A new chapter in Sydney’s urban renewal story begins today as NSW Premier Chris Minns officially turns the sod for Dawn, the fifth stage of Sekisui House Australia’s $5 billion <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melrose-park-nsw-2114">Melrose Park</a> masterplanned community.

Developed in partnership with Hankyu Hanshin Properties and built by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/decode">Decode</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/dawn-melrose-park-bundil-boulevard-melrose-park-nsw-2114">Dawn</a> will deliver 368 parkside residences, forming part of one of NSW’s largest privately owned urban renewal projects.&nbsp;

The milestone marks the start of the next phase in transforming Melrose Park into a new community delivering over 5,500 homes, a mixed-use town centre, 50,000 sqm of open green spaces and several future schools.

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Kazunori Ito, Group CEO and Managing Director at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sekisui-house-australia">Sekisui House Australia</a>, said the milestone symbolises the company’s ongoing commitment to job creation, housing supply and sustainable community building.

“This moment represents more than just the start of construction," Ito said.

"It is about building a new urban heart for Sydney’s geographic centre. Dawn and the wider Melrose Park masterplan will generate thousands of jobs, deliver quality homes for families and help more people realise the dream of home ownership.

“We are proud to be supporting the NSW government’s housing targets and expanded Home Guarantee Scheme, which came into effect on 1 October. The program is already opening doors for more first home buyers at Melrose Park, many of whom are using the scheme to purchase with a five per cent deposit and no Lenders’ Mortgage Insurance.”

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Since its introduction, the enhanced federal government’s Home Guarantee Scheme has given first home buyers greater access to the property market. With value thresholds in New South Wales now lifted to $1.5 million, buyers can secure a new apartment in Melrose Park sooner, reducing the burden of saving a 20 per cent deposit and removing costly mortgage insurance premiums.&nbsp;

The Dawn precinct, designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/group-gsa">Group GSA</a> embodies Sekisui House’s global “Love of Humanity” philosophy, integrating sustainability, technology and liveability into every design detail. Residents will enjoy abundant green space, energy efficient features and a direct connection to the future Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 and Melrose Park Town Centre set to open in 2026.

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As part of the NSW government’s long-term commitment to the local community, work recently commenced on the new Melrose Park High School, a state-of-the-art education facility designed to accommodate more than 1,000 students. The school will be within walking distance to Dawn and will become a cornerstone of the precinct’s family friendly environment.

Melrose Park’s smart community vision includes EV charging stations, environmental monitoring systems with Western Sydney University and NBN node to residence connectivity. With over $216 million in planning contributions committed to local and state infrastructure, this project supports NSW’s 30-minute city goal, ensuring residents can live, work and play within easy reach of key employment and lifestyle hubs.

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Dawn’s contemporary residences all have secure basement parking and start at $649,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and $1.259 million for three-bedrooms.&nbsp;

The project will also overlook Central Park which spans nearly two hectares and features barbeque and picnic areas, children’s play zones and walking tracks ideal for active residents and pets.

Residents will enjoy exclusive rooftop community facilities including private rooftop gardens, beautifully landscaped podium parks and internal courtyard gardens.

Construction of Dawn, which is being led by regarded builder Decode, will be completed by Q1 2028, adding to Sekisui House’s pipeline of more than 9,000 homes and apartments under development across Australia.

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Staff Writer

Premier Chris Minns turns sod at Dawn Melrose Park as construction commences

Southport is set for one of its tallest new apartment developments in recent years with the approval of Malua, a 32-level tower just one row back from Broadwater.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/malua-18-22-norman-street-southport-qld-4215">Norman St tower</a> will comprise 151 apartments within the Southport Priority Development Area. The three adjoining lots, totalling 1,215 sqm, are currently occupied by three two-storey buildings, one a house, and two duplexes.

The majority of the apartments will be two-bedders (126), with just five one-bedroom apartments and 20 three-bedrooms. There will be three basement levels, three podium levels, and a rooftop communal space with a pool, gym, private dining areas and business hub facilities.

<img alt="Malua" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="21ab3437-de39-432c-b991-f33227b606dd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-11-06%20at%208.41.37%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=_dOcjcvmSMyn6utzzviBVCAgDp5ZCo_N" />

There had been prior approval for a 14-storey building, however those plans became financially unviable.

“The proposed development seeks to resolve financial viability issues of the existing development approval by providing a higher density development with a more favourable unit mix and streamlined design,” the planning report submitted to the Gold Coast City Council noted.

Plus Studio designed the tower which "aims to contribute positively to the evolving Southport skyline, with vertical relief elements, sculpted facades, and rooftop crowning features."

“When stepping into the lobby from Norman Street, pedestrians and residents pass through a sculpted podium of lush green foliage in an earthy entry experience,” Plus wrote in its design report, emphasising the landscape-led approach to the podium and ground plane.

