Not all apartment amenities are immediately visible.

Swimming pools, gyms, rooftop terraces and residents' lounges have long featured on buyers' wishlists, but as the way Australians live has changed, so too have the features that make apartment living more convenient.

Increasingly, buyers are placing value on the practical aspects of day-to-day life. Fast internet, EV charging, secure bike storage, flexible workspaces and parcel management are becoming just as relevant as lifestyle amenities, reflecting changing habits and expectations.

Online shopping has been one of the biggest drivers of that shift.

Australians spent a record $82.6 billion shopping online in 2025, with almost one in every four retail dollars now spent digitally, making parcel deliveries a routine part of everyday life rather than an occasional convenience.

For apartment residents, however, receiving those deliveries isn't always straightforward.

Without someone home to accept a parcel, deliveries can be redirected to a nearby Post Office, left in building foyers or common areas, or require building management to temporarily store packages. As apartment living continues to grow across Australia's cities, parcel management has become an increasingly important consideration for both residents and developers.

Australia Post's Parcel Locker network is one response to that shift.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KPZ9j5FRdsQ?si=Qztc1dNP3ZvEIUhb" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Rather than relying on home delivery, eligible parcels can be directed to a nominated Parcel Locker, where they're securely stored until collected. Once a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS and can retrieve it using a one-time code or QR code at a time that suits them.

The network has expanded to more than 1,500 locations nationwide, with Parcel Lockers positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and, increasingly, within or alongside residential developments.

That growing presence reflects a broader change in how apartment buildings are being planned.

Developers are increasingly considering the operational side of apartment living alongside traditional lifestyle amenities. Just as secure mailrooms, bicycle storage and EV charging have become more common inclusions, parcel management is emerging as another feature that supports everyday convenience.

It also helps preserve the arrival experience within a building. Carefully designed lobbies and communal spaces can quickly become cluttered when deliveries accumulate, while secure parcel solutions reduce the likelihood of missed deliveries or parcels being left unattended.

For buyers comparing apartments, these everyday details are becoming part of the decision-making process.

Location, floorplans and finishes remain fundamental, but the features that simplify daily life are carrying greater weight than they once did. As online shopping continues to shape consumer behaviour, secure parcel delivery is increasingly becoming another amenity worth looking for.

Joel Robinson

Parcel delivery is joining the apartment amenity checklist

Inca Property Group has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for Dawn, a 53-apartment oceanfront development overlooking Mona Vale Beach.

The proposal, at 35-39 Darley Street East, would replace an existing 18-apartment strata building with a new owner-occupier-focused development comprising 53 two and three-bedroom apartments, including nine affordable built-to-rent residences delivered under the State's infill affordable housing scheme.

Positioned on a 2,679 sqm elevated site around 280 metres from Mona Vale Beach, the development has been designed to maximise panoramic ocean views while responding to the site's sloping topography.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/inca-property-group">Inca Property Group</a> Managing Director Josh Thompson said the State Significant pathway provided greater certainty for projects of this scale.

"This State Significant pathway gives the team real certainty to progress <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/dawn-35-39-darley-street-east-mona-vale-nsw-2103">Dawn</a> through to completion," Thompson said.

"It allows us to acquire a one-off site, design it carefully and deliver the right offering for the suburb, assessed by the NSW Government's planning department."

The project is one of the first developments in the area to be assessed under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy, with the site sitting on the edge of the policy's designated inner area.

The proposal includes three basement levels providing 124 car spaces, alongside a range of resident amenities including a swimming pool, gym, sauna, wellness facilities and private plunge pools for selected ground-floor and penthouse apartments.

<img alt="Dawn" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fc1a1daf-0ce4-4f12-9076-b1fa553c7a91" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-21%20at%208.42.11%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4GZ9h.gpNkTljbxyAET8Jfhv51XUamDm" />

Thompson said Dawn had been designed specifically for owner-occupiers and downsizers, a buyer profile that has driven demand across Inca's recent Upper North Shore developments.

"The majority of buyers in our recent North Shore projects have been downsizers, and we are learning exactly what this market is looking for. Beyond the location itself, we have included resort-style amenities to deliver a genuine lifestyle offering," Thompson said.

Located within walking distance of Mona Vale Beach, the town centre, Mona Vale Golf Club and the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Dawn represents Inca's first Northern Beaches project following the sell-out of Tara on Park in Waitara and Ellis Residences, currently under construction in St Ives.

Construction will be undertaken by Inca's in-house construction arm, GOP Constructions.

Dawn is the latest major apartment proposal for Mona Vale, with the suburb emerging as one of the key beneficiaries of the NSW Government's new Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy.

New developer One Living, led by industry veteran Joseph Scuderi, recently secured a site on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, where it is planning around 140 apartments.

IPM is also planning its third project in Mona Vale, significantly increasing the scale of its previous developments with an 82-apartment proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/159-167-darley-street-west-mona-vale-nsw-2103">159-167 Darley Street West</a>, opposite Bayview Golf Course and less than 800 metres from Mona Vale town centre.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/one-living-enters-sydneys-new-apartment-market-with-northern-beaches-site-acquisition">One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-ipm-plans-third-mona-vale-project">First look: IPM plans third Mona Vale project</a>

First look: Inca eyes Mona Vale with State Significant DA for Dawn apartments

Seasoned Victorian apartment developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/central-equity">Central Equity</a> has logged more than $400 million in sales in its luxury apartment project Palmera Residences at Northcliffe on the Gold Coast.&nbsp;

Central Equity Director Karl Kutner said the sales result reflected a combination of location, product quality and delivery certainty with the project already under construction by building powerhouse Multiplex.&nbsp;

"Surpassing $400 million in sales since launch is a significant milestone and an outstanding endorsement of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/palmera-residences-gold-coast-18-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Palmera Residences</a>,” he said.&nbsp;

