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Flemington Road is set to receive another substantial apartment tower, adding to the emerging cluster of residential projects that are taking shape along boulevard.

Property syndication and investment manager Oliver Hume Property Funds is driving the development, which will be known as The Principal. Located at 69 Flemington Road, The Principal joins another nearby Oliver Hume project dubbed Nord at 81 Flemington Road which is well into construction.

The Principal will replace a low-rise commercial building currently across the 1,042sqm site, which also fronts Villiers Street.

<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/flemingtonrd01-99f017e00f_1_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The approved scheme for 67-73 Flemington Road. Image courtesy David Watson Architect"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="348" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/flemingtonrd01-99f017e00f_1_0.jpg?itok=YZkfO3CH" title="The approved scheme for 67-73 Flemington Road. Image courtesy David Watson Architect" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The approved scheme for 67-73 Flemington Road. Image courtesy David Watson Architect</figcaption></figure>67-73 Flemington Road was <a href="/news/flemington-roads-apartment-surge-gains-momentum">highlighted by Urban.com.au last year</a> as a project on behalf of Obiter Investments Pty Ltd which was listed as the proponent at the time. Lodged with Melbourne City Council during August 2014, the application gained final approval only last month.

Designed by David Watson Architects, the development carried a nominal value of $40 million and featured 165 apartments (82 x 1BR, 80 x 2BR, and 3 x 3BR) within a 15/16 levels tower reaching 50.29 metres. 115 car parking spaces and 100 bicycle spaces were included over both basement and lower ground levels.

While it is possible that design changes have been made to the initial scheme, The Principal will still contain 162 one, two and three bedroom apartments and two penthouses over 15 levels according to the project website.

<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_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Apartments are making their mark along Flemington Road"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="321" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image52_0.jpg?itok=VmoOO-zK" title="Apartments are making their mark along Flemington Road" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Apartments are making their mark along Flemington Road</figcaption></figure>The Principal's 164 dwellings will join a handful of new apartment projects fronting Flemington Road. Currently there is in excess of 700 apartments under construction over three separate developments, namely <a href="/buildings/north-19-flemington-road-north-melbourne">North</a>, <a href="/buildings/nord-melbourne-81-flemington-road-north-melbourne">Nord</a> and <a href="/buildings/helio-91-flemington-road-north-melbourne">Helio</a>.

Incidentally should The Principal remain true to the above render, it will become the fifth apartment project to front Flemington Road with a black glazed exterior, resulting in a decidedly brooding entry point to Carlton and Melbourne's CBD from the North West.

Future apartment projects set to grace Flemington Road include the recently sold <a href="/developments/north-melbourne-vic-3051">3-5 Bedford Place</a> and an adjoining 1200sqm site on the Haymarket roundabout which is now with Fortius and Melbourne architecture firm Metier3.
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silvermb

The Principal: Flemington Road's latest addition

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With the <a href="http://www.moreland.vic.gov.au/planning-building/planning-policy-projects-and-structure-plans/the-coburg-initiative/">Coburg Initiative</a> all but a memory, Minister for Planning Richard Wynne last week gave Coburg a fresh direction with the approval of the suburb's new structure plan. 80 hectares will be captured within a new activity centre which will see varying height limits, peaking at a discretionary maximum of 13 levels.

Much was expected of the original Coburg Initiative which at the time saw a partnership between Moreland City Council and local developer Equiset, with the aim of facilitating a $1 billion dollar overhaul of the heart of Coburg based loosely around the intersection of Bell Street and Sydney Road.

Since the Initative's failure during 2011, limited development has occurred within the area, although the renewed development guidelines are now expected to hasten increased development (and particularly apartment) activity.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="/news/future-estate-the-future-of-pentridge-village" rel="gallery-all" title="Concepts for Pentridge have come and gone in recent years, such as NH Architecture's above"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="332" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image41_0.jpg?itok=_z1Usldg" title="Concepts for Pentridge have come and gone in recent years, such as NH Architecture's above" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Concepts for Pentridge have come and gone in recent years, such as NH Architecture's above</figcaption></figure>Last week's announcement coincides with developer Future Estate's advancement of plans for Pentridge Village. After purchasing 41,000sqm of prime development land for $27 million <a href="/news/future-estate-the-future-of-pentridge-village">earlier this year</a>, the Sydney-based developer is now free to progressively roll out numerous apartment buildings within the former grounds of Pentridge.

Pentridge itself has been subject to numerous apartment projects, masterplans and concept designs in recent years.

ROTHELOWMAN has been engaged to produce the initial offerings in the Future Estate development which will be known as Coburg Quarter, and based upon the initial renders it will be a leap forward in built form design relative to the handful of low quality, small-scale apartment blocks that have been built onsite to date.

