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Apartments.com.au will tomorrow unveil a category for our new home page titled Urban Living which will showcase the latest Melbourne apartment project releases, many of which will be found here on Apartments.com.au prior to public release in conjunction with Apartment Register. The new Urban Living section will aggregate project launch editorials from any developer or sales agent which has entered into a contract to purchase one of Apartments.com.au's project launch packages and project launches through Apartment Register will also appear in this section.

By securing forthcoming apartment projects prior to their public release, this will allow a healthy portion of readers who utilise Apartments.com.au to research their apartment purchase a greater chance in securing the apartment they desire.

Feedback to Apartments.com.au shows that local buyers and in particular first home buyers feel they have been marginalised in the market of late with the lion's share of quality apartments within many a project snapped up by international buyers or institutional investors prior to public release. Apartments.com.au seeks to buck the trend by working with developers and sales agents via Apartment Register or with them directly in order to offer our readers the first choice for a given apartment project that appears in the Urban Living category.

All articles appearing in the Urban Living category will be project specific and each article will feature an easy to use registration form which will transmit the registrant's details to the corresponding sales agent.

Bear in mind you the reader can also utilise the Apartment Register service and then proceed to provide your details and preferences in the form provided. Apartment Register after all exists to source you the apartment closest to your wants and abilities.

The implementation of an Urban Living category and the pending introduction of an Off The Plan section in many ways rounds out the 'apartment lifecycle' that Apartments.com.au has the ability to offer website readers. The capacity for readers to purchase exclusive apartments will slot in between their ability to follow current development news or research forthcoming and current projects via the <a href="/developments">Project Database</a>, and view construction updates or the finished product via our In Focus pieces and forum.

Essentially Apartments.com.au has accounted for the missing piece in the process and now has the capacity to be active in every stage from conception to completion across a plethora of apartment projects, whilst still covering the entire spectrum of urban issues that define Melbourne.

The first exclusive project will appear on Apartments.com.au tomorrow with others set to follow at regular intervals. Watch out for project launches in Flemington, South Yarra, Oakleigh and Dandenong in the not too distant future.

Developers and sales agents who would like to utilise Apartments.com.au's project launch and database upgrade packages can contact <a href="mailto:alastair@urban.melbourne">Alastair Taylor</a> for more information.
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silvermb

Introducing a new section: Urban Living 

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St Kilda Road-based <a href="http://plusarchitecture.com.au/">Plus Architecture</a> have recently updated their website with fresh information, thus allowing Apartments.com.au to insert a swag of new and predominantly residential listings into our Project Database. South Yarra twice over, Glen Waverley, Box Hill, South Melbourne and North Melbourne are home to the new project listings, with 720 apartments and 157 hotel suites the expected sum result.

Little Projects' The Elfin residential tower leads the pack. Located at 38 Claremont Street South Yarra, it is preparing for a sales launch while early works continue onsite. The Elfin's 102 apartments may also be joined by an additional 99 dwellings at nearby <a href="/new-apartments/402-416-chapel-street-south-yarra">402-416 Chapel Street</a> South Yarra.

Lodged mid 2014, South Melbourne-based Blueprint Development Group is behind the scheme which would see the demolition of the existing building and construction of a 12 storey mixed use tower including 99 apartments, 157 hotel suites, restaurants holding a total of 473 patrons, 1,009sqm of retail space, 579sqm of commercial space and a gymnasium. City of Stonnington have added no further information since the application was lodged.

<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_4433.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Early works have commenced at 38 Claremont Street. Render courtesy Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_4433.jpg?itok=oj4jZ7V8" title="Early works have commenced at 38 Claremont Street. Render courtesy Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Early works have commenced at 38 Claremont Street. Render courtesy Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure>Of the four remaining projects only <a href="/buildings/galleria-glen-waverley-52-osullivan-road-glen-waverley">52-54 O'Sullivan Road, Glen Waverley</a> has gained planning approval, with City of Monash ruling in favour of the 276-apartment project during late 2014. Despite community concerns over height and lack of communal facilities, the 15 level tower on behalf of Australia Nan Xin Investment Pty Ltd can now proceed at the developer's discretion.

<a href="/new-apartments/reflections-108-haines-street-north-melbourne">104-112 Haines Street, North Melbourne</a>, <a href="/buildings/carrington-109-carrington-road-box-hill">109 Carrington, Road Box Hill</a> and <a href="/new-apartments/65-palmerston-61-65-palmerston-crescent-south-melbourne">61-65 Palmerston Crescent, South Melbourne</a> represent the remaining trio of Plus Architecture-designed projects still at planning assessment. 104-112 Haines Street is the largest, seeking approval for 143 apartments in a traditionally low-rise area of North Melbourne.

