

<blockquote>
The concept for this proposal focuses on the opportunity to create a community, through the building’s composition, articulation and iconic presence in this location.

The overall development will create a visual buffer to the blank hard edges at the northern side of the shopping centre while the commercial frontage will activate and improve the urban streetscape. A new pedestrian link is also proposed along the southern boundary promoting an improved pedestrian experience and connection between transport, commercial and residential destinations.

The proposal is for a collection of buildings varying in height from three to thirteen storeys; all of which connect at pedestrian level.
<cite>Belinda Nincevic, Senior Associate, RotheLowman</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/v1article.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A new Nepean Highway focal point? Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="349" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/v1article.jpg?itok=p5i6m6bd" title="A new Nepean Highway focal point? Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A new Nepean Highway focal point? Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN</figcaption></figure>Overall the 13 storey proposal totals 31,282.1sqm in Gross Floor Area, and will consist of approximately 265 apartments with associated amenities. Provisions for 289 car spaces have been included.

City of Kingston currently have the project at a Request for Further Information stage, with public advertising likely to follow for may would become Highett's tallest building.
</body></html>

RotheLowman seeks a new high design benchmark of Highett

<html><body>
Final touches are being applied to the Sky One display suite in preparation for the project's sales launch this Saturday. Gold in colour and mimicking the tower's eventual shape, the display suite is located at 545 Station Street, Box Hill.

Extensively covered by Apartments.com.au thus far, the tower is set to become a Box Hill landmark with developer Golden Age Group poised to accept reservations for what they believe will be a project that brings a heightened degree of sophistication to the suburb which is 14 kilometres due east of Melbourne's CBD.

The fourth and arguably most attractive design iteration for the site, the DKO Architecture-designed Sky One is a 36 level tower containing 434 apartments with unimpeded views to all directions. The apartments will sit atop a three-level retail, dining and health emporium, adding street level activity to a site which has been vacant for some time.

The food emporium will see a Shanghai laneways-inspired market, with a variety of restaurants on show.

<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/vw2_upda.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Lower level perspective of Sky One. Image courtesy Golden Age Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="343" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/vw2_upda.jpg?itok=Lb3x-qcw" title="Lower level perspective of Sky One. Image courtesy Golden Age Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Lower level perspective of Sky One. Image courtesy Golden Age Group</figcaption></figure>Further information has been shed on Sky One's features, with an array of amenities offered within the building. Level three is dedicated toward a residents’ Sky Lounge with landscaped gardens, pool, gym, spa, sauna, family wet area, yoga studio, formal and informal lounges, private dining, private cinema/media room and an entertainment room all present.

Penthouse and sub-penthouse residents over levels 32 to 35 and a limited number of north facing apartments will also have their own exclusive level 32 Sky Club. Meeting and function spaces are included as are relaxation areas.

<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/p12_sky_one_communal_poola.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Sky One's anticipated pool deck. Image courtesy Golden Age Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="271" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/p12_sky_one_communal_poola.jpg?itok=Bc5erVwy" title="Sky One's anticipated pool deck. Image courtesy Golden Age Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Sky One's anticipated pool deck. Image courtesy Golden Age Group</figcaption></figure>55 single bedroom apartments will maintain internals of between 44 to 47 square metres, with 342 dual bedroom apartment at between 66 to 82 square metres in size. More opulent three bedroom dwellings range between 92 and 127 square metres, while external areas range from a modest 7 square metres through to 88 square metre terraces.

325 basement parking spaces are included, allowing buyers who have no requirement or interest in driving to purchase a car space-free apartment accordingly.

A choice of two apartment interior schemes are available, split between the light-toned Dawn or dark-toned Dusk finishes, with an overarching emphasis on light and reflection throughout each apartment.

<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/p12_skye_one_formal_loungea.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="a lounge forms parts of the project's amenities. Image courtesy Golden Age Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="297" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/p12_skye_one_formal_loungea.jpg?itok=hfVpr0LC" title="a lounge forms parts of the project's amenities. Image courtesy Golden Age Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>a lounge forms parts of the project's amenities. Image courtesy Golden Age Group</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
We recognise this is a very important site and so we are creating a dynamic, distinctive building that will add vitality, vibrancy and quality to the local community and become a central hub for Box Hill.
<cite>Jeff Xu, Managing Director, Golden Age Group</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
Sky One will be seen from great distances because it is surrounded by low rise buildings and sits on the peak of Box Hill’s central hill, giving it a unique vantage point. Our design was based on Feng Shui principles which ensured we optimised light and the stunning views to the north and east as well as the panorama of the CBD to the southwest.