<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/6805864-3x2-940x627.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A new look for Pentridge. Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/6805864-3x2-940x627.jpg?itok=KAYbRIkT" title="A new look for Pentridge. Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A new look for Pentridge. Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN</figcaption></figure>Of course it's not all about future intent in Coburg, with a handful of current apartment projects making their mark. 51 Gaffney Street, <a href="/new-apartments/coburg-vic-3058">Mayor Anderson Apartments</a> and Shayher Group's Horizon Coburg are all currently under construction.

With a combined 187 apartments between the three projects set for delivery during 2016, they themselves are shadowed by a number of larger upcoming projects in the area. JAM Architects are displaying new imagery online for <a href="/new-apartments/519-537-sydney-road-coburg">Bell on Sydney</a> with in excess of 200 apartments expected for the now vacant site at 519 Sydney Road.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image39_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="519-537 Sydney Road &amp; 718-724 Sydney Road. Images courtesy JAM &amp; Particular"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="528" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image39_0.jpg?itok=gzwWwJ_7" title="519-537 Sydney Road &amp; 718-724 Sydney Road. Images courtesy JAM &amp; Particular" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>519-537 Sydney Road &amp; 718-724 Sydney Road. Images courtesy JAM &amp; Particular</figcaption></figure>Further 81 Bell Street is before VCAT with the body set to rule upon the submission which includes 391 dwellings while 200-216 Sydney Road is at planning with a mixed-use development under consideration; 124 apartments are included within the six level design.

Nearby and Land Republic has engaged architecture firm Particular for their pending redevelopment of 718-724 Sydney Road Coburg North, with dual six level buildings spreading the grip of apartment living further north.

Lead image courtesy F2 Architecture.
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Coburg gains some long sought-after initiative

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Subsequent to an earlier article which <a href="/news/moonee-ponds-on-the-up-and-up">highlighted the first phase</a> of the massive and long overdue redevelopment of the former Readings site in Moonee Ponds, further plans are now available which detail the second and more substantial portion, of what will constitute stage one of the overall development.

While <a href="/buildings/margaret-st-7-aspen-street-moonee-ponds">34-36 Margaret Street</a> is well advanced with preliminary marketing material circulating throughout the industry, the wraps can be taken off 40 Hall Street which envisages two apartment towers with the tallest reaching 22 levels.

Stage one of the development has the capacity to deliver 626 apartments on the site which sits between multiple transport nodes.

<h2>34-36 Margaret Street and 40 Hall Street</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/img_6580.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hero perspective from Hall Street. Image courtesy Caydon"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="644" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_6580.jpg?itok=t0b_EXOt" title="Hero perspective from Hall Street. Image courtesy Caydon" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hero perspective of the Hall Street aspect. Image courtesy Caydon</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site area: 7,979.6sqm (60% of the Readings site)</li>
	<li>6, 13, 16 and 22 level residential buildings</li>
	<li>Heights ranging between 18.6 and 67.9 metres</li>
	<li>626 apartments: 385 x 1BR, 240 x 2BR, 1 x 3BR</li>
	<li>1,044sqm of retail space over six double height tenancies</li>
	<li>3 basement levels holding 551 vehicles and 226 bicycles</li>
	<li>Extensive landscaping includes a new civic plaza, green podium treatment and rooftop gardens</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/img_6578.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Moonee Ponds Market's expected yield. Image courtesy Caydon"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="313" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_6578.jpg?itok=V5HVKMCZ" title="Moonee Ponds Market's expected yield. Image courtesy Caydon" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Moonee Ponds Market's expected yield. Image courtesy Caydon</figcaption></figure>The graphic above demonstrates the sections of the site that will be split over the staged development. Margaret Street and Hall Street will be activated via Stage1, with the balance of the site which fronts both Homer Street and Everage Street set for future attention.

A civic plaza is slated for the mid regions of the site, acting as a linking space to surrounding streets.

<blockquote>
The plaza will be characterised by strong spatial containment punctuated by advanced tree planting. The paving design provides a way to transition between the language of Hal Street paving (by Council) and the language of the plaza, which will be made from sampling the diverse and textured materials that can be seen within the Moonee Ponds site.
<cite>Oculus statement, landscape report</cite>
</blockquote>

Glass, timber, metal, concrete and brick finishes will define the building exteriors.

The overall layout depicted above is generally in line with a <a href="http://www.plusarchitecture.com.au/portfolio/monee-ponds-masterplan/">Plus Architecture-conceived masterplan</a> for the entire site. While indicative heights have been given for three of the four future buildings, it remains to be seen what will materialise at the north east corner of the site, with previous concept plans indicating 30 levels of apartments living is not out of the question.