"We believe one of the key reasons for this strong result is the confidence purchasers have in knowing the project is under construction with Multiplex. Buyers are increasingly looking for certainty. They want to know that the project they commit to today will be delivered by an experienced team with a proven track record."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365782]

Kutner said it was clear there was still high demand for luxury projects that offered certainty of delivery.&nbsp;

“We are in a market where many residential developments have faced delays due to rising construction costs, labour shortages and financing challenges,” said Kutner.&nbsp;

"But having construction underway has provided our buyers with resounding confidence backed by more than 40 years of development delivery by Central Equity combined with construction by one of Australia's most respected construction companies."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365785]

Central Equity is one of Australia's most experienced privately-owned property developers. Over more than four decades, the company has delivered in excess of 85 residential developments including 10,000 apartments and many thousands of stand alone homes.&nbsp;

Located on Garfield Terrace at Northcliffe, between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, Palmera Residences occupies one of the Gold Coast's most sought after beachside locations. The development has been designed to appeal to owner occupiers seeking premium residences that combine generous living spaces and resort style amenities.&nbsp;

Palmera Residences will feature an exceptional collection of resort style amenities, including two swimming pools: a generously sized family pool with safe shallow zones for relaxed recreation, and a 20 metre lap pool positioned to maximise all day sunlight.&nbsp;

Residents will also enjoy exclusive access to wellness and recreational facilities including a magnesium pool, sauna, yoga studio, expansive fitted gymnasium, resident lounge, outdoor BBQ’s&nbsp;and indoor and outdoor dining areas, together with a dedicated concierge and luxurious hotel inspired entrance foyer.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365767]

A unique feature at Palmera Residences has been designed to enhance the Gold Coast lifestyle which includes both indoor and outdoor gymnasium facilities, together with thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor dining and entertaining areas. A corner café has also been incorporated to provide residents with a destination for their everyday needs.&nbsp;

Kutner said buyer demand had been broad based with purchasers attracted from interstate as well as throughout South East Queensland.&nbsp;

"We're seeing strong interest from owner occupiers, lifestyle buyers and people relocating to the Gold Coast. Many purchasers have been searching for a premium beachside residence where quality, design and delivery are equally important."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365771]

Kutner said the sales milestone was an important achievement, but the focus remained firmly on delivering an exceptional development.&nbsp;

"While reaching $400 million in sales is an important milestone, our priority remains delivering a project that exceeds purchaser expectations,” he said.&nbsp;

"Palmera Residences has been designed to become one of the Gold Coast's landmark residential addresses, and we look forward to welcoming our purchasers to their new homes."&nbsp;

There are a limited number of residences remaining in selected configurations with pricing from $2,950,000 to $8,950,000. Palmera Residences is also crowned by expansive penthouses with wrap around views.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108274]

Construction certainty and strong buyer demand drive major sales result for luxury Gold Coast development

Palmera Residences fly out the door as sales pass $400 million

National property developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/goldfields-group">Goldfields</a> has appointed BINAH as its construction partner for Quartet, its new Brisbane apartment development in the undersupplied suburb of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/milton-qld-4064">Milton</a>.

Located just two kilometres from the Brisbane CBD and moments from key 2032 Olympic precincts, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/quartet-milton-33-manning-street-milton-qld-4064">Quartet</a> will deliver 131 one, two, three, and four-bedroom apartments priced from $1 million to $4.2 million, combining elevated design with a wellness-focused lifestyle offering.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=368000]

Goldfields’ Chief Executive Officer, Lachlan Thompson, said the appointment of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/binah-constructions">BINAH</a> marked an important milestone for the project.&nbsp;

“Bringing BINAH on board as our construction partner will allow us to bring our vision for Quartet forward with a team that has a proven track record of delivering high-quality residential projects,” Thompson said.&nbsp;

“We’ve taken a considered approach to progressing the site because we wanted to deliver the whole package. Buyers ultimately back great developers, great projects and great builders, and with Quartet, we’ve made sure all three line up.

“People want certainty, they want to know the project will be built, that the homes will be delivered as promised, and that the developer stands behind the quality of what they create. That’s something Goldfields has built its reputation on over many years.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=367993]

BINAH’s Managing Director, Khalil Hafza, said the company was proud to be partnering with Goldfields to deliver Quartet.&nbsp;

“Quartet is an exciting project to bring to life, particularly given the level of detail in the residences and the extensive rooftop amenity planned for the building,” Mr Hafza said.&nbsp;

“Our focus is on delivering a high-quality build that brings that design vision to life and creates homes residents will enjoy for many years.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=367999]

The facilities at Quartet have been feared towards the roof, with a&nbsp;25 metre lap pool, spa, sauna and cold plunge, and a communal barbecue area and alfresco.

Town planning was designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> and brought to life by Melbourne-based architecture firm Cera Stribley.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/cera-stribley">Cera Stribley</a> Co-Founder and Managing Principal, Dom Cerantonio, said the project responds to both its riverside setting and Brisbane’s evolving urban character.&nbsp;

“Quartet has been designed to sit comfortably within its riverside context, offering a refined take on urban living through well-planned, generously proportioned residences that will stand the test of time,” Mr Cerantonio said.&nbsp;

“An emphasis on natural light, natural textures and carefully selected finishes from timber and marble to premium appliances, creates calm, considered interiors designed for comfort and long-term liveability.”&nbsp;

Construction of Quartet will commence in July 2026, with completion anticipated in Q4 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108736]

Construction to commence on 131-residence tower designed around wellness-focused living

Goldfields appoints BINAH for Quartet apartments in Milton

The first partnership between national developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/fortis">Fortis</a> and Adelaide-based developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/otello">Otello</a> has made a strong start, with the pair securing $21 million in unconditional sales at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/one-four-four-hutt-adelaide-144-hutt-street-adelaide-sa-5000">One Four Four Hutt</a>&nbsp;on the edge of the Adelaide CBD.

