Brisbane developer Zen Group has received development approval for its dual-tower apartment project in West End.

The approved plans for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/24-duncan-street-west-end-qld-4101">24 Duncan Street</a>&nbsp;are for&nbsp;two 17-storey towers comprising 202 apartments, ranging from one-bedroom plus study configurations through to three-bedrooms.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bettspartners">Betts + Partners</a>, the development is grounded in a climate-responsive and contextually sensitive approach, aiming to reinforce the emerging identity of the West End Riverside South precinct.

<img alt="West End set for climate-responsive apartments" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Duncan%20Street.png?VersionId=.A9VkekWac99LJ7L8mqewo7AAsg4Vwb_" />

“The contextual design strategy is to celebrate the qualities found within the established <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/west-end-qld-4101">West End</a> suburban character,” Betts + Partners noted in the Architectural Design Report, “providing elevated high-quality subtropical apartment living with exceptional communal recreational amenity.”

The project includes a 2,600 sqm rooftop offering a comprehensive suite of resident amenities: three pools, a fitness centre, cinema room, private dining rooms, lounges, a library, and wellness facilities including hot and cold plunge pools, pilates, a sauna and a contemplative garden.

On the ground plane, active retail frontages along Duncan and Rogers Streets will sleeve ground-floor services and visitor parking. The two-level podium integrates green walls, planters, and textured façades, contributing vertical greenery and softening the street interface.

<img alt="West End set for climate-responsive apartments" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Duncan%20Street%20rooftop.png?VersionId=MzXW0hkOghQmE0HLxzI5iUwNNY6OfrVa" />

Apartments are oriented for privacy and outlook, with operable glazing and brise soleil elements supporting passive climate control. Balconies and structural articulation are designed to optimise light, airflow and private open space. “Each quality is reinterpreted in the sectional and plan parti and manifest in the three-dimensional building expression,” the architects said.

Located within a three-minute walk of the Brisbane River and in close proximity to local amenities including ALDI and Davies Park, the project reflects West End’s growing appeal to owner-occupiers seeking proximity to lifestyle amenity and urban vibrancy.

The development also aligns with Brisbane City Council’s broader planning vision to become a “New World City” by 2031, promoting a globally recognisable subtropical lifestyle through contextually responsive design.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=146254]

Joel Robinson

200 "climate-responsive" apartments set for West End as Zen Group given green light

Sydney North Planning Panel has given the go-ahead to the renewal of St Andrew’s Anglican Church in Lane Cove.

National property and construction group <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/traders-in-purple">Traders In Purple</a>, in partnership with Sydney Anglican Property and Sustainable Development Group, won the approval with the endorsement of Lane Cove Council for 48 apartments and a performance and meeting space for ministry and community use, including a 418-seat auditorium.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The prime 3,763 sqm site, opposite The Canopy retail centre and just a minute’s walk from the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/lane-cove-nsw-2066">Lane Cove</a> Village high street, will deliver new homes for local families and downsizers and contribute to the cultural life of the community.&nbsp;

The existing parish church, built in 1924, will be retained and sensitively adapted into a meeting place and portal to the new contemporary auditorium and ministry spaces, linking old and new.&nbsp;

Traders In Purple CEO Brett Robinson said redevelopment of the site had been enthusiastically supported by many members of the local community.&nbsp;

“The proposal we took to Lane Cove Council deliberately responded to the community’s need for more diverse housing and cultural space,” said Robinson.

“There is a demand for high-quality, well-designed, premium apartments for locals wanting to downsize in their neighbourhood and those wanting to raise their family in a highly desirable suburb without the burden of a high-maintenance house and yard.&nbsp;

“It was very clear to us that the local community is also in need of a larger performance space, and we look &nbsp;forward to providing the community with a fantastic new venue that will support the cultural richness of Lane Cove.”&nbsp;

<img alt="Lane Cove DA Church entry Traders In Purple" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6d499349-1697-4e17-bffb-9064fa3875c4" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Lane%20Cove%20DA%20Church%20entry%20Traders%20In%20Purple.jpg?VersionId=rSZPhCpYPFJ7eO.Y3lgoq6ezip3rMiVO" />

Sydney Anglican Property (SAP) CEO Ross Jones said he was thrilled to receive the news of the approval.

