Abadeen has released the whole-floor penthouse crowning its recently completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/park-residences-cremorne-2-sutherland-street-cremorne-nsw-2090">Park Residences</a> development in Cremorne, bringing the near-300 sqm residence to market for the first time.

Occupying the entire top floor of the boutique Lower North Shore development, the penthouse includes 221 sqm of internal living and a 74 sqm wraparound terrace, with a prized north-facing aspect taking in views across Middle Harbour.

The residence has been completed and fully furnished following a collaboration between Abadeen Executive Chairman Justin Brown and internationally recognised interior designer Jack Freeman, Founder and Managing Director of FREEMAN &amp; CO.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen">Abadeen</a> and Freeman approached the penthouse as a finished home, sourcing furniture, artwork, lighting and objects from Australia and overseas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378718]

Pieces from Parisian design house Pierre Augustin Rose sit alongside contemporary artworks and bespoke lighting, with Freeman drawing on recent visits to PAD Paris and Salone del Mobile Milano for the final collection.

Brown said the aim was to create a penthouse that felt more like a large-scale private home than a traditional apartment.

"The experience begins the moment the lift doors open. You're welcomed into an elegant dining room before the home opens into an extraordinary living space framed by sun-drenched harbour views.

"Every time someone walks through the front door they pause. It's not just the view, it's the incredible sense of space, the warmth created by the northern sunlight that fills the interiors, and the way every room connects so effortlessly.

"It has all the proportions of a luxury home, while delivering the effortless lifestyle and personalised experience of living in a world-class six-star hotel, combined with the simplicity and convenience of apartment living."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378713]

A secure lift provides exclusive access to the penthouse level, opening to a dedicated arrival foyer and dining area before the residence expands into its main living and entertaining spaces.

Floor-to-ceiling glazing runs across the northern side of the home, connecting the interiors with the terrace and Middle Harbour outlook.

The penthouse also features a fireplace and substantial chef's kitchen, while the wraparound terrace has been designed to accommodate both everyday outdoor living and larger-scale entertaining.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378720]

Freeman said the interiors had been deliberately kept restrained to complement the scale, natural light and outlook already established by the architecture.

"The penthouse is a serene study in quiet luxury," Freeman said.

"The interior pairs soft, sculptural forms with warm timber, pale stone and a restrained neutral palette. Curated artwork and metallic accents add depth, while abundant natural light creates a calm, effortlessly refined atmosphere. In my world, less is always more."

Freeman said the approach was centred around collecting individual pieces rather than simply decorating the apartment.

"Every material, every object and every piece of furniture has been curated with intention. I am a true believer in collecting versus decorating.

"The architecture already provided extraordinary natural light, remarkable volume and an uninterrupted connection to Middle Harbour. Our role was to complement those qualities with unique one-of-a-kind pieces of fine art and collectible design sourced from recent travels around the world."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378694]

Among the collection are solid bronze sculptures by Lorenzo Quinn, alongside a curated crystalware collection and pieces sourced from international design fairs.

Park Residences sits opposite Cammeray Golf Club, Cammeray Croquet Club and Grand Slam Tennis Cammeray, around 300 metres from Neutral Bay Village and its established collection of restaurants, cafés and retail.

Brown said the combination of a whole-floor floorplan, northern aspect and proximity to Neutral Bay was becoming increasingly difficult to find on the Lower North Shore.

"Completed whole-floor penthouses with a sun-drenched north-facing aspect and sweeping Middle Harbour views are exceptionally rare," Brown said.

"Add a quiet position opposite golf, croquet and tennis facilities, a level walk to Neutral Bay Village and only minutes to the CBD, and you have a lifestyle that's incredibly difficult to replicate.

"This is a home that offers the privacy and generosity of a luxury residence together with the convenience of one of Sydney's best-connected harbourside locations."

The penthouse will be exclusively marketed by SRM Residential.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=114246]

Joel Robinson

Abadeen unveils penthouse at Park Residences in Cremorne

New Brisbane developer Dalcott has unveiled Marrone, the first of three residential projects it is planning in and around Browning Street in South Brisbane.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marrone-south-brisbane-39-browning-street-south-brisbane-qld-4101">Marrone</a> will comprise 97 predominantly two- and three-bedroom apartments, with larger residences aimed squarely at the owner-occupier market.

The project will sit in a quiet pocket of South Brisbane between South Bank and West End, close to the restaurants, cultural attractions and riverfront amenity that have driven the suburb's continued transformation.

Dalcott is targeting buyers looking for more space and amenity than has traditionally been offered in the inner-city apartment market, particularly downsizers and professionals wanting to remain close to the city.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149951 project_image_fid=377072]

Resident facilities will be concentrated around an extensive rooftop amenity offering, including a swimming pool, spa, infrared sauna, warm and cold magnesium plunge pools, private lounge, dining room and outdoor entertaining areas.

Dalcott Managing Director Lachlan Cottee said South Brisbane's combination of lifestyle, connectivity and established character had been central to the approach to Marrone.

“South Brisbane offers a combination of lifestyle, connectivity and character that’s difficult to replicate elsewhere in Brisbane,” Cottee said.

“Our focus has been on creating homes that feel connected to that environment while providing the level of design, functionality and quality that today's owner-occupiers expect.”

The residences will feature an expressive material palette. Italian Calacatta Viola marble, known for its deep burgundy veining, will be paired with aged brass tapware, Chestnut engineered timber flooring and Tuscan Oak joinery.

<img alt="Marrone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b8d833da-3b30-496a-ae30-07bdff371b50" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%2010.52.35%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=P6DAgOfaQzIXljKKK5j3e5NhWtrHIu9G" />

Bathrooms will feature Nara Japanese ceramics and glass bricks, while clay, walnut and brass lighting will be used throughout the apartments.

Dalcott has appointed Realm Projects, led by Managing Director Shane Foley, to handle sales and marketing following previous sold-out collaborations between the groups.

Foley said the Brisbane apartment buyer had become increasingly focused on the quality of the home itself rather than simply securing an inner-city address.

“We expect to see strong demand from buyers who still want all the advantages of inner-city living but aren’t prepared to compromise on the quality of their home,” Foley said.

“Many will be downsizers looking to leave behind the maintenance of a traditional family home without giving up the space they enjoy, while others are likely to be professionals wanting a residence that reflects the way they live today.”

“Marrone responds directly to that demand, with generous floorplans, exceptional resident amenity and a location that places some of Brisbane’s best dining, entertainment and cultural attractions within walking distance.”

