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.

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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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Brunswick's Anstey Precinct is in for a massive shot of development as Melbourne's Nightingale Housing plans seven separate buildings in a project that will be dubbed Nightingale Village. Already accustomed to urban renewal, the area surrounding Anstey Station is set to benefit from the unprecedented move by Nightingale Housing to develop what amounts to an entire street.

Based on the principles of affordable, sustainable and high-quality urban housing, the not-for-profit organisation's model has proven popular with prospective buyers. This has, in turn, prompted the massive development move on Duckett Street.

Nightingale Housing circulated a statement, with excerpts as follows:

<blockquote>
We’re no longer happy with changing our cities one building at a time – we want to do more. 
Seven Nightingale architects have banded together to buy an entire street in Brunswick, which they plan to build into the Nightingale Village by 2020. This means seven great buildings, designed by seven award-winning architects, becoming the new homes of seven communities.

The Nightingale Village on Duckett Street is an unprecedented opportunity to build the Nightingale model principles of financial, environmental and social sustainability across an entire street. It’s not an urban experiment, but a chance to change the way housing is built on a wider scale and to create smart, deliberate and liveable density.

The Nightingale Village will transform Duckett Street into a sustainable village designed by some of Australia’s leading architects, with a diversity of architectural voices leading to a vibrant precinct.

These architects are: Architecture Architecture, Austin Maynard Architects, Breathe Architecture, Clare Cousins Architects, Hayball, Kennedy Nolan and WOWOWA Architecture. 
This will be a precinct planned on a human scale, that prioritises residents and the community in its design.
</blockquote>

 
According to Nightingale Housing, the first information session for the project will take place at the end of January.

Duckett Street has already received a taste of higher density living with developer/builder Protec Property Group in recent months completing The Dux at 2 Duckett Street.

Although not confirmed, 12 Duckett Street could possibly form part of the seven building site that will constitute Nightingale Village. Planning approval is in place for the mid-rise complex straddling either site of Duckett Street; the site and permit were offered for sale at the turn of 2017.

<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/img_2195.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Nightingale's latest build at 6 Florence Street is nearing construction completion"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="714" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_2195.jpg?itok=M9mlkTlO" title="Nightingale's latest build at 6 Florence Street is nearing construction completion" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Nightingale's latest build at 6 Florence Street is nearing construction completion</figcaption></figure>Nightingale Housing has well and truly entrenched itself in Melbourne inner northern suburbs; seen above is Nightingale's current development which is nearing completion.

Delivered by building contractor Project Group, 6 Florence Street it is a short walk from Nightingale Village and is directly opposite The Commons which acted as a proof of concept project. 

Furthermore, Nightingale Housing also have 209 Sydney Road, <a href="/buildings/nightingale-2-0-30-railway-place-fairfield">72A Station Street</a> and <a href="/new-apartments/lt-miller-nightingale-55-nicholson-street-brunswick-east">55 Nicholson Street</a> as pending 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/ltmiller.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="55 Nicholson Street in Brunswick East"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="341" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ltmiller.jpg?itok=BuosvUK3" title="55 Nicholson Street in Brunswick East" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>55 Nicholson Street in Brunswick East</figcaption></figure>http://nightingalehousing.org/
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silvermb

Nightingale Housing plans seven buildings across Brunswick's Duckett Street

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City of Port Phillip will this week indicate that it has sufficient reason to object to two pending projects in Port Melbourne.

17 Rocklea Drive and 365-391 Plummer Street are both within the Wirraway Precinct of Fishermans Bend, and both projects are under the authority of the Minister for Planning. Nonetheless it has been recommended by internal planners that City of Port Phillip denies support for either application in their respective current forms.

The two proposals are controlled by separate entities, although it's been <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/business/property/third-street-plans-135b-in-fishermans-bend-projects-20170314-guxsae">reported </a>that Malvern-based Third Street is the developer of both projects, with Elenberg Fraser the common architect. The duo collaborated for Third Street's first Fishermans Bend project, dubbed <a href="/buildings/pm-port-melbourne-320-plummer-street-port-melbourne">PM Port Melbourne</a> which is approaching a construction start.