<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/image29_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A comparison of old and new. Images courtesy Caydon and Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="296" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image29_2.jpg?itok=BPhVbmOQ" title="A comparison of old and new. Images courtesy Caydon and Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A comparison of old and new. Images courtesy Caydon and Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure>Caydon have rapidly advanced plans for the prime site after revealing they were the buyer of the 1.34­ha parcel during April of this year. Leighton Properties and project partner Qualitas had held the site until the sale, submitting plans for a Plus Architecture-designed 16 level residential tower (above right) that subsequently gained planning approval.

Caydon have of late used Fender Katsalidis to design their upcoming batch of projects, with the Margaret Street and Hall Street designs no exception.

<h2>Hall and Margaret Street planning application team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Caydon</li>
	<li>Architecture: Caydon (with Fender Katsalidis)</li>
	<li>Planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>Landscaping: Oculus</li>
	<li>Traffic: GTA Consultants</li>
	<li>Wind: Vipac</li>
	<li>Waste: Leigh Design</li>
</ul>
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Moonee Ponds in the market for some high-rise activity

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Food for thought today as a follow-up piece to yesterday's article which highlighted <a href="/news/an-icon-complete">Icon St Kilda's completion</a>. The apartment tower which now sits atop St Kilda Junction is one of many new apartment projects (both completed and under construction) surrounding the Junction.

As the area grows in popularity, the Junction itself looks to be slipping into obscurity with the dated urban realm anything but inviting. With this in mind, Town Planning and Urban Design firm David Lock Associates instigated a design competition with the aim of reinvigorating St Kilda Junction.

Now complete, the competition dubbed <a href="http://www.dlaaust.com/re-imagine/">Re:imagine the Junction</a> sought innovative design solutions from final year, masters and post graduate planning, urban design and architecture students from Australian Universities.

<blockquote>
This competition is about new inner-urban futures – the Future City set within an historic urban fabric. A future fabric that not only meets 21st Century needs but also heals previous injuries inflicted on Melbourne's inner-urban inheritance.

Around 1970, the Melbourne Metropolitan Board of Works eviscerated central St Kilda. The heart of St Kilda Junction was ripped out. St Kilda’s High Street shopping spine, stretching south, was hacked away and discarded.

The wound has never healed. St Kilda Junction and old High Street are now hardly more than soulless, community-dividing traffic sewers.

The Re:imagine the Junction competition will aim to re-monumentalise St Kilda Junction, and restore St Kilda Rd South (the former High St) and the Princes Highway as the living backbone of the suburb. Not with a return to the past, but with the imposition of an ambitious future.
<cite>David Lock Associates</cite>
</blockquote>

Readers can <a href="http://www.dlaaust.com/re-imagine/student-entries/category/stage-two/">view the student entries</a> for the recently completed competition.

<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_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A selection of student works taken from the David Lock Associates website"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="330" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image25_3.jpg?itok=cLW9eXKA" title="A selection of student works taken from the David Lock Associates website" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A selection of student works taken from the David Lock Associates website</figcaption></figure>Although the above designs do not conform to the real world parameters of St Kilda Junction, they do nonetheless provoke thought.

St Kilda Junction is by and large a decrepit area whose freeway-style road grade separation also doubles as a nexus between Melbourne's south east and the inner city. As more and more apartments reach completion within the area, St Kilda Junction and surrounds should in theory see a marked increase in foot traffic.

The Junction in many ways looks to be a smaller version of City Road; increased residential development while the ground plane has been neglected altogether. Both now shape as a prime candidates for new urban design ideas and extensive civil 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/image20_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Can the Junction's street level pizazz match that of its skyline. Image courtesy Melbourneguy"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="404" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image20_1.jpg?itok=FGv_7U6F" title="Can the Junction's street level pizazz match that of its skyline. Image courtesy Melbourneguy" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Can the Junction's street level pizazz match that of its skyline? Image courtesy Melbourneguy</figcaption></figure>
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Bringing St Kilda Junction back to life?

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It has become increasing difficult to decipher the status of the many towers beyond 200 metres that are or are intending to stake their place in the Melbourne skyline. While <a href="/buildings/568-collins-street-melbourne">568 Collins Street</a> is at completion and a handful of others are in their construction infancy, a veil of uncertainty hangs above many intended developments.

The recent implementation of sweeping new planning regulations has cast doubt over many of the proposals which are both at planning and intended. Indeed the number of towers that Apartments.com.au has identified for Melbourne beyond the 200 metre mark is ranging somewhere between 25 and 35; such is the uncertainty within the industry at the moment.

Only those close to each and every application know the status of their projects, and few are willing to comment at this time. Below is a current status of all 200 metre plus developments as best gleaned by Apartments.com.au:

<h2>Under construction</h2>

No doubt surrounds these projects, with construction progress on the following: <a href="/buildings/eq-tower-127-abeckett-street-melbourne">EQ Tower</a>, <a href="/buildings/victoria-one-452-472-elizabeth-street-melbourne">Victoria One</a>, <a href="/buildings/light-house-450-elizabeth-street-melbourne">Light House</a>, Vision. Vision is the most advanced as it's rapidly approaching the 200 metre construction mark while the others have quite a way to go.