Golden Age understands owner occupiers are looking for top quality and amenity in their living spaces and our plans have been driven by giving residents the best light, views and living space designs.

The curving façade will be finished in bronze glass and bronze metal panels with apartment living areas glazed from floor to ceiling in high performance glass or double glazing, depending on aspect.
<cite>Jesse Linardi, Director, DKO</cite>
</blockquote>
</body></html>

Golden Age Group set to launch Sky One

<html><body>
Brunswick's Anstey Precinct has been a favourite of Apartments.com.au's for some years, essentially a microcosm of Melbourne's greater push toward higher density living outside the central city.

Anchored by Anstey Railway Station and with Breese Street as its spine, the Anstey Precinct has been subject to intense apartment development during recent years. While Apartments.com.au has been both positive and <a href="/expert-insights/buying/the-anstey-precinct-failing-at-a-basic-level">critical</a> of the resulting built-form, one planning application <a href="/news/giving-something-back-12-duckett-street-brunswick">shone through during 2014</a>.

Fast forward and the site in question at 12 Duckett Street is now up for sale with Colliers offering the 4,858sqm land parcel with approval for an interesting apartment development in tow.

<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_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Duckett Street merging with the Upfield Bike Path. Image: Colliers"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="265" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image35_2.jpg?itok=snjefRq2" title="Duckett Street merging with the Upfield Bike Path. Image: Colliers" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Duckett Street merging with the Upfield Bike Path. Image: Colliers</figcaption></figure>While developers will be drawn by the MOS Architects scheme allowing for 185 apartments and 11 commercial tenancies, the true 'super' nature of 12 Duckett Street is the manner in which it addresses the public realm.

With two separate residential buildings either side of Duckett Street the proposal sought and was granted the right to turn part of Duckett Street into a car free zone. Hand in hand with this is the introduction of a generous amount of green space on and around the development.

<blockquote>
The piazza is integral to the success of this development. We identified our subject site as a significant contributor to the high quality emerging developments within the close proximity.

Integration with the existing shared Upfield path is established as the site opens up to this path, promoting alternative movements and significant pedestrian activity.
<cite>MOS Architects, 2014 planning statement</cite>
</blockquote>

Approximately 80 metres of active frontage, high site permeability, green walls and setbacks to the Upfield bike path; these are traits not applicable to the majority of apartment developments which have landed within Anstey Precinct in recent years. And consequently this is why 12 Duckett Street is such an interesting and important development for the region.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image33_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hendrix and 8 Breese are in the early stages of construction"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="198" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image33_6.jpg?itok=Mt_uhfg7" title="Hendrix and 8 Breese are in the early stages of construction" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hendrix and 8 Breese are in the early stages of construction</figcaption></figure>While 12 Duckett Street looks for a new owner, construction is back on the agenda within Anstey Precinct. Almost simultaneously, two mid-sized apartment projects have begun construction with Maycon's Hendrix Apartments and Romano Property Group's 8 Breese both approaching bulk excavation.

Between the two developer-builder driven projects, approximately 135 apartments will be added to Anstey Precinct in addition to some much needed ground level activation by way of retail outlets.

Also set for construction is Nightingale at 6 Florence Street after receiving a Notice of Decision from Moreland City Council during March. After a well publicised VCAT rejection, the proposal was subject to minor alterations with limited onsite car parking included. With final approval in the offing, Nighingale looks like its set to join the Anstey Precinct, albeit long after it was intended.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image32_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Awaiting movement. Image: www.nightingale.melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image32_2.jpg?itok=VPoL3See" title="Awaiting movement. Image: www.nightingale.melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Awaiting movement. Image: www.nightingale.melbourne</figcaption></figure>
</body></html>

Anstey Precinct's premier development site offered for sale

<html><body>
Emerging local developer <a href="/developers/hirsch-faigen">H &amp; F Property</a> is seeking a slice of <a href="/new-apartments/box-hill-vic-3128">Box Hill's</a> booming apartment market with a current planning application for a substantial residential building.

