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;

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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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Dual development sites are adding to Box Hill's skyward push. Located opposite one another, 843 Whitehorse Road and 845-851 Whitehorse Road both have the potential to accommodate substantial towers.

Selling agent Savills last week listed <a href="/buildings/east-central-tower-820-whitehorse-road-box-hill">843 Whitehorse Road</a> on Development Sites Melbourne, billing the site as Box Hill's best corner development opportunity. Located within Box Hill's 'Major Development Precinct' the site is set to be rezoned as Commercial 1, allowing for a considerable tower or towers to rise from the 1,972sqm plot.

843 Whitehorse Road also fronts Wellington Street which itself is subject to a host of mid-rise apartment developments, whilst 820 Whitehorse Road directly south is another project at planning. At 31 levels and 100 metres in height, <a href="/buildings/east-central-tower-820-whitehorse-road-box-hill">820 Whitehorse Road</a> could provide developer Longriver Property with a yield of 300 plus 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/1_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="843 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill is up for grabs. Image: Savills"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1_9.jpg?itok=2u6FG_j2" title="843 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill is up for grabs. Image: Savills" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>843 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill is up for grabs. Image: Savills</figcaption></figure>The listing of 843 Whitehorse Road follows on from City of Whitehorse's recent advertising of plans for the site directly opposite. 845-851 Whitehorse Road will likely add to the crop of 100 plus metre towers within Box Hill, and provides some guidance as to what can be expected at 843 Whitehorse Road.

Spotlight Development Group is behind the development push at 845-851 Whitehorse Road that calls for 517 apartments and 150 hotel suites within a tri-towered scheme. Designed by Plus Architecture, 845-851 Whitehorse Road's tallest tower would span 37 levels and top out at a height of 117 metres.

<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_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="845-851 Whitehorse Road's podium. Planning image: Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="234" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image13_9.jpg?itok=dIUPGXbp" title="845-851 Whitehorse Road's podium. Planning image: Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>845-851 Whitehorse Road's podium. Planning image: Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure>Currently home to Spotlight and KFC outlets, the new development would see the hotel component located within the development's podium along with a gym, car parking and apartments. 130 single bed, 131 single plus study, 230 dual bedroom and 26 three bedroom apartments constitute the mix of dwellings within the proposal.

<blockquote>
The Whitehorse rd towers are read as a pair of soft, clean volumes where their forms move and play against each other as if in a close slow dance. The east and west facades of both towers are further defined vertically to emphasise their slender lines.

The Hotel façade appears as a white sheet of paper slightly curving to respond to nodes of interest, like the corner, entry and tower breakup. The rhythm of the gold windows also change where shape becomes distorted creating a beautiful visual response.
<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/img_7416.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Whitehorse Towers on the rise"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_7416.jpg?itok=Ro89Pa1B" title="Whitehorse Towers on the rise" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Whitehorse Towers on the rise</figcaption></figure>On the south side of Whitehorse Road, Box Hill's first tower to break 100 metres is on the rise.

Asian Pacific Group's Whitehorse Towers will consist of 100 Art Series Hotel-branded suites, in addition to 516 private dwellings. Builder Maxcon has the project nearing the top podium floor, with dual towers set to rise above. The podium also houses a gym/recreation facility, 4 restaurants and 19 office spaces.

Designed by Peddle Thorp Architects, the project's construction contract is valued at $172 million and has an estimated completion date of November 2017.
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silvermb

One Box Hill behemoth arrives whilst another beckons

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It's been an eventful few weeks for Sydney-based DEXUS Property Group in its Melbourne sphere of operations. Whilst a number of big ticket items have grabbed the headlines, the real estate group has managed to secure all but final approval for one of suburban Melbourne's largest commercial developments.

City of Monash have green lighted DEXUS's plans to greatly expand their Axxess Corporate Park within Mount Waverley.

Lodged with Council during 2015, DEXUS proposed dual office buildings and an associated multi deck car park at 11-21 Gilby Road, Mount Waverley. Designed by Gray Puksand, the development would carry a development cost of $61 million and encompass a commercial NLA of 19,950sqm.

This would position the development as one of suburban Melbourne's largest pending commercial developments.

Supplementing the commercial space is 1,260sqm of retail space, communal landscaped amenities and a massive 1,009 car parking spaces. Currently listed as Planning Permit to Issue, final approval looks to be a formality.