<img alt="Malua" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="694202c2-be8f-4cde-be26-a494293058a6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-11-06%20at%208.42.15%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=NOIFuolMkoE8vNerov63rnbFRk_TnYUy" />

There is renewed confidence in the development market in Southport. Buyers have jumped at the chance to buy at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/maris-southport-20-queen-street-southport-qld-4215">Maris</a>, the latest local Gold Coast development by MRCB. Over 75 per cent of the 192 apartments have been snapped up prior to launching to the market.&nbsp;

The last notable launch in the suburb was in late 2023 when <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/eden-garden-residences-20-bauer-street-southport">Eden Garden Residences</a> hit the market. The 54 apartments, on the corner of Bauer Street and Chester Terrace, are under construction and due to complete in mid-2026.

Joel Robinson

First look: Southport tower Malua to rise 32 levels in latest Gold Coast approval

Woolworths Group’s development arm, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/fabcot">Fabcot</a>, has unveiled its latest mixed-use development.

They are seeking to reshape a prominent site in Gladesville, on the northern edge of the town centre. They've filed a&nbsp;State Significant Development Application for the amalgamated 5,623 sqm block with street frontages to Victoria Road and Eltham Street that will see <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/363-victoria-road-gladesville-nsw-2111">two buildings with 171 apartments</a> sit above an activated retail ground plane.

The tallest tower, at 13 storeys, will face Victoria Road and home 115 dwellings. A smaller nine-sytorey tower, stepping down to Eltham Street, will have the remaining 56 apartments.

The towers will rise above a podium containing a full-line 3,800 sqm Woolworths supermarket and cafe, activating along the Westminster and Eltham Street frontages.

<img alt="Fabcot" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="da042a40-288e-41b8-becc-080f235a3717" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-11-06%20at%208.13.26%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=n99ay71Clcy6WLP4Uajw2ph6BA61wboV" />

The residential offering will include 19 one-bedroom, 118 two-bedroom, and 34 three-bedroom apartments. Residents will have access to rooftop communal terraces on both buildings, as well as a podium-level garden, contributing a total of 1,411 sqm of communal open space.

According to the Urban Design Report by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/clarke-hopkins-clarke">ClarkeHopkinsClarke</a>, “The massing places height and density along Victoria Road, reinforcing its role as the commercial spine, while stepping down towards neighbouring areas to ensure appropriate scale transitions.”&nbsp;

The design draws inspiration from the local geology and waterways, with curving tower forms and a warm, tactile material palette referencing Hawkesbury sandstone and nearby riverine landscapes.

The proposal also includes basement parking across three to four levels, accommodating 392 car spaces - 190 for retail and 202 for residents.

<img alt="Fabcot" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f1a01073-9a13-4ba7-9c14-43c84a751e26" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-11-06%20at%208.13.51%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=KSImA_iSQiIgSRMswm7.5Sg.WRZ0fZjg" />

Fabcot is aiming to deliver a “landmark building with civic presence,” leveraging the prominent corner site to anchor the precinct’s urban renewal.

“The building’s corner location and carefully sculpted form establish it as a landmark for North Gladesville,” the Urban Design Report notes.

ClarkeHopkinsClarke has previously collaborated on other Woolworths mixed-use projects, and here again deploys stepped setbacks, articulation, and extensive landscaping to manage bulk and enhance street-level engagement. A colonnaded brick base provides texture and rhythm to the podium, while upper levels curve softly to maximise views and cross-ventilation.

The development sits within the North Gladesville Precinct, an area earmarked for transformation under Ryde’s local planning strategy. It is well-served by bus connections along Victoria Road and within proximity to community infrastructure, schools, and riverside parkland.

Gladesville is set for a full transformation with developer Third.i also planning a major mixed-use development in the area. They are seeking to redevelop the Gladesville Village Shopping Centre into an&nbsp;integrated precinct with more than 500 apartments, a new supermarket, and significant public domain upgrades.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-third-i-plots-500-unit-redevelopment-of-gladesville-village-shopping-centre">First look: Third.i plots 500-unit redevelopment of Gladesville Village Shopping Centre</a>

Fabcot reveals mixed-use plans for Gladesville town centre

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/omaya">Omaya</a> has brought to market a boutique collection of completed, two-storey terraces on Telopea Avenue in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/homebush-west-nsw-2140">Homebush West</a>, offering buyers the opportunity to move straight into brand-new homes in a connected inner-west location.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/telopea-avenue-homebush-west-24-36-telopea-avenue-homebush-west-nsw-2140">Telopea Avenue</a> comprises four-bedroom terraces with internal basement parking, designed to balance functionality with contemporary interiors.

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Each residence is arranged across two levels, with layouts tailored to families seeking more space or downsizers wanting low-maintenance living without compromise. Skylights and large windows maximise natural light throughout the interiors, while private terraces and balconies extend living outdoors.