<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/image3_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="EQ Tower, Australia 108 render and Vision Tower looming large"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="401" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image3_2.jpg?itok=4bYgpZ3V" title="EQ Tower, Australia 108 render and Vision Tower looming large" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>EQ Tower, Australia 108 render and Vision Tower looming large</figcaption></figure>Joining the list at construction is <a href="/buildings/australia-108-southbank-70-southbank-boulevard-southbank">Australia 108</a> which Apartments.com.au <a href="/news/brookfield-multiplex-appointed-builder-for-australia-108-piling-to-commence-in-october">reported last week</a> as officially gaining Brookfield Multiplex as head contractor; works are due to begin onsite next month. <a href="/buildings/aurora-melbourne-central-224-la-trobe-street-melbourne">Aurora Melbourne Central</a> also has Probuild installed as its builder, with preliminary site demolition works having commenced for the sizeable tower.

<h2>Can't touch this</h2>

A handful of projects beyond 200 metres hold planning approval and are at sales, seemingly free from the <a href="/news/interim-central-melbourne-planning-controls-the-detail">new interim building controls</a> that look likely to derail a number of proposals that have not been lodged.

<a href="/buildings/swanston-central-168-victoria-street-carlton">Swanston Central</a> is at sales, set to make a notable difference to the city's northern skyline while <a href="/new-apartments/elysium-54-clarke-street-southbank">Elysium Southbank</a> is poised to launch its sales campaign for the highly distinctive BKK-designed edifice. <a href="/buildings/premier-tower-134-160-spencer-street-melbourne">Premier Tower</a> opposite Southern Cross Station is full steam ahead with project architect Elenberg Fraser suggesting works will begin onsite during March 2016.

<a href="/new-apartments/38-freshwater-place-southbank">25-35 Power Street</a> and <a href="/buildings/380-melbourne-380-lonsdale-street-melbourne">380 Lonsdale Street</a> are sitting on approval, as is <a href="/buildings/west-side-place-melbourne-250-spencer-street-melbourne-vic-3000">West Side Place</a>, with its sales campaign for the first tower which includes a Ritz Carlton set to launch.

<h2>The great unknown</h2>

The situation becomes decidedly more murky from this point (at least from a public perspective), with more questions than answers for the remaining batch of 200 metre plus towers. <a href="/new-apartments/150-queen-street-melbourne">Tower Melbourne</a> and <a href="/buildings/97-franklin-street-melbourne">97 Franklin Street</a> for example both hold planning approval but are no certainty to proceed.

It's been said that for differing reasons both may need to reapply for a planning permit and subject to the new planning controls may not receive approval in anywhere near their current form. Tower Melbourne in particular would be hoping to avoid this following the protracted legal dispute with its neighbouring land owner.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image5_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Renders depicting 640 Bourke, 350 Queen and 32 Flinders Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="359" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image5_1.jpg?itok=q5triNqG" title="Renders depicting 640 Bourke, 350 Queen and 32 Flinders Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Renders depicting 640 Bourke, 350 Queen and 32 Flinders Street</figcaption></figure>This leaves as many as seventeen 200 metre towers at planning, with the outcome of each as yet publicly unknown. The status of <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">293-303 La Trobe Street</a> and <a href="/new-apartments/63-exhibition-street-melbourne">63 Exhibition Street </a>is unknown; both of which are still active on the GreenLight online register while <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">555 Collins Street</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/one-queensbridge-street-1-23-queensbridge-street-southbank">1 Queensbridge Street</a> and <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">180 Russell Street </a>remain active applications after having been at planning for considerable periods of time.

Word has it that <a href="/new-apartments/32-44-flinders-street-melbourne">32-44 Flinders Street</a> is headed for VCAT, leaving more recent submissions such as <a href="/new-apartments/293-297-city-road-southbank-vic-3006">295 City Road</a>, <a href="/buildings/aspire-melbourne-301-king-st-melbourne">295-309 King Street</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke Street</a>, <a href="/buildings/queens-place-157-a-beckett-street-and-370-queen-street-melbourne">350 Queen Street</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/272-282-queen-street-melbourne">280 Queen Street</a> and <a href="/buildings/melbourne-square-93-119-kavanagh-street-southbank">93-119 Kavanagh Street</a> to traverse the planning process. Further applications at 111-125 A'Beckett Street, 183-189 A'Beckett Street, <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">478 Elizabeth Street</a> and 71-87 City Road are also in play.

<h2>Possibles but not probables</h2>

260 La Trobe Street shaped as a likely tower with a preliminary assessment in front of CASA that seemingly has not entered state planning prior to the new interim controls, possibly rendering the intended 260 metre tower invalid; it remains to be seen what will come of the proposal.