<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/image38_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Elevations of the approved office buildings. Planning image: Gray Puksand"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="238" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image38_4.jpg?itok=ZYtfm6Kq" title="Elevations of the approved office buildings. Planning image: Gray Puksand" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Elevations of the approved office buildings. Planning image: Gray Puksand</figcaption></figure>It was <a href="http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/companies/dexus-offloads-melbournes-southgate-complex-for-578m/news-story/349a19743a8d46fa21a6d32a73759641">reported over the weekend that DEXUS Property Group has sold the Southgate Complex</a> for $578 million. This still leaves the outfit with a strong asset sheet across inner Melbourne, including properties such as 8 Nicholson Street, 180 Lonsdale Street within QV and 360 Collins Street.

Listed on the Apartments.com.au Project Database are two substantial commercial developments under the DEXUS banner with approval, and which have yet to be acted upon. 385 Bourke Street is a Grimshaw Architects-designed expansion seeing additional commercial NLA of 24,000sqm added whilst Flinders Gate at 172 Flinders Street is subject to a scheme with an additional 20,000sqm in play.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image35_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Future CBD commercial developments under the DEXUS banner"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="265" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image35_6.jpg?itok=qJtWWBgf" title="Future CBD commercial developments under the DEXUS banner" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Future CBD commercial developments under the DEXUS banner</figcaption></figure>Approval for Gilby Road follows on from the July approval for DEXUS' sole residential project in Melbourne located at 32-44 Flinders Street.

After the best part of two years at planning, the project has finally been given the green light to replace a 539 bay car park built over 10 levels. Constructed during 1998, the car park structure is now prime land which holds more value as a development asset.

SJB Architects have designed the project to contain near on 500 dwellings over two buildings.

With the Flinders Street car park asset now repositioned, DEXUS Property Group will choose between developing or onselling the site with a permit in place.

<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/image40_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Initial and abbreviated versions of 32-44 Flinders Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="306" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image40_5.jpg?itok=9cFHeJkd" title="Initial and abbreviated versions of 32-44 Flinders Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Initial and abbreviated versions of 32-44 Flinders Street</figcaption></figure>
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Dexus doubles up with approval for a substantial commercial development

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GUEST OBSERVER
In NSW strata committees have the authority to ban smoking by introducing a smoke-free by-law.
Introducing a smoke-free by-law is the most effective way to eliminate the health, legal and financial risks associated with smoking in apartment complexes. 
To help strata committees advocate for a smoke-free by-law, and to provide guidance on the development and implementation of a smoke-free by-law Cancer Council has developed the Achieving Smoke-free Apartments toolkit. The toolkit summarises the health, financial and legal benefits of smoke-free apartment complexes, the steps that can be taken to achieve smoke-free living, and examples of what to include in a smoke-free by-law. 
Download the full kit <a href="https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Complete-kit.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.
For more information, reach the Cancer Council <a href="https://www.cancercouncil.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>.
<h2> </h2>
 
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Property 101: Smoke-free apartments in NSW

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GUEST OBSERVER 
There is growing anger in the WA property industry with the continuing delay in introducing much-needed reforms to the state’s antiquated strata title laws. 
The industry is calling on the Minister for Lands, Terry Redman to reconsider an announcement last month that the reforms are unlikely to make the 2016 Parliamentary priorities.  
After more than five years of consultation and promises it is disappointing that we still are still no closer to achieving strata reforms in WA in the near future.
“It is crucial that the state’s property laws keep up with the growing popularity of strata titles in WA. 
Over 40 percent of all new homes and many businesses in WA, are located in strata titled properties. 
However the current strata laws were not designed for this level of strata activity, which has resulted in a lot of complex systems and procedures for everyone involved in strata, including home buyers, property managers, investors and developers.
Key reforms that we are waiting for, include: community titles and staged strata developments to create better places to live and work; leasehold strata to enable groups like universities and church groups to do strata development; improvements to management of strata schemes and easier ways to settled strata disputes; and better buyer information.
Unfortunately the lack of strata reforms will impact the anticipated wave of activity centre development in Perth and the regions. 
Some developments will go ahead but they will miss out on the innovations that would be possible with reforms like community titles, and other developments will be delayed until the reforms are introduced.
Meanwhile strata buyers and strata managers will have to continue to struggle with out-dated systems.
Lino Iacomella is executive director, Property Council WA and can be contacted <a href="https://www.propertycouncil.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Industry anger at delayed strata reform: Property Council WA

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Prime development sites continue to pour into the market, with some new and noteworthy land offerings freshly loaded onto sister website <a href="https://developmentsites.melbourne/">Development Sites Melbourne</a>.

As always the bulk of listings present as residential opportunities, with the vast majority found in suburban Melbourne. This reinforces the current trend whereby developers of both existing and prospective land holdings are favouring inner and middle suburbs over the heart of Melbourne.