Inside, hybrid timber flooring flows through living and bedroom spaces, complemented by built-in wardrobes with polyurethane finishes and melamine shelving.&nbsp;

Kitchens feature Bianco Imperial Granite benchtops and splashbacks, paired with Smeg appliances including a five-burner gas cooktop, oven, rangehood, and integrated dishwasher.&nbsp;

Bathrooms continue the refined detailing with porcelain tiling, granite accents, gun metal tapware, and integrated LED lighting.

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Landscaped surrounds create a sense of greenery within the community, while individual home designs ensure each terrace retains its own character.

Positioned within a quiet residential pocket, the project sits only minutes from the activity centres of Strathfield, North Strathfield, Homebush, and Lidcombe, as well as the broader lifestyle and employment precinct of Sydney Olympic Park.

Residents also benefit from the project’s proximity to transport and amenity. Homebush and Flemington stations provide direct rail access to the Sydney CBD, with major road connections including Parramatta Road and the M4 close by.&nbsp;

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Local shops, Sydney Markets, and Strathfield Plaza cater to daily needs, while the area is well-serviced by schools, childcare centres, and universities.&nbsp;

Nearby Sydney Olympic Park and Bicentennial Park add further lifestyle appeal, offering walking trails, sports facilities, and year-round cultural events.

The terraces are delivered by Omaya, a family-run Sydney developer and builder with more than 35 years of experience and over 1,000 dwellings in its pipeline.

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Omaya delivers complete and move-in ready terraces on Telopea Avenue, Homebush West

Melbourne-based developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/las-group">LAS Group</a> has this month received planning approval for two adjoining sites, 101 Clarendon Street and 38 Clarke Street in Southbank, that will add around $700 million to the developer’s pipeline on completion.

The two sites were purchased from Crown in 2023 and occupy the same city block as the iconic Casino complex, acquired in an on-market transaction, consisting of multiple titles that were being used as warehouses and low-rise office space.

The resulting permits will see the delivery of two towers consisting of 52 and 25 levels, both to be designed by Fender Katsalidis.

LAS Group’s successful planning approvals are among only a select few new development sites in Southbank to receive a permit in the last three years, as appropriate sites become even more scarce in the popular city-side location.

The projects will enjoy immediate walking access to Crown Casino, South Wharf, the Aquarium, Southbank and the wider Yarra River walk precinct that features a plethora of restaurants, bars and other hospitality and entertainment offerings.

The Fender Katsalidis-designed towers will feature intricate brick masonry and arched windows at street level that will add character to the Southbank streetscape, with sleek towers rising above each podium.

The larger of the two towers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/101-clarendon-street-southbank-vic-3006">101 Clarendon Street</a>, will have 509 apartments across a 52-level building that wuill also include a resident&nbsp;lounge, private dining room, podcast room, golf simulator, co-working spaces, pet care facilities, and an outdoor terrace.

That is expected to complete in 2029.

<img alt="Clarendon" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9d8595a7-d225-4532-86a9-d3c5ca7407d4" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-11-05%20at%208.28.51%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=quwbfnhk5Vf6yR1Qj0GQtt0EjeIsKMci" /> 
The podium at 101 Clarendon Street. Image supplied

The smaller tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/36-42-clarke-street-southbank-vic-3006">38 Clarke Street</a> will be around half the size at 25 levels and home 188 apartments, a pool, gym, cold plunge, and sauna. That is expected to complete in 2028.

&nbsp;

LAS Group has a long history of developing key sites across Australia, including The Fawkner on St Kilda Road and Guild Apartments in Southbank, as well as holding significant interests in retail, mixed-use and storage facilities across Australia.

<img alt="38 Clarke" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d871b034-d2a4-490f-b9eb-b9d4b99a04c5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-11-05%20at%208.28.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=J3fWfemsLPQzXekl_h0QlsXoWFnRbfRF" /> 
38 Clarke Street, Southbank. Image supplied

LAS Group director and founder Les Smith said the planning approvals had come at a time when confidence was returning to the market and the need to deliver quality apartment stock in Melbourne’s inner suburbs was becoming critical to help ease the housing and affordability crisis.

“These planning approvals are the outcome of a collaborative process with multiple stakeholders and we are grateful for the involvement and support of Melbourne Water, the Department of Transport and Planning, Melbourne City Council and Property Council of Australia along the way," Smith said.

“We have a huge affinity for Melbourne believe the macro and micro economic factors that underpin long-term growth mean it is currently undervalued compared to other capital cities around Australia.

“Confidence is starting to return given the recent interest rate drops and the buoyancy in the economic climate, so we believe the time is right to bring these two new projects to market in the coming months."

LAS Group General Manager, Mia Smith said the design intent was to bring a sense of place to Southbank from the ground level and contribute positively to the thriving entertainment precinct, while delivering good quality, affordable stock to the market.

“These projects will deliver product that is affordable and accessible, while delivering a beautiful building with luxury appointments, in a wonderful location that’s next door to Crown Casino and the Southbank entertainment precinct, and on the doorstep to the CBD," Smith said.