Over a third of apartments have been snapped up in the boutique 44-apartment project on the corner of Hutt Stret and Wakefield Road. Local downsizers and owner-occupiers wanting to remain in Adelaide's tightly-held southeast quarter have been the most prominent purchasers.

The DKO-designed, mixed-use development is one of the few new apartment projects in the precinct, an area where new housing supply has remained limited despite continued demand from buyers wanting to stay close to the CBD, Victoria Park and Adelaide's established east-end amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151233 project_image_fid=375378]

Fortis Head of Development SA Arthur Dendrinos said the early sales reflected both the strength of the local owner-occupier market and confidence in the Hutt Street location.

"The level of early commitment reflects the confidence local buyers have in the Hutt Street precinct," Dendrinos said.

"Many purchasers are long-term east-end residents who love the area and want to stay connected to the neighbourhood. They recognise the value of a well-designed, well-located development.

"Our partnership with Otello has been central to this success, and the number of unconditional sales at this stage only strengthens our confidence in the South Australian market."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151233 project_image_fid=375379]

Otello Director Daniel Harris said the sales result also highlighted the lack of new apartment opportunities within the Hutt Street precinct.

"One Four Four Hutt has clearly resonated with buyers, with strong early sales reflecting both the appeal of the Hutt Street corridor and the lifestyle on offer," Harris said.

"The activated ground-floor retail has also been a key drawcard, with purchasers responding to the vision of a more vibrant and connected streetscape, not just the residences themselves."

One Four Four Hutt will deliver 44 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, alongside a collection of penthouses, above a ground-floor retail offering designed to further activate the Hutt Street precinct.

Construction is scheduled to commence in the third quarter of this year, with completion anticipated in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151233]

Fortis Head of Development SA Arthur Dendrinos said the early sales reflected both the strength of the local owner-occupier market and confidence in the Hutt Street location.

Fortis makes Adelaide debut with Otello as One Four Four Hutt records strong early sales

Aged Care

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Already flush with scores of intended sizeable aged care and retirement living developments, Brisbane stands to gain another two post their lodgement with council last week.

More impressive of the two from a design aesthetic is ThomsonAdsett's design for 193-195 Lutwyche Road. The Windsor development is being backed by Denmac Nominees Pty Ltd and includes 177 dwellings, split between 98 retirement aged care rooms and 79 independent living units.

Ancillary aspects of the proposal include 179 basement car parks plus 1,351 square metres of space dedicated toward retail, cafe, and health care uses. An entire communal level and rooftop terrace form the amenities aspect of the proposal.

Located opposite Karuna Hospice Services long established Windsor campus, 193-195 Lutwyche Road at 12 levels would comfortably outsize any existing development in the vicinity.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image59_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Greenery forms an integral part of the project. Planning image: ThomsonAdsett"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="230" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image59_5.jpg?itok=-vE1r0nZ" title="Greenery forms an integral part of the project. Planning image: ThomsonAdsett" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Greenery forms an integral part of the project. Planning image: ThomsonAdsett</figcaption></figure>Meanwhile, The Ethnic Communities' Council of Qld Ltd is supporting a development application in nearby Indooroopilly. The existing Berlasco Court residential care facility onsite is due for an overhaul by way of a seven level extension designed by Paynter Dixon.

Catering for fully dependent individuals, 142-148 Central Avenue has the ability to significantly increase to the number persons that can be accommodated onsite. This would be a realisation of additional residential aged care bed licences granted to the operator, combined with a Federal Government capital grant to facilitate the redevelopment.

The residential care facility aspect of the proposal sees 115 beds in the mix, with 18 dwellings for supported living also included. 53 car parking spaces and 2,250 square metres of communal space are also present, with the bulk of the communal space at ground level.

On the design, Paynter Dixon states "The intent is that the building embraces its surroundings with a noninstitutional and residential aesthetic to resonate with the local community as well as its occupants and staff.

The material palette takes inspiration from the local vernacular of low set Queenslander style dwellings juxtaposed with multi story residential and commercial developments. A blend of new and old Brisbane."

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image61_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A new Berlasco Court. Planning image: Paynter Dixon"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="336" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image61_3.jpg?itok=b57D09ct" title="A new Berlasco Court. Planning image: Paynter Dixon" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A new Berlasco Court. Planning image: Paynter Dixon</figcaption></figure>The arrival of the Windsor and Indooroopilly applications is against a backdrop of Brisbane City Council <a href="https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/community-safety/community-support/seniors/retirement-aged-care">amending its city planning framework</a> in order to offer a more streamlined approach to building, extending or upgrading aged care facilities and retirement facilities.

Council's aim in part is to realise new facilities in diversified locations across Brisbane. Developers for their part have come to the party as evidenced by the strong number of aged care / retirement living proposals appearing across Brisbane.

One of 2018's largest announced projects is Lendlease's partnership with Brisbane Racing Club to create a retirement and aged care precinct within Doomben Racecourse. Lendlease intends to realise 300 independent living units and 108 aged care beds across staged development.

Also on the agenda are sizeable projects in Woolloongabba, Mitchelton, Nundah, Toowong, Newmarket and Carina Heights that are capable of adding thousands of new aged care and retirement living dwellings.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image70_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A selection of forthcoming aged care / retirement living developments across Brisbane"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="835" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image70_10.jpg?itok=nw-PNf0q" title="A selection of forthcoming aged care / retirement living developments across Brisbane" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A selection of forthcoming aged care / retirement living developments across Brisbane</figcaption></figure>
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silvermb

Doubling up for Brisbane's already robust aged care development pipeline

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Aged care provider Benetas is approaching an outcome for its Doncaster Road residential aged care and retirement village facility.

