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Two key projects have emerged in recent days within Docklands that will for differing reasons create an improved experience and/or environment within the oft maligned suburb adjoining Melbourne's CBD.

It's been announced that Harbour Town Melbourne will receive a multi-million dollar transparent roof canopy, providing shelter from Melbourne's variable weather. Instigated by AsheMorgan who purchased the 40,000sqm retail precinct from ING Real Estate, the canopy and associated facade/amenities regeneration represents the first in a series of upgrades set for Harbour Town Melbourne with the intent of establishing the northern Docklands precinct as one of Melbourne’s premier shopping and entertainment destinations.

Buchan Group and Red Design Group are responsible for the alterations and additions to Harbour Town Melbourne, having been charged with the task of creating a clean, contemporary and inviting feel for the area.

In addition to the sprawling canopy, certain pedestrian bridges and escalators which have been deemed to be underutilised will be removed, resulting in the creation of two new plazas. These new spaces are expected to accommodate public events and rotating interactive displays upon completion.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image71_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Initial images of Harbour Town's upgrade. Images courtesy AsheMorgan"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="393" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image71_1.jpg?itok=f3fo7uVv" title="Initial images of Harbour Town's upgrade. Images courtesy AsheMorgan" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Initial images of Harbour Town's upgrade. Images courtesy AsheMorgan</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
We based our concept for the centre around the proposition that Harbour Town Melbourne was already unique in its outdoor living environment.

Using that, our design theme draws on the natural environment with recessed timbers contrasting with vegetation to soften the walkways – ultimately creating a ‘green oasis’ and an opportunity to engage with customers with a range of pause points along their shopping journey.
<cite>Colin Bell, Creative Director Red Design</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
The overriding design imperative for the canopy project is to touch as lightly and unobtrusively as possible on the ‘open’ sense of the existing centre. We have the opportunity to enhance the customer experience by providing additional protection from the elements and incorporating a simple and elegant ‘floating’ canopy that allows natural light to penetrate and provide a year-round outdoor shopping experience.
<cite>Joe Genovesi, Buchan Group Design Principal</cite>
</blockquote>

AsheMorgan have indicated that this first phase is one of a number of initiatives that will see a substantial investment in Harbour Town Melbourne by the Brisbane-based outfit. AsheMorgan Principal Alton Abrahams expects the implementation of the first phase of Harbour Town Melbourne's masterplan will breathe new life into the precinct.

Including Harbour Town Melbourne (40,818sqm of GLA), associated car parks (2,818 car spaces) and the Medibank Ice House, AsheMorgan also hold a number of development sites with approved masterplan for the precinct.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image70_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A first glimpse inside Docklands’ first five-star hotel. Image courtesy Peppers"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="388" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image70_0.jpg?itok=G4J9E4qS" title="A first glimpse inside Docklands’ first five-star hotel. Image courtesy Peppers" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A first glimpse inside Docklands’ first five-star hotel. Image courtesy Peppers</figcaption></figure>Nearby and the first image has emerged of the suburb's first completed five-star hotel suite within Peppers Docklands. Located at 679 La Trobe Street, Peppers Docklands is part of the <a href="/buildings/m-docklands-679-la-trobe-street-docklands">M Docklands</a> mixed-use tower which is being developed by Capital Alliance Investment Group as their first Melbourne project.

The completed prototype hotel suite has been delivered ahead of the project's scheduled completion during early 2016, with builder Hamilton Marino undertaking works on the $140 million project. Designed by Elenberg Fraser as an accompanying tower to the adjoining LaCrosse building, M Docklands features 87 five-star hotel suites and 186 private apartments atop a podium containing 11 retail tenancies.

<blockquote>
We’re proud to be playing a significant role in the emergence of a revitalised Docklands. Docklands is already home to world-class facilities such as Etihad Stadium, which attracts visitors from across Australia and indeed around the world.

If you look at the situation in Melbourne, demand for hotel rooms is projected to grow and grow. It made perfect sense for us to partner with a well-respected hotel operator like Mantra Group and lead the way in bringing luxury accommodation to the Docklands – keeping tourists in the area and driving the local economy.
<cite>Mohan Du, Managing Director and Founder of Capital Alliance</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
Docklands is in need of a sophisticated hotel product to cater to an increasingly selective global market that is looking for quality, location and facilities of a world class calibre. Peppers Docklands has this, and will set a benchmark for future mixed-use developments in Australia.
<cite>Mantra Group (Peppers operator) CEO Bob East </cite>
</blockquote>

The delivery of Peppers Docklands is a boost for the precinct's ability to provide premium hotel suites following the stalled beginning to <a href="/new-apartments/docklands-vic-3008">The Altus</a> at 238 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands. Precious little has occurred onsite following a turning of the first sod ceremony held during October 2014.

Construction has yet to commence for the project which features 281 suites under the 4.5 star Parkroyal brand.
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silvermb

Docklands receives a double shot in the arm

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Already underpinned by a handful of current apartment developments, Moonee Ponds looks set to receive as many as 400 new apartments over two separate residential buildings.

The suburb's two main property developers are behind the respective developments. The Moloney Group continues to add to their pipeline of projects in and around the Moonee Ponds Activity Centre with 687 Mount Alexander Road, while Cremorne-based Caydon by virtue of their purchase of the expansive 13,390sqm Readings site weigh in with that site's first offering, 36 Margaret 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/image58aw.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Amnon Weber's design for 687 Mount Alexander Road"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="553" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image58aw.jpg?itok=xVFzDSe9" title="Amnon Weber's design for 687 Mount Alexander Road" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Amnon Weber's design for 687 Mount Alexander Road</figcaption></figure>Revised plans have been submitted for <a href="/new-apartments/687-mount-alexander-road-moonee-ponds">687 Mount Alexander Road</a> in response to requests made by Moonee Valley City Council. In its current form 687 Mount Alexander Road would see 220 apartments created within a 14 level residential tower. Originally prepared during December 2014, the rejigged design also sees the creation of six new retail spaces at ground level with a total of 548sqm available.

