Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> is the latest to jump into St Leonards booming Transport Oriented Development precinct.

The developer, which has previously delivered Sapphire by the Gardens apartment development in Melbourne, identified the Atchison Street site in 2023. It filed a Scoping Report around 12 months ago, and now has revealed the designs for the new&nbsp;40-storey mixed-use tower.

The State Significant Development Application covers <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/projects/14650/summary">20-22 Atchison Street</a>, a 1,374 sqm site positioned between St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the project would deliver 181 apartments, above a four-storey commercial podium, five basement levels, and new public domain works along Mitchell Street. The apartment mix comprises 35 one-bedroom apartments, 39 one-bedroom-plus-study apartments, 85 two-bedroom apartments, and 22 three-bedroom residences.

The proposal has been lodged as a shop-top housing development under the NSW Government’s TOD planning pathway, which allows increased density around key transport infrastructure. The site sits within the recently rezoned Crows Nest Accelerated TOD Precinct.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b799673d-48e2-46b0-801a-0e33a9330100" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20site.png?VersionId=dPh0UfwfaHpbFL1R7H1cbZNbIW0CHbCC" />

SP Setia acquired the Atchison Street site as part of its continued expansion into the Australian apartment market. In comments made to City &amp; Country (The Edge Malaysia) in 2023, SP Setia President and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai described the acquisition as “a strategic move” aligned with the group’s post-pandemic market recovery strategy.

“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.

The tower has been designed as a slender vertical form rising from a mixed-use podium, with COX Architecture positioning the development as a response to the evolving St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline.

“The purpose of the project is to facilitate the delivery of high-quality housing at a strategically located site and deliver a built tower outcome that is consistent with the desired future character of St Leonards and aligns with the TOD controls,” the design report stated.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a85eee-76f7-436c-a6da-73ba827b9b13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20entry.png?VersionId=dA9jHGPMcm.dDbwk4QfxqWiY5bfh3UVt" />

The podium would incorporate retail uses fronting Atchison Street, commercial tenancies, landscaped communal areas, and pedestrian improvements along Mitchell Street. Vehicle access and loading would be consolidated via Atchison Lane.

Residents would have access to more than 665 sqm of communal indoor and outdoor spaces, while the development proposes 96 parking spaces across five basement levels.

The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.

COX said the tower form responds directly to the emerging high-density character of the precinct while seeking to maximise solar access, cross ventilation, and outlook from apartments.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2163f85c-f63b-4be3-aafa-f8763976cec5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_5.png?VersionId=WiAmtIKJ6.ZQ41EtYEQ1fol7AeorKBlL" />

“The building is orientated towards north,” the Apartment Design Guide compliance report noted, adding that the tower’s slim form was driven by the constrained inner-urban site dimensions.

The design also incorporates landscaped setbacks and communal open space at podium level, intended to soften the interface with surrounding streets and improve pedestrian amenity.

The project adds to a growing wave of redevelopment proposals reshaping St Leonards and Crows Nest following the opening of the Sydney Metro City line and the NSW Government’s push for higher-density housing around major transport nodes.

Last week Stockland filed plans just down the road. They want to build a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">52-storey tower on Pacific Highway</a>.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower&nbsp;</a>

Joel Robinson

First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.

The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.

The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.

SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”

The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" />

The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.

A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.

Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" />

The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.

Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.

The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.

First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s latest tower at Wickham interchange

Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;

Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">premium site at 180 Macquarie Street</a> features uninterrupted river frontage in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held residential precincts.&nbsp;

The proposed development, currently under assessment with Brisbane City Council, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and will deliver a boutique collection of premium residences positioned specifically for owner occupiers and downsizers.&nbsp;

The residences are set to redefine luxury apartment living in the area, with a focus on architectural quality, refined finishes, landscape integration and elevated amenities including curated wellness facilities, resort-style pools and recreation spaces rarely seen in the local market.&nbsp;

Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;

Bottega House Managing Director Nick Malloch said the project reflects the group’s ambition to deliver a highly curated residential offering within one of Brisbane’s most tightly held precincts.&nbsp;

“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;

“Our vision from the outset was to create a boutique collection of residences that feel more like private homes than traditional apartments, with generous proportions, refined finishes and exceptional amenity throughout."

Malloch says there is a&nbsp;lack of premium owner-occupier stock of this quality in the market, particularly for downsizers wanting space, privacy and a true lifestyle offering without compromise.&nbsp;

"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.

“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]

Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]

Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.

The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]

More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.
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[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

Local Little Bay residents, along with buyers from premium postcodes across Sydney’s affluent Eastern Suburbs, have dominated purchases in developer-builder Urban Property Group’s first Eastern Suburbs apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a>.

The $250 million coastal project, one of the first new developments in the area in several years, has proven particularly popular with downsizers, especially those from Coogee and Bondi. One Double Bay downsizer paid $4.7 million for a four-bedroom penthouse, setting a new local apartment price record in the process.