City of Melbourne are also considering the merits of a similarly proportioned proposal on the neighbouring <a href="/new-apartments/gardiner-on-the-park-116-haines-street-north-melbourne">114-116 Haines Street</a> site; should Council approve both developments it would likely set a precedent for the accelerated urban renewal in North Melbourne.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/perspective_8-819x600.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="104-112 Haines Street North Melbourne. Image courtesy Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="353" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/perspective_8-819x600.jpg?itok=YSa3NzNw" title="104-112 Haines Street North Melbourne. Image courtesy Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>104-112 Haines Street North Melbourne. Image courtesy Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure>The six additional project listings has swelled the current Plus Architecture stable to 19 within Apartments.com.au's Project Database, ranging from project assessment through to construction. All their projects are <a href="/architects/plus-architecture">available for viewing</a>.

The impressive number of current projects has propelled Plus Architecture into a position of strength, nestled in behind Hayball and Elenberg Fraser in terms of overall project numbers which alludes to the rate at which Plus Architecture gas grown in recent times. The six most recent Plus Architecture listings are available for individual viewing below.
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Plus Architecture begins 2015 with a bang!

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Apartments.com.au was recently afforded the opportunity to tour 108 Flinders Street; completed during the latter part of 2014 and fully inhabited, the tour provided an opportunity to see how the new architectural landmark interacts with its surrounds. <a href="http://www.riverlee.com.au/">Riverlee</a> sales and marketing director Kristine Lee was on hand to explain the rationale behind many of the small nuances that combine to deliver the impressive building.

Separate facades address both Flinders Street and ACDC Lane, aiming to reflect the highly different context of each frontage. The Flinders Street edifice is a response to the surrounding urbanity with the facade's stainless steel elements reflecting the tram and rail lines which it faces according to project architect Fender Katsalidis.

Conversely the northern facade employs a broader colour palette and style which is designed to echo its immediate surrounds; the scruffy and grafittied yet highly popular ACDC Lane and Duckboard Place.

<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/image007.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="As captured from Flinders Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="857" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image007.jpg?itok=Cp0xPAcr" title="As captured from Flinders Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>As captured from Flinders Street. Image: Dean Bradley</figcaption></figure><h2>Quality and amenity</h2>

It's 108 Flinders Street's internal common areas which provides the wow factor for the inhabitants of its 190 apartments. Elements of the original building have been retained and are prevalent throughout the main lobby while a bronze sculptural piece created by Pasquale Marinelli in 1968 has been positioned as an eye-catching lobby feature.

Easily the most opulent of any residential project toured by Apartments.com.au is 108 Flinders Street's vehicle entry. A porte cochere entry featuring blue stone, copper, stainless steel and marble frames the area. Connecting the car park level, lobby and communal courtyard is a transparent water feature which draws light into the space and in essence provides design continuity to all communal areas.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_4133.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="An almost surreal sight peering upward in the internal courtyard"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_4133.jpg?itok=_UmNlkxc" title="An almost surreal sight peering upward in the internal courtyard" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>An almost surreal sight peering upward in the internal courtyard</figcaption></figure>Dubbed the Garden of Eden, 108 Flinders Street's internal courtyard is a focal point that provides all internal facing apartments with a spectacular feature. Emerystudio delivered the impressive internal wall mural with Fender Katsalidis and Tract Landscape Architects jointly devising the open air courtyard. The surreal garden mural, waterpond skylight to the level below and an upside-down tree sculpture suspended mid air via a network of cables define the space.

Described as an urban retreat for 108 Flinders Street's residents, the courtyard is amazing and particularly so when the myriad of lights illuminate the space during the evening. Internal courtyard aside, communal facilities also include a private gym and residents lounge which provides space for entertaining large groups. In addition the level 12 rooftop terrace and barbecue area provides residents with panoramic views encompassing the MCG, South Yarra, Federation Square, Southbank and much of the CBD.

<h2>Addressing ACDC Lane</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/image008.png" rel="gallery-all" title="ACDC Lane aspect"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="875" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image008.png?itok=8JmmXeGB" title="ACDC Lane aspect" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>ACDC Lane aspect. Image: Dean Bradley</figcaption></figure>How 108 Flinders Street addressed the adjoining ACDC Lane was key do delivering a successful project. The significant music, food and cultural hub at the rear of 108 Flinders Street required a novel way of maintaining privacy and noise mitigation to the immediate apartments, while also delivering an outcome which fits with the unique character of ACDC Lane.

Emerystudio was commissioned to provide artistic flair by way of an art wall, which in turn provides privacy to lower apartments located at the rear of 108 Flinders Street. Individually operated, the art screen can be maneuvered and thus acts as a constantly activated large scale art piece.