Within the Amnon Weber-designed tower are 94 x 1 bedroom apartments, 122 x two bedroom apartments and 4 x three bedroom apartments designated as penthouses. 167 car parking spaces and 134 bicycle bays are catered for within two basement levels.

Post the completion of One9 Apartments, The Moloney Group have <a href="http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/west/moonee-ponds-to-become-mecca-for-highrises/story-fngnvmj7-1226880892573">four separate development plots</a> in their Moonee Ponds portfolio. 687 Mount Alexander Road joins fellow 14-level proposal <a href="/news/central-35-33-35-hall-street-moonee-ponds">33 Hall Street</a> as projects which have gone to council on behalf of the developer.

<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/image59mar.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Preliminary marketing image for 36 Margaret Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="339" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image59mar.jpg?itok=F2Doevr6" title="Preliminary marketing image for 36 Margaret Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Preliminary marketing image for 36 Margaret Street</figcaption></figure>Elsewhere and Fender Katsalidis Architects have landed in Moonee Ponds with a scheme for 176 dwellings within 36 Margaret Street. Conceived for Caydon, the project consists of 79 x single bedroom apartments, 34 singles with an additional flexi room and 63 x two bedroom options.

Oculus have devised a green and timber rooftop deck with entertainment pods, inground spa, hanging chairs and an expansive dining area included. 36 Margaret Street represents the first phase of Caydon's Moonee Ponds precinct, with a further three stages of development to follow. It's unknown whether Caydon will go with <a href="/buildings/hall-st-40-hall-street-moonee-ponds">40 Hall Street</a> which went to council under previous site owner Leighton Properties; 40 Hall Street shapes as forming part of Stage 2 of the site's development.

As part of future development of the Readings plot, a new pedestrian thoroughfare with bisect the site, linking Homer Street and Hall Street. Adjacent to the thoroughfare will be a half acre Oculus-designed garden and leisure area for use by residents.

<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/image62.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The private garden and public passage envisaged for the Readings site"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="346" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image62.jpg?itok=ei6Kq921" title="The private garden and public passage envisaged for the Readings site" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The private garden and public passage envisaged for the Readings site</figcaption></figure>Moonee Ponds has progressed inline with many Melbourne suburbs of late in that it has seen an increased amount of apartment development activity.

Set to join <a href="/buildings/the-montgomery-521-mt-alexander-road-moonee-ponds">The Montgomery</a> and <a href="/buildings/twenty-park-20-park-street-moonee-ponds">20 Park Street</a> under construction is <a href="/new-apartments/mopo-333-ascot-vale-road-moonee-ponds">MO.PO.</a> with the 11 level, 126-apartment development to be taken on by Buildcorp Commercial. Close-by and Giancorp have approval for a mixed-use building at <a href="/buildings/penny-lane-moonee-ponds-6-14-young-street-moonee-ponds">6-14 Young Street</a> while <a href="/new-apartments/sur-53-homer-street-moonee-ponds">Iliad on Homer</a> adds to the projects which are currently at sales in the area.

Rounding out the notable apartment developments within Moonee Ponds are <a href="/new-apartments/moore-21-moore-street-moonee-ponds">21-23 Moore Street</a> and CDG's <a href="/buildings/9-shuter-street-moonee-ponds">3-9 Shuter Street</a> which between them have the ability to add another 100 plus apartments to the locale.
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Moonee Ponds on the up and up!

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Hot on the heels of the news that a further <a href="/news/gurners-1-warde-street-adds-to-joseph-road-precincts-momentum">380 apartments have been approved</a> within Footscray's Joseph Road Precinct, 8 Hopkins Street has re-emerged under the guidance of a new developer/architect combination.

After the site's sale via a public EOI campaign, St Kilda Road-based Golden Asset Group now maintains control over the 13,000sqm land holding, with Kavellaris Urban Design responsible for the redrawn plans which seeks approval for 939 apartments. Superseding the initial Hayball scheme with 795 apartments over one, two, three, loft, studio and townhouse options, the rejigged design calls for one and two bedroom dwellings to be progressively built over differing development stages.

In a report due to be tabled toward the end of July, Maribyrnong City Council's City Development Special Committee has been directed to rebuff the development in its current form, owing to a number of planning concerns.

<h2>The revised 8 Hopkins Street in brief</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/merchant-square_image003.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of the development. Image courtesy KUD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/merchant-square_image003.jpg?itok=Tlv1jDhQ" title="Artist's impression of the development. Image courtesy KUD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of the development. Image courtesy KUD</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Vacant island site of 13,100sqm</li>
	<li>Six building development over three stages</li>
	<li>10-24 levels with maximum height of 64.9 metres</li>
	<li>939 dwellings: 568 x 1BR and 371 x 2BR</li>
	<li>17 commercial tenancies with a total area of 3,592.5sqm</li>
	<li>690 car spaces, 320 bicycle spaces and 53 motorcycle spaces included</li>
	<li>Amenities including a gym, pool, running track and podium top terrace</li>
</ul>
<h2>An eventful planning history</h2>

The former Le Mans Toyota dealership is in the heart of Joseph Road Precinct, falling under the control of Places Victoria after the agency paid $21 million for the land asset. The Victorian Government's property development agency then went to planning with the aforementioned Hayball scheme in mind.

