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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Taouk Architects continue to refine a working design for Blackburn's 'Lexus' site. Newly released imagery of the mixed-use development for the substantial land holding at 160 Whitehorse Road now includes a heightened degree of complexity and design detail, and is similar to earlier concepts in showing multiple buildings rising to 14 levels.

The project which includes near on 400 apartments has however stumbled at its initial planning run.

Lodged with City of Whitehorse during April, Council has acted swiftly in refusing the application that would have seen 14, 10, 10 and 8 storey buildings set above three levels of basement parking. Delegate refusal was issued in under two months from its submission date.

In the rendered form below 160 Whitehorse Road would simultaneously have become Blackburn's tallest development and (by some margin) its largest development to date.

<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/image13_16.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rendered concept for 160 Whitehorse Road. Image: Taouk Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="308" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image13_16.jpg?itok=sfqlWy3T" title="Rendered concept for 160 Whitehorse Road. Image: Taouk Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rendered concept for 160 Whitehorse Road. Image: Taouk Architects</figcaption></figure>Former owner Lexus Australia chose to offload the site at the peak of Melbourne's development site sales boom during 2015. 

Billed as a Blackburn's premier site during its 2015 sales campaign, the largely vacant 8,767sqm block is zoned Commercial 1 and allows for residential, commercial and retail uses. 160 Whitehorse Road also maintains approximately 295m of frontage to Whitehorse Road &amp; Railway Parade.

Having sold for $18 million to an Asian-backed developer two years ago, 160 Whitehorse Road's <a href="http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/realestate/vacant-lexus-site-on-whitehorse-rd-sells-for-18-million/news-story/353bccaec4759d8ea0b71394177c1614">price history</a> has seen steady growth. Previous campaigns saw the site sell for $11.36 million in 2010, $3.25 million in 1986 and $1.3 million in 1980.

The possibility of towers appearing across the site would be a departure from the norm for Blackburn. Over recent years residential builds of 4-6 levels adjacent to Blackburn Station have become common place, while Apollo Blackburn directly opposite the 'Lexus' site is currently at sales with five levels the approved outcome.

Planning overlays for Blackburn and the adjoining Mega Mile have indicated that 160 Whitehorse Road is the area's 'gateway' site and as such can exceed the recommended height limit of 21 metres, reflecting its "status as a visually prominent landmark."

<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/image17_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Scale and stageabilty. Image: CBRE City Sales"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="385" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image17_11.jpg?itok=ju2vbooK" title="Scale and stageabilty. Image: CBRE City Sales" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Scale and stageabilty. Image: CBRE City Sales</figcaption></figure>For its part, Taouk Architects describe their working design as follows:

<blockquote>
Located within the major activity centre, Blackburn Place comprises of 4 towers connected via shared ground areas comprising of retail and office spaces designed to flow with landscaped communal areas. Combined Blackburn Place provides 394 apartments through the various tower heights of the complex.
Utilising massing form and façade articulation, the design applies various elements to soften its presentation to each adjoining streetscapes.
Layered, projecting and interlocking architectural elements combine with a neutral palette of colours and materials to help make Blackburn Place a benchmark for future developments in the area.
<cite>Taouk Architects</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image16_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rendered concept for 160 Whitehorse Road. Image: Taouk Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="319" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image16_9.jpg?itok=DKnUz1et" title="Rendered concept for 160 Whitehorse Road. Image: Taouk Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rendered concept for 160 Whitehorse Road. Image: Taouk Architects</figcaption></figure>The development team's next step in the approvals process has yet to play out at planning.
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silvermb

Blackburn's 'Lexus' site edges closer to major development, but...

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The arrival of Oros on <a href="/new-apartments">offtheplan.melbourne</a> heralds the launch of Oakleigh's largest mixed-use development to date.

Located at 807-811 Warrigal Road, Oros is also Nanjing-based Viapac Group's biggest Melbourne project; the Chinese-based developer has three additional developments on its books located in Newport, West Melbourne and South Yarra.