<blockquote>
It is designed to respond to the grainy richness of ACDC Lane and, with the inclusion of a new restaurant, enhance the culture of the precinct. Our practice enjoys, wherever possible, to create an architecture that contributes to the richness of our city through the thoughtful integration of art into the building fabric, often working in close collaboration with Melbourne artists.

108 Flinders is a sculpture in its own right, which embraces the diverse fabric of our city through its precinctual responses.
<cite>Karl Fender, Fender Katsalidis Architects </cite>
</blockquote>

Slotting in at ground level is <a href="http://pastuso.com.au/">Pastuso</a>, a Peruvian inspired restaurant which has seamlessly fitted into its surrounds.

<h2>Apartment internals</h2>

The building-high courtyard/atrium assists in allowing maximum light into apartment interiors while all external windows are double glazed for minimal solar penetration and noise reduction.

Apartments feature fixtures and finishes such as marble accents around doorframes, custom joinery and timber panelling. Kitchens carry Miele appliances, stone bench tops and mirrored splashbacks, while bathrooms are fitted with Apaiser basins, floor-to-ceiling tiles and Grohe tapware; finishes expected in a quality apartment project such as 108 Flinders Street.

Apartments.com.au also visited one of three penthouses which carry top flight finishes such as reconstituted stone bench tops, timber floors, Gaggenau kitchen appliances, integrated Liebher fridge and wine fridge plus Gessi Italian tapware. A feature unique to the penthouses are light wells located between the main bedroom and living spaces which double as a private garden area while motorised louvered windows fronting Flinders Street allow for the sight and sounds of the city to penetrate at the residents whim.

All in all 108 Flinders Street is a highly commendable apartment building and a worthy of its exceptional location.

<h2>108 Flinders Street delivery team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Riverlee.</li>
	<li>Architect: Fender Katsalidis.</li>
	<li>Builder: Merkon Constructions.</li>
	<li>Landscape: Tract Landscape Architects.</li>
	<li>Engineer: Aurecon.</li>
	<li>​Structural: Winward Group.</li>
</ul>
Select images above and below is the work of local photographer Dean Bradley, with a smattering of our own images included.
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In focus: 108 Flinders Street, Melbourne

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Last week it was announced <a href="/new-apartments/melbourne-vic">Melbourne's</a> tallest skyscraper was set to be released for sale domestically in February with the remainder of apartments expected to be snapped up after the project's successful launch in Asia. Developed by World Class Land Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of Singapore-based <a href="/developers/world-class-global">Aspial</a>, Australia 108 is expected to carry an end value of $1 billion.

With the initial hype and comment over the public launch subsiding, now presents an opportune time to pour over the figures that define Melbourne's next landmark structure.

