<html><body>
Queensland Prime Investments has been given the green light to proceed with a high-end apartment development overlooking the Brisbane River.

Last week Brisbane City Council chose to endorse the luxury apartment development located across 80-86 Oxlade Drive, New Farm. bureau^proberts handled the design of the project's 39 dwellings which are spread over two buildings.

A water mall and sculptural centrepiece define the ground level space, with a rooftop pool and terrace also included. The Oxdale Drive project is expected to cater for the well heeled; the project's penthouse will <a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/property/baby-steps-for-developer-seymours-grandkids/news-story/3d78cbcc191ed10d13f92d0b004312f9">reportedly</a> sell between $6-8 million with full floor apartments below priced from $3 million plus.

80-86 Oxlade Drive is Queensland Prime Investments' maiden development, having reached planning during 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/image160_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="bureau^proberts have created 80-86 Oxdale Drive"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="302" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image160_1.jpg?itok=ZgZwTn4o" title="bureau^proberts have created 80-86 Oxdale Drive" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>bureau^proberts have created 80-86 Oxlade Drive</figcaption></figure>Elsewhere in greater Brisbane, Plus Architecture has been busy designing an 8 storey apartment complex in Springfield Central. Last month proponent Springfield City Group took an application to Ipswich City Council looking to add another 74 dwellings to the existing Parkside residential development.

Springfield City Group is the appointed master developer of Greater Springfield, nominated as one of the nation’s fastest urban growth corridors. It is billed as the only fully master planned city to be built in Australia other than Canberra.

7004 Barry Alexander Drive is subject to the application, with Stage One already realising 66 dwellings.

The apartment mix for the pending addition sees 6 single, 49 dual and 13 triple-bedroom apartments in addition to 6 townhouses. Ground floor retail has been included within the scheme.

<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/image163_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Plus Architecture's new Springfield Central design"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image163_0.jpg?itok=BzJxswJ4" title="Plus Architecture's new Springfield Central design" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Plus Architecture's new Springfield Central design</figcaption></figure>Also late last month Mosaic Property Group moved a add to inner-city Windsor's emerging density, moving 24-28 Gallway Street to planning.

Proficient in low and mid-rise apartment projects, the developer hopes approval will be granted for the seven storey project set above two basement levels. The intended apartment mix consists of 41 dual bedroom and 15 triple bedroom apartments.

Mosaic Property Group's Gallway Street site is flanked either side by a quartet of existing five storey medium density apartment projects. The application would become the largest in the immediate vicinity.

<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/image167_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Mosaic Property Group is adding to Windsor"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="351" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image167_2.jpg?itok=YbJdwSH0" title="Mosaic Property Group is adding to Windsor" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Mosaic Property Group is adding to Windsor</figcaption></figure>
</body></html>

silvermb

QPI succeed in New Farm; Springfield Central and Windsor see new applications

<html><body>
An announcement last week by the NSW state government has advanced plans for the urban renewal of Waterloo's public housing estate.

Options for the renewal of the estate sees towers of up to 40 storeys envisaged, effectively making the current public housing estate an add on the the adjacent <a href="https://www.ugdc.nsw.gov.au/growth-centres/redfern-to-waterloo/metro-quarter/">Waterloo Metro Quarter</a> development. As many as 7,200 new dwellings are expected within the estate, effectively tripling the current housing number.

Private dwellings are on the agenda, accounting for as many as 70 per cent of the expected housing stock, with the balance dedicated toward affordable and public housing.

<a href="https://www.communitiesplus.com.au/major-sites/waterloo">Three options have been tabled for the 18 hectare estate</a>, dubbed Waterloo Estate, Waterloo Village Green and Waterloo Park.

<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/image142_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The area subject to renewal. Image: Communities Plus"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="337" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image142_1.jpg?itok=0KsQHK1U" title="The area subject to renewal. Image: Communities Plus" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The area subject to renewal. Image: Communities Plus</figcaption></figure>Unsurprisingly development industry peak body Urban Taskforce Australia was highly supportive of Waterloo's renewal. Additionally Urban Taskforce CEO Chris Johnson also passed comment on the current wider Sydney planning environment.

<blockquote>
The NSW Government’s promotion of high rise development at Waterloo should also occur on private sector sites around railway stations but in a pre-election environment much planning is on hold.

We support the extent of development proposed at Waterloo but the government seems to be concerned about similar developments in Marrickville and Ryde where planning has been delayed. It is pleasing to see the NSW Government proposing 40 storey buildings along with 20 and 30 storey residential towers around the proposed metro station.

This gives the private sector confidence that tall residential buildings are supported at a time when there is much community concern about the changing character of Sydney.

The Urban Taskforce supports the use of large sites, like the old brewery site on Broadway, for urban renewal projects as their scale can create the amenities and open space for the new community. We believe that there are many decaying industrial sites across the inner west that could produce quality developments like the one proposed at Waterloo.