Buyers have been attracted to the combination of coastal tranquillity, premium design and amenity-rich neighbourhood living. The walkable village setting, along with proximity to three of Sydney’s leading golf courses, New South Wales Golf Club, St Michael’s Golf Club and The Coast Golf Club, has also been a key drawcard.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352689]

Built across two low-rise buildings designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hill-thalis-architecture-urban-projects-pty-ltd">Hill Thalis</a> and set along a lush, landscaped green spine, designed by leading landscape architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>, ESTE Little Bay offers a collection of one, two, three and four-bedroom residences with interiors by Richards Stanisich.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> Sales Director, Tom McIvor said the response to ESTE has been "nothing short of extraordinary."

“Buyers have been quick to recognise ESTE as a rare opportunity to invest in a coastal sanctuary that offers both seclusion and connectivity to the heart of Sydney,” McIvor said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352687]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">SRM Residential</a> Senior Director, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">Clayton Ross</a> said the local market has responded incredibly well, driven by ESTE’s exceptional location and the rarity it offers.

“We’ve seen strong interest from a variety of buyer groups, all of whom are drawn to the exclusivity and quality of the build and construction by the 4.5-star iCIRT-rated builder / developer, Urban Property Group. There’s truly nothing else like it along Sydney’s coastline.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352690]

The project also includes robust buyer protections, including Resilience Insurance’s Latent Defects Insurance, providing 10 years of structural cover, and an independent iCIRT-rating of the developer.

“The iCIRT-rating adds another layer of confidence,” Ross added. “Buyers see it as a safeguard for their investment and their lifestyle.” A highlight of ESTE’s offering is its exclusive wellness amenities, including a heated rooftop infinity pool and outdoor heated spa, a state-of-the-art Technogym fitness centre, and a sauna.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a> is topped out and is on track to complete towards the end of 2026, with residents moving in before Christmas.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112343]

Eastern Suburbs buyers snap up ESTE Little Bay apartments

Apartments

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Sydney-based developer PAYCE Consolidated is pushing to realiase a greater number of apartments within their expansive Melrose Park renewal project.

City of Parramatta has released planning details on PAYCE Consolidated's second stage of the Melrose Park development which the developer describes as "the new Australian dream, a welcoming neighbourhood with a sense of place."

Amended plans submitted call for 27 apartments to be added to the already approved concept plan, 42 additional car parking spaces and an augmented building form. The second stage is expected to cost in excess of $76 million to build.

The sprawling site is addressed 657-661 Victoria Road and 4-6 Wharf Road. It fell under the control of Payce Consolidated and project partner Sekisui House Australia during 2016, when a $160 million transaction for the 4.5 hectare site was executed with fellow developer Aqualand.

<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/image98_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melrose Park Stage 2. Image: PAYCE Consolidated"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="490" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image98_0.jpg?itok=NKz0VZEX" title="Melrose Park Stage 2. Image: PAYCE Consolidated" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melrose Park Stage 2. Image: PAYCE Consolidated</figcaption></figure>The revised Stage 2 plans which landed at planning during June see Allen Jack+Cottier Architects charged with the project's design. A U-shaped building on an island site within the larger development will accommodate 234 apartments.

The living mix sees 20 studio, 71 single, 130 double and 13 triple bedroom apartments in play.

A large communal open space is central to the apartment block, as are rooftop terraces which account for approximately a third of all roof space. 3 basement levels are expected to accommodate 281 car parking spaces.

The former Aqualand site has been segregated into superlot development plots, with Stage 2 noted as being superlot AD. It is set back from Victoria Road and Wharf Road, with another stage dubbed superlot AC to straddle both major frontages. 

<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/image99_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Stage 2 siting within a wider context. Planning image: AJ+C"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="360" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image99_2.jpg?itok=pwO7RXQb" title="Stage 2 siting within a wider context. Planning image: AJ+C" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Stage 2 siting within a wider context. Planning image: AJ+C</figcaption></figure>The rejigging of stage 2 is but one portion of the overall Melrose Park precinct controlled by PAYCE Consolidated; it stands to become one of Australia's larger stand-alone urban renewal developments, spanning approximately 30 hectares.

The targeted apartment output for the project sits at approximately 5,000, with 1,500 new jobs also expected. Additionally, a host of communal inclusions are expected within Melrose Park, such as public parks, an amphitheatre and a childcare centre.

Marketing for the initial stage of the precinct has begun in earnest, with Melrose Park's development timeline stretched out to beyond a decade.

<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/image100_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="What could be for Melrose Park. Image: PAYCE Consolidated"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="340" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image100_0.jpg?itok=KqIvbQ7D" title="What could be for Melrose Park. Image: PAYCE Consolidated" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>What could be for Melrose Park. Image: PAYCE Consolidated</figcaption></figure>
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silvermb

PAYCE pushes for more apartments in Melrose Park

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Townhouses are leading the charge in Melbourne's west in terms of what is currently being offered to buyers, with two major projects notching significant development milestones.

Stockland is set to move the first stage of its Orion at Braybrook townhouse precinct to construction, appointing Glenvill Projects as head contractor. Orion at Braybrook is Stockland’s largest stand-alone medium density project in Australia, incorporating a hefty 422 townhouses.

The first stage though is now in the hands of Glenvill Projects who specialise in the construction of townhouse and medium density apartment projects.

The 11.5-hectare precinct is the design of DKO Architecture and sits adjacent to 10 additional hectares of parkland. 