<h2>From the ground up</h2>

<ul>
<li>Located at <a href="/buildings/australia-108-southbank-70-southbank-boulevard-southbank">70 Southbank Boulevard</a> in busy <a href="/new-apartments/southbank-vic-3006">Southbank</a>
</li>
	<li>100 levels and 319 metres in height</li>
	<li>Designed by <a href="/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis Architects</a> as an accompaniment to their earlier Southbank project, the 297 metre Eureka Tower</li>
	<li>Retail and lobby/concierge located at ground floor plus porte cochere access</li>
	<li>10 levels of podium car parking: 558 car parks and 310 bicycle spaces</li>
	<li>Level 11 lap pool, sauna, steam room and private theatre as well as indoor and outdoor entertaining areas and external deck</li>
	<li>944 apartments below the starburst including:</li>
	<li>Three studio apartments ranging in size from 53.6 to 57.8 square metres
	<ul>
<li>418 one bedroom, one bathroom apartments ranging in size from 47.1 to 65.7 square metres</li>
		<li>105 two bedroom, one bathroom apartments ranging in size from 57.8 to 66.3 square metres</li>
		<li>418 two bedroom, two bathroom apartments ranging in size from 59.6 to 128.2 square metres</li>
		<li>​Level 70/71 starburst with dual level residential facilities</li>
	</ul>
</li>
	<li>161 Sky residences above the starburst which include:
	<ul>
<li>Three bedroom apartments with either two or three bathrooms. Size ranges from 120.6 to 211.4 square metres</li>
		<li>Penthouses (they are also 3 bed 3 bath) – range from 355.4 to 391.6 square metres</li>
		<li>Penthouse 100 (top floor) – the tallest residence in the southern hemisphere. Customisable, it is 797.4 square metres</li>
	</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2>Exterior</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/tpa8467_australia_108_e01_hero_elevated-2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hero perspective of the Southbank behemoth. Image supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="878" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/tpa8467_australia_108_e01_hero_elevated-2.jpg?itok=znmOAPJ6" title="Hero perspective of the Southbank behemoth. Image supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hero perspective of the Southbank behemoth. Image supplied</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Deep blue facade with white stripes enveloping the facade, and which have integrated LED lighting at visible outside daylight hours</li>
	<li>Starburst feature located 210 metres above ground, inspired by the Federation Star on the Australian Flag</li>
	<li>Similar design impetus to the neighbouring Eureka Tower whose exterior drew inspiration from the Eureka Stockade</li>
	<li>11-level podium features large glazed planter boxes and heavy with greenery providing contrast to City Road's drab frontage</li>
</ul>
<h2>Apartment interior design</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/resisences_06.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Interior of a typical apartment. Image courtesy australia108.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="361" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/resisences_06.jpg?itok=D7erNq20" title="Interior of a typical apartment. Image courtesy australia108.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Interior of a typical apartment. Image courtesy australia108.com.au</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Floor to ceiling windows over all apartments</li>
	<li>Apartments interiors delivered by <a href="/architects/carr-design">Carr Design Group</a>
</li>
	<li>Two colour palettes on offer - Starlight &amp; Sunlight</li>
	<li>Starlight (light scheme) comprise a white palette and strong geometric lines. Kitchen design incorporates a slender benchtop and island breakfast bar, which is finished in a grey porcelain slab. Bathrooms feature custom-designed wall-hung basins with integrated storage, finished in a finely-crafted solid surface material</li>
	<li>Sunlight (warm scheme) follows the same architectural line of the concept, but encompasses an off-white porcelain benchtop and splashback, complemented by timber effect laminate cabinetry</li>
	<li>Residents above the Star Club with find Carrara marble and limestone options, bespoke joinery and stone bathtubs as standard</li>
	<li>Miele appliances as standard, with premium Miele in upper level apartments</li>
	<li>Flooring in premium apartments comprise engineered timber flooring throughout, with woven carpet or wool carpet in bedrooms</li>
</ul>
<h2>Communal facilities</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/star70_06_l.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Lounge area within Australia 108. Image courtesy australia108.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="357" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/star70_06_l.jpg?itok=fIdAin2D" title="Lounge area within Australia 108. Image courtesy australia108.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Lounge area within Australia 108. Image courtesy australia108.com.au</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Three levels of communal facilities with a total of 3000 square metres available for use</li>
	<li>Level 11 includes pool, sauna, steam room, golf simulator, theatrette plus an outdoor entertaining space and external deck</li>
	<li>Star Club over levels 70 and 71 provides two separate communal facilities, with one reserved exclusively for use residents living above the starburst</li>
	<li>Differing finishes define the two levels with HBA designing the premium zone for upper level residents</li>
	<li>Premium zone includes an infinity pool in a double height space with floor-to-ceiling views, private dining room, club rooms and lounges</li>
	<li>Carr Design Group has designed the other zone for lower level residents, comprising an infinity pool with Port Phillip Bay views</li>
	<li>Dining rooms, private theatrettes and bars are common to both communal levels</li>
</ul>
As foreshadowed by Apartments.com.au last year construction giant Brookfield Multiplex holds the upper hand with contractual negotiations between developer and builder reported as in progress last week. With commencement of works a few short months away Australia 108 is due for staged completion through to 2019.
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Facts and figures that define Australia 108

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The most recent monthly housing approvals released from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show Victoria continues to cater for future housing stock with a combined 5,009 new approvals during November 2014. Of those approximately 2,350 were for high density living with apartments and townhouses the major contributors.

The figures and associated graph were highlighted on January 8th by Urban Taskforce Australia, a peak industry body charged with representing property development interests across Australia although with a strong Sydney focus.

<blockquote>
While housing approvals across Australia are reaching record levels NSW approvals have dropped. Victoria is leading the country with 5,009 home approvals in November compared to 3,958 for NSW which is a significantly larger state.

The state election in NSW is only a few months away and clearly the attitudes to growth and the impact on housing supply and therefore the affordability of housing will be an important election issue. We can’t let NSW slide off its Number One status in Australia so we must support growth to remain the Premier State.
<cite>Chris Johnson, Urban Taskforce Australia</cite>
</blockquote>

Sydney parochialism aside, monthly high density approvals over the best part of 30 years can be seen in the below graph. Most noticeable is the Victorian sector lagging well behind the other states for many years, although in recent years this trend has reversed, in line with the increased penchant for apartment living principally throughout inner Melbourne.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image295.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Private sector higher density home approvals. Image courtesy Urban Taskforce Australia"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="376" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image295.jpg?itok=l2xtkOM0" title="Private sector higher density home approvals. Image courtesy Urban Taskforce Australia" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Private sector higher density home approvals. Image courtesy Urban Taskforce Australia</figcaption></figure>A number of articles on the matter have been published via various media outlets in recent days along with the almost obligatory associated potential for oversupply of apartments in the Melbourne markets; the same spectre which has been present since 2011, yet for the most has been staved off.