The application was first referred to Maribyrnong City Council during 2013 by the Minister for Planning, which envisaged eight buildings of up to 24 storeys. Coinciding with the assessment of the Hayball masterplan was a sales campaign which saw 8 Hopkins Road offloaded to an undisclosed buyer near the turn of 2014.

Golden Asset Group initiated demolition works onsite during early stages of 2015, with the bulk of all structures now non-existent. The Adjoining <a href="/buildings/riverina-22-hopkins-street-footscray">Riverina</a> project as the first development within Joseph Road Precinct to advance to sales, is set to proceed with construction tenders now current.

<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_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The early masterplan design for 8 Hopkins Street. Image courtesy Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="318" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image13_2.jpg?itok=tMlTK0vw" title="The early masterplan design for 8 Hopkins Street. Image courtesy Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The early masterplan design for 8 Hopkins Street. Image courtesy Hayball</figcaption></figure><h2>Recommendation to the City Development Special Committee</h2>

Areas of concern as outlined within the Council report concerning 8 Hopkins Street:

<ul>
<li>The proposal lacks dwelling diversity (typology and size).</li>
	<li>The revised proposal shows little regard to Better Apartments Discussion Paper May 2015 as released by the Minister for Planning. It displays many flaws and issues affecting residential amenity.</li>
	<li>Proposal is yield driven and window dressed with superficial activation to disguise the shortcomings of a mass overdevelopment.</li>
	<li>All dwellings are too small and 25 per cent of dwellings are south facing.</li>
	<li>Building massing is poor, bulky podiums, blank frontages, landscaped podiums will suffer from induced winds.</li>
	<li>Visitor spaces are proposed to be shared by the retail spaces and will place further pressure on on-street parking demands.</li>
</ul>
Consequently the report recommends that the City Development Special Committee (read Maribyrnong City Council) advises the Minister for Planning that it objects to the revised 8 Hopkins Street proposal.

<h2>Consistency doesn't pay…</h2>

Within Maribyrnong City Council's analysis of 8 Hopkins Street is mention of the four approvals granted to date within Joseph Road Precinct, namely Riviera at 18-24 Hopkins Street, <a href="/new-apartments/12-moreland-street-footscray">10 Moreland Street</a>, <a href="/buildings/boat-house-2-joseph-road-footscray">2 Hopkins Street</a> and The Tannery at <a href="/new-apartments/footscray-vic-3011">4 Neilson Place</a>.

Including 8 Hopkins Street, Council is critical of the quintet in that none provide public, social or affordable housing options, little or no office space/meaningful employment generating uses and limited space allocated toward entertainment, recreational or community facilities. From the local council's perspective the same points of concern have arisen on every occasion.

Maribyrnong City Council have evidently been nothing if not consistent in their opposition to certain aspects of the proposals within Joseph Road Precinct to date. Ultimately though the final decision in determining whether 8 Hopkins Street is fit to join those projects already approved within the precinct lies with the Minister for Planning.

<h2>8 Hopkins Street planning team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Golden Asset Group</li>
	<li>Architect: Kavellaris Urban Design</li>
	<li>Landscape: Hansen Partnership</li>
	<li>Planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>Building Surveyor: PLP Building Surveyors</li>
	<li>Traffic: Cardno</li>
	<li>Structural Engineer: Robert Bird Group</li>
	<li>Services Engineer: ADP Consulting : Engineering</li>
	<li>Waste: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Wind Consultant: MEL Consultants</li>
</ul>
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Council apprehensive over the revamped 939-apartment 8 Hopkins Street

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The past fortnight has brought a number of high profile approvals which have been placed firmly in the public eye, but what of the lesser known planning applications that have been given or are poised to receive the green?

85-93 Lorimer Street, 1 Warde Street and Avant at 54-64 A'Beckett street have all had their time in the sun owing to their sizeable nature, with the three projects combining to add as many as 1,780 apartments to the Melbourne skyline. Avant in particular is set to make a striking addition to the northern end of the CBD due to it's reddish-pink exterior, carrying an expected $500 million development tag along the way.

There has also been a wave of other approvals of late, all of which will add to the city's development pipeline. In a variety of locations, some of the more notable developments to gain approval include:

<h2>3 Shiel Street, North Melbourne</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/1018_3-5_shielst_tp_-_3d_view_-_view_01_-_shiel_st.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="3 Shiel street has been given the green light. Image courtesy SPEC Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="321" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1018_3-5_shielst_tp_-_3d_view_-_view_01_-_shiel_st.jpg?itok=YJ6c1Xfe" title="3 Shiel street has been given the green light. Image courtesy SPEC Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>3 Shiel street has been given the green light. Image courtesy SPEC Property</figcaption></figure>SPEC Property have secured a permit for a project dubbed The Shiel Apartments at 3 Shiel Street, North Melbourne. Melbourne City Council saw fit to provide a permit for the 65-apartment project earlier this month.

The Shiel Street development is notable in that it along with a handful of other projects sited on Shiel Street and the adjoining Haines Street represent the vanguard push of residential developers into the Arden-Macaulay Precinct; a large tract of North Melbourne and Kensington slated to become a high density residential zone.

<h2>20-22 Queens Road and 74 Eastern Road</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image34_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Queens Road and Eastern Road"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="295" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image34_3.jpg?itok=19_PZJCm" title="Queens Road and Eastern Road" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Queens Road and Eastern Road</figcaption></figure>VCAT have ruled on both these projects which fell under the jurisdiction of Port Phillip City Council. Respective developers JD Group and GURNER are now free to pursue their approved schemes as they see fit.