<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/image5_17.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="One of Orion at Braybrook's differing townhouse designs. Image: DKO Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="380" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image5_17.jpg?itok=BLLdHN7q" title="One of Orion at Braybrook's differing townhouse designs. Image: DKO Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>One of Orion at Braybrook's differing townhouse designs. Image: DKO Architecture</figcaption></figure>Stockland's Ben Cantwell said that Orion at Braybrook "will set a new benchmark for housing innovation in Melbourne’s inner-west so we sought to partner with Glenvill Projects because of their many years of experience and excellent track record of quality work.

Orion at Braybrook is also a key component of Stockland’s strategy to help meet Victoria’s housing demand by providing exceptional housing options for homebuyers at all stages of life."

Underlining the latent demand for townhouses on Melbourne's west, Bewise Property Group also recently launched the first stage of <a href="http://www.hampsteadpark.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Maidstone's Hampstead Park</a>. 

Having picked up 82-96 Hampstead Road during 2016 for $41.5 million, Bewise Property Group's townhouse aspect of the development consists of 157 dwellings. ClarkeHopkinsClarke assumed design duties for the project, creating both low and medium-rise buildings within the overall development.

<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_23.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hampstead Park's initial release. Image: Bewise Property Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image7_23.jpg?itok=Ue3wLvqo" title="Hampstead Park's initial release. Image: Bewise Property Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hampstead Park's initial release. Image: Bewise Property Group</figcaption></figure>Whilst the townhouse aspect will serve to meet demand in the current market, Hampstead Park's overall plan also includes mid-rise apartment buildings above a raft of retail and community-based tenancies.

The townhouses are arranged around a communal park, whilst the apartments buildings front the site's perimeter. According to ClarkeHopkinsClarke 400 plus apartments are in the pipeline, as is a supermarket, community centre, medical centre and child care centre.

One the precinct's design ClarkeHopkinsClarke states that "Based on the 4 key principles of Community, Integration, Identity and Sustainability, the design will aspire to create a modern and vibrant community, that integrates within the existing context of the site, has a strong sense of identity, and shapes a socially and environmentally sustainable environment. 

The development will set a new benchmark for mixed-use developments, increasing population density, without overloading current infrastructure, and act as a catalyst for future urban renewal."

For now though both the Braybrook and Maidstone townhouse releases are adequately meeting buyer demand, particularly from a townhouse perspective.

<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/image6_22.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A potential future stage of Hampstead Park. Image: CHC"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="296" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image6_22.jpg?itok=W292Sazf" title="A potential future stage of Hampstead Park. Image: CHC" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A potential future stage of Hampstead Park. Image: ClarkeHopkinsClarke</figcaption></figure>
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Braybrook and Maidstone step into the development spotlight

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131-139 Sturt Street began as a 42 level development when Apartments.com.au first reported on the development application during <a href="/news/the-best-of-intentions-135-sturt-street-southbank">2015</a>. 

In <a href="/news/another-sturt-street-skyscraper-is-brought-back-down-to-earth">2017</a> the site saw a re-design which was ultimately supported by City of Melbourne planners and today the site and Hayball-designed scheme has been offered for sale.

Colliers International is handling the sale which includes 200 plus permitted apartments over 18 levels, plus a mixed-use ground floor offering that could include retail, commercial or arts uses. The site currently hosts the offices of architecture firm Hayball, who were integral in the approvals process.

The 2884.6sqm site has frontages to Sturt and Dodds Street and benefits from direct access to East Coburg, the CBD, South Melbourne and Albert Park by having the #1 tram route on Sturt Street.

The original design as we first profiled it in 2015 included 42 levels with 341 apartments, including studio, 1, 2, 3 and penthouse configurations. 226 car and 151 bicycle spaces were also included.  

The former proposal also included communal spaces over levels 12, 13 and 39 and was slated to include over 2,000 square metres of adaptable retail/commercial space.

The site is located in Melbourne's Arts precinct with near neighbours including the Malthouse Theatre and the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art. Further along Sturt Street toward the CBD, the state government recently <a href="/news/back-to-the-noughties-melbournes-arts-precinct-set-to-get-a-major-makeover">announced its intention to kick off</a> a massive investment in adapting Sturt Street to integrate with the premier arts and cultural facilities on St Kilda Road.

Phase 1 of the State Government initiative will see the site of the former headquarters of Carlton &amp; United Breweries make way for a new National Gallery of Victoria Contemporary, with subsequent phases set to see further culture industry facilities added.

<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/1704_sturt_st_v06.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The view to the city from the 135 Sturt Street site - image: Colliers"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="190" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1704_sturt_st_v06.jpg?itok=jXFvpnYW" title="The view to the city from the 135 Sturt Street site - image: Colliers" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The view to the city from the 135 Sturt Street site - image: Colliers</figcaption></figure>Trent Hobart, Director of Residential at Colliers International's Melbourne office said the site is located in one of Melbourne's most sought after locations, nestled among the arts precinct and near the Royal Botanic Gardens.

<blockquote>
The location, surrounding amenity, proximity to the city and the unbelievable view lines all combine to make this the perfect location for the affluent owner occupier market.