Special kudos is reserved though for <a href="http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2015/01/08/vic-home-building-approvals-stay-ahead">SBS online</a> which reported the direct correlation between heightened Victorian approvals and an increase in apartment oversupply; quite a supposition given these additional approvals are nothing more than paper approvals and do not add to the physical stock of available dwellings.

See the Australian Bureau of Statistics <a href="http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Latestproducts/8731.0Main%20Features3Nov%202014?opendocument&amp;tabname=Summary&amp;prodno=8731.0&amp;issue=Nov%202014&amp;num=&amp;view=">latest figures on the topic</a>.
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Victorian apartment approvals at a record high

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Proponents of a Haig Street, Southbank development site which holds approval for a residential tower have gone back to planning in order to gain an additional eight floors of residential living for the project. Unlike the recent trend of upsizing residential towers for the sake of adding additional apartments/yield to a project, 57 Haig Street will decrease in overall apartment numbers albeit by one.

Developer Meydan Group now controls the 1,093sqm site and according to the revised Urbis planning report have sought to reconfigure the tower in order "To achieve their vision for the site." One might assume the experienced developer has considered a redesign an optimal outcome in order to increase the sellability of apartments within 57 Haig Street.

Changes between the 2012 version which found approval during 2014 and the current 57 Haig Street proposal are listed below:

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1">
<caption>57 Haig Street: changes between 2012 and 2015 planning applications</caption>
 <thead><tr>
<th>2012</th>
 <th>Current</th>
 </tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Height: 122m</td>
 <td>Height: 155.7</td>
 </tr>
<tr>
<td>39 levels</td>
 <td>47 levels</td>
 </tr>
<tr>
<td>249 apartments</td>
 <td>248 apartments</td>
 </tr>
<tr>
<td>144 x 1 bedroom, 105 x 2 bedroom</td>
 <td>128 x 1 bedroom, 120 x 2 bedroom</td>
 </tr>
<tr>
<td>Car parking: 173</td>
 <td>Car parking: 171</td>
 </tr>
<tr>
<td>Bicycle bays: 52</td>
 <td>Bicycle bays: 165</td>
 </tr>
<tr>
<td>Commercial floor area: 168.48sqm</td>
 <td>Commercial floor area: 221.07sqm</td>
 </tr>
<tr>
<td>GFA: 25,710.98sqm</td>
 <td>GFA: 28,332.52sqm</td>
 </tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Urban planning firm Urbis asserts via the project town planning submission that the revised proposal meets the policy objectives of the Melbourne Planning Scheme while also contributing positively to the evolving built form character of the area. Key to the redesigned tower is an increase in internal apartment amenity and enhanced communal areas plus the incorporation of a north-south pedestrian link between Haig Street and Blakeney Place.

The podium will rise to 30.95 metres as the previous basement parking levels has been deleted in favour of additional above ground facilities while setbacks of 10 metres to the existing Clarendon Towers complex, 8 metres to the proposed 334-344 City Road and 5 metres to the south-western property boundary are incorporated.

<h2>Design proposal</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/image302.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A redesigned 57 Haig Street. Images courtesy Bruce Henderson"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="486" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image302.jpg?itok=VHSeZsCh" title="A redesigned 57 Haig Street. Images courtesy Bruce Henderson" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A redesigned 57 Haig Street. Images courtesy Bruce Henderson</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The building is broken into two opposing architectural expressions, the Podium &amp; Tower forms. The Podium seeks to create a heavier grounded base to the building, while the Tower is of a lighter expression with greater level of visual interest, due to the understanding that the Podium will typically be viewed from a closer vantage point and finer detail such as glass treatments, wall joints etc will be easily read and create the interest in the facade.

While the Tower will typically be viewed from a greater distance where the overall pattern of the facade treatment will make up the architectural expression. The overall building language is then tied together through the regular height within the horizontal pattern created by the various treatments up the extent of the building both in the Podium and the pattern to the Tower.
<cite>Bruce Henderson - design response report</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Capitalising on a changing landscape</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/image301.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Adjacent developments to 57 Haig Street. Images courtesy Bruce Henderson"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image301.jpg?itok=3NVlSbPL" title="Adjacent developments to 57 Haig Street. Images courtesy Bruce Henderson" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Adjacent developments to 57 Haig Street. Images courtesy Bruce Henderson</figcaption></figure>City of Melbourne's report on the initial proposal states a preferred height limit of 100 metres exists for the immediate area, but can be set aside under certain urban design parameters including providing an appropriate height transition to development in adjoining areas to the south, west and east. 