<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/image52_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Elenberg Fraser's Plummer Street scheme."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="341" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image52_5.jpg?itok=bLqf0x0X" title="Elenberg Fraser's Plummer Street scheme." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Elenberg Fraser's Plummer Street scheme.</figcaption></figure>In its current guise, 365-391 Plummer Street consists of 1,188 apartments backed by 985 car parks over three separate towers. A restaurant, café, sensory retreat, numerous retail spaces and supermarket support the residences; although there has been no provision for an affordable housing component.

Almost half the apartments are designated as single bedroom abodes (582), with the balance consisting of 494 dual bedroom and 112 triple bedroom dwellings.

Plans for the 19,410 square metre site nominates a new through block of 2,673 square metres as the development's public open space.

With 18 storeys above three ‘mezzanine’ storeys, 17 Rocklea Drive has a considerably smaller number of apartments planned. SoHo office/dwellings and apartments amount to 224, split between 131 single bedroom, 66 dual bedroom and  27 triple bedroom dwellings.

A cinema, health club, yoga room, oversized dining room, garden lounge, communal landscaped terrace, sky lounge, library, business club, meeting room, skyline pool, jacuzzi, and rooftop landscaped outdoor area headline the project's considerable amenities.

365-391 Plummer Street's Floor Area Ratio stands at 6.94:1, whilst 17 Rocklea Drive's is lower at 5.66:1.

<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/image53_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Elenberg Fraser have conceived Rockley Drive."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="475" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image53_4.jpg?itok=vzrsKO01" title="Elenberg Fraser have conceived Rockley Drive." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Elenberg Fraser have conceived Rockley Drive.</figcaption></figure>Although nominally against both projects in their current forms, City of Port Phillip have included a set of draft conditions for both in the likelihood that they will eventually gain approval.

For the Plummer Street development, Council has cited concerns in relation to "the amenity of dwellings including daylight access and outlook, lack of affordable housing and 3 bedroom dwellings, parking provision and design, loading and waste collection, bike parking provision and design, and sustainability."

City of Port Phillip has attached standard draft conditions to their report in order to assist VCAT should they determine to approve the proposal; these conditions are primarily focused on the inclusion of an affordable housing aspect. Beyond that Council has chosen to refrain from other conditions, citing the complexity of the application.

A number of issues surrounding Rocklea Drive pertain to "building height exceeding the mandatory maximum number of storeys, car park design...lack of diversity in housing types and sizes, wind impacts adjacent to and within the site, lack of affordable housing." Council also believes these issues can be ameliorated by conditions which would see the proposal modified.
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CoPP provides limited joy for two Fishermans Bend proposals

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Lendlease conceived 888 Collins Street as Victoria Harbour's stand out residential tower, and that aim has been recognised at this year’s Victorian Urban Development Institute of Australia’s Awards for Excellence.

In facilitating the project located on the corner of Bourke and Collins streets, Lendlease enlisted architects Woods Bagot to conjure the design. Now the auspiciously addressed 888 Collins Street has been recognised as the state's premier residential tower, securing a win in the High Density Development (above 10 storeys) category.

A field of eight projects was considered for the category, with the judging based upon "urban form, community creation, innovation features and environmental and engineering considerations, highlighting quality and innovation across the urban development industry."

<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/image2vic.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="888 Collins Street. Image: Trevor Mein"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="933" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image2vic.jpg?itok=1a2RNrjy" title="888 Collins Street. Image: Trevor Mein" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>888 Collins Street. Image: Trevor Mein</figcaption></figure>888 Collins Street's grandest public gesture is the Light House installation by artist Bruce Ramus which covers the lower 15 storey tower's entire facade.

Light House was conceived as a real-time weather display that responds to data from the Bureau of Meteorology by illuminating the building’s façade each night. The project also scored a 5-Star Green Star design rating from the Green Building Council of Australia, plus an average 7.2 Star Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme rating.

The project's 578 apartments across two towers are serviced by amenities such as a sky-high golf putting green, pool, gym, spa, business lounge, library and communal rooftop garden.

<blockquote>
888 Collins Street sits among Lendlease’s newest collection of premium harbour-side apartment buildings and represents a blend of innovation in technology, architectural excellence, public interaction and sustainability, while enhancing the precinct’s nearby public amenity.

The tower’s design and orientation gives residents the opportunity to take full advantage of Victoria Harbour’s public spaces, offering waterfront views on the doorstep of Melbourne’s CBD.
<cite>Lendlease Head of Apartments for Urban Regeneration: Ben Christie</cite>
</blockquote>

888 Collins Street's construction coincided with Lendlease's delivery of 889 and 883 Collins Street directly opposite, representing Sydney-based Koichi Takada Architects' first Melbourne project.