“We are incredibly pleased with the designs that Fender Katsalidis have proposed and we are excited to make a positive impact to the urban design of this important pocket of Southbank with these exceptional design outcomes.”

LAS Group to build 700 apartments across two towers on Crown Casino’s former Southbank sites

Abbotsford

Salta Properties has announced the topping out and completion of the main structural works at its riverfront development, Walmer, at 649 Victoria Street, Abbotsford.

Prominent builders, Hamilton Marino have been tasked with constructing the Yarra River bend development, which will deliver an unrivalled living experience, according to Salta Managaing Director, Sam Tarascio.

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&ldquo;This milestone marks another achievement for Walmer, which has seen strong interest largely from owner occupier purchasers throughout construction, bringing the development to 65 per cent sold,&rdquo; he said.

Tarascio attributes the popularity of the development to its luxurious offerings, which are the work of revered architects, Bates Smart, along with the site&rsquo;s prime river frontage.

&ldquo;Walmer is a reminder of what true sophistication is, weaving hotel-like splendour into the development&rsquo;s natural urban river sanctuary, creating contemporary and luxurious comforts that are sympathetic to its natural surrounds,&rdquo; Tarascio added.

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The project recently received a Commendation for Design Excellence at The Urban Development Institute of Australia&#39;s (UDIA) Awards, due in part to Walmer&rsquo;s focus in delivering flexible spaces that can pivot and flex to suite a wide buyer type.

Salta has also refined the project, amalgamating apartments from the initial 75 that were proposed, to now 61.

Standing as a threshold between the vibrancy of Victoria Street and the tranquillity of the Yarra River corridor, Walmer&rsquo;s resort-style, nature-influenced experience offers an impressive list of premium amenities, including a porte-cochere entrance, a climate-controlled room for wine-tasting and storage, a complete health and wellness suite including a 25-metre swimming pool overlooking the river, a fully equipped gymnasium, steam room, sauna, treatment room, as well as business and resident dining facilities.

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Communal areas will also be fitted out with some of the country&rsquo;s best designer&rsquo;s pieces, including Melbourne-based lighting designer, Christopher Boots luxury furniture from Jarden and Kett Furniture, as well as unique photography from Brooke Holmes&rsquo; featuring her famous dramatic Australian landscapes.

Taking Walmer to another level is the integrated building management platform, WE Wumbo, which will provide peace of mind services and communication, adding another layer of luxury to the already impressive project.

Residents of Walmer are expected to take up residence in early 2023, with a limited number of riverfront apartments remaining, ranging from $600,000 to $5,250,000.

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Prominent builders, Hamilton Marino have been tasked with constructing the Yarra River bend development, which will deliver an unrivalled living experience, according to Salta Managaing Director, Sam Tarascio.



alisonwarters@gmail.com

Salta Properties top out Yarra River apartment development, Walmer

Residents of Riverbank in Melbourne&#39;s Abbotsford have one of the most enviable addresses.

On the banks of the Yarra River, the Salta Properties development on Victoria Street&nbsp;has been designed by SJB Architects, in collaboration with Carr Design, to&nbsp;blend&nbsp;luxury riverfront living with inner-city residency.

Capturing the curves of the Yarra below, Riverbank is part of The Park House, which are&nbsp;two complementing buildings.

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Perfectly positioned on the winding banks, Riverbank residents get&nbsp;direct access to the Capital City Bike Trail which runs alongside the Yarra River for almost 20 kilometres providing walking, running and cycling paths that connect Richmond and Abbotsford to the CBD and through Yarra Bend Park to Kew and Collingwood.

Located not far from the well-known&nbsp;Skipping Girl commercial building and across from Victoria Gardens Shopping Centre, Riverbank is positioned to enjoy the best Abbotsford has to offer.

The popular shopping strip on Glenferrie Road in Kew is a five-minute drive, while Xavier College is just seven-minutes by tram. The tram stop, on the doorstep of Riverbank, offers a convenient commute, while&nbsp;North Richmond station just a short walk away.

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Swan Street wine bar and The Ugly Duckling is five-minutes away from the building, while dining is on the door of The Park House, with Victoria Street and Bridge Road restaurants all within walking distance.

Slightly further afield is&nbsp;the Southgate precinct and Crown Casino, just 10-minutes by car. &nbsp;

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Riverbank residents also get extensive amenity in the development.

The sustainable 6+ energy rated building&nbsp;features a number of resident-only amenities, including a swimming pool and gym, cinema, a lounge&nbsp;space, kid&#39;s playroom, bike workshop and even a vaunted golf simulation room.

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Capturing the curves of the Yarra River below, The Park House’s avant-garde design includes two apartment buildings, Riverbank and Riverbend, that individually complement and integrate with their surroundings.

On the banks of the Yarra River: What's around Riverbank, Abbotsford apartments

The importance of interior designers creating the spaces and details within apartments has never been more important to residential developers.