20-22 Queens Road is the larger of the two developments at 17 levels, consuming a 4,598 sqm site and holding 269 dwellings. Both projects are at the foot of Albert Park, with 20-22 Queens Road set to enjoy unencumbered views.

<h2>6-10 Keele Street, Collingwood</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/image296.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="SJB's Keele Street design"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="330" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image296.jpg?itok=eHEkmgkP" title="SJB's Keele Street design" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>SJB's Keele Street design</figcaption></figure>Keele Street comes into focus as the latest project for local developer Pirovich. Submitted during late 2014, the SJB-designed project has gained approval according to Yarra City Council. With a determination dated June 25th, the 55-apartment project over a 930sqm block has a nominal value of $12 million and looks set to join the multitude of apartments projects within postcode 3066.

<h2>Incoming</h2>

Two high-profile projects are also set to gain approval in the not-too-distant future. A planning officer's report set to be tabled before Monash City Council on July 28th recommends the approval of The Glen redevelopment at 227 Springvale Road. Initially submitted with 515 apartments over three buildings, a variety of conditions have been suggested, chief of which is the reduction of the 'Signature Tower' from 86 metres to 63.7 metres in height.

<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/about-header-2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of the revamped Royal Womens Hospital"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="329" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/about-header-2.jpg?itok=bJA6Ih-7" title="Artist's impression of the revamped Royal Womens Hospital" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of the Royal Women's Hospital first stage</figcaption></figure>July 28th also looms as the date where <a href="http://www.carltonconnect.com.au/">Carlton Connect</a> will formally be adopted by Melbourne City Council. The project involves rezoning the former Royal Women’s Hospital to allow for a comprehensive redevelopment yielding three buildings which are expected to accommodate Australia’s premier innovation precinct.

Melbourne University will anchor the redevelopment which will seek to deepen the application of knowledge throughout the Australian economy according to the project's website.
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Poised and primed: key developments gain approval

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White-hot developer GURNER has continued Footscray's apartment march by gaining approval for a twin tower development capable of accommodating between 350-380 apartments. Estimated at over $200 million in value, <a href="/buildings/liberty-one-1-warde-street-footscray">1 Warde Street</a> is another joint effort between GURNER and the irrepressible Elenberg Fraser.

Submitted for assessment during July 2012, the project which sits within Footscray's Joseph Road Precinct has been subject to a very lengthy approvals process which has seen the initial design consisting of 19 and 26 level buildings adjusted to carry dual 25 level towers. Consequently the apartment yield has increased from an initial 311 to as many as 380 within the approved version, with 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments expected.

With such a long lead in time prior to approval GURNER has stated they expect to reflect the low cost of site purchase (relative to today's robust market) via highly competitive apartment pricing at the time of the project's release.

<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/image1warde.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Initial and approved schemes. Images courtesy Elenberg Fraser &amp; GURNER"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="367" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image1warde.jpg?itok=W1LnwV_K" title="Initial and approved schemes. Images courtesy Elenberg Fraser &amp; GURNER" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Initial and approved 1 Warde Street designs. Images courtesy Elenberg Fraser &amp; GURNER</figcaption></figure>Dubbed Romeo and Juliet on GURNER's website, 1 Warde Street will hold 4,000sqm's of retail space at ground level, in part servicing the wider Joseph Road Precinct precinct which is expected to see thousands of apartments constructed.

<h2>Tim Gurner's take</h2>

<blockquote>
The site was purchased over four years ago when prices were siting below long-term averages so we are now able to pass this on to purchasers by delivering a project that will rival our crowning ‘FV’ project in Brisbane at prices that sit under market rates, ensuring our clients enjoy long term capital gains.

This regeneration precinct in Footscray is the perfect opportunity to breathe new life into a former industrial precinct and create a thriving residential, retail and cultural hub within five kilometres of the CBD. People who buy into the early stages of new precincts such as this one, tend to do incredibly well as they buy against the market trends and then see a large upswing when the precinct really starts to take shape.

We saw it with Port Melbourne and Richmond’s former industrial precincts which have now been transformed into luxury apartment pockets so I believe Joseph Road will be another example where people will kick themselves down the track if they don’t get in early.

Having just received planning approval from the State Government we will now move into the early design stages and we hope to bring this project to market in early 2016. We are excited to bring this project to the market as soon as possible; I’m happy to see there are other developers already in the market there as the activity will help put this precinct on the map.

There has been talk that this precinct may become over populated with new developments however we see it no differently to opening an Italian restaurant or cafe on Lygon Street - as long as you ensure you are delivering the best possible coffee or product in the market at a competitive price, it is sure to be a success.
<cite>Tim Gurner</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>On a wider note</h2>

1 Warde Street is the latest development to enter the GURNER stable, which includes <a href="/buildings/107-cambridge-street-collingwood">107 Cambridge Street</a> and <a href="/buildings/28-stanley-street-collingwood">28 Stanley Street</a> (both of which have sold out prior to construction) and the recently announced apartment conversion of 57 Johnston Street, Fitzroy. In addition <a href="/buildings/74-eastern-road-south-melbourne">74 Eastern Road</a> and <a href="/new-apartments/278-282-kings-way-south-melbourne">278-282 Kings Way</a> shape as forthcoming projects.

With sales of 1 Warde Street expected to hit sales at the beginning of 2016, the interceding period will see GURNER and Elenberg Fraser embark upon an expanded design process prior to the project's launch. Incidentally Warde Street also caps off a successful fortnight for Elenberg Fraser, with planning approval also secured for two additional projects. <a href="/developments/docklands-vic-3008">85-93 Lorimer Street</a> and <a href="/buildings/avant-60-abeckett-street-melbourne">Avant</a> within Melbourne's CBD are also the handy work of the Queen Street-based architecture practice.

