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

<html><body>
Queens Road is likely to lose one of two major vacant development sites in the near future, with 31 Queens Road now resting with City of Port Phillip's planning department.

Alongside a site adjoining Bayview Eden Melbourne which was once subject to a hotel proposal, 31 Queens Road is one of the two 'missing teeth' detracting from the thoroughfare which is itself undergoing a construction spurt. Queens Road Projects Pty Ltd is the entity looking to gain approval for the 16 level residential tower.

Set within the Plus Architecture-designed tower are 155 apartments. Externally, Plus Architecture have chosen a tubular or curvaceous expression which is designed to set the tower apart from its angular neighbours.

Costed at near on $45 million, the proposal would add to the hundreds of apartments in the development pipeline along Queens Road, which at the moment is equalling St Kilda Road in terms of development activity.

<h2>31 Queens 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/image10_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A curved addition to Queens Road. Planning image: Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="323" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image10_8.jpg?itok=v777WXB3" title="A curved addition to Queens Road. Planning image: Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A curved addition to Queens Road. Planning image: Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Vacant site area: 2,320sqm</li>
	<li>Proposed 16 level tower at 49.9 metres to roof</li>
	<li>155 residential dwellings: 33 x 1BR, 109 x 2BR and 13 x 3BR</li>
	<li>3 basement levels: 178 car parking spaces, 60 bicycle spaces and 155 residential stores</li>
	<li>Ground floor communal facilities: gym, pool and spa, cinema, lounge and games room, and a private dining room</li>
	<li>Rooftop terrace</li>
	<li>Estimated cost of development: $44,970,000</li>
</ul>
<h2>Design rationale</h2>

<blockquote>
The majority of buildings within the area are free standing rectangular objects interspersed with a number of exemplary designed buildings from the last century. 31 Queens Road sits between two such examples with the Expressionist Newburn Flats at 30 Queens Road and the Art Deco Brookwood Flats at 32 Queens Road.

Extensive analysis of these allows the proposal to draw inspiration from them to create a more contextual response. The design techniques shared with them include: jutting out of the side elevations to orientate views toward Albert Park and curvilinear forms softening building edges. The overall massing of our proposal balances the surrounding building heights, which vary greatly from almost 20 stories down to a few stories.

The curvilinear shape of the massing provides that side elevation articulation, it responds with the internal planning, and creates a varying silhouette against the sky. The circular in plan form adjusts as it grows vertically, and the number of curved segments reduce into larger circles at the top of the building. The jutting circular forms create apartments with great amenity and interesting spaces.
<cite>Town planning submission, Plus Architecture</cite>
</blockquote>

Citing the likes of SOM's Al Sharq Tower and Hetherwick Studio's Learning Hub as design leads, Plus Architecture's Queens Road edifice will see five different shades of glazing over the tower. Also present is precast concrete with applied finishes and wintergarden louvres to match tinted glazing.

The application was lodged during September.

<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_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Design leads alongside 31 Queens Road. Planning image: Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="390" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image13_11.jpg?itok=4DhM3PZX" title="Design leads alongside 31 Queens Road. Planning image: Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Design leads alongside 31 Queens Road. Planning image: Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure>31 Queens Road adds to the healthy number of residential projects along Queens Road. <a href="/buildings/the-arthur-14-queens-road-melbourne">The Arthur</a>, <a href="/buildings/lakeside-77-queens-road-melbourne">Lakeside</a> and Queens Domain are at construction while <a href="/buildings/victoriana-melbourne-20-queens-road-melbourne">Victoriana</a> and <a href="/buildings/k1-residences-melbourne-1-union-street-melbourne">K1</a> are waiting in the wings with their respective sales campaigns about to commence.

<h2>31 Queens Road development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Queens Road Projects Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Architectural plans and design response: Plus Architecture</li>
	<li>Landscape plans: John Patrick Landscape Architects</li>
	<li>Arboricultural Preliminary Assessment: Greenwood Consulting</li>
	<li>Traffic Impact Report: Traffix Group</li>
	<li>Sustainable Management Plan: Green Rate</li>
	<li>WSUD report: Adams Consulting Engineers</li>
	<li>Wind report: SLR Consulting Australia</li>
	<li>Waste Management Plan: Leigh Design</li>
</ul>
</body></html>

silvermb

The long-dormant 31 Queens Road heads to planning

<html><body>
Asian Pacific Group is preparing to move ahead with <a href="/new-apartments/west-melbourne-vic-3003">West Melbourne's</a> largest residential project.

