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The wraps are off Cbus Property's latest high-end residential addition for Melbourne's Spring Street.

Across 13-23 Spring Street, the project is being referred to as 17 Spring Street. Designed by Bates Smart, the tower has similar design overtones to the East Melbourne-based design office's <a href="http://www.cbusproperty.com.au/properties/35-spring-street-melbourne">35 Spring Street</a>, whilst also referencing the neighbouring 1 Spring Street.

Cbus Property's development application went to planning during April with an eye toward creating another elite apartment building overlooking Fiztroy Gardens.

The 33-storey tower reportedly includes 6 one, 24 two and 48 three bedroom apartments. In choosing a sparse apartment spread, Cbus Property is set to chase high-end buyers with apartment sizes ranging between 133 square metres and 207 square metres.

The balance of dwellings constitute the tower's premium offerings.

<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/17_spring_01.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Spring Street's latest addition. Image: Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="869" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/17_spring_01.png?itok=b1PwOlY5" title="Spring Street's latest addition. Image: Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Spring Street's latest addition. Image: Bates Smart</figcaption></figure>Now home to a modest Mercure Melbourne Treasury Gardens, Cbus Property nabbed the site last year for approximately $70 million. With the pedigree residential tower in the works, AccorHotels will need to find a new location for its Mercure brand.

Incidentally, the hotel group announced in recent days the addition of <a href="/news/2018/07/30/mercure-hotels-adds-four-new-locations-across-australia">four new Mercure locations in Australia</a>, with the Doncaster Hill precinct set to gain a maiden hotel development.

The addition of 17 Spring Street has boosted Cbus Property's national presence in the Apartments.com.au Project Database to 13, headed by significant Melbourne-based projects such as <a href="/buildings/collins-arch-447-collins-street-melbourne">Collins Arch</a>, <a href="/buildings/holme-apartments-68-cambridge-st-collingwood">Holme Apartments</a> and <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">311 Spencer Street</a>.

<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/image86_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Golden Age's 85 Spring Street is nearing a start"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="266" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image86_7.jpg?itok=KapeeCnQ" title="Golden Age's 85 Spring Street is nearing a start" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Golden Age's 85 Spring Street is nearing a start</figcaption></figure>Meanwhile, the drawn-out development push for 85 Spring Street has reached a significant marker with a fresh construction tender issued for the $500 million mixed-use development.

Developer Golden Age Group is backing the project after Grocon reportedly chose to onsell the site in the face of strong unsolicited developer interest. The tender carries a construction value in excess of $200 million for the mixed-use Bates Smart-designed tower.

Costing Golden Age Group $75 million to secure, the 39 storey tower includes 138 apartments and a hotel component. Under a deal struck late last year the developer and Starwood Capital Group will jointly manage the hotel component which includes 250 hotel suites plus amenities such as a bar, restaurants, conference rooms and a gym.

The hotel is tentatively slated to open in 2020, likely leading to a construction start this calendar year.
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silvermb

Spring Street's double dose of development news

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AccorHotels is rolling out an aggressive expansion across Australia and New Zealand, resulting in a presence across five new locations.

Auckland aside, AccorHotels' Mercure brand will land in four new Australian locations over the next three years, boosting its presence to beyond 50 hotels in the region. The commitment is also a boon for the respective hotel developers, allowing hundreds of millions of dollars worth of development to proceed.

The addition of these new four new Australian developments to the Apartments.com.au Project Database takes to 90 the number of hotel developments being tracked.

<h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
We are thrilled to announce our 50th milestone for the Mercure brand and add four new Mercure hotels to AccorHotels’ Pacific network in dynamic locations including the Gold Coast, Canberra, Melbourne and Auckland.

Mercure is a leading global midscale brand with a strong reputation for delivering quality service and great guest experiences. Each of these hotels will have significant impacts locally, driving employment and tourism to each location. We look forward to working with the owners and further expanding our new-build Mercure network of hotels.
<cite>Simon McGrath, AccorHotels Chief Operating Officer Pacific</cite>
</blockquote>

Mercure Canberra Belconnen 

<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/image81g.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of the Belconnen development"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="490" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image81g.jpg?itok=yauN34QX" title="Artist's impression of the Belconnen development" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of the Belconnen development</figcaption></figure>ACT Labor Club has joined forces with AccorHotels to deliver a new Belconnen hotel ready for occupancy during 2019.