"This is fantastic news for both Lane Cove and for the local church,” Jones said.&nbsp;

"While the provision of new housing and state-of-the-art community facilities are really important features, at &nbsp;SAP we also want to see gospel ministry continuing to flourish in the heart of the Lane Cove community. This project will allow that to happen."

The development is proposed to offer 48 two and three-bedroom apartments, many of which will enjoy dual aspect, enhancing outlooks and cross-flow ventilation.&nbsp;

The Lane Cove renewal is Traders In Purple’s second partnership with Sydney Anglican Property, and, &nbsp;consistent with the first, in a prime urban location with a need for more diverse age and family-friendly housing. They previously won the&nbsp;UDIA National Award for Excellence for The Abbey in Cronulla, an adaptive reuse of a Uniting Church and Sunday School Hall into luxury residences.&nbsp;

Traders In Purple CEO Brett Robinson said redevelopment of the site had been enthusiastically supported by many members of the local community

Traders in Purple and Sydney Anglican Property greenlit for Lane Cove project

Infrastructure developments, both public or private, always drive demand to the suburb in questions. And with increased demand comes price growth.

Auburn, a small multicultural suburb on the fringe of the Parramatta CBD, looks set to become the next Western Sydney hotspot for significant uplift. This momentum follows the NSW Government’s approval to redevelop Auburn Village—the central shopping precinct adjacent to the train station.

The proposed mixed-use development will feature three new residential towers comprising 359 apartments, above a fully redeveloped commercial and retail precinct that includes hospitality venues and a new public plaza.

The project is being hailed as a cornerstone in Auburn’s transformation into a connected, amenity-rich urban centre.

Cumberland Council’s planning framework has been pivotal in shaping the redevelopment. By promoting affordable housing and integrated mixed-use precincts, the council is actively fostering diversity, sustainability, and accessibility—all key drivers of growing interest in the surrounding residential areas.

Set to benefit from the lifestyle uplift brought by the upgraded transport hub and retail offering—as well as the expected appreciation in property values—are purchasers in <a href="/new-apartments/north-village-auburn-square-35-northumberland-road-auburn-nsw-2144">North Village</a>, the newly launched stage of Auburn Square by developer Tian An LFD.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149184 project_image_fid=324855]

Following the successful sell-out of stage one across the road, Tian An recently launched North Village to strong demand, with 25 per cent of apartments sold at the public launch.

Ray White WS Projects Managing Director Mark Bernberg said interest in North Village is being fuelled by its central location, trusted delivery partners, and standout buyer protections.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149184 project_image_fid=324853]

Designed by acclaimed architecture firm Rothelowman, the development will deliver 264 smart-tech enabled one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, along with a suite of resident amenities including a gym, cinema, and rooftop garden. A Coles supermarket will anchor the ground-floor retail space.

North Village, currently under construction by iCIRT-rated builder Binah, is expected to be completed by late 2027. It is also the only new development in Auburn to offer the highly sought-after 10-year Latent Defects Insurance, protecting purchasers against structural and waterproofing defects for a full decade after completion.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149184]

Set to benefit are purchasers in North Village, the newly launched stage of Auburn Square by developer Tian An LFD.

Growth slated for Auburn with shopping centre redevelopment greenlit

The NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has granted concept approval for the Transport Oriented Development (TOD) above the future Parramatta Metro Station, marking a major milestone in the Sydney Metro West program and broader Parramatta CBD transformation.

Led by Sydney Metro, the approved concept outlines four new mixed-use building envelopes above and adjacent to the station site, on a 25,498 sqm land parcel bounded by George, Church, Smith, and Macquarie Streets.

The development allows for up to 176,360 sqm of GFA—primarily for commercial and retail uses. Indicative plans flag around 111 apartments in one of the towers, a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom dwellings.

The capital investment value (CIV) of $1.4 billion is expected to deliver 1,410 construction jobs and support over 9,750 full-time roles post-completion. The approved scheme also includes up to 451 basement parking spaces, supporting a high-traffic location with multimodal transport links.

The concept plan was assessed under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 as a State Significant Development. It aligns with broader NSW Government strategies, including the Greater Sydney Region Plan, Central City District Plan, and Future Transport Strategy 2056.

Key urban integration strategies, such as Civic Link extension, active street interfaces, and design excellence review by the Sydney Metro Design Review Panel, formed core parts of the proposal evaluation.