Partnered by <a href="/developers/ironfish-developments">Ironfish Developments</a>, the duo are behind <a href="/buildings/melbourne-village-377-spencer-street-west-melbourne">Melbourne Village</a>, with signage for the project appearing onsite in recent days. At 83-113 Batman Street, Asian Pacific Group's purchase of the site a year ago came with planning approval for a <a href="/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>-designed 522-apartment scheme.

Covering 3,800-square metre plot and with a secondary frontage to Spencer Street, imagery for Melbourne Village shows a new exterior look which differs considerably to the Bruce Henderson Architects design.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/apg9305_melbourne-village_el01_elevated-towards-docklands_a1cmyk_skyextension-crop.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial view of the intended project. Image: melbournevillage.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="310" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/apg9305_melbourne-village_el01_elevated-towards-docklands_a1cmyk_skyextension-crop.jpg?itok=IHtYuIo2" title="Aerial view of the intended project. Image: melbournevillage.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial view of the intended project. Image: melbournevillage.com.au</figcaption></figure>83-113 Batman Street first appeared on the planning horizon during 2012 when West Melbourne was less of a high-rise magnet. Two residential buildings of 31 and 41 storeys were initially requested, although Asian Pacific Group snared the approved site with dual 27-level residential towers permitted.

The site went back to planning during September of this year, encompassing the revised design and was promptly approved during October.

Although shorter than <a href="/buildings/the-spencer-420-spencer-street-west-melbourne">The Spencer</a> which will stand at 131 metres upon completion, Melbourne Village can become the suburb's biggest development by apartment numbers. Should Asian Pacific Group and Ironfish Developments push through with anywhere near the approved 522 apartments, Melbourne Village will comfortably surpass The Spencer and <a href="/developers/trenerry-property">Trenerry Property's</a> <a href="/buildings/west-end-185-rosslyn-street-west-melbourne">Rosslyn Street</a>, both of which have total apartment numbers in the 400's.

Marketing material for the project suggests that both towers will be set above a village-like podium.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image5_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="An early site design by Bruce Henderson Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="259" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image5_8.jpg?itok=476DYZvK" title="An early site design by Bruce Henderson Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>An early site design by Bruce Henderson Architects</figcaption></figure>With registrations of interest now open for Melbourne Village, it becomes Asian Pacific Group's fourth Melbourne project in play.

The developer along with Ironfish found rapid success with <a href="/buildings/whitehorse-towers-850-whitehorse-road-box-hill">Whitehorse Towers</a> atop <a href="/new-apartments/box-hill-vic-3128">Box Hill</a>, which sold out promptly. With that project well into construction, Asian Pacific Group also has a stake alongside <a href="/developers/golden-age-group">Golden Age Group</a> in <a href="/buildings/opera-450-st-kilda-road-melbourne">Opera St Kilda Road</a> and <a href="/buildings/collins-house-melbourne-460-466-collins-street-melbourne">Collins House</a>. Both are in their early construction phase.

Asian Pacific Group's increased push into residential apartments supplements their successful hotel drive over recent years by way of their Art Series Hotel Group.
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Melbourne Village to become West Melbourne's next big apartment project

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GUEST OBSERVER
Design guidelines are one thing but in order to see ‘better apartments’ in Melbourne, a cultural shift whereby smaller footprint living is normalised is what’s required. 
During a recent panel session on ‘Developing Policy’ hosted by Open Journal as part of its High Density Happiness program at MPavilion, Victorian Minister for Planning Richard Wynne, BKK Architects’ Simon Knott, MA Architects’ Karen Alcock and I discussed how to best support the creation of quality adaptable apartments. 
The session’s focus was on the imminent release of the final Better Apartments guidelines, which are the culmination of a period of industry consultation that followed the Victorian Government’s release of draft design standards in August 2016. 
If the large crowd at MPavilion was anything to go by, these guidelines have touched a nerve within the industry and the apartment market more generally. 
In the process, they’ve initiated a vital conversation about design quality, especially given Melbourne will overtake Sydney as Australia’s most populous centre by 2050, with more than 90,000 people coming to live in the city every year. 
If Melbourne is to maintain its mantel as the world’s most liveable city, this regulatory approach to ensuring quality housing will play an important role. However, there needs also to be a recalibration of how we view apartments. 
At present, there’s a disconnect whereby the quality of an apartment is assessed from purely a cash flow perspective that doesn’t take into account capital growth or depreciation. 
What’s needed is a more sophisticated conversation about apartments and how they work in a financial sense. 
For example, apartments at Jewell Station, A New Urban Village by Neometro in the inner- Melbourne suburb of Brunswick can be up to 10 per cent more expensive than other apartment projects in the area but that is down to better quality design, including from a public realm perspective. 
A whole new type of development is being created at Jewell Station, with a collective endeavour that integrates quality apartment living with social infrastructure such as bike paths, communal gardens, public arts and events programs, a rejuvenated local park, cafés, and independent retail and meditation spaces. 
Educating buyers is difficult but they need to know that buying a high quality apartment is a positive financial step. 
Buyers who are better informed about the benefits of quality apartment design will push higher standards on developers and that can only be a good thing. 
James Tutton is director, Neometro and can be contacted <a href="https://neometro.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>.
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mick.cee-iDmgDDAmu8