After receiving approval for a 12 storey development during 2017, the new look design will see Mercure occupy 5 levels and 125 rooms within the development, with event and conference facilities also combined. 

Northwest of Canberra's city centre, Belconnen is receiving increased higher density development, with towers of up to 27 storeys planned.

Mercure Melbourne Doncaster 

<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/image78_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Accord Property Group moves into the hotel game"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="372" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image78_4.jpg?itok=r_yCI7ET" title="Accord Property Group moves into the hotel game" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Accord Property Group moves into the hotel game</figcaption></figure>Doncaster Hill will finally receive a hotel with Accord Property Group pursuing their maiden hotel development.

Slated to open during 2021, Mercure Melbourne Doncaster will include 190 rooms over six floors, plus retail at ground level. A restaurant and bar, fitness centre and function room constitute the project's amenities.

Delivering small-scale residential projects in the area previously, Accord Property Group's first hotel will be located on Doncaster Road adjacent to Westfield Shopping Centre.

Mercure Southport 

<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/image84_12.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Southport will benefit from extra visitor stays"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="372" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image84_12.jpg?itok=_c_vTNLB" title="Southport will benefit from extra visitor stays" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Southport will benefit from extra visitor stays</figcaption></figure>Another for a 2021 completion is Centro Group of Companies' new Southport development. AccorHotels have come to terms for the new-build hotel, agreeing to manage 130 rooms within the complex.

Once more, a restaurant, bar, fitness centre and pool round out the development's amenities, whilst event and meeting space will take on a more pronounced role with an eye toward the local community and the wider conference scene.

Centro Group of Companies will also overhaul the precinct, adding residential apartments and additional retail space. 

Mercure Sydney Bankstown

<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/image80a.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Poly Australia's Bankstown RSL development"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="366" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image80a.jpg?itok=luqwWF26" title="Poly Australia's Bankstown RSL development" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Poly Australia's Bankstown RSL development</figcaption></figure>Poly Australia has landed AccorHotels for their Bankstown RSL development.

Mercure Sydney Bankstown will be operational during late 2020 with 120 rooms in tow. Spanning 5 storeys and fronting Marion Street, the hotel is part of the new Bankstown RSL development which is valued at in excess of $60 million.

The hotel will have a restaurant and bar, two meeting spaces and a gym in a wider 18,000 square metre development.
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Mercure Hotels adds four new locations across Australia

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Macquarie Park's blossoming urban renewal has received a further boost with developer Meriton setting in motion the approvals sequence for their Talavera Road site.

The suburb's role as a tertiary, commercial and innovation hub is further being boosted by an influx of apartment developments. Latest to reach City of Ryde for consideration is the first stage of Meriton's 112 Talavera Road apartment development.

Previously with Goodman Group, the low-rise site which now contains commercial and industrial space was secured by Meriton who promptly went about applying to rezone the site in order to allow for four residential towers. The tallest of these would reach 200 metres and is subject to a future design excellence competition.

The rezoning allows for buildings of 27, 30, 45 and 60 storeys incorporating over 1,200 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/image60_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Site overview. Planning image: DKO Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="334" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image60_6.jpg?itok=Lw1QO8nH" title="Site overview. Planning image: DKO Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Site overview. Planning image: DKO Architecture</figcaption></figure>With rezoning in the pocket, Merithasave applied for approval over the westernmost part of the site, with the balance subject to future development applications.

DKO Architecture have been utilised for the initial design, creating a 27 storey residential tower incorporating some 221 apartments. The tower's pseudo podium introduces a more intimate built form by way of a smaller 7 storey building that will front both a new pedestrian link and a common green area.

A childcare centre, pool and gym are situated atop the smaller building whilst the tower hosts an enclosed rooftop terrace for use by residents.

The apartment split sees 46 single, 141 double and 34 triple bedroom apartments. Limited retail spaces are also included at ground level.