At a time of a big swing in Sydney towards urban living the government must provide leadership to the community about the new shape of the city by supporting private development as well as public development. Unfortunately the pre-election environment has made the government nervous about development on private land and this will slow down housing supply.
</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/image143_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Waterloo Redevelopment Options is available for public comment. Image: Communities Plus"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="568" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image143_3.jpg?itok=c5tGYZez" title="Waterloo Redevelopment Options is available for public comment. Image: Communities Plus" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Waterloo Redevelopment Options is available for public comment. Image: Communities Plus</figcaption></figure>With a development timeframe of 15 to 20 years, the estate's masterplan is taking shape with an aim of "reflecting the community’s needs and priorities along with the findings from a range of technical studies".

The trio of development options are now subject to a period of public feedback prior to a preferred plan being adopted. Beyond the adoption of and implementation of the preferred masteplan, it will be referred to Department of Planning and Environment for assessment in order to be ratified.

Further information on the Waterloo estate urban renewal can be found <a href="https://www.communitiesplus.com.au/major-sites/waterloo">here</a>.
</body></html>

UTA lauds Waterloo's proposed urban renewal as a benchmark for Sydney

A trio of current construction tenders are heralding the next wave of student accommodation builds that will aid in servicing the sector.

Three major projects are at tender; <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">183-189 A'Beckett Street</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/developments/carlton-vic-3053">625-631 Swanston Street</a> and&nbsp;<a href="/developments/carlton-vic-3053">500 Swanston Street</a>. Combined they stand to add in the vicinity of 2,140 additional students beds.

Largest is&nbsp;<a href="/developers/wee-hur-holdings-ltd">Wee Hur Holdings</a>' A'Beckett street plot which the developer pounced upon after it was offered for sale with approved plans for an apartment development in tow.&nbsp;183-189 A'Beckett Street forms an integral plank in&nbsp;Wee Hur Holdings' expansion into the student accommodation sector.

The pending build will form part of an expected portfolio of developments that will eventually contain&nbsp;3250 beds across Australia.

<a href="/architects/hayball">Hayball</a> have conceived the redesigned tower which spans&nbsp;48 levels, and are also responsible for&nbsp;625-631 Swanston Street. Dubbed Little Hall, that mid-rise build aims to deliver 669 students beds in conjunction with the University of Melbourne opposite Carlton's Lincoln Square.

<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/image198_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hayball's take on A'Beckett Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="606" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image198_1.jpg?itok=K0gl7QhS" title="Hayball's take on A'Beckett Street" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Hayball's take on A'Beckett Street</figcaption>
</figure>

<a href="/developers/little-projects-co">Little Projects</a> head Paul Little is backing the development,&nbsp;with a personal donation used to fund a new “philanthropic” model of student accommodation where at least $2 million of returns from the hall will be used to fund a scholarship program.

A head contractor is on track&nbsp;to be appointed and commence works by October 2018, with a 2020 completion date in mind.

Demolition works have just wrapped up at 500 Swanston Street. The former CFMEU headquarters has made way Journal Student Living's next Melbourne project. When appointed the prevailing builder will construct a&nbsp;METIER3-designed tower that includes near on 600 student beds and an activated laneway&nbsp;at street level.

The current tenders follow on from Watpac announcing last month that it was&nbsp;awarded a $49 million contract to build <a href="/developments/carlton-vic-3053">123-135 Bouverie Street</a>. That project involves the delivery of 579 beds for developer Cedar Pacific, with the building to be managed by UniLodge.

Also in the construction queue are <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">UniLodge Place</a> at&nbsp;478-488 Elizabeth Street and South Yarra's first dedicated student accommodation building, <a href="/developments/south-yarra-vic-3141">Iglu at 6 Claremont Street</a>.

A sweep through <a href="/">Apartments.com.au's</a> current Melbourne student accommodation builds sees a dozen projects at construction, combining to add 4,385 new beds to the sector.

The dramatic slow in new development applications&nbsp;is in part reflective of the industry's rapid delivery of student accommodation builds in recent years to match latent demand. No new major development applications have been lodged this calendar year for&nbsp;student accommodation projects across inner 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/image199_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Demand is set to be absorbed by projects such as 1 Flemington Road"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="388" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image199_0.jpg?itok=6PYcXhOm" title="Demand is set to be absorbed by projects such as 1 Flemington Road" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Demand is set to be absorbed by projects such as 1 Flemington Road</figcaption>
</figure>

Profiling the next wave of Melbourne student accommodation builds 

<html><body>
Developer Blue Earth Group is pushing through with two sizeable developments, including initiating Fishermans Bend's latest skyscraper.

