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As demolition progresses for the Upper House residential development on Swanston Street, another apartment building on an adjoining site awaits approval with a planning application lodged for 139-155 Queensberry Street, Carlton. Currently under assesment by Melbourne City Council, the site is also bound by Queensberry Way and Cornell Place. The building if constructed will rise 15 levels and sit between the 17 level <a href="/buildings/upper-house-516-520-swanston-street-carlton">Upper House</a> project and the 9 level, at sales <a href="/buildings/81-cardigan-street-carlton#content" target="_blank">81 Cardigan Street</a>.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/139QueensburyStreet5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="As envisaged from Queensberry Street, with Upper House to the right. "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/139QueensburyStreet5.jpg?itok=udmReqi7" title="As envisaged from Queensberry Street, with Upper House to the right." typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

<figcaption>As envisaged from Queensberry Street, with Upper House to the right.</figcaption></figure>A product of <a href="http://www.plusarchitecture.com.au/" target="_blank">Plus Architecture</a>, the building will hold a highly articulated light weight façade, which will include horizontal and vertical framing in a bid to break up the mass of the structure. It will comprise 193 residential dwellings and include 72 bicycle spaces.

138 on site car parking spaces will also be included in the development over 3 basement levels, with vehicular access to the building planned for both Queensberry Way and Cornell Place laneways, allowing for the activation of Queensberry Street which will be improved through the addition of 2 new retail outlets. Plus Architecture have also incorporated faux cottages through the ground floor facade, cleverly bringing an element of interest to an otherwise unused and seldom walked laneway.

<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/139QueensburyStreet3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ground level articulation. Image © Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/139QueensburyStreet3.jpg?itok=-lo1YJXy" title="Ground level articulation. Image © Plus Architecture" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

<figcaption>Ground level articulation. Image © Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure>Adding to the amenity of the building will be a communal rooftop terrace which will be accessible to all residents of the building. The architects have designed the building in a way that allows for a transitional built form for the area, between the higher density Swanston Street precinct and the low rise Carlton precinct. Through this initiative, the Queensberry Street frontage will rise 10 levels to a total height of 32m with an additional 5 levels constructed above this which will be set back between 11.2 and 12.6 metres. The setback also allows for a clear differentiation between the podium levels and the upper levels in the building.

While an effort has been made to provide this transition in built form between the two precincts, Carlton residents have already voiced their opposition to the proposal, with the Carlton Residents Association claiming that 15 stories is of “excessive height” and that it does not aid the transition from taller buildings on Swanston Street to low-rise in the east of Swanston Street. Another point of concern is the domolition of the Australian Communication Workers Union building onsite.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image2_13.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The current building as per Google Maps"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image2_13.jpg?itok=ebm2aFV_" title="The current building as per Google Maps" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

<figcaption>The current building as per Google Maps</figcaption></figure>If given the go ahead, one would assume apartments in the building would be highly sought after following the recent selling out of all apartments in the Upper House building. A decision has not yet been made on the permit.

Renders © Plus Architecture.
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melbournee12

Planning Application > 139-155 Queensberry Street, Carlton

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Considered one of the longest continuous Chinese settlements anywhere in the western world, Melbourne's Chinatown has a lot to offer those who meander through. Quoting <a href="http://chinatownmelbourne.com.au" target="_blank">chinatownmelbourne.com.au</a> "It was the discovery of gold in 1851 which attracted Chinese immigration to Victoria on a large scale. Ships sailed to Australia from Hong Kong with their cargo of men who had come in search of the “New Gold Mountain”. The small but burgeoning Chinese community in Little Bourke Street provided for all the needs of the diggers – lodgings en route to the goldfields, food, equipment and medicine."
Running east-west along Little Bourke between Exhibition Street and Swanston Street, the area spawns a number of laneways, in and of themselves well worth viewing; eateries, street art, the Chinese Museum, hidden bars and much more. 
Here's a collection of photos I took during my recent visit to the precinct.
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Photographic Tour of Chinatown