<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/image3md.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="888 Collins Street in sight. Image: Melbourne Dream"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="669" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image3md.jpg?itok=TfDXvhRH" title="888 Collins Street in sight. Image: Melbourne Dream" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>888 Collins Street with 883 &amp; 889 Collins in the foreground. Image: Melbourne Dream</figcaption></figure>The Urban Development Institute of Australia’s Awards for Excellence also bore fruit for a number of other high-density residential projects.

Woods Bagot scooped the Consultant's Award on both 888 Collins Street and Promenade Aqui in the adjoining Newquay precinct. Riverlee Group secured the Urban Renewal category for Jaques Richmond which transformed a former industrial rock crushing business into an apartment complex, whilst Caulfield's Cantala apartment and townhouse project was awarded the Medium Density Development category.

To see the full list of winners, click <a href="https://www.udiavic.com.au/Awards/2017-UDIA-Awards-for-Excellence">here</a>.
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888 Collins Street scores big at Victoria's UDIA awards

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The swirl of development activity in Footscray has found another gear as new projects are submitted for approval, or are on the verge of beginning construction.

Two separate planning applications have been advertised by Maribyrnong City Council; their subsequent addition to the Apartments.com.au Project Database has seen the overall number of apartment developments within Footscray in development swell to 40. These 40 projects represent approximately 7,350 new dwellings for postcode 3011.

Latest to the database is a proposal spanning multiple residential lots across 108-120 Cowper Street and 10 Parker Street, Footscray. FJP PTY LTD and RLWL PTY LTD hope to secure approval for the  2,414 square metre corner site.

Proposed is a five storey building of 68 apartments designed by Turco and Associates. 7 x 1 bedroom apartments, 57 x 2 bedroom apartments and 4 x 3 bedroom apartments constitute the living mix, with a café and basement parking for 69 vehicles also present.

Outdoor seating is associated with the café whilst a large landscaped atrium at the centre of the development adds to the project's amenity.

<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/image9_19.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A new Cowper Street interpretation. Planning image: Turco and Associates"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="268" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image9_19.jpg?itok=IN1e73_b" title="A new Cowper Street interpretation. Planning image: Turco and Associates" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A new Cowper Street interpretation. Image: Turco and Associates</figcaption></figure>Keystone Property Group also has another Footscray apartment project at planning, this time adjoining their near complete development at 90 Buckley Street.

The vacant block at 94-104 Buckley Street has been earmarked for a 10 storey mixed-use building comprising 4 retail tenancies over 326 square metres and 121 residential apartments. Holding a build value of $24 million, the project encompasses a 2,770 square metre tract of land which backs onto the Footscray rail corridor.

The apartment mix sees 44 x 1 bedroom, 73 x 2 bedroom and 4 x 3 bedroom apartments. 130 car spaces and 70 bicycle spaces, a swimming pool, seating areas and BBQ facilities are provided within the scheme created by Kavellaris Urban 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/image8bark.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Buckley Street continues to garner residential attention. Planning image: KUD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image8bark.jpg?itok=kURUXoSm" title="Buckley Street continues to garner residential attention. Planning image: KUD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Buckley Street continues to garner residential attention. Planning image: KUD</figcaption></figure>Nearby and construction starts are on the agenda within Footscray's Joseph Road Precinct, as two more projects prepare to break ground within the formerly industrial precinct which spans 7 hectares.

Stage One of Growland's Victoria Square project is at tender and is expected to carry a build value in excess of $100 million. Towers 3 and 4 of the six tower project will be constructed along with the podium building for a grand sum of 455 apartments and 8 commercial tenancies.

11 apartments are through the podium, whilst Tower 3 accommodates 276 apartments and Tower 4 houses 168.

Directly east of Victoria Square, Blue Earth Group have moved to initiate works at <a href="/buildings/boat-house-2-joseph-road-footscray">2 Hopkins Street</a>, with a piling rig indicating construction should begin shortly. River One and Boat House are the initial two releases within the development, consisting of hundreds of new apartments on the banks of the Maribyrnong River.

If history repeats itself, Hamilton Marino Builders will construct Blue Earth Group's multi-tower project.