Next week Manningham City Council will provide judgement on the development which in part reaches eight levels. Council internal planners are recommending that the application be supported, subject to conditions, but for the most the built form has been green lighted.

During 2016 the 6,317 square metre site was secured by the aged care provider, outpointing apartment developers along the way. At that point a five-level aged care facility was expected to replace the current Papa Rich Malaysian restaurant onsite.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image42_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Doncaster Road frontage. Image: ClarkeHopkinsClarke"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="315" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image42_5.jpg?itok=ZzMSo8EZ" title="Doncaster Road frontage. Image: ClarkeHopkinsClarke" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Doncaster Road frontage. Image: ClarkeHopkinsClarke</figcaption></figure>Fronting both Doncaster Road and Carawatha Road, the proposal is effectively split into wings. A five-storey residential aged care segment fronts Doncaster Road and consists of 128 lodging rooms whilst the taller part six, part eight-storey retirement village to Carawatha Road.

74 independent living units are slated within the taller wing, split between 8 single bedroom, 54 dual bedroom and 9 triple bedroom apartments. Internals for these living spaces range between 63 square metres and 134 square metres.

Basement parking accommodates 161 vehicles with ground floor retail and restaurant areas summing to 489 square metres.

Communal facilities across the development include an internal courtyard and terrace, cinema, worship space, hair and beauty salon plus a gym.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image43_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The apartment aspect of the development. Image: ClarkeHopkinsClarke"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="288" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image43_9.jpg?itok=9t_j8ryz" title="The apartment aspect of the development. Image: ClarkeHopkinsClarke" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The apartment aspect of the development. Image: <a href="/architects/clarke-hopkins-clarke-0">ClarkeHopkinsClarke</a></figcaption></figure>Benetas' proposal is the first large-scale aged care/retirement village complex slated for Doncaster Hill, albeit on the periphery of the designated development zone.

Further east along Doncaster Road a swag of residential projects has either been built, are at sales or have progressed to construction. The residential aspect of Manningham City Council's Doncaster Hill strategy has taken full effect, although other uses such as commercial, hotel or aged care have failed to take a foothold in the concentrated development area.

Council planners noted that Benetas' proposal "complements and supports the strategic role of Doncaster Hill and contributes towards employment targets for the area. The use of the site for an aged care facility and a retirement village affords Doncaster Hill with a net community benefit that is fundamentally supported by policy."
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Benetas goes bigger on Doncaster Hill

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GUEST OBSERVER
"Ooh, a storm is threatening my very life today / If I don’t get some shelter / Oh yeah, I’m gonna fade away…"
Mick Jagger won’t ever need to be concerned about having somewhere to live, but older people have worried about where they will spend their final years since long before the Rolling Stones sang to a generation’s insecurities in 1969. Many wish to stay in their homes, but current policy doesn’t support age-friendly housing. It also makes it difficult for ageing people to manage their finances.
The population of people aged 65 and over in Australia is projected to grow from 3.7 million to 8.7 million by 2056. Cities, towns and housing need to be designed to help people stay at home as they age. Financial policy should be updated to enable them to better manage their assets.
Gwen’s story
Five years before her death, Gwen (not her real name) and her family faced a dilemma. Like many Australians, Gwen had juggled a succession of jobs, eventually owning her modest home. Following a fall, hospitalisation and rehab, her prognosis was not good.
Gwen wanted to die at home, or with her family. Should members of the family move into her house? Should she move into one of her adult children’s houses? What about their children?
Should they rent out the family properties, so Gwen and volunteering family members could cohabit in a more suitable rented property? Could they afford a house with the flexibility to handle two adults, one elderly person, possibly kids and pets?
For families like Gwen’s, there are few viable, let alone affordable, housing options. Gwen’s housing shuffle proved stressful for everyone. She was ultimately placed, against her wishes, in a nursing home. Aged 82, deprived of any sovereignty in her decision-making, Gwen passed away, but the family arguments and blame continued.
What is stopping people ‘ageing in place’?
Gwen’s deck of dominoes could not be reconfigured because of the housing, tax and financial barriers imposed by the same governments that are trying to implement “ageing in place”.
Ageing in place isn’t just about ageing at home. It’s about keeping older people connected to their neighbourhood and community as part of a broader framework of “active ageing”, with the aim of improving their quality of life and giving them more control over their circumstances.
Since the World Health Organization (WHO) released its Active Ageing policy framework in 2002, federal governments have endorsed this approach. The 2013 Living Longer Living Better reforms and last year’s Legislated Review of Aged Care promote emotional and mental preparation for old age, which is important for active ageing.
However, many aspects of policy in Australia undermine successful ageing in place.
A lack of suitable housing
First, ageing Australians have a limited choice of suitable housing, as the Productivity Commission has highlighted.
Livable Housing Australia’s guidelines recommend installing nonslip floors and grab rails and retrofitting rooms to help keep them at a comfortable temperature. This improves home liveability and reduces risks of harm for occupants. Incremental measures like these also have beneficial ripple effects by making housing suitable for all ages. However, such guidelines are not yet widely implemented.
The ability to influence what is built, and where, can greatly enhance or inhibit well-being. Denmark and Canada are already running with the 8 80 Cities concept, which aims to transform cities so they meet the needs of people of all ages. It’s a good example for Australian planners.
Local governments need to embrace redevelopment models that provide better ageing-in-place options for communities. The Greater Sydney Commission recently took a step in the right direction with its plans to increase housing supply and affordability. Its investigation into improving transport options and amenities could also enhance liveability.
The City of Melbourne’s Places for People strategy and the Age-Friendly Victoria initiative commit to housing that meets the WHO’s essential age-friendly city features. These programs recognise that placemaking is strongly linked with successful ageing in place.
Financial penalties for moving
Most Australians lack the financial means to customise their homes as they age. Safety concerns will eventually collide with their desire for independent living, forcing a devil’s choice. The decision to enter aged care can be very difficult for people and their families. Taxation and pension rules that prevent them managing their assets without losses worsen the situation.
If governments want to promote active ageing, then older people must be given more flexibility in managing their assets. This means allowing them to sell the family home, take the tax-free asset value, downsize to a suitable smaller property, and put the leftover money into their super without penalties in the form of stamp duty, tax or loss of benefits.
Many people don’t want to give up home ownership, especially as a family home doubles as a tax shelter. Ideally, a compact property would be preferable, designed to accommodate any generation, and with better access to the amenities and services needed later in life. Then, should they eventually need high-level care, the home could be rented out, providing an income stream to help cover medical and care expenses.
Future-proofed properties like this mostly do not exist in Australia. They don’t exist because, thanks to current policy, the elderly are reluctant to monetise their tax-free asset (the family home) to buy such properties and thus generate a demand to be met by developers.
Where do you want to die?
Baby boomers are living longer and are more mindful of their health and lifestyle. However, a recent survey found that only a small percentage were planning their financial future so they could live independently for as long as possible. And a growing number of seniors lack the income to cover the unforeseen costs that arise later in life.
Governments need to step up public information campaigns to encourage people to prepare for their old age. Without it, the confronting question “Where do you want to die?” cannot be feasibly answered.
Governments and the private sector can also take action to:
<ul>
<li>acknowledge the tax shelter status of private homes alongside the tax shelter status of superannuation</li>
<li>reduce transaction costs such as stamp duty that discourage moving before it becomes essential, as it often does for the over-80s</li>
<li>remove disincentives to releasing equity in the family home (for example, the pension means tests on proceeds in interaction with the pension and superannuation systems)</li>
<li>with the growth of the tiny house movement, ensure a wider variety of housing stock, styles and locations to support ageing in place</li>
<li>encourage emerging home ownership models, such as home equity release, reverse mortgages, fractional property investment and co-operative housing – to name a few.</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/91488/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">These initiatives would allow people to find and create homes that offer shelter from the ageing “perfect storm” already under way in Australia.
Juliette Brodsky, Researcher, College of Business, RMIT University 
Francis Grey, Economist and Sessional Academic, RMIT University
Sarah Sinclair, Lecturer in Economics, RMIT University
This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/for-australians-to-have-the-choice-of-growing-old-at-home-here-is-what-needs-to-change-91488" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