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The revitalisation of Melbourne’s retail heart carries on with ISPT recently green lighting construction for the Strand Arcade redevelopment, valued at $20 million. Located on Elizabeth Street between Little Bourke and Lonsdale Streets, the arcade will see its internals gutted and reconstructed, creating 23 new retail tenancies over 2,343sqm of space.
<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/little-bourke-st-exterior-lrg.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Little Bourke Street exterior. Image © thestrand.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/little-bourke-st-exterior-lrg.jpg?itok=5vMxJo6n" title="Little Bourke Street exterior. Image © thestrand.com.au" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
The exterior will also receive an upgrade with Studio 505 designing a new façade for the building featuring the installation of colourful glass fins. These fins will appear near translucent during the day, but light up into a burst of colour during evening hours. The public realm is enhanced through the activation of Driver Lane which adjoins the building. As it stands, the current lane offers very little use or benefit to the public with nothing enticing people bar a small obscure entrance to Strand Arcade at its end.
The redevelopment however will see the area transformed to include a number of new boutique outlets opened up along the lane, encouraging people from Elizabeth Street into the revamped area. Australia Post, which currently holds a lease in the Strand on the corner of Elizabeth and Little Bourke Streets has pre-committed to leasing space in the new development, taking up 540sqm on the opposite corner along Lonsdale Street for a new flagship outlet.
<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_18.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Intended floor plan for the Strand arcade with walkthrough to Emporium. Image © thestrand.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image1_18.jpg?itok=QMRWFc5k" title="Intended floor plan for the Strand arcade with walkthrough to Emporium. Image © thestrand.com.au" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
The Strand Arcade is not the only redeveloped retail space that is forecast to hit the city over the next 12 months, with Colonial First State’s Emporium development set to see the former Myer department store transformed into 46,175sqm of boutique shopping space over 8 levels. Opposite Strand Arcade, it is highly rumoured that the GPO Building is to also be refurbished, laying claim to Australia’s first H&amp;M store in the process.
Add recently completed redevelopments of both Myer and David Jones in the immediate area add the precinct at large can now strengthen its claim as Australia's most impressive retail destination.
A YouTube clip of the Strand Arcade finished product:
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/sK3bEy78vq0?rel=0" width="100%"></iframe>
The redeveloped Strand Arcade is set to open early 2014.
<ul>
<li>
		http://thestrandmelbourne.com.au/</li>
	<li>
		http://www.emporiummelbourne.com.au/content/about-the-project</li>
	<li>
		http://www.smh.com.au/business/property/tout-swede-hm-has-designs-on-gpo-site-20130328-2gxby.html</li>
</ul>
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The Strand Arcade redevelopment

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One of Melbourne’s best located development sites has gone back to the drawing board after a landmark office proposal failed to eventuate. A revised permit application is currently under consideration by DPCD for 405 Bourke Street, located between Elizabeth and Queen Streets.

One of a handful of prior proposals for the site involved a curved 46-storey office tower designed by Fender Katsilidis which was to reach a height of 204 metres and potentially become one of Melbourne’s most architecturally significant buildings. However amended plans submitted late last year show a more modest development put forward by developer Brookfield Office Properties catering toward the leasing market's rectangular floorplate preferences.

<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/2013-02-14%2023.37.08.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Collins St perspective. Image © Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/2013-02-14%2023.37.08.jpg?itok=cOdkmSm3" title="Collins St perspective. Image © Woods Bagot"></a>

Designed by renowned architects Woods Bagot, the new project is set to feature a 39 storey, 160.9 metre building involves 61,502sqm of office space and an upgraded retail area in the existing Foundry Building leading to an additional 3,672sqm of retail space. It will include 494 bicycle spaces, 250 car spaces as well as a new entrance to the building via an elongated Gills Alley, to be used by cyclists and pedestrians.

<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/2013-02-14%2023.40.58.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Street activation plan. Image © Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/2013-02-14%2023.40.58.jpg?itok=6lTlpDmi" title="Street activation plan. Image © Woods Bagot"></a>

While the development does look quite simple at first glance, the tower itself is designed in a way that the architects say is meant to represent a “single technique of continuous laminations.” Sounds fancy but the intent is to provide a facade which breaks up the prevalent east and west elevations as well as alleviating site constraint issues, while breaking the wall effect created through the podium at street level. Following this idea of continuous laminations, the total mass of the building has been designed to appear as 70 panes of glass laminated together, opposed by clean facades on the north and south elevations.

On the extensive east and west façades, the addition of modulated laminations which have a shift of 150mm every 1.2m have been developed, allowing for further articulation and form along the large facades, creating an interesting visual effect and a textured surface along the tower which will in turn refract and reflect light depending on the changing angles of the sun throughout the day.

