Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

<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/FH_1EzB-1vs?si=XScVlP1ERsTDJoME" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356818]

After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356828]

Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

<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/tsioMLcnjas?si=zq-ys3JuWpfa5hFv" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356829]

Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351104]

Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351102]

Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

Joel Robinson

From ONE to ERA: Why buyers are choosing GWH again in Newcastle West

Virgate Property Group is preparing to commence construction of Verdé, its new apartment development in Melbourne's Arts Precinct at Southbank, following a strong run of sales that has seen more than half of the project's 173 apartments secured.

Verdé has attracted a broad mix of first home buyers, owner-occupiers upgrading from nearby inner-city suburbs and investors, with younger owner-occupier couples aged between 28 and 45 accounting for the strongest enquiry. Many are already living in Southbank, South Melbourne, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and the CBD.

"Verdé is located in one of the most desirable pockets of southern Melbourne," Blair Property Group Director Darren Blair, who is managing sales at Verdé, said.

"It's within walking distance of the Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and Southbank's restaurants and retail. It's a great lifestyle location with strong amenity and liveability, which made it a very attractive choice for the project."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372549]

Virgate was already familiar with the precinct, having previously delivered the successful Domain House development in neighbouring South Melbourne. That experience gave the developer confidence to acquire the Coventry Street site and continue expanding its presence in Melbourne's inner south.

"We had been keeping an eye on the site and the broader precinct for a few months before deciding to move forward with the acquisition," Virgate said.

The project was ultimately secured in 2020 following feasibility studies, planning assessments and due diligence, with the brief centred on delivering "a high-quality, considered design that feels both refined and fit for purpose."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=314259]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, Verdé comprises 173 one, two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $599,000. The architecture is distinguished by a faceted glass façade that responds to both the site's outlook and Melbourne's changing light conditions.

According to Bruce Henderson Architects, the coloured glazing gives the building a distinctive identity while also providing privacy and solar shading, with residences oriented to capture views across the bay, city skyline and surrounding parklands.

Inside, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> has created interiors focused on natural light, efficient planning and enduring materials. Apartments feature engineered oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, floor-to-ceiling glazing and SMEG appliances, while a restrained material palette aims to complement the expansive outlooks rather than compete with them.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372550]

Resident amenity has also been designed around everyday functionality rather than occasional use. Facilities include a concierge-serviced lobby, residents' lounge with fireplace, library and co-working space, gym, terrace garden with barbecue facilities, ground-floor café, and package delivery management.

The project's location continues to be one of its strongest drawcards. Positioned on Coventry Street, Verdé sits within walking distance of the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park Lake, while Southbank's dining precinct, Sturt Street trams and the new ANZAC Station are all nearby. The surrounding education catchment also includes Melbourne Grammar, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School and several major university campuses.

The sales team says buyers have responded particularly well to the combination of location, design quality and long-term liveability.

"They're responding really positively to the quality of the design, premium resident amenities and the uninterrupted views. Many also appreciate the location and how connected it is to everything they need."

The ability to secure stamp duty savings before completion has also been a key factor for purchasers, alongside the opportunity to personalise finishes ahead of settlement.

With construction set to commence soon and more than half the apartments already sold, Verdé enters its next phase as one of the Arts Precinct's more established apartment developments, offering remaining buyers an opportunity to secure a residence before construction advances further. Expected completion is scheduled for late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4661]

Virgate's Verdé Southbank moves toward construction as sales fly past halfway stage

Downsizer-focused apartment development Kooyongkoot in Hawthorn has been recognised at the 2026 Better Future Melbourne Design Awards, taking home Gold and Silver awards in two categories.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a>, currently being delivered by developer PQD and designed by Cera Stribley, received Gold in the Interior Design – Proposed category and Silver in the Architecture – Proposed category.

The dual recognition reflects the design approach behind the boutique development on prestigious Kooyongkoot Road, where the focus has been on creating homes for downsizers seeking the space, quality and functionality of a detached house within a low-rise apartment building.

Rather than maximising apartment numbers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pqd">PQD</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> limited the development to just 18 residences, allowing for larger floorplans, greater privacy, generous landscaping and expansive communal spaces.&nbsp;The majority of the apartments also benefit from corner aspects, allowing for dual sources of natural light.

Now around 70 per cent complete and on track for completion in November 2026, Kooyongkoot will comprise a mix of garden residences, ter​race apartments, sub-penthouses, and is crowned by two half-floor penthouses with direct lift access and private rooftop terraces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355297]

The Silver Award for Architecture recognised the way the building responds to its prominent corner position at the ent​rance to Hawthorn's Scotch Hill precinct, one of Melbourne's most established residential neighbourhoods.

Rather than competing with the grand homes that line Kooyongkoot Road, the architectural approach focused on restraint and longevity, using curved brickwork, generous landscaping and carefully considered proportions to integrate with the existing streetscape.