<img alt="Parramatta Metro - Over Station Development" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e2792cce-a5f1-4322-a49d-2e331c46f05b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Parramatta%20Development.png?VersionId=J2sywD_k6t6tzx0bMvaMJ.Y4z5ni65tz" />

<h2>Public Interest and Key Benefits</h2>

According to the Department’s assessment, “the project is in the public interest,” with strong alignment to Parramatta's role as Sydney’s Central River City. The Department cited the following reasons for approval:

<ul>
	<li>The project would provide a range of benefits for the region and the State as a whole, including additional employment space and residential accommodation in a highly accessible location.</li>
	<li>The project is permissible with development consent, and is consistent with NSW Government policies including the Greater Sydney Region Plan, Central City District Plan, Future Transport Strategy 2056 and the Parramatta Local Strategic Planning Statement.</li>
	<li>The impacts on the community and the environment can be appropriately minimised, managed or offset to an acceptable level, in accordance with applicable NSW Government policies and standards.</li>
	<li>The issues raised by the community during consultation and in submissions have been considered and adequately addressed through changes to the project and the conditions of consent. Engagement on the project is considered to be in line with Undertaking Engagement Guidelines for State Significant Projects, including the community participation objectives outlined in these guidelines.</li>
</ul>

<h2>&nbsp;</h2>

<h2>New apartment developments in Parramatta</h2>

New apartment developments in Parramatta have been few and far between in recent years.

Builder-developer Deicorp is currently delivering <a href="/new-apartments/cosmopolitan-by-deicorp-parramatta-34-hassall-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">Cosmopolitan by Deicorp</a>, the burgeoning developer's first in the area.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138590 project_image_fid=324867]

The transport-focused developer, known for creating well-connected communities, secured a prime site at the eastern end of&nbsp;<a href="/news/parramatta-suburb-guide-highlighting-new-developments-in-sydneys-second-cbd" target="">Parramatta CBD</a>&nbsp;on Hassall Street. It's conveniently located next to the Robin Thomas Light Rail stop and just a short walk to&nbsp;<a href="/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150" target="">Parramatta</a>&nbsp;Train Station.

Thanks to the prized corner block, with no buildings to the north or east, residents at&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/cosmopolitan-by-deicorp-parramatta-34-hassall-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">Cosmopolitan by Deicorp</a>&nbsp;will enjoy protected views over the adjacent Robin Thomas Reserve and James Ruse Reserve—views that are rare in the growing CBD.

The development's location also offers easy access to nature, being less than 200 metres from the&nbsp;<a href="/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150" target="">Parramatta</a>&nbsp;River and Queen's Wharf Park.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138590 project_image_fid=2210]

The two 45-level towers, which will home just over 600 apartments when completed in late 2027, have been designed by&nbsp;<a href="/developments/turner-act-2612" target="">Turner</a>&nbsp;Studio to hero the park views as much as possible, as well as views over the river and the&nbsp;<a href="/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150" target="">Parramatta</a>&nbsp;skyline to the west.

According to the Department’s assessment, “the project is in the public interest,” with strong alignment to Parramatta's role as Sydney’s Central River City

Parramatta Metro TOD approved, apartments planned as part of scheme

<a href="/developers/perifa">PERIFA</a>, a Sydney-based end-to-end property developer and part of <a>Versatile Group</a>, together with investment partner Mitsubishi Estate Asia (MEA), has received State Significant Development Application (SSDA) approval for its landmark mixed-use precinct in Sydney’s Inner West, Rozelle Village.

The approval marks a major milestone in the revitalisation of the former Balmain Leagues Club site, paving the way for construction to commence imminently.

Following SSDA approval, the development of <a href="/new-apartments/rozelle-village-rozelle-152-victoria-road-rozelle-nsw-2039">Rozelle Village</a> will deliver a total of 227 dwellings, of which 59 will be allocated to affordable housing, reserved for essential workers, helping to address the State’s housing crisis.&nbsp;

The 16-level mixed-use development will feature bespoke retail, hospitality, and community offerings, along with expansive public spaces and a new home for the new Community Club.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8142 project_image_fid=347020]

Set to transform the long-abandoned site in Sydney’s Inner West, <a>Rozelle Village</a> has been designed to foster community connection and celebrate the unique character of the area. With architecture by <a href="/architects/scott-carver">Studio.SC</a>, interiors by SJB and landscaping by <a href="/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>, the precinct will feature a collection of one, two and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses, a 1,444sqm public plaza, and activated laneways connecting Victoria Road and Darling Street.