Submission of the planning application follows H &amp; F Property's earlier pursuit of rezoning for the relevant site which was initially tagged as Commercial 2. Now consistent with the Box Hill Activity Centre Transit City Structure Plan, H &amp; F Property are chasing approval for a 20 storey mixed-use building created by <a href="/architects/sjb-architects">SJB Architects</a>.

Abutting Box Hill RSL, the proposal is substantially taller than anything in the immediate vicinity.

<h2>
<a href="/buildings/central-park-box-hill-12-14-nelson-road-box-hill">12-14 Nelson Road, Box Hill</a>: summary</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image12_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Planning application image: SJB Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="612" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image12_5.jpg?itok=HIeFttGA" title="Planning application image: SJB Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Planning application image: SJB Architects</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Submitted August 2015 with revisions dated January 2016</li>
	<li>Current site use: single storey warehouse building</li>
	<li>1,598sqm site area</li>
	<li>Proposed 20 level building at 64.5m (lower ground)</li>
	<li>148 apartments: 11 x 1BR, 29 x 1BR + Study, 108 x 2BR</li>
	<li>Retail tenancy: 143sqm</li>
	<li>Podium commercial tenancies total: 1,110sqm</li>
	<li>Basement and podium capacity for 180 vehicles</li>
	<li>91 bicycle spaces and 165 residential stores</li>
	<li>Communal facilities include roof deck, residents lounge, gym, BBQ / dining areas</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
The proposed development is still relatively modest in scale for this rapidly evolving suburb. At ground level (and the three podium levels) retail and/or commercial tenancies fronting Nelson Road provide activation and an engaging interface. Residential apartments activate the ground and podium levels to Shipley Street.

There are no south-facing apartments – a significant aspect of this proposal. In addition, apartments have been arranged such that there are a number of opportunities to combine one and two bedroom apartments to provide generous three bedroom family residences.

Architecturally, the proposal seeks to create a contemporary building form and façade language. A series of framed elements blur the legibility of floor levels by combining multiple levels into a single architectural component. These 
components also have the effect of making the building composition feel lighter, distorting its mass, and altering the scale and rhythm of the building.

The framed elements also create a dynamic, cascading pattern across the façade, giving it a strong and distinguishable architectural character amongst the varied architectural forms within this energising precinct.
<cite>SJB Architects, January 2016 Architectural Design Response</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/image14_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Planning application image depicting the rooftop area: Tract"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="241" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image14_6.jpg?itok=aFP26Wvp" title="Planning application image depicting the rooftop area: Tract" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Planning application image depicting the rooftop area: Tract</figcaption></figure>Integral to 12-14 Nelson Road's planning documents currently on display is the project's Urban Context Report prepared by SJB which gives an indicative development outcome for Box Hill through to 2030.

Although a concept, the image below does provide a glimpse of Box Hill's future with the current inundation of apartment buildings showing no sign of slowing. Of particular interest is the density emerging around Wellington Road with Spotlight Development Group's intended project joined by fellow projects 5-9 Wellington and 16-22 Wellington.

While the graphic provides great detail for current and expected built form north of Whitehorse Road, various development sites south of Whitehorse Road are not included. Factoring future large towers into the below graphic, an understanding of the massive proportions that Box Hill is headed toward can be gained.

<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_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Urban Context Report image: SJB"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="329" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image13_7.jpg?itok=tZAeqN2U" title="Urban Context Report image: SJB" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Urban Context Report image: SJB</figcaption></figure>12-14 Nelson Road is the second entry for H &amp; F Property within the Apartments.com.au Project Database, following on from their current apartment development located in <a href="/new-apartments/glen-iris-vic-3146">Glen Iris</a>. At <a href="/buildings/grace-1555-malvern-road-glen-iris">1555-1559 Malvern Road, Grace Apartments</a> is a <a href="/architects/conrad-architects?%2C0">Conrad Architects</a>-designed building containing 43 apartments over four levels.