The project has been designed by the renowned Hayball architects who have been a resident and advocate of the Arts precinct for the past 35 years. 

They have created an exceptional building, one that seamlessly fits within its Arts precinct surrounds whilst being flexible and incorporating a high end internal and external design, perfect for the city fringe residential market.
<cite>Trent Hobart, Colliers International</cite>
</blockquote>

An international expression of interest campaign is now active which closes on August 3rd at 2pm.
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Alastair Taylor

Sturt Street's prime development site listed for sale

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<a href="/developments/collingwood-vic-3066">Collingwood's</a> development scene is firing in all regards, as evidenced by the recent sale of a irregularly small site at 109 Langridge Street.

Demand for developable Collingwood land is intense, which earlier this month led to an impressive sales outcome for the mini site which is zoned commercial 2. Capable of being developed, 109 Landridge Street sold at the hands of Beller Commercial for $1.085 million, or more than $10,000 per square metre.

Liam Rafferty of Beller Commercial pointed toward the 108 square metre becoming a multi-level office redevelopment, or being held as a landbank opportunity in the fast-evolving precinct. 

A look at the Apartments.com.au Project Database listings in the immediate area surrounding 109 Landridge Street reinforces the strength in the Collingwood development scene.

<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/image30_16.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="109 Langridge Street. Image: Beller Commercial"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image30_16.jpg?itok=Ylw96NbZ" title="109 Langridge Street. Image: Beller Commercial" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>109 Langridge Street. Image: Beller Commercial</figcaption></figure>The southern area of Collingwood in close proximity to Victoria Parade is currently the development precinct of choice in the area. 24 separate residential projects are in play across Collingwood in its entirety with a healthy number in the aforementioned area.

7 of the 24 residential projects are at construction; these projects at construction are poised to add 500 plus apartments to the suburb's stock, whilst the balance of Collingwood residential projects amount to some 754 apartments in waiting.

The emerging mixed use nature of Collingwood is reflected by the increasing number of commercial developments in play. <a href="/developers/grocon">Grocon</a> has a freshly erected tower crane on the Northbourne commercial development which will add 15,000 square metres, whilst an additional 4 office developments can be expected.

These 4 projects amount to an additional 25,000 square metres. <a href="/developers/pace-development-group">PACE Development Group</a> has begun demolition across <a href="/developments/collingwood-nsw-2850">51 Langridge Street</a> prior to construction proper commencing; the 11 storey SJB-designed building dubbed Brick will account for a small 510 square metre site opposite the PACE of Collingwood apartment development which is also under construction.

<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/image36cll.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Collingwood under construction"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="707" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image36cll.jpg?itok=qEgbkWNv" title="Collingwood under construction" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Collingwood under construction</figcaption></figure>Future Collingwood developments will further diversify the suburb's development boom. A permitted office scheme for <a href="/developments/collingwood-vic-3066">23 Little Oxford Street</a> was recently snapped up by developer/builder <a href="/builders/drakk-pty-ltd">Drakk Pty Ltd</a>, whilst hotel developments are also in the pipeline. 

Tribe Hotel Group is in line to occupy <a href="/developments/collingwood-vic-3066">60 Langridge Street</a>. Developer <a href="/developers/peregrine-projects">Peregrine Projects</a> sold part of its major Langridge Street site, which itself is earmarked for a major office development, to Tribe Hotel Group which is backed by <a href="/developers/salta-properties">Salta Properties</a> among other entities. 

Another major development in the wings is <a href="/developments/collingwood-nsw-2850">128-144 Wellington Street</a>. The sizeable corner site was marketed for sale recently, complete with a mixed-use retail, office and hotel high-rise scheme designed by <a href="/architects/metier3">Metier3</a> as indicative of what could be developed across the site.

<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/image37_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Metier3's take on 128-144 Wellington Street."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="454" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image37_9.jpg?itok=JL7PPmit" title="Metier3's take on 128-144 Wellington Street." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Metier3's take on 128-144 Wellington Street.</figcaption></figure>
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Collingwood kicks into development overdrive

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The string of apartment-based planning applications with 'design excellence' at their core continues within Moreland City Council's boundaries.

Already the heartland for the Nightingale series of apartment projects, other developers too have joined the push to realise sustainable, community-driven apartment developments in the municipality. Apartments.com.au has in recent weeks covered <a href="/news/emphasis-on-sustainable-design-for-milieus-latest-in-brunswick">Milieu's Brunswick development</a> in waiting, in addition to <a href="/news/brunswicks-progressive-apartment-design-dynamic-gains-another-devotee">Excelon's recent Sydney Road</a> application.

Further to the above projects, entity Antipodean Land Developments Pty Ltd is seeking approval for a substantial apartment development in Brunswick East. Breathe Architecture and Kerstin Thompson Architects have collaborated on the design for the project which is sited 10-16 Little Miller Street.

<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/image22_16.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A new Little Miller Street outlook. Planning image: Breathe Architecture / KTA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="328" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image22_16.jpg?itok=E9-VJk-a" title="A new Little Miller Street outlook. Planning image: Breathe Architecture / KTA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A new Little Miller Street outlook. Planning image: BA / KTA</figcaption></figure>For Antipodean, the Little Miller Street site is the second tilt at gaining approval for an apartment project after the entity was given the green light for 77-83 Nicholson Street, Brunswick East during February. That retail and apartment project was also the work of Kerstin Thompson Architects.