For Australians to have the choice of growing old at home, here is what needs to change

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More than 8,000 square metres of land in Wheelers Hill has been given the development green light by Monash City Council.

At the turn of December Council chose to endorse an application to develop vacant land at 161-169 Jells Road for a multi-level aged care facility. As part of the CHT Architects-designed development, an existing aged care facility located at 171 Jells Road will also be refurbished.

The site had previously been marketed as an apartment complex backed by Ammache Architects. With that project failing to break ground, the prominent corner site was handed to CBRE City Sales during 2016 and was subsequently sold to Lifeview Residential Care.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image50_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Freshly approved. Planning image: CHT Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="221" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image50_1.jpg?itok=vureNtEO" title="Freshly approved. Planning image: CHT Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Freshly approved. Planning image: CHT Architects</figcaption></figure>The care provider can now add a further 206 bedsit rooms with ensuites to their existing adjoining facility. The new complex is split into three wings with four and five storeys the built outcome.

108 car parks are expected across the lower ground and ground floors with the main entrance to the new building fronting Ferntree Gully Road.  Amenities such as a café/bar, corner store, hair salon and function space are included, with bedsits within the building broken into clusters of 12 which are supported by a kitchen, dining and living area, laundry and study area.

The $40 million development now holds a Notice of Decision to Grant a Planning Permit, with final approval subject to conditions but a formality. 

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image48_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The site's failed apartment development. Image: Ammache Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="266" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image48_7.jpg?itok=fSW597BT" title="The site's failed apartment development. Image: Ammache Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The site's failed apartment development. Image: Ammache Architects</figcaption></figure>Lifeview Residential Care's 161-169 Jells Road success reinforces the wave of aged care projects appearing across Melbourne's outer eastern suburbs.

Builder Cockram recently delivered Baptcare's The Orchards Community Retirement Living at 107 Andersons Creek Road, Doncaster East. It consists of 224 beds, whilst the builder has just begun works on the considerably larger <a href="/developments/blackburn-south-vic-3130">Regis Inala</a> aged care complex at 220 Middleborough Road, Blackburn South.

Buxton Construction is working on BlueCross Box Hill which will see a further  221 beds created, whilst Ringwood's Olivet Aged Care Development is approaching a construction start. Further to the above, 62-94 Jacksons Road, Mulgrave is also being considered for 179 independent living apartments, 108 aged care beds and 72 assisted living apartments.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image54_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="CHT Architects' Orchards Doncaster East &amp; Buxton Construction's BlueCross Box Hill"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="219" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image54_5.jpg?itok=O88vlwbv" title="CHT Architects' Orchards Doncaster East &amp; Buxton Construction's BlueCross Box Hill" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>CHT Architects' Orchards Doncaster East &amp; Buxton Construction's BlueCross Box Hill</figcaption></figure>
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Wheelers Hill's premier development site gets the green light

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RSL Care RDNS Limited, which recently changed its operating name to Bolton Clarke, is moving to rework a substantial St Kilda development site for the purpose of an aged care complex.