One of the more prominent new listings comes in the form of <a href="https://developmentsites.melbourne/coburg/35-urquhart-street">35 Urquhart Street, Coburg</a> which forms part of the former Pentridge site. With Shayher Group and Future Estate established developers within the emerging Pentridge Precinct, 35 Urquhart Street is a sizeable 4,645sqm land holding with approval in place for 250 apartments, although RotheLowman have a scheme on offer potentially increasing the site's yield to 334 apartments.

Also one to watch is <a href="https://developmentsites.melbourne/sunshine/499-ballarat-road">499 Ballarat Road, Sunshine</a>. Within the intended Sunshine National Employment Cluster, the 10,920sqm gateway site comes with an Approved Development Plan allowing a major mixed-use project of approximately 12-14 storeys with the total approved NSA approaching 65,000sqm.

<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_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Coburg and Sunshine developments offer views towards Melbourne's CBD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="169" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image26_2.jpg?itok=hqhOdjXK" title="Coburg and Sunshine developments offer views towards Melbourne's CBD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Coburg and Sunshine developments offer views towards Melbourne's CBD</figcaption></figure>Brunswick has something substantial to offer with the dual-fronted <a href="https://developmentsites.melbourne/sunshine/499-ballarat-road">125-131 Brunswick Road</a> listed at 5,100sqm. Set over eleven title allotments, the combined site has street frontage to Brunswick Road (45m) and Barkly Street (52m), and is positioned midway between Sydney Road and Lygon Street.

In nearby Fitzroy, <a href="https://developmentsites.melbourne/fitzroy/44-brunswick-street">44 Brunswick Street</a> has been listed with 18 luxury apartments approved atop what is now the Metropole Hotel. On offer are fully leased ground level hotel facilities, a penthouse apartment, car parking, plus building air rights which include the aforementioned apartment which are designed by Sgourakis Architects.

Maintaining the inner north-west theme and Kensington has two development sites on offer. <a href="https://developmentsites.melbourne/kensington/393-399-macaulay-road">393-399 Macaulay Road</a> maintains three street frontages and an overall site are of 1,551sqm. Holding Mixed Use zoning, six to eight levels is the nominated development outcome for the site which sits between two train stations.

<a href="https://developmentsites.melbourne/kensington/51-61-hardiman-street">51-61 Hardiman Street</a> is also up for grabs, the the tri-fronted 1,107sqm development site abutting a current planning application seeking an eight level outcome.

Ever popular Footscray has a substantial development site on offer by way of <a href="https://developmentsites.melbourne/footscray/26-30-buckley-street">26-30 Buckley Street</a>. The 1,890sqm site holds approval for a RotheLowman-designed apartment scheme of 139 apartments and five townhouses. 

<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_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Kensington and Footscray come with mid-rise intentions"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="193" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image27_4.jpg?itok=vakFTsPK" title="Kensington and Footscray come with mid-rise intentions" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Kensington and Footscray come with mid-rise intentions</figcaption></figure>Skipping to the southern side of Melbourne's CBD and three prominent sites are on offer. 

<a href="https://developmentsites.melbourne/highett/1-5-dart-street">1-5 Dart Street, Highett</a> is a permit approved development of 32 apartments. In addition to the eight Highett residential projects found within the Apartments.com.au Project Database, 1-5 Dart Street which is over a 2,103sqm site adds to the growing popularity of Highett as an emerging apartment hub.

Windsor and Richmond round out the more notable recent development site listings. <a href="https://developmentsites.melbourne/windsor/168-peel-street">168 Peel Street</a> is a development opportunity set behind red brick edifices. 168 Peel Street is one of the limited development sites emanating from Windsor with the 817sqm land holding capable of accommodating a higher density outcome.
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Current suburban development sites reinforce the prevailing development trend

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Relative newcomer <a href="/developers/dcf-property">DCF Property</a> has made a play for a mixed-use tower in the rapidly expanding fringe CBD pocket opposite Flagstaff Gardens.

With two low-rise apartment projects to their name, DCF Property are seeking to greatly expand their presence with <a href="/buildings/407-415-king-street-west-melbourne">407-415 King Street</a>. Now Flagstaff House, the West Melbourne corner site plays host to the two to three storey building which carries an individual Heritage Overlay, affording the property a B grade listing.

While the existing exterior would be incorporated under the proposal, design lead <a href="/architects/plus-architecture">Plus Architecture</a> have added a 23 level tower above which would host both a hotel and apartments.

