<html><body>
Lost yesterday in the mainstream media's penchant for selecting controversial headlines was a document released by the Property Council of Australia (PCA). While radio and online outlets ran with the well worn 'Richmond station to become high-rise enclave' line, 19 other pivotal sites within the document failed to generate comment.
The preamble, and basis for the report reads as follows:
<blockquote>
	At a time when public finances are already under pressure, the best kinds of projects are those that come at little or no cost to government. What better option than to unlock underutilised publicly owned land that is ripe for private sector investment.
	This report lists Victoria's top 20 publicly-owned property assets that the government can immediately bring to market. By opening these prime sites to investment, the government can stimulate economic activity and enable the private sector to do what it does best: invest, employ and grow the economy.
</blockquote>
<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_13.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Project distribition through greater Melbourne. Image © PCA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="679" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image13_13.jpg?itok=CjuKOnYd" title="Project distribition through greater Melbourne. Image © PCA" width="580"></a>
On the basis of the above assertion PCA's Victorian division have selected 20 development sites with a nominal combined end value in the vicinity of $6.5 billion. While Richmond Station's expected development value is between $250-500 million, the remaining $6 billion worth of development usurps it comfortably.
The reports methodology was devised by <a href="http://www.macroplan.com.au/">MacroPlan Dimasi</a>, with four key criteria selected in order to best reach "A balanced outcome for both government and the private sector." Size, timing, partnership and use mix were the decisive criteria which ultimately allow the grading of projects via a matrix that favoured larger, mixed-use projects delivered within a swift time frame via the private sector.
Of particular interest are the six transport projects which essentially refer to intensive redevelopment of rail stations and/or adjacent land tracts. Known intended developments such as Richmond Station have been joined by newer inclusions such as Essendon and Tooronga Stations. The thrust to develop land around rail stations continues in earnest - just don't mention Camberwell Station.
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image41_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The fast track to success. Image © PCA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="581" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image41_2.jpg?itok=k8HfU2JH" title="The fast track to success. Image © PCA" width="580"></a>
By and large the report covers many mooted public land developments that have been talked about in one form or another in recent years. Naturally there is a self-serving element within the report, although 20 Projects does manage to bundle these sites together serves to sharpen focus.
The worthwhile read can be viewed in full via the <a href="http://www.propertyoz.com.au/library/20%20Projects%20Victorias%20Best%20Investment%20Sites%20Report.pdf">Property Council of Australia's website</a>.
</body></html>

silvermb

20 Projects - Victoria's best investment sites

<html><body>
Like them? Loathe them? The taxi has been part of the Melbourne streetscape for over a century and have been subject to as many changes as Melbourne itself. Some readers would have only even known a local taxi to be a familiar shade of yellow thanks the 'war' waged by then Premier Jeff Kennett during the mid 1990's.
<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/374881-zisiss-kontsiostis.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy Herald Sun"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/374881-zisiss-kontsiostis.jpg?itok=Eu0nFQJB" title="Image courtesy Herald Sun" width="580"></a>
It turns out the humble taxi has a varied and interesting history in Melbourne, well beyond the pale yellow form we now associate them with. With that in mind a new exhibition will commence this Wednesday at Melbourne Town hall visualising the highs and lows of this form of transport that began way back when in 1909.
<blockquote>
	A new exhibition at <a href="http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/citygallery">City Gallery</a> will transport audiences on a journey from 1909, when the first motorised taxi was introduced in Melbourne, to the present day.
	Curated by Christine Eid, Hello Yellow explores Melbourne’s taxi story and includes photographs, placards from taxi driver protests, a taximeter, a 3D installation and other artefacts from the City of Melbourne’s Art and Heritage collection.
	Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said taxis are an important part of Melbourne’s story. “Taxis are a vital component of Melbourne’s transport system and hold a special place in our history,” the Lord Mayor said. “The Hello Yellow exhibition chronicles this history and offers a unique insight into the stories behind the wheel.”
	Chair of Arts and Culture Councillor Rohan Leppert said City Gallery is a great space where people can find out the untold stories of Melbourne. “From the story of Melbourne taxis, to Melbourne’s gardens in 1940’s, the history of the city’s signs to the Royal visit – City Gallery gives a fantastic insight into the stories that make Melbourne such an interesting and culturally rich city. I encourage Melburnians and visitors to stop by and take a look,” Cr Leppert said.
	<cite>City of Melbourne media release: <a href="http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/AboutCouncil/MediaReleases/Pages/TakearideintothestoryofMelbournestaxis.aspx">Take a ride into the story of Melbourne’s taxis</a></cite>
</blockquote>
<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/687736-unicab.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The taxi of tomorrow. Image courtesy The Advertiser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/687736-unicab.jpg?itok=DYJGMp4o" title="The taxi of tomorrow. Image courtesy The Advertiser" width="580"></a>
While the <a href="http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse/Our%20Organisation%2FDesign%20and%20Social%20Context%2FSchools%20and%20groups%2FArchitecture%20and%20Design%2FNews%2FNews%2F;ID=iwaxoglzel0b;STATUS=A" target="_blank">RMIT-led Taxi 2020</a> concept may remain just that for the foreseeable future, all things relating to Melbourne's taxi industry past and present are on display this week at Melbourne Town Hall.
</body></html>