<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/image4vicsqu.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Victoria Square above Footscray. Image: Growland"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="222" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image4vicsqu.jpg?itok=EXrktRoy" title="Victoria Square above Footscray. Image: Growland" width="580"></a>

<figcaption><a href="/buildings/victoria-square-8-hopkins-street-footscray">Victoria Square</a> above Footscray. Image: Growland</figcaption></figure>
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Footscray's churning apartment pipeline reaches 40 separate projects

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During 2015 Apartments.com.au highlighted the <a href="/news/essendons-high-density-development-a-model-example">model example</a> unfolding across Essendon's Mt Alexander Road and Keilor Road, where higher density developments were flourishing along the established transport corridor.

At that time there were six apartment projects in development, with the ClarkeHopkinsClarke-designed Alexa at 1050 Mt Alexander Road fresh into demolition. Construction proper commenced during December 2015 and near on two years later Alexa is now complete.

Developed for Accord Property Group, the project includes 89 one, two and three-bedroom apartments over seven levels and is topped with two expansive penthouses.

ClarkeHopkinsClarke describe Alexa as one of Essendon’s most "significant multi-residential projects which injects a bold, gold-rush era inspired contemporary aesthetic to the surrounding streetscape. The project is defined by smooth flowing forms, offering a high level of design that is distinct against Essendon’s established Edwardian and Art Deco character."

It should also be noted Alexa's form is very much distinct from contemporary higher density counterparts which have also sprung up along Mt Alexander Road. Whilst the majority carry a design nous that is less than inspiring, Alexa does, in fact, deliver on design aesthetics.

<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/img_6089.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Alexa in context."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="356" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_6089.jpg?itok=f202tCy-" title="Alexa in context." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Alexa in context.</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
Mount Alexander Road was originally a route to the gold fields and, as the Alexa site is on top of a hill, our design response is about stratification and the layering of rock, which we referenced with the building’s gold coloured screening.

The perforated metal has a distinct quality in that it changes its tone depending on the sunlight. This contrasts with the sculptural massing of the other elements.
<cite>ClarkeHopkinsClarke partner Toby Lauchlan</cite>
</blockquote>

Alexa's gold metal bands are prominent from all visible frontages, and as outlined above takes inspiration from the site’s connection to Melbourne’s gold rush era. This golden visual 'top' flows down to ground level across the projects southern frontage.

Below the gold banding, residential levels are defined by continuous white bands, "tying the design to the movement of the street, while the building’s curved forms work to soften the mass of the development."

Almost triangular in nature, Alexa's footprint provides it with sight lines over Mt Alexander Road and the CBD beyond, whilst eastern facing apartments overlook, and have direct access to Cliff Allison Park. The penthouse level is set well back from the dominant form, resulting in it being barely visible from street level.

<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/img_6083.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Sturt Street outlook."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="354" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_6083.jpg?itok=DyYGp-4W" title="Sturt Street outlook." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Sturt Street outlook.</figcaption></figure>Internally metallic gold fixtures compliment Alexa's golden highlights.

<blockquote>
The interiors are contemporary and understated. We wanted to provide a neutral canvas that would allow buyers to make their own mark through the addition of artworks or interior decoration.

Within this minimalist palette we put a lot of effort into the detailing and joinery. Providing plenty of well-designed storage as well as ample desk spaces was an important point of difference both for us and the developers.

<cite>ClarkeHopkinsClarke partner Toby Lauchlan</cite>
</blockquote>

Contractor Buildcorp Commercial successfully delivered Alexa on schedule, leaving one current residential project in Essendon attributed to ClarkeHopkinsClarke.

165-169 Keilor Road is a product of the firm and sees approval in place for a seven-level development which includes 121 large apartments and 923 square metres of retail space. Sited on a 3,548 square metre corner plot, the development site was offered for sale mid this year under the guidance of agent Colliers.

<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/image34_13.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="165-169 Keilor Road. Image: Colliers"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="342" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image34_13.jpg?itok=ScEqlHAb" title="165-169 Keilor Road. Image: Colliers" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>165-169 Keilor Road. Image: Colliers</figcaption></figure>
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Alexa provides Essendon with a design focal point

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7,000 square metres of prime yet underutilised Brunswick real estate is heading down the path of urban regeneration.

342-348 Victoria Street had for generations been the home of Australian Licorice Company. Whilst production onsite may have ceased during 1985 the operation's redundant chimney takes pride of place over the site, so much so it is considered of "historic, social, architectural and scientific importance to the State of Victoria" by the Victorian Heritage Database.