Oros' launch follows on from the application's stint at VCAT, as City of Monash failed to decide upon an application within the required 60 day timeframe. Viapac Group's visit to VCAT included amended plans which saw the Rothelowman-designed project cut from a high of 18 levels to a more modest outcome.

<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/image91_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Oros exterior. Image: Viapac Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="290" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image91_3.jpg?itok=eAG0ZMHq" title="Oros exterior. Image: Viapac Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Oros exterior. Image: Viapac Group</figcaption></figure>Other project adjustments included the reduction in the total number of dwellings to 260, reduction in the total number of car spaces to 555, modifications to the internal layout of the development and adjustments to the project's facade finish. 

Regardless of the toned-down outcome, Oros is comfortably Oakleigh's largest high-density development to date. A sweep through the Apartments.com.au Project Database sees 7 separate apartment project in development. Oakleigh's most recent completion is Drummond Rise with 74 dwellings, whilst Alke on Atherton Road is the largest approved apartment development at 95 dwellings.

Oros is also set to feature a serviced apartment component which includes studio, single and dual bedroom options for a total of 106 suites. It's expected that Oros will provide the first injection of serviced apartments into Oakleigh since the Punt Hill Apartment Hotel Group took on 1384 Warrigal Road during 2009.

Viapac Group have also included a healthy townhouse aspect within Oros, in addition to one, two and three bedroom apartments.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image92_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Courtyard perspective. Image: Viapac Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image92_2.jpg?itok=zKv6xyLH" title="Courtyard perspective. Image: Viapac Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Courtyard perspective. Image: Viapac Group</figcaption></figure>Oros is set across a sprawling 9,605sqm site, allowing Rothelowman to create three separate buildings. The sheer size of the project and subsequent space available has allowed for amenities to take precedence; over 4,360sqm of communal amenity area is included.

<blockquote>
With a bent toward promoting health and wellbeing, onsite recreational facilities include a yoga studio, a bocce field, gym and indoor heated swimming pool, all of which have been shrewdly designed using state-of-art equipment.

The inclusion of an array of communal spaces, including a verdant rooftop garden, modern cinema space, onsite restaurant, cafe, supermarket and lobby, invite the opportunity for social connections.
<cite>Oros marketing brochure</cite>
</blockquote>

Oros will further add the the transformation of Oakleigh into an apartment hot spot. The aforementioned Drummond Rise and the under construction 8 Degrees join Oros on the same block, as does 16-18 Dalgety Street which recently gained approval.

This sees approximately 420 new apartments slated for the one Oakleigh block bound by Warrigal Road, Princes Highway, Dalgety and Drummond Streets.

<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/image89_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Amenities perspective. Image: Viapac Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="325" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image89_1.jpg?itok=VvGNyhPF" title="Amenities perspective. Image: Viapac Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Amenities perspective. Image: Viapac Group</figcaption></figure>
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Viapac Group launches Oakleigh's largest development

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Panorama Box Hill is shaping as the latest skyscraper project destined for the irrepressible eastern suburb.

Registrations of interest are now being taken for the predominantly residential development which looks set for a major Whitehorse Road land holding. No address for Panorama Box Hill has been given via the project website, perhaps because it's likely 826-828 Whitehorse Road which has yet to receive formal approval from City of Whitehorse.

Lodged during December 2016, 826-828 Whitehorse Road is still going through the planning rigmarole; it is the only Whitehorse Road site capable of accommodating such a large project at planning. Nonetheless the emergence of the Panorama Box Hill website is no doubt designed to test the waters prior to the project's eventual launch.

Peddle Thorp are the architects of choice, creating a "curvaceous design which transcends all design norms. Heralded as the future of modern living in Box Hill, a glass atria allow sunlight and air flow to all residences, for natural healthy living."

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image82_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Box Hill's latest living option. Image: panoramaboxhill.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="867" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image82_2.jpg?itok=x3jCrkea" title="Box Hill's latest living option. Image: panoramaboxhill.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Box Hill's latest living option. Image: panoramaboxhill.com.au</figcaption></figure>During July 2016 Savills agents Clinton Baxter and Nick Peden commented on 826-828 Whitehorse Road's sale.