Melbourne's evolution via the humble taxi

<html><body>
Community turned advocacy group <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FishermansBendUrbanRenewal" target="_blank">Fishermans Bend Network</a> recently released a detailed discussion piece on the progress of Fishermans Bend. Central to the report are four guiding principles devised by the network in order to facilitate a quality outcome for the urban renewal area:

<ol>
<li>Governance structures able to deliver the vision, the expertise and the processes needed to generate a real and robust city</li>
	<li>A funding model and funding mechanisms able to direct government and private funding to securing the early provision of the environmental, transport and community infrastructure needed to generate a well-planned city</li>
	<li>A commitment to recognise best-practise urban design principles for producing a genuinely liveable, sustainable, diverse and vibrant city</li>
	<li>A comprehensive implementation plan that closes the widening gap between the government’s stated visions and their likely delivery on the ground</li>
</ol>
What immediately jumped off the screen is this quote provided by Fishermans Bend Network:

<blockquote>
Reports are circulating that the Minister and /or the MPA is proposing to approve all of the applications on his desk - in total 34 towers, all within the Montague area, which has no infrastructure (currently or budgeted for future development) to support these developments.
<cite><a href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/fbn_email.png" target="_blank">Fishermans Bend Network e-mail, 2014-05-25</a></cite>
</blockquote>

Would this not be akin to the cat jumping out of the bag and opening Pandora's box in order to get to the can of worms? If the above proves to be true the public discussion following will be well worth following. Nonetheless issues have arisen with certain areas of Montague and the inability of developers to gain a return on investment due to prohibitive preliminary height limits, or so it has been reported widely.

A likely outcome would see Lorimer Precinct remain free of height limits, while Mongague Precinct and Sandridge Precinct (to Boundary Street) would have their preliminary structure plans augmented to allow far higher density outcomes. In this the majority of Fishermans Bend would remain low and medium-rise while at the same time appeasing the array of local developers who have to date submitted planning applications.

<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/Image2fbmap.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Fishermans Bend Network"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="307" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image2fbmap.jpg?itok=Z4Xv8eUu" title="Image © Fishermans Bend Network" width="580"></a>

The map above (provided by Fishermans Bend Network) highlights approved small scale and high-rise developments principally within the Montague precinct.

In addition, ten residential towers had been submitted for approval within Lorimer Precinct, while an earlier proposal at <a href="/new-apartments/125-133-thistlethwaite-street-south-melbourne" target="_blank">125-133 Thistlethwaite Street</a> had been withdrawn, pending the final structure plan which will be delivered by Planning Minister Matthew Guy shortly.

Read more in Fishermans Bend Network's report: <a href="http://www.capp.org.au/library/FBN_0514_Report.pdf" target="_blank">'A cleverly densified inner city?'</a>. To provide context, the images below were created by Laurence Dragomir - featuring Montague precinct's envisaged skyline - created for Melbourne Knowledge Week 2013.
</body></html>

All Fishermans Bend proposals headed for mass approval?

