When apartment developers are working with an acreage-sized site in the inner city, there's both an obligation—and an opportunity—to deliver more than just a residential tower.

Builder-developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/dasco-australia">DASCO</a> is doing just that with over 17,000 sqm in the heart of Waterloo—one of the largest inner-city development sites currently underway in Sydney. Across the precinct, DASCO is delivering 373 residential dwellings spanning six contemporary buildings.

But it’s the emphasis on creating a place people genuinely want to live that’s making <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/danks-st-district-waterloo-903-921-bourke-street-waterloo-nsw-2017">Danks Street District </a>stand out to today’s apartment buyers.

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Directly beneath the one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments will be a blend of green open spaces and a significant retail offering that will activate the ground level—not only for residents of Danks Street District, but for the wider inner-east community as well.

At the heart of the precinct is Danks Street Reserve, a landscaped green space with wide-open lawns designed for picnics, casual gatherings, and everyday fitness. An outdoor gym and open-air workout area have been seamlessly integrated to complement the natural surroundings.

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Residents of the first release, Bourke Street Residences, will also have exclusive access to rooftop gardens with sweeping views across Sydney, along with a soundproof music room—an ideal creative escape within the city.

The retail offering throughout Danks Street District is curated to reflect Waterloo’s evolving urban character while retaining its strong local identity.

A laneway-style dining precinct—Bourke Street Eatery—will offer a vibrant mix of cafes, wine bars, and eateries, mirroring the area's contemporary food scene.

Running alongside it, Washer’s Lane will introduce an eclectic mix of boutiques and artisanal vendors—providing a platform for local creatives and entrepreneurs to showcase their work in a modern, walkable setting.

At the centre of the 1.7-hectare masterplan is Danks Street Square—a public plaza framed by contemporary architecture and lush landscaping. The space is designed to host regular events, weekend markets, and community gatherings, creating a strong sense of connection among residents and visitors alike.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=111820 project_image_fid=344700]

Danks Street District is part of a broader push to revitalise Waterloo, a suburb fast becoming one of Sydney’s most in-demand thanks to its close proximity to Redfern, Surry Hills, and the CBD.

Importantly, the site also integrates and preserves local heritage, with two historic buildings—the 1922 Pumping Station and the 1935 Valve House—carefully retained as part of the precinct’s overall design.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=111820]

Joel Robinson

Danks St District: A lifestyle-driven development transforming Waterloo

In most Australian suburbs where houses outnumber apartments, it's the standalone homes that typically command the highest prices. But Brunswick has bucked that trend, thanks to respected developer <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/mirvac">Mirvac</a>.

The developer has shattered the local price record with the $4.4 million sale of an apartment in its Prince &amp; Parade project opposite Princes Park.

The 216 sqm residence now holds the suburb’s top sale price, comfortably surpassing the previous benchmark: a restored five-bedroom Victorian mansion from the 1880s, which sold for $4.15 million in late 2024.

Mirvac’s General Manager of Residential Development VIC, Elysa Anderson, said breaking the price record in Brunswick reflects both the exceptional work of the Mirvac Design team in collaboration with Bates Smart—especially their floorplan configurations and finishes—and Mirvac’s strong reputation in delivering high-quality residential communities across the country.

“We’re incredibly proud to see Prince &amp; Parade set a new benchmark for Brunswick,” Anderson said.

“This record-breaking sale is a testament to Mirvac’s commitment to design excellence, quality craftsmanship, and sustainable living. We look forward to welcoming residents in 2026 and seeing this vibrant community come to life.”

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<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/prince-parade-by-mirvac-brunswick-701-park-street-brunswick-vic-3056">Prince &amp; Parade</a> has been designed in collaboration with <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/bates-smart">Bates Smart</a>, marking the third time Mirvac has partnered with the acclaimed architecture firm on a parkside development in Melbourne. Their previous collaborations delivered two of the city’s landmark apartment buildings: The Melburnian on Queen Victoria Gardens and The Eastbourne on Fitzroy Gardens.

The all-electric building offers a total of 169 one- to four-bedroom apartments across two buildings, rising five levels on Park Street and up to nine levels on Brunswick Road.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4802 project_image_fid=217119]

Residents will enjoy access to a rooftop terrace with views of Princes Park and the city skyline, a wellness centre with a gym and yoga studio, and private landscaped courtyards designed by landscape architect Jack Merlo to foster community.

Additional amenities include a residents' library and dining room, electronic parcel lockers, and refrigerated delivery storage in the lobby, managed by a dedicated building manager.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4802 project_image_fid=321933]

There will also be a ground-floor café and retail spaces, offering ultimate convenience for future residents.