Spanning 3,799sqm, 31-39 Alma Road did hold approval for a Plus Architecture-designed mid-rise building holding 135 apartments. Under recast plans, the East Melbourne office of global architecture firm Design Worldwide Partnership has rejigged the approved scheme into a part-four and part-six storey development containing 81 retirement living dwellings.

Bolton Clarke's Alma Road project joins Jewish Care's nearby <a href="http://www.jewishcare.org.au/how-to-give/growing.-for-our-community/jewish-care-st-kilda-road/#residential-aged-care">Senior Living and Community Precinct</a> at 619 St Kilda Road; both intend to deliver a substantial boost in retirement living capacity to the area.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image10_15.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Plus Architecture's defunct design and Jewish Care's nearby development"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="189" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image10_15.jpg?itok=8n79wppt" title="Plus Architecture's defunct design and Jewish Care's nearby development" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Plus Architecture's defunct design and Jewish Care's nearby development</figcaption></figure>VCAT provided the original Plus Architecture scheme with approval on 21 June 2017. 

<blockquote>
The most significant change to the approved development discussed above is the use. Instead of residential dwellings (apartments), the proposal seeks to use the land for a retirement village.

The subtle changes to built form and layouts compared to the approved development are necessary elements to respond to the function of the new use proposed. This includes the additional, enhanced communal areas throughout the building, ancillary uses on-site, and a food and drink premises open to the public as well as residents of the building.

Planning report: SJB
</blockquote>

To that end communal space provided within 31-39 Alma Road has increased from 551sqm to 1,498sqm, whilst dwellings numbers have dropped considerably. Car spaces have also dropped from 170 to 109, resulting in expected traffic movements diminishing from 690 to 405 on a daily basis.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image7_16.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Alma Road perspective. Image: Design Worldwide Partnership"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="302" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image7_16.jpg?itok=HY8kLt-Z" title="Alma Road perspective. Image: Design Worldwide Partnership" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Alma Road perspective. Image: Design Worldwide Partnership</figcaption></figure>Design Worldwide Partnership is an irregular entrant into the Apartments.com.au Project Database. Their previous work includes the joint design of <a href="http://dwp.com/community-project/rathdowne-place/">Rathdowne Place</a> with Jackson Architecture, with the result an aged community vertical village.

31-39 Alma Road's increased provision of communal space has resulted in a novel elevated bowls green atop level 4. Additional elevated amenities include multiple terraces, a 'community sky room' and a vegetable garden.

The St Kilda project forms part of Bolton Clarke's push to <a href="https://www.australianageingagenda.com.au/2017/08/08/rsl-care-rdns-rebrands-ambitious-target/">double in size over the next five years in order to maintain market share</a> in the expanding aged care and retirement living sector.
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Bolton Clarke reworks its Alma Road aged care complex

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GUEST OBSERVER
Where we live can play a big part in ageing well, largely because of the links between physical activity and wellbeing.
Research shows that two-thirds of Australians prefer to age in place. That is, we want to live independently in our homes for as long as we can. Our neighbourhoods and their design can then improve or hinder our ability to get out of the house and be physically active.
The rapid ageing of Australia’s population only adds to the importance of neighbourhood design. In 2016, 15% of Australians were aged 65 or older. That proportion is projected to double by 2056.
These trends present several social and economic challenges, particularly for the health sector. Designing neighbourhoods in ways that promote physical activity can help overcome these challenges.
Eight simple steps
The following is a short list of evidence-based steps local and state governments can take to assist older people to be physically active. These involve minor but effective changes to neighbourhood design.
<ol>
<li>Improve footpaths: Research indicates that older people have a higher risk of falls. Ensuring footpaths are level and crack-free, and free from obstructions, will encourage walking among older people – especially those with a disability. 
</li>
<li>Connected pedestrian networks: Introducing footpaths at the end of no-through-roads and across long street blocks reduces walking distances to destinations. This makes walking a more viable option. 
</li>
<li>Slowing traffic in high-pedestrian areas: Slowing traffic improves safety by reducing the risk of a collision. It also reduces the risk of death and serious injury in the event of a collision. 
</li>
<li>Age-friendly street crossings: Installing longer pedestrian crossing light sequences gives older pedestrians more time to cross, and installing refuge islands means those who walk more slowly can cross the street in two stages. 
</li>
<li>Disabled access at public transport: Although a form of motorised transport, public transport users undertake more incidental physical activity compared with car users. This is because they walk between transit stops and their origins and destinations. Improving disabled access helps make public transport a viable option for more older people. 
</li>
<li>Places to rest: Providing rest spots such as benches enables older people to break up their walk and rest when needed. 
</li>
<li>Planting trees: Planting trees creates more pleasant scenery to enjoy on a walk. It also provides shade on hot days. 
</li>
<li>Improving safety: Ensuring that streets are well-lit and reducing graffiti and signs of decay are likely to improve perceptions of safety among older people.</li>
</ol>
Why physical activity matters
Physical function – the ability to undertake everyday activities such as walking, bathing and climbing stairs – often declines as people age. The reason for this is that ageing is often accompanied by a reduction in muscle strength, flexibility and cardiorespiratory reserves.
Regular physical activity can prevent or slow the decline in physical function, even among those with existing health conditions.
Middle-to-older aged adults can reduce their risk of physical function decline by 30% with regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes per week). This includes recreational physical activity, like walking the dog, or incidental physical activity, such as walking to the shops or to visit friends.
By making minor changes as outlined above, the health and longevity of our elderly population can be extended. Such changes will help our elderly age well in place.
Jerome N Rachele, Research Fellow in Social Epidemiology, Institute for Health and Ageing, Australian Catholic University; Jim Sallis, Professorial Fellow, Institute for Health and Ageing, Australian Catholic University, and Emeritus Professor, Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California, San Diego, and Venurs Loh, PhD Candidate, Institute for Health and Ageing, Australian Catholic University
This article was originally published on <a href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/eight-simple-changes-to-our-neighbourhoods-can-help-us-age-well-83962" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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Eight simple changes to our neighbourhoods can help us age well

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Perhaps it's a case of third time lucky for the vacant former home of Coburg High School on Bell Street.