10-16 Little Miller Street is located directly behind 77-83 Nicholson Street, Brunswick East, and provided the former gains approval, Antipodean stands to hold the right to deliver just under 200 apartments across both sites.

The Little Miller Street proposal is currently at advertising and features 115 apartments and townhouses across four buildings, arranged around a central green space. A cafe, 235 bicycle bays and 135 car parking spaces across two basement levels constitute the balance of the development.

<h2>Seeking design excellence</h2>

Excerpts from the application's joint Design Statement point toward the architecture firms intent in creating a high-end design across the four separate residential buildings.

<blockquote>
This (the design) has drawn upon the thought leadership in architecture for which each practice is independently renown and our shared values especially around the potential for social and environmental sustainability that stems from the formation of high quality living environments.

Together BA + KTA have collaborated on the site masterplanning and over-arching design principles. Each practice has then undertaken the more detailed design for two of the four buildings that make up an exciting ensemble for the Little Miller street development.

Little Miller Street development aims to be a housing exemplar. In addition to prioritising high quality internal amenity, dwelling diversity and a strong sense of community for its occupants it will also benefit beyond the site to enhance the broader neighbourhood (public realm).

Underpinned by a strong commitment to passive design the project has targeted a 7.5 NatHERS average across the development. HIP V. HYPE Sustainability has worked closely with KTA and BA to identify and adopt measures to improve the project’s environmental, social and economic sustainability.
</blockquote>

<h2>Nicholson Street evolves</h2>

<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/image25_12.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Nightingale Brunswick East and 77-83 Nicholson Street. Images: CHC / KTA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="224" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image25_12.jpg?itok=hEKRiCOP" title="Nightingale Brunswick East and 77-83 Nicholson Street. Images: CHC / KTA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Nightingale Brunswick East and 77-83 Nicholson Street. Images: CHC / KTA</figcaption></figure>Within the grander context of thousands of new apartments in development over the northern reaches of Nicholson Street, a subcontext of developments pushing for heightened design principles is appearing in the area.

10-16 Little Miller Street is adjacent to the freshly at construction Nightingale Brunswick East apartment development. The duo along with 77-83 Nicholson Street are forming a pocket of apartment developments which are focused on passive yet socially progressive design.

These developments are in contrast to more 'typical' apartment developments that lack many of the design nuances that are boasted by projects such as Nightingale Brunswick East and 10-16 Little Miller Street.
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Antipodean style: Another design sensitive apartment project for Brunswick East

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One of South Yarra's largest apartment developments will proceed to construction with Hickory Group announcing it is the builder of choice for Yarra One.

Eco World International's sole Melbourne project will proceed immediately to construction as demolition across the site wraps up. Hickory Group will build the 27 storey apartment tower, which includes 256 apartments set over 37,000 plus square metres of built form.

The move to construction follows a development process which saw Eco World International acquire the project from fellow Malaysian-based developer Salcon Development.

Alongside the apartments, Hickory Group will also deliver amenities within the tower which include a library, dining room, gym, wellness retreat and wine room. The project's main publicly accessible feature is a large multi-purpose atrium/ arbour, which has become somewhat of a design showpiece across various Fender Katsalidis-designed projects.

<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/image6_21.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Yarra One's atrium which includes a pedestrian link to Daly Street. Image: Hickory Group "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="300" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image6_21.jpg?itok=Vy_eqpGK" title="Yarra One's atrium which includes a pedestrian link to Daly Street. Image: Hickory Group " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Yarra One's atrium which includes a pedestrian link to Daly Street. Image: Hickory Group</figcaption></figure>Yarra One's 52 one bedroom, 158 two bedroom, 42 three bedroom apartments and four Penthouse apartments are scheduled to be completed by July 2020 following a 25-month construction timeline.

Hickory Group's South Yarra success adds to three additional builds which have yet to break ground. Chadstone's MGallery by Sofitel and Queens Road's Victoriana apartment project have recently been awarded to Hickory Group, whilst the builder will shortly begin works on a Southbank office complex which it will part occupy upon completion.

Urban.com.au recently <a href="/news/hickory-appointed-to-build-chadstones-mgallery-by-sofitel-hotel">covered the appointment of Hickory Group</a> to the Chadstone development. Hickory will incorporate large prefabricated elements such as stairs and walls in order to deliver the 250 hotel rooms over little more than a year from now.

<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_21.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Victoriana on Queens Road. Image: JD Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="293" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image7_21.jpg?itok=hkycqfI4" title="Victoriana on Queens Road. Image: JD Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Victoriana on Queens Road. Image: JD Group</figcaption></figure>Also set to start this year is JD Group's Victoriana luxury apartment development. Victoriana will include 250 oversized 2, 3, and 4 bedroom apartments over 18 levels, and multiple pools over the building's upper levels.

The Rothelowman-designed project requires that Hickory Group deliver 41,000 plus square metres of built form on a double site overlooking Albert Park. December 2020 is the anticipated completion date.