All in all there will be a none too small change to Melbourne skyline in the next handful of years. The scope of this change remains to be seen, but it's not beyond the realms of possibility that a further 20-25 towers beyond the 200 metre mark will sprout skyward soon enough.

This article has been updated to remove images relating to 245 City Road. The original information was incorrect.
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Status unknown: a current overview of the 200 metre club

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City of Port Phillip are displaying the latest version of the <a href="http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/september-2015-meetingsagendas.htm">St Kilda Triangle Interim Masterplan</a> which would see the prime site become a park. Built form by way of a likely joint hotel/communal facility will be restricted to the site immediately south of the Palais Theatre, allowing for the vast majority of the site to remain free of any new buildings.

<blockquote>
The Interim Masterplan establishes a framework for the connections, broad land uses, massing and location of built form arrangements on the site. It has been developed in from the masterplan Co-Design Workshops and has been informed by the St Kilda Triangle Design Brief (Rev 1) endorsed by Council on 28 July 2015.
<cite>St Kilda Triangle Interim Masterplan Report</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image21_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Likely uses as outlined by the Interim Masterplan"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="354" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image21_3.jpg?itok=sP4ktnhm" title="Likely uses as outlined by the Interim Masterplan" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Likely uses as outlined by the Interim Masterplan</figcaption></figure>The Interim Masterplan shows that 16,000sqm of open space will dominate the site's footprint, in addition to a basement carpark for 350 vehicles located below the segment of the site that will hold approximately 23,500sqm of built form.

Separated into three segments, the new St Kilda Triangle will feature 'The Slopes', an 'Extended Balcony' and the built form outcome around the Palais Theatre.

A new foreshore entrance, extensive landscaping, an informal amphitheatre, rooftop deck/park and pavilion spaces highlight the open space aspects of the design. Placemaking agency Village Well and landscape firm T.C.L are heavily involved in this aspect of the Interim Masterplan while ARM Architecture is also in place for the built form segment. Further project members include GTA Consultants and Root Projects Australia.

The hotel/cultural facility is expected to be of a similar size to the Palais Theatre with a height of 30 metres expected.

<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/image22_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Indicative design taken from the September 2015 Masterplan document"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="346" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image22_3.jpg?itok=bO3yk4ek" title="Indicative design taken from the September 2015 Masterplan document" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Indicative design taken from the September 2015 Masterplan document</figcaption></figure>Following likely approval of the Interim Masterplan, it is expected a more rigorous design process will be undertaken. Workshops will be held to further define key aspects of the masterplan which include heritage, landscaping and weather protection considerations.

Furthermore the draft St Kilda Triangle Cultural Charter will be enhanced to align with the current Interim Masterplan. This along with various other steps will allow for an eventual business case for the development to be created, thus allowing prospective funding partners to be sourced by City of Port Phillip.

The project timetable sees the funding process take place over 2016-2017 with 2020 slated as the final 'Management' stage which one assumes is the targeted construction completion date.

<h2>Comment</h2>

Are we creating boxes here just to be able to tick them for the purpose of being seen to be doing the right thing in the public eye? The process of once more getting the St Kilda Triangle development up and running looks to be an overly tedious one.

Pulling teeth looks to be more fun than waiting for City of Port Phillip to rubber stamp what is ostensibly a park; of course there's more to the plan than just a park but it does look to be a dumbed-down development that negates any genuine flair or ingenuity in the design process. The opportunity to create a low-rise landmark for St Kilda and Melbourne at large looks to be gone, with City of Port Phillip pursuing a different result.

Why not consider a museum, concert hall or community facility front and square onsite, taking pride of place rather than being tacked onto the back of a hotel?

Ultimately another park is never a bad outcome, but when the St Kilda Foreshore, O'Donnell Gardens, Peanut Farm Reserve and St Kilda Botanic Gardens are all within walking distance, the transformation of the St Kilda Triangle site into little more than a park is a soft option and a massive opportunity for a defining civic showpiece lost.

<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_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Exemplars: Heydar Aliyev Center &amp; Walt Disney Concert Hall"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="177" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image33_2.jpg?itok=5lAGYKxK" title="Exemplars: Heydar Aliyev Center &amp; Walt Disney Concert Hall" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Exemplars: Heydar Aliyev Center &amp; Walt Disney Concert Hall</figcaption></figure>
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St Kilda Triangle is becoming... a park?

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The latest planning application for Glen Iris is adding weight to the suburb's credentials as it emerges as an apartment hotspot. Situated 10 kilometres from Melbourne's CBD, the suburb has seen an elevated amount of apartment-based activity of late, with developers keen to secure a foothold within the locale which is split between City of Stonnington and City of Boroondara.