Piling works have begun at Southbank's 202-214 Normanby Road, heralding the latest addition to the sluggish Fishermans Bend development scene. Blue Earth Group <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/fosters-to-sell-cubs-southbank-headquarters-20170426-gvswq6">reportedly</a> nabbed the approved 1,518 square metre site during 2017 when it was offered for sale with a permit in place.

Rothelowman created the approved scheme for the site although an amended design is being sought for the tower, with CHT Architects tipped to be leading the redesign.

<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/image139_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Normanby Road is subject to development"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="287" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image139_3.jpg?itok=_5LfHg3K" title="Normanby Road is subject to development" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Normanby Road and the initial Rothelowman design</figcaption></figure>202-214 Normanby Road's initiation is the first major apartment project start within Fishermans Bend in over a year. Incidentally Blue Earth Group was the <a href="/news/fishermans-bends-first-project-breaks-ground">first developer to begin construction</a> of a residential tower in the urban renewal precinct, with Gravity Tower commencing during 2015.

Since that time there have been scant few construction starts within Fishermans Bend as planning uncertainty superseded many development applications. The only other project moving toward construction is directly opposite 202-214 Normanby Road; Capital Alliance is looking to move the mixed-use <a href="/buildings/normanby-199-201-normanby-road-southbank">199-201 Normanby Road</a> tower to construction during this quarter.

Across town and Blue Earth Group is preparing for the launch of a major mixed-use development in Ivanhoe.

Site clearance works are all but complete across 37-63 Bell Street with a display suite taking shape. Developer JTX International gained approval for 36,000 square metres of built form across the triple fronted 8,924 square metre site and promptly onsite the permit.

Blue Earth Group <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/jtx-sells-25m-ivanhoe-site-for-treble-what-it-paid-last-year-20170824-gy32ir">reportedly</a> picked up the site during 2017. Whether the developer sticks with the Hayball-designed approved scheme remains to be seen.

Approved within the Hayball scheme are 244 residential apartments, 80 Independent Living Units, 100 Aged Care beds, a 90 place childcare centre and 665 square metres of commercial space.

<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_4211.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="37-63 Bell Street Ivanhoe's current progress"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="324" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_4211.jpg?itok=qg8H8GkP" title="37-63 Bell Street Ivanhoe's current progress" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>37-63 Bell Street Ivanhoe's current progress</figcaption></figure>Blue Earth Group's moves on Ivanhoe and Fishermans Bend are in addition to their current crop of developments.

A short distance to their Bell Street development, marketing continues in earnest for 9-11 Martin Street in Heidelberg. Dubbed <a href="/buildings/martin-powlett-9-11-martin-street-heidelberg">Martin &amp; Powlett</a> the projejct includes approximately 120 dwellings.

Now at construction for the developer is the first phase of Footscray's <a href="/buildings/boat-house-2-joseph-road-footscray">2-6 Hopkins Street</a>, Brunswick West's <a href="/buildings/the-grove-1-5-olive-york-way-brunswick-west">1-5 Olive York Way</a> and <a href="/new-apartments/embassy-36-doonside-street-richmond">Embassy</a> within Richmond. Add Southbank's <a href="/buildings/the-international-61-haig-street-southbank">The International</a> which is receiving its finishing touches and the quartet of builds will add hundreds of new apartments to Melbourne's stock. 
</body></html>

Blue Earth's Fishermans Bend skyscraper moves to construction, Ivanhoe approaching launch

<html><body>
Brunswick's much hyped buildings which constitute Nightingale Village are on show for the first time.

The seven constituent buildings designed by differing architecture firms were jointly lodged with City of Moreland during May, and are now available for public viewing. 210 apartments and 8 commercial tenancies are included within the project which has an accumulated delivery cost of $70 million.

An exemption in statutory car parking requirements is also sought, in line with the Nightingale model's mantra of including minimal or no car parking.

The development which straddles Duckett, Hope and West streets in Brunswick is adjacent to Anstey Railway Station and is formally backed by R &amp; A Michael Investments Pty Ltd. Advisory Hansen Partnership is handling planning duties.

<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/image107_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The seven buildings that constitute Nightingale Village"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="532" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image107_2.jpg?itok=Be5Uepxn" title="The seven buildings that constitute Nightingale Village" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The seven buildings that constitute Nightingale Village</figcaption></figure>The architects involved in the design of Nightingale Village include Architecture Architecture, Austin Maynard Architects, Breathe Architecture, Clare Cousins Architects, Hayball, Kennedy Nolan and WOWOWA Architecture. Whilst some firms such as Hayball and Architecture Architecture are fresh to the Nightingale model, Breathe Architecture are saddling up for their third tilt at a Nightingale design.

Nightingale's model is described as "leading a housing revolution in our cities by constructing multi-residential buildings that are financially, socially and environmentally sustainable."

Whilst Nightingale projects to date have been solitary designs, Nightingale Village is an attempt to bring mass-scale change to a pocket of Brunswick that has traditionally been dedicated to light industrial uses. Sites surrounding Nightingale Village have been transformed into apartment blocks, although few pay little design attention as to how they reach with the streetscape.