<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/2013-02-14%2023.46.23.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="East and west facades designed to light, shade and refract. Image © Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/2013-02-14%2023.46.23.jpg?itok=Qul9bE7w" title="East and west facades designed to light, shade and refract. Image © Woods Bagot"></a>

At podium level, the building has been designed to fit within the surrounding context. As it's considered a modern insertion within the existing streetscape, deep laminations have been designed into the podium, allowing for a unique view of the structure depending on where you stand on the street, and allowing for the entrance of the building to only be seen if the person is looking from directly in front.

<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/2013-02-14%2023.41.26.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="New street level inetrface. Image © Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/2013-02-14%2023.41.26.jpg?itok=pjOG_zPt" title="New street level inetrface. Image © Woods Bagot"></a>

This new proposal is not the first tower to seek approval for the site since partners Brookfiled and DaVinci Funds Management purchased the development site back in 2008. The site was subject to another planning application early in 2012, which subsequently lead to the amended plans currently submitted.

In addition to this, two more proposals were put forward back in 2004 and again in 2006, with the then owner of the site obtaining a permit for a 200 metre tall residential building and another permit for an office building which they later on sold with the development site.

While approval is seemingly forthcoming, time will tell whether Multiplex finally advance this scheme into the construction phase, or whether it will share a similar fate as previous proposals.

All images © Woods Bagot
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Planning Application > 405 Bourke Street, Melbourne

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The office tower is set to make a return to Melbourne’s CBD, with planning Minister Matthew Guy <a href="http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/6016-190-million-crowning-glory-for-queen-street" target="_blank">recently approving</a> a 50 storey development at 272 Queen Street. Standing at 205.4m tall, the building if constructed would become the first office tower to reach a height above 200m since the building boom of the early 1990’s which produced multiple large-scale office developments such as the Melbourne Central tower and 120 Collins Street. Designed by Peddle Thorpe Architects for developer Dale Rose Pty Ltd, the newly approved $190 million dollar skyscraper would include 5 basement levels holding of 84 car park bays, motorcycle-bycicle areas, store rooms and services. DPCD planning notes indicate the tower would add 35,561sqm of new office space to Melbourne’s CBD, with typical floorplates of 832sqm. 20sqm of space is envisaged for every worker, therefore it's expected that 40 people per floor or 1778 people in total would work at 272 Queen St.

<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_6826.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="272 Queen St aspect as seen from Queen St &amp; Lonsdale St"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_6826.jpg?itok=CjZupoh-" title="272 Queen St aspect as seen from Queen St &amp; Lonsdale St" typeof="Image"></a>
<figcaption>272 Queen St aspect as seen from Queen St &amp; Lonsdale St. Image © Peddle Thorp Architects.</figcaption></figure>A double glazed curtain wall consisting of an extruded diagonal grid frame with random translucent triangular glazed panels will grace the north and west façades, with the remaining faces of the tower consisting of triangular patterned precast concrete panels which are designed to complement the north and west sides while allowing for future development either side. On the east façade, the precast panels will rise to a height of 120 metres – the height of an already approved building next door at 399 Little Lonsdale Street, before changing to the curtain wall façade seen on the north and west sides. The wind effect study image below includes 399 Little Lonsdale (also a Peddle Thorp design), as well as a block form for the adjoining 254-266 Queen St indicating another sizeable tower may be in the works for what is now the Bank of China Melbourne office.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image2_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Wind effects study diagram with the approved 399 Lt Lonsdale. Images © Peddle Thorp Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image2_5.jpg?itok=F1a6Pf2f" title="Wind effects study diagram with the approved 399 Lt Lonsdale. Images © Peddle Thorp Architects" typeof="Image"></a>
<figcaption>Wind effects study diagram with the approved 399 Lt Lonsdale. Images © Peddle Thorp Architects.</figcaption></figure>There will be 3 plant levels within the structure, located on floors 11, 30 and 49, which have been recessed further than typical floors in order to break up the sheer vertical form of the tower and those plant levels will be clad in contrasting perforated metal facades to create transition areas within the building. One of the most interesting design elements associated with this development will be the incorporation of photovoltaic film which will be embedded into cantilevered bay elements along the north and west facades. Through this initiative, the building will draw upon the light it receives to generate an electric current which will then be fed back into the power grid of the building.