Apartments.com.au is tracking 638 new apartments within Glen Iris spread over 13 separate developments. Small-scale numbers relative to inner city development, yet impressive when considering the suburb is both a youngish apartment market and heavily favoured by owner-occupiers.

City of Stonnington are currently advertising the suburb's largest intended development to date, located at <a href="/buildings/highpark-1559-1567-high-street-glen-iris">1559-1567 High Street</a>. The proposal which rises progressively to eight levels would hold 148 dwellings if approved. Southbank-based Gardenier Pty Ltd is the proponent with ROTHELOWMAN responsible for the design.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image10_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Indicative view from High Street and Brixton Rise. Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="312" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image10_2.jpg?itok=09lRXRb0" title="Indicative view from High Street and Brixton Rise. Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Indicative view from High Street and Brixton Rise. Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN</figcaption></figure>Clad predominantly in varying tones of glass, 1559-1567 High Street holds a mixture of one, two, two plus and three bedroom apartments. The development carries a nominal value of $36 million and would see 15 three bedroom dwellings included in addition to 6 two bedroom plus options, both of which point toward the development team's recognition of Glen Iris as a suburb capable of holding a greater number of higher-end dwellings.

Elsewhere and Glen Iris currently sees three apartment projects at construction. Gardiner Rise, <a href="/buildings/grace-1555-malvern-road-glen-iris">Grace</a> and <a href="/new-apartments/glen-iris-vic-3146">Vivid on Malvern</a> are all at basement stage with the latter the latest project for St Kilda Road-based AG Constructions; yet another of a new brigade of builders devoted solely to the delivery of apartment projects.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image11_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Gardiner Rise and Vivid on Malvern in progress"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="259" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image11_3.jpg?itok=Nr7fCmRS" title="Gardiner Rise and Vivid on Malvern in progress" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Gardiner Rise and Vivid on Malvern in progress</figcaption></figure>Soon to join those at construction are Lennox Glen Iris, which was <a href="/news/samuel-property-and-the-new-residential-zones">featured recently</a>, and <a href="/buildings/trentwood-25-trent-street-glen-iris">Trentwood</a>, Kokoda Property Group's latest residential project. Featuring 92 apartments within a Hayball-designed building, Trentwood will feature Carr Design interiors within the development dominated by two and three bedroom dwellings which hold internal spaces of up to 123sqm.

Also at Registrations and Sales is <a href="/buildings/leopold-stonnington-18-leopold-street-glen-iris">Leopold</a> which presents as more typical Glen Iris apartment developments in that it is low-rise in nature and within a close distance to either of the suburbs two train stations: Gardiner or Glen Iris.

The balance of project within postcode 3146 are at planning, with three notable developments in waiting. Calabro Capital's <a href="/new-apartments/iris-residences-1581-malvern-road-glen-iris">1579-1581 Malvern Road</a> is a recent entrant into the Apartments.com.au project database as are <a href="/new-apartments/1729-1735-malvern-road-glen-iris">1729-1735 Malvern Road</a> and the Peddle Thorp-designed <a href="/new-apartments/1655-1659-malvern-road-glen-iris">1655-1659 Malvern Road</a>.

Sizeable apartment developments applications are also in progress for the following Glen Iris addresses (some of which have yet to enter the Apartments.com.au project database) include:

<ul>
<li>1687 Malvern Road</li>
	<li>7-11 Elm Road Glen Iris (developed by modular builder Modscape)</li>
	<li><a href="/new-apartments/1639-1645-malvern-road-glen-iris">1639-1645 Malvern Road</a></li>
	<li>1795 Malvern Road</li>
	<li>1693-1699 Malvern Road</li>
	<li>1542 High Street</li>
	<li>
<a href="/new-apartments/1655-1659-malvern-road-glen-iris">1655-1659 Malvern Road</a> (Notice of Decision stage)</li>
	<li>1789 and 1791-1793 Malvern Road</li>
</ul>
With Malvern Road and High Street a focal point of apartment development within the area, Glen Iris's forward apartment development pipeline is looking particularly strong. This coupled with the desirability of the suburb leads Apartments.com.au to ear tag Glen Iris as an apartment hotspot both now and into the medium term.

<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_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A selection of active Glen Iris apartment projects"><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_4.jpg?itok=t89d-iOm" title="A selection of active Glen Iris apartment projects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A selection of active Glen Iris apartment projects</figcaption></figure>
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Identifying the next apartment hotspot: Glen Iris

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South Yarra's Chapel Street - the area generally bound by Chapel, Simmons, Palfreyman and Garden, South Yarra's back blocks in the sense that the area in question plays second fiddle to the more prestigious developments within South Yarra's Forrest Hill precinct - is experiencing a development renaissance of its own.