"The form feels fluid and timeless, as though shaped by the landscape itself – architecture that belongs, rather than competes," said Chris Stribley, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Cera Stribley.

The judging submission also highlighted practical innovations throughout the building, including lift cores servicing only nine homes each, a central landscaped lightcourt designed to bring daylight and ventilation into the building, and fully enclosed private storage rooms with lighting, power and shelving to better accommodate residents transitioning from larger family homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355293]

The Gold Award for Interior Design recognised the project's focus on long-term liveability rather than display-home aesthetics.

According to the awards submission, the interiors were designed from the inside out, prioritising how homes would function over decades of daily use through generous proportions, practical storage, durable natural materials and flexible layouts.

The specification includes natural stone throughout, upgraded acoustic glazing, V-ZUG appliances and fully enclosed storage rooms, alongside an amenity offering focused on wellness, entertainment and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Residents will have access to a gym and yoga studio, a wellness centre featuring traditional and infrared saunas, a cold therapy shower and treatment room, as well as a residents' lounge and golf simulator/cinema room for entertainment.&nbsp;Kooyongkoot has also considered the everyday convenience of its residents by offering a private carwash and pet wash facilities on site as well as dedicated parcel lockers and oversized fully enclosed storage rooms.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355303]

The project's attention to detail has already resonated with buyers. Earlier this year, Kooyongkoot recorded one of Boroondara's highest apartment sales when an $8 million penthouse was purchased by a Melbourne CEO downsizing from a nearby family home.

"Every detail feels deliberate, from the overall design down to the smallest touches," the purchaser said.

"The level of quality and refinement is exceptional, but what really sold it was how liveable it felt... It felt like a place where everything had been considered, not just a luxury building."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355304]

Sustainability also formed a key part of both award submissions. Kooyongkoot is targeting a minimum 7.5-star NatHERS rating across all residences, supported by passive design principles, high-performance glazing, EV charging infrastructure, water reuse systems and a wellness model focused on lower-energy dry facilities rather than pools and large wet areas.

Located within walking distance of Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College, Koo​yong Lawn Tennis Club, Aubur​n Village and Camberwell Junction, Kooyongkoot continues to target owner-occupiers looking to remain in Melbourne's inner east without compromising on space or quality. A limited selection of two, three and four-bedroom residences remains available, with prices starting from $1.9 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102717]

Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=372394]

Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=953]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=925]

Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=5374]

The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Rainbow Bay apartment doubles in price since off the plan sale during pandemic

Apartments

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<a href="/new-apartments/melbourne-vic">Melbourne's</a> tag as the World’s Most Liveable city will have a companion, although the physical manifestation will not avail itself for a few more years yet.

YarraBend which is the reincarnation of the former Alphington Paper Mill site has been identified as the World’s Most Liveable suburb by 2025. The Liveable City Futures report compiled by international trend forecasters, The Future Laboratory, anointed YarraBend as the suburb of choice based upon current and future-facing factors.

These factors which "impact urban planning across the world to identify major trends that will shape the way we live, work and play to create optimised communities" are at the heart of the report. 

The Future Laboratory include standard benchmarks for measures of liveability such as education, infrastructure, crime rates, sustainability and affordability. Beyond these though the report includes indices that reflect further measures such as quality of life, convenience, connectivity, green spaces, wellbeing, innovation and culture.

With all the above factors considered, the United Kingdom-based Laboratory considered YarraBend the most worthy of all future suburban developments on a global scale.

<figure><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="529" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image38_10.jpg?itok=l3mYk85V" title="Mixed use and technologically advanced. Image: Glenvill Group" width="580"><figcaption>Mixed use and technologically advanced. Image: <a href="/developers/glenvill">Glenvill Group</a></figcaption></figure>On the announcement, Co-founder of The Future Laboratory Martin Raymond noted the following:

<blockquote>
Suburbs of the future will generate their own energy, contain their own innovation hubs, monitor our health levels, check our wellbeing, even crowdsource civic engagement at the tap of a screen. Our research finds that factors that will influence liveability in the future boil down to how communities can be optimised through technology and design, supporting convenience, wellbeing, connectedness, collaboration and sustainability.

Developments such as YarraBend are at the forefront of profound cultural shifts in which people – and buildings – are optimising everything, which is why we’ve identified that it will become the World’s Most Liveable Suburb in the future.

Food quarters and artisan quarters have become hugely important in defining and measuring an area’s liveability and are usually found in an area that also places a high emphasis on culture, innovation, design and the entrepreneurial mindset.