Salta Properties,&nbsp;one of Australia&#39;s largest privately owned companies, called in the very best for their residential development The Park House in Melbourne&#39;s Abbotsford.

Carr, led by the design guru Sue Carr, handled the interiors at The Park House, the Victoria Street development made up of&nbsp;two buildings, Riverbank and Riverbend. They are named after their location, a stones throw from the Yarra River and bordering the popular Main Yarra Trail.

Urban recently spoke with the interior design guru Sue Carr, discussing all of the design elements of Riverbank.

JR: What was the brief from Salta for the interiors of the apartments?

SC: With every new project, we always begin by asking &ndash; what is the demographic of the purchaser? What is the lifestyle shift? Where is the location?

At Carr, we passionately believe that good architecture and design can enrich lives and make a difference to those that use and engage with it.

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Every project is unique, so we take into consideration the client, brief, place, cost plan and timing. All these factors combine to produce a response that has at its core, a powerful concept and a logical outcome. We call this the &lsquo;Big Idea&rsquo;, which remains with the project from end-to-end and guides the outcome.

With The Park House development, we looked at the location and the natural environment for inspiration. This was the &lsquo;Big Idea&rsquo;.

Surrounded by some of Melbourne&rsquo;s most animated and exciting precincts, the development sits on the banks of the Yarra Bend parklands, in a green belt framed by massive plane and gum trees.

One of the great aspects of this site is its proximity to the river and the bike paths that run along it. There is a spine that allows you to ride, run, row, or walk without seeing a major road. We love this idea of coming home after a long day at work and feeling like you have stepped away from the city and into the country. You can access stillness and natural beauty without having to abandon the excitement of a cosmopolitan urban lifestyle.

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In response, we wanted each home to be a private sanctuary. We wanted to create a warm and welcoming environment with textures and earthy tones.

For the design, we opted for a unified palette, where we used few materials as possible. This direction links all the individual spaces, creating a coherent overall offering achieved via subtle repetition of form, materiality, and texture.

The brief was not just to design beautiful apartments, but also address the vast amenities. The aim was to allow neighbouring residents to interact with one another, getting the most from the building in terms of comfort, entertainment and occupant wellbeing.

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JR: How early in the design phase do you and the architects collaborate? And why is earlier the better?

SC: The building fa&ccedil;ade reflects the ripples of the Yarra River. Although we did not literally carry this theme into the interiors like the architects, we responded to the site&rsquo;s natural surroundings with our own interpretation. Our materials, colours and textures respond to the immediate site context and its makeup.

JR: What really stands out for you about the design? What is your favourite feature?

SC: There is an understanding in our practice of the significance of detail in design. There are considered subtleties in The Park House that will unfold and come to be appreciated over time.

We really wanted the interiors &ndash; both public and private &ndash; to encourage people to slow down, to consider the spaces, and enjoy the transition from the street, bike path or car park, into their home. We wanted them to enjoy the process of switching off at the end of the day and engaging with their surroundings.

To achieve this, we created integrated lighting throughout each of the apartments and through the public walkways. It is subtle and soft.

In each apartment, we also designed a custom light that floats above the kitchen island bench. This provides a sculptural element to the interior while also projecting a soft, interesting light. The routed timber veneer in the joinery, adds another level of texture.

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Exaggerated proportions in the kitchen splashback highlight the scale of porcelain and create a grand sense of scale. Metal detailing to joinery in the kitchen and bathroom adds a refined aesthetic. Recessed LED lighting showcases the feature porcelain in the bathroom and kitchen

Our intention was to create a space that had a true sense of home but also a memorable atmosphere. We want the residents to feel the connection with the landscape beyond, with the building and their apartment becoming a welcoming sanctuary for them to take in all this development has to offer.

JR: What part did you play in the design of the amenity? And what design principles were important in the shared spaces?

SC: The Park House has vast amenity. It offers spaces both inside and out for all purposes &ndash; relaxation, work, entertainment, solitude &ndash; and for all demographics. There is a children&rsquo;s area, a private lounge, a bar, a home theatre, a golf simulator, a pool, a spa &ndash; the list goes on and on.

While working with Salta, we were strongly informed by ideas about public and private space, and how these new emerging types of urban spaces are full of design possibilities.

For us, it was important that all these spaces seamlessly flow into one another. Many of the transitional spaces are dark and atmospheric, which ensures that as residents move into the light and open spaces, the sense of awe is enhanced by contrast.

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Animating the larger functional spaces is natural light, invited into the building as the sun moves across from the east to the west. These ever-changing light effects and connection to landscape combine to form remarkable spaces that lie somewhere between art, sculpture, and architecture. Larger format glazing frames the view beyond, maximising outlook.&nbsp;

Part of the beauty of this development is the way it negotiates opposites. There is an intentional contrast between light and dark material palette. Certain areas open to the surrounding landscape, with internal lounges spilling out onto alfresco terracing, leading down to the river. This encapsulates a luxurious sense of home, inviting the residents to settle into these more private but public amenity spaces. The amenities are the key to a truly unique lifestyle on the banks of the Yarra River.