407-415 King Street abuts two development sites. <a href="/developers/samma-property-group">SPEC Property</a> are actively marketing Flagstaff Green apartments fronting Batman Street while Haileybury College have recently completed an overhaul of 383 King Street, itself subject to a failed application for a 75 metre apartment building in recent years.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/flagstaff_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="407-415 King Street. Image - Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/flagstaff_2.jpg?itok=XH5afeHn" title="407-415 King Street. Image - Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>407-415 King Street. Image - Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure>​

<h2>407-415 King Street application summary</h2>

<ul>
<li>Submitted May 2016</li>
	<li>Existing 930sqm site home to heritage listed Flagstaff House</li>
	<li>Proposed 23 level mixed-use building at 81.3 metres atop Flagstaff House</li>
	<li>158 hotel suites</li>
	<li>70 apartments: 19 x 1BR, 47 x 2BR, 4 x Penthouse</li>
	<li>Hotel office, gym, meeting and function rooms, restaurant/bar</li>
	<li>Level 12 communal area and rooftop garden</li>
	<li>64 car parking spaces and 44 bicycle bays over four basement levels</li>
	<li>Estimated cost of development: $50 million</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/flagstaff_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="407-415 King Street. Image - Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="821" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/flagstaff_3.jpg?itok=-tPCcJnh" title="407-415 King Street. Image - Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>407-415 King Street. Image - Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure>​

Flagstaff House is a Yuncken Freeman design which was completed during 1968, with the heritage overlay covering the exterior only. Thus the development calls for only the facade to be retained, with the tower to rise behind.

The project's hotel and apartment components are separated by a design feature midway up the tower which also houses communal facilities. Plus Architecture refer to the separation as a truss feature, drawing a design parallel to Yuncken Freeman's timeless 140 William Street found within <a href="/new-apartments/melbourne-vic">Melbourne's CBD</a>.

One and two bedroom dwellings aside, the planning application calls for a sprawling whole floor penthouse. At 439sqm, the four bedroom penthouse shapes as one of, if not the largest apartment created within <a href="/new-apartments/west-melbourne-vic-3003">West Melbourne</a>.

Set above the penthouse is a 236sqm rooftop garden.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image23_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="407-415 King Street was once Yuncken Freeman's offices. Image: Wikipedia"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="358" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image23_4.jpg?itok=eLNGkb7k" title="407-415 King Street was once Yuncken Freeman's offices. Image: Wikipedia" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>407-415 King Street was once Yuncken Freeman's offices. Image: Wikipedia</figcaption></figure>To date DCF Property's presence on the Apartments.com.au Project Database has been limited to two projects in Melbourne's eastern suburbs.

<a href="/buildings/inqu-140-cotham-road-kew">INQU at 140-142 Cotham Road, Kew</a> is completed with <a href="/builders/orange-building-solutions">Orange Building Solutions</a> delivering the project encompassing 40 apartments, six retail tenancies and one restaurant. DCF Property's other current pursuit is for a vacant block in Balwyn North.

76-78 Doncaster Road is a DKO Architecture-designed residential project which if approved adds another 60 apartments on the developer's books.

<h2>407-415 King Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: DCF Property</li>
	<li>Architect: Plus Architecture</li>
	<li>Planning: Planning and Property Partners</li>
	<li>ESD, Structural &amp; Services engineer: WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff</li>
	<li>Heritage: Bryce Raworth</li>
	<li>Traffic: Traffix</li>
	<li>Waste: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Wind: SLR Consulting</li>
</ul>
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DCF Property looks to capitalise atop Flagstaff Hill