<img alt="Marrone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="61f7b22f-899e-4c0f-940a-7d3ab1bfb93a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%2010.52.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=PvN1JYxBgUpyCB7efKo52WGdSDs9nmim" />

Marrone will be the first project delivered as part of Dalcott's broader investment in the precinct.

It will be followed by La Terra, a boutique project comprising penthouse-style, single-level apartments on a northeast corner site with extensive resident amenity and city views.

Cottee said Marrone represented the first stage of the group's longer-term plans for the area.

Dalcott was established in 2025 by Lachlan Cottee and Ben Dalgliesh, combining development and construction capability under an integrated model and focusing on architecturally considered residential projects.

Marrone will initially be offered through a pre-release registration campaign ahead of its broader public launch.

Dalcott targets owner-occupiers with South Brisbane debut Marrone

Parnell Developments is the latest to seek significant uplift through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority on a Strathfield site previously approved for a much smaller apartment development.

Parnell has sought approval for a 32-storey mixed use tower across&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/7-lyons-street-strathfield-nsw-2135">3-7 Lyons Street and 18 Parnell Street</a>, a&nbsp;1,857 sqm site around 400 metres from Strathfield Station. The building would yield 160 apartments, 15 per cent of which will be dedicated affordable as per the government mandate for buildings seeking additional uplift.

Approved previously was a nine-storey building back in 2022 with just over 30 apartments. That approval came prior to the project being&nbsp;progressively reconsidered as planning policy shifted toward greater density around transport hubs.

<img alt="Strathfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c5af5281-a643-4eb2-b8c4-0081b59c04c7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.16.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=37bd3mI7rHNpThOV_75VO8xsGFwWOi1u" />

Turner has designed the latest building that would replace&nbsp;existing detached homes across the four lots.

The apartment mix comprises 22 one-bedroom apartments, 107 two-bedroom and two-bedroom-plus configurations, and 31 apartments with three or more bedrooms. The scheme also includes 203 car spaces across six basement levels and 58 bicycle spaces.

The proposal has been designed around a three-storey podium addressing Lyons Street, with the tower rising above and stepping toward its upper levels.

Turner said the podium was deliberately scaled to respond to the existing street, while the taller element has been designed as part of the emerging skyline anticipated around Strathfield Town Centre and the wider Homebush transport-oriented development precinct.

The Lyons Street frontage would have a more active, pedestrian-focused character, incorporating the commercial tenancy, landscaping and a brick-framed podium with an awning.

<img alt="Strathfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="14b20874-b8c3-4ac7-bc03-92be9a69fb78" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.17.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=av.9TxtqIRTC6v3PkSuu1rL9rreWoe2h" />

Parnell Street, which faces the railway corridor, has been given a different architectural treatment, with double-height breeze blocks, landscaping and communal areas used to soften the interface with the rail infrastructure.

The tower itself uses curved and recessed facade elements, with wave-like indentations across the northern elevation breaking the building into three vertical forms.

A palette of grey concrete, brick and breeze blocks is complemented by clay and terracotta accents, while the upper tower adopts a lighter expression through articulated slab edges, vertical fins and recessed glazing.

Residents would have access to 467 sqm of communal open space spread across three levels. The ground floor would accommodate the more active resident areas, including barbecue and group gathering spaces and an internal communal room capable of being used for working from home.

A more passive viewing deck is proposed at level three, overlooking the ground-level landscaping and neighbouring tennis courts, while a rooftop "sunset deck" at level 30 would provide another social and relaxation space.

<img alt="Parnell" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c3dce401-a80f-4682-8471-4caa01180880" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.17.34%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Xyo8JVqbOhSJXNy6Ih.1cHL.O6i0bGR." />

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Strathfield has been earmarked for substantial change through the Strathfield Town Centre planning work and the nearby Homebush TOD precinct.

Turner's report says the project has been designed to act as a transition between the existing low and mid-rise development surrounding the site and the taller built form expected to emerge across the town centre.

The proposal is being assessed as State Significant Development under the HDA pathway, alongside the concurrent request to amend the Burwood Local Environmental Plan.

First look: New apartment tower pitched for Strathfield Town Centre precinct

An $18 million penthouse has hit the market in Main Beach as construction tops out on La Mer, the $155 million apartment development rising just metres from the beach.

Spanning around 600 sqm across the top two levels of the 29-storey tower on Main Beach Parade, the four-bedroom penthouse is one of the latest eight-figure residences to test the upper end of the Gold Coast apartment market.

Its launch comes amid continued activity at the very top of the market, following the $30 million off-the-plan sale of a Burleigh Heads penthouse earlier this year, which surpassed the Gold Coast's previous $24 million apartment record set in 2023.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-mer-main-beach-3580-main-beach-parade-main-beach-qld-4217">La Mer penthouse</a> has been designed as a private residence in the sky, with 360-degree views spanning the ocean, Broadwater, hinterland and Gold Coast skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378731]

All four bedrooms have ensuites, while the ocean-facing master retreat occupies around half of the upper level and includes its own lounge, private balcony, two walk-in wardrobes and an oversized ensuite with a freestanding stone bath positioned to take in the views.

The residence also features a kitchen designed to accommodate a private chef, a 3.6-metre island bench, expansive butler's pantry, wine cellar and integrated bar.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378732]

A rooftop pool and substantial outdoor entertaining area with its own kitchen sit above the residence, while a grand staircase connects the two internal levels. The penthouse also has its own express lift.

OTP Group Director James Elliott, who is marketing La Mer, said the penthouse was expected to appeal to high-net-worth buyers seeking either a permanent Main Beach residence or Gold Coast holiday home.

“The La Mer penthouse represents exceptional value, considering its quality design, size, privacy and location, not to mention the 360-degree views capturing the beach and Gold Coast Broadwater,” Elliott said.

“We’re anticipating interest from high-net-worth individuals and couples seeking a residence or holiday home in the sought-after village enclave of Main Beach, taking advantage of the unprecedented growth underway in the area and neighbouring The Spit.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378736]

La Mer is being developed by developer-builder ODUS and Nazero, in partnership with funder Metrics Credit Partners.

ODUS Director Byron Sakha said topping out the tower had provided the opportunity to release the project's most significant residence.

“We’ve worked with internationally-recognised studio Sici Design on the penthouse interiors, with a focus on ensuring it isn’t luxury for luxury’s sake. Every element has been thoughtfully designed to enhance quality of life for those who call it home,” Sakha said.

“The views are the hero of virtually every space, but we’ve given equal attention to the fittings and finishes, so every detail exudes elegance and refinement.”

Sici Design Founder and Director Maria Papadopoulos said the extensive views became an integral part of the interior design rather than simply something the residence was designed around.