<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/image63_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="High and low-rise aspects of the design. Planning image: DKO Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="259" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image63_9.jpg?itok=tO4HBVU8" title="High and low-rise aspects of the design. Planning image: DKO Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>High and low-rise aspects of the design. Planning image: DKO Architecture</figcaption></figure>Macquarie Park's established mixed-use nature has been instrumental in attracting a string of big name developers to the area, cashing in on demand for apartment living. Stamoulis Property Group, Romeciti, Golden Age Group, Greenland Australia, COLI Australia, VIMG and JQZ have active apartment projects within Macquarie Park.

Hyecorp is the latest developer to launch a project, taking 9 Peach Tree Road to sales. Dubbed Monika, the project will include 116 apartments within a 14 storey building.

Urban.com.au is tracking 3,965 apartments within Macquarie Park. The large size of many development sites and multiple buildings within the respective developments is seeing a very high average apartment number of 440 across 9 separate developments.
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Macquarie Park's transformation takes a Meriton step forward

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Pellicano Group is the latest developer to embrace the 'Brunswick movement' toward super sustainable, highly design-driven apartment projects.

During June plans for 212-214 Albion Street were lodged with City of Moreland for an eight storey predominantly apartment building designed by Six Degrees Architects. The 1,530 square metre site sold for $5.8 million during mid 2017, and is now being offered on a short term lease with an eye toward becoming an a pop-up or overflow space.

Pellicano Group though intends to realise 66 apartments over time onsite, with two buildings of eight and six levels containing one and two bedroom apartments alongside a limited number of lofts.

It is through the appointment of Six Degrees Architects which is a boost to 212-214 Albion Street's design credentials. The practice conceived the now under construction Nightingale 2 in Fairfield, and also counts Brunswick's <a href="/news/pellicano-drops-in-as-mirabella-opts-out-of-moreland">211-213 Sydney Road</a> as one of its more recent designs.

Design highlights for the Albion Street proposal include naturally cross-ventilated apartments, over 400 square metres of communal space, a communal food production area and an average apartment Star rating of 7.1. 

Apartments.com.au recently highlighted the shift in design ethos across a number of apartments projects in Brunswick and adjoining Brunswick East. The arrival of The Commons as the area's prototype for high quality, sustainable design has effectively set the benchmark for ensuing projects, of which 212-214 Albion Street is now one.

<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/image72_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Materials palette and intended outcome. Planning image: Six Degrees"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="205" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image72_4.jpg?itok=_svwctDk" title="Materials palette and intended outcome. Planning image: Six Degrees" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Materials palette and intended outcome. Planning image: Six Degrees</figcaption></figure>Meanwhile in neighbouring Brunswick East, suburb stalwart Mirabella is set to move from its Lygon Street premises after more that 40 years at 141-153 Lygon Street.

Their lighting and travel businesses onsite will move on after Buchan Group was commissioned to create a new residential outcome for the 2,137 square metre parcel. Documents for the proposal were lodged with Moreland City Council earlier in the year.

19 single, 51 double and 4 triple bedroom and 4 penthouse apartments options are included, as is 907 square metres of retail space above 2 basement levels. The $25 million design includes a rooftop terrace above 15,225 square metres of built form.

Mirabella's bid to repurpose 141-153 Lygon Street is in addition to a swag of other apartment projects nearby.

<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/image49_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Lygon Street perspective. Planning image: Buchan Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="357" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image49_11.jpg?itok=dwOQFXih" title="Lygon Street perspective. Planning image: Buchan Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Lygon Street perspective. Planning image: Buchan Group</figcaption></figure>The unveiling of both planning applications sees the Apartments.com.au Project Database count for a combined Brunswick and Brunswick East balloon to 68.

21 projects across both suburbs are at planning, a further 23 stand approved, 12 are at sales whilst a further 12 are under construction. With only 18% of projects across both suburbs in delivery, a further 56 apartment projects are waiting in the wings.
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Pellicano drops in as Mirabella opts out of Moreland

Crown Group&#39;s intentions for a sizeable tract of Waterloo land have become clearer, with five separate development applications now before City of Sydney.

Most notable is the exhibition of Building C which is&nbsp;44-48 O&rsquo;Dea Avenue&#39;s largest intended building. <a href="https://www.crowngroup.com.au/crown-group-reveals-first-image-kengo-kuma-designed-tower/">Already flagged by the developer</a> earlier in the year,&nbsp;Building C combines the design talents of&nbsp;Koichi Takada Architects with Japan-based Kengo Kuma and Associates.