On the flipside, darker spaces, such as the library and meeting rooms, employ a darker, masculine palette. These interiors are richly layered and create a warmth.

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"Our intention was to create a space that had a true sense of home but also a memorable atmosphere," Carr said.

Inside the Carr Design interiors of Riverbank apartments in Abbotsford: Urban chats with Sue Carr

SJB are one of Australia&#39;s most sought-after architecture firms for anything from mutli-residential apartment developments to commercial towers and luxury home builds.

They&#39;ve got two studios, in Sydney as well as Melbourne, and have been the brains behind the likes of Crown&#39;s luxury Waterfall apartments in Sydney and Kings Domain in Southbank.

One of their most recent designed was the&nbsp;Abbotsford apartment development The Park House, developed by the renowned Salta Properties, with a major influence in the design being the building&#39;s proximity to the Yarra River.

Urban spoke to SJB&#39;s Michael Bialek, who headed up the design team for The Park House, to discuss how it was created.

What was the brief from Salta for The Park House, and then more specifically Riverbank? How did it need to differ from Riverbend?

Salta&rsquo;s brief for the The Park House project was to deliver a quality residential development as the final piece for the wider Yarra Gardens precinct.

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The project should provide significant improvements to the public realm through the provision of new visual and physical links from Victoria Street through to the Yarra River. Compromising over 500 apartments, the new buildings should respond positively to the landscaped character of the adjoining completed Green Square project and allow construction in stages towards the new proposed Walmer Plaza.

Riverbank addresses the &lsquo;urban edges&rsquo; of Victoria Street and Walmer Plaza, while Riverbend is less prominent &ndash; connected to the adjoining Green Square project and overlooking the bend in the Yarra River.

What were the most important features of the site/location which influenced your design?

The most important features of the site are the frontage to busy Victoria Street and the opportunity presented by the north-facing frontage to the Yarra River. These differing conditions resulted in building forms that have been shaped to respond to their location on the site and precinct planning that ensures a high quality public realm with enhanced amenity and connection to the Yarra River.

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Were there any other buildings&nbsp;you&#39;ve designed previously&nbsp;(or just seen) that influenced the design?

SJB was previously involved in the delivery of three residential projects fronting both Burnley Street and Victoria Street in the precinct. Each project has a distinctive aesthetic based on its orientation, typology and scale &ndash; townhouses fronting laneways, apartments along street frontages and common amenities surrounding landscaped courtyards.

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The buildings which are in close proximity to the retail complex Victoria Gardens, create a varied yet unified residential community which enjoys access to shopping facilities, public transport and riverfront recreation.

What were the biggest challenges of the design?

The challenges faced in the early design phase related mainly to the sensitive location of the site along the Yarra River.

Taller built forms were shaped so that the actual and apparent width of buildings were minimised when viewed from the river. These sculpted forms have been aligned generally to be perpendicular to the river corridor. Building separation, height and setback controls also influenced site planning and built form outcomes.

A two-tier river edge movement system was also incorporated into the master plan in order to maintain and enhance the &lsquo;natural&rsquo; river character at the lower level. A continuous bicycle connection is provided at this lower level while a more active &lsquo;urban&rsquo; character is created at the upper level with new pedestrian connections from the river to Shamrock, Walmer and Davison Streets.

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What interested you about the project?

The most interesting aspect of the project was the opportunity and challenge to provide significant improvements to the public realm and amenity for new occupants and the surrounding neighbourhood.

Unlocking this parcel of land formally occupied by the Melbourne Fire Brigade was a significant achievement by the project team, delivered through the provision of new public spaces and connections to the Yarra River.

What part of the design were you most proud/most interested in seeing when it&nbsp;was completed?

SJB is able to look back with pride at its role in the delivery of a series of residential projects in the precinct, which were successfully adopted by the marketplace over several years. The area has been transformed into a &lsquo;new neighbourhood&rsquo; with an improved public realm and new connections to the Yarra River.

In The Park House project, residential amenity is of high quality. Planning of apartments provide significant northerly outlook over the natural landscape of the river setting while common facilities are well located and generous. The aspirational planning principles for the site have been delivered while the residential character and amenity of the buildings are both innovative and responsive to this unique setting.

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How closely do you work with Carr Design when creating the apartments? 

SJB &amp; Carr Design worked collaboratively during the design phases of the project, with extensive briefing sessions determining the aspirations for both teams. The interior design of apartments and common areas was to respond to the architectural character of each building. Particular attention was paid to the extensive recreational facilities including swimming pools, lounges, playrooms and entry lobbies.

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Urban spoke to SJB's Michael Bialek, who headed up the design team for The Park House, to discuss how it was created.