This is why cities such as Melbourne, San Francisco, Stockholm, Seattle and Toronto tend to figure concurrently and regularly on Liveable City, Creative City, Culture City and Wellness City indexes.
</blockquote>

Rather than laud the announcement, Glenvill Group, the developer behind YarraBend, was quick to reinforce factors that underpin the perceived future needs and status of the development. Creative Director Len Warson said:

<blockquote>
YarraBend is founded on six visionary pillars, including health and wellbeing, technology, art and design, sustainability, knowledge, food and entertainment. These pillars were identified to reflect the changing needs and desires of the public and shape a new way of living.
</blockquote>

YarraBend design features are set to include:

<ul>
<li>Four parks and a state of the art health and wellness centre complete with an indoor spa, yoga and spin rooms with virtual reality and real life classes, massage rooms, Technogym equipment and indoor pool</li>
</ul>
<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/image35_12.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Spa, Health &amp; Wellness Centre. Image: Glenvill Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="430" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image35_12.jpg?itok=QIPppCti" title="Spa, Health &amp; Wellness Centre. Image: Glenvill Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Spa, Health &amp; Wellness Centre. Image: Glenvill Group</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>A gallery space, art installations and an annual art prize for local artists valued at $50,000 over five years</li>
	<li>A dedicated three-level building for coworking and recreational purposes with a rooftop for entertaining</li>
	<li>Outdoor cinema</li>
	<li>A Scandinavian road design, where cars, bikes and pedestrians get equal share of the road, ultimately encouraging a change of attitude through safe roads for active transport</li>
	<li>Dubbed as the world’s first Tesla Town, the suburb will also feature Telsa Powerwalls in select residences to reduce energy costs and electric car charging points</li>
	<li>Free high-speed WiFi for all residents in parks</li>
</ul>
<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_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The future Turbine Park. Image: Glenvill Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="683" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image41_9.jpg?itok=1gCUklsG" title="The future Turbine Park. Image: Glenvill Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The future Turbine Park. Image: Glenvill Group</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>A technology concierge available to residents should they have any IT issues</li>
	<li>A Resident app that will connect the community to each other and the surrounding environment</li>
	<li>An artisanal food district, curated by one of Australia’s top chefs, Scott Pickett, boasting leading restaurants, cafes and bars</li>
</ul>
In a broader sense The Future Laboratory's report reflects the changing goalposts in terms of what constitutes livability.

According to The Future Laboratory "access to behavioural data helps to inform planning and design and our lifestyle priorities continue to evolve, we can expect to see revolutionary concepts emerge to lift the standard of living to new heights."

To that end, YarraBend has been successfully positioned as a world-leading exponent of research-driven design. The former paper mill onsite is now demolished, with Glenvill Group progressively rolling out various stages of the 16.5 hectare parcel of land.
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silvermb

Melbourne adds the World’s Most Liveable suburb title via YarraBend

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Newcastle's development momentum continues to roll along as evidenced by the latest tower to reach planning.

Core Project Group is looking to capitalise on the city's development surge by backing the new office building at 723-733 Hunter Street. It forms the last piece of developable land across the former 'Newcastle City Holden' site which has seen childcare, hotel (Holiday Inn Express) and retirement (RSL LifeCare) uses added.

EJE Architecture's latest design iteration for the 14-storey office building hit planning in the last week of May, with the public now able to provide their input over the coming weeks.

Another development falling within Newcastle's West End Precinct, the $44 million proposal is sited across 3,909 square metres of land.

<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/image19_19.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="EJE Architecture's take on 723-733 Hunter Street "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="261" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image19_19.jpg?itok=cf_2ouHw" title="EJE Architecture's take on 723-733 Hunter Street " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>EJE Architecture's take on 723-733 Hunter Street</figcaption></figure>Included within the tower is 10,790 square metres of  net-lettable floor area, with the bulk located within the upper seven levels. Retails at ground level accounts for 329 square metres, with subsequent podium levels accommodating 233 vehicles and 68 bicycles.

Atop the tower is an expansive rooftop terrace and activation area.

The office levels features a double-glazed facade which according to EJE Architecture "will incorporate other features such as lux sensored lighting, water harvesting and re-use, photovoltaic power generation for house power, naturally lit foyers and at level a/c systems to minimise pipe runs."

723-733 Hunter Street is but the latest development earmarked for the already burgeoning Newcastle city centre which is seeking an increasing amount of development activity.

<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/image23_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Thirdi Group's West End Newcastle"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="344" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image23_10.jpg?itok=aVNjHbaR" title="Thirdi Group's West End Newcastle" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Thirdi Group's West End Newcastle</figcaption></figure>Apartments have proven popular in the seaside city, with strong consumer uptake over a swag of recent and current apartment developments.

North Sydney-based Thirdi Group has a vested interest in the area, recently launching West End Newcastle. It consists of dual residential towers dubbed Eaton on Union and Stella on Hannell, and will ultimately see a $100 million complex built.

Canberra-based Doma Group is also heavily vested in Newcastle with a string of projects in play. Works recently commenced on the developer's 154 apartment Lume project on Honeysuckle Drive, whilst a trio of additional projects incorporating hundreds of new apartments are at various stages of development.

Another noteworthy development is IRIS Capital's mixed use East End precinct on Hunter Street. It involves a four-stage development that is expected to add hundreds of new apartments in buildings ranging from 10 to 11 storeys.