The distinct 20 storey tower includes a cantilevered infinity-edge pool atop the building, gym and community room. Externally the facade is laden with greenery&nbsp;with the intent of emulating a stacked forest.

The tower includes 153 apartments, split between 11 studio, 42 single, 84 double and 16 triple bedroom configurations. 123 vehicle bays are included within 4 basement levels.

<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/image95_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Street level perspective. Planning image: KTA / KKAA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="362" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image95_5.jpg?itok=DynewUJy" title="Street level perspective. Planning image: KTA / KKAA" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Street level perspective. Planning image: KTA / KKAA</figcaption>
</figure>

On&nbsp;the design, the architectural partnership provides the following commentary:

<blockquote>
The building form creates a gentle and responsive transition from the tower to podium creating a better urban relationship to the lower scale developments within the immediate context.

The use of wood look battens across the facade creates a high level of articulation and dynamism along the entire building length. The warm and natural material pallete is used throughout the building in order to create an intrinsic connection back to nature and is evident through the resort style amenities for the residents.

The relationship to nature is further strengthened through three predominant landscaped areas in the building. The design brings a high quality and architecturally responsive aesthetic along the entire streetscape and a new iconic gateway to the heart of Waterloo.
</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/image96_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Interior space within Building C. Planning image: KTA / KKAA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="282" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image96_1.jpg?itok=FUeoBriZ" title="Interior space within Building C. Planning image: KTA / KKAA" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Interior space within Building C. Planning image: KTA / KKAA</figcaption>
</figure>

Simultaneously plans have been released for Crown Group&#39;s fifth and final instalment of their Waterloo development. Silvester Fuller&#39;s design for Building A will consist of 40 apartments within a 5 storey golden-laced edifice.

5 studio, 12 single, 19 double and 4 triple bedroom apartments are included above retail space and two basement levels for 38 vehicles.

Silverster Fuller say:

<blockquote>
The building is conceived as a community of dwellings connected by communal spaces. Its architectural identity celebrates the intersection of Archibald Avenue and Lachlan Place as an expressed front door and vertical connector, linking the Entry to the Communal Open Rooftop above.

The external connecting stair is a marker defining the building entry and connection to the rooftop garden. Creating a naturally lit and ventilated vertical circulation experience reinforces the wellness principles which underpin the design strategy.
</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/image97_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Building A on display. Planning image: Silvester Fuller"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="310" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image97_2.jpg?itok=WMzJM5op" title="Building A on display. Planning image: Silvester Fuller" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Building A on display. Planning image: Silvester Fuller</figcaption>
</figure>

With all five projects at planning, Crown Group are looking to add as many as 388 apartments over their O&#39;Dea Avenue site.&nbsp;

The collection of buildings seemingly hold a similar architectural language in style and colours, although as has been noted the buildings&nbsp;express their own &quot;clear identity within a collection of individual buildings designed to balance diversity with a sense of place.&quot;

Crown Group&#39;s Waterloo precinct will slot in behind a number of other Sydney projects the developer has in progress. Marquee projects&nbsp;<a href="/buildings/arc-by-crown-group-161-clarence-street-sydney">Arc by Crown</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/zetland-nsw-2017">Infinity by Crown</a> and <a href="/buildings/castle-residences-sydney-116-castlereagh-street-sydney">Castle Residences</a> are at construction, leaving <a href="/buildings/the-grand-residences-eastlakes-16-evans-avenue-eastlakes">Eastlakes Live</a> at sales and <a href="/buildings/waterfall-by-crown-group-18-20-odea-avenue-waterloo">Waterfall by Crown</a> as forthcoming projects.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=7020]

<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/image99_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Building B, D and E round out Crown Group's Waterloo intentions"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="204" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image99_3.jpg?itok=WXKgzChr" title="Building B, D and E round out Crown Group's Waterloo intentions" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Building B, D and E round out Crown Group&#39;s Waterloo intentions</figcaption>
</figure>

Crown Group's design full house for Sydney's Waterloo

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The sway toward commercial development within City of Yarra shows no signs of slowing, with Apartments.com.au tracking near on 300,000 square metres in development.

The intensifying trend continues to attract developers which have historically leaned on residential development. Latest to the fray is H&amp;F Property who is the applicant behind an 11 storey building at Abbotsford's 218-228 Hoddle Street, with a secondary frontage to Stafford Street.