<html><body>
What costs in excess of $20 million to construct and $14 million to maintain over its 15 year life design period? The humble little precast facility photographed below.
Within its walls lies Melbourne Airport's new tri-generation plant, capable of producing eight megawatts or enough power to cover nearly 70% of the airport's requirements. Under the guidance of <a href="http://www.gallagherjeffs.com.au/Projects/Details/PK/118/Project/Melbourne-Airport-Trigeneration-Plant">Gallagher Jeffs</a>, the new facility will run parallel to existing mains power while being able to power the entire Virgin terminal and half of the international terminal in its own right.
<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_5754.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Airport trigeneration plant under construction"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_5754.jpg?itok=4BezGLya" title="Melbourne Airport trigeneration plant under construction" width="580"></a>
Clearly some genuine gains exist in order to expend a vast sum of money on a facility which has a relatively short life span. Aside from grid independence, the tri-generation plant will provide a green energy source which it is estimated will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 920 000 tonnes over its 15 year cycle.
The new plant will aid Australia Pacific Airports Ltd (Tullamarine's operator) aim of having <q cite="http://melbourneairport.com.au/about-melbourne-airport/environment/energy--climate-change.html">15% of operational energy consumption to be generated or purchased through on-site renewables or accredited green power schemes by 2018.</q>
<h2>
	What is tri-generation?</h2>
Electrical technologies firm <a href="http://www.haronrobson.com.au/">Haron Robson</a> provide an excellent description via their website, part of which states:
<blockquote>
	Tri-generation is the production of electricity, heat and cooling in the one process. Typically this means a gas fired generator producing electricity and heat with the exhaust heat going to an absorption chiller which produces chilled water and hot water for air conditioning or alternatively the heat is used to heat a swimming pool. The ratio of electricity produced and exhaust heat for the absorption chiller and then the ratio of cooling to heating can be varied to meet the specific site requirements.
	<cite><a href="http://www.haronrobson.com.au/product-and-technology-reviews/what-is-tri-generation">Haron Robson: What is Tri-generation?</a></cite>
</blockquote>
<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/whatstrigeneration.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Haron Robson"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="154" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/whatstrigeneration.jpg?itok=fme_R2xp" title="Image © Haron Robson" width="580"></a>
Principal benefits of the facility driven by four TCG 2020 natural gas-powered engines include savings on energy costs, lower greenhouse emissions and grid independence which is critical given the airport has been susceptible to power outages in the past.
<h2>
	15 years too far?</h2>
Designed to power (in part) T2 International, one wonders if the tri-generation plant will provide enough output to cater for demand over its lifecycle? Multiple whispers abound that T2 International is in store for wholesale changes - something far more substantial than a simple refurbishment and extension. Time will tell whether the rumours are proven to be true, but for the time being November will usher in a new model of energy production at Melbourne Airport.
</body></html>

Talkin' bout my (tri)generation

<html><body>
What better place to start than with a glimpse of Elenberg Fraser's most recent planning application at 248-280 Sturt Street, Southbank as seen above. Designed for property stalwart Hudson Conway, <q>The building form consists of two dominant floor plates that are connected by a transitional twist in the building.</q>
With its incredible form and monochromatic adaptive lighting, the 120 metre residential tower is more at home in a sci fi landscape rather than Southbank. Silver reflective glazing and polished stainless steel define its exterior - the tower smacks of cutting edge quality!
<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/Image2spy.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Cottee Parker"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="411" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image2spy.jpg?itok=svYPJyS_" title="Image © Cottee Parker" width="580"></a>
Above is the first public viewing of Cottee Parker's newest Melbourne tower, 605-613 Lonsdale Street. Adjacent to Upper West Side, this is Cottee Parker's fifth tower for the block with four more in planning directly opposite at 250 Spencer Street - all for Far East Consortium.
The 160 metre tower holds 399 apartments and carries some interesting design features such as exposed 'ribs' similar to those of Tower 5 in Docklands.
<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/Image3spy.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © dKO Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="408" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image3spy.jpg?itok=4Ky0CP_6" title="Image © dKO Architecture" width="580"></a>
dKO Architecture also feature with their redefined scheme at 6-22 Pearl River Road, Docklands. Under the auspices of Singaporean developer Hiap Hoe, dKO have produced <q>A well designed mixed use village that is lively and interesting, has a coherent urban character and provides a signature building for the NewQuay Central Precinct.</q>
Gone is the precast northern tower, in its place a sleek 56 metre hotel tower. Carrying shades of Crown Metropol through the design, the reincarnation is of a high quality and inline with the slightly altered adjoining residential tower.
<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/Image1spy.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="324" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image1spy.jpg?itok=fBp4efg9" title="Image © Hayball" width="580"></a>
Last but not least is Hayball's Fishermans Bend quad tower proposal on behalf of Goodman Group. 850 Lorimer Street will feature four residential towers containing 1354 apartments, with two towers expected to peak at 145 metres.
Wedged between Mirvac's Yarra's Edge and the proposed <a href="/new-apartments/port-melbourne-vic-3207">351 Ingles Street</a> development, the scheme represents a departure from the humble precast concrete panel which visually define so many Hayball projects.
Watch for detailed articles outlining each of the planning applications in the weeks to come.
</body></html>