With this in mind Fieldwork Architects have gone about creating a commercial, residential and retail precinct for the site that will see the chimney and associated firebox retained.

Carlton-based Australian Licorice Company Pty Ltd has instigated the site's redevelopment.

<h2>342-348 Victoria 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/image32_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Commercial component. Image: Fieldwork Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="430" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image32_11.jpg?itok=_KyDd8WD" title="Commercial component. Image: Fieldwork Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Commercial component. Image: Fieldwork Architects</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Submitted October 2017</li>
	<li>Cost of development: $82 million</li>
	<li>4 differing buildings from 3 to 11 levels in height or 36.7 metres</li>
	<li>Commercial space: 6,494 square metres</li>
	<li>177 dwellings: 67 x 1BR, 78 x 2BR, 6 x 3BR, 26 x townhouses</li>
	<li>8 retail tenancies covering 1,693 square metres</li>
	<li>2 basement levels: 10 motorbikes, 335 vehicles, 286 bicycles</li>
	<li>1,400 square metre public open plaza</li>
	<li>Communal areas</li>
</ul>
Accessibility to the adjoining Brunswick Railway Station will also be enhanced by way of new pedestrian links and expanded open space. The proposed development's demolition plans also requests the removal of kerb and street car parks along Rosser Street and Wilkinson Street, resulting in both streets becoming shared zones.

An expanded Upfield Bike Path also connects to the proposed development's public open plaza, promoting pedestrian traffic through the site to Victoria Street and Rosser 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/image33_12.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Typical Fieldwork finishes on show. Image: Fieldwork Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="395" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image33_12.jpg?itok=mhizIoW9" title="Typical Fieldwork finishes on show. Image: Fieldwork Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Typical Fieldwork finishes on show. Image: Fieldwork Architects</figcaption></figure>Visually 342-348 Victoria Street looks to be the aggregation of a number of previous Fieldwork Architects projects.

Aspects of the development mirrors the practice's <a href="http://www.fieldworkprojects.com.au/projects/249-queens-parade">249 Queens Parade</a>, and to a lesser extent 808 Sydney Road and <a href="/buildings/patch-fitzroy-north-243-queens-parade-fitzroy-north">243 Queens Parade</a>. The uniform 'veil' finish of Fieldworks Architects' <a href="http://www.fieldworkprojects.com.au/projects/cremorne-offices">Cremorne office design</a> is also reprised over certain elevations within 342-348 Victoria Street.

342-348 Victoria Street is the most recent, and largest, of three current Brunswick projects for Fieldworks Architects. The aforementioned 808 Sydney Road for PACE Development Group is well into construction whilst <a href="/buildings/one-wilson-avenue">1-7 Wilson Avenue</a> is at planning and consists of 61 apartments across 8 levels for Neometro.

<h2>Comment</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/image34_12.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ground level expectations. Image: Fieldwork Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="234" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image34_12.jpg?itok=XaeRvBb4" title="Ground level expectations. Image: Fieldwork Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ground level expectations. Image: Fieldwork Architects</figcaption></figure>City of Moreland is not short on large former industrial sites that have over time been redeveloped for residential purposes. Apartments.com.au has in the past highlighted the Tip Top Brunswick East as a prime example of what a large site can achieve at street level.

Conversely Ettaro Apartments also in Brunswick East is at the other end of the scale, in terms of a less than ideal street level character and activation outcome.

As per the early renders, 342-348 Victoria Street may well insert itself at the very pointy in that it could provide an exponentially superior finer grain outcome relative to most projects across Moreland and greater Melbourne for that matter. Scale, greenery, earthy materials (particularly brick), green spaces, heritage retention for adaptive reuse, enhanced transport links and pedestrian permeability; it sounds like the quintessential contemporary Melbourne urban regeneration development.

If the renders are a true indication, Brunswick is in line for a benchmark project.
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Urban regeneration grips Brunswick's massive Licorice Factory site

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On of Hawthorn's more peculiar buildings may well be replaced by a new tower with 393-397 Burwood Road subject to a planning application.

Expected to make way for a new apartment building is the incumbent low-rise and architecturally unique commercial building onsite. Although not carrying heritage significance - that is reserved for properties elsewhere along Burwood Road - the current structure does provide a design point of difference along the strip.