Fabrizio Perilli, Co-Founder and Managing Director of PERIFA, said receiving SSDA approval is a critical and exciting step forward in delivering the vision for Rozelle Village.

"It's finally time for this site to see its potential realised," Perilli said.

"This is a massive achievement, not just for the Rozelle Village development, but for Sydney housing in general, and for the local community. It’s so important that mixed-use projects like these are approved in good time, to provide the people of Sydney with the quality housing they so desperately need and with open, community spaces and well-curated retail amenity for everyone to enjoy.

“We’re now focused on moving ahead with our vision for Rozelle Village, deploying Versatile Group’s end-to-end development capabilities to bring to life a precinct that creates beautiful spaces not just for those who will live here, but for the wider <a href="/developments/rozelle-nsw-2039">Rozelle</a> and Balmain communities to enjoy.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8142 project_image_fid=347019]

Yosuke Matsunaga, Head of Australia at Mitsubishi Estate Asia, said the team is proud to continue their partnership with PERIFA and excited to deliver Rozelle Village as a legacy project for the area.

"The approval represents the culmination of a lot of planning and collaboration, and we look forward to bringing it to life and offering an elevated lifestyle to the community.”

Rozelle Village is PERIFA and MEA’s second major joint project in Sydney, following Putney Wharf Residences. Both developments reflect a shared commitment to creating high-quality, community-focused mixed-use precincts with long-term value for both new residents and the existing Rozelle community.

Builder&nbsp;<a href="/builders/versatile">Versatile Construction</a>&nbsp;will complete groundworks on the 7,330 sqm site in May. They are expecting to start building works in Q3 2025, and complete the development in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=8142]

Fabrizio Perilli, Co-Founder and Managing Director of PERIFA, said receiving SSDA approval is a critical and exciting step forward in delivering the vision for Rozelle Village.



Rozelle Village to offer 59 affordable housing units after State Significant Development Application approval

Building approvals for new homes increased by 5.5 per cent in May 2024, data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed.

While an upswing, predominantly led by Western Australia, there have only been&nbsp;163,760 total dwelling approvals over the most recent 12 months to May 2024, well below the 240,000 new homes needed each year from 1 July 2024 to achieve National Cabinet’s goal.

Approvals in the three months to May 2024 are down by 1.5 per cent compared to the same period in the previous year.

HIA Chief Economist Tim Reardon said the low approvals numbers indicate a slow start to building 1.2 million homes over the next five years. 
&nbsp; 
“Increasing the number of homes built will be necessary to address longstanding housing shortages," Reardon said. 
&nbsp; 
“Addressing tax, planning, land and regulatory constraints will be necessary to increasing the supply of homes in Australia."

Some 14,180 residential building approvals came in May, 9,260 of which were for detached houses and 4,920 for multi-units.

Multi-unit approvals increased by 14.3 per cent in May from very low levels in recent months. Over the three months to May 2024, multi-unit approvals remain 19.1 per cent lower than in the same period in the previous year.

Western Australia led the way in approvals. In the three months to May, WA approvals were up 51.1 per cent compared to the same period 12 months ago. They were followed by Victoria (+10 per cent).

New South Wales saw the second largest decline (-21.6 per cent) only behind the Northern Territoy (-34.3 per cent), while South Australia (-6 per cent) and Queensland (-4.8 per cent), saw modest drop offs.

UDIA NSW CEO, Stuart Ayres, says the 43,000 approvals in NSW are an early warning sign that Minns Government has a lot more to do.”&nbsp;

“Housing approvals are the canary in the coalmine and today’s data shows NSW is not refilling the pipeline of housing with enough approvals, which will make it difficult to achieve our state’s ambitious housing target of 75,600 a year and today’s data revealed that, day-by-day, that goal is getting more difficult to realise," Ayres said.

"This pressure is being felt across the whole state, and across all typologies."

Home building approvals way off the pace, but increase from decade-low levels in May

Greg Norman's Brookwater championship golf course in Springfield is set for a new neighbour, with multi-residential Queensland developer Azure set to developed a new terrace community next door.