The last of Hickory Group's quartet of projects which have yet to break ground is perhaps the most interesting. The builder will relocate to a purpose-built office development at 68 Clarke Street upon its completion which is slated for the third quarter of 2019.

The Elenberg Fraser-designed office building "takes on new design thinking for a more people-centered approach; reinventing the way we work".

That translates to features such as a targeted 5 star NABERS rating, novel thermal control solutions, a heavily greened facade, green internal atrium and greenhouses/edible gardens across multiple terraces.

<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/image5_16.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="68 Clarke Street. Image: Hickory Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="389" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image5_16.jpg?itok=XDt9gFiP" title="68 Clarke Street. Image: Hickory Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>68 Clarke Street. Image: Hickory Group</figcaption></figure>The arrival of Hickory Group's latest quartet of projects comes on the tail end of a number of builds that are nearing completion. Opera Melbourne, Atira La Trobe Street and the adjacent Conservatory apartment tower are structurally complete, with completion for all three projects imminent.
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Yarra One adds to Hickory Group's plump workbook

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One of the latest planning applications to be advertised via City of Boroondara underlines the growing ambitions of Balwyn-based developer Melstone.

352-358 Canterbury Road is Melstone's latest endeavour, having enlisted Elenberg Fraser to deliver a design that will capitalise upon Melstone's confidence in Melbourne's local apartment market. The Surrey Hills project intends to replace a permit for a more modest Neil Architecture-designed scheme of 29 predominantly townhouse dwellings.

Conversely Melstone hopes to yield 42 apartments across the 5 level proposal which has a development cost of $20 million. Asked by Apartments.com.au, Melstone says the Surrey Hills project will squarely be aimed at local downsizers and owner occupiers.

<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/image86_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Wide pan view of 352-358 Canterbury Road. Image: Melstone"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="280" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image86_6.jpg?itok=AvNG0ezA" title="Wide pan view of 352-358 Canterbury Road. Image: Melstone" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Wide pan view of 352-358 Canterbury Road. Image: Melstone</figcaption></figure>352-358 Canterbury Road has been positioned to become the area's premier apartment development, as described by urban planning agency proUrban:

<blockquote>
The proposed development presents an elegant, mid-rise, mixed-use building of architectural excellence on an underutilised inner-urban landholding. The building proposes to reinforce an emerging character of mid-rise buildings, as emphasised within planning policy and evidenced through recent planning approvals in the area for buildings of increased scale.
</blockquote>

As a result the Surrey Hills proposal's apartment split sees 4 single, 25 double and 13 triple bedroom apartments.

Surrey Hills though is not the only apartment development on Melstone's agenda. A display suite sits at the ready at 33-35 Ringwood Street, after the DKO Architecture-designed application gained approval during April.

<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/image87_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="33-35 Ringwood Street. Image: DKO Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image87_3.jpg?itok=kURsXIkk" title="33-35 Ringwood Street. Image: DKO Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>33-35 Ringwood Street. Image: DKO Architecture</figcaption></figure>The Ringwood development is a seven storey mixed use project consisting of a basement car park, ground floor retail spaces and apartments above. Apartments.com.au <a href="/news/ringwoods-has-600-apartments-under-construction-as-a-new-project-nears-launch">recently highlighted</a> the currently robust Ringwood apartment market, with 600 apartments now under construction.

Melstone expect 33-35 Ringwood Street to launch in coming months, and will be aimed at capitalise upon the underlying demand for apartments in the suburb.

Melstone's largest project was a Box Hill apartment development which they successfully sold during 2017 with a permit in place. 16-22 Wellington Road includes approximately 130 apartments over 14 levels in another design conceived by Elenberg Fraser.

The Box Hill project entered planning during early 2016 under the guidance of Melstone and found approval late in the same year.

Melstone's rise to prominence is reflective of many Melbourne developers who began with small-scale apartment or townhouse pursuits and have progressed to more robust developments, mirroring the growing appetite for apartments across wider Melbourne.

<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/image84_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Box Hill's 16-22 Wellington Road. Image: Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="539" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image84_10.jpg?itok=rBSxb3Jn" title="Box Hill's 16-22 Wellington Road. Image: Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Box Hill's 16-22 Wellington Road. Image: Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>
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Melstone moves on Melbourne's eastern suburbs

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Another of Brunswick East's prime development lots is at planning, accounting for well known Middle Eastern eatery Rumi and an adjacent at grade car park.

Collingwood-based Architects EAT have designed the apartment block, arguably hitting an interesting balance between form and function. 116-118 Lygon Street is the latest project to show a heightened degree of design nous along the established apartment strip, potentially adding another strong addition to the higher density design dynamic which has swept along the northern reaches of Lygon Street.

Potentially in that the application has just reached advertising with Moreland City Council, and is some time away from a decision.

Expected to fall to development for some time, the application's proponent Deryan &amp; Co Pty Ltd took the application to planning late in 2017. An island site, the application also absorbs the adjacent 205 Edward Street.