I Spy... new planning applications

<html><body>
It's not a common occurrence; the restoration of one of Melbourne CBD's fleet of early, red brick warehouse and/or office buildings coupled with the addition of a handful of levels.
A number of classic red brick edifices in recent years have been lavished with a particularly golden touch. <a href="http://www.kubic.com.au/lonsdale" target="_blank">105 Lonsdale Street</a> was transformed at the hands of Kubic Construction and is now crowned with a golden mesh clad covering the additional floors which resemble old lanterns, a nod to the building's proximity to China Town.
Elsewhere VCAT have recently approved a golden kinetic facade extension to the 1902 <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.facebook.com/MelbourneHeritageAction/posts/682514651795099" target="_blank">Metcalfe and Barnard</a> warehouse fronting Russell Street (seen below right).
<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/Image3redbrick.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="105 Lonsdale &amp; 24 Russell. Images courtesy Kubic &amp; Melbourne Heritage Action"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="358" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image3redbrick.jpg?itok=0a7w611D" title="105 Lonsdale &amp; 24 Russell. Images courtesy Kubic &amp; Melbourne Heritage Action" width="580"></a>
The focus of today's article however is 167 Flinders Lane which was redeveloped late last year. Designed by Elenberg Fraser, the existing structure received three additional levels consisting of commercial space and penthouse.
Head contractor Maben describes the project as follows:
<blockquote>
	A heritage listed building in the former ‘rag-trade’ district of Flinders Lane was gentrified and enlarged with a luxury penthouse and office addition on its roof.
	This very complex project required the erection of a tower crane for the removal of the roof, demolition of the upper floors and insertion of two concrete lift shafts. A new 3 level, clear span, steel and concrete structure was added, including a new luxury penthouse apartment, two level office fitout and extensive base building refurbishment. The works were completed in an operational environment whilst maintain public access to the existing retail and office tenants located on the lower floors.
	The site location, in the centre of the CBD, meant complex materials loading and traffic management techniques were adopted on this extremely tight site. Public protection was paramount and water proofing, dust protection and noise reduction was essential in maintaining the amenity of the retail and commercial offices on the lower floors.
	<cite><a href="http://maben.com.au/projects/167-flinders-lane-melbourne/">Maben: Flinders Lane</a></cite>
</blockquote>
Enjoy the images taken from the Maben website, depicting the high quality expansion of 167 Flinders Lane.
</body></html>

Inside a red brick reinvention

Running parallel to Moonee Ponds&#39; primary hub Puckle Street, Hall Street is in the process of transforming from a secondary retail strip into an apartment stronghold. Most notable is Leighton Properties pending redevelopment of the long derelict Readings site, yet Moonee Ponds-based developer <a href="http://www.themoloneygroup.com/" target="_blank">The Moloney Group</a> is quietly going about realising a string of apartment towers on and abutting Hall Street.

Referred to as Central 35 within planning documents, an application for the second of four residential towers envisaged by The Moloney Group is currently with the City of Moonee Valley.