<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_3578.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Joseph Road Precinct set to rise"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="257" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_3578.jpg?itok=M-t40ddz" title="Joseph Road Precinct set to rise" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Joseph Road Precinct set to rise</figcaption></figure>The approval of 1 Warde Street is also another shot of momentum for Joseph Road Precinct, with 2015 a year of excel for the designated urban renewal area. In addition to GURNER's Warde Street approval, AZX Group's <a href="/buildings/riverina-22-hopkins-street-footscray">Riverina</a> has sold strongly, with a construction tender now open on the first phase of the 968-apartment project.

Joining the above two developments is <a href="/new-apartments/footscray-vic-3011">The Tannery</a> which is slated for a construction start as of late 2015 while directly opposite Joseph street Precinct another large project is on the verge of commencing sales. The Riverside located at <a href="/buildings/the-riverside-1-moreland-street-footscray">1 Moreland Street</a> is set to carry in excess of 200 apartments, with an onsite display suite nearing completion.​
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GURNER's 1 Warde Street adds to Joseph Road Precinct's momentum

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Not another apartment development on <a href="/buildings/e-s-smith-368-374-smith-street-collingwood">Smith Street</a>? Well, no, Trilby is not like any other in certain regards with the team at SPEC Property going to great lengths in order to tailor the development toward the owner-occupier market.

Apartments.com.au visited the display at 410 Smith Street Collingwood in recent days following SPEC Property's latest residential release. The broad-ranging discussion encompassed topics such as the shifting dynamics of the residential sector, successfully designing a project relative to its surrounds and harnessing the target buyer for a development aiming to achieve an 80% owner-occupier buyer rate.

<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/shot01-hero.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Trilby as envisaged from smith Street. Image courtesy SPEC Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="406" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/shot01-hero.jpg?itok=XUrZsymn" title="Trilby as envisaged from smith Street. Image courtesy SPEC Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Trilby as envisaged from smith Street. Image courtesy SPEC Property</figcaption></figure>SPEC Property like many local developers has recognised a shift toward smaller scale, non-CBD developments which are more intimate in nature than the sizeable towers within Melbourne's CBD. Shying away from large, investor-grade apartment stock is nothing new to SPEC Property, with a sweep through the Apartments.com.au Project Database showing <a href="/developers/samma-property-group">eight small and medium-scale residential developments</a> currently under the guidance of the Cremorne-based property outfit.

<a href="/buildings/trilby-466-smith-street-collingwood">Trilby Apartments</a> is the latest to join this stable of projects. Upon purchasing the site the developer immediately went about redesigning the initial scheme which was still with Yarra City Council. Chief architect Ariel Lopez of Inhabit Design explained that the previous scheme was not in line with the developers expectations and ethos, thus the decision was made to rework every aspect of the project to better suit its setting.

Consequently Trilby apartments now presents as being more open to Smith Street, and with a softer exterior relative to the previous proposed design. Timber and greenery have been introduced, as has been a revised podium that better integrates with the retained facade.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/shot06-loft-apartment.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of a loft within Trilby. Image courtesy SPEC Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="313" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/shot06-loft-apartment.jpg?itok=f0qzsgkM" title="Artist's impression of a loft within Trilby. Image courtesy SPEC Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of a loft within Trilby. Image courtesy SPEC Property</figcaption></figure>Maintaining every aspect of development from design to delivery in-house, SPEC Property have gone with a revamped interior layout in order to create living options that will best suit the target market. The in-house nature of the business allows for, and almost demands that the developer taps into their customer database in order to gain critical feedback on issues of design, livability and the like.

Consequently loft apartments have been introduced throughout the Trilby podium; a direct result of the success of their experience of placing lofts within <a href="/buildings/helio-91-flemington-road-north-melbourne">Helio</a> on Flemington Road.

The sales team have been delighted to date with the volume of foot traffic through the display suite. Quizzed on the catchment area of both prospective and actual purchasers, it's explained that the bulk of traffic to date is from Collingwood and surrounding suburbs, with a skew to areas such as Kew and Hawthorn. Tram 86 which stretches to Bundoora also accounts for a notable amount of display traffic, with a tram stop in close vicinity to the display front door.

Downsizers have also been prevalent in the buyer profile, with the most notable being a couple who have chosen to leave Shepparton behind in favour of a podium loft-style apartment.

In addition to the lofts, terrace apartments are located over level three with the balance of the building's 106 dwellings dedicated toward one and two bedroom apartments; all of which have been given the touch befitting of an apartment set to be owner-occupied. As Ariel Lopez explained, it serves no purpose going to such great design lengths to simply churn out further investor-driven apartment stock.

<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/image55_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A two bedroom interior. Image courtesy SPEC Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="367" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image55_2.jpg?itok=DmBd6IZ1" title="A two bedroom interior. Image courtesy SPEC Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A two bedroom interior. Image courtesy SPEC Property</figcaption></figure>As such the apartments are finished to an exceedingly high level and carry a number of features previously unseen by Apartments.com.au. The surprise within the display are the kitchen kickboards which are actually draws, providing additional storage space.

All apartment finishes carry an industrial edge in their design. Aged bronzed tapware, Smeg appliances and powder-coated steel island benches define the kitchen spaces, with a similar motif throughout the bathrooms. Resembling plywood in appearance, the novel finish to the joinery continues the industrial theme, but with an underlying quality.