<h2>116-118 Lygon Street application summary</h2>

<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/image40_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="High activation over the rear of the site. Planning image: Architects EAT"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="427" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image40_11.jpg?itok=tS7mAOpL" title="High activation over the rear of the site. Planning image: Architects EAT" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>High activation over the rear of the site. Planning image: Architects EAT</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site area: 1,275sqm with 4 frontages</li>
	<li>Proposed: 8 level apartment block at 24.5m in height</li>
	<li>47 apartments: 4 x 1BR, 37 x 2BR, 6 x 3BR</li>
	<li>2 basement levels for 72 vehicles and 111 bicycles</li>
	<li>5 retail tenancies: 275.4sqm</li>
	<li>New Rumi restaurant: 246.7sqm</li>
	<li>Ground floor communal area and rooftop terrace</li>
</ul>
<h2>Design basis</h2>

Architects EAT via their website note the arch is a symbol of a gateway, an entry, transition or landmark, thus the arched window was employed across the building. "We looked at the arched window prevalent in Brunswick’s eclectic neighbourhood and have transported it to the 21st century to match modern-day living."

The above is reinforced by planning agency Hansen Partnership who describe 116-118 Lygon Street in the following way:

<blockquote>
The proposed building is of high architectural quality and incorporates a number of different elements to break up the form and ensure that it is an interesting building both at a pedestrian scale but also in the broad context of views from further north and south of Lygon Street and from the east and west of Edward Street.

At the podium level, the balconies will be vertically framed with steel metal fins and mesh balustrades to provide balcony protection, these have been designed in scalloped form along the Cocoa Jacksons Lane, Lygon and Edward Street.
</blockquote>

<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/image41_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Lygon Street frontage. Planning image: Architects EAT"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="362" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image41_10.jpg?itok=MY2Uxo76" title="Lygon Street frontage. Planning image: Architects EAT" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Lygon Street frontage. Planning image: Architects EAT</figcaption></figure><h2>Changing the Lygon form</h2>

Lygon Street's changing built form has in itself evolved over recent years. Earlier apartment developments were very much rudimentary in their exterior expression, heavily dependant upon precast elements.

Hansen Partnership notes that the swing to higher density "change has already started to occur and is notable along Lygon Street with the level of mixed-use buildings under construction or recently finished. Approved developments are largely representative of the outcomes anticipated under the DDO19, with various heights that fall within and outside of the discretionary height limit, dependant on context."

116-118 Lygon Street is the latest application to enforce the upswing in design quality along Lygon Street. More recent atypical designs to land Brunswick East's Lygon Street include 396 Lygon Street and <a href="/new-apartments/362-366-lygon-street-brunswick-east">362-366 Lygon Street</a>.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image47_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Lygon Street has gained some architectural merit"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="1041" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image47_10.jpg?itok=Nzg49L_i" title="Lygon Street has gained some architectural merit" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Lygon Street has gained some architectural merit</figcaption></figure>
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Having your cake and EATing it on Brunswick East's Lygon Street

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Brisbane-based landscape contractor Martin Brothers is shining a light upon the increased utilisation of rooftop spaces across a host of Brisbane-based apartment projects.

So much so, in release penned by the landscape construction and maintenance firm, they posed the question; is rooftop amenity the new standard inclusion for residential development? The fortitude Valley-based builder has extensive experience in a range of high density and detached residential, commercial projects, and has 40 staff on its books.

In an inner city residential context, Martin Brothers contend that the new Great Australian Dream is an apartment, particularly for young Australians looking to own their first home. The sustained growth in apartment living in Brisbane, and the continued differentiation of product in the market, has seen amenities, particularly useable rooftop space, take precedence.

<blockquote>
As apartment living becomes a standard choice for not only Millennials but also many downsizing retirees, developers need to think about how they improve their customers’ quality of high density living.

Especially in cities like Brisbane, that enjoy a temperament climate year-round, planning the inclusion of beautifully landscaped rooftop amenity can not only help developers capitalise on once-overlooked space, but also improve the capital value of their residents’ apartments over the long term.

Brisbane City Council’s ‘Buildings that Breathe’ guidelines have resulted in rooftop amenity being increasingly recognised for its potential, and for subtropical tailored infrastructure, developers are utilising rooftop space as an asset, which in turn becomes a major talking point for their development.
<cite>Jack Martin, co-founder and Director</cite>
</blockquote>

The prime example is Silk One who's recently launched marketing and sales campaign saw its rooftop terrace space become the primary selling aspect of the apartment project. Apartments.com.au <a href="/news/silk-one-secures-woolloongabbas-best-seat-in-the-house">covered the project last month</a>; it boasts Brisbane's only rooftop Skystand which will include tiered seating and unobstructed views over The Gabba.

<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/image32_17.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Silk One's Skystand. Image: CBRE"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="338" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image32_17.jpg?itok=SIIJuFfQ" title="Silk One's Skystand. Image: CBRE" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Silk One's Skystand. Image: CBRE</figcaption></figure>Martin Brothers has recently completed three major rooftop amenity areas atop high-density residential projects in inner Brisbane. The lead image depicts the firm's build for Oxley and Stirling, a 16-storey South Brisbane project designed by Elenberg Fraser.

Atop the tower is a 1,300 square metre communal rooftop space which includes a pergola laden with greenery, a lap and plunge pool, al fresco barbeques, day beds and terraced seating areas. Martin Brothers describe the South Brisbane project's rooftop amenity as a national benchmark.