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GUEST OBSERVER
In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court of Victoria has found that planning law, not strata law, is to govern short-term lettings of strata apartments.
Specifically, in Owners Corporation PS 501391P v Balcombe [2016] VSC 384, Justice Riordan found that a rule made to prohibit the use of a residential lot ‘for any trade or business’ in a strata scheme was invalid for these reasons:
<ol>
<li>The role of the owners corporation was confined to managing and administering the common property, and did not extend to restricting the use of a lot..</li>
<li>The rule was a substantial interference with the lot owners’ proprietary rights.</li>
<li>The strata law needed to clearly spell out clearly an intention to inhibit a lot owner’s use of their own lot for the rule to be valid - which it did not.</li>
</ol>
Background
The Watergate Apartments, Strata No PS 501391P is a mixed use development. It consists of 349 residential lots in two 16 storey apartment towers, erected upon a four storey podium which contains 12 retail lots and car park facilities. The plan of strata subdivision was registered on 28 June 2004. It is a residential Class 2 building under the Building Code of Australia, and therefore was not designed for the operation of a serviced apartment style business.
Ms Balcombe and Mr Slater utilise 14 apartments (1 owned, 9 leased, 4 available on a commission basis) to operate a Short-Term Letting business trading as ‘Docklands Executive Apartments’. In eight and a half years of operation, they have had over 3,500 bookings and 10,500 guests. They charge ‘executive’ prices, have minimum seven days stays, require photo identification and credit card details and can evict disruptive tenants immediately.
The City of Melbourne Council (the planning authority) consented to the use of apartments in the building for short-term commercial accommodation (serviced apartments) on condition that: a smoke alarm was installed in each bedroom; an emergency evacuation plan was affixed inside the entry doors; exit signs were placed in the corridors; and the tenants acknowledged the receipt of a safety/evacuation induction.
The proceedings were commenced by the Owners Corporation which sought restraining orders against Ms Balcombe and Mr Slater, alleging a breach of its rule (Rule 34) that provided:
The Proprietor or Occupier of a residential Lot must not use a Lot or the Common Property for any trade, profession or business (other than letting the Lot for residential accommodation to the same party for periods in excess of one month), nor permit any other person to do so, unless:
<ol>
<li>The person … is a full time resident of the Lot and only operates a home office …; and</li>
<li>The relevant planning scheme does not prohibit the relevant trade, profession or business to be carried on in a Lot; and</li>
<li>The Lot owner has obtained all necessary permits from the relevant authorities …</li>
</ol>
The Court’s finding that the Owners Corporation had no power to make the rule
The functions of an owners corporation are set out in section 4 of the Owners Corporations Act 2006(Vic). They can be summarised as:
<ol>
<li>to manage and administer the common property;</li>
<li>to repair and maintain the common property, fittings, fixtures, equipment and services relative to it;</li>
<li>to maintain strata insurance;</li>
<li>to keep records and issue certificates.</li>
</ol>
The powers of an owners corporation to make rules are set out in section 138 of the Owners Corporations Act 2006 (Vic), and are limited to the purposes set out in Schedule 1 of that Act. These purposes are relevant:
<ol>
<li>Health, safety and security – of lot owners, occupiers of lots and invitees.</li>
<li>Change of use of lots – which affect the insurance premiums payable by the owners corporation.</li>
<li>Behaviour of owners, occupiers and invitees on common property, noise and other nuisance control.</li>
</ol>
The Court found that the principal function of the owners corporation was ‘to own and manage the common property of the strata development’.
The Court found that the power of the owners corporation to make rules to prevent the use of a lot for an illegal or injurious purpose, to prevent a nuisance or hazard, or the behaviour of and noise created by tenants, was limited. It was not sufficient to support a general ban on Short-Term Letting on all lots. 
Health and safety issues and changes of use for a lot (an apartment), were planning matters for the Melbourne City Council to deal with.
Therefore the rule to outlaw use of an apartment for short-term letting was invalid as it exceeded the power of the owners corporation and interfered with the rights of the freehold owners.
As a result of this decision, an apartment owner in Victoria needs only planning permission to use their apartment for short-term lettings: Airbnb style short stays and service accommodation. They do not need permission from the owners corporation and any rule in place to restrict or prohibit that use is invalid.
Is the position the same or different in NSW?
There are subtle but significant differences in the strata law between NSW and Victoria:
<ul>
<li>In Victoria the owners corporation makes rules, in NSW it makes by-laws.</li>
<li>In both states, the common property is owned by the owners corporation (it used to be called the body corporate).</li>
<li>In NSW, under section 47(1) of the Strata Schemes Management Act 1996 (NSW), by-laws can be made generally ‘for the purpose of the control, management, administration, use or enjoyment’ of the lots or common property’, without limitation (see section 43), and with a right of appeal.</li>
<li>In Victoria, the rules are limited to the powers set out in Schedule 1.</li>
<li>Also in NSW, original by-laws which are lodged with the strata plan for registration can be broader than the section 47(1) powers, but are subject to section 49 restrictions which include prohibitions on by-laws which restrain leasing.</li>
</ul>
In NSW, the new Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 will commence on 30 November 2016. Section 136(1) is in similar terms to section 47(1) of the 1996 Act. Section 139 contains the section 49 restrictions, with some additions, including an override that a by-law must not be harsh, unconscionable or oppressive.
As a result, it is unclear whether the Victorian decision can be taken as a precedent to invalidate by-laws in NSW Strata Schemes which prohibit the use of lots for short-term letting.
Comments
The NSW Parliamentary Committee on Environment and Planning is currently conducting an inquiry upon the Adequacy of the Regulation of Short-term