The monster 1.2 hectare site at 81 A Bell Street is back at planning, representing the third design to be proposed for the key site in recent years. Gone is the intent to deliver hundreds of apartments, but rather now advisory and project management firm Beca is overseeing efforts to deliver a substantial retirement village onsite.

Ryman Healthcare is the nominated operator for the intended development which would include 106 high care rooms, 76 assisted living suites 207 apartments tagged as independent living units. Ryman Healthcare specialises in aged care for people over the age of 65.

Five buildings are proposed across the site which is situated within the Coburg Activity Centre, with the tallest rising to 11 levels.

Below left is the previous design which gained a permit during 2015 for then owner Double LZ Development. 391 dwellings were the approved outcome, supported by 430 car parking spaces and retail tenancies.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image11_18.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Obsolete designs for the former Coburg High School site"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="194" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image11_18.jpg?itok=47m6dUK1" title="Obsolete designs for the former Coburg High School site" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Former designs for the former Coburg High School site</figcaption></figure>Under the proposed amendment to the approved scheme, Beca and Ryman Healthcare are looking to implement a markedly different outcome for the site, albeit one which is generally within the built form envelope of the currently approved design.

The sought-after design now at planning is a far way from the initial scheme headed by developer Hamton, seen above right. Hamton, Macquarie Real Estate Equity Fund, Jackson Clement Burrows and SJB Planning were behind the abnormally shaped circular and interlinked development which would have bought 500 plus apartments, 3,000sqm of office/retail space, community facilities and a significant landscaping.

With that particular 2010-approved project consigned to history, the push to amend the currently approved scheme would also see landscaped areas, supplemented by a bowling green, activities areas, swimming pool and library.

According to planning documents, Plus Architecture aided Ryman Healthcare in the design process.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image12_12.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ryman's scheme as rendered from Bell Street with Rodda Street to the left"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="285" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image12_12.jpg?itok=QWHLvS53" title="Ryman's scheme as rendered from Bell Street with Rodda Street to the left" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ryman's scheme as rendered from Bell Street with Rodda Street to the left</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The proposed village has been designed to appropriately address the site interfaces, with careful consideration of adjacent residential properties and existing public open space. Building design has also responded to the neighbourhood character observed throughout the surrounding area.

Site buildings have been carefully articulated to maximise views of open space from windows and balconies, enhancing community living and interaction among residents.

The buildings are proposed to be constructed of a combination of brick, render and aluminium cladding with feature glazing. These materials are consistent with materials used for construction in the surrounding neighbourhoods.
<cite>Beca: Planning &amp; Urban Context Report</cite>
</blockquote>

The pending resolution of the Coburg High School site and its eventual delivery would shape as one of, if not Coburg's largest development in the pipeline.

The highly touted $1 billion, 20-year Coburg Initiative urban regeneration project in partnership between developer Equiset and Moreland City Council was scuttled six years ago. The second big-ticket project to falter within Coburg came by way of Epworth Healthcare's bid to open a private hospital diagonally opposite the Coburg High School site, which eventually amounted to nothing.
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The former Coburg High School site seeks a fresh beginning

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If the only inevitabilities in life are death and taxes, then the economy and government policy will start to reflect it.
This is particularly evident when the baby boomer generation goes through the significant transition to retirement.
In March 2017, an unprecedented value of building work was approved in construction of aged care facilities, totalling $340 million over the month.
Australia’s population aged 65 and over is an estimated 3.7 million people by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Approximately 5 percent are living in retirement communities, or some 184,000 Australians. Based on current projections, Australians aged 65 and over will make up over 20 percent of the population in 10 years’ time.
Despite a rapidly ageing population, the reality of developing aged accommodation – particularly retirement villages – is a harsh one. Like many assets, growth in the residential housing market has crowded out capital for aged accommodation.
According to a 2016 joint survey by the Property Council of Australia and Retirement Living, the national average price of a standard, two bedroom independent living unit increased just over 3 percent between 2015 and 2016. In the same period, CoreLogic data shows the national standard dwelling increased 7.3 percent.
Competition for vacant land, age friendly regulation compliance and investment into green technology to reduce long term service fees are factors that can inflate initial investment. This is amplified by the average tenure in retirement villages, which is approximately 12 years.
However, some areas across the country lend themselves to aged care development. Advantages such as relatively affordable land and mild climates make them popular with retirees. New incentives to downsize introduced in the federal budget may further boost these areas.
CoreLogic data of aged care facilities, independent living units and retirement villages reveals the areas most likely to benefit from the ageing population.
Of the states and territories, the most aged accommodation construction is occurring in New South Wales. The state has 113 projects with construction commenced or imminent over the next five years.
Within New South Wales, the highest frequency regions for construction were The Hills Shire, Newcastle, Wyong and Gosford. Between these regions, there are 26 aged care accommodation projects either approved or commenced, with completion expected by 2023. Newcastle, Wyong and Gosford offer lower land prices along the coast. As for the Hills Shire, while its lack of public transport to the city makes it relatively unattractive for young professionals, the area has a quiet, leafy exclusivity for retirement communities.
The number of aged accommodation developments in each state and territory is generally proportionate to population. The exception is South Australia, where there are 56 developments expected to be completed over the next few years. Of these, 10 are located in Onkaparinga Council, and 6 are located in the Port Adelaide Enfield region. South Australia has a higher proportion of 65’s and over to the total population.
Looking at individual council areas, Brisbane City is by far the most popular spot for aged accommodation projects. In the last 5 years, the region has seen over $725 million in aged care and aged living construction, ranging from upgrades of existing facilities to a $60 million integrated care facility at Carina. By 2020, a further 22 projects in the space are expected to be completed. In the same period, a further 11 are planned for the Moreton Bay Regional area, 9 in the Sunshine coast and 5 in Toowoomba.
A common trend in new developments is the blending of care types in the one precinct, such as the three tiered levels of care in The Village Coorparoo, mean that people are likely to stay on the one site for a longer period of time, or, ‘age in place’. The ageing in place model was also adopted in the recently completed Woodlands Aged Care Facility in the Sunshine Coast.
In the residential care sector, the Aged Care Financing Authority estimates that over the next decade, approximately 76,000 new places will be required, compared with just 35,000 established in the previous decade. In addition, much of the existing stock will require a knockdown and rebuild. The forecast investment required over the next decade is $33 billion. While the initial costs make aged accommodation unappealing for the average investor, the boomer retirement transition could represent a further boom for the construction industry.
Cameron Kusher is head of research for CoreLogic. You can contact him <a href="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/about/" target="_blank">here</a>.
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The areas capitalising on an ageing population: Cameron Kusher