As far back as 2015 Apartments.com.au highlighted the blossoming apartment precinct surrounding Anstey Station and its <a href="/expert-insights/buying/the-anstey-precinct-failing-at-a-basic-level">failure to adequately address the streetscape</a>.

Nightingale Village aims to bring the seven different designs together cohesively at street level. Nightingale's backers describe the designs and wider village as "a chance to change the way housing is built on a wider scale and to create smart, deliberate and liveable density."

<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/image109_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Separate buildings with a common street level purpose"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="334" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image109_3.jpg?itok=NBWyqBzp" title="Separate buildings with a common street level purpose" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Separate buildings with a common street level purpose</figcaption></figure>A short distance from pilot projects The Commons and Nightingale 1, Nightingale Village's designs will be looked at in depth by Apartments.com.au over coming weeks. Links to these can be found below:

<ul>
<li><a href="/news/nightingale-village-episode-i-nightingale-wow">Nightingale WOW</a></li>
	<li><a href="/news/nightingale-village-episode-ii-crt-yrd">CRT+YRD</a></li>
	<li><a href="/news/nightingale-village-episode-iii-nightingale-cca">Nightingale CCA</a></li>
	<li><a href="/news/nightingale-village-episode-iv-kennedy-nolan">Kennedy Nolan</a></li>
	<li><a href="/developments/brunswick-vic-3056">Skye House</a></li>
	<li><a href="/news/nightingale-village-episode-vi-nightingale-coup">Nightingale Coup</a></li>
	<li><a href="/news/nightingale-village-episode-vii-austin-maynard-architects">Austin Maynard</a></li>
</ul>
The overall project is maintaining a tight development timeline, with information evenings for prospective buyers leading into further small group sessions and a targeted town planning approval for late this year. <a href="/architects/hayball">Hayball have noted</a> that subdivisions of the irregularly shaped development plot are also expected later this year, with a purchaser sales night slated for March 2019.

Owing to the popularity of the Nightingale model and subsequent waiting list, construction is expected to begin mid next year with an eye toward a late 2020 completion.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/276660386" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe>

<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://vimeo.com/276660386">Nightingale Village Architects Presentations 18.06.18</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user62285734">Nightingale Housing</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.
</body></html>

Nightingale's magnificent seven on show for the first time

<html><body>
The appointment of construction company Multiplex as head contractor for Beulah International's Paragon apartment tower has nudged the number of apartments in Multiplex's current Melbourne build schedule toward 7,000.

Located atop the shell of the former Celtic Club on Queen and La Trobe streets, Paragon is a $200 million apartment development containing 227 apartments over 48 levels. The appointment of Multiplex sees the builder join existing project team members including architects Fender Katsalidis and landscape designer Paul Bangay.

Multiplex will not only deliver the apartments but also a green space within the tower that Beulah International have dubbed 'the urban forest'.  The three storey elevated indoor urban forest is slated as an Australian first.

Paragon's distinctive facade takes on a golden hue and is overlapped by a geometric pattern across a curtain wall 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/image94_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Part of Paragon's urban forest. Image: Beulah International"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="305" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image94_4.jpg?itok=7m3OF9AT" title="Part of Paragon's urban forest. Image: Beulah International" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Part of Paragon's urban forest. Image: Beulah International</figcaption></figure>On the appointment of Multiplex, Beulah International Managing Director Jiaheng Chan stated “This is the first time Beulah International has worked with Multiplex and we chose to collaborate on Paragon due their strong industry reputation globally accurately reflecting the premium nature of this project. 

Having recently taken out the Australian construction industry’s most prestigious honour, the Australian Construction Achievement Award, combined with the fact that they are one of the largest contractors globally with over half a century of experience in large-scale development projects, we have the confidence that the creative vision of Paragon will be delivered on time and to the highest quality."

Beulah International have heightened their Melbourne profile of late; the appointment of Multiplex to deliver Paragon is in addition to the firm's recent launches of super luxury projects <a href="/buildings/fawkner-house-146-150-toorak-road-west-south-yarra">Fawkner House</a> and <a href="/buildings/the-grounds-of-kew-367-cotham-road-kew">The Grounds of Kew</a>, plus the <a href="/news/southbank-by-beulah-designs-revealed-at-future-cities-symposium">symposium</a> held recently which outlined the design's vying to become Melbourne's tallest tower at Beulah International's 118 City Road site. 

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image92_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Paragon in the centre of Melbourne's evolving skyline. Image: Beulah International"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image92_6.jpg?itok=dSntFH54" title="Paragon in the centre of Melbourne's evolving skyline. Image: Beulah International" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Paragon in the centre of Melbourne's evolving skyline. Image: Beulah International</figcaption></figure>Whilst Paragon has a nominal completion date of 2020, it is by no means the definitive project for Multiplex.