When placed into the current context, 57 Haig Street looks somewhat insignificant next to the hulking <a href="/new-apartments/madison-grand-334-city-road-southbank">334-344 City Road</a> at 270 metres in height. Theoretically remove 334-344 City Road (which has yet to reach a planning decision) and the height of approved neighbouring schemes ranging from 308 City Road to <a href="/new-apartments/400-430-city-road-southbank">400-430 City Road</a> would be quite similar.

The image above adequately demonstrates the progression of height and density in recent years where the existing grey structures of between 70-100 metres represents the initial residential forays into this pocket of Southbank. 57 Haig Street seeks to insert itself in a new band of towers around the 140 metre mark while 334-344 City Road would further yet redefine the landscape.
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57 Haig Street seeks extra height

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Small-time developer MELMO consider their latest project a new off grid standard of living, Apartments.com.au thinks it to be one of the more interesting sustainable designs since we highlighted Australia's first 8 star energy rated apartment building, otherwise known as <a href="/news/is-this-melbournes-best-new-residential-development">The Commons</a> during 2013.

Inner-city based MELMO's current residential project NET ZERO may be small with only four residences, but it boasts some serious sustainable energy technology inclusions amongst other features.

<h2>MELMO ethos</h2>

<blockquote>
Volume home builders offer ‘contemporary’ homes and faux period designs ad nauseum. But these homes aren’t designed to be an excellent investment. They follow fad trends in materials and design.

We are committed to building a stock of future focused residential homes. With design that is enduring and authentic. The devil is in the detail and we don’t miss a thing.

We employ high level Environmentally Sustainable Design to achieve a quality of life that is both enduring and rewarding. At MELMO we provide our customers with a turn-key product. Wherein MELMO is responsible for Planning, Design, Construction and delivery of each MELMO Home.
<cite>MELMO website</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Translated to NET ZERO</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/01-street.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Manningham Street perspective. Image courtesy melmo.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="527" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/01-street.jpg?itok=vXhqXkmj" title="Manningham Street perspective. Image courtesy melmo.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Manningham Street perspective. Image courtesy melmo.com.au</figcaption></figure>Granted NET ZERO's street frontage isn't exactly setting the world alight, but the project at 42 Manningham Street Parkville makes up for it's lack of external charm elsewhere. Designed as "an advanced house prototype offering its owners unprecedented freedom, health and comfort," it's rated at 7 stars.

NET ZERO incorporates "the most progressive ESD technology and engineering available in Australia," with the project website describing the development as "future proof" inferring non reliance upon current utilities.

<h2>Features</h2>

<ul>
<li>5kw solar panel system &amp; 13kw integrated off-grid ready battery system monitored from mobile phone.</li>
	<li>Electric vehicle charging station.</li>
	<li>Nest smart thermostat.</li>
	<li>20,000ltr commercial grade, pressurised underground pontoon water tank.</li>
	<li>Header tank on roof supplies all toilet cisterns with water, and laundry: completely water self sufficient.</li>
	<li>Air source heat pump HWS: solar powered, no natural gas.</li>
	<li>Natural ventilation pathways in the home.</li>
	<li>Commercial grade curtain wall window system: double glazed, thermally broken, argon filled.</li>
	<li>Shug windows and the ‘chimney stack’ effect allowing for passive control of temperature.</li>
	<li>Proprietary technology used to protect occupants from electro magnetic radiation while they sleep.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Comment</h2>

Is it too idealistic to think that one day a project such as NET ZERO will not be worthy of praise? That many of the features currently beyond the norm in NET ZERO will become standard in future townhouse and low-rise apartment projects, given they are comparatively easier to implement than in high-rises?

NET ZERO is by no means not Robinson Crusoe when it comes to impressive ESD initiatives, if only though it were the norm rather than the exception.
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Net Zero for Melmo

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Melbourne-based Ubertas Group are waiting upon final planning approval for their latest project located at 360 William Street.  The tower is their fourth in Melbourne and would serve as a sister building to the neighbouring 350 William Street which is better known as Art on the Park/Oaks on William.

The fruitful relationship between Ubertas and Fender Katsalidis Architects continues with the latter having designed all of Ubertas Group's projects to date.  360 William Street is no exception with the project set to capitalise upon the strong demand within the hotel/serviced apartment sector at the moment.