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Seniors living and aged care architect Marchese Partners has had two projects receive awards with the Mark Moran Vaucluse development in Sydney’s east was named the winner of the Excellence in Aged Care category at the UDIA NSW Awards for Excellence and Queensland's AVEO Clayfield nominated for the 2016 Best Over 50’s housing in the Global Awards.
Both were launched in  2016.
Marchese Partners’ chairman Eugene Marchese said in Australia we are slowly seeing the rise of new seniors living and aged care developments.
“Developments like this are going to become standard practice for this demographic because for too long seniors had to put up with living in facilities that were designed in the 70s," he said.
“The retiring generation is giving the retirement living sector a shakeup.
“No longer are they interested in just putting up with the current stock, they’re demanding more.
“That’s why as designers and architects we have to provide them a product that is designed to their lifestyle, and the projects at Vaucluse and Clayfield have done exactly that.” 
The Mark Moran Vaucluse development features 176 suites and 14 independent living units encircling a Village Square, integrating retail, commercial, entertainment, and community facilities.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Mark Moran's Vaucluse seniors living development wins excellence awards

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The next wave of projects readying for construction will see well in excess of $1 billion worth of additional development across Melbourne. Supplementing recently awarded projects and open construction tenders, a handful of major projects are also seeking permits to begin the construction process.

The most recent site to receive builders signage is CBD Development Group's 288 Albert Street, with LU Simon snaring Brunswick's tallest current development. At 14 levels, 288 Albert Street joins the likes of Reflections and The Burgin Residence (ABD Group), Dux Richmond Hill (Hacer Group) and Meridian (Platinum Constructions) as projects which have builders in place, but have yet to start works onsite.

Combined the above five projects alone will add near enough to 750 new apartments to Melbourne's inner suburbs.

Whilst the above projects are poised to begin construction, a wave of additional projects are at construction tender. Among them are two aged care projects that continue Melbourne's verticalisation of retirement living.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image28_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Design firm smith+tracey's St Kilda Road development will become reality"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="407" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image28_3.jpg?itok=f0986tyy" title="Design firm smith+tracey's St Kilda Road development will become reality" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Architecture firm smith+tracey's St Kilda Road design will become reality</figcaption></figure>Jewish Care Victoria and TLC Aged Care are both pursuing their respective projects on St Kilda Road and Queens Parade, Clifton Hill. With both freshly listed as new construction tenders, the end result will be hundreds of new aged care and community care beds, along with various facilities and services supplementing either development.

With its call to construction <a href="/news/construction-beckons-for-queens-place">recently outlined on Urban.com.au</a>, Queens Place Tower 1 headlines the prospective residential builds at tender. At the lower end of the size spectrum a swag of residential projects are also looking to lock away a builder. 

Rosslyn Apartments, Harvard Apartments, Piccolo Developments' 228-230 Dorcas Street, Rockley Gardens, 7-15 Little Oxford Street and the John Wardle Architects-designed 424 Malvern Road are all at tender.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/ext1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rosslyn Apartments. Image: The Buchan Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="325" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ext1.jpg?itok=jCpz-FKb" title="Rosslyn Apartments. Image: The Buchan Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rosslyn Apartments. Image: The Buchan Group</figcaption></figure>In the student living stakes two noteworthy projects are at tender.

IGLU's 229 Franklin Street is a roughly 30 level tower that will mark the provider's entry into the Melbourne market, whilst Flemington Road is in for another shot of student living development. This is likely in the form of 5-17 Flemington Road, although a number of other student apartment projects are also active in the area.

From a commercial perspective three projects are preparing their tilt at construction, headlined by 161 Collins Street's T&amp;G Building refurbishment which is at tender. Owner Pembroke Real Estate's plans for the historic building involve a Bates Smart-driven overhaul of the famed Melbourne landmark.

Direct off Apartments.com.au's Forum is news that two of the CBD's larger commercial proposals have taken steps toward construction. 405 Bourke Street is subject to a Construction Management Plan submission which is with City of Melbourne and reportedly calls for a 10 month demolition and excavation programme, followed by 27 months of construction.

A Demolition Management Plan is also up for 477 Collins Street, with the Mirvac-backed development inching toward construction. Demolition is slated through to mid 2017, with construction complete in time for accounting firm Deloitte as the initial tenant to take up space by June 2020.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/side-elevation.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="405 Bourke Street as per the development's website"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="813" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/side-elevation.jpg?itok=UdkioSBY" title="405 Bourke Street as per the development's website" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>405 Bourke Street as per the development's website</figcaption></figure>
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