Designed by Architectus, the $25 million application contains 7,389 square metres of space above three basement levels, and was submitted during April.

<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/image41_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Lower level Hoddle Street expression. Planning image: Architectus"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="314" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image41_11.jpg?itok=IPDT6ejE" title="Lower level Hoddle Street expression. Planning image: Architectus" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Lower level Hoddle Street expression. Planning image: Architectus</figcaption></figure>H&amp;F Property's bid is in addition to a bevvy of traditionally residential developers such as Caydon Property Group, Alpha14 Property Group, Pace Development Group, Beams Projects, GURNER, LK Property Group, Domain Hill Property Group and Peregrine Projects who are in the process of realising their respective first commercial developments, which all happen to fall within City of Yarra.

Add fellow development firms such as Lazzcorp, Alfasi Group, Salta Properties, Riverlee and Grocon who have a hand in active commercial developments within the municipality.

The result is an impressive 34 commercial projects on the go within City of Yarra according to Apartments.com.au's Project Database.

Planning agency Human Habitats provides a decisive overview as to why City of Yarra, in particular, is running hot with commercial development:

<blockquote>
At a local level, ongoing change in the structure of employment has begun across the City of Yarra in recent years with strong growth in property, business services, retail, and the finance and insurance sectors. This demand for employment has been welcomed considering the decline in wholesale and manufacturing sectors across the City of Yarra.

As traditional office locations such as the CBD and Docklands reach capacity, employment precincts such as Richmond/Cremorne have become increasingly attractive locations for office based employment. This location appears to cater for the continuing growth in small to medium sized business services and the ‘new economy’ employment of an increasingly skilled workforce.

The demand for additional office space is reflected in the effective rental growth in the City Fringe Areas (which include Richmond / Cremorne) which has experienced growth in the order of 20% over the year to March 2018, and which has featured a vacancy rate of below 3.5% for in excess of 18 months.

Real Estate Advisory firm Colliers are predicting that the underlying fundamentals of demand within this area are sustainable, and that demand will remain strong given Melbourne’s promising economic outlook and extraordinary population growth.
<cite>Human Habitats</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/image44_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="PACE Development Group's Langridge Street commercial foray"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="569" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image44_7.jpg?itok=VRSJUG5n" title="PACE Development Group's Langridge Street commercial foray" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Pace Development Group's Langridge Street commercial foray</figcaption></figure>PACE Development Group's expansion into the commercial market is via <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=https://maps.google.com/?q%3D51%2BLangridge%2BSt%26entry%3Dgmail%26source%3Dg&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1532663610265000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFOy_B4o69T_VVVRtKPmZb_AgP0VQ" href="https://maps.google.com/?q=51+Langridge+St&amp;entry=gmail&amp;source=g" target="_blank">51 Langridge St</a> in Collingwood, with the project's end value expected to surpass $25 million. 

Planning and Design Manager at Pace Development Group, Michael Holah. touches upon what makes City of Yarra an attractive proposition. 

<blockquote>
We see this striking a real chord with businesses wanting a contemporary upgrade, those priced out of suburbs such as Richmond and Cremorne, as well as those currently located in a co-working environment that have grown enough to warrant their own office space.

Unlike its CBD counterparts, this project is designed to capture the Collingwood feel and the ethos that the suburb stands for – SJB Architects has conceptualised something truly reflective of both the site’s surrounds and the cultures of the businesses that will grow here.

The smaller floor plates are exactly what the market is looking for.
</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/image47_12.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Hayball-designed 17-21 Harcourt Parade is due for a construction start"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image47_12.jpg?itok=UfKVmlU-" title="The Hayball-designed 17-21 Harcourt Parade is due for a construction start" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Hayball-designed 17-21 Harcourt Parade is due for a construction start</figcaption></figure>With yet more projects to be added, the Apartments.com.au Project Database tally sees 32 purely commercial projects and 2 mixed use developments listed within City of Yarra. These projects amount to some 292,100 square metres of commercial office space in development.

Only 7 developments are currently at construction and stand to add approximately 41,700 square metres of combined commercial stock, indicating that City of Yarra's commercial boom has some years yet to run.
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Traditional residential developers cash in on Yarra's 300,000sqm commercial boom

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Mount Waverley's largest pending development has been completely reworked, with an aesthetically pleasing design in tow.