“The views weren't something we designed around, they became part of the design itself, with the true luxury of La Mer in its feeling of peace, calm and wellbeing,” Papadopoulos said.

“Luxury isn't defined by how something looks, but how it makes you feel, and we believe a luxurious home should be beautiful to live in, not stressful to maintain.”

The interiors combine Austral Dream Dolomite natural stone and travertine with timber flooring and a restrained coastal palette.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378734]

Designed by Plus Studio, La Mer is one of the more boutique additions to the rapidly changing Main Beach apartment market.

The tower comprises just 24 full-floor, three-bedroom plus multipurpose room apartments below the two-level penthouse, giving the project a considerably lower density than many of the larger towers being developed across the Gold Coast.

Residents will have access to a pool and spa, gym, sauna, barbecue facilities, private sun lounges, yoga lawn and outdoor beach shower.

The penthouse has been released as part of the final collection of residences at La Mer, with remaining apartments priced from $4.3 million.

Construction is expected to complete later this year, with a fully furnished display apartment now open on level four.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=95606]

ODUS releases $18 million penthouse crowning La Mer Main Beach

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a> is preparing to commence construction on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke Street</a> this October, marking the next milestone for the Melbourne CBD development and its higher-end Eliza Collection.

Spanning levels 44 to 68 of the 68-storey <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>-designed tower, the Eliza Collection has been conceived as a lower-density offering within the broader development, with only five apartments on each floor, dedicated lift access and a collection of resident spaces reserved exclusively for Eliza Collection residents.

The Eliza Collection forms part of Far East Consortium's broader move toward larger-format residences at 640 Bourke Street, where the number of apartments was reduced from earlier plans as apartment sizes increased.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365685]

"What it's meant for 640 Bourke is we've actually reduced the number of apartments. We've increased the overall size of the apartments. We don't have any studios in here, and what that does for a project is it elevates it," Far East Consortium Director of Sales and Marketing Lauren Sheldon said.

Rothelowman Associate Jun Chang said the design process provided an opportunity to create more generous floorplans.

"We were given the opportunity to be more generous. The apartments became bigger and squarer than any other apartments which had been designed in the CBD before that."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=368869]

That thinking carries through to the Eliza Collection, where the residences have been designed around the space and functionality associated with a larger home, but positioned high above the centre of Melbourne.

Kitchens are equipped with Gaggenau appliances, a butler's pantry, temperature-controlled wine cabinet and sculptural pendant lighting, while engineered timber flooring, stone and porcelain finishes and custom cabinetry feature throughout the broader interiors.

Privacy and security are another point of distinction. Eliza Collection residents have dedicated lift access, while 640 Bourke Street will provide concierge services and secure resident parking. Short-stay accommodation, including Airbnb, will not be permitted within the development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365689]

Eliza Collection residents will also have exclusive access to selected amenity spaces across levels one and three of the restored Eliza Tinsley building. These include the Salon with grand piano, an art therapy room, private dining rooms and treatment rooms.

They sit within more than 3,000 sqm of amenity planned across 640 Bourke Street, alongside facilities including a pool, gym, whisky lounge and further social and wellness spaces.

The Eliza Tinsley building itself is central to the wider project's identity. Rather than treating the existing Eliza Tinsley façade as a separate element, Rothelowman used it as a starting point for the architecture of the new tower, with the historic building to accommodate the project's gallery and lobby.

"It's a significant asset and wants to be celebrated and experienced by all residents every single time they go in and out of the building," Rothelowman Principal Stuart Marsland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=368872]

The tower will rise behind the retained heritage building at 640 Bourke Street, placing residents within walking distance of Southern Cross Station, Flagstaff Gardens, Queen Victoria Market and the Docklands waterfront.

With construction scheduled to begin in October, Far East Consortium has established an onsite display gallery at 640 Bourke Street, including fully built apartments that allow the project's layouts, materials and finishes to be inspected at full scale.

A fully built Eliza Collection apartment is also available to view at the display suite by appointment ahead of the planned October construction commencement.

Eligible purchasers who buy before construction commences can secure the full available off-the-plan stamp duty savings, subject to eligibility and applicable conditions.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=509]

Far East Consortium brings Eliza Collection to 640 Bourke Street ahead of October construction start

Apartments

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The notion of Melbourne becoming a 20-minute City has been explored heavily in recent times.

Seeking to provide Melburnians with the ability to 'live locally', the 20-minute City, in essence, strives to provide people with the ability to meet most of their everyday needs within a 20-minute walk, cycle or local public transport trip of their home.

Plan Melbourne's <a href="http://www.planmelbourne.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/377117/Plan_Melbourne_2017_Outcome_5_PDF.pdf">push toward the 20-minute City</a> would also have immense repercussions for the environment, potentially reducing travel by nine million passenger kilometres and cutting Melbourne’s daily greenhouse gas emissions by more than 370,000 tonnes.

The Heart Foundation and the Victorian Government's <a href="https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/news/designing-an-active-healthier-victoria">Healthy and Active by Design Victoria</a> has the 20-minute City at its core. The push to heighten awareness around the issue of connecting people efficiently with daily necessities has not gone unlost on certain developers.

As awareness of the health issues increases, enterprising developers are beginning to talk up the health benefits of living close to places of employment; this is particularly pertinent in Melbourne's middle suburban apartment market as it begins to mature.

Developer Cedar Woods has of late been talking up the health and wellbeing benefits of living in close proximity to places of employment. Given their Jackson Green development is in close proximity to the Monash Employment Cluster, they are well placed to do so.

According to the <a href="https://www.medibank.com.au/livebetter/tag/better-health-index/">Medibank Better Health Index</a>, there are significant health benefits in living closer to places of work, thus reducing time spent commuting during the week. According to the Index, "those travelling one to five kilometres to work having a better overall health score versus those commuting more than 50 kilometres."

Furthermore, "Those with a journey of 30 kilometres or more suffered from various negative health outcomes such as increased stress and weight gain. By living close to work, time usually spent commuting can be put into other important lifestyle activities such as health and exercise, quality family time and personal relaxation."

Cedar Woods have been quick to point this out, using Jackson Green's latest release, Gardenia, as an example of buyers choosing to purchase based on proximity to their workplace.

In a recent media release, Cedar Woods state manager Patrick Archer extolled the virtues of living close to one's place of employment:

<blockquote>
People are aware of the negative effects long commute times add to their health and wellbeing, as well as the time they lose each day spent in the car or on public transport getting to work. To help combat this they are placing greater importance on where they live and ensuring it is close to their workplace. 