<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_6790.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="272 Queen St at street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_6790.jpg?itok=VUgxsWX2" title="272 Queen St at street" typeof="Image"></a>
<figcaption>272 Queen St at street. Image © Peddle Thorp Architects.</figcaption></figure>At street level dual entrances will be available off Queen Street and Little Lonsdale Street, with a new café to front Little Lonsdale in order to bring activity to the lesser used thoroughfare. While this development has been approved, it was not the first application that was submitted for the site; an earlier proposal submitted would have reached an even taller 220m. Key differences between the initial and approved plans include the height decrease to 205.4m, a decrease in the typical floor plate from 964sqm to 832sqm, increased setbacks from Queen Street, reduced setbacks to Little Lonsdale Street and an increase in podium height from five to ten levels. As yet there are no set plans for the tower to begin construction, it's likely that an anchor tenant will be required before Dale Rose Pty Ltd can approach financial institutions for construction funding.
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272 Queen Street in depth

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Apartment living has found its way to the south-western suburb of Altona Meadows, where a new apartment building has been proposed for 390-394 Queen Street and 83-91 Merton Street. Designed by Mills Gorman Architects and developed by Noordenne Constructions, the development if approved will include 80 dwellings comprising of one, two and three bedrooms within a 4 storey complex, reaching a maximum height of 13.3 metres. 
<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/merton_0000_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Noordenne Constructions proposed development"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/merton_0000_0.jpg?itok=LrdETDKf" title="Noordenne Constructions proposed development" typeof="Image"></a>
Accompanying the planned apartments, will be 82 resident car spaces and 2 gymnasium car spaces which will be located in a basement level; there are no guest car parks associated with the building. Incorporated into the proposed development will be a new gymnasium which is slated for the busy corner of Merton and Queen Streets, directly opposite the controversial flower sculpture “Grow”, as well the local shopping centre, Central Square, also owned by Noordenne Constructions. If the green light is given to the proposal, construction will not proceed until after Noordenne completes the new ALDI supermarket, currently being built within the Central Square Shopping Centre car park.
While proposals of this magnitude are relatively new to Altona Meadows, it is not the first medium-high density apartment project that has come before the Hobson’s Bay Council with 2 new apartment complexes currently nearing settlement in Pier Street, Altona. The 5 level apartment building at 105-113 Pier Street will hold 95 dwellings and associated retail upon completion, meanwhile a 4 story development across the road at 112-114 Pier Street will add a further 45 dwellings and 5 new retail tenancies.
Apartment living in areas such as Altona raises an interesting question:
Would you rather live in an apartment within a short walk to public transport, beach, retail and services or the other side of Geelong Rd in a new estate such as Truganina where you have, well....a house, car and not much else?
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Apartments in the Meadows

<html><body>The Melbourne skyline is an amazing spectacle when viewed from anywhere around the city, however it becomes so much more remarkable when given the opportunity to view it from above. On the 14th of January 2013, I had this opportunity, enjoying a hot air balloon trip across the centre of Melbourne whilst also capturing its breathtaking vista's at the same time. Departing from Moorabbin, the 90 minute journey travelled through the inner suburbs of Melbourne such as South Yarra and Richmond, offering spectacular views of the Melbourne CBD, Southbank and surrounding areas, before landing perfectly at Essendon Airport. Below are a collection of images taken from the hot air balloon journey, highlighting the magnificent city of Melbourne.</body></html>

Melbourne by Balloon

The Victorian Government has secured the passage of the Building Legislation and Treasury Legislation (Tax Relief) Amendment Bill 2026, introducing a suite of reforms aimed at improving consumer protection and confidence in the apartment market.

Resilience Insurance, Australia’s leading Latent Defects Insurance (LDI) provider, has welcomed the move.