The planning application before City of Monash has sidestepped the traditional 'mixed-use' term, instead opting to label the application for 445-467 Blackburn Road as a ‘multi-age precinct’. Beyond being <a href="/news/mount-waverley-earmarked-for-a-multi-age-precinct-development">highlighted by Urban.com.au</a> last year, BC Mount Waverley Project Pty Ltd have enlisted Rothelowman to undertake design duties prior to a VCAT Merits Hearing next month.

445-467 Blackburn Road abuts the Monash Freeway and currently sees the 4-star Hotel Bruce County preside over part of a larger development onsite.

Marchese Partners conceived the initial design which garnered 23 objections and ultimately fell short of Council expectations. Design character, scale, internal amenity, overdevelopment and inconsistencies with presiding planning policies were amongst the reason noted as leading to the initial application's rejection.

<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_19.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Lemont Avenue perspective. Planning image: Rothelowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="284" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image5_19.jpg?itok=AUaauv_Z" title="Lemont Avenue perspective. Planning image: Rothelowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Lemont Avenue perspective. Planning image: Rothelowman</figcaption></figure>BC Mount Waverley Project Pty Ltd are now hoping Rothelowman's substituted plans will suffice in addressing earlier concerns when at VCAT.

Adhering to the original intended uses earmarked for the project, 445-467 Blackburn Road will still focus on catering specifically for both children and the elderly, whilst adding short, mid and long-term accommodation options.

Changes to the project's yield include:

<ul>
<li>Removal of 47 apartments </li>
	<li>15 townhouses (previously 10 townhouses)</li>
	<li>86 hotel rooms (previously 120 hotel rooms)</li>
	<li>8 serviced apartments (unchanged) </li>
	<li>108 independent living units/over 55s retirement living (previously 60 independent living units)</li>
	<li>246 on-site car spaces (previously 135) including an additional level of basement car parking </li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
The design strategy employed here is to stratify layers of built form which both separates uses and allows the opportunity to apply a distinct architectural language and identity to each use.

The materiality helps to draw distinction between the uses, with dark glass encompassing the hotel rooms, providing privacy from Blackburn Road. The residential framing elements are infilled with a light grey glazing and metal cladding. Levels 3 and 7 are designed to appear recessive in order to separate the colonnade and concrete frames.
<cite>Rothelowman Design Statement</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/image1_13.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Blackburn road perspective. Planning image: Rothelowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="349" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image1_13.jpg?itok=9xrIkUIC" title="Blackburn road perspective. Planning image: Rothelowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Blackburn road perspective. Planning image: Rothelowman</figcaption></figure>The rebirthed Mount Waverley project carries strong design traits relative to a number of other Rothelowman-designed developments.

445-467 Blackburn Road is dominated by clear, white, charcoal and black glazing, resulting in an almost brooding exterior. Other finishes include metal cladding and finishes, textured concrete and green planters.

The massive departure from the initially submitted application will go before VCAT on August 20th.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image14_20.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Existing Rothelowman projects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="682" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image14_20.jpg?itok=0kVKLGbA" title="Existing Rothelowman projects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Existing Rothelowman projects</figcaption></figure>
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Mount Waverley receives the Rothelowman touch prior to a VCAT visit

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Hawthorn Park, Boroondara's largest development, has slipped into construction mode.

Developer Dahua Group has selected builder Hickory as head contractor for the $300 million project. Demolition across the sprawling site has commenced and is scheduled to continue for two months prior to Hickory Group establishing itself onsite during September.

An extensive earthworks and construction schedule will follow, with Hawthorn Park's anticipated completion date set for the third quarter of 2020. 

Asked on the progress of sales to date, Dahua Group have confirmed that in excess of 50% of the apartments offered have been accounted for. One, two, three and four bedroom apartments are included within the project.

<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/image179_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hawthorn Park's size on show. Planning image: Rothelowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="372" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image179_0.jpg?itok=CuD2wC3P" title="Hawthorn Park's size on show. Planning image: Rothelowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hawthorn Park's size on show. Planning image: Rothelowman</figcaption></figure>William Huang, Managing Director of Dahua Melbourne told Apartments.com.au "Dahua Group Melbourne are excited to begin construction on this premier flagship development for the city of Boroondara. The team are committed to delivering a community of exemplary design and location in a high quality, medium density project for a growing Melbourne population."