The tier 1 builder has no less than 10 major Melbourne apartment towers under its wing. These 10 developments equate to approximately 6,730 apartments in delivery mode across inner Melbourne; the sheer size of these towers leads to an average of approximately 673 dwellings per project.

Headlining the builder's schedule are super projects <a href="/buildings/australia-108-southbank-70-southbank-boulevard-southbank">Australia 108</a>, <a href="/buildings/melbourne-square-93-119-kavanagh-street-southbank">Melbourne Square</a> and <a href="/buildings/swanston-central-168-victoria-street-carlton">Swanston Central</a>, with each of these exceeding the 1,000 dwelling threshold. Multiplex also has the initial stage of <a href="/buildings/queens-place-157-a-beckett-street-and-370-queen-street-melbourne">Queens Place</a> which includes 815 apartments, a duo of sizeable Central Equity towers, South Yarra's <a href="/buildings/capitol-grand-241-toorak-road-south-yarra">Capitol Grand</a>, Cbus Property's <a href="/buildings/collins-arch-447-collins-street-melbourne">Collins Arch</a> and Fragrance Group's <a href="/buildings/premier-tower-134-160-spencer-street-melbourne">Premier Tower</a> on Spencer Street.

In addition to the above residential builds, Multiplex also has 80 Collins Street and 405 Bourke Street under its command. The commercial projects are supplemented by current tertiary builds for Monash University at both their Clayton and Frankston campuses.
</body></html>

Paragon pushes Multiplex's Melbourne apartment construction count toward 7,000 

<html><body>
Developer Alfasi Group's intended hotel development at 2-10 River Street looks to have advanced with Hyatt Centric earmarked for the project.

Current planning documents and renders note Hyatt Centric as the operator of the intended 10 storey hotel development design by Carr Architecture. 153 keys are slated for the mid-rise development which is situated behind The Como Centre.

Alfasi Group picked up the 2,116 square metre commercially zoned site for $18 million during 2017. If Hyatt Hotels Corporation ratifies the South Yarra location, it will be the second Hyatt Centric in Melbourne behind the <a href="/news/little-projects-lands-hyatt-centric-for-downie-street">recently announced CBD location</a> which will carry 278 guestrooms and suites.

<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/image120_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Alfasi River Street development. Image: Carr Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="351" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image120_0.jpg?itok=nmJu4hPZ" title="Alfasi River Street development. Image: Carr Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Alfasi River Street development. Image: Carr Architecture</figcaption></figure>Little Projects is back in the apartment game with a planning application on Prahran's Grattan Street.

After divesting itself of an approved development site at 89 Lorimer Street and choosing not to proceed with South Yarra's 38-40 Claremont Street, the developer is chasing approval for a development at 17-22 Grattan Street. Currently Little Projects only have <a href="/buildings/hedgeley-60-belgrave-road-malvern-east">Hedgeley</a> within Malvern East at construction.

The unique Plus Architecture-designed scheme includes 55 apartments over 7 levels, split between 19 single, 30 double and 6 triple bedroom dwellings.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image38_21_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Little Projects' Prahran development. Image: Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="351" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image38_21_0.jpg?itok=nSp4DrdU" title="Little Projects' Prahran development. Image: Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Little Projects' Prahran development. Image: Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure>Also in Prahran, a site on Porter Street has been earmarked for a commercial reincarnation.

C.Kairouz Architects has designed a boutique 9 level commercial building that would replace a current Bridgestone dealership. Expected is a bulging, serrated facade dominated by a brick exterior, plus an adjacent pocket park.

56-58 Porter Street is designed to include approximately 4,200 square metres of commercial space above three basement levels. The $11 million build was lodged with Stonnington during June and is backed by entity Seventeenth Android Pty Ltd.

<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/image124_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Porter Street's new purpose. Image: C.Kairouz Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="398" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image124_0.jpg?itok=D8GNZVh6" title="Porter Street's new purpose. Image: C.Kairouz Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Porter Street's new purpose. Image: C.Kairouz Architects</figcaption></figure>Malvern Road's transformation into a low-rise apartment strips roll on, this time in the form of 1757-1767 Malvern Road, Glen Iris.

1757 Malvern Road Pty Ltd has utilised Cera Stribley Architects to come up with a tri-level apartment block aimed primarily at owner occupiers. 9 double and 20 triple bedroom apartments are included within the proposal, as are 57 car spaces.

1757-1767 Malvern Road is the latest in a string of dozens of low-rise apartment developments that have proliferated along the thoroughfare in recent years. There are 30 plus apartment developments that are now active within the Apartments.com.au Project Database along the Malvern Road corridor.