With the concrete structure complete, builder <a href="/builders/maxcon">Maxcon</a> is proceeding with internals on the development which has an expected completion date toward the end of 2016.

<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/projectimages.image1_.144.grace_01b.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Grace Glen Iris. Image source: Maxcon"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="261" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/projectimages.image1_.144.grace_01b.jpg?itok=cqYuJinS" title="Grace Glen Iris. Image source: Maxcon" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Grace Glen Iris. Image source: Maxcon</figcaption></figure><h2>12-14 Nelson Road development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: H &amp; F Property Group</li>
	<li>Architect and Urban Design: SJB Architects</li>
	<li>Town Planning: Pro Urban</li>
	<li>Landscape Consultant: Tract</li>
	<li>Traffic Engineer: MGA Consultants</li>
	<li>Waste Management: Lid Consultants</li>
	<li>ESD: ARK Resources</li>
</ul>
</body></html>

H & F Property enter Box Hill with 12-14 Nelson Road

Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FH_1EzB-1vs?si=XScVlP1ERsTDJoME" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356818]

After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356828]

Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tsioMLcnjas?si=zq-ys3JuWpfa5hFv" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356829]

Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351104]

Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351102]

Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

Joel Robinson

From ONE to ERA: Why buyers are choosing GWH again in Newcastle West

Virgate Property Group is preparing to commence construction of Verdé, its new apartment development in Melbourne's Arts Precinct at Southbank, following a strong run of sales that has seen more than half of the project's 173 apartments secured.

Verdé has attracted a broad mix of first home buyers, owner-occupiers upgrading from nearby inner-city suburbs and investors, with younger owner-occupier couples aged between 28 and 45 accounting for the strongest enquiry. Many are already living in Southbank, South Melbourne, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and the CBD.

"Verdé is located in one of the most desirable pockets of southern Melbourne," Blair Property Group Director Darren Blair, who is managing sales at Verdé, said.

"It's within walking distance of the Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and Southbank's restaurants and retail. It's a great lifestyle location with strong amenity and liveability, which made it a very attractive choice for the project."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372549]

Virgate was already familiar with the precinct, having previously delivered the successful Domain House development in neighbouring South Melbourne. That experience gave the developer confidence to acquire the Coventry Street site and continue expanding its presence in Melbourne's inner south.

"We had been keeping an eye on the site and the broader precinct for a few months before deciding to move forward with the acquisition," Virgate said.

The project was ultimately secured in 2020 following feasibility studies, planning assessments and due diligence, with the brief centred on delivering "a high-quality, considered design that feels both refined and fit for purpose."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=314259]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, Verdé comprises 173 one, two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $599,000. The architecture is distinguished by a faceted glass façade that responds to both the site's outlook and Melbourne's changing light conditions.

According to Bruce Henderson Architects, the coloured glazing gives the building a distinctive identity while also providing privacy and solar shading, with residences oriented to capture views across the bay, city skyline and surrounding parklands.

Inside, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> has created interiors focused on natural light, efficient planning and enduring materials. Apartments feature engineered oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, floor-to-ceiling glazing and SMEG appliances, while a restrained material palette aims to complement the expansive outlooks rather than compete with them.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372550]

Resident amenity has also been designed around everyday functionality rather than occasional use. Facilities include a concierge-serviced lobby, residents' lounge with fireplace, library and co-working space, gym, terrace garden with barbecue facilities, ground-floor café, and package delivery management.

The project's location continues to be one of its strongest drawcards. Positioned on Coventry Street, Verdé sits within walking distance of the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park Lake, while Southbank's dining precinct, Sturt Street trams and the new ANZAC Station are all nearby. The surrounding education catchment also includes Melbourne Grammar, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School and several major university campuses.

The sales team says buyers have responded particularly well to the combination of location, design quality and long-term liveability.

"They're responding really positively to the quality of the design, premium resident amenities and the uninterrupted views. Many also appreciate the location and how connected it is to everything they need."

The ability to secure stamp duty savings before completion has also been a key factor for purchasers, alongside the opportunity to personalise finishes ahead of settlement.