<blockquote>
The sale is a tremendous endorsement of the Melbourne and Box Hill development market placing Box Hill property on a par with land rates being achieved close to Melbourne’s CBD, and demonstrating the development powerhouse that Box Hill has become in recent years.

The intense competition from prospective purchasers reflected an ongoing confidence in what has been a tremendous market in Melbourne generally, and in areas like Box Hill specifically, over the last few years.

The vendors were also fully cognisant of the tremendous strength of the Box Hill market, one of the strongest localised areas anywhere in Australia, and the opportunity to sell in the wake of Savills successful sale of the adjacent property at 820 Whitehorse Road for $18.18 million late last year at what was a record price.
<cite>Clinton Baxter and Nick Peden, Savills</cite>
</blockquote>

The wider media have reported that a Chinese developer had secured 826-828 Whitehorse Road for $30.8 million; a new Whitehorse record of $11,623 per sqm for the 2,650sqm 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/image84_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Panorama Box Hill. Image: panoramaboxhill.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="773" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image84_7.jpg?itok=TAPde1nc" title="Panorama Box Hill. Image: panoramaboxhill.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Panorama Box Hill. Image: panoramaboxhill.com.au</figcaption></figure>Conjecture regarding its location aside, Panorama Box Hill is pushing to become one of <a href="/developments/box-hill-vic-3128">Box Hill's tallest developments</a>.

Whitehorse Towers, Sky One Box Hill, East Central Tower and 845-851 Whitehorse Road all count themselves as having 30 levels or more, with Whitehorse Towers all but complete and Sky One Box Hill to emerge above ground in the coming months. Panorma Box Hill's floor count beyond 30 should see it join the suburb's club of talls.

Another prospective Box Hill tall is 837 Whitehorse Road. Lodged wit Council during May, the application seeks the right to construct a multi-level mixed use development comprising accommodation and a residential hotel. The 1,485sqm landholding is adjacent to 845-851 Whitehorse Road Box Hill which holds approval at 37 levels.

<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/image85_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Whitehorse Towers and early works for Sky One"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="359" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image85_0.jpg?itok=0erbAMsJ" title="Whitehorse Towers and early works for Sky One" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Whitehorse Towers and early works for Sky One</figcaption></figure>
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Another Box Hill brute emerges from the pack

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Salta Properties' latest project is poised to clear a major planning hurdle at City of Melbourne's Future Planning Committee sitting this evening.

Council planners have recommended approval for Salta's mixed-use tower at 57-63 Exhibition Street. Replacing ASF House, the currently 203m tower with an expected development cost of $255 million may be required to ditch a number of floors in order to prevent overshadowing of Birrarung Marr.

City of Melbourne planners have requested it be reduced to 183 metres. A mix of hotel and residential, 57-63 Exhibition Street's fate is ultimately with the Planning Minister.

Should the final green light be given, Salta will be in a strong position to woo a hotel operator for the project's 185 suites which range between 34sqm and 82sqm. The immediate area surrounding the Exhibition Street proposal is already a magnet for premium hotel brands; Stamford Plaza, Sheraton Melbourne, Sofitel, Grand Hyatt and a pending NEXT outlet are present.

<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/image16ex.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Exhibition Street perspective. Planning image: Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="465" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image16ex.jpg?itok=Xr7PMg0c" title="Exhibition Street perspective. Planning image: Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Exhibition Street perspective. Planning image: Bates Smart</figcaption></figure>57-63 Exhibition Street's ground plane treatment has seen a laneway inserted, connecting Strachan Lane and Chester Lane. Incidentally Strachan Lane was subject to a <a href="http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/chequerboard-art-in-melbournes-strachan-lane-washed-away/news-story/8807c8fc73d039ab1ef4049b3ddc4013">creative urban art installation</a> earlier this year which riled Council.