How we designed Riverbank apartments in Abbotsford: Urban chats with SJB's Michael Bialek 

Last month the Victorian government ended their stamp duty concessions for off the plan and brand new apartments statewide.&nbsp;

They continue to offer savings for new apartments up to $1 million only in the Melbourne CBD, but those outside of the CBD will revert back to paying full stamp duty.

Discerning developers who are either constructing or have completed apartments outside of the City of Melbourne LGA have continued to offer the stamp duty concessions in an attempt to lure buyers.

The property developer Salta Properties is offering to stump up 50 per cent of stamp duty for buyers in their Abbotsford apartment development, Riverbank.

Buyers can save between $11,000 and $20,000 on stamp duty in the recently completed Victoria Street project on the banks of the Yarra River, less than four kilometres outside of the city. The concessions are on offer until 30th September 2021.

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One-bedroom apartments start from $505,000 and two-bedroom apartments from $740,000.

The nine-level building has been designed by SJB Architects and is finished with interiors by Sue Carr at Carr Design Group. It is one of two buildings at The Park House, each with their own amenities, with the adjoining Riverbend apartments part of the development.

&ldquo;Our intention was to create a space that had a true sense of home but also a memorable atmosphere,&rdquo; Sue Carr said.

&ldquo;We want the purchasers to feel a connection with the landscape.&rdquo;

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Each apartment has Gaggeneau appliances in the kitchen, engineered oak floors and marble-effect stone.&nbsp;

The sustainable 6+ energy rated development includes a number of resident only amenities, including a swimming pool, sauna and gym, cinema, a lounge and library space, meeting room, kids play hut, bike workshop and even a golf simulation room.

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Riverbank – The Park House is the latest completed development out of Salta Properties, one of few offering buyers stamp duty savings beyond the governments own which expired June 30.

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Buyers offered 50% stamp duty savings at Salta Properties Riverbank apartments in Abbotsford

Apartment buyers at Riverbank, the recently completed Abbotsford development on the banks of the Yarra River, will pay $0 stamp duty if they secure an apartment&nbsp;before June 30*.

The Melbourne development firm Salta Properties,&nbsp;one of Australia&#39;s largest privately owned companies, is matching the VIC government&#39;s 50 per cent stamp duty savings, which end at the end of June.

Riverbank&#39;s one- and two-bedroom apartments fall in to the criteria for stamp duty savings, only applied to apartments&nbsp;under $1 million.

The one-bedroom apartments at Riverbank&nbsp;start from $505,000, and two-bedrooms from $740,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4136 project_image_fid=89831]

The nine-level building has been designed&nbsp;by&nbsp;SJB&nbsp;Architects and is finished with interiors by&nbsp;Sue Carr&nbsp;at&nbsp;Carr Design Group.

&ldquo;Our intention was to create a space that had a true sense of home but also a memorable atmosphere,&quot; Carr says.

&quot;We want the purchasers to feel the connection with the landscape beyond, with the building and their apartment becoming a welcoming sanctuary for them to take in all this development has to offer.&rdquo;

Each apartment has a sustainable 6+ energy rating and features Gaggeneau appliances in the kitchen, engineered oak floors and marble-effect stone.&nbsp;

Riverbank&nbsp;is one of two buildings at The Park House.&nbsp;

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Set on the Yarra River, Riverbank &ndash; The Park House is located near the&nbsp;Yarra Trail, Boat House and Tea Garden and Melbourne&rsquo;s best open-access golf course, Yarra Bend, around the corner.

The short commute to the city is convenient for residents, with&nbsp;tram routes 12 and 109 on the doorstep of Park House and North Richmond station just a short walk away.

Riverbank also features hotel-style amenities throughout the development.

There&#39;s the Club House, which comprises a residents&#39;&nbsp;lounge with fireplace, a Movie House, an eight-seater cinema room which can be hired privately, the Fitness Hub gym, The Swing golf simulation room and The Splash, the swimming pool that opens to the courtyards.

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* - Terms and conditions apply

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The nine-level building has been designed by SJB Architects and is finished with interiors by Sue Carr at Carr Design Group

Buyers pay $0 stamp duty at Riverbank in Abbotsford, as Salta matches VIC government offer until June 30

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An Abbotsford, Victoria mortgagee apartment has been sold for $351,000.
The home last sold for $429,000 when it was purchased off the plan in 2011.
As a result this sale marks a $78,000 loss for the vendor.
Chris O'Shaughnessy and Emily Sayers of Biggin &amp; Scott marketed the one bedroom one bathroom apartment.
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-vic-abbotsford-132085578" target="_blank">107B/609-615 Victoria Street</a>, the home was built in 2014.
Featuring 50 square metres of internal space, the home was offered to the market seeking $320,000.
Located in the Green Square complex, the north facing home has access to services like a heated pool, gym, communal gardens, BBQ, library, meeting rooms and private entertainment facilities.
The home was first listed as a rental shortly after its purchase in 2014 seeking $390 per week and later that year and in 2015 for $380 per week. 
Later in 2016 it sought $390 per week and most recently in 2018 $395 per week. However according to the listing the unit has "rent potential up to $450 per week".
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/subscribe" target="_blank"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/1/Subscriber%20strip%20ad.jpg" alt=""></a>
The median sale price for a unit in <a href="/developments/abbotsford-vic-3067">Abbotsford</a> is $496,500, according to the latest CoreLogic data.
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Abbotsford, Victoria mortgagee home sold for $78,000 loss