Nonetheless, the current application would amongst other things, seek to enliven Burwood Road, Serpells Lane and the public plaza located at 372 Burwood Road with active frontages.

Incidentally, the addition of 393-397 Burwood Road to the Apartments.com.au Project Database now sees the number of apartments monitored by Apartments.com.au and under development within Hawthorn teetering on the 1,100 mark.

<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/image14haw.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Burwood Road's latest aspirant. Planning image: Ascui &amp; Co"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="330" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image14haw.jpg?itok=1Mfq5dGt" title="Burwood Road's latest aspirant. Planning image: Ascui &amp; Co" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Burwood Road's latest aspirant. Planning image: Ascui &amp; Co</figcaption></figure>Spanning 11 levels, 393-397 Burwood Road 47 apartments are categorised as 24 x 1 Bed + 1 Bath, 3 x 2 Bed + 1 Bath, 20 x 2 Bed + 2 Bath. ranging between 45sqm and 76sqm, the apartments are above 3 sub ground stacker levels and a ground floor which includes 4 retail tenancies over 265sqm.

393-397 Burwood Road finds itself next to one of Hawthorn's pioneering high density builds. The Barrett was built over 2004/2005 and rises to thirteen storeys and includes 107 residential apartments plus 41 student dwellings which front Burwood Road.

A design collaboration between Bird de la Coeur and the then Hayball Leonard Stent, The Barrett's podium height will be replicated across the podium of 393-397 Burwood Road. Above that, project architect Ascui &amp; Co describes the facade as an "interwoven and faceted bronze curtain wall cladding form intended to provide contrast and relief from existing built forms consisting largely of brick and concrete frame 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/image15_12.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The site with Barrett under construction during 2004"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="377" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image15_12.jpg?itok=CVEhrSCq" title="The site with Barrett under construction during 2004" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The site with Barrett under construction during 2004</figcaption></figure>For Ascui &amp; Co 393-397 Burwood Road continues the architecture practice's affinity with Hawthorn, registering their fifth current project within the Apartments.com.au Project Database for the suburb. These five follow on from a handful of already completed apartment developments in Hawthorn conceived by the practice.

Not too far away developer PC Prestige Pty Ltd has sought approval for the construction of an 8 storey apartment building holding 45 apartments across a 1,178 square metre site spanning 620-624 Burwood Road.

624 Burwood Road which dates back to 1917 is to be razed under submitted plans. According to planning documents, 624 Burwood Road has undergone significant alterations and although a Heritage Overlay applies to land to the north and west of the site, the overlay does not include the site itself.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image11_20.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="What is and what could be. Images: Google Earth &amp; Interlandi Mantesso Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="304" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image11_20.jpg?itok=UqBlw34F" title="What is and what could be. Images: Google Earth &amp; Interlandi Mantesso Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>What is and what could be. Images: Google Earth &amp; Interlandi Mantesso Architects</figcaption></figure>In an area that includes a mix of built form, Interlandi Mantesso Architects have conceived the 8 storey project which includes tessellated facebrick, perforated patterned concrete, textured White/ Grey renders and Charcoal highlights over its facade.

Internally 7 single bedroom apartments are around the 51sqm mark, 33 dual bedroom apartments band between 68sqm and 89sqm, with 5 triple bedroom apartments holding internals between 100sqm and 137sqm. A ground level 599sqm retail space has been earmarked as a car sales showroom.

620-624 Burwood Road has pushed the number of dwellings in development that are being tracked by Apartments.com.au to beyond the 1,200 mark.
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Two residential projects seek their spot on Hawthorn's Burwood Road

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A Fitzroy North institution is in line for an overhaul, as Piedimonte Developments Pty Ltd pushes through with an apartment complex on their current and well-recognised supermarket site.

The existing supermarket will be levelled, as will a number of adjoining properties, in order to make way for an expanded supermarket with residential living above. 27-45 Best Street and 102-114 Scotchmer Street are subject to the development application which was received by City of Yarra during August.

The proposal spans the prominent 3,715sqm corner site and carries a combined street frontage in excess of 100 metres.

Piedimonte Developments along with architect Peddle Thorp and town planners Contour Consultants have teamed on the proposal, asserting that the development would satisfy the need for urban consolidation on this strategically placed redevelopment site.