On the back of developments such as Oxley and Stirling, Martin Brothers are urging developers to capitalise on a huge opportunity to leverage what is traditionally a ‘second thought' on most projects.

<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/image33_15.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Pinnacle@Duxton's rooftop garden. Image: ArchitectureLab"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="421" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image33_15.jpg?itok=hbb-YLRI" title="Pinnacle@Duxton's rooftop garden. Image: ArchitectureLab" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Pinnacle at Duxton's rooftop garden. Image: ArchitectureLab</figcaption></figure>In terms of benchmarking, Mr Martin has found overseas projects particularly inspirational.

<blockquote>
Looking abroad to more densely developed cities such as Hong Kong, Tokyo and Singapore, developers have long leveraged the potential offered by rooftop spaces.

In Hong Kong, for example, the rooftop amenity at Skypark in central Kowloon is geared towards young professionals seeking a lifestyle balance, with developer New World creating a setting primed for socialising and relaxation, offering lawned gardens, a green clubhouse and park spaces with amphitheatre-style outdoor seating.

Mr Martin also singled out Singapore’s Pinnacle at Duxton building, winner of the CTBUH’s award for Best Tall Building Asia &amp; Australasia in 2010, which features the world’s two longest linear sky gardens at 500 metres each.

At 50 levels above ground, the higher sky garden features publicly accessible, tropically-landscaped recreation zones, separate green zones and children’s play equipment, which is prime greenspace for such a high-density urban area.
<cite>Jack Martin, co-founder and Director</cite>
</blockquote>

Martin Brothers has also had a hand in the emerging South City Square development in Woolloongabba. Once complete the project will include six rooftop gardens across five residential towers and a hotel building onsite.

<blockquote>
We worked closely with Pellicano and Oculus to rethink the boundaries of green space in a high-density urban area. Buyers are looking for apartments that offer state-of-the-art design, bespoke fittings and resort-style experiences.

A well-planned rooftop amenity is invaluable, especially in high-density areas that are lacking in green space and outdoor facilities.
<cite>Jack Martin, co-founder and Director</cite>
</blockquote>

 

Lead image: Aria Property Group
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Martin Brothers sees the rooftop amenities area take precedence across Brisbane 

<html><body>
East End Newcastle's developer Iris Capital has pushed through with significant changes to the sprawling development that will eventually account for multiple city blocks.

Chief among the planning manoeuvres was the lodgement of Stage Two with Newcastle City Council during May. Under its East End Stage 2 Pty Ltd subsidiary, Iris Capital intends to realise 129 apartments, retail and commercial spaces within the $50 million development application.

CKDS Architecture has conceived the most recent stage, working with fellow design practice SJB in the 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/image30_15.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="CKDS Architecture's intended Newcastle addition"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="344" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image30_15.jpg?itok=p11pi8iZ" title="CKDS Architecture's intended Newcastle addition" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>CKDS Architecture's intended Newcastle addition</figcaption></figure>Stage Two's built form encompasses 13,695 square metres and includes as many as nine retail tenancies spanning 1,500 square metres. Apartments and retails spaces aside, Stage Two also features a green internal courtyard and north-south laneway that divides the built form into two separate volumes.

CKDS Architecture's take on Stage Two reads as follows:

<blockquote>
The proposed Newcastle East End Stage 2 development carefully navigates the varied conditions of the site through sensitive additions above and between existing heritage buildings.

Together with the reinstatement and upgrade of the finer grain buildings that define the King Street frontage, the proposal considers the historical layering as well as the future aspiration of the East End redevelopment. Multiple design massing options were considered to arrive at the most appropriate built form.

The final proposal combines the site topography, future character as well as the retention of existing buildings. Existing buildings deemed significant are to be restored, celebrated and maintained; ensuring the heritage layering across the site is preserved.
</blockquote>

Meanwhile in unison with Stage Two's lodgement, Iris Capital has also lodged a Modification Application for the overall development which is bound by Hunter, King, Perkins and Newcomen Streets.

A modest increase in overall gross floor area would see 63,116 square metres delivered in total, whilst a reduction in commercial and corresponding increase in retail spaces are also on the agenda. The bulk of the additional floor area has been directed toward Stage Two.

<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/image31_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="SJB's staged concept proposal for the development"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="261" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image31_11.jpg?itok=cufKM8H3" title="SJB's staged concept proposal for the development" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>SJB's staged concept proposal for the overall development</figcaption></figure>Iris Capital's move on Stage Two follows on from East End Newcastle's initial apartment release which occurred in the last quarter of 2017.

Stage One of four consisted of 155 apartments on a site bound by Hunter, Wolfe, King and Perkins Streets; it is the largest of the four development parcels. The initial stage consisted of apartments only, with its construction expected to be complete by mid-2020.

The overall project value is slated at $750 million and upon completion will include substantial retail offerings plus multiple publicly accessible spaces throughout the precinct.

<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/r0_1162_5000_3987_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Iris Capital's released first stage of East End Newcastle"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="328" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/r0_1162_5000_3987_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg?itok=W_i-ai8S" title="Iris Capital's released first stage of East End Newcastle" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Iris Capital's released first stage of East End Newcastle</figcaption></figure>
</body></html>

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