With construction set to commence soon and more than half the apartments already sold, Verdé enters its next phase as one of the Arts Precinct's more established apartment developments, offering remaining buyers an opportunity to secure a residence before construction advances further. Expected completion is scheduled for late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4661]

Virgate's Verdé Southbank moves toward construction as sales fly past halfway stage

Downsizer-focused apartment development Kooyongkoot in Hawthorn has been recognised at the 2026 Better Future Melbourne Design Awards, taking home Gold and Silver awards in two categories.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a>, currently being delivered by developer PQD and designed by Cera Stribley, received Gold in the Interior Design – Proposed category and Silver in the Architecture – Proposed category.

The dual recognition reflects the design approach behind the boutique development on prestigious Kooyongkoot Road, where the focus has been on creating homes for downsizers seeking the space, quality and functionality of a detached house within a low-rise apartment building.

Rather than maximising apartment numbers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pqd">PQD</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> limited the development to just 18 residences, allowing for larger floorplans, greater privacy, generous landscaping and expansive communal spaces.&nbsp;The majority of the apartments also benefit from corner aspects, allowing for dual sources of natural light.

Now around 70 per cent complete and on track for completion in November 2026, Kooyongkoot will comprise a mix of garden residences, ter​race apartments, sub-penthouses, and is crowned by two half-floor penthouses with direct lift access and private rooftop terraces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355297]

The Silver Award for Architecture recognised the way the building responds to its prominent corner position at the ent​rance to Hawthorn's Scotch Hill precinct, one of Melbourne's most established residential neighbourhoods.

Rather than competing with the grand homes that line Kooyongkoot Road, the architectural approach focused on restraint and longevity, using curved brickwork, generous landscaping and carefully considered proportions to integrate with the existing streetscape.

"The form feels fluid and timeless, as though shaped by the landscape itself – architecture that belongs, rather than competes," said Chris Stribley, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Cera Stribley.

The judging submission also highlighted practical innovations throughout the building, including lift cores servicing only nine homes each, a central landscaped lightcourt designed to bring daylight and ventilation into the building, and fully enclosed private storage rooms with lighting, power and shelving to better accommodate residents transitioning from larger family homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355293]

The Gold Award for Interior Design recognised the project's focus on long-term liveability rather than display-home aesthetics.

According to the awards submission, the interiors were designed from the inside out, prioritising how homes would function over decades of daily use through generous proportions, practical storage, durable natural materials and flexible layouts.

The specification includes natural stone throughout, upgraded acoustic glazing, V-ZUG appliances and fully enclosed storage rooms, alongside an amenity offering focused on wellness, entertainment and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Residents will have access to a gym and yoga studio, a wellness centre featuring traditional and infrared saunas, a cold therapy shower and treatment room, as well as a residents' lounge and golf simulator/cinema room for entertainment.&nbsp;Kooyongkoot has also considered the everyday convenience of its residents by offering a private carwash and pet wash facilities on site as well as dedicated parcel lockers and oversized fully enclosed storage rooms.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355303]

The project's attention to detail has already resonated with buyers. Earlier this year, Kooyongkoot recorded one of Boroondara's highest apartment sales when an $8 million penthouse was purchased by a Melbourne CEO downsizing from a nearby family home.

"Every detail feels deliberate, from the overall design down to the smallest touches," the purchaser said.

"The level of quality and refinement is exceptional, but what really sold it was how liveable it felt... It felt like a place where everything had been considered, not just a luxury building."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355304]

Sustainability also formed a key part of both award submissions. Kooyongkoot is targeting a minimum 7.5-star NatHERS rating across all residences, supported by passive design principles, high-performance glazing, EV charging infrastructure, water reuse systems and a wellness model focused on lower-energy dry facilities rather than pools and large wet areas.

Located within walking distance of Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College, Koo​yong Lawn Tennis Club, Aubur​n Village and Camberwell Junction, Kooyongkoot continues to target owner-occupiers looking to remain in Melbourne's inner east without compromising on space or quality. A limited selection of two, three and four-bedroom residences remains available, with prices starting from $1.9 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102717]

Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=372394]

Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=953]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=925]

Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=5374]

The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Mark Baljak

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News