We need a more sophisticated conversation about apartments

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The lights are on at Pradella's Light+Co. apartments in West End, as the first residents move in following completion of the dual tower project.
Light+Co. has been developed on the iconic riverside site of the old South Brisbane Gas and Light Company.
It was built in 1885 to deliver gas lighting to Brisbane's rapidly expanding population.
The two towers – Illuminate and Radiance – will house 228 one, two and three bedroom apartments with some remaining for sale priced from $420,000.
Located on Montague Road, Pradella director, Kim Pradella, says the completion of Light+Co. was the culmination of a 18 month construction program
Light+Co. is located at 321 Montague Road West End, less than 2kms to the Brisbane CBD. For more information, please visit <a href="https://www.lightandcoapartments.com.au" target="_blank">lightandcoapartments.com.au</a>
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

First Brisbane residents move into Pradella's Light+Co. apartments

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The buyers agency Secret Agent has updated its price per square metre index for secondary apartments in inner Melbourne.
After adding 406 apartment sales from the last quarter, its index now consists of 1276 apartments sold between 1st January 2016 to 30th September 2016.
The updated average square metre rate for apartments in inner Melbourne is $8,687 per square metre.
The agency noted the figure is beginning to stabilise since its last two reports ($8,679 per square metre in Q2 and $8,767 per square metre in Q1), the report stated.
<a href="/images/2016/11/08/Table%201.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/11/08/Table%201.jpg" alt="">
Overall, the three most expensive suburbs to purchase an apartment are Albert Park ($13,276 per square metre), East Melbourne ($11,914 per square metre) and Middle Park ($10,720 per square metre).
These areas have consistently topped the index, it advised.
The least expensive apartments per square metre can be found in Travancore ($6,563 per square metre), Kensington ($6,869 per square metre) and Flemington ($7,079 per square metre).
A few things can be observed when considering apartments with a larger accommodation. In some suburbs, the increase in number of bedrooms also leads to an increase in price per square metre, as seen in the CBD region, Carlton, Collingwood, Clifton Hill and South Yarra.
Secret Agent noted they can see that most of the inner north and inner west suburbs tend to have decreasing price per square metre rates as apartments grow in accommodation size.
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Average inner Melbourne apartments price sits at $8,687 per square metre

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The weather may not be upholding its end of the deal, but it is indeed Spring… and Spring means buying season.

Invariably there's a boost in the number of new apartment projects released for public perusal, as developers jostle to get their projects off the ground in a traditionally strong period for sales.

While many new projects have been recently released for sales, seen below is a selection of higher density apartment projects which are at registrations or which have just tipped into their sales campaign.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image7_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="999 Box Hill and Central Park"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="315" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image7_11.jpg?itok=ckH4z-3Q" title="999 Box Hill and Central Park" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>999 Box Hill and Central Park</figcaption></figure>As has become the norm, Box Hill features prominently. 999Box Hill is the latest Hayball-designed apartment project for the suburb, with Lindellas Real Estate tasked as the selling agent.

Also in the works is Central Park Box Hill, with Apartments.com.au covering the 12-14 Nelson Road planning application extensively. H&amp;F Property is the developer behind the project, with Central Park Box Hill set to include three separate interior schemes and a rooftop amenities area featuring a pool and sauna which overlooks Box Hill Gardens.