<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/image128_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Malvern Road's latest. Image: Cera Stribley Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="279" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image128_4.jpg?itok=m3bXSCfi" title="Malvern Road's latest. Image: Cera Stribley Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Malvern Road's latest. Image: Cera Stribley Architects</figcaption></figure>Additional residential projects at 1755 Malvern Road, Glen Iris and 1399-1401 Dandenong Road, Malvern East are also set to join the Apartments.com.au Project Database shortly. All in all Apartments.com.au is keeping tabs on 122 residential projects within City of Stonnington, in addition to a handful of commercial developments.

2-10 River Street aside City of Stonnington is also seeing a number of hotels in progress, including <a href="/new-apartments/402-416-chapel-street-south-yarra">Aloft Chapel Street</a>, <a href="/developments/chadstone-vic-3148">MGallery by Sofitel</a> and South Yarra's <a href="/developments/south-yarra-vic-3141">35-41 Claremont Street</a>.
</body></html>

Hyatt Centric circling South Yarra headlines Stonnington's development news

<html><body>
Geelong stands to gain the nation's first Holiday Inn Hotel &amp; Suites outlet as part of a freshly approved mixed-use development.

44 Ryrie Street is backed by Franzé Developments and consists of a commercial tower alongside the Holiday Inn Hotel &amp; Suites outlet. Owing to its overall size, the $150 million project was granted approval via the Planning Minisiter's office.

The Ryrie Street development shapes as the region's largest pending development and further adds to Geelong's growing impetus as a urban renewal hot spot. The 2,700 square metre corner site is located within the Geelong Activity Centre Zone.

Architectus handled design duties for the project, which sees an integrated and permeable street level link a multitude of uses. Approximately 1,000 square metres of ground floor retail space will tie the ground plane together, with the corner tower dedicated toward hotel needs.

The commercial tower is approved to include 7,400 square metres office space.

InterContinental Group will operate the Holiday Inn Hotel &amp; Suites outlet on a 20-year agreement; the agreement between developer and hotel operator was reached during late 2017. Valued at $75 million, the hotel component represents the largest new hotel project in the region for near on 20 years. 

<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/image114_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Street level perspective. Image: Franze Developments"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="513" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image114_6.jpg?itok=ynEVLYbm" title="Street level perspective. Image: Franze Developments" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Street level perspective. Image: Franze Developments</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
Our vision for the Ryrie Street site is to deliver a truly mixed-use project that responds to the Central Geelong Action Plan which will see Geelong evolve from its manufacturing roots to a city of culture and innovation. Geelong is now one of Australia’s fastest growing regional cities, with population expected to grow by more than 150,000 people in the next 20 years, and the urban environment and amenity needs to respond accordingly.

Geelong has a diverse and strong economy with over 17,000 businesses and a highly skilled labour force. It continues to attract new residents and investment due to its livability and proximity to Melbourne, combined with increasing employment opportunities and affordability.
<cite>Paul Franzé, Founder and Managing Director of Franzé Developments</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
The design of 44 Ryrie Street draws upon the history of both the city and the site. The materiality, rhythm and scaling of the buildings reference the iconic wool stores of Geelong, and the grain of the city’s rich heritage fabric.

Creating an active mixed use development that incorporates hotel, residences, office and a vibrant retail ground plane, the project stitches seamlessly into the adjacent cultural precinct and builds on the investment in the area to become a gateway to Geelong's city centre.
<cite>Matthew Smith, Managing Principal at Architectus</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/image112_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Envisaged terrace views over Geelong. Image: Franze Developments"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image112_2.jpg?itok=1fiMmBTF" title="Envisaged terrace views over Geelong. Image: Franze Developments" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Envisaged terrace views over Geelong. Image: Franze Developments</figcaption></figure>Franze Developments made its move on the site during 2017, purchasing the site for $7 million. Shortly after the purchase<a href="/news/geelong-poised-to-score-a-new-hotel-as-franze-developments-heads-down-the-highway"> intentions were flagged for the delivery of a mixed-use project</a> which was expected to include the city's first new hotel in a generation.

Holiday Inn Hotel &amp; Suites amenities will include an all-day dining restaurant and bar, swimming pool, gym, meeting facilities and a function room for 250 people.

The site's 90 metre frontage to Ryrie Street includes a new public thoroughfare linking Ryrie Street and Cuzens Place. The offices and apartments are linked to communal outdoor space under approved plans, with a vertical green wall facing Ryrie Street set to frame a new plaza.

Demolition across the site has begun with construction to start later this year. Holiday Inn Hotel &amp; Suites has a nominated opening date during 2020.