We have noticed a number of buyers at Jackson Green moving to the area because they want to be closer to work. They are being more strategic with their time to create more opportunities to relax, re-energise and reduce the amount of time spent commuting.
<cite>Patrick Archer, State Manager, Cedar Woods</cite>
</blockquote>

The Monash Employment Cluster is the prime example in that it maintains Melbourne’s largest concentration of jobs outside the CBD and includes employment hubs such as the Monash Medical Centre and Monash University.

The advent of further <a href="https://vpa.vic.gov.au/urban-renewal/national-employment-clusters/">National Employment and Innovation Cluster</a>s such as Dandenong, La Trobe, Sunshine and the massive Werribee East project will also serve to draw in greater populations seeking to reside closer to major employment hubs. As Melbourne's population continues to balloon, it seems that so to will congestion across all modes of transport.

People will invariably be drawn to living closer to their places of employment; perhaps now developers spruiking their respective apartment projects in Melbourne's middle suburbs will include another inducement in their marketing campaigns - that of health and wellbeing, and proximity to all that matters.
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silvermb

The 20-minute city, associated health benefits and expanding middle Melbourne

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Considering the sheer volume of apartment projects Melbourne has absorbed over recent years, the rate of stalled projects is comparatively minuscule.

Very few apartment projects that launched their respective sales campaigns over the last five years failed to progress to construction. One of the more notable projects though was 100 Park Street; the South Melbourne project straddling the busy Kings Way and Park Street intersection had over recent years been expected to be home to an 11 level mixed-use building.

The failure of the project to progress through its then sales campaign has presented an opportunity for current developer RESCOM, which also happens to be headquartered onsite.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/100park-2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="100 Park Street as was initially intended. Image: Rescom"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/100park-2.jpg?itok=BrxWxxFd" title="100 Park Street as was initially intended. Image: Rescom" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>100 Park Street as was initially intended. Image: Rescom</figcaption></figure>With the 2012 VCAT-approved scheme now consigned to history, RESCOM has utilised prolific residential apartment design practice CHT Architects to rework the scheme for the dual fronted 593sqm site which fronts a combined twelve lanes of traffic.

Lodged with City of Port Phillip earlier in the year, the new CHT Architects design seeks approval for a taller 19-storey building which includes offices and 67 apartments. Split between 10 single bedroom dwellings, 40 two bedroom dwellings and 17 three bedroom dwellings, the newly formatted tower provides a greater yield relative to the original design.

483.5 square metres of office space is present over the ground floor, first floor and second floor. 44 car parking spaces and 51 bicycle bays are housed across two basement levels and a portion of the ground floor.

Reaching 60 metres in height, the new 100 Park Street represents RESCOM's biggest apartment project to date, following on from their Fernhill Sandringham project and the at construction Herbert King on Richmond's Lennox Street which includes 40 dwellings.

100 Park Street's initial sales campaign was forsaken, with the site eventually <a href="https://www.cbremelbourne.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Park_St_100_4PP_v14.pdf">handed over to CBRE City Sales</a> during mid 2015 with all presales attached, but not acted upon.

<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_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A Kings Way perspective of 100 Park Street. Planning image: CHT Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="456" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image32_7.jpg?itok=Ph4RogDp" title="A Kings Way perspective of 100 Park Street. Planning image: CHT Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A Kings Way perspective of 100 Park Street. Planning image: CHT Architects</figcaption></figure>The current 100 Park Street proposal versus the initial 2012 scheme is chalk and cheese when placed into their respective built form.

Park Street and the immediate surrounds have become one of the more stable apartment development precincts across inner Melbourne. The majority of proposals have pushed through City of Port Phillip's planning channel in the last two years, effectively earmarking this area as a hotbed of apartment activity in years to come.

Including the reworked 100 Park Street, there are currently nine apartment projects either on Park Street or within a 300m radius that have yet to reach fruition. These projects amount to a further 911 apartments in the South Melbourne pipeline.

<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_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Fellow proposals at 33 Park Street, 5-7 Park Street and 9-13 Park Street."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="339" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image34_10.jpg?itok=QX0x2y09" title="Fellow proposals at 33 Park Street, 5-7 Park Street and 9-13 Park Street." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Fellow proposals at 33 Park Street, 5-7 Park Street and 9-13 Park Street.</figcaption></figure>
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A problem South Melbourne site looks for new life

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A handful of major construction projects are moving closer to reality, as evidenced by current construction tenders open for each of the respective projects.

With a minimum construction value of $50 million, the five projects across metropolitan Melbourne represent the largest projects currently at tender. Below is a brief overview of each of the five projects that will make their place in due course.

<h2>Flinders Gate</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/image20_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The view from Federation Square may include Flinders Gate shortly. Image: Dexus"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image20_9.jpg?itok=EzhuZOzi" title="The view from Federation Square may include Flinders Gate shortly. Image: Dexus" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The view from Federation Square may include Flinders Gate shortly. Image: Dexus</figcaption></figure>After being touted as a major commercial development for the best part of five years, Dexus have finally moved Flinders Gate to construction tender.

The adaptive reuse encompasses a 1,071 car park set behind two existing buildings. 20,000sqm of commercial floor space is approved within a mid-rise building that would appear above fully restored heritage facades. According to project architect SJB, "500 car spaces will be removed as part of this redevelopment and will see the addition of 150 bicycle spaces, as part of an ESD initiative to achieve a 5 star NABERS rating."

During 2016 it had been reported that Seek were likely to sign on for space within Flinders Gate, although no official announcement on a tenant for the project has been made to date.

<h2>East Brunswick Village - Stage 1</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/image22_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="East Brunswick Village is nearing reality. Image: Merbo"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="349" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image22_7.jpg?itok=YDIA30an" title="East Brunswick Village is nearing reality. Image: Merbo" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>East Brunswick Village is nearing reality. Image: Merbo</figcaption></figure>Another project with a long gestation period is East Brunswick Village at 129–149 Nicholson Street. Brunswick East.

Without a sales campaign in sight, developer Banco Group has pushed ahead with site works, facilitating early works across the massive 21,300sqm site. A construction is imminent with the tender for Stage 1 of the project now current.

Although eventually home to approximately 600 apartments, Merbo Project Management have Stage 1 consisting of 227 apartments over 2 basement levels, 2 buildings of 5 and 6 levels, a Coles supermarket, Liquorland and a host of specialty retailers.

<h2>M-City </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/image24_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="M-City will redefine its immediate surrounds in Clayton. Image: Schiavello"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="391" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image24_3.jpg?itok=8amvD7JP" title="M-City will redefine its immediate surrounds in Clayton. Image: Schiavello" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>M-City will redefine its immediate surrounds in Clayton. Image: Schiavello</figcaption></figure>With a construction value in excess of $200 million, Clayton's M-City development is the biggest of all projects currently at tender. To be developed jointly by The Saraceno Group and Schiavello, the 3.52ha site will eventually become a unique multi-use precinct located in the Monash Employment Cluster.