Report documents talk of the the "considered placement of openings and fine detailing in the (proposal's) podium facade and the ramp’s internal elevations, this alluring detail and materiality becomes the focus of Chester Lane when experienced from Flinders Lane, enticing passers by to explore further." The design also allows for adjacent properties to be redeveloped in an equitable manner.

City of Melbourne planners have called for further design changes in addition to the slight height decrease. Fenestration to the southern boundary wall above a height of 80 metres has been sought, along with further detail regarding the proposal's ground floor plane.

<blockquote>
Broadly, the proposed development exhibits a high quality design, providing a podium that will successfully integrate with the height and detailing of adjacent graded historic buildings in addition to providing a high degree of activation and site permeability. The tower component achieves adequate separation and setbacks, and the design exhibits excellent internal amenity.

Subject to the recommended conditions, it is considered that the subject site can support a building of this scale, and the proposal will make a positive contribution to Exhibition Street and Melbourne’s City
<cite>Report to the Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image21_13.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Faceted to the floor. Planning image: Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="507" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image21_13.jpg?itok=UD8RcfTo" title="Faceted to the floor. Planning image: Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Faceted to the floor. Planning image: Bates Smart</figcaption></figure>For Salta, the nod from Council tonight is a major step toward securing approval for the site which was entered into a joint venture with Malaysia’s Asia One. Although Asia One held the site outright initially, scant little has been heard from the developer since the joint venture was announced; perhaps a coincidence but Salta Properties Pty Ltd is the sole entity listed within the report to Council.

Regardless, 57-63 Exhibition Street adds to Salta's pending apartment development pipeline.

Their Park House project at 627 Victoria Street, Abbotsford has seen Icon Co installed as preferred builder, with a start to the 500 plus apartment build imminent. Also on the radar is 695-699 La Trobe Street, a 28 level tower containing rental apartments and hotel suites.

Upon approval, 57-63 Exhibition Street would join 249-261 Queens Parade, Clifton Hill and additional apartment projects within the Salta's Victoria Gardens precinct as future projects.
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CoM moves to provide clearance for 63 Exhibition's lofty ambitions

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A litmus test beckons for <a href="/new-apartments/reservoir-vic-3073">Reservoir</a> as the suburb's largest apartment release becomes reality.

<a href="/new-apartments/the-plenty-residences-830-plenty-road-reservoir">The Plenty Residences at 830 Plenty Road</a> has progressed to marketing, with the release of the first stage of the project's 347 dwellings across the site which sits atop the Summerhill Village Precinct.

Reservoir's largest apartment development, The Plenty Residences represents what developer <a href="/developers/jlf-property-group">JLF Property Group</a> hopes is the end game for the site which has changed hands and seen various proposals over the best part of a decade.

Apartments, townhouses and commercial suites constitute the project, with multiple buildings set around a central green space.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image6_16.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Green space is key to the project. Image: Architeria Architcts"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="553" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image6_16.jpg?itok=bIBF1Q9t" title="Green space is key to the project. Image: Architeria Architcts" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Green space is key to the project. Architeria Architects/JLF Property Group/FKD</figcaption></figure><a href="/architects/architeria-architects">Architeria Architects</a> have conceived The Plenty Residences, having previously worked with JLF Property Group at the documentation stage of Central Avenue Apartments in Box Hill.

On tailoring The Plenty Residences to meet current market demands in a suburb not given to such large apartment projects, Architeria Architects Managing Director Mel Gawi provided the following:

<blockquote>
The partnership in this project was based on open and flowing communication, hours of lengthy discussions, often after hours; all  to achieve the best outcome for the project.

The Plenty Residences has gone through intensive  design development where buildability was significantly improved. This was achieved by Architeria Architects  in collaboration with mechanical and services engineers, as well as the Client Group.

The apartments have been designed to cater for both investors and owner occupiers, and there is a vast diversity of apartment types. The Plenty residences offer a mix of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments plus 17 townhouses along with 11 commercial suites.