And that design is the work of Rothelowman, who went about creating multiple buildings in order to allow for site permeability.

"Public piazzas are placed at the site’s entry points drawing Burwood Road’s existing green edge through to the plaza located on Camberwell Road’s more robust presentation. Feature stairs cut a pathway into the open contoured space activated with resident amenity, retail and food and beverage.

A glass-bottomed swimming pool spans between buildings and over the plaza, creating a spectacular front door to the project, and also locating the comprehensive resident amenity floor."

The elevated pool is an intricate aspect of Rothelowman's design and serves as a unique selling point for the project. It will connect the communal area's of both buildings which front Burwood 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/image171_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The showpiece pool which spans both buildings. Image: Rothelowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="263" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image171_0.jpg?itok=y0Z7uolu" title="The showpiece pool which spans both buildings. Image: Rothelowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The showpiece pool which spans two buildings. Image: Rothelowman</figcaption></figure>Hawthorn Park's place as Boroondara's largest development is evident.

Apartments.com.au is tracking 102 separate current developments within the municipality, with all dedicated to residential use. Of the 102 projects, only four contain 100 or more apartments; this is very much reflective of the area's general dearth of large sites capable of taking development.

The balance of those current projects with 100 or more dwellings consist of the at construction CV Apartments and Longhouse, whilst Sierra within Hawthorn has yet to see works begin onsite.
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Boroondara's largest project rolls into construction

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Parramatta's position as the nation's most dynamic satellite city continues to be underscored by an almost continuous flow of developments into the Greater Western Sydney locale.

Latest to the development surge is the nation's largest apartment developer, Meriton. Last week the outfit lodged plans valued at $228 million for their George Street site in the western reaches of Parramatta's CBD.

Called for are two towers of 210 and 186 metres that would, in addition to a Meriton serviced apartment component, the project will pump hundreds of new apartments into Parramatta. The CBD's expanding housing stock is expected to balloon form a 2017 figure of 6,108 to a projected <a href="https://forecast.id.com.au/parramatta/residential-development?WebID=270">2036 dwelling count of 15,474</a>.

Such is the popularity of Parramatta that the Apartments.com.au Project Database for the suburb has expanded rapidly to include thousands of planned and under construction apartments, particularly within Parramatta's CBD.

<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/image154_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Woods Bagot's envisaged design for the George Street site"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="384" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image154_2.jpg?itok=jqWjuARW" title="Woods Bagot's envisaged design for the George Street site" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Woods Bagot's envisaged design for the George Street site</figcaption></figure>The move to planning for 180 George Street will see the 7,978 square metre site currently controlled by the Meriton developed to its maximum potential. Earlier this year Meriton foreshadowed the redevelopment, announcing that Woods Bagot was successful in a design competition for the site.

At present five buildings across 180 George Street span up to fourteen levels and are held by the developer within its Meriton Suites serviced apartments portfolio.

Council note the delivery of 767 residential apartments as proposed, spread across the taller tower and the upper levels of the secondary tower. The 767 dwellings are loosely broken down into 486 apartments within the taller north tower, 131 apartments in the south tower, 12 podium level apartments and 142 apartments inserted across existing buildings onsite.

Meriton last year completed Altitude, its most recent Parramatta development at 330 Church Street which consists of dual towers holding approximately 375 apartments 254 serviced 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/image158_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Probables and possibles. 8 Phillip Street alongside a scheme for 87 Church Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="424" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image158_1.jpg?itok=2Ah5NLhD" title="Probables and possibles. 8 Phillip Street alongside a scheme for 87 Church Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Probables and possibles. 8 Phillip Street alongside a scheme for 87 Church Street</figcaption></figure>The lockstep between population surge and a rapidly evolving skyline is evident when assessing Parramatta's major current apartment developments. 180 George Street aside, the 200 metre <a href="/new-apartments/8-phillip-street-2-10-phillip-street-parramatta">8 Phillip Street</a> includes 300 plus apartments, <a href="/new-apartments/south-quarter-parramatta-57-83-church-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">South Quarter</a> encompasses 700 plus apartments, <a href="/buildings/west-village-88-church-street-parramatta">West Village</a> almost 400, <a href="/buildings/observatory-place-parramatta-7-parkes-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">Solstice</a> 175 and <a href="/buildings/the-lennox-12-phillip-street-parramatta">The Lennox</a> with 440 apartments.