<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_13.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Doma Group's current Newcastle residential pipeline"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="466" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image28_13.jpg?itok=cuiOeBvp" title="Doma Group's current Newcastle residential pipeline" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Some of Doma Group's current Newcastle residential pipeline</figcaption></figure>In and among the <a href="https://www.theherald.com.au/story/5158240/more-high-rise-apartments-for-newcastle-west/">many other residential projects</a> planned, the University of Newcastle is close to lodging plans for a seven-building development on a major vacant land plot adjacent to the Hunter River.
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Newcastle's skyline flourishes with multiple towers in the works

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Melbourne builders will begin running the ruler over one of 2018's largest construction tenders. Activated last week, the tender is for the delivery of two residential towers across 85-93 Lorimer Street which combined have the potential to add 940 approved apartments to the skyline.

The sizeable site behind Mirvac's Yarra's Edge spans 8,847 square meters and is adjacent to a new tram corridor that is currently being studied as part of the Fishermans Bend planning process.

Alongside the hundreds of new apartments across both towers, the successful builder will also be required to deliver as many as 778 podium car spaces plus amenities. 53,454 square meters of approved Net Saleable Area is included under the approved Elenberg Fraser-designed scheme.

Spanning 47 and 49 levels, it remains to be seen whether the $200 plus million construction tender will be true to the approved design, or will see design modifications implemented.

<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_20.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ready to go. Image: Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="708" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image7_20.jpg?itok=r9U87Z7h" title="Ready to go. Image: Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ready to go. Image: Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>Known as South Wharf Towers to date, the launch to tender hints toward an imminent retail launch of one or both towers.

Backed through planning by local developer Little Projects, the approved scheme was thereafter offloaded by the developer at the height of interest from Asian-based developers in the Melbourne property market. Selling agent Colliers made note during 2016 of a new Shanghai-based developer secured the development site for around $60 million.

Whilst it now shapes as one of the city's larger apartment projects in waiting, the final outcome will also see a substantial 2,100 square metre public park created, accounting for approximately one-quarter of the site. 

South Wharf Towers was initially submitted as a single 74 level apartment tower spanning 236 metres; at that height, it would have comfortably been Fishermans Bend's tallest building. Subsequent to negotiations with the State Government, the final result saw dual Elenberg Fraser-designed towers approved.

At the time of its approval, Minister for Planning Richard Wynne stated "this development reflects our vision for the future of Fishermans Bend, offering open space and well-designed apartments close to transport and services. We encourage innovative developers to put forward projects which we can be proud of decades after 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/image21_8_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Silhouetted south Wharf Towers in an evolving built for context. Image: MGA Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="319" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image21_8_0.jpg?itok=jQX2slcD" title="Silhouetted south Wharf Towers in an evolving built for context. Image: MGA Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Silhouetted south Wharf Towers in an evolving built for context. Image: MGS Architects</figcaption></figure>
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Lorimer Street residential towers draw closer to launch with construction tender announced

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Coles Group Property Development's latest intended apartment development has hit planning, expanding on the firm's push to fully capitalise upon their significant land holdings.

Plans were lodged earlier this week with Ku-ring-gai Council for a considerable Lindfield development. In line with two current Melbourne projects, the existing Lindfield Coles across 376-390 Pacific Highway will be demolished in order to accommodate a multi-level mixed-use development with a construction value just shy of $58 million.

Christiansen O'Brien Architects are the principal design force behind the new complex which would see 70 one, two and three bedroom apartments above hundreds of car parking spaces and 4,840 square metres of retail/commercial area.

Specialist retail designers MIMA have also had a hand in design duties, specifically assisting with the finer grain materiality and place-making elements of the design.

<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_13.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Pacific Highway perspective. Image: Christiansen O'Brien "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="318" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image43_13.jpg?itok=-qKwYMYY" title="Pacific Highway perspective. Image: Christiansen O'Brien " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Pacific Highway perspective. Image: Christiansen O'Brien</figcaption></figure>As part of the development a 1927 Inter-War Old English Style building fronting Pacific Highway will be retained. The new build is slated to include 698 square metres of dedicated amenities atop the podium will separate dual residential wings.

Meanwhile in Melbourne, Coles Group Property Development is also pushing dual significant apartment projects.

Work is advancing on the <a href="/new-apartments/the-mark-441-glen-huntly-road-elsternwick">rebirth of Coles Elsternwick</a> which will be known as 'The Mark' upon completion. Rothelowman and i2C Design created the scheme that sees 173 apartments above a new and expanded Coles Supermarket - Liquorland which are themselves above a three level basement car park.

Builder Hacer has for the most completed the basement works, meaning that the concrete structure will begin to rise above Glen Huntly Road over coming months with an eye toward completion mid next year.