<h2>Piedimonte 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/image33_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of the proposed development. Planning image: Peddle Thorp"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="311" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image33_11.jpg?itok=77vN7SjP" title="Artist's impression of the proposed development. Planning image: Peddle Thorp" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of the proposed development. Planning image: Peddle Thorp</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Redevelopment spanning 7 storeys, highest point adjacent to Best Street</li>
	<li>Expanded supermarket over ground/mezzanine levels: 2,894sqm retail &amp; 1,763sqm back-of-house</li>
	<li>877sqm bottle shop</li>
	<li>89 apartments above: 23 x 1BR, 62 x 2BR, 4 x 3BR</li>
	<li>3 basement levels: 164 car parking spaces</li>
	<li>86 bicycle bays</li>
	<li>Amenity: roof garden and terraces</li>
	<li>Estimated cost of development: $45 million</li>
</ul>
<h2>Heritage retention</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/image36_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Scotchmer street frontage. Planning image: Contour Consultants"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="279" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image36_5.jpg?itok=zlJAkWMX" title="Scotchmer street frontage. Planning image: Contour Consultants" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Scotchmer street frontage. Planning image: Contour Consultants</figcaption></figure>The site includes lengthy street frontages, with an attempt made by the design team to visually manage built form across these interfaces by way of scaling new structures to match the existing streetscape.

Two separate existing frontages will be retained and restored as part of the development, owing to their heritage significance.  25-31 Best Street on the development's south-east corner and 102-114 Scotchmer Street which includes frontage to Egremont Street across the site's north-west corner will be incorporated.

Their facades will be restored, with the buildings retained to a depth of 3 metres.

<h2>Limited opportunity </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/image37_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The St Georges Road outlook is set for change. Planning image: Peddle Thorp"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="403" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image37_7.jpg?itok=d21w95zO" title="The St Georges Road outlook is set for change. Planning image: Peddle Thorp" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The St Georges Road outlook is set for change. Planning image: Peddle Thorp</figcaption></figure>Piedimonte Developments' bid if successful would see the corner site join only a handful of contemporary apartment developments created in Fitzroy North. 

In recent years Adio Properties delivered Aquila Apartments nearby at 496-500 Brunswick Street, whilst Blue Earth Group was behind the creation of <a href="http://www.blueearth.com.au/completed/northwood">Northwood</a> at 392 St Georges Road. The latter project contains 71 apartments over 6 levels, with a retained heritage facade to St Georges Road.

Cranecorp have a current proposal adjoining Northwood at <a href="/buildings/georges-378-st-georges-road-fitzroy-north">378-390 St Georges Road</a>, although the highest profile development in the area is GURNER's bid for <a href="/new-apartments/26-56-queens-parade-fitzroy-north">26-56 Queens Parade</a>.

Approximately one kilometre from the Piedimonte site, that project is by far and away Fitzroy North's largest as GURNER pushes for near on 300 apartments plus townhouses within a COX Architecture-designed scheme.
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Piedimonte joins the development movement

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<a href="/developers/australian-nan-xin-investment-pty-ltd">Nanxin Investment Pty Ltd</a> otherwise known as NX Property Group have scored a sizeable win at planning, clearing the way for the developer to add another 221 dwellings in Melbourne's south-east.

City of Monash earlier this month gave the green light to the project on the former Clayton Primary School site, delivering a Planning Permit to Issue for the expansive apartment and townhouse project. Having submitted the Mushan Architects-designed brief for approval during March this year, final approval for the project has now been effectively provided.

At 29 Browns Road, NX Property Group's project carries a proposed development cost of $65 million.

Zoned General Residential, the site was sold by JLL some years ago and obtained approval for a site master plan at the turn of 2017, with Mecone overseeing strategic planning and the development plan for the former school 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/image32_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Panoramic perspective of the Browns Road development. Image: Mushan"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="185" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image32_10.jpg?itok=8ze2Gqtp" title="Panoramic perspective of the Browns Road development. Image: Mushan" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Panoramic perspective of the Browns Road development. Image: Mushan</figcaption></figure>Under the site masterplan, 250 dwellings were approved, although this has been scaled back with the final split now consisting of 74 townhouses and 147 apartments.

The 74 townhouses consist of either two or three storeys and are split between 33 x 2 bedroom, 1 x 2 bedroom plus study, 32 x 4 and 5 bedroom with double garage and 8 x 4 bedroom dwellings with a tandem garage formats. The apartment component split sees 40 x 1 bedroom and 107 x 2 bedroom apartments, with the final number of apartments 25 lower in order to satisfy the conditions of approval.