The apartments enjoy 360 degree views – city and mountain views, and the apartments have been designed to best capture them.
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/v09_penthouseliving.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Uninterrupted views will be a key selling point. Image: Architeria Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="315" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/v09_penthouseliving.jpg?itok=ZXxFs35i" title="Uninterrupted views will be a key selling point. Image: Architeria Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Uninterrupted views will be a key selling point. Image: Architeria Architects/JLF Property Group/FKD</figcaption></figure>With no comparative apartment development in Reservoir, The Plenty Residences is expected to become a recongisable landmark upon completion.

<blockquote>
Dynamic forms and shapes creating a strong sense of address; twisted cubes representing falling dices.

A rhapsody of architectural elements; purple reflection, bold curves and  crisp white cubes harmoniously braking up the façade together with earthy concrete and elegant touches of metal cladding. All elements are in a perfect balance that allows each part of the building to  become a hero in its own right.
</blockquote>

In adjoining suburbs <a href="/new-apartments/bundoora-vic-3083">Bundoora</a> and <a href="/new-apartments/preston-vic-3072">Preston</a>, various apartment developments have taken root. Reservoir's comparatively late arrival on the apartment scene can in part be attributed to alack of sizeable developable sites.

According to Forecast ID, the 2017 population forecast for Reservoir is 52,215. The Plenty Residences will considerably bolster the suburb's population upon its completion.
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Reservoir enters the fray with The Plenty Residences

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Renting in Inner Melbourne has a greater risk of increased premium, according to Secret Agent’s latest bulletin.
“An investor should be looking to try and maximise yield when finding a rental property.
“However, they also need to be mindful of the relationship between yield and risk.
“Often a higher yield can mean more risk, such as oversupply," the report noted.
“The higher yield of inner Melbourne (5.3 percent) reflects the greater risk premium.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/06/23/Screen%20Shot%202017-06-23%20at%2010.29.42%20am.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/06/23/Screen%20Shot%202017-06-23%20at%2010.29.42%20am.jpg" alt="">
“East Melbourne which offers a tight yield of 3.47 percent is the ultimate blue chip location, however the yield isn’t too attractive.
“Be careful of looking solely at yield to making investment decisions.
“It’s possible to obtain yields above 10 percent in remote regional locations, but once a tenant has vacated, it may be a long time before another tenant is discovered,” the bulletin stated.
For more information from Secret Agent, <a href="https://secretagent.com.au/">click here</a>.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

The higher the rental yield, the higher the risk: Secret Agent

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<a href="/new-apartments/south-yarra-vic-3141">South Yarra’s</a> latest development is about to strike a blow for excellent and inclusive urban realm design...and not before time.

As far back as <a href="/news/prime-time-in-forrest-hill">2014</a> and <a href="/news/add-another-to-south-yarras-emerging-forrest">2015</a>, Apartments.com.au has highlighted the runaway success of South Yarra's Forrest Hill urban renewal precinct. Unfortunately though as skyscrapers sprouted throughout the precinct, the ground plane and its importance to the success of the overall development was in essence lost.

Scant few recent apartment projects have provided a meaningful expression at street level, and the precinct is the poorer for it.

South Yarra's latest apartment release, <a href="/buildings/yarra-one-16-22-claremont-street-south-yarra">Yarra One</a>, will well and truly buck the trend though by way of a new open-air atrium fronting Claremont Street. Apartments will be set above the grand atrium within the <a href="/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis Architects-designed</a> project, which is on behalf of developer <a href="/developers/ecoworld-international">Eco World</a>-Salcon Y1 Pty Ltd.

An extension of the narrow and poorly lit Yarra Lane directly opposite, Yarra One's atrium will continue the mid-block pedestrian thoroughfare to Daly Street. Long term it is possible then a new entrance to South Yarra Station would see pedestrians disembarking and transiting Yarra One's atrium through to Chapel Street and by default Forrest Hill.