<h2>360 William Street planning application summary</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://urban.melbourne/sites/urban.melbourne/files/pictures/article-images/image246.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="360 William Street as of mid 2014. Image courtesy Fender Katsalidis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="554" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image246.jpg?itok=uJXHrn07" title="360 William Street as of mid 2014. Image courtesy Fender Katsalidis" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>360 William Street as of mid 2014. Image courtesy Fender Katsalidis</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>1,203sqm site current use: partly demolished two storey office building</li>
	<li>Planning application submitted June 2014</li>
	<li>Proposed: 22 level residential tower at 66.31 metres</li>
	<li>​Total GFA: 25,658sqm.</li>
	<li>239 apartments: 199*1BR / 40*2BR</li>
	<li>6 basement levels catering for 142 car parking spaces and 114 bicycles</li>
	<li>103.1 sqm &amp; 64.4sqm retail space fronting William Street</li>
	<li>Gym, conference, function and meeting rooms included over levels 1 &amp; 2</li>
</ul>
<h2>Design rationale</h2>

<blockquote>
The proposed development aims to enhance the vitality of the Flagstaff gardens precinct by contributing a well-designed, simple and robust piece of architecture.  It strives to achieve this through the provision of livable high amenity apartments maximising north and garden views.

The building form accommodates apartments within faceted glass balustrades. These balustrades take their cues from the changing foliage of Flagstaff gardens across the road.  Furthermore, the contrasting characteristic of concrete used in the development compliments the neighbouring building in both form and materiality.
<cite>Fender Katsalidis - Town Planning Document</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>The third coming</h2>

The current planning application follows on from two separate designs put forward for this site with an initial mixed-use tower of some 177 metres never progressing past planning approval.  The 'statement' tower covering 350-360 William Street would have consisted primarily of glass, aluminium louvres, stone, concrete or metal panels.  Commercial and hotel components plus 636 apartments were to have consumed most of the available space.

History will show that the site was split in order to generate two separate towers, with the initial 35 level 350 William Street reaching completion mid 2013.  A 12 level residential tower for 360 William Street had also gained approval, seemingly in recent times given  the completed 350 William Street is present to its right in the render below right.  It in turn has been replaced by the subject design of today's article.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://urban.melbourne/sites/urban.melbourne/files/pictures/article-images/image244_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Previous site proposals as sourced from planning material"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="272" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image244_0.jpg?itok=a9MVhyn_" title="Previous site proposals as sourced from planning material" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Previous site proposals as sourced from planning material</figcaption></figure><h2>Serviced apartments anyone?</h2>

360 William Street's planning application has been with DTPLI for some time; barring any substantial design changes the project should be nearing a final planning decision soon enough.

More interesting is the internal layout of the tower with levels 3-21 generic and where 83% of apartments are single bedroom and on average slightly above 50sqm in size. Further 360 William Street's proposed amenities are essentially corporate in nature - conference, function and meeting rooms; not necessarily tailored toward owner-occupiers.

The bulk if not all of 360 William Street's rooms look likely to become serviced apartments, akin to the neighbouring 350 William Street where Ubertas installed Oaks Hotels and Resorts in order to manage the 220 4.5 star serviced apartments post planning approval.  

<h2>360 William Street planning team </h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Ubertas Group</li>
	<li>Planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>Architects: Fender Katsalidis Architects</li>
	<li>Building Services: Simpson Kotzman </li>
	<li>Structural Engineer: Webber Design </li>
	<li>Traffic Engineering: Ratio Consultants </li>
	<li>Building Surveyor: PLP Consultants </li>
	<li>Waste Management: Wastech Services</li>
	<li>Environmental Wind: MEL Consultants</li>
	<li>ESD: Ark Resources</li>
</ul>
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The third coming > 360 William Street, Melbourne

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Following on from yesterday's article highlighting Melbourne's <a href="/news/victorian-apartment-approvals-at-a-record-high">surging apartment approvals</a>, City of Melbourne rounded out 2014 by releasing their most recent Development Activity Monitor, which tracks new residential and commercial property development within the City of Melbourne municipality. Covering the 13 separate suburbs which constitute City of Melbourne, the data set released on Thursday December 18 has again highlighted the pace at which Melbourne continues to grow.

<h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
This boom in development and construction boosts employment and the economy. An additional 76,000 jobs have been generated in the City of Melbourne in the past six years and our Gross Local Product has increased by $20 billion.

As the fastest-growing municipality in Australia, we welcomed an additional 11,000 Melburnians in 2013 so it’s no surprise that residential development continues to flourish.
<cite>Lord Mayor Robert Doyle </cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
The City of Melbourne is working hard to plan for growth by ensuring we have diversity and quality in our housing stock, as well as infrastructure to meet the needs of a growing community.
<cite>Councillor Ken Ong, Chair of Council’s Planning portfolio</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Headline Statistics</h2>