The $72 million townhouse development, Oakmont by <a href="/developers/azure">Azure</a>, will comprise 61 townhouses and will sit on the edge of the eighth hole of the course which Norman designed.

The&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/springfield-qld-4300">Springfield</a> project, in the smaller suburb of Brookwater in the City of Ipswich, will offer direct frontages and views over the golf course and beyond to the mountains.

<img alt="Oakmont by Azure" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3b651590-cb3a-4ad6-aa62-86ffcaf83518" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Oakmont%20by%20Azure%20community.png?VersionId=3hajV1fq36WQmW1BaT0309CBKco5HZ4c" />

“We are thrilled to have secured development approval for Oakmont which has already garnered significant interest from the market,” Azure Director Trent Keirnan said.

“Oakmont epitomises the Azure philosophy of creating residences of distinction that are ultimately designed for owner occupiers and investors seeking a quality residential offering.&nbsp;

“A quality terrace home of three bedrooms plus multi-purpose room is the minimum offering for this development, which is complemented by the desirable setting of wide, open spaces that a championship golf course provides.”

<img alt="Oakmont by Azure - Front" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c54bdb85-708d-4cf0-a8df-eff9daae254e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Oakmont%20by%20Azure%20House.png?VersionId=ZWipQ5tZhtZ9fKdKkh2j5aIGekxh0Aba" />

Designed in collaboration with award-winning firm <a href="/architects/plus-architecture">Plus Architects</a>, Oakmont by Azure will deliver four distinct terrace types that respond to the site’s sloping terrain with two and three-level configurations that allow views over the top of the terraces below and across to the golf course.

Each of the residences will either have three or four bedrooms, plus an additional multi-purpose room. All have 2.5 bathrooms and most two-car accommodation.&nbsp;

Oakmont by Azure has been crafted to embrace green spaces, with significant landscaped gardens and front entries, a communal amenity area and a central pedestrian link providing residents with opportunities for relaxation, recreation, and a strong sense of community.&nbsp;

<img alt="Oakmont by Azure - Perspective" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ac4ec3ea-1f3a-4739-91f7-c2c38155a611" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Oakmont%20by%20Azure%20Pers.png?VersionId=6hnf6fKx7KtvBq8LemNCkbC4cbmYYfIl" />

Residents will have access to a wellness pavilion featuring a steam room, sauna, hot and cold magnesium plunges, and a fully equipped gymnasium, as well as a 20-metre lap pool with a lily pond.

The pool area will feature extensive lounging zones, while a recreational lawn has been positioned among beautifully landscaped areas on the 2.36-ha site.

Oakmont by Azure will be built by Azure's in-house construction arm <a href="/builders/azure-build">Azure Build</a>, which has delivered&nbsp;more than 1,000 residences to the South East Queensland market over the past decade.

Azure currently has six projects under construction, including, <a href="/buildings/one-five-six-156-oxlade-drive-new-farm">One Five Six</a> by Azure in <a href="/new-apartments/new-farm-qld-4005">New Farm</a>, Willow by Azure at <a href="/new-apartments/north-lakes-qld-4509">North Lakes</a> and Munro by Azure in <a href="/new-apartments/bundamba-qld-4304">Bundamba</a>.

Construction of Oakmont by Azure is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2025 with completion set for the third quarter of 2026, and forms part of Azure's $1.3 billion pipeline in South East Queensland.

Each of the residences will either have three or four bedrooms, plus an additional multi-purpose room

Staff Writer

Springfield set for new townhouse development as Oakmont by Azure gets green light

New developer JSMN has quickly had its first residential apartment development approved, on Fitzroy's popular Napier Street.

JMSN, founded by Sam Jamieson, the son of Harry the Hirer founder Rick Jamieson, submitted the application for the boutique block of 10 apartments earlier this year.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="/news/vic/first-look-exclusive-jmsn-file-plans-for-first-apartment-development-in-fitzroy">First look exclusive: JMSN file plans for first apartment development in Fitzroy</a>

The project, dubbed ns227 at 227 Napier Street, has been designed by Warren and Mahoney and comprises two and three-bedroom sustainable apartments which envelope around an internal courtyard.

The six-storey building is inspired by&nbsp;townhouses seen in Paris and London, which are celebrated for the sustainable merits of their high-density, mid-rise typologies.