Historically a low-rise commercial and light industrial pocket of South Yarra, the area has seen constant apartment development over the past 5-6 years owing the the small yet numerous plots which have over time become more appealing as low to medium-rise buildings.

The past 18 months has seen four apartment developments completed, namely SPEC Property Group's WLSN South Yarra, Pure Apartments, Mode Apartments with 38 apartments over eight levels and Kudos Apartments.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image1_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Recent completions"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="638" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image1_0.jpg?itok=4oyXUOEE" title="Recent completions" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Recent completions</figcaption></figure>The rapid rate of change continues with three additional builds set to pump 297 apartments into the area. After a delay in excess of three years, Hutchinson Builders are well into construction of <a href="/buildings/echo-33-simmonds-street-south-yarra">Echo</a>, while <a href="/buildings/wil-co-34-wilson-street-south-yarra">Wil &amp; Co.</a> and <a href="/buildings/essence-35-wilson-street-south-yarra">Essence</a> are at basement level works on either side of Wilson Street.

Adding to the queue are <a href="/new-apartments/43-wilson-street-south-yarra">W South Yarra</a> and <a href="/buildings/noir-8-garden-street-south-yarra">Noir</a>, ranking among the largest projects in the area since Hamton's 242-apartment Society South Yarra complex was completed on Bray Street during 2010. Noir also represents the first project backed by a mainland Chinese developer in the area, with Shanghai-based Dahua Group acting as developer.

In this precinct, Apartments.com.au have identified in excess of 700 apartments either completed or currently under construction, spread over 11 separate developments.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image2_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Projects under construction"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="592" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image2_4.jpg?itok=G9ud3nEN" title="Projects under construction" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Projects under construction</figcaption></figure>Looking ahead, three significant planning applications for the area are currently with Stonnington City Council.

<a href="/new-apartments/47-garden-street-south-yarra">49 Garden Street</a> would see only 17 apartments over a ten level building, with the scheme for the narrow 228sqm block conceived by ADDARC. Garden Street Investments Pty Ltd are the proponent, seeking one and two bedroom apartments as large at 85sqm within the project. <a href="/new-apartments/14-16-wilson-street-south-yarra">14-16 Wilson Street</a> has been resubmitted for approval and features 24 apartments within a wave-like facade conceived by SAC Building Workshop.

Last but by no means least is the revised scheme by Plus Architecture for <a href="/new-apartments/402-416-chapel-street-south-yarra">402-416 Chapel Street</a>. First <a href="/news/big-on-chapel-402-416-chapel-street-planning-application">highlighted by Urban.com.au during March</a>, the reworked application of behalf of Spotlight Development Group seeks to add a new hotel to South Yarra with 174 suites included within the expected redevelopment of what is now Chapel Plaza.

Also slated for the project are 87 townhouses, one and two bedrooms dwellings plus 2126sqm of retail and 965sqm of commercial space over the lower levels. 402-416 Chapel Street's fate is in VCAT's hands with the body to make a call on the scheme at a scheduled hearing next month.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image7_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Pending additions to the streetscape"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="591" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image7_4.jpg?itok=-EvJ71qU" title="Pending additions to the streetscape" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Pending additions to the streetscape. Images courtesy Plus &amp; SACBW</figcaption></figure>
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The transformation of South Yarra's back blocks continues

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Has the baby been thrown out with the bathwater? Quite possibly.

It has been a week since Planning Minister Richard Wynne introduced <a href="/news/interim-central-melbourne-planning-controls-the-detail">significant and immediate changes</a> to central city planning that will inhibit the scope in which much of Southbank and Melbourne's CBD can be developed into the future.

In recent days, various sources have sought to analyse the changes applied to the Planning Scheme for the aforementioned areas. Alan Davies via <a href="http://blogs.crikey.com.au/theurbanist/2015/09/07/are-these-planning-changes-mostly-symbolic/">The Urbanist</a> has provided comment, Ratio Consultants have provided a <a href="http://www.ratio.com.au/changes-to-central-city-planning">concise summary</a> of changes implemented, yet perhaps the best indicator has come via Apartments.com.au's forum where the changes have garnered pages of discussion since their implementation.

Of the many forum posts on the topic, one factor has become abundantly clear: a week's discussion has led to contradiction and uncertainty when trying to interpret and notionally apply the new rules. And therein lies the blunder in how the new changes have been implemented.

I have yet to see one person, representative or peak body state that the changes applied to the Melbourne Planning Scheme are unnecessary. The Victorian Government on the face of it does indeed have the best of intentions in mind; essentially promoting quality residential development over poorly conceived, maximum yield-driven developments.

Perhaps the best summary of the main issue surrounding the changes was from the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA):

<blockquote>
While the Institute will support the intentions of the Central City Planning Review, it has vigorously opposed the Minister’s action to introduce interim controls of this nature overnight, without any consultation with the urban development industry.