<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/v05_interior_precinct_lookup_copy_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Interior atrium perspective. Image: Salcon"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="725" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/v05_interior_precinct_lookup_copy_0.jpg?itok=pAlUS6-H" title="Interior atrium perspective. Image: Salcon" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Interior atrium perspective. Image: Salcon</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
There has been a true commitment to making a positive contribution to South Yarra’s growing community with the creation of this atrium.

The atrium is an example of placemaking at its best and will transform the Forrest Hill precinct with its diverse range of amenity for both residents and the wider community.
<cite>Andrew Leoncelli, managing director for residential projects at CBRE</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
Positioned in the centre of the area’s pedestrian traffic between the train station and Chapel Street, the atrium has been designed to be used and embraced by the community.
<cite>Karl Fender, founding director of Fender Katsalidis Architects</cite>
</blockquote>

Cafés, restaurants, and retail spaces are set to act as the atrium's drawcards, with the expectation that Yarra One will become a meeting place. The structure itself also continues Fender Katsalidis Architects' penchant for incorporating trellis-like structures into their high-rise designs; other notable examples include <a href="/news">Republic Tower</a> and <a href="/buildings/australia-108-southbank-70-southbank-boulevard-southbank">Australia 108</a>.

The timber trellis structure includes draped greenery whilst also allowing ample natural light penetration. Tiered seating is also incorporated as is a stage, allowing for small performances.

The pending excellence of Yarra One's public atrium brings into focus the shortcomings of many surrounding developments in creating a pleasant, interactive and genuinely usable street level interface. It can be argued that planning provisions should have been implemented across the Forrest Hill prior to the precinct's renewal in order to facilitate similarly impressive urban realm outcomes.

Although no one is ever wrong in hindsight, it is nonetheless highly encouraging to see both architect and developer deliver a project that includes much foresight.
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Yarra One finally strikes a blow for Forrest Hill's urban realm

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It didn't happen overnight, but it is happening.

The spread of higher density living into Melbourne's virgin northern suburbs is beginning to unfold at a quickening pace, as various projects begin to take their place across certain fringe suburbs.

At the epicentre of the development action is Epping, with three major projects in motion. Largest of all is Empire Epping which has begun its sales campaign prior to deliver the 12 level mixed-use building.

Apartments will sit above 7 lower levels with the commercial space within expected to service the high growth corridor. Cafes, retail tenancies, a restaurant, day spa, gym and childcare facility will also be delivered, adding to the diversity City of Whittlesea is pushing for via the Epping Central masterplan.

<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_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Empire Epping along with the Mantra and Quest developments"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="354" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image33_10.jpg?itok=SEF1X_cV" title="Empire Epping along with the Mantra and Quest developments" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Empire Epping along with the Mantra and Quest developments</figcaption></figure>Also under development are two separate short stay projects; Maben will oversee the delivery of Pacific Quest Epping whilst earlier this month Mantra Group signed on to operate Mantra Epping Hotel at 250 Cooper Street. Spurned on by the delivery of the new wholesale fruit, vegetable and flower market and the expanded Northern Hospital, the projects will create 96 and 214 rooms respectively.

Valued at $70 million, Hacer will build Mantra Epping Hotel which has a nominated completion date of mid-2019. Across 6 floors, Mantra Epping Hotel will include both hotel rooms and apartments, plus a café/restaurant and brewhouse.

Epping also has various other projects in the wings; the largest of which is 67 Rufus Street which sees approval in place for 92 apartments across 8 levels.

A short distance away Mill Park and South Morang are also garnering their fair share of apartment living.

Gibson Propery Group and Roche Holding's Mason Point mixed-use development continues to roll apartment projects out at a regular interval; Figurehead is well into building 74 dwellings as Alba Apartments with additional releases also planned. Diagonally opposite, Morang Views is beginning to make an impact upon the landscape.