The LDI elements of the Bill passed with bipartisan support and now moves to the Legislative Council where debate and passage are expected later this month. It represents a significant milestone in the national shift toward stronger, longer-term protection for apartment buyers.&nbsp;

The reform would deliver practical benefits across the housing system. Apartment owners will have stronger protection if major defects emerge, developers and builders will have a clearer quality framework to work within, and the State will reduce the risk of serious building failures becoming a long-term financial and social burden for households, communities and government.&nbsp;

LDI helps support apartment delivery while providing stronger protection for buyers and encouraging better construction outcomes.&nbsp;

Resilience LDI provides apartment owners with 10 years of insurance-backed cover for major structural defects from completion, with direct claim access to the insurer. This means owners are not required to first pursue developers or builders through costly legal action before accessing protection.&nbsp;

Resilience Insurance has been operating in Australia since 2022 and has already insured hundreds of development projects covering many thousands of apartments across Australia.&nbsp;

At approximately 1.8 per cent of build cost, it is a cost-competitive alternative to the traditional two per cent Strata Bond, bond while delivering significantly broader and longer protection.&nbsp;

“The Victorian Lower House vote shows that reforms like this succeed when they are practical, evidence-based and supported by industry," says Corey Nugent, CEO of Resilience Insurance.

"Victoria is moving quickly on a reform that will make a real difference for apartment buyers, while supporting better building outcomes and greater confidence in apartment delivery.

“This is step one. We look forward to the Bill completing its passage through the Legislative Council and to working with government and industry to implement the framework effectively.”&nbsp;

Fast Facts: What is Resilience LDI?&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Resilience Latent Defects Insurance (LDI): Covers major structural defects for 10 years from completion.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Consumer-first: Direct claim access, no need for lengthy legal action.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Cost advantage: At approximately 1.8% of build cost, LDI is typically priced below the traditional 2% Strata Bond while offering broader protection.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Market leader: Resilience Insurance is the first approved LDI provider in NSW.</li>
</ul>

The Building Legislation and Treasury Legislation (Tax Relief) Amendment Bill 2026 has passed the Victorian Lower House, putting Victoria on track to become the first state to legislate an industry workable LDI framework as a formal alternative to the Strata Building bond. 

Joel Robinson

10-year Latent Defects Insurance for new apartment buyers set to land in Victoria

Just a few months after acquiring a prime Broadbeach site on the corner of First Avenue and Surf Parade, family-run developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/raptis">Raptis</a> has filed fresh plans for a new apartment development.

Raptis is seeking to deliver a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/17-19-first-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4217">29-storey tower with 73 apartments</a> on the 818 sqm site. It will be the developer's seventh project in the suburb, as they are approaching completion of The Sterling on George Avenue.

There will be a pool, barbecue and outdoor dining area, residents lounge and dining, sauna and steam room, gym, and a Yoga and Pilates studio.

<img alt="Raptis" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b554da3f-7344-49aa-b1c9-44cf459af0d7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-05%20at%2010.41.45%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=zzjWu1iO1wnuYv4EV4fyOyf5nSXjGYut" />

Raptis Joint Managing Director, Evan Raptis, says they remain&nbsp;committed to developing quality infill sites across the Gold Coast in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

"This project continues our long track record of delivery in Broadbeach, and we look forward to bringing another premium development to this thriving precinct."

The announcement follows strong delivery momentum for Raptis, with The Sterling Broadbeach nearing completion and construction well underway on the final stage of the Waterpoint community adjacent to Harbour Town. The developer's continued investment in the Gold Coast reflects confidence in the region's apartment market fundamentals, underpinned by sustained Southeast Queensland population growth.&nbsp;

The outlook for the region is further bolstered by infrastructure investment tied to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, which is expected to drive continued economic and population growth across the SEQ corridor.&nbsp;

Subject to a favourable response from Gold Coast City Council, construction on the new First Avenue tower is targeted to commence before the end of 2026.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/it-s-all-in-the-family-four-decades-later-raptis-continues-to-shape-the-gold-coast-skyline">It’s all in the family: Four decades later, Raptis continues to shape the Gold Coast skyline</a>

Read more: <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/raptis-secures-prime-surf-parade-site-for-next-broadbeach-apartment-development">Raptis secures prime Surf Parade site for next Broadbeach apartment development</a> 
&nbsp;

Gold Coast developer brings seventh Broadbeach project to market, targeting construction commencement before year end

First look: Raptis lodges plans for new 29-storey Broadbeach tower 

Brisbane development veteran Kevin Seymour's Seymour Group is set to deepen its presence on one of Brisbane's most tightly held riverfront addresses, lodging revised plans for a luxury apartment development on Oxlade, just a few doors down from The Oxlade, which it completed in 2024.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/70-72-oxlade-drive-new-farm-qld-4005">new project at 70-72 Oxlade Drive</a>, directly north of The Oxlade, will have 27 apartments across a seven-storey building&nbsp;overlooking the Brisbane River and Merthyr Park. It's a revision from a 2021-approved design.