<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_6328.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The intended 35 Hall Street. Image © John Davey Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="856" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_6328.jpg?itok=zcCF1lrV" title="The intended 35 Hall Street. Image © John Davey Architects" width="580" /></a>

<h2>Central 35 Apartments @ 33-35 Hall Street, Moonee Ponds</h2>

<ul>
	<li>Developer: <a href="http://www.themoloneygroup.com/" target="_blank">The Moloney Group</a></li>
	<li>14 levels, 45.55 metres, 423 sq.m site</li>
	<li>69 apartments, 55 car spaces (stacker), 26 bicycle spaces</li>
	<li>Cafe and two retail spaces totalling 305 sq.m</li>
	<li>Architect and analysis: <a href="http://www.johndaveyarchitects.com.au/" target="_blank">John Davey Architects</a></li>
	<li>Sustainability: <a href="http://www.ark-resources.com.au/" target="_blank">ARK Resources</a></li>
	<li>Waste Management: Naimad Consulting</li>
	<li>Traffic &amp; car parking: <a href="http://www.ttmgroup.com.au/" target="_blank">TTM Consulting</a></li>
</ul>

Following in the footsteps of The Moloney Group&#39;s recently completed <a href="/news/one9-hall-street-moonee-ponds-34-apartments-5-days" target="_blank">One9 Hall Street</a>, reference has been made in this planning submission toward the intended use of modular construction methodology. Unitised Building has been referenced, inferring that Hickory Group&#39;s <a href="http://www.hickory.com.au/prefab/" target="_blank">UB System</a> is once more favoured to deliver a modulated building rather than a traditional reinforced concrete structure.

The UB System is evident below in the westerly elevation, which sees stacked modules to the right of an exposed lift well. Also visible is the intended artwall addressing the lift well.

Central 35 intended external finishes include white aluminium cladding, copper and charcoal metal cladding, glass balustrades and bluestone finishes to the podium. While John Davey Architects have designed a highly articulated and interesting exterior facade, it would seem for the time being that the UB System is hamstrung in that metal/composite cladding to its modules is necessary, with minimal glass employed.

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image1_54.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Western aspect. Image © John Davey Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="518" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image1_54.jpg?itok=mWN_T8W1" title="Western aspect. Image © John Davey Architects" width="580" /></a>

Internally the project sees a mix of 33 one bedroom apartments, 25 two bedroom and 11 three bedroom options with smallest apartments beginning at 50 sq.m. The two uppermost levels are shrouded in a green growing frame and hold four split-level penthouses of either two bedrooms or two bedrooms plus study.

Shadowing One9 once more, &quot;price sensitive&quot; housing stock is included by way of intended participation within the National Rental Affordability Scheme. If following the lead of One9, Central 35 could expect roughly 25% of apartments to be made available to low income wage earners and a proportion of apartments to be rented at 20% below market rental price. Investors aren&#39;t left behind as they would receive a $5000 &#39;donation&#39; for purchasing NRAS stock as outlined within the planning report.

Apartments aside, level six sees a dedicated communal space with gym, outdoor terrace and barbecue holding views over Hall Street. Ground floor sees three mezzanine retail spaces, one of which is expected to hold a cafe with alfresco dining linking Central 35 to the public realm.

<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/246_22-11-2013_1457.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title=" Image © Hickory Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/246_22-11-2013_1457.jpg?itok=BSHKHaYw" title=" Image © Hickory Group" width="580" /></a>

One9 under construction in November 2013.

City of Moonee Valley have raised concerns with the planning application, centred around car parking dispensation, vehicle access and general traffic flow around the proposed development. No issues were raised regarding height or density, given the project falls within the parameters of the Moonee Ponds Activity Centre.

With that in mind and assuming vehicle and traffic queries are addressed, it is expected that 33-35 Hall Street will be approved in due course.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=107733]

Running parallel to Moonee Ponds' primary hub Puckle Street, Hall Street is in the process of transforming from a secondary retail strip into an apartment stronghold. Most notable is Leighton Properties pending redevelopment of the long derelict Readings site, yet Moonee Ponds-based developer The Moloney Group is quietly going about realising a string of apartment towers on and abutting Hall Street.