In Heidelberg, Cape Residences is nearing the starter's gun and is also taking registrations from prospective buyers. Developed by Fenn Projects and created by Peter Brown Architects, the project will include 31 dwellings. Cape Residences is poised to join Villa and Forge, which is the latest apartment development released within Heidelberg.

<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/littleprojects_hedgeleymalverneast_atriumdeck_lr-882x585.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hedgeley is headed for Malvern East"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="385" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/littleprojects_hedgeleymalverneast_atriumdeck_lr-882x585.jpg?itok=0yTguO1p" title="Hedgeley is headed for Malvern East" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hedgeley is headed for Malvern East</figcaption></figure>Hedgeley Malvern East shapes as one of the larger projects due to be released for sale.

Located at 60 Belgrave Road, Malvern East, Hedgeley will be the reincarnation of the former Dairy Bell site. Including one, two and three bedroom apartments, the project is the work of Little Projects and features Adeb, SJB and Jack Merlo as key members of the design team.

Fresh to sales is Seamstress Brunswick East with EST8 Agency appointed as sales agent for the 32-apartment project backed by K7 Developments.

<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/seamstress_external_1200x946.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Seamstress Brunswick East"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="457" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/seamstress_external_1200x946.jpg?itok=uc6rJsUC" title="Seamstress Brunswick East" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Seamstress Brunswick East</figcaption></figure>​Moving further west and the already robust Moonee Ponds and Essendon apartment markets are in for a boost.

Editor Moonee Ponds is a new development which will in time add to the hundreds of apartments under construction in the suburb while Buckley&amp;Co is the latest apartment project to development surge surrounding Essendon Station.

Designed by RotheLowman and addressed 18 Buckley Street, the project carries approval for 47 apartments and 3 townhouses; the final dwelling mix will be revealed upon the projects launch.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image98.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Cbus Property's Holme Apartments"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="374" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image98.jpg?itok=LFjYvKQC" title="Cbus Property's Holme Apartments" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Cbus Property's Holme Apartments</figcaption></figure>Of course there are a swag of upcoming projects in the not too distant future. Among the larger on the radar are Cbus Property's Holme Apartments project at 61 Wellington Street, Collingwood which includes 154 dwellings.

Also of note is the 412 St Kilda Road with UEM Sunrise initiating the sales suite process recently. Expected within the ARM Architecture conversion of the existing building onsite is as many as 180 apartments.

412 St Kilda Road is in addition to <a href="/news/victoriana-looks-to-trump-the-competition-along-queens-road-and-st-kilda-road">Victoriana on nearby Queens Road</a>, with registrations open for the ultra luxury project.
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Spring in the suburbs: new apartment projects line up

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The recent state-wide blackout in South Australia has prompted the strata property sector to use the outage as a wake-up call leading into the summer season.
Stephen Raff, chief executive officer of Ace Body Corporate Management said apartment and unit owners need assurances their communities are 'power planned' for wild summer weather, ahead of what forecasters are saying could be a very eventful season.
"Black outs bring all of our lives to a standstill, but perhaps no group is hit harder than strata communities, where tens, even hundreds of residents are simultaneously cut off from the grid," he said.
"Suddenly, elevators not working, garage doors not opening, fridges turning warm and hallways plunged into darkness become an issue for 10, 20, 50, 100 residents and the recent example of South Australia must be a wakeup call for owners corporations in Victoria.
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“There’s obviously a cost associated with being ‘power planned’ but when the benefits are stacked up next to it, it’s a no contest.
"Alongside the addition of an alternative power source like a generator, there also must be consideration for a policy around how this is used in times of need. 
“It’s going to be pretty tough for owners corporations of a 15 or 50 lot building to find a generator that can power the whole place up, so there’s got to be some planning that goes into this.
“The first thing that springs to mind is a schedule system, whereby over a period of 3, 4, or 10 hours of complete loss of power, owners corporations have a plan for where the generator is most needed.
"What happened in South Australia acts to remind us that the weather in this country is wild and it is not only traditional storm and bushfire affected areas that can be hit with sudden power outages."
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Property 101: Apartment owners, strata need to prep for summer season

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Melbourne based developer Goldfields has recently launched two premium apartment developments: Patch and 525 High Street..

Located at 243 Queens Parade in Fitzroy North, Patch is a 12-storey building comprises 83 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, a communal terrace on level eight and ground floor retail space. The communal terrace on level eight, includes a 300sqm tree-dotted deck, indoor and outdoor dining facilities, and a communal kitchen/cooking area with views towards the CBD.