<ul>
<li>2014 residential completions within City of Melbourne reached 6319, double the number completed in 2013</li>
	<li>13,500 dwellings in 59 residential developments are under construction and due to be completed in the next three years</li>
	<li>Ninety-three proposed developments have town planning approval and will yield 21,000 dwellings when constructed</li>
	<li>92 developments have applied for permits totalling 26,000 dwellings</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image242_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="603 apartments are expected for 295-309 King Street. Image courtesy Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="409" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image242_0.jpg?itok=7kMi4JcO" title="603 apartments are expected for 295-309 King Street. Image courtesy Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>603 apartments are expected for 295-309 King Street. Image courtesy Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>The analysis of bedroom data suggests that of the dwellings in the active pipeline:
	<ul>
<li>less than one per cent of new dwellings will be studio apartments</li>
		<li>43 per cent will be one bedroom dwellings</li>
		<li>52 per cent will be two-bedroom dwellings</li>
		<li>almost five per cent will have three or more bedrooms</li>
	</ul>
</li>
	<li>329,500 m2 of office space is currently under construction in the City of Melbourne, headlined by 567 Collins Street (below)</li>
	<li>28,000 m2 of retail space is also currently under construction, with half contained within mixed-use residential developments</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_3210.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="567 Collins Street will shortly add to Melbourne's premium commercial stock"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_3210.jpg?itok=2VIzg6J5" title="567 Collins Street will shortly add to Melbourne's premium commercial stock" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>567 Collins Street will shortly add to Melbourne's premium commercial stock</figcaption></figure><h2>Future apartment hotspots</h2>

Further research of the Development Activity Monitor shows that by assessing those projects expected to begin construction within a five year time frame, trends can be determined as to where the bulk of City of Melbourne's residential growth will occur.

Melbourne's CBD is still a hot bed of activity with 17,456 apartments expected to be delivered within a five year timeframe, followed by Southbank with 8,071. Docklands still has plenty of steam even though it's past the half way mark with 5,509 dwellings yet to be built whilst Port Melbourne can expect 3,630 as part of City of Melbourne's boundary incorporates Fishermans Bend; Port Melbourne figures should rise progressively in future Development Activity Monitor releases.

Carlton can expect a further 2,163 apartments in the pipeline whilst North and West Melbourne combined will see 3,750, a number also expected to increase comfortably into the future. Overall City of Melbourne's Development Activity Monitor as of late 2014 expects another 41,717 apartments to be delivered under its watch over the next five years.
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CoM's Development Activity Monitor shows a thriving city

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Welcome back to all our readers as we begin another year at Apartments.com.au. The team have been hard at work over the festive season, facilitating a number of changes that will be borne out during the early stages of 2015 which are designed to take the website to a new level.

First and foremost you may have noticed a new domain name, with urban.melbourne our new address. Coupled with our rolling out of offtheplan.melbourne in the not too distant future, we are fully embracing the recent release of .melbourne top level domains. As a matter of course all existing site pages, links and bookmarks for the previously used urbanmelbourne.info will continue to work; they'll just be redirected to the new domain.

The front page too will be sporting a new look in the coming days, designed to make navigation of the website (particularly for new visitors) a far easier task. Articles will be categorised as before, although a new category titled Urban Living will appear and showcase the newest and best apartment projects currently on offer in Melbourne. This category will tie in with our new Off The Plan section which aims to highlight current apartment projects, some of which will appear on Apartments.com.au before any other retail apartment sales source thanks to our partnership with My Real Estate Mate under the Apartment Register banner.

Perhaps most exciting of all changes is the creation of the Apartments.com.au Photo Wall which we expect will bring together some of the very best talent that Melbourne has to offer by way of photographers. Currently in development, the Apartments.com.au Photo Wall will tie in with our Visual Melbourne category and provide a platform where many of the exceptional websites out there providing high quality, daily updated photos concerning all things Melbourne will be visible on the one page. It's envisaged that there will be approximately a dozen different feeds initially into the Apartments.com.au Photo Wall, allowing for multiple daily updates.

Apartments.com.au also now has a comprehensive database of all existing Melbourne buildings over 12 levels, along with hundreds of ancillary buildings in tow. We will gradually roll these entries into an expanded Project Database which by our reckoning will be the most comprehensive database of Melbourne buildings there is. While providing up to date tracking of Melbourne's current projects, the Project Database will also act as an invaluable research source for those readers requiring detailed data on any given building.

Last but not least Apartments.com.au will also ramp up our video content throughout 2015 in a joint effort with My Real Estate Mate in order to provide regular, easy to view insights into apartment projects, apartment buying, apartment living or simply anything Melbourne. As was stated during late 2014 we aim to provide higher levels of service to urbanists who are looking to buy in the Melbourne apartment market. Our clear aim is to cater for the apartment buyer, the industry related professional and the casual observer, but not at the cost of the day to day content which is the basis of Apartments.com.au's success.

January will feature an abbreviated level of content as many people are still enjoying well earned holidays no doubt, with February the point at which the website will be back to full publishing capacity.

Here's to a successful 2015!
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2015 ushers in changes at Urban.com.au

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

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mark Baljak

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