Central 35, 33-35 Hall Street, Moonee Ponds

<html><body>
Intrepid architect and Apartments.com.au peer Michael Smith (The Red and Black Architect) has in recent days posted rolling reports from the 2014 National Architecture Conference in Perth.
Held in the West Australian capital for the first time in over a decade, <q cite="http://wp.architecture.com.au/news-media/2014-national-architecture-conference-in-the-making-creative-team-selected/">The act of making; the dirtiness, directness and honesty of architecture is the inspiration behind the theme for the Australian Institute of Architects’ 2014 National Architecture Conference.</q>
<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_2656.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="773" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_2656.jpg?itok=u2Lw9cc9" width="580"></a>
<blockquote>
	High rise, not shiny-smooth, but furry-fuzzy
	<cite>Richard Hassell</cite>
</blockquote>
Keynote speakers such as Richard Hassell, co-founding director of WOHA Singapore plied their trade while industry misconceptions were discussed at length. Issues of meritocracy, women in architecture and the adoption of an equity policy by the Australian Institute of Architects were also covered. Of course, some of Perth's finest new architecture was discussed and subsequently Michael has blogged about it.
Visit <a href="http://theredandblackarchitect.wordpress.com/category/2014-architecture-conference/" target="_blank">The Red and Black Architect's blog</a> for a comprehensive summary of the 2014 National Architecture Conference.
</body></html>

The 2014 National Architecture Conference

<html><body>
News is filtering through that CEL Australia's troubled <a href="/new-apartments/150-queen-street-melbourne">Tower Melbourne</a> project at 150 Queen Street may have moved closer to recommencing demolition and eventual construction following a recent Supreme Court sitting.

Displeased with perceived planning process improprieties involving 150 Queen Street (which holds Ministerial approval), owners of the adjoining 140 Queen Street had sought to challenge the Victorian Building Authority and independent statutory body the Building Appeals Board. For a detailed version of the fracas, The Age published <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/business/melbourne-skyscraper-wrangle-heads-for-the-courts-20140318-35075" target="_blank">this piece</a> recently.

Colonial Range Pty Ltd v Victorian Building Authority &amp; Colonial Range Pty Ltd v Building Appeals Board was slated for judgment on April 4th 2014 at the Supreme Court. It's understood Colonial Range was unsuccessful in its case, therefore removing a major obstacle in Tower Melbourne progressing. Whether this eliminates all legal impositions is unclear.

<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/2qta6au.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Tower Melbourne. Image © Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="302" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/2qta6au.jpg?itok=JpiLY4Gx" title="Tower Melbourne. Image © Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

With increased hopes that Tower Melbourne's state of flux will be broken, it may gain two neighbours within close proximity down the track. Colonial Range's 140 Queen Street development has been dormant for some time although a 27 level mixed-use proposal exists, which project architect <a href="http://www.kerstinthompson.com/" target="_blank">Kerstin Thompson</a> described as follows:

<blockquote>
This development occupies two sites in Melbourne’s CBD – one on Queen Street and the other on McKillop Street. Using air rights it bridges over Penfold Lane to link and consolidate them as a single development up to twenty seven floors. The proposed ambience of the design will build on the urban quality of Melbourne’s renown laneway precincts.

The tower and the podiums accommodate serviced apartments and office suites. The ground floors and level 1 of both podiums accommodate retail. The hotel lobby will occupy the western end of the McKillop Street podium and will open out to the newly created pedestrian lane at the corner of Penfold Lane. In support of the residential and hotel use the development also allows for meeting rooms and a gymnasium. It includes private and common landscape areas such as balconies and generous roof gardens.

The layout and detail of the building envelope provides many opportunities for passive environmental design including a good quality of natural light and ventilation to the residential/office suites. The design assumes operable windows which in combination with the balconies and breezeways will facilitate cross flow ventilation. The various facade treatments include shading, thermal and tinted glazing for improved thermal performance.
<cite>Kerstin Thompson, project architect</cite>
</blockquote>

<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/Image2queen.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="140 Queen Street and 405 Bourke. Images © Kerstin Thompson &amp; Brookfield"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="499" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image2queen.jpg?itok=-dk4DuN1" title="140 Queen Street and 405 Bourke. Images © Kerstin Thompson &amp; Brookfield" width="580"></a>

Abutting Tower Melbourne to the east is <a href="http://www.405bourkestreet.com.au/" target="_blank">405 Bourke Street</a> which stands at the ready to attract a large commercial tenant. The 160 metre tower has the capacity to supply Melbourne with over 61,000 sq.m of additional premium office space and near 4000 sq.m of additional retail space, adding to the existing Foundry retail centre onsite. Designed by Woods Bagot and developed/built by Brookfield Australia/Brookfield Multiplex, the development would also feature an all new Gills Alley.