Located just four kilometres from Melbourne’s CBD and a short walk to Melbourne University, Royal Melbourne Hospital, and RMIT, the development has attracted particular interest from medical professionals and academics.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4802]

Exclusive: Mirvac breaks Brunswick record with Prince & Parade sale

In one of Melbourne’s most established suburbs, new apartment projects are a rarity.

But a development just 100 metres from Balwyn’s village retail strip, opposite its finest park, and a tram stop? Almost unheard of.

The newly launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/white-weston-balwyn-village-259-281-whitehorse-road-balwyn-vic-3103">White &amp; Weston</a>&nbsp;offers this rare combination — and more.

<h3 data-end="560" data-start="529">Balwyn's Retail Renaissance</h3>

White &amp; Weston is being delivered in partnership with Coles Group and Cera Stribley. True to that collaboration, the building will be anchored by a flagship Coles supermarket, offering unparalleled doorstep convenience for residents.

While mixed-use developments are common in urban precincts, they remain relatively rare in low-density, predominantly residential suburbs like Balwyn. The inclusion of a modern supermarket — featuring ready-to-eat meals, a fresh produce bar, and organic options — adds everyday ease without compromising the area's village charm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136850 project_image_fid=343594]

Retail along Whitehorse Road continues to evolve. Once defined by traditional neighbourhood shops, the strip now boasts an expanding mix of boutique retailers and hospitality venues, including independent fashion stores, specialty food providers, and contemporary cafés.

Local favourites like Birichino Cucina &amp; Pizzeria and Mazu Café exemplify this shift, bringing a more modern dining experience while continuing to serve a loyal local community.

<hr data-end="1677" data-start="1674" />
<h3 data-end="1698" data-start="1679">Parkside Living</h3>

White &amp; Weston enjoys a prime location on Whitehorse Road, directly opposite Balwyn Park — one of the suburb’s key green spaces and community hubs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136850 project_image_fid=343581]

Balwyn Park offers a wide range of facilities, including tennis courts, cricket nets, a football oval, playgrounds, and walking paths. For families and downsizers alike, it delivers the benefits of outdoor space without the upkeep of a private garden — effectively giving residents access to Balwyn’s largest backyard. In addition to this, White &amp; Weston offers over 650 sqm of private gardens designed by Jack Merlo, providing a quiet, green retreat within the development.

<hr data-end="2252" data-start="2249" />
<h3 data-end="2279" data-start="2254">Education &amp; Transport</h3>

Balwyn’s longstanding appeal, especially for families, is underpinned by its renowned education network. White &amp; Weston sits within the highly sought-after Balwyn High School zone, home to one of Victoria’s highest-performing public schools.

Nearby independent schools such as Fintona Girls’ School and Camberwell Grammar further strengthen the suburb’s appeal for families prioritising education access.

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Transport is another key advantage. Tram route 109, running along Whitehorse Road, provides direct access to Box Hill, the CBD, and Port Melbourne, offering a practical alternative to driving, with easy connection to both the city and the bay.

<hr data-end="2924" data-start="2921" />
<h3 data-end="2942" data-start="2926">The Building</h3>

Designed by Cera Stribley and limited to just three storeys, White &amp; Weston retains a low-rise character in harmony with its surroundings. At the same time, it raises the bar with enhanced amenities and refined design — a clear step up from much of the existing apartment stock in the area.

The project comprises 45 two, three, and four-bedroom apartments, set amid lush landscaping by Jack Merlo. Each residence includes a six-year building guarantee and a 52-week defect liability period.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136850 project_image_fid=343584]

A limited-time early buyer incentive via Apartments.com.au offers a complimentary whitegoods package for the first three purchasers.

Liam Adey, Director at Marshall White Projects, says early interest has come from empty nesters, professional couples, and young families drawn to the location and lifestyle on offer.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=136850]

White & Weston presents the ultimate in parkside, village lifestyle

Fresh off the completion of The Clermont in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/bellevue-hill-nsw-2023">Bellevue Hill</a>, boutique developer Concretive is now planning its next project in the same suburb.

They are set to demolish the 1970s-era Sharon Court, which sits on a 740 sqm block at <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/17-bellevue-park-road-bellevue-hill-nsw-2023">17 Bellevue Park Road</a>, adjoining Bellevue Park. In its place, they plan to deliver a $9.7 million, five-level development comprising nine apartments.

Seven of the nine apartments will feature three bedrooms. One one-bedroom and one two-bedroom apartment have also been proposed, with the two-bedroom residence located on the top floor. This unit will share the rooftop level with a 100 sqm communal rooftop terrace.