<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/44_ryrie_street_-_public_spaces_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Public space tied in with the development. Image: Franze Developments"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="544" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/44_ryrie_street_-_public_spaces_1.jpg?itok=j8lyARIl" title="Public space tied in with the development. Image: Franze Developments" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Public space tied in with the development. Image: Franze Developments</figcaption></figure>
</body></html>

Approval granted for a major $150 million Geelong development

<html><body>
Developer <a href="/developers/rf-property-australia">R&amp;F Property Australia</a> will this Saturday take the uncommon step of hosting a community day which will showcase the heritage aspects of their Live City 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/live_footscray_event_invite.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Live Footscray free community event"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="304" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/live_footscray_event_invite.jpg?itok=VzpHdU6y" title="Live Footscray free community event" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Live City Footscray community event</figcaption></figure>Live City is the working name for the former Kinnears Rope Factory site which primarily fronts <a href="/new-apartments/footscray-vic-3011">Footscray’s</a> Ballarat Road. The bulk of the former factory’s unique brick facade which spans hundreds of metres and other heritage aspects will be retained as part of R&amp;F Property’s multi-phased transformation of the hulking site which maintains three street frontages.

According to the <a href="http://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/12649/download-report">Victorian Heritage Register</a>, the Kinnears Rope Factory’s spans back to 1909, with subsequent buildings added through to 1969. 

The Victorian Heritage Register notes "Kinnears Ropeworks is of historical significance for its contribution to the industrial landscape of Melbourne, in particular the western suburb of Footscray as a major industrial centre. Kinnears Ropeworks, Footscray, is of architectural significance as an important example of a large industrial complex and is highly representative of early twentieth century industrial construction."

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/v2165.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Kinnears in action during 1921. Image: Victorian Places"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="361" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/v2165.jpg?itok=xz3q1iyU" title="Kinnears in action during 1921. Image: Victorian Places" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Kinnears in action during 1921. Image: Victorian Places</figcaption></figure>The community day and barbecue will be an opportunity for Footscray residents, Victoria University students, the local business community and surrounding retails to witness first-hand what the intended transformation of the site entails.

To shed light upon the massive redevelopment that will in time introduce a mixed-use programme across the over 3 hectare site, R&amp;F Property will outline their intentions for the development, whilst heritage consultant Lovell Chen will provide an in depth presentation regarding the project’s key heritage  retentions and how they will interact with the new built form.

Touching upon the historic importance of site, Lovell Chen will explain in detail various heritage components and Live City’s master vision. The approved master plan will see laneways and heritage brick structures incorporated into the fabric of the new precinct, with the heritage consultant also explaining how the community will be able to utilise the development upon its completion.

<a href="/news/live-city-footscray-begins-construction-pushing-r-fs-current-apartment-pipeline-beyond-3-000">Construction of Live City’s first tower is underway</a>, as are heritage retention works.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/live_city_3_preview_0_0.jpeg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial overview of the Footscray development in its entirety. Image: R&amp;F Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="390" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/live_city_3_preview_0_0.jpeg?itok=LqaPU71h" title="Aerial overview of the Footscray development in its entirety. Image: R&amp;F Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial overview of the Footscray development in its entirety. Image: R&amp;F Property</figcaption></figure>Attendees will have the opportunity to meet representatives of the Live City delivery team. 

R&amp;F Property expect that Saturday’s event will foster greater community awareness and understanding of what is Footscray’s largest development. The project has been given the green light to add retail, community and commercial uses plus as many as 1,450 new dwellings alongside various retained heritage structures across the site.

The heritage showcase community event will be held this Saturday August 4th between 12:30pm – 4pm at The Live City Display Suite at the corner of Ballarat Road and Farnsworth Avenue.
</body></html>

Live City’s heritage credentials to be outlined via a community event

<html><body>
Another Box Hill super site is up for approval with plans unveiled for 837 Whitehorse Road.

Towers of 16, 19 and 29 storeys are on developer Buzy B Pty Ltd's agenda. A secondary approximately 100 metres frontage encompasses 3-5 Poplar Street; the roughly 3,000 square metre corner site has been slated to hold substantial residential, retail, commercial and hotel components.

CHT Architects have designed the tri-towered development, which initially went to planning mid last year and is now available for public viewing.

<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/image101_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="837 Whitehorse Road's location. Image: CBRE"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image101_1.jpg?itok=vH2ipyOn" title="837 Whitehorse Road's location. Image: CBRE" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>837 Whitehorse Road's location. Image: CBRE</figcaption></figure>The existing low-rise building will make way for the towers, with the tallest spanning 104 metres. Included are 273 dwellings consisting of 118 one-bedroom, 140 two-bedroom and 15 three-bedroom apartments located within the taller towers.

49 hotel suites are located in the common podium which spans both residential towers, as is 578 square metres of retail space.

Box Hill's sluggish addition of commercial space over recent years stands to gain with Buzy B Pty Ltd backing plans for an office building taking the prime corner position. The tower's slender profile allows for only 5,979 square metres across 16 storeys.

444 car parking spaces and 176 bicycle parking spaces are included over 6 basement levels.