There it is, three towers within a stones throw of one another. All or none may be built; that's the nature of the development game.
</body></html>

Tower Melbourne moves ahead?

<html><body>
The forthcoming 14th International Architecture Exhibition at Venice Biennale will feature 11 unrealised Australian architecture projects under the banner 'Augmented Australia 1914-2014'. Initiated during 2013, the event will see a host of <q cite="http://greenmagazine.com.au/2014-venice-architecture-biennale/">unbuilt contemporary Australian buildings to accompany ten historical unrealised designs, which will be revealed at the exhibition opening during the Vernissage and the new Australian Pavilion by <a href="/architects/denton-corker-marshall">Denton Corker Marshall</a></q>.

<a href="http://greenmagazine.com.au/2014-venice-architecture-biennale/">Green Magazine</a> also states, <q cite="http://greenmagazine.com.au/2014-venice-architecture-biennale/">Australia’s creative team for the Biennale, felix._Giles_Anderson+Goad, will bring these projects to life through three-dimensional augmented models, images, voiceovers and animations.</q>

While the RMIT's University Sports Centre (Lyons) and the Carlton United Brewery Site (<a href="/architects/arm-architecture">ARM Architecture</a>) also make the final list of unrealised contemporary Melbourne-based projects, possibly the most intriguing is Melbourne architecture firm <a href="http://tessellate.com.au/" target="_blank">Tessellate a+d</a>'s design for a Docklands Hybrid Cathedral.

<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/Hybrid%20Cathedral%20%40%20Docklands.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Insire the Docklands Hybrid Cathedral. Image © Tessellate a+d"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Hybrid%20Cathedral%20%40%20Docklands.jpg?itok=60ZS-wkA" title="Insire the Docklands Hybrid Cathedral. Image © Tessellate a+d" width="580"></a>

The architect on Hybrid Cathedral:

<blockquote>
The Cathedral is a study into how the economics of housing, aged care and a business hotel can fund the creation of a new cathedral for the recently established Melbourne Docklands, while also funding the church’s ongoing social work.

Sited upon a man-made rise re-establishing Batman’s Hill, which was demolished in the 1860s, the cathedral reveals itself externally through the spiritually significant east and west façades while the north and south façades reference the detailing of apartment buildings in the local context.

The design is derived from a set of mathematical equations which within their parameters have the ability to mediate between the sacred geometry of past cathedrals and the diverse and disparate functions that inhabit this new one’s skin.

The cathedral’s structure and geometry can be distilled and communicated by a few lines within an equation. By being of the world of numbers, it can be internationally communicated without prejudice. It can then be easily recreated, altered, added to, subtracted from and influenced by whoever comes in contact with it, therefore breaking down or adding to the ownership and authorship of the design.
<cite><a href="http://tessellate.com.au/2014-venice-architecture-biennale/">Tessellate a+d: 2014 Venice Biennale </a></cite>
</blockquote>

<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/Image4hc.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hybrid Cathedral. Image © Tessellate a+d"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="254" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image4hc.jpg?itok=Y4Q3wRtP" title="Hybrid Cathedral. Image © Tessellate a+d" width="580"></a>

Going by the lead image where 750 Collins Street was at construction, it seems the concept was devised early on in <a href="/new-apartments/docklands-vic-3008">Docklands</a> existence. What makes the Hybrid Cathedral intriguing is that it represented at the time (and still does) a theme completely foreign to the suburb on the CBD's doorstep. Apartments, parks and offices dominate the Docklands vista, with little by way of a mould-breaking structures that offer a completely different experience.

Drawing a parallel, the Sydney Opera House surely would have been considered quirky, unique and even uncomfortable within its surrounds when completed. I'm not comparing Hybrid Cathedral to the Opera House by way of looks, fame and recognition but by way of providing a unique and recognisable drawcard. Many readers would say the much vaunted yet never delivered landmark structure at Central Pier nearby was the opportunity that slipped by and fair enough.

Ultimately I see Hybrid Cathedral as a design like no other, and therein lies the appeal and want for Docklands to sport a design of its pedigree.
</body></html>

A cathedral for all time

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.

[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

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News