Crowning Trilby will be an external rooftop deck incorporating a lounge and kitchen, library, bar, ping pong facilities, playground, outdoor cinema and Teppanyaki grill. Bricks salvaged from the site demolition will be reused throughout the rooftop deck, bringing a lived-in quality to the communal area while avoiding the perception of sterility which tends to define many communal areas of recent residential projects through Melbourne.

In-house builder TriUrban Construction is set to commence construction works on Trilby 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/image56_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Recycled bricks frame the rooftop area. Image courtesy SPEC Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image56_1.jpg?itok=NF_Ey5xE" title="Recycled bricks frame the rooftop area. Image courtesy SPEC Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Recycled bricks frame the rooftop area. Image courtesy SPEC Property</figcaption></figure>
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Trilby Apartments a reflection of its target market

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A planning application has been lodged with Yarra City Council for one of Melbourne's most recognisable development sites. Following a Colliers campaign to sell the Richmond Malt site during 2014, Caydon was revealed as the purchaser and has recently lodged plans for the first phase of the expansive site which includes the famed Nylex Clock.

With a land area in excess of 11,000sqm, the Richmond Malt site joins Caydon's existing adjoining development plot at 17-21 Harcourt Parade. The combined and expansive tract of land fronting Cremorne Street, Gough Street and Harcourt Parade has seen the development team indicate that a new residential-based precinct will be rolled out over stages.

The current planning application designated 2 Gough Street is relevant to a portion of the Richmond Malt site, with the balance of that site which includes the concrete silos and Nylex Clock, and the Harcourt Parade development site subject to future planning applications.

<h2>2 Gough Street (Stage 1A) application summary</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image3malt.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Renders of the proposed residential tower. Image courtesy Fender Katsalidis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="273" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image3malt.jpg?itok=MKvPqPQs" title="Renders of the proposed residential tower. Image courtesy Fender Katsalidis" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Renders of the proposed residential tower. Image courtesy Fender Katsalidis</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Total site area: 11,337sqm with 1A site area of 2,128sqm</li>
	<li>19 storeys at 57.25 metres in height</li>
	<li>271 apartments: 187 x 1BR / 83 x 2BR / 1 x 3BR</li>
	<li>6 SOHO dwellings: 4 x 2BR / 2 x 1873BR</li>
	<li>2 retail tenancies, including a 474sqm IGA supermarket</li>
	<li>366 car parks and 184 bicycle bays over basement and podium levels</li>
	<li>GFA: 37,722sqm</li>
</ul>
<h2>Tower design</h2>

<blockquote>
The Parcel 1A building has been designed by Fender Katsilidis, a well-regarded Melbourne architecture firm, and utilises a design response which reflects the existing disorder, layering and eclectic mix of building styles, ages, shapes, materials and colours present across the Richmond Malt site.

This existing character is referenced through the inclusion of the B4 heritage building, angular podium, retained wall fragments, and twin tower components, which each have their own distinct visual appearance. This conglomeration of building styles reflects the existing characteristics as set out above. Landscaping pockets including creepers, green walls and planter boxes work to further emphasise the building’s form, whilst also referencing the existing, ad hoc landscaping across the wider Richmond Malt site.
<cite>Urbis: Town Planning Report</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Site permeability a focus</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/image132.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Conceptual laneway format and landscaping. Image courtesy Oculus"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="297" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image132.jpg?itok=sB5lqbuq" title="Conceptual laneway format and landscaping. Image courtesy Oculus" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Conceptual laneway format and landscaping. Image courtesy Oculus</figcaption></figure>Oculus have been charged with creating enhanced public spaces, with three design principles in place:

<ul>
<li>Public Theatre: Creating opportunities for people to occupy and use the landscape</li>
	<li>Indoor / Outdoor: Creating a permeable landscape that bridges both internal and external spaces to devise a responsive and fluid landscape</li>
	<li>Domesticating: Utilising an adaptive approach to greening</li>
</ul>
Arranged in a semi-grid format, the public realm surrounding Parcel 1A will be framed by green walls, elevated lawn terraces and a viewing platform above the Yarra.

Nominated landscaping materials include recycled brick, concrete, bluestone, corrugated iron and steel; elements which are currently present onsite and which are expected to be incorporated into eventual works. The tower's podium also features a mixture of finishes designed to compliment both the landscaping and existing chararcter of the site.

Ochre and brick elements through the podium will reflect the existing brickwork seen over the wider Richmond Malt site, with the ochre referencing a section of the existing street which is expected to be retained.

<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/image131_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Indicative ground level landscaping within the development. Image courtesy Fender Katsalidis / Oculus"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="339" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image131_1.jpg?itok=lO729jTJ" title="Indicative ground level landscaping within the development. Image courtesy Fender Katsalidis / Oculus" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Indicative ground level landscaping within the development. Image courtesy Fender Katsalidis / Oculus</figcaption></figure><h2>2 Gough Street (Stage 1A) development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Caydon Property Group</li>
	<li>Architect: Fender Katsalidis</li>
	<li>Planning: URBIS</li>
	<li>Landscape report: Oculus</li>
	<li>Traffic: GTA Consultants</li>
	<li>Acoustic report: Renzo Tonin</li>
	<li>Waste management plan: RB Waste Consulting</li>
	<li>Wind report: Vipac</li>
	<li>Sustainability report: Simpson Kotzman</li>
</ul>
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The Richmond Malt site heads to planning

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The State Government has unveiled a team of experts and community representatives to guide Fishermans Bend beyond its formative stages, with emphasis placed upon achieving planning success. The Ministerial Advisory Committee has been assembled post an assessment period where in excess of 100 expressions of interest were fielded.

Forming a Ministerial Advisory Committee is in line with the Labor Government's intent to reform Fishermans Bend's planning framework, with the most notable changes to date being the introduction of an Employment Precinct within and a prohibitive 40 level height limit across both Montague and Lorimer Precincts.