The application's varied uses will see an array of amenities earmarked for the development, including a spa and pool, yoga room, common areas, function room, kitchen area and business lounge. Dedicated residential communal space totals 820 square metres across levels 4, 16, 21.

<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/image105_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="An early planning image depicting a taller 837 Whitehorse Road. Planning image: Fender Katdsalidis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="369" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image105_1.jpg?itok=zSU3wagT" title="An early planning image depicting a taller 837 Whitehorse Road. Planning image: Fender Katdsalidis" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>An early planning image depicting a taller 837 Whitehorse Road. Planning image: Fender Katdsalidis</figcaption></figure>837 Whitehorse Road's location will see it abut LongRiver Group's 843 Whitehorse Road which is expected to rise 37 levels. Earlier planning images indicated that 837 Whitehorse Road was to have been Box Hill's tallest, although the development has regressed to the current 104 metre height.

Regardless of 837 Whitehorse Road's final height, it still ranks as amongst <a href="/developments/box-hill-vic-3128">Box Hill's tallest buildings</a>.

With its addition to the Apartments.com.au Project Database, the number of towers in Box Hill above 20 levels and yet to be realised to 10 with another planned for Box Hill Institute's 1000 Whitehorse Road.
</body></html>

Box Hill stays busy with another major development unveiled

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]

Joel Robinson

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>.

Rainbow Bay apartment doubles in price since off the plan sale during pandemic

The long-planned transformation of Brisbane's historic Shafston Estate has taken another major step, with Capella Hotel Group announced as the luxury hospitality partner behind what will become Brisbane's first branded residences.

The project, to be known as Capella Residences Brisbane, is being delivered by Verso Projects at the landmark Kangaroo Point riverfront estate, with completion targeted for 2029.

The announcement follows a series of planning changes to the project over recent years. The site was originally approved in 2023 for a 15-level, 37-apartment development designed by Rothelowman for Burgundy Group before Verso Projects took over the 10,070 sqm riverfront holding and lodged revised plans with Kerry Hill Architects to increase the development to a 25-level tower with 51 apartments.

The latest announcement confirms Capella Hotel Group will bring its branded residential offering to the project, marking just the second Capella Residences development globally after Seoul, and the group's first branded residential project in Australia.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/23-castlebar-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Castlebar Street development</a> will centre around the restoration of the heritage-listed Shafston House, one of Brisbane's oldest residences, originally constructed in 1851 by Reverend Robert Creyke as a single-storey cottage known as Ravenscott.

<img alt="Capella" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2b9f4ce5-638f-4d6b-8082-3ca7e4b75fca" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-09%20at%207.20.41%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=f7aeqsW_DzOJI4FymWb3lD8NptSfsP7q" />

Capella said the project aligns with its focus on heritage-led developments, with the Brisbane estate combining the restored historic residence with a new luxury apartment tower and hospitality-inspired resident amenities.

Residents will have access to the Capella Living Room, a concierge-led communal space inspired by the group's luxury hotels, alongside landscaped gardens, six swimming pools, wellness and recreation facilities.

The broader estate will also include two riverfront homes, a six-berth private marina, porte cochère arrival experience, secure basement parking and a new section of public riverwalk along the Brisbane River frontage.

The heritage Postal Depot Building will also be retained and repurposed as a guest house, in line with the revised development plans.

The project represents another evolution for the site, which Kerry Hill Architects previously described as a rare opportunity to restore one of Brisbane's most significant heritage estates while creating a new benchmark for apartment living.

"The Shafston Estate provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to restore one of Brisbane's finest heritage precincts and to reinstate residential use as a unique site perched on the edge of Kangaroo Point," Kerry Hill Architects said in its Urban Context Report accompanying the planning submission.

"The project will celebrate excellence in sub-tropical residential design, setting a new benchmark for vertical living in Brisbane."

Verso Projects, which now has an $8.5 billion development pipeline spanning more than 6,000 dwellings across apartments, townhouses, retail and commercial projects, said the partnership with Capella would elevate the development beyond a traditional residential project.

"We feel honoured to be restoring Shafston Estate to its former glory, elevating it to new heights of luxury and excellence underpinned by Capella's distinctive service ethos and design philosophy, and making it a standout landmark in Brisbane," Verso Projects CEO Steve Laffey said.

"By partnering with Capella, globally recognised for its refined approach to luxury hospitality and deep respect for cultural and historical context, we will elevate this project beyond a residential offering into a world-class destination."

Capella Hotel Group President Roland Fasel said Brisbane's emergence as a global city made it the right location for the company's Australian residential debut.

"Brisbane is a city on the cusp of something remarkable, and Capella Residences is our commitment to being part of that story," Fasel said.

"The Capella residential experience is more than luxury. It is about a sense of belonging to a place with deep meaning."

Private appointments have now opened for the project, with a display suite expected to open in late 2026 ahead of the planned 2029 completion.

Mark Baljak

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News