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The golfing champion Craig Parry has listed his Abbotsford home with $10 million hopes.
It has been listed through <a href="https://blackdiamondz.com.au/listing/530_unique-deep-waterfront-luxury-estate-offers-a-private-resort-oasis20632437" target="_blank">Black Diamondz Concierge agent Tim Le</a>.
The home on the dress circle Abbotsford Parade sits in private 1,620 sqm gardens and has water views from every room.
It has four bedrooms and four bathrooms. The upper level bedrooms include a master with walk-in and ensuite spa. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/4/8/Parry2.jpg" alt="">
There's also a home office, theatre room, steam room, infrared sauna and games room with commercial grade wet par.
A permanent marina berth jetty, pontoon, slipway and boatshed span the 53 metres of Sydney Harbour frontage.
A swimming pool, outdoor spa, full size tennis court and of course a custom putting green sits in the grounds.
The $10 million guide on his Abbotsford property would top the suburb record set next door by Le at $9.5 million in 2017 when spiritual healers Mina and Yvon Attia, of the Celebrate Freedom ministry sold to 27-year-old Yangyang Tu, a director of the Northern Territory cattle farm Tutee Farms.
Parry intends to spend more time at his Newport home on Sydney's northern beaches.
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Golfer Craig Parry lists Abbotsford home with $10 million hopes, and own putting green

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The Zagame family has acquired a recently rezoned Abbotsford land parcel of 4,735 square metres for $21 million.
Fitzroys agents Paul Burns and James Lockwood negotiated the sale of 112 Trenerry Crescent on behalf of the Australian Education Union (Victorian Branch) following an expressions of interest campaign.
The site has an existing four-level brick building with a net lettable area of 4,252 square metres, and fronts on to the Yarra River overlooking both Dights falls and Victoria Park, in addition to having views of the CBD skyline.
Burns said 15 offers were received from a mix of local and offshore bidders, predominantly made up of developers, with some partial owner occupiers.
“Bidders had schemes for a mix of office and residential uses for the property, looking to take advantage of the property’s recent rezoning to Mixed Use,” he said.
The AEU had previously used the building as their Victorian headquarters for many years, and held onto the property following their relocation until the rezoning was formalised.
Burns said the strong purchaser interest was driven by the property’s city fringe location and proximity to the burgeoning nearby office markets of Cremorne and Richmond.
The site had views to the Yarra River, Dight Falls, Victoria Park and the Melbourne CBD.
The existing building will be kept and re-used.
“Office vacancies across Melbourne’s city fringe have been tightening to historic lows and businesses are increasingly looking to Abbotsford as the next hotspot for commercial activity,” Burns said.
He said the property offers direct access to trains and buses, the Eastern Freeway and recently upgraded Hoddle Street, and a range of trendy lifestyle options and the scenery of the Yarra River, all within short walking distance.
Lockwood said developers are now looking beyond the busy Cremorne and Richmond markets for their next projects.
Cadence Property Group has lodged plans for a major office development on Victoria Crescent, near the Carlton and United Brewery, and Salta Property Group is undertaking a mixed-use project with office, apartment and build-to-rent components next to its Victoria Gardens shopping centre.
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Zagame family acquires Abbotsford office site from Australian Education Union

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A recently rezoned Abbotsford land parcel encompassing 4,375 square metres has been listed. 
Fitzroys agents Paul Burns and James Lockwood are handling the international expressions of interest campaign for 112 Trenerry Crescent, Abbotsford, on behalf of the Australian Education Union (Victorian Branch).
The site has an existing four-level brick building with a NLA of 4,252 square metres.
It fronts on to the Yarra River and overlooks both Dights falls and Victoria Park, in addition to having views of the CBD skyline.
It is being offered with short-term holding income.
Burns said the property’s flexible mixed use zoning puts all options on the table for purchasers.
"Office vacancies across Melbourne’s city fringe markets have been tightening to historic lows and businesses are increasingly looking to Abbotsford as the next hotspot for commercial activity located close to the CBD," Burns said. 
Lockwood said developers are now looking beyond the heated Cremorne and Richmond markets for their next projects.
Cadence Property Group has lodged plans for a major office development on Victoria Crescent, near the Carlton and United Brewery, and Salta Property Group is undertaking a mixed-use project with office, apartment and build-to-rent components next to its Victoria Gardens shopping centre.
United Petroleum founder, Eddie Hirsch has proposed an 11-storey tower on Hoddle Street. Circa $20 million is expected for the property.
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