Billed as the largest mixed-use project within Melbourne's metropolitan area, the sheer size of M-City's construction value points toward multiple stages of the project being constructed simultaneously. Multiple residential buildings are joined by commercial and hotel components, plus a mass of retail and entertainment options that will make M-City a destination in itself.

M-City's move to construction signifies the end of a very long effort by The Saraceno Group to develop the site, having tried and failed to facilitate development onsite prior to the tie-up with Schiavello.

<h2>Seasons Doncaster East</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/150708-reynolds-road-view-03-initial-draft.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Pushing the apartment cause in Doncaster East. Image: JD Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="295" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/150708-reynolds-road-view-03-initial-draft.jpg?itok=1zZo-e0l" title="Pushing the apartment cause in Doncaster East. Image: JD Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Pushing the apartment cause in Doncaster East. Image: JD Group</figcaption></figure>Already sporting a number of tower cranes, Doncaster East will receive a handful move as Seasons Donacster East moves through the construction tender process.

The suburb's largest apartment project, Seasons is the effort of developer JD Group. Approximately 300 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom apartments are earmarked across the 13,340sqm site located at 180-200 Reynolds Road.

Seasons is the largest development within The Pines Activity Centre which is on the Blackburn, Reynolds and Andersons Creek Road axis and spans an area of approximately 37.5 hectares. JD Group have previously been active in the area, developing the Reynolds Gardens apartment project diagonally opposite Seasons.

<h2>252 Collins Street - The Hour Glass Refurbishment</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/image26_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="252 Collins Street is headed toward change. Image: Kodak"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="494" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image26_8.jpg?itok=rAA0fevL" title="252 Collins Street is headed toward change. Image: Kodak" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>252 Collins Street is headed toward change. Image: Kodak</figcaption></figure>Although quite different to the above new builds, 252 Collins Street's pending overhaul still stacks up in terms of construction value.

Home to The Hour Glass which is one of Australasia's premier luxury watch retail groups, 252 Collins Street's pending works are in excess of $50 million in value. Collins Street continues to see the refurbishment of existing buildings such as the T&amp;G Building, Australia on Collins, Rialto, 360 Collins and 367 Collins.

Although varying in their scope and size, these refurbishments whilst solitary in their nature have had the cumulative effect of ensuring Collins Street remains Melbourne's premier retail thoroughfare.
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The next wave of major builds line up

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One of Melbourne's diminishing number of larger-scale planning applications has broken cover.

Local developer Perri Projects is seeking to push through a substantial apartment tower on a prominent site at the northern tip of the CBD. 23-29 Victoria Street is currently a service station, but under plans conceived by Woods Bagot a 25 storey predominantly residential would take its place.

The site finds itself in a mixed-use zone with a wide discrepancy of heights on show. Over recent years a high degree of development has taken place immediately south of 23-29 Victoria Street, with dual 38 storey buildings currently at construction.

North-facing apartments within the prospective tower would command imposing views down the Drummond Street axis, with little prospect of being built out. Perhaps this potential selling point along with current market trends has seen the majority of apartments within the proposal holding three bedrooms.

<h2>23-29 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/image10_14.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="23-29 Victoria Street as rendered from Drummond Street. Planning image: Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image10_14.jpg?itok=r0eSKnwE" title="23-29 Victoria Street as rendered from Drummond Street. Planning image: Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>23-29 Victoria Street as rendered from Drummond Street. Planning image: Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Application lodged June 2017</li>
	<li>Site area: 894sqm with two street frontages</li>
	<li>Proposed: 25 storey tower at 86.2m to roof line</li>
	<li>Apartment mix: 27 x 1BR, 26 x 2BR, 37 x 3BR</li>
	<li>2 retail tenancies of 117sqm and 86sqm</li>
	<li>539sqm of office accommodation within the podium</li>
	<li>79 vehicles and 88 bicycles within 4 basement levels</li>
	<li>2 amenities levels: pool, gym, lounge, dining area</li>
	<li>Estimated development cost: $50 million</li>
	<li>NSA: 10,400sqm</li>
</ul>
<h2>Speaking the Carlton language</h2>

<blockquote>
The building speaks two languages, one to its cultural heritage neighbours (both the building and Carlton’s Victorian terrace housing) and another, towards its younger and taller companions for centralised, city living. The geometric facade is conceived as an analogy of Carlton’s architectural typology.

A cascading diagonal motif set at the scale of an apartment integrates the balcony condition into the envelope. A brick podium provides an anchor point whilst subtly referencing its context.

<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/image18_18.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Seeking a new CBD-Carlton nexus. Planning image: Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="416" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image18_18.jpg?itok=1s3SDScL" title="Seeking a new CBD-Carlton nexus. Planning image: Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Seeking a new CBD-Carlton nexus. Planning image: Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure>The tower form along the northern elevation is highly agitated, synonymous with the Carlton verandah depth, however, the south facade is flattened reflecting the city’s restrained geometric qualities.
<cite>Urban context Report</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Ground plane activation</h2>

The application seeks to do its part in overhauling the currently poor street level experience along McKenzie Street.

23-29 Victoria Street's podium toward the west utilises white flemishbond brick, referencing the adjoining Horticultural Hall’s red-brick facades. The balance of the design's ground floor is clear glazed and expressive toward the streetscape, whilst mature trees will sit atop the terraced western podium.

Landscaping plays a key part across the tower's lower levels, with four separate design aspects proposed to enhance the pedestrian network. MacKenzie Street's pavement would be widened in order to introduce planterboxes whilst the MacKenzie and Victoria Street intersection is earmarked for overhaul by way of a pocket urban forest.

A new string of trees to Victoria Street and an upgrade to Bell Place's connectivity are also on the cards as part of the development team's bid to gain approval.

<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/image14_12.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="McKenzie Street perspective. Planning image: Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="428" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image14_12.jpg?itok=zynOYeZk" title="McKenzie Street perspective. Planning image: Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>McKenzie Street perspective. Planning image: Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure><h2>23-29 Victoria Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Perri Projects</li>
	<li>Architect: Woods Bagot</li>
	<li>Town Planning: Contour Consultants</li>
	<li>Landscape Architects: Oculus</li>
	<li>Heritage Consultant: GJM Heritage</li>
	<li>Traffic Engineer: GTA</li>
	<li>Waste Consultant: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>ESD: Sustainable Development Consultants</li>
	<li>Acoustic: Acoustic Logic</li>
	<li>Wind Engineers: MEL Consulting</li>
	<li>Structural Consultant: Webber</li>
	<li>Services Consultant: O'Neill Group</li>
	<li>Building Surveyor: PLP</li>
	<li>Land Surveyor: Taylors</li>
</ul>
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Perri Projects and Woods Bagot seek a new northern CBD focal point

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The long-running bid to redevelop Abbotsford's historic St Crispin House has found a resolution, with Pace Development Group granted the right to deliver 133 apartments over 12 levels.