525 High Street is a 7-storey building comprising 44 one, two and three-bedroom apartments and two Townhouses designed by JCB Architects, with interiors by Hecker Guthrie. The development is located within Prahran East Village, and has earmarked an independent organic grocer to occupy the ground floor retail space.

After almost a decade as one of the founding partners of Asset1 which has been involved in a range of developments, Marco Gattino created Goldfields during 2010. The move came about from Gattino's desire to establish his own business with a strong focus on developing premium residential projects.

Urban.com.au recently spoke with Goldfields’ Managing Director Marco Gattino regarding the progress and interest in the company's two current 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/patch.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Patch, Queens Parade. Image courtesy of Fieldworks"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="725" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/patch.jpg?itok=zYjSo6R0" title="Patch, Queens Parade. Image courtesy of Fieldworks" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Patch, Queens Parade. Image courtesy of Fieldwork</figcaption></figure>Urban.com.au: Goldfields acquired Patch from previous owner Wulff Projects selling the site with a permit in place. What attracted you to that particular site and project?

Marco Gattino: One of the attractions for us was to acquire the site on the basis that it had a permit. We made a few adjustments and enhancements to the permitted scheme but certainly having a permit in place allowed us to get traction quite quickly in terms of launching the project. It's fair to say most of the planning risk was taken out of the process and we were overall quite happy with the design of the building and retaining Fieldwork as the architects, who apart from producing the original design, we feel are a good local firm (and were) based in Clifton Hill.

They understand the demographic, they understand the area and I believe they've done a very good job of delivering a very design-focused project that is in keeping with what the area demands.

UM: In addition to the permit for the site, did you identify North Fitzroy as an area with a great deal of investment potential and opportunity?

MG: The whole North Fitzroy/Clifton Hill area was very attractive to us because of its transport linkages, with Patch well-serviced by tram, but also within walking distance of Rushall and Clifton Hill stations. If you look at the local demographics, a quarter of the population in Fitzroy is aged between 25 and 34.

Public transport becomes very important to that demographic. as is itsproximity to the city.

UM: Is it fair to say there's still a degree of resistance to higher density development in areas such as Fitzroy North and Clifton Hill, and did this factor into your decision to acquire the site with a permit already in place?

MG: No doubt. A developer would always welcome a site that has town planning approval in place, for those reasons. Patch sits within a location that's essentially an island site made up of multiple properties.

So Patch is just one part of a larger regeneration of that particular area along Queens Parade, where there will be higher densities which I think will end up creating its own brand and positioning within the market place. I believe over time, as the area evolves, it will be a go to destination and a desirable place for people looking to live in North Fitzroy.

We're one of the first developments to kick off in the area and anyone that buys into Patch is part of a greater, grander evolution of that particular area of North Fitzroy, and that will ultimately help enhance capital values.

UM: When did you go to market with Patch and how have sales progressing thus far? And when are you hoping to commence construction?

MG: At launch weekend we achieved close to 30% in sales and that was just over three weeks ago, and we are now sitting at just a tick over 40%. We had our initial run where it was well promoted and well positioned and now the sales are ticking along. With that in mind we're looking at commencing construction in February next year, with a 14 month build.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image30_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="525 High Street. Image courtesy of Goldfields"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="347" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image30_10.jpg?itok=Yiyb462W" title="525 High Street. Image courtesy of Goldfields" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>525 High Street. Image courtesy of Goldfields</figcaption></figure>UM: Moving onto 525 High Street in Prahran, Goldfieds has engaged another quality multi-residential architect in Jackson Clements Burrows. Can you talk a bit about that?

MG: What happened there Laurence is we identified the site over a year ago, and we quickly realised that it was a trophy site that most of the significant players in this space had kept their eyes. We were fortunate enough to acquire the site and so we knew we had to do the site justice which immediately meant using top grade consultants.

So if you think about the demographic and the fact we've been overwhelmed with owner-occupier demand, the spec had to be right. Interiors had to be designed right so Hecker Guthrie came to mind very quickly, as did JCB because we knew the building had to be striking and commensurate to the area.

It's going to be one of the few larger scale 7-storey buildings in that location. We had to do it justice and I believe JCB have done the site justice, so this to us is one of our most exciting built form projects.