<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_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Mark and April's construction status. Images: Hacer"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="476" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image47_11.jpg?itok=bR2d-GNl" title="The Mark and April's construction status. Images: Hacer" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Mark and April's construction status. Images: Hacer</figcaption></figure>Also in the wings is the approved transformation of Richmond Plaza Shopping Centre. Coles Group Property Development and project partner Gresham are sitting on the right to develop the Bridge Road asset into a sizeable retail and apartment project.

Design practice SJB's late 2017 image, seen below, depicts part of the approved scheme which includes 300 plus apartments, a full line supermarket, offices and gym. The design's ground plane includes new laneways and access points which intend to open up the development to its surrounds.

<blockquote>
The design responded carefully and considerately to the heritage significance of Bridge Road, delivering pedestrian focussed scale at the street edges, across a common podium that also sought to hide the development’s car parking requirements.

Rising from the podium form, four extruded building forms were massed across the site, up to a height of 12 storeys. This approach recognised the sensitivities associated with the various interfaces, amenity impacts on neighbouring residential development and prominence at a major intersection within an important activity centre.
<cite>SJB</cite>
</blockquote>

Coles has held approval for the project since 2013 when VCAT ruled on the project, ultimately allowing an 11-storey redevelopment to proceed. 

<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/273_20-12-2017_3343_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Richmond Plaza holds approval. Image: SJB"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="341" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/273_20-12-2017_3343_0.jpg?itok=MV2Fj35r" title="Richmond Plaza holds approval. Image: SJB" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Richmond Plaza holds approval. Image: SJB</figcaption></figure>
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Coles Group pushes shop top apartment developments in Melbourne and Sydney

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The wraps are off Mirvac's latest large-scale residential development that will insert itself into Sydney's Green Square urban renewal area.

Smart Design Studio and CO-AP have shared design duties for the quartet of predominantly residential buildings that pending approval, will account for Zetland's 77-93 Portman Street. Development plans for Mirvac's latest are now on display after having being received by City of Sydney during mid May.

Mirvac is no stranger to the area, already having pursued development nearby in unison with the NSW Government's Landcom property arm. <a href="/buildings/ovo-960-bourke-street-zetland">Ovo</a> at the northern tip of Green Square is Mirvac's 28 level residential tower that is all but complete.

<h2>77-93 Portman 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/image106_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ground level perspective. Image: Smart Design studio / CO-AP"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="367" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image106_0.jpg?itok=iaIwDv01" title="Ground level perspective. Image: Smart Design studio / CO-AP" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ground level perspective. Image: Smart Design studio / CO-AP</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site area: 5,903sqm </li>
	<li>FSR: 6.2:1</li>
	<li>Proposed: 4 buildings between 7-23 levels</li>
	<li>Tallest tower: 78.55m</li>
	<li>354 apartments: 11 x Studio, 65 x 1BR, 208 x 2BR, 66 x 3BR, 4 x Penthouse</li>
	<li>3 Basement levels for 289 vehicles &amp; 432 bicycles</li>
	<li>Total residential GFA: 34,204sqm</li>
	<li>Retail tenancies at ground floor: 1,945sqm</li>
</ul>
<h2>Street level intensification</h2>

77-93 Portman Street is "designed to create an active and lively streetscape at a human scale" according to Smart Design Studio and CO-AP.

Just shy of 2,000 square metres of retail space stretches the length of Zetland Avenue and through to Barker and Portman Streets. The design team have also added an urban plaza and site through link to increase the level of interaction and articulation at ground level.

"The plaza steps up to courtyard level, creating bleachers for seating and a sense of enclosure. Adjacent to retail premises, the urban plaza offers a place to stop and eat an ice-cream, have a coffee or meet friends whilst overlooking the Drying Green park."

<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/image109_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Views on show. Image: Smart Design studio / CO-AP"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="335" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image109_1.jpg?itok=c0nPvYdW" title="Views on show. Image: Smart Design studio / CO-AP" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Views on show. Image: Smart Design studio / CO-AP</figcaption></figure><h2>Keeping the pipeline flowing</h2>

The Portman Street proposal is the latest in Mirvac's substantial pipeline of residential projects in play across Australia; the growing Urban National Project Database includes 13 current apartment projects under Mirvac's guidance.

Perth's Claremont on the Park is the developer's sole active project in the west, with the balance located along the eastern seaboard. Of those, the majority are at either registration and sales or construction.

The Zetland planning application represents the sole project at planning for the developer for the time being.
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Mirvac's $240 million Zetland development hits planning

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Mere weeks ago Urban covered VCAT's decision to approve <a href="/news/160-whitehorse-roads-approval-pushes-blackburns-apartment-pipeline-toward-1000">development plans for 160 Whitehorse Road</a>.

Blackburn's largest development to date was given the green light after a planning push eventually secured the right to create a mixed-use project across the 8,767 square metre site. As many as 263 apartments are now approved for the development designed by Taouk Architects which was anointed Blackburn Place.

The development though has now been listed for sale with CBRE City Sales handling the process, providing Melbourne developers with the opportunity to nab one of the east's largest approved scheme in recent times. 