The merits of addressing issues such as amenity and preserving Melbourne’s liveability are very much supported by the urban development industry. However the blunt action by the Minister in introducing interim controls without warning has set the tone for this important and complex discussion.

Swift, uncanvassed action such as that taken overnight by the Planning Minister serves only one purpose – to undermine investor confidence, which can only lead to reduced activity.
<cite>Danni Addison, Victorian chief executive, UDIA</cite>
</blockquote>

This is where now the baby is in danger of disappearing down the gurgler entirely.

It is all well and good to implement changes to the Melbourne Planning Scheme, but where was the tact or transparency in the process? By going about it the way they have, the Andrews Government has left the door ajar to stymie investment in central Melbourne. The ambiguity now cast over the approvals process is tantamount to inviting trouble.

I would assert that the method these changes have been implemented may undermine investor confidence, specifically in the short to medium term. And of course I refer to the rivers of investment capital flowing from Asia into Melbourne. This investment and subsequent boom in construction in Melbourne's heart represents a hefty and buoyant portion of the Victorian economy at present, with billions of dollars in play.

If prospective investors (of which there are no shortage) perceive the changes and the heavy-handed manner in which they were implemented to be counter beneficial, they will simply shun Melbourne altogether. Investment capital in this sense relates to the foreign-backed developers and is liquid; it will find the path of least resistance. Whether the capital remains in Melbourne or whether we are shunned in favour of other Australian or international cities remains to be seen, but on the face of it the events of the last week certainly will not help the cause.

This potential to forsake an untold amount of investment in Melbourne would have surely been enough to prompt the current Victorian Government to approach changes to the Melbourne Planning Scheme in a more thoughtful, encompassing manner… apparently not.

Lead image courtesy fastcodesign.com
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Comment: ramifications of the new Melbourne Planning Scheme changes

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The AFL finals are upon us and Spring has sprung… well, not quite yet. This time of year generally does coincide with a string of apartment developments readying themselves for public launch.

Whether they are looking to capitalise upon the improving Spring weather where buyers are more inclined to be out and about in the search for a new property, or seeking to secure as many sales as possible prior to the Christmas break, Apartments.com.au have identified upwards of 20 new apartment projects which have just launched or are in the process of doing so, with more to follow.

Middle and outer suburbs covered by these new and pending launches are numerous. Oakleigh, Hawthorn, Heidelberg, Bundoora, Cheltenham, Brighton, Preston, Essendon and Doncaster East are represented, as is the effervescent Box Hill with two new releases.

<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/image193_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Apartments in the suburbs continue to grow in popularity"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="709" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image193_0.jpg?itok=hiR9HvaL" title="Apartments in the suburbs continue to grow in popularity" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Apartments in the suburbs continue to grow in popularity</figcaption></figure>Closer to the big smoke and Fitzroy, South Yarra, Prahran, Brunswick East and Footscray will host new projects, with a handful already open to public sales. Footscray's pending release will further enhance Joseph Road Precinct's stance as an emerging apartment sector.

North Melbourne has two freshly released apartment projects but taking the honours is Richmond which continues to lead the way. No less than five apartments projects are in the immediate pipeline, with two currently available for public purchase.

These new releases, coupled with existing projects at sales and 20 plus projects which Apartments.com.au have in our database (at either planning assessment or approved), have Richmond locked in as one of the continuing apartment hot spots for some time to come.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image208.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="There's no shortage of choice for prospective buyers"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="985" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image208.jpg?itok=F4uho3IG" title="There's no shortage of choice for prospective buyers" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>There's no shortage of choice for prospective buyers</figcaption></figure>Apartments.com.au garnered the thoughts of leading industry figure and Apartment Register founder Cameron Clarke, regarding the current spate of new apartment releases.

<blockquote>
Spring has historically been and continues to be the peak time of the year to release apartment projects in Melbourne for the simple reason that Melbourne is at its peak, culminating with the AFL Final Series, the Spring Racing Carnival and Spring Fashion Week. Spring motivates the return of local residents and attracts national and international visitors, it is simply a positive time and atmosphere for the most liveable city to be on display.

For this reason consumers have the largest number of development projects to choose from and therefore the largest selection of apartments to pick from. For the discerning owner occupier, investor and downsizer, the privilege of having priority pick in projects before public launch gives the buyer heightened control with the knowledge they accessing premium apartment stock. The sales speed at which particular off the plan developments can be sold is now measured in days as opposed to weeks or months, so any additional time to view a project is an advantage.

Spring is simply the easiest time of year to purchase with the maximum number of opportunities to do so.
<cite>Cameron Clarke</cite>
</blockquote>

For those looking for that extra edge when seeking to buy an apartment this Spring, you can register your interest and suburb preferences with Apartment Register.
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New apartment releases line up for their time in the sun

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

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

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

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

Mark Baljak

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