One of the challenges with the site was dealing with... there are two real faces to the building being to the north and the south. The northern face is a unique opportunity so far as it's an elevated site which sits above a heritage protected area, so we're talking about unencumbered views to the north and for those who want to be part of the vibrant activity there's the southern face.

But being able to have those views over Prahran and South Yarra towards the city really makes it 525 High unique.

UM: With the shift in the market towards more owner-occupier stock it would seem that projects such as Patch and 525 have been quick to respond to that shift?

MG: I think Patch appeals to both: it offers something for the investor, but also the owner occupier.

Whilst 525 may attract the odd investor it has been primarily set up, positioned and priced for the owner occupier, and it is the perfect location for those living in a home in Armadale, Toorak and Malvern. They're still close to the areas they're familiar with but at the same time 525 High gives them the opportunity to live in something fresh for the next phase of their life.

UM: So is 525 High primarily targeted at downsizers and empty nesters?

MG: Correct. We all know the amount of equity that a lot of these empty nesters now have in their home and the ability to trade down in terms of value, but still live in something they're proud to call home while at the same time generating a cash surpluses.

UM: It is widely reported in the media that there is an oversupply of apartments in the market, but it would appear that there is still very much an appetite for owner occupier product. As a result the quality of the apartment buildings and the apartments themselves seems to have improved from where they were even a couple of years ago. Would that be a fair assessment?

MG: I would say so. The bar is constantly being raised and we are all pushing each other in terms of our outputs to the market, so the level of quality naturally goes up. Equally as important, buyers are becoming a lot more discerning, so in order to achieve the sales rates required to make the projects feasible, you need to deliver certain outcomes.

In response to the notion of "are we in a bubble?" and "is there an oversupply?" there's never an oversupply of well located, well designed and well executed product and that's what 525 High is.

525 High was launched a week ago (at time of interview) and is already 50% sold which is an overwhelming response. In particular there has been huge demand for three bedroom apartments so we've very well placed and very satisfied with the sales, which have exceeded our own expectations even though we knew the site would attract a lot of interest.

We look forward to commencing works early next year.
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Laurence Dragomir

Goldfields looks to strike gold with two marquee projects

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A trio of apartment projects are before City of Melbourne, all seeking the right to add to the inner north's apartment stock. Lodged during September, the trio are also looking to bring a heightened design perspective to their surrounds.

First up and Piccolo Developments are seeking another statement project, with 341-347 Queensberry Street subject to a 13 storey application encompassing 59 apartments. On the back of their award-winning Upper House project, Jackson Clements Burrows Architects have been utilised once more with a similar design outcome.

<blockquote>
The composition of the building mass was conceived through a series of urban design gestures. The first conceptual gesture was based on the acknowledgement of the prominent corner position of the site. 

Punching through the facade are a series of projecting balconies that graduate in depth and width as they travel up the building.
<cite>Town Planning Report: Jackson Clements Burrows Architects</cite>
</blockquote>

On the corner of Queensberry and Peel Streets in North Melbourne, the design has taken inspiration from a handful of existing forms such as Milan's Bosco Verticale and The Bauhaus Building; a 1925 design-based building in the German city of Dessau.

Piccolo Developments intends to split the dwelling numbers between 36 single bedroom and 23 dual 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/image1pic.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Piccolo's next landmark development. Planning image: JCB"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="430" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image1pic.jpg?itok=ithvqwve" title="Piccolo's next landmark development. Planning image: JCB" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Piccolo's next landmark development. Planning image: JCB</figcaption></figure>Plus Architecture are on the radar once more with an angular design effort for 419-421 Spencer Street, West Melbourne. Located within an emerging high-rise precinct, the proposal is of a larger nature and seeks approval for 181 apartments, with internals ranging from 48sqm to 111sqm.

On the corner of Spencer Street and Batman Street, and created for Yarrabank Developments Pty Ltd, the 22 level tower's design is described as follows: 

<blockquote>
The building is split into three to create building separation from the heritage component thus distinguishing it from the tower beside and above. The towers peel away from the heritage building increasing separation, and celebrates the bakery chimneys that line the lobby entrance. This also gives the apartments above the heritage a better view beyond the parapets. 

The two parts of the tower are differentiated in size, form and material. One side facing west, is smaller, angular and brick, which reflects the smaller scale of west Melbourne and its industrial lineage. The other, larger smooth and glazed faces towards the city. This site is therefore a culmination of contradictory relationships between fast and slow, active and inactive, big and small, old and new.