With Box Hill coming off the boil (in line with the trending decline of large-scale projects across the city), the Taouk Architects-designed 160 Whitehorse Road does discern itself due to its size and location.

<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/image29_17.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Prospective views. Image: CBRE City Sales"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="384" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image29_17.jpg?itok=UYB9gcKs" title="Prospective views. Image: CBRE City Sales" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Prospective views. Image: CBRE City Sales</figcaption></figure>Initial plans for the site attempted to realise a greater return of apartments, with buildings spanning 14, 10, 10 and 8 storeys as originally submitted. Those plans have been tempered with the VCAT-approved outcome seeing a more modest built form and apartment numbers reduced from 394 to 263.

CBRE note that the site's planning approval includes four buildings between 6 and 8 levels, plus 3,663 square metres of commercial space.

Having sold for $18 million to an Asian-backed developer three years ago, 160 Whitehorse Road's price history has seen steady growth. Previous campaigns saw the site sell for $11.36 million in 2010, $3.25 million in 1986 and $1.3 million in 1980.

<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_14.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="160 Whitehorse Road. Image: Taouk Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="218" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image30_14.jpg?itok=dW28oq2e" title="160 Whitehorse Road. Image: Taouk Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>160 Whitehorse Road. Image: Taouk Architects</figcaption></figure>The size and staggered delivery schedule of 160 Whitehorse Road is in stark contrast to various other approved permits that have been 'flipped' in Melbourne's east over recent months. Two recent permitted Doncaster sites were a step down in size relative to 160 Whitehorse Road. 

7 Williamsons Road is currently for sale and sees 68 predominantly 2 and 3 bedroom apartments approved within a ClarkeHopkinsClarke-designed building. The 1,064 square metre site is in close proximity to Nicson Property Group's approved hotel scheme for 810 Elgar Road.

That site saw a Kyriacou Architects-designed hotel scheme offered for sale. The 993 square metre site came with approval in place for 102 suites over 8 levels, and if acted upon would become Doncaster Hill's first dedicated hotel.

At the turn of 2018, Mont Albert's 813-823 Whitehorse Road was offered for sale by Doyen Tower Pty Ltd; its 89 apartments are within a crystalline Bruce Henderson Architects-designed 16 level tower.

<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_16.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Mont Albert and Doncaster Hill have provided opportunity during 2018"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="237" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image32_16.jpg?itok=mCQaguTl" title="Mont Albert and Doncaster Hill have provided opportunity during 2018" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Mont Albert and Doncaster Hill have provided opportunity during 2018</figcaption></figure>
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Melbourne's east throws up a sizeable residential opportunity

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Builder Multiplex will deliver the final stage of Brisbane Quarter, continuing their presence onsite which has seen earlier commercial and hotel stages realised under the mixed-use project.

The 84-storey residential tower is being backed by Shayher Group; Brisbane Quarter along with Melbourne's Pentridge Coburg represent the developer's current Australian projects. Dubbed The One, the 263 metre residential tower is also the latest high profile, high-rise development successfully secured by Multiplex.

This month's instalment of the tier one builder for the project's final stage build will see the $300 million 84 level residential tower aim for an anticipated completion date of late 2021.

The One's basic podium structure is in place, delivered as part of earlier site works.

<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_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="May progress across Brisbane Quarter. Image: Aussie Bhoy (Skyscrapecity)"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="401" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image70_8.jpg?itok=xR3TZEgj" title="May progress across Brisbane Quarter. Image: Aussie Bhoy (Skyscrapecity)" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>May progress across Brisbane Quarter. Image: Aussie Bhoy-Skyscrapecity</figcaption></figure>Shayher Group has successfully landed W Hotel to its 34 level hotel component which is nearing completion, whilst Multiplex are progressing a 42 level commercial tower with an eye toward completion mid next year.

The One's comparatively small floorplates at approximately 900 square metres will see the tower form shoot up relatively quickly. Expected within the tower are 76 one bedroom, 286 two bedroom and 87 three bedroom apartments, whilst 18 four bedroom apartments and three penthouses constitute the tower's premium living component.

Multiplex will also oversee the creation of dual swimming pools as well as various other amenities such as a cinema and gym.

The rapid progression of Brisbane Quarter is in contrast to Shayher Group's roll out of their Melbourne 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/image1_7_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="21 Pentridge Boulevard is a Shayher Group project in waiting"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image1_7_0.jpg?itok=jzhuOHD6" title="21 Pentridge Boulevard is a Shayher Group project in waiting" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>21 Pentridge Boulevard is a Shayher Group project in waiting</figcaption></figure>The developer has taken a more measured approach with their Pentridge Coburg project which will account for much of the former Melbourne prison. Pentridge Coburg will ultimately provide Shayher Group 18 separate development lots under the <a href="http://pentridgecoburg.com.au/masterplan/">project masterplan</a>.