NX Property Group's Browns Road success follows on from their initial <a href="/new-apartments/clayton-vic-3168">Clayton</a> project dubbed Brightwood Monash. Also the design work of <a href="/architects/mushan-architects">Mushan Architects</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/brightwood-monash-1-renver-road-clayton">Brightwood at 1 Renver Road</a> is now with builder <a href="/builders/valeo-construction">Valeo Constructions</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/2-5.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Brightwood Monash. Image: Valeo Constructions"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="404" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/2-5.png?itok=QRQET7f7" title="Brightwood Monash. Image: Valeo Constructions" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Brightwood Monash. Image: Valeo Constructions</figcaption></figure>After accounting for the likes of <a href="/builders/verve-construction">Verve Constructions</a> and <a href="/builders/lu-simon-builders">LU Simon Builders</a> during the tender process, Valeo was awarded the $37 million build.

Brightwood Monash includes 129 one and two bedroom apartments, plus 26 three and four bedroom townhouses. Brightwood Monash and Browns Road carry certain design similarities, although the Browns Road development does feature a higher proportion of townhouses which Melbourne property purchasers are currently buying at an insatiable rate.

Both NX Property Group projects are approximately one kilometre from one another, and in close proximity to Monash University's Clayton campus.
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NX Property Group scores big in Clayton

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Three new projects will appear across Melbourne under the guidance of builder ABD Group.

Among them is the firm's tallest build to date, whilst a further two projects will bolster ABD Group's already extensive credentials in the apartment sector. Combined the three secured acquired builds will add in excess of 500 apartments and serviced apartments to the builder's portfolio, just as ABD Group approached the finish line for a number of other builds under its guidance.

LINC Essendon has been awarded to the builder after a lengthy sales campaign. Revel Development Group is behind the project at 13-21 Russell Street, which is opposite Essendon Railway Station.

Expected is a 10 level, Plus Architecture-designed building above three levels of basement car parking. Retail will front Russell Street with 96 apartments to be added above, whilst a rooftop garden will crown the pending build.

ABD Group is nearing the end of another apartment project for Revel Development Group, namely Reflections which is one of the early projects to appear within North Melbourne's Arden-Macaulay 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/image5russell.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="LINC Apartments is set to make its mark"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="361" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image5russell.jpg?itok=zgCLGCNo" title="LINC Apartments is set to make its mark" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>LINC Apartments is set to make its mark</figcaption></figure>Moray Street has also appeared as a new build on ABD Group's website. The substantial project will see another Fender Katsalidis tower realised on Southbank, after initially being submitted for approval during 2015.

Across 18-24 Moray Street, the build will see a new tower rise 38 levels above ground on a modest corner plot of 446sqm. The site was <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/business/property/southbank-notches-up-another-development-sale-20160909-grcz3a">reportedly</a> purchased by a Hong Kong-based developer for $8.8 million in 2016, at a per square metre rate of $20,000.

Initially approved with 124 apartments, ABD Group describes the project as containing 165 serviced and private apartments above a multi-level car stacker system. 18-24 Moray Street also includes a gym, terrace and option for a pool.

<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/image6moray.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="18-24 Moray Street is Southbank's next tower"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="704" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image6moray.jpg?itok=rEfxRvFZ" title="18-24 Moray Street is Southbank's next tower" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>18-24 Moray Street is Southbank's next tower</figcaption></figure>Finally, ABD Group signage is now across a major build in its infancy in West Melbourne. The builder has been charged with the delivery of SPEC Property's latest development dubbed Flagstaff Green at 15-31 Batman Street, West Melbourne.

Flagstaff Green is in addition to ABD Group constructing Trilby which is the developer's other current pursuit consisting of 109 apartments at 466-482 Smith Street, Collingwood.

The West Melbourne project, on the other hand, will see 3 basement levels which will underpin 20 above ground levels, for a net result of 247 new apartments, two office tenancies and one new retail space. Flagstaff Green also includes communal amenities such as a pool, spa, gym and landscaped terrace plus courtyard in a project conceived by Inhabit 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/img_2229.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Works are underway on Flagstaff Green"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_2229.jpg?itok=5L0wLDOO" title="Works are underway on Flagstaff Green" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Works are underway on Flagstaff Green</figcaption></figure>
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