JMSN acquired the site in 2022 for $4.5m. Zoned for mixed-use development, the building’s facade extends to the fourth floor without a setback, a planning concession Jamieson says is key to responsible development in the area.

“Fitzroy is a suburb that is densifying and needs to densify, but it can be done in a way that honours the existing neighbourhood and avoids overdevelopment,” Jamieson says.

“With ns227, we are looking to set a new benchmark of what that can look like, taking the learnings from Europe’s mature, urban cities and applying them in a way that is thoughtful and conducive to modern Australian lifestyles — an approach that will underscore all JMSN projects in future.”

Having worked in the family business for 15 years, Jamieson travelled the globe extensively to procure the temporary structures Harry the Hirer is recognised for, including the Victorian Spring Racing Carnival ‘Birdcage’ and marquees for iconic events such as the Australian Grand Prix and the Australian Open.

It was during his travels, particularly in Paris and London, where Jamieson cultivated an appreciation forEuropean architecture and observed that its design principles could be better incorporated into Australian homes.

“The evolution of inner city developments has seen many inspired by Brooklyn-style warehouse conversions, but in Fitzroy, a neighbourhood defined by its Victorian terrace homes, JMSN is exploring influences from Paris and London that better reflect local lifestyles and the aesthetic vernacular of the area,” Jamieson added.

“The brief for our architect was to take the form, flow and materiality of European architecture and add a distinctly modern Australian flair. It was important to pick up cues and best practice, but never about replication.”

European influences are identified in the Juliet windows, which allow for larger living spaces with the versatility of use in summer and winter. Juxtaposing this, a contemporary curved entrance defines the ground floor, while concrete polished lintels offer a modern contrast to the classic textured brick façade.

Warren and Mahoney principal Nick Deans says the sensitive design approach is considerate of the end user and surrounding neighbours.

“This lot is located in a special part of Napier Street and the considered design of ns227 blends seamlessly into a neighbourhood of high-calibre developments,” Deans says.

“The design speaks directly to the Victorian vernacular of Fitzroy and has a feeling of solidity and timelessness about it. It’s a building that is good now and will only get better with age. All of the apartments are unique in layout, offer generous floorplans and delightful finishes, which are sure to create 
welcoming homes for owner-occupiers.”

An internal courtyard filled with greenery, a central water feature and arch windows will orient the residences, providing natural light, amenity and reducing the impact of shadow on neighbouring homes.

On Napier Street, window planter boxes will spill hardy and long-flowering geraniums, while an ivy will fill the facade in a nod to both London homes and the surrounding Fitzroy context.

Warren and Mahoney has delivered multiple residential projects in the area including The Spanish Club by GURNER. Works are slated to begin mid-2024.

The project, dubbed ns227 at 227 Napier Street, has been designed by Warren and Mahoney and comprises two and three-bedroom sustainable apartments which envelope around an internal courtyard

First look: JMSN get sign off for first apartment development on Fitzroy's Napier Street

Bayside City Council has unanimously approved the development of the Fender Katsalidis designed Noetic Place&nbsp;Hampton for local developer Noetic Places.

The permit approval comes after an extensive community consultation process led by local developer Noetic Places, who secured the 3,662 sqm site at 28-34 Service Street last year. Construction on the refined $80 million residential project&nbsp;is set&nbsp;to commence later this year, with completion staged for 2025.&nbsp;

Approval was granted by&nbsp;Bayside City Council in May with the uncontested permit formally issued&nbsp;on June 8.&nbsp; The outcome is the result of an intensive community engagement process that included seven town halls and over 80 one-on-one meetings.&nbsp; The project received 12 submissions of support and glowing reviews from local councillors.

Noetic Places bought the site, which has 70 metre of north-facing street frontage, with Brisbane-based Orchid Vue Group, who have a minority stake, for $17.3 million in 2022.&nbsp; A previous owner was unsuccessful negotiating meaningful development plans causing extensive public concern among the protective local community, the local council, and garnering media attention covering the passionate public debate.&nbsp;

Noetic Place&nbsp;Hampton will be a collection of 32 sustainable residences created primarily for the local owner-occupier market comprising down-sizers, returning expats, and aspirational younger families. The development will have a lush garden setting and is located in the centre of&nbsp;Hampton&nbsp;being walking distance to a wide variety of retail and speciality stores, cafes, restaurants and leisure facilities. The site is&nbsp;450 metres from&nbsp;Hampton&nbsp;Train Station and 600 metres from&nbsp;Hampton&nbsp;Beach.