Backed by Universal Corporation, Morang Views will eventually see in excess of 300 dwellings built, with stage one delivering 39 apartments. Not accustomed to tower cranes on the landscape, passers-by will likely see them across future apartments projects slated for the sprawling 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/image27_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Morang Views takes shape. Render: Hachem"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="309" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image27_8.jpg?itok=wRlh5hgO" title="Morang Views takes shape. Render: Hachem" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Morang Views takes shape. Render: Hachem</figcaption></figure>As development of higher density projects across the city's northern fringe lifts, so to does the prospect of further such developments. The abundance of land is beyond doubt, as is the role that Mernda Rail will play in bringing Mernda to the high density party.

The suburb currently has a tower crane erected for a commercial and retail development, with a new town centre planned for land opposite the new station.

As the edge of Melbourne moves beyond the current fringe to new 'city's' such as Merrifield, the inclusion of higher density projects has been considered since their conception. Merrifields central heart dubbed Waterfront City will service the 770 hectare project.

Included across all renders to date are low and mid-rise buildings for Waterfront City, suggesting that the push of higher density development into Melbourne's northern reaches will continue.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image28_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="What higher density outcomes can Merrifield muster? Image: GPC"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="392" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image28_8.jpg?itok=KRw0P601" title="What higher density outcomes can Merrifield muster? Image: GPC" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>What higher density outcomes can Merrifield muster? Image: GPC</figcaption></figure>
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Melbourne's northern fringe joins the high density movement

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John Demos Architects have conceived a new apartment building with the expectation that the project be an appropriate design gesture for a key Ivanhoe infill site.

Vacant for many years, 40 Upper Heidelberg Road was in the past subject to a smaller apartment development that failed to materialise. The current project team led by developer SB&amp;G Group have sought a reinvigorated and much larger apartment project for the triangular gateway site which leads into Ivanhoe's premier retail strip.

Under new plans, the majority of the project's ground level will become a publicly accessible piazza activated by a cafe and commercial space, with the latter holding a health, wellbeing and arts focus.

Ostensibly an undercroft, the design feature is unusual in its sizeable generosity toward the public realm. 40 Upper Heidelberg Road's ground plane intends to provide the Ivanhoe retail strip with a design showpiece, while also injecting green space into the area.

<h2>40 Upper Heidelberg Road 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/image12_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Upper Heidelberg Road perspective. Planning image: John Demos Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="365" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image12_8.jpg?itok=ZSn743vx" title="Upper Heidelberg Road perspective. Planning image: John Demos Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Upper Heidelberg Road perspective. Planning image: John Demos Architects</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Vacant triangular site: 2,443.7sqm</li>
	<li>Proposed 8-10 level building</li>
	<li>111 apartments: 5 x 1BR, 96 x 2BR, 10 x 3BR</li>
	<li>Average 3BR internal size above 130sqm</li>
	<li>270sqm cafe and 450sqm commercial space</li>
	<li>Ground floor public domain of 1,180sqm</li>
	<li>Five level basement: 232 vehicles and 150 bicycles</li>
	<li>Estimated cost of development: $42 million</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
The landscape Concept Design for 40 Upper Heidelberg Road is considered the key to unlocking the potential of this significant gateway site, allowing it to make a significant contribution to the vibrancy, functioning and success of Ivanhoe.

The Landscape Concept Design envisages outdoor seating/dining opportunities along the edges of the public spaces with the main event/gathering/communal seating spaces located towards the centre of the site. This creates an opportunity for a weekend market concept, ‘pop-up’ and cultural events, using the plaza space, the catenary ‘ceiling’ and building program to facilitate programmed events and community engagement.

Circulation has been carefully considered through the selection of paving materials and positioning of physical elements. The design creates permeability from the street and other major spaces within the site, but ensures spaces are defined and have a distinct character to allow wayfinding and pedestrian comfort.

Capturing the life and vibrancy of a new urban village and plaza in an intimate human scale, the landscape is bound by retail and building entries. Creating a network of fine grain that establishes the base for a contemporary urban development through planting, urban elements, paving and furniture.
<cite>Landscape concept design, Oculus</cite>
</blockquote>

While Oculus is responsible for the design of the landscaped piazza, the building also distinguishes itself through the use of irregular materials.