Fishermans Bend looms as Australia's largest urban renewal project with 450 hectares of land available for development, shadowing Docklands for size in the process.

<blockquote>
Fishermans Bend is a big urban growth opportunity for Victoria. We’re making sure we get it right, to ensure Melbourne can accommodate a growing population and remain the envy of the world.

I’ve chosen a committee which brings together the best in planning experts and community members, giving locals a direct voice in the process.
<cite>Richard Wynne, Minister for Planning</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>The committee</h2>

With a long and distinguished career in the public sphere, Meredith Sussex will chair the committee. In addition to her role with the Fishermans Bend Ministerial Advisory Council, Meredith Sussex also currently holds the position of Non Executive Director at the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute and Director of Meredith Sussex and Associates. The latter consultancy specialises in city planning.

Also present on the Ministerial Advisory Council are:

<ul>
<li>City of Melbourne Lord Mayor Robert Doyle</li>
	<li>City of Port Phillip Mayor Amanda Stevens</li>
	<li>Lucinda Hartley - urban renewal, design and community engagement expert</li>
	<li>Michelle Howard - social infrastructure, strategic and statutory planning expert</li>
	<li>Eric Keys - integrated transport planning expert</li>
	<li>Rob McGauran - architecture, urban design and housing expert</li>
	<li>Tania Quick - business, local industry and land development expert</li>
	<li>Janet Bolitho - community representative and former mayor</li>
	<li>Helen Halliday - community representative, former councillor and Fishermans Bend Network member</li>
	<li>Phil Spender - community representative and local businessman.</li>
</ul>
According to Richard Wynne the first stage of Fishermans Bend's strategic planning is expected to be completed during early 2016 with the renewed precinct plans available for public viewing later next year.

<h2>Comment</h2>

It will be interesting to see what tangible results are directly attributed to the Ministerial Advisory Committee. How much can actually be achieved now the the Urban Renewal Area has been up and running for a number of years?

One could only surmise that the Committee would have had a far greater impact if implemented at the time of Fishermans Bend's genesis, but that of course strays down a path of politics and the like. Cynics could also suggest that the Ministerial Advisory Committee if nothing else is an exercise in being seen to be doing something… an exercise of inclusion to make everyone feel better?

Whatever the case, here's hoping the State Government and the Fishermans Bend Ministerial Advisory Committee can indeed make a tangible difference in the delivery of one of the State's largest projects. Drawing upon Docklands' positive aspects and avoiding the urban realm pitfalls of Southbank would be an excellent start.
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A Ministerial Advisory Committee appointed to oversee Fishermans Bend

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There's been some interesting citations in recent times regarding design generators/inspirations for skyscrapers here in Melbourne. Perfume bottles, Beyonce's curves and now can we assert… the classic wrist watch!

ROTHELOWMAN's latest design on behalf of Sydney-based Besgate Group for 140 King Street is very much reminiscent of a luxury watch, or more specifically a solid link wrist band. Arranged in an interwoven pattern, 140 King Street's continuous 188 metre facade is designed to provides a unified and formal response to the site's surrounds.

Forming one of three sites which constitute Besgate Group's Melbourne portfolio with a combined yield of 1,300 dwellings, 140 King Street was the first to hit planning and now rests with the State Government.

<h2>140 King Street application summary</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image47.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial perspective of 140 King Street. Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="355" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image47.jpg?itok=xZA65-OO" title="Aerial perspective of 140 King Street. Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial perspective of 140 King Street. Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Planning application lodged May 2015</li>
	<li>Existing 3 level office complex over the 793sqm site to be demolished</li>
	<li>Approval sought for a 57 level skyscraper at 188 metres above King Street</li>
	<li>271 apartments included: 103*1BR / 6*1BR + Study / 162*2BR</li>
	<li>Level 13 podium rooftop residential amenities area</li>
	<li>117 car spaces and 81 bicycle bays</li>
	<li>107sqm retail space over two tenancies</li>
	<li>GFA: 25,090sqm</li>
</ul>
<h2>Design statement</h2>

<blockquote>
The podium form blends with the tower to achieve a unified formal response.

A building of this scale has to work on two very distinct levels, firstly at streetscape pedestrian scale with a finely detailed facade at a human scale and secondly on a citywide level, with clean large gestures clearly legible from distant vantage points. The nature of the scalable facade pattern allows these two very different scales to seamlessly coexist and work with each other from ground floor to roof.

The streetscape has been addressed with the patterned facade coming to ground, creating large elegant framed windows allowing glimpses and access to the activity behind.
<cite>ROTHELOWMAN, town planning submission</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Facade nous</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/image49_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Form and function. Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="335" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image49_1.jpg?itok=OVaVJyRV" title="Form and function. Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Form and function. Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN</figcaption></figure>According to the application the east and west facades are comprised of lightweight modular metal panels which are fixed between slabs at regular intervals. The employed link pattern allows for adequate light penetration and ventilation to apartments, while also acting as shading due to the depth of each module.

East and west facades aside, the southern aspect is finished with curtain wall glazing, only broken by intermittent bands of charcoal metal cladding. Glazing and dark grey concrete panels complete the northern exterior.

Ground floor to King street will feature exterior marble cladding which masks a through link between King Street and Gallagher Place.

<h2>Besgate Group settles in</h2>

As was <a href="/news/besgate-group-readies-their-surge-into-the-melbourne-apartment-market">foreshadowed by Urban.com.au during May</a>, 140 King Street represents the vanguard project for Besgate Group in the Melbourne residential market, with two additional developments in the pipeline. 640 Bourke Street has also been submitted for approval while 558-566 Swanston Street in Carlton is set to pass through the approvals process shortly.