In conjunction with SJB Architects, Pace Development Group have refined the design for the development to a point where it was considered an acceptable outcome. Well before Pace assumed control of the site during 2015, St Crispin House was subject to development overtones, with an earlier application seeking a 17 storey high-rise outcome.

The newly approved envelope will see a mid-rise apartment building rising from behind the Art Deco-styled facade which will be restored. The site's history dates back to the early 1920's when it was utilised as a boot making factory.

<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/image45_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Pace of Abbotsford. Image: PACE Development Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="673" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image45_6.jpg?itok=dWf-cdSp" title="Pace of Abbotsford. Image: PACE Development Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Pace of Abbotsford. Image: Pace Development Group</figcaption></figure>Pace of Abbotsford, as it will be known, is expected to begin construction later this year; sales of the one, two and three bedroom apartments are expected to begin during October, with construction earmarked for November. Completion is expected during mid-2019.

Within the associated media release, Pace's Planning and Design Manager Michael Holah made note of Johnston's Street gradual transformation, as an increased number of higher density projects take their place within Abbotsford.

Apartments.com.au's Project Database shows Pace of Abbotsford is joined by five additional projects along the Abbotsford stretch of Johnston Street which have yet to become reality. Combined there is scope to add approximately 250 apartments and 40 serviced apartments to the area which has traditionally been low-rise.

<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_6973.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Pace of Collingwood under construction"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="414" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_6973.jpg?itok=8Gr5rcGk" title="Pace of Collingwood under construction" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Pace of Collingwood under construction</figcaption></figure>Pace of Abbotsford is also another notch in the developer's push into City of Yarra; three of Pace's seven current projects within the municipality.

Nearly, Pace of Collingwood has commenced construction proper, with Pace's in-house construction team set to oversee proceedings. 79 apartments are to be delivered within the predominantly brick snap finished building, which accounts for a 1139sqm corner site on Welington Street and Langridge Street.

Diagonally opposite, Pace is also pursuing a development albeit with a commercial outcome. Last week Apartments.com.au highlighted the <a href="/news/spowers-adds-to-the-collingwood-development-blitz">slim-form, Spowers-designed commercial building</a> which if approved will mark Pace Development Group's first foray into purely commercial development.
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Pace of Abbotsford gains approval and eyes a 2017 construction start

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<img src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/80895/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-advanced" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">
GUEST OBSERVER
It’s time to debunk the myth of zero housing costs in retirement if we want to understand why retirees resist downsizing. Retirees have at least five reasons to be wary of the costs of downsizing.
Retirees living in middle-ring suburbs face frequent calls to downsize into apartments to free up larger allotments in these suburbs for redevelopment. Retirees who fail to downsize into smaller units and apartments are viewed as being a greedy, baby-boomer elite, stealing financial security from younger generations. 
It also makes sense to policymakers for retirees to move into less spacious accommodation and make way for high-density housing. Housing think-tank AHURI fosters this view. Yet seniors remain resistant to moving, in part because of the ongoing costs they would face.
The concept of zero housing costs in retirement is based on a 1940s view of a well-maintained, single dwelling on a single allotment of land where the mortgage has been paid off. This concept is incompatible with medium- and high-density housing and refusing to acknowledge ongoing housing costs may cause significant poverty for retirees. 
<h2>Reason 1 – upfront moving costs are high</h2>
When a house is sold the owner receives the sale funds minus the real estate and legal fees. When the same person then buys a different property to live in, they pay legal fees plus stamp duty. 
For cities such as Melbourne and Sydney, these costs are likely to exceed A$70,000. 
These high transfer costs may mean it is not cost-effective for the person to move. 
<h2>Reason 2 – levies are high</h2>
Because apartment owners pay body corporate levies, people often assume this is just the same as periodic payment of rates, water, insurance and other costs. It is not. 
Fees remissions for low-income retirees for rates, power, insurance and water are difficult to apply within a body corporate environment. As a consequence, these are usually not applied to owners of apartments.
The costs of maintaining essential services, such as mandatory fire-alarm testing, yearly engineering certification, lift and air-conditioning inspections, significantly increase ownership costs. 
When additional services are supplied, such as swimming pools, gyms and rooftop gardens, these also require periodic inspections. Garbage collection, cleaning, gardening, concierge and strata management services also must be paid. 
Owners of standard suburban homes choose whether they want these services, with those on fixed incomes going without them. 
Annual levies for apartment buildings vary, but expect to pay between $10,000 and $15,000. They may be more than this.
<h2>Reason 3 – costs of maintenance</h2>
Lift maintenance is one of many costs that suburban home owners needn’t worry about. 
Apartments are often sold as a maintenance-free solution for older people. The maintenance is not free. It needs to be paid for. 
Maintenance costs are higher in an apartment than a standard suburban home because there are more items and services to be maintained and fixed. Lifts and air conditioning need periodic servicing and fixing. This is in addition to the mandatory inspections listed above.
<h2>Reason 4 – loss of financial security</h2>
It is a mistaken belief that the maintenance costs that form part of the body corporate fee include periodic property upgrades. This relates to items that are owned collectively with other apartment owners. 
Major servicing at the ten-year mark and usually each five-to-seven years after that include painting, floor-covering replacement, and lift and air-conditioning repair or replacement. 
Major upgrades may also include garden redesign or other external building enhancement including environmental upgrades. All owners share these upgrade costs. 
Costs of upgrading the inside of an apartment (a bathroom disability upgrade, for example) are additional again. 
Once the body corporate committee members pledge funds towards an upgrade, all owners are required to raise their share of the funds, whether they can afford it or not. Communal choice outweighs an individual owner’s need to delay upgrade costs. 
Owners who buy apartments that are part of a body corporate effectively lose control of their future financial decisions.
<h2>Reason 5 – loss of security of tenure</h2>
Loss of security of tenure is usually associated with renters. However, the recent introduction of termination legislation in New South Wales gives other owners the right to vote to terminate a strata title scheme. When this occurs, all owners, including reluctant owners of apartments within that scheme, are compelled to sell.
There are valid reasons why termination legislation is desirable, as many older apartment complexes are reaching the end of their useful life. 
Even so, as termination legislation is rolled out across the states, owner- occupiers effectively lose control of how long they will own a property for. They no longer have security of tenure, which means retirees may face an uncertain housing future in their old age.
Because current data sets do not adequately take account of ongoing costs associated with apartment living, the effect of downsizing on individual households is masked. 
Downsizing retirees into the apartment sector creates ongoing financial stress for older people. Creating tax incentives to move does not tackle these ongoing costs.
Centrelink payments for of $404 per week are well below the poverty line. Yet we expect retirees to willingly downsize and to be able to cede most of their Centrelink payments to cover high body corporate costs. 
Requiring retirees to downsize for the greater urban good will shift poverty onto retirees who could barely manage in their previously owned standard suburban home. 
Failing to understand the effect of high ongoing costs associated with apartment living and reinforcing the myth of zero housing costs in retirement will continue to lead to poor policy outcomes.
Erika Altmann is Property and Housing Management Researcher, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-tasmania-888" target="_blank">University of Tasmania</a> and author for <a href="https://theconversation.com/au" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Downsizing cost trap awaits retirees – five reasons to be wary