The newly approved plans allow the 3,662 sqm site to be transformed into upscale residences including generously-scaled&nbsp;two and three-bedroom apartments, as well as one four-bedroom penthouse.&nbsp;

<img alt="Hampton Noetic Place" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8533cc9e-0712-4c0e-a59c-697b3c08925e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-06-30%20at%2010.07.17%20am.png?VersionId=i9z1nQZfc.lt6u_4Ce_g94PU2tbo5X6a" />

Speaking at the council meeting, Bayside mayor Hanna El Mouallem said he was “impressed” with the application, and the project responded to the local need for architecturally crafted apartment offerings that appeal to local downsizers.

“What [FK] has done here is designed to serve the site, to serve the surrounding, and also to serve the buyers who want and are crying out for these apartments. We need to encourage this type of architecture, to attract people who want to downsize and remain in&nbsp;Hampton. And that's exactly what this application has done,” Cr El Mouallem said&nbsp;

Noetic Places director Stephen Barrow-Yu, a&nbsp;Hampton&nbsp;resident, says his affinity for the area and the expertise gained form his current bayside project, Reunion Place, led him to pursue the challenging site.&nbsp;

“What’s really important here is the trust and authentic connection with the neighbouring community," Barrow Yu said.

"Many developers wouldn’t have done what we have done because our core focus is on unity with our community and a design that meets the future needs of the immediate environs.&nbsp; For us, these elements were considered ahead of the project margins.&nbsp; We can now move towards producing a development of lasting beauty that will align with the needs of the future residents"

Barrow-Yu says a&nbsp;major point of differentiation with this site is the extensive consultation with the local community.

"[This] enabled us to develop concepts that encompass sustainability via a future-proofed design and construction. Importantly the project will meld with the aesthetic of the local streetscapes including landscape elements creating an immediate familial yet refined atmosphere."

Local&nbsp;Hampton&nbsp;residents said they&nbsp;viewed the process and the development itself as&nbsp;“a testimony to the value of open interaction between the developer and the neighbours”.

Architects from Fender Katsalidis were actively involved in the consultation process, attending neighbourhood engagement sessions at venues across the area, from local restaurants to neighbours’ living rooms. Eckersley Garden Architecture, Urban Planning Collective and Vorhaben project management had active roles in the community liaison resulting in a timeless design with gardens complimenting the existing treescape and spaces created for both gathering and serenity&nbsp;

Fender Katsalidis director James Pearce says the open dialogue with&nbsp;Hampton&nbsp;residents has led to better commercial and design outcomes including a vision of what owners in 20-30 years will value.&nbsp; This includes the capacity for every car parking space to have an electric charging station, significant solar paneling and space for batteries repositories.&nbsp;Forethought has also been given to water storage beyond regulated minimums.&nbsp;

“Our team and the whole community has invested in creating an outcome that benefits everyone, and together we have achieved something very special,” Pearce says.

<h3>Key design features of Noetic Place&nbsp;Hampton&nbsp;include:</h3>

<ol start="1" type="1">
	<li>A design with two distinct entry points allowing the development to visually present like three buildings with scale variance.</li>
	<li>Two basement levels and three above ground levels.&nbsp; The top level has been set back to give an even more varied composition.</li>
	<li>A landscaping green belt softens the interface with neighbours. Mature trees will be planted so that from the onset the residence will look established in the current streetscape.</li>
	<li>A setback from the footpath with the roof line of third floor hardly visible.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Native vegetation, with a palette of soft greys and olive, complements the building’s materials where light sandy brick and warm metal tones are being inspired by&nbsp;Hampton&nbsp;beach and the leafy neighbourhood’s iconic Edwardian homes.</li>
	<li>A large communal garden space with a carefully retained mahogany gum tree further enhanced by a garden pavilion housing a library and kitchenette for residents.</li>
	<li>A concealed garage entry through a timber top box will later be covered in vines.</li>
</ol>

Noetic Place Hampton will be a collection of 32 sustainable residences created primarily for the local owner-occupier market comprising down-sizers, returning expats, and aspirational younger families

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