Designed by bureau^proberts, the project has evolved from the previously approved 26-apartment scheme, introducing an additional penthouse level while maintaining a low-density, boutique character. The development will comprise 26 three-bedroom apartments and a single four-bedroom penthouse, supported by two basement levels with 86 car spaces and 34 bicycle spaces.

The architectural response is centred around two distinct building forms separated by a landscaped open-air atrium.&nbsp;"This dual composition captures and embraces Brisbane’s subtropical environment whilst breaking down built form and scale," the submission to the Brisbane City Council noted.

<img alt="First look: Seymour Group returns to Oxlade Drive with revised riverfront apartment plans in New Farm" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c12d84d0-bc11-4067-b46f-5bd2d786a34d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/new%20farm%20landscape.png?VersionId=YEPc2k5CAdh6aAPlu4uVpgZadh4MEfRd" />

A defining feature of the design is a deep landscaped void running through the centre of the building, creating what bureau^proberts describes as a "natural ravine" that enhances airflow, daylight penetration and resident amenity. The design report notes that the separation of the two building volumes is intended to maximise natural light, cross-ventilation and outlook while strengthening connections to the surrounding riverfront setting.

Curved balcony edges, integrated planting and extensive landscaping throughout the façade reinforce the subtropical design approach. The building's façade is softened by elevated gardens and planter beds, creating a green edge that complements the established landscape character of Oxlade Drive and neighbouring Merthyr Park.

New Farm has become one of Brisbane's most sought-after suburbs for developers delivering premium downsizer-focused apartments.

GRAYA has been particularly active in the precinct, completing both Chalk and York in recent years, while construction of Moray House, being delivered for Spyre, is now nearing completion. Architect-turned-developer Joe Adsett recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/arcilla-new-farm-by-joe-adsett-28-maxwell-street-new-farm-qld-4005">Arcilla on Maxwell Street</a>, an exclusive collection of just nine apartments.

First look: Seymour Group returns to New Farm's Oxlade Drive with riverfront apartment plans

A new residential tower will be the first piece of a broader mixed-use precinct set to reshape a prominent Newcastle West site, with local developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> bringing its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/cambridge-quarter-newcastle-west-12-denison-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Cambridge Quarter</a> vision to market.

The first release, Tempo, will introduce 87 apartments across a 24-storey tower, marking Stage 1 of the residential component of a larger urban regeneration project planned for the western end of Newcastle's city centre, encompassing the former Cambridge Hotel site.

Positioned on Denison Street, Tempo has been designed as the inaugural building within Cambridge Quarter, a precinct that will ultimately combine apartments, retail activation and revitalised public spaces including the revamping of the Cambridge Hotel.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368853]

The tower will comprise a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, including layouts with multipurpose rooms, catering to a broad cross-section of owner-occupiers. Apartment sizes range from around 60 sqm to 192 sqm, with a number of residences oriented to capture views across Newcastle Harbour, the city skyline and coastline.

GWH has emphasised liveability in the design, with open-plan layouts extending to generous balconies and terraces. Residents will have a choice of two interior palettes, while specifications include engineered stone benchtops, SMEG appliances, full-height bathroom tiling and secure building access. Premium upgrade packages will also be available.

Multiple rooftop resident retreats will provide communal outdoor space overlooking the harbour and city, offering an elevated amenity layer above the activity of the precinct below.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368851]

The broader Cambridge Quarter vision extends beyond the residential tower itself. Ground-level retail activation and landscaped public areas are planned throughout the precinct, creating a walkable neighbourhood environment connected to the surrounding renewal of Newcastle West. The Cambridge Hotel is also earmarked for future redevelopment into a family-friendly hospitality venue integrated with the new precinct.

The project is strategically positioned within walking distance of Newcastle Interchange, providing access to light rail, regional rail services and direct connections to Sydney. Residents will also be close to Honeysuckle, Newcastle Harbour and the city's beaches and coastal walkways.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368852]

For GWH, Cambridge Quarter represents one of its most significant Newcastle developments to date. The locally based developer, which has operated in the Hunter region since 1995, describes the project as a new chapter in the ongoing transformation of Newcastle West.