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A developer new to the Apartments.com.au <a href="/developments">Project Database</a> is seeking a berth within the bustling West Melbourne apartment scene.

137-157 Adderley Street as a tri-fronted 1,606sqm site headed to planning during May on behalf of Auburn Land Group. Surrounded by a variety of other current apartment developments, the Adderley Street land holding sits between North Melbourne railway station and the area's most high profile mixed-use development, West End.

The immediate area surrounding 137-157 Adderley Street is a mixture of "terrace houses, commercial offices, workshops and showrooms; buildings of various periods and architectural styles." Auburn Land Group is looking to push the suburb further down the path of higher density residential, by seeking the right to deliver 112 apartments within a 10 level building.

Buchan Group has designed the possible the new addition in line with the objectives of the Better Apartments Design Standards.

The new application follows on from a previous design at planning which was scuppered when the site in question was sold by CBRE City Sales during 2016.

<h2>137-157 Adderley 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/image23_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Street level perspective of the new development. Planning image: Buchan Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="241" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image23_7.jpg?itok=QFkP1-2t" title="Street level perspective of the new development. Planning image: Buchan Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Street level perspective of the new development. Planning image: Buchan Group</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Application submitted May 2017</li>
	<li>Site area: 1,606sqm with 3 street frontages</li>
	<li>Proposed: 10 level building at 32.8m</li>
	<li>112 apartments: 29 x 1BR, 26 x 1BR + S, 57 x 2BR</li>
	<li>Apartment size range: 47sqm - 84sqm</li>
	<li>102 car parking spaces &amp; 40 bicycle bays</li>
	<li>GFA: 15,300.9sqm</li>
	<li>Development cost: $25 million</li>
</ul>
<h2>The site in context</h2>

<blockquote>
A significant objective of this design response is to provide a considered building form; of scale and articulation that is appropriate to the location context and contributes a well-mannered and positive presence to the West Melbourne streetscape.

One of the most captivating aspects of this site and indeed, a primary characteristic of the West Melbourne context, is the tree line'boulevard'streets, featuring, particularly in the north-south streets, mature deciduous plane trees.

The building design seeks to celebrate this aspect of the context by incorporating into the design highly reflective glass in the street fronting facades to literally reflect the tree foliage and by adopting the seasonal colours of the trees in the vertical shade blades that are affixed to the face of Level 5 and 6 street facades.

The blades will be colour coded to express the seasons.
<cite>Urban context report, Buchan Group</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Into an active space</h2>

West Melbourne and Box Hill continue to be the two dominant non-CBD/Southbank locales where large scale apartment projects continue to be consumed by buyers at a steady rate.

Auburn Land Group's Adderley Street project becomes the 27th apartment project entry for West Melbourne within the Apartments.com.au Project Database.

As part of their planning representation, Buchan Group has delivered an overview of West Melbourne that clearly shows the march of higher density living in the suburb. Pink sections represent existing low-rise commercial plots which have become the target of many a developer, while light blue denotes single dwellings and navy multi-residential.

What can be taken from the below graphic is that West Melbourne still has an abundance of sites capable of handling higher density 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/image1_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="West Melbourne development overview. Planning image: Buchan Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="309" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image1_8.jpg?itok=PHg6y24M" title="West Melbourne development overview. Planning image: Buchan Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>West Melbourne development overview. Planning image: Buchan Group</figcaption></figure><h2>137-157 Adderley Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Auburn Land Group</li>
	<li>Architect: The Buchan Group</li>
	<li>Town Planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>Traffic: O'Brien Traffic</li>
	<li>Waste Management: R B Waste Management</li>
</ul>
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Auburn Land Group enters the West Melbourne apartment market

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High-rise development sites number four and five have come under the microscope along Box Hill's Prospect Street, further pushing its credentials as the suburb's next major apartment strip.

Running parallel to Whitehorse Road, Prospect Street is "in an area inviting substantially increased intensity of use and activities consistent with an increased urbanisation." Latest into the limelight is 34-36 Prospect Street which is a major residential tower on behalf of ZL Prospect Pty Ltd.

Designed by Toauk Architects, the proposed development is currently at advertising with City of Whitehorse. Expected is a 31 level tower reaching 95 metres that includes 196 apartments, 2 retail tenancies, 1,152sqm of commercial space and 5 basement levels for 184 vehicles.

34-36 Prospect Street's provisional apartment mix sees 46 single bedroom, 138 dual and 12 triple bedroom dwellings within a tower that is dominated by a black and gold exterior.

<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/image18_17.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="34-36 Prospect Street. Image: Taouk Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="368" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image18_17.jpg?itok=RVabUtcd" title="34-36 Prospect Street. Image: Taouk Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>34-36 Prospect Street. Image: Taouk Architects</figcaption></figure>Taouk Architects describe the project as follows:

<blockquote>
34-36 Prospect Street presents an urban design response to a location that is both capable of supporting, and is targeted for an intensive development in accordance with both the Box Hill Transit City Structure Plan and the City of Whitehorse Planning Scheme.

A mixed use development is consistent with the requirements of the Planning Scheme, and will contribute to Prospect Street as a safe and activated pedestrian corridor through the Box Hill Activity Centre.
</blockquote>

34-36 Prospect Street's offering follows on from last week's announcement by Savills that 15-17 Prospect Street had successfully sold to Chinese-based interests for $12.91 million. Billed as capable of handling 20 plus levels of residential living, the 1,305sqm site sold for a rate of $9,340 per sqm.