The design's Upper Heidelberg Road frontage is split into two distinct 'modules'. The northern facade is finished with an angular brass mesh veil which allows for both daylight access and privacy. The southern aspect is wrapped by a glass laminated brass mesh facade, articulated with white banding.

<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_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Street level aspect. Planning image: John Demos Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="334" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image26_6.jpg?itok=oe8C3wBv" title="Street level aspect. Planning image: John Demos Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Street level aspect. Planning image: John Demos Architects</figcaption></figure>Accustomed to hotel ownership and funds management, 40 Upper Heidelberg Road represents SB&amp;G Group's first listing within the Apartments.com.au Project Database. Conversely, John Demos Architects continues to grow its presence within the database, reeling off a number of interesting and highly articulate residential designs of late.

Essendon's heavily faceted 193 Buckley Street is a design recently realised, while two further John Demos Architects projects of high design merit are unfolding in Footscray.

Side by side, the golden-clad Hugo has just commenced construction while the adjoining 209 Ballarat Road also brings with it a heightened degree of design credibility.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image28_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Recent John Demos Architects projects. Image: Edge Architectural"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="507" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image28_7.jpg?itok=hH8wkcOX" title="Recent John Demos Architects projects. Image: Edge Architectural" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Recent John Demos Architects projects. Image: Edge Architectural</figcaption></figure>
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Ivanhoe's latest apartment proposal provides a grand public gesture

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Glen Eira's apartment construction scene is particularly healthy at present.

Failing any construction works on marquee projects such as Caulfield Village or Monash University, a 'mosquito fleet' of low-rise apartment projects are ably taking up the slack and keeping the crane count within Glen Eira at a heightened level. Across the Apartments.com.au Project Database, 27 separate projects are listed as at construction, whilst additional smaller builds within the municipality further boost that number.

Of the projects tracked by Apartments.com.au, the sum of apartments under construction currently stands at just beyond 900.

<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_1816.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Arrow Construct at M Carnegie"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="361" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1816.jpg?itok=KUNEIuFD" title="Arrow Construct at M Carnegie" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Arrow Construct at M Carnegie</figcaption></figure>The typical apartment project consists of 3-4 levels, with the current crop at construction averaging out to approximately 40 apartments per development.

Bentleigh is currently a stronghold of construction works; 6 projects are under construction and all are a short distance from the freshly completed Bentleigh Station. Carnegie also punches hard with 8 projects heading skyward, although they spread across the suburb.

In light of the swing away from investment grade inner city apartments to the owner occupier middle ring suburban market, municipalities such as Glen Eira, Stonnington and Whitehorse have seen a boost in demand for apartment living. This is borne out by the healthy number of projects at construction; these projects are smaller, require less capital and in general create less risk for their respective developers.

Usually a heavy hitter in Melbourne's inner city market, SP Setia is very much representative of larger developers delving into middle suburbs. Their Carnegie project dubbed Maison sees 48 apartments at construction at the hand of builder Ironstone.

Not to be overlooked is Steller; the prolific developer of smaller projects consisting predominantly of 2 and 3 bedroom apartments always maintains a healthy presence within Glen Eira. Currently, Steller has 13 projects within Glen Eira on the Apartments.com.au Project Database, with only a handful at construction.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_1793_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Steller are developing Vickery Apartments"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1793_0.jpg?itok=356tzksN" title="Steller are developing Vickery Apartments" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Steller are developing Vickery Apartments</figcaption></figure>And Steller's mass of projects within the municipality yet to reach construction is symptomatic of the strong pipeline within Glen Eira.

Apartments.com.au is tracking a further 27 projects within Glen Eira that are at registrations and sales. Carnegie and Murrumbeena look to be the suburbs to watch in terms of construction activity over the next period.

Larger projects too are set to join the fray, as evidenced by 1060 Carnegie and Woorayl Street which involves Pace Development Group as builder. Both projects at between 10-12 levels represent a step up in projects size within Carnegie.
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