GWH Executive Director Jonathan Craig said the project had been shaped by a focus on creating lasting community connections.

"We take pride in creating places that last. Spaces where people feel connected, comfortable and a genuine sense of belonging," Craig said.

"Cambridge Quarter is something we are truly proud of, a place shaped by local knowledge, built with care and designed to be part of Newcastle's next chapter."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135876]

GWH unveils first release at landmark Cambridge Quarter precinct in Newcastle West

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ss-projects">S&amp;S Projects</a>,&nbsp;Rainbow Bay's busiest developer,&nbsp;has officially lodged plans for the largest development in its booming local portfolio, seeking approval for a further 88 apartments on Boundary Street.

The proposal&nbsp;at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">209–213 Boundary Street, Coolangatta</a>,&nbsp;marks the next chapter in the developer's transformation of the southern Gold Coast beachside precinct. It will be its fifth in the area, having already delivered Flow, Awaken and Esprit, while construction continues on the 38-apartment Radia. The new project would rise 57 metres above a consolidated 1,518 sqm site, on the same street as Radia and Esprit.

&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, the proposed development comprises 88 two and three-bedroom apartments across a contemporary podium-and-tower form that integrates extensive landscaping from street level through to the rooftop.

The tower would be delivered above a basement and multi-level podium accommodating resident and visitor parking, with the residential component commencing from level three. The design incorporates cascading planting throughout the façade, landscaped podium edges, and deep planting zones along the Boundary Street frontage.

<img alt="First look: S&amp;S Projects lodges plans for 88-apartment wellness tower at Coolangatta's Boundary Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="677e6615-b5c0-4b6c-b4f9-efb14fcde1a6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ss%20da%20pers.png?VersionId=YOnPKQm7IFXv0M5H326djEpxk80500Hi" />

A key feature of the development is its expansive rooftop wellness and recreation precinct. Plans reveal a resort-style pool deck, gymnasium, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, rooftop terraces, barbecue areas and landscaped relaxation spaces positioned to capture views across the southern Gold Coast coastline.

The rooftop wellness focus builds on the vision S&amp;S Projects first outlined when it acquired the site for $20.25 million last year.

"We are taking every advantage to create a truly unique rooftop wellness experience with a natural feel for residents, offering stone features throughout and an underlying theme that emulates a botanical garden," S&amp;S Projects founder and director Paul Gedoun said at the time.

The proposal seeks a 57-metre building height, representing a 50 per cent uplift on the site's mapped 38-metre height limit. Planning documents argue the additional height is consistent with recently approved and emerging towers in the immediate Boundary Street and Rainbow Bay precinct.

Urbis, acting as planning consultant, said the development would provide "88 dwellings, comprising a mix of two and three-bedroom apartments, contributing to housing choice and supply within an established medium to high-rise coastal urban neighbourhood."

The scheme has undergone extensive pre-lodgement consultation with the City of Gold Coast, with the design refined following feedback relating to architectural expression, landscaping, traffic access and podium treatment.

<img alt="S&amp;S" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a2d70fd-62ac-4b83-97c6-b798fc1243dd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-05%20at%209.16.31%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=yHmghUwKM3IVGpBktQU1mE.0Lpf3WimG" />

The architectural team is led by Brisbane-based Cottee Parker, one of Australia's most active residential design studios, with landscape architecture by Dunn + Moran. The consultant team also includes ADG Engineers, Windtech and Acoustic Works.

S&amp;S Projects has become one of the most influential private developers operating on the southern Gold Coast. Since entering Rainbow Bay in 2022, the company has assembled a portfolio exceeding $1 billion in end value, establishing itself as a key player in the area's evolution into a premium apartment destination. Pezet Matheson will again handle the sales for S&amp;S.

Coolangatta is entering another wave of apartment development, following the delivery of several prominent residential projects in recent years.

John Kearney's Immerse Projects will launch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kaiya-kirra-beach-5-haig-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Kaiya on Haig Street</a>&nbsp;soon, meanwhile, Palm Beach-based Sherpa Property Group is preparing to bring its debut Coolangatta development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-viver-87-griffith-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Flourish Viveré</a>, to market later this year, subject to approvals.

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