<img alt="17 Bellevue Park Road BELLEVUE HILL NSW 2023" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8aa27ea8-ac01-492b-8789-f287af0bca7e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bellevue%20site%20pers.png?VersionId=0.teXU8oEWWbkztTlCCwA0egfxSAuTdN" />

Designed by renowned architecture firm <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/mhn-design-union">MHN Design Union</a> (MHNDU), the building form is articulated with soft curves and extensive planting to echo the neighbouring tree canopy and parkland.&nbsp;Materials such as scalloped concrete, brick, and glass have been chosen for their durability and low-maintenance qualities, while also presenting a contemporary façade.

MHNDU said&nbsp;the site is located in a highly desirable area that is shifting to an increasingly higher proportion 
of medium-density living.

"The proposal is related to the desired future character of the area and will assist with the desired increase in density in this increasingly popular location," the submission to the Woollahra Council noted.

<img alt="17 Bellevue Park Road BELLEVUE HILL NSW 2023" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bba49ce8-8360-4f4d-b669-e8a41fc6d707" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Bellevue%20site.png?VersionId=Kxg0mCcydhCYNLT6fTcI7sG2sD3Y.hoq" />

Positioned at the end of a no-through road, 17 Bellevue Park Road directly adjoins Bellevue Park, offering a rare level of green outlook.&nbsp;The site, bought earlier this year, is opposite Bellevue Hill Public School and is also just 150 metres from Cooper Park.

The project marks Concretive's third project in Bellevue Hill. As well as The Clermont, the Pyrmont-based developer has completed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/priv-21-23-riddell-street-bellevue-hill">Privé on Riddell Street</a>.

&nbsp;

The site, bought earlier this year, is opposite Bellevue Hill Public School and is also just 150 metres from Cooper Park.

First look: Parkside downsizer apartments pitched on Bellevue Park

When Plus Architecture put pen to paper on La Mer, one of the newest apartment developments in Main Beach, they wanted to design a building that went far past aesthetics.

Plus Architecture Director, Danny Juric, says La Mer, just 22 full-floor apartments and a double-storey penthouse on Main Beach Parade, isn't&nbsp;just about an elegant facade, but a deep integration with its surroundings.

“When designing for the coast, environment plays a huge role,” Juric says.

“We sculpted the building to respond to the sun’s trajectory, ensuring that each apartment is bathed in light without the interruptions of shadow, which is quite rare on the Gold Coast.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=2954]

The vision for La Mer was also guided by an understanding of how the Gold Coast lifestyle shapes its residents.

Juric speaks of “barefoot luxury” - a design philosophy that emphasises comfort, warmth, and tactile experiences.&nbsp;

“It’s not just about how the space looks; it’s about how it feels,” Juric says.

“From the feel of the travertine underfoot to the curves in the walls that soften the edges of the spaces, we wanted to create an environment that invites you in and makes you feel at home. It’s all about creating a sense of belonging, of being part of the coast.”

The apartments reflect this philosophy with open layouts that prioritise connection to both the internal and external environments. Large, sculptural balconies are designed to frame views of the coast, while interiors use natural materials like travertine, timber, and soft plaster to engage the senses.

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On designing for the location, Juric says Main Beach is not just another beach suburb.

“It’s a quiet, residential area where you need to make a decision to visit, and that’s a key element in how we approached the site. The location is all about balance - an easy walk to the beach and Broadwater, but far enough from the main thoroughfares to maintain peace and privacy.”

La Mer is just 68 steps to the sand at Main Beach, and a short walk to the Tedder Avenue retail strip.

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La Mer is being developed by the Sydney-based ODUS, which took over the project last year. To instil confidence in the delivery of the new development, they commenced construction last July and are targeting a late 2026 completion.

The large-scale apartments each span 300 sqm with three bedrooms. Residents will have&nbsp;exclusive access to a resort-style pool, spa, gym, sauna, barbecue facilities, private sun lounges, yoga lawn, and an outdoor beach shower.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=316691]

ODUS Director Byron Sakha said La Mer was the latest evolution of the exclusive, laid-back&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/main-beach-qld-4217">Main Beach</a>&nbsp;village, one of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/gold-coast-qld" target="">Gold Coast</a>’s most highly sought-after addresses.

“Every apartment in La Mer has house-sized proportions and incredible views—not to mention a location in one of the city’s best postcodes,” Sakha said. 
 
“Demand continues to outstrip supply for ultra-luxury apartments on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/gold-coast-qld" target="">Gold Coast</a>, and the rare full-floor design will make these residences particularly prized."

OTP Group Director James Elliott, who is managing the project’s sales, said La Mer would appeal to buyers from across the Eastern seaboard.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=95606]

Property 101: Queensland retail shop leases act amendments

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