For now though Construction Engineering is undertaking a current build that will see a new central retail building created consisting of a cinema complex, supermarket and specialty shops over two levels. To date Shayher Group has only pursued one apartment development of note onsite; Horizon Apartments consists of 53 apartments over two 6 level buildings.

Towers though are envisaged for forthcoming stages of Pentridge Village. 

21 Pentridge Boulevard is an approved Particular-designed apartment buildings containing 190 apartments. The adjoining 19 Pentridge Boulevard was slated for a Cox Architecture-designed hotel and apartment tower, although VCAT earlier this year requested that be project be redesigned.
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Shayher Group's The One begins construction; Pentridge Coburg awaits

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<h2>Heidelberg Heights</h2>

Banyule City Council are advertising a recent planning application that looks to bring additional high density living to Heidelberg Heights. Adjacent to Caydon's high-rise Ivanhoe Apartments, the prospective seven level apartment block is designed by MAP Architecture.

The $11 million proposal is described as an "excellent opportunity to realise State and Local Planning Policy intent for the intensification of land within the Heidleberg Activity Centre." It would add further to the area's growing impetus as an apartment hub, as was <a href="/news/heidelberg-the-quiet-achiever-apartment-market-ticks-over-once-more">highlighted by Urban recently</a>.

455 Upper Heidelberg Road includes 29 apartments split between six 1 bedroom, sixteen 2 bedroom and seven 3 bedroom options for developer Venture Lane Pty Ltd.

<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/image63_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="455 Upper Heidelberg Road. Planning image: MAP Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="342" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image63_6.jpg?itok=aQYMZFIs" title="455 Upper Heidelberg Road. Planning image: MAP Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>455 Upper Heidelberg Road. Planning image: MAP Architecture</figcaption></figure><h2>Doncaster East</h2>

A 2015 proposal to add 42 further dwellings to Doncaster East is approaching a final planning outcome.

Manningham City Council planners have recommended the approval of an apartment and townhouse development across 15-21 Andersons Creek Road; the site is currently home to Ichiban Japanese Restaurant. Reaching six levels at its highest point, the application which is valued at $12 million is split equally between 21 apartments and 21 townhouses.

2BScene Design's scheme garnered 33 objections, although a report tabled before Council concludes that "the proposal complies with the relevant planning policies in the Manningham Planning Scheme and should be supported."

<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/image64_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="15-21 Andersons Creek Road Doncaster East. Planning image: 2BScene Design"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="281" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image64_6.jpg?itok=X6wOh1fO" title="15-21 Andersons Creek Road Doncaster East. Planning image: 2BScene Design" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>15-21 Andersons Creek Road Doncaster East. Planning image: 2BScene Design</figcaption></figure><h2>South Yarra</h2>

Forrest Hill Precinct within South Yarra is set to gain another higher density development with plans lodged for a mixed-use building at 17 Yarra Street.

The $15 million build would account for a relatively small site that abuts the 25 level Yarra House, with a swag of other similar sized residential towers in the immediate area. Office space and apartments figure within the application; limited commercial development has taken place within the precinct thus far, with residential the overwhelmingly favoured outcome.

Wando Development Co has been listed as the entity behind the 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/image66_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="17 Yarra Street. Image: Google"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="354" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image66_8.jpg?itok=4QsDepCP" title="17 Yarra Street. Image: Google" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>17 Yarra Street. Image: Google</figcaption></figure><h2>Richmond</h2>

Salta Properties has made a move on its latest project, lodging plans for a sizeable office development on Church Street. The $90 million development includes three buildings ranging between four and fourteen storeys, in addition to retail, cafe and a child care centre spaces.

459-467 Church Street hit City of Yarra's planning desk earlier this month.

Fairfax last week <a href="http://v">reported</a> that the intended development includes 23,500 square metres of office space which stretches east of Church Street to incorporate a second frontage at 20-26 Brighton Street. The bulk of the site is divided between an open air car park and a group of low-rise buildings.

<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/image68_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="459-467 Church Street. Image: Salta Properties"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image68_10.jpg?itok=0xe39NKU" title="459-467 Church Street. Image: Salta Properties" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>459-467 Church Street. Image: Salta Properties</figcaption></figure>
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Melbourne planning and development news in brief

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The Hills Shire Council is going through the process of facilitating the delivery of larger apartment towers at Baulkham Hills.

Developer Mulpha Norwest has sought to increase the size of future towers within its next development sub precinct which is known as 'The Greens'. It will form part of the <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/mulpa-embarks-on-3b-new-developments-at-norwest-20171024-gz73wk">wider push to create a $3 billion development </a>within Baulkham Hills' Norwest Business Park in order to create a smart city and participate in the growth of the western Sydney corridor.

Currently <a href="https://www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/Building/Major-Plans-on-Exhibition/Current-Plans-on-Exhibition/The-Greens-Planning-Proposal-Part-40-Solent-Circuit-Baulkham-Hills-DCP-Amendments-Draft-VPA-52015PLP">documents are on exhibition</a> that would pave the way for the 3.77 hectare site at 40 Solent Circuit to include nine buildings ranging in height from 8 levels up to 26 levels.