<a href="http://www.afr.com/real-estate/besgate-times-entry-perfectly-into-hot-melbourne-market-20150721-gih176">Fairfax Media have today ran a piece on Besgate Group</a>, outlining ROTHELOWMAN's design for 640 Bourke Street, or more appropriately dual designs. An 85-storey tower with 980 apartments has been put forward pending feedback from aviation authorities, while a smaller 66-storey tower which would slip in under the OLS ceiling has also been included within the 640 Bourke Street application.

<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/1437475304437.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Indicative render of 640 Bourke Street at a lower height. Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="342" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1437475304437.jpg?itok=u5GPDcUZ" title="Indicative render of 640 Bourke Street at a lower height. Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Indicative render of 640 Bourke Street at a lower height. Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN</figcaption></figure><h2>140 King Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Besgate Group</li>
	<li>Architecture: ROTHELOWMAN</li>
	<li>Town Planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>Project Manager: KM Develop</li>
	<li>Traffic Consultant: Traffix Group</li>
	<li>ESD Consultant: Wood and Grieve Engineering</li>
	<li>Waste Consultant: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Services Engineer: Wood and Grieve Engineering</li>
	<li>Structural Engineer: AECOM</li>
	<li>Wind Engineer: Vipac Engineers &amp; Scientists</li>
	<li>Building Surveyor: Gardner Group Pty Ltd</li>
</ul>
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ROTHELOWMAN's solid link skyscraper: 140 King Street, Melbourne

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What's in a tower, or two? Last Friday Little Projects received planning approval for a twin tower scheme nestled in behind Yarra's Edge, that the developer believes will act as an entrance point to Lorimer Precinct within Fishermans Bend. Initially submitted as a 74 level tower with provisions for public space and a tram line through the site, the scheme was subsequently scaled downwards resulting in two towers of 47 and 49 storeys.

85-93 Lorimer Street will see the delivery of 940 apartments, marginally more than was sought within the initial scheme. Lower levels within the approved Elenberg Fraser-designed complex will house 778 car parks and 400 bicycle bays, retail spaces and a gym - all within a podium heavy with exterior greenery.

2,100 square metres has been designated onsite as a public park, naturally garnering strong support from both the State Government and City of Melbourne.

Valued at $200 million, 85-93 Lorimer Street is the latest apartment scheme approval for Fishermans Bend, which according to the State Government brings the total value of inner-city developments approved by the Andrews Labor Government to over $3 billion. Under Planning Minister Richard Wynne's tenure in excess of 3,300 apartments within Fishermans Bend have gained approval, equating to in excess of $800 million worth of investment.

<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/lorimer_lowres-1art.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The approved 85-93 Lorimer Street. Image courtesy Little Projects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="698" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/lorimer_lowres-1art.jpg?itok=830l0vb8" title="The approved 85-93 Lorimer Street. Image courtesy Little Projects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The approved 85-93 Lorimer Street. Image courtesy Little Projects</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
This development reflects our vision for the future of Fishermans Bend, offering open space and well-designed apartments close to transport and services.

We encourage innovative developers to put forward projects which we can be proud of decades after construction.
<cite>Richard Wynne, Minister for Planning</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
​The re-submission of our plans for the South Wharf site has given us the ability to design a development that will contribute to Melbourne’s dynamic skyline.

We’ve identified South Wharf as a key area with potential for growth, as it is evident that Melbournians enjoy living on the fringe of the CBD, with immediate access to the best cultural and lifestyle precincts, including Melbourne’s new financial district, which is only 1km away. Through this project, and its thoughtful design considerations, the team at Elenberg Fraser and Little Projects has a unique opportunity and responsibility to shape and elevate the liveability of this city for future generations.

The oval-shaped towers maximise the amount of natural light entering the apartments’ interiors and bring spectacular bay and city views inside.
<cite>Michael Fox, Managing Director, Little Projects</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Comment</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/lorimer.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The original Lorimer Street proposal. Image courtesy Elenberg fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="273" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/lorimer.jpg?itok=uQXgmfTD" title="The original Lorimer Street proposal. Image courtesy Elenberg fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The original Lorimer Street proposal. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>In a broader sense the aversion to height within certain pockets of Fishermans Bend by the current State Government is something which serves no great purpose in my eyes. There are limited and appropriate areas such as Lorimer Precinct where height limits shouldn't apply.

The blanket 40 level height limit over areas of Fishermans Bend if sustained over the long term will result in a rather contrived outcome where every building will essentially be built to 120 metres; it's a matter of aesthetics more than anything but a forest of towers all terminating at the same height lacks an organic feel or natural progression that the CBD for instance maintains.

Site specific now, and I can't see why two towers over one taller tower has been lauded as a "refined" or superior outcome. The original plan for a 74 level building <a href="http://www.docklandsnews.com.au/editions/article/concerns-remain-over-fishermans-bend_10824/">sparked concerns</a> from surrounding residents, why? 85-93 Lorimer Street is located to the south of Yarra's Edge and therefore holds no overshadowing concerns. Whether a tower is 49, 74 or 100 levels is effectively irrelevant, but apparently the taller the tower, the higher the Yarra's Edge residents insecurities seem to sprout.

In fact the only consequence I can see of having two towers as opposed to one is that more future residents of 85-93 Lorimer Street will have direct lines of sight into existing apartments within Yarra's Edge, go figure…
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Tall stories and big Little Projects on Lorimer Street

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.

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The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356829]

Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351104]

Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351102]

Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

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

Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

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

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

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

Mark Baljak

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