Of the above West Village and The Lennox are at construction.

It is through the next wave of residential towers that will continue to underpin Parramatta's explosive growth. 197 Church Street, 87 Church Street, 12 Hassell Street, 2 O'Connell Street and Westfield Parramatta Tower stand out as potentially sizeable towers capable of hosting major development in coming years.
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The Meriton juggernaut adds to Parramatta's population surge

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The design team behind what looms as one of Sydney's tallest buildings has provided comment on their joint effort for 505-523 George Street.

Last week the development's proponents, Mirvac and Coombes Property Group, announced that Architectus and ingenhoven architects were successful in topping other participants in a design excellence competition. Now in progress is a 79 storey predominantly residential tower spanning 270 metres.

It has been billed as the highest residential building in Sydney, and also as a "profoundly visible landmark standing for an economical, environmental and socially sustainable, future-oriented development."

Efforts to deliver a signature project onsite reach back to August 2015 when Council and the Central Sydney Planning Committee considered a request to change the height control for the site which is currently home to an Event Cinemas complex.

Top flight architecture firms/partnerships Skidmore, Owings and Merrill + Crone, Wilkinson Eyre, Foster + Partners and fjmt + Bates Smart were beaten out by Architectus and ingenhoven architects during the initial design process. The $1 billion development will now progress to a Stage 2 development application with an eye to final approval.

<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_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Panoramic views of the George Street tower. Image: Doug and Wolf"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="301" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image142_0.jpg?itok=1T8zwVlW" title="Panoramic views of the George Street tower. Image: Doug and Wolf" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Panoramic views of the George Street tower. Image: Doug and Wolf</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
This is a very exciting project for Sydney. It will rejuvenate George Street’s entertainment precinct with new retail, community facilities, potential hotel and high-quality apartments.

The tower will present as a singular elegant form on the skyline of Sydney with the vertical structure emphasizing height and slenderness while the subtle curving façade addresses views in all directions.

We are looking forward to working with the team at Ingenhoven again on another significant Sydney project. Our collaboration on 1 Bligh Street was very successful and we aim to emulate the same quality and success with 505 George Street.
<cite>Ray Brown, Managing Director at Architectus</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
Now we have combined our expertise once again by designing a tower which will be highly integrated in the existing surroundings and offer a great public domain.

This urban approach is based on the philosophy of a well-connected public and conceives of the tower as being a 'friendly neighbour'. The combination of different uses and the timeless design of the building are integral parts of an environmentally sustainable approach but also expression of a deep understanding of the project goals
<cite>Christoph Ingenhoven, owner and founder of ingenhoven architects</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/image140_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ground level perspective. Image: Doug and Wolf"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="418" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image140_1.jpg?itok=mtUJFfvD" title="Ground level perspective. Image: Doug and Wolf" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ground level perspective. Image: Doug and Wolf</figcaption></figure>Other aspects of the 65,000 square metre development include multiple retail levels, childcare facilities, a community meeting space and the potential to rehouse Event Cinemas in the podium structure.

ingenhoven architects' supergreen sustainability platform will be rolled out across the design. This includes "awareness of energy and resources, both in the design, construction and operation and in the realization of the building and its use. It includes the primary and secondary energy levels of the materials used, the equipment and building process and the use of resources over the whole lifetime of a building."

505-523 George Street will be a traditional post-tensioned concrete structure with exposed perimeter columns allowing for maximum residential floor space.

The development team has indicated that post a 2019 submission for approval, a construction start is pencilled in for 2020. With a five year build in mind, Mirvac and Coombes Property Group are eyeing residents moving in during 2025.

<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_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Above all others. Image: Doug and Wolf"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="286" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image143_2.jpg?itok=LpCdo-br" title="Above all others. Image: Doug and Wolf" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Above all others. Image: Doug and Wolf</figcaption></figure>
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Architectus and Ingehoven on Sydney's latest super skyscraper

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

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