As with the majority of Prospect Street, the current low-rise commercial building is expected to make way for a mixed-use scheme. Backing onto rail lines, 15-17 Prospect Street is by no means alone on the southern side of Prospect 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/boxhill15-17prospectstreetp1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="15-17 Prospect Street. Image: Savills"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="470" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/boxhill15-17prospectstreetp1.jpg?itok=rLIVgy4Z" title="15-17 Prospect Street. Image: Savills" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>15-17 Prospect Street. Image: Savills</figcaption></figure>9-11 Prospect Street has approval in place for 187 apartments across a 26 storey, Artisan Architects-designed tower. It too will include commercial use across its lower floors, with 2,915sqm of leasable space within the podium.

At the time that 9-11 Prospect Street was at planning, a 1,004sqm site at 13 Prospect Street and a 1,653.7sqm site at 31-35 Prospect Street were offered for sale jointly between Colliers and JLL. Both sites are utilised as at grade car parks, with neither yet to reach planning.

With the five identified development sites set aside, Prospect Street still has a substantial supply of low-rise sites capable of eventually accommodating mixed-use towers.

In theory as many as 10-12 additional future towers could possibly rise on Prospect Street, assuming all sites are developed to their full capacity, allowing Prospect Street to become one of Box Hill most intensely developed precincts.
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Prospect Street shapes as Box Hill's next go-to development strip

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Malaysian-backed developer Beulah International is looking to well and truly underline the push by many of Melbourne's developers into the luxury apartment market by reworking an approved scheme for a prime Toorak Road land holding.

Currently at planning, Beulah International have chosen to scrap an earlier approved BDLC-designed project involving 37 apartments in favour of 10 grand-sized dwellings. Spanning 146 -150 Toorak Road West, the developer paid $17.5 million for the 1,784sqm site during 2016 and now holds the land under subsidiary Toorak Road West Project Pty Ltd.

The permit had the potential to be reconfigured to 14 oversized apartments, although Beulah International have gone further in eyeing 10 massive apartments.

Prahran-based Robert Mills Architects has assumed control over the project's design trajectory, facilitating a complete redesign and in the process shaving an entire floor off the approved envelope.

<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_15.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The site's now obsolete scheme. Image: CBRE City Sales"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="342" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image11_15.jpg?itok=nxcwGgCW" title="The site's now obsolete scheme. Image: CBRE City Sales" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The site's now obsolete scheme. Image: CBRE City Sales</figcaption></figure>As with a variety of other projects throughout inner Melbourne, 146-150 Toorak Road West has been reworked from an initial 1 x single bedroom / 16 x dual bedroom / 20 x triple bedroom format to a more luxuroius configuration which sees 8 triple and 2 quadruple bedroom apartments. 33 car parking spaces are to service the dwellings.

The sheer size of each apartment highlights Beulah International's lofty expectations for the project when it eventually reaches sales. It will invariably be billed as one of Melbourne's most sought after and tightly held addresses, with expansive floorplans to match.

3 bedroom apartments are slated to have internals between 260sqm and 313sqm, with four bedroom apartments spaced between 389sqm and 381sqm. Add outdoor terraces and the largest combined space on offer comes in at a hefty 478sqm.

According to planning documents, all apartments will have tiled bathrooms, carpeted bedrooms and timber floors to kitchens, living, sitting and all other areas. The dual top floor apartments have perforated concrete slabs which allow natural light to penetrate into various living spaces; these voids double as sculptural features.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image12_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A rendered apartment within Paragon Tower. Image: Beulah International"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="313" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image12_9.jpg?itok=YxunoK5m" title="A rendered apartment within Paragon Tower. Image: Beulah International" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A rendered apartment within Paragon Tower. Image: Beulah International</figcaption></figure>Beulah International's South Yarra development is their fourth Melbourne apartment foray, following on from the now complete Gardenhill Doncaster and the in development Hallmark Ivanhoe and Paragon Tower which accounts for the Celtic Club site on La Trobe Street.

Underlining the developer's push into bespoke projects is their forthcoming South Melbourne venture which sees 27 high-end townhouses on the agenda.
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Beulah International lifts the bar for luxury apartment living in South Yarra

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City of Melbourne's Future Melbourne Committee will sit again tonight, assessing the merits of two major developments at planning.

3-43 Waterfront Way within Docklands and 493-495 St Kilda Road are on the agenda, with both projects expected to gain the nod from City of Melbourne. For 3-43 Waterfront Way the planning process has been longer than hoped for after developer Capital Alliance failed to win over planning authorities with initial plans for a 37 level tower.

Whilst that $250 million development was scuppered at VCAT, the revised plans for the irregular site now sees a 17 storey DKO Architecture-designed scheme containing 200 hotel suites and 110 residential apartments. 

Although the number of apartments has diminished from 260 to 110, the 200 hotel suites within the revised scheme matches the number within the original and much taller proposal. Capital Alliance have Marriott International waiting in the wings, with the Docklands project previously touted as the first newly built Marriott hotel in Australia for almost 20 years. 

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image25_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="DKO Architecture's revised design for Waterfront Way"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="336" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image25_7.jpg?itok=a3eh5V6p" title="DKO Architecture's revised design for Waterfront Way" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>DKO Architecture's revised design for Waterfront Way</figcaption></figure>The Waterfront Way design also includes a function level, rooftop pool, gym, outdoor area and greenery running the height of the project.

Meanwhile, Linfox Property Group is also moving toward a positive planning outcome for its 3,017swqm land holding on Melbourne's premier boulevard. Sought is the right to deliver a 20 level residential tower set above 4 basement levels, and carrying a gross floor area of 32,202sqm.

148 dwellings are split between 19 one bedroom apartments, 73 two bedroom apartments, 55 three bedroom apartments and one penthouse. Three bedroom apartments are generally oriented over Fawkner Park and for the most range between 120-155sqm, with the premier three bedroom apartment notching 207sqm.

This number though pales into insignificance relative to the split level penthouse which includes 7 bedrooms over a whopping 720sqm.

<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/image18_15.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Fender Katsalidis' new take on St Kilda Road"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="633" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image18_15.jpg?itok=9stPMjr1" title="Fender Katsalidis' new take on St Kilda Road" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Fender Katsalidis Architects' new take on St Kilda Road</figcaption></figure>493-495 St Kilda Road would be the latest in a string of high-end residential projects looking to call St Kilda Road home. Adjoining it is The Fawkner Residences at 499 St Kilda Road which is due to reach full completion in coming months.

Should both projects go through this evening's meeting as expected, final sign off will be in the hands of the Planning Minister.
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