Increasing the maximum permissible building height from RL 116 metres to RL 176 metres would allow for residential towers to reach up to 26 levels or approximately 80 metres. The associated floor space ratio would also expand to 2.9:1.

As a result as many as 864 apartments are envisaged, as it 6,000 square metres of commercial floor space that would create near on 200 additional jobs. The 6,000 square metres is split between business premises, a child care centre, health consulting rooms and medical uses,recreation facilities, restaurants or cafes and shops.

<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/image172_0_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Jackson Teece's design for 2-6 Maitland Place"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="723" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image172_0_0.jpg?itok=q2AWi417" title="Jackson Teece's design for 2-6 Maitland Place" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Jackson Teece's design for 2-6 Maitland Place</figcaption></figure>The revised tower heights for 'The Greens' would see the sub precinct fall into line with other towers nearby. Urban earlier this year <a href="/news/more-apartments-flood-into-norwest">highlighted a development application</a> backed by Mulpha Norwest for 2-6 Maitland Place.

The Maitland Place proposal is slated to reach 23 levels and include 131 apartments split between 32 studio or single bedroom, 72 dual bedroom and 27 triple bedroom apartments. Designed by Jackson Teece, the tower is slated to reach 69.8 metres.

Mulpha Norwest is also developing Haven Apartments on a nearby site at 38 Solent Circuit; Haven along with a completed residential building adjoining it stand at the 10-11 level mark. Construction firm Taylor is undertaking the $44 million build of Haven Apartments, and is well into 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/image173_1_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Turner's take on 7 Maitland Place"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image173_1_0.jpg?itok=FWbtv5s4" title="Turner's take on 7 Maitland Place" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Turner's take on 7 Maitland Place</figcaption></figure>Additional towers are also on the agenda at Baulkham Hills.

A development application was lodged for 7 Maitland Place during December 2017. BHL 7 Norwest Dev Pty Ltd want to create 287 apartments in a scheme created by architecture firm TURNER, with the tallest tower spanning 24 levels.

Capital Corporation is also behind another Turner-designed twin-tower development at 11 Solent Circuit. Dubbed Esplanade Norwest Lake, the $280 million development spans 19 and 20 levels and includes 247 apartments plus an outdoor gym, outdoor cinema, putting green and landscaped area.

Lead image: Mulpha Norwest
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Planning manoeuvres facilitate the way for larger towers at Baulkham Hills

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Aviation Consolidated Holdings is looking to rework an already approved design across Footscray's 26-34 Buckley Street.

Design Consortia Australia has taken on design duties in order to adjust a Rothelowman-approved high density scheme of 139 apartments &amp; 5 townhouses for the corner site. The most recent iteration costing $40 million is currently before Maribyrnong City Council and would see overall dwellings drop to 134.

Under revised plans townhouses drop to 3 and are in addition to 27 single and 104 double bedroom apartments. Also in tow are 137 car parking bays, a fitness-oriented communal area, provisions for 142 bicycles and a 150 square metre ground floor commercial space.

<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_20.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rothelowman and DCA schemes side by side"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="213" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image6_20.jpg?itok=iTES2MbD" title="Rothelowman and DCA schemes side by side" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rothelowman and DCA schemes side by side</figcaption></figure>From a design perspective, Design Consortia Australia's version adheres for the most to the approved dimensions and finishes of the permitted design.

Maribyrnong City Council raised initial concerns regarding the reworked application's inability to achieve an acceptable design outcome. As a result, Design Consortia Australia addresses the north and east aspects of the building in order to provide a more suitable and articulated finish.

26-34 Buckley Street's high density aspirations began in 2014 when Dobinson Nominees selected Rothelowman for the design of a 16 storey residential building containing 182 dwellings.

With approval in place, the 1,890 square metre site was offered for sale mid last year.

<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_19.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Belgravia Apartments. Image: Motto Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="367" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image7_19.jpg?itok=Qz6oiC0B" title="Belgravia Apartments. Image: Motto Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Belgravia Apartments. Image: Motto Group</figcaption></figure>Aviation Consolidated Holdings picked up the approved Footscray development site in the second half of 2017 after offloading a major South Melbourne island site for $41 million earlier last year. That 4,630 square metre site holds frontages to Cecil Street, York Street, Northumberland Street and Market Street.

<a href="https://www.cbre.com.au/about/media-center/south-melbourne-supersite-records-86-per-cent-price-gain-over-three-years">According to CBRE</a> the $41 million sales price represented an 86% price gain since it last transacted in 2013. GLG Group was the buyer of the South Melbourne development site.

26-34 Buckley Street holds an opposing corner to Belgravia Apartments at 16 Buckley Street; the project backed by Motto Group which is at the registrations of interest stage will see approximately 100 apartments built on the former site of the Belgravia Hotel.
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