The design response seeks to make best use of and contribute to these context features and fit respectfully within the urban fabric. 
<cite>Plus Architecture : Design Response</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/image9_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Spencer Street will see additional development. Planning image: Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="332" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image9_10.jpg?itok=SPmNdNVK" title="Spencer Street will see additional development. Planning image: Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Spencer Street will see additional development. Planning image: Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure>Finally an existing approved development scheme has gone back to planning as Fridcorp seeks to increase the yield of its development site at 3-15 Shiel Street, North Melbourne.

Total apartments within the scheme have essentially doubled to 124, with a mix of one and two bedroom options planned. Consequently, the overall size of the project has increased, with Elenberg Fraser conceiving a 12 storey building which is similar is size to a number of surrounding projects which have been approved.

<blockquote>
The building has also been designed with reference to ‘Artemis’ - the goddess of the hunt and wilderness. Artemis’ character and fables form the basis of a holistic design narrative which is carried through the architecture, lighting installations and landscape architecture.

The bronze colouring and earthy tones contained in the depictions of Artemis in the design concept inspire the materiality of the architectural expression, and also references the red brick and industrial elements commonly found in the area. 
<cite>Meinhardt: Town Planning Submission</cite>
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<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image15_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A new look for Shiel Street. Planning image: Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="380" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image15_7.jpg?itok=gnCc4jO1" title="A new look for Shiel Street. Planning image: Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A new look for Shiel Street. Planning image: Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>
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City of Melbourne field three high quality development applications

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What to do when there's a crush of apartment developments along Queens Road and St Kilda Road, with each claiming to capture the luxury apartment market?

Go super luxury, of course.

JD Group's Victoriana at 20-22 Queens Road is nearing its launch to market, with the developer looking to tap into the still bubbly luxury apartment market. Victoriana's website is taking registrations of interest from prospective buyers, with one, two, three, four, five and six bedroom apartments on offer.

As seen below, the higher echelon apartments within the development will be something to behold, in sheer size alone.

<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/image49_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="JD Group imagery for Victoriana"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="143" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image49_4.jpg?itok=tpFrHYQ7" title="JD Group imagery for Victoriana" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>JD Group imagery for Victoriana</figcaption></figure>With advertising hoardings onsite and a display suite in the works, Victoriana will insert itself into a super active development scene along St Kilda Road and Queens Road. At present seven residential towers are at construction, with two additional projects at sales.

20-22 Queens Road holds approval for a 245 lot subdivision, reflecting the number of apartments expected within Victoriana. Set over a 4,598sqm site overlooking the northern tip of Albert Park Lake, Victoriana has a frontage in excess of 60 metres to Queens Road.

The result of the double site is a curving tower designed by RotheLowman. Setbacks to upper levels have allowed for the inclusion of a squadron of individual pools and spas, pointing toward the levels the developer has gone to in order to attract the premium buyer.

<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_9293.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Opera, Arthur and Queens Domain in shot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="340" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_9293.jpg?itok=BuAEqRjQ" title="Opera, Arthur and Queens Domain in shot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Opera, Arthur and Queens Domain in shot</figcaption></figure>Once Victoriana does launch, it will find itself in an immediate apartment market which has hit top gear.

Such is the popularity of the dual boulevards, six apartment projects are well into construction. While works proper have yet to commence, New Charsfield can be added to the list with builder Hamilton Marino signage onsite, signifying its imminent start.

New Charsfield included, there is in excess of 1,400 apartments under construction along St Kilda Road and Queens Road, with the balance split between The Arthur, Queens Domain, Opera St Kilda Road, Parque, Lakeside and The Fawkner. Both The Arthur and New Charsfield are supplemented by serviced apartment components.

Victoriana joins Palatia and St. Boulevard which are at registrations and/or sales; combined they add another 700 plus dwellings.

Urban.com.au is also tracking a further five developments along St Kilda Road that pump more apartments and serviced apartments into the area. Add the likes of Growland's pending 613 St Kilda Road development and St Kilda Road in particular continues to transform from a commercial strip into a residential developer's paradise.

<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/st-kilda-rd-1000-e1460537838333.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Growland are seeking a piece of the St Kilda Road action"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="423" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/st-kilda-rd-1000-e1460537838333.jpg?itok=4h_6B6In" title="Growland are seeking a piece of the St Kilda Road action" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Growland are seeking a piece of the St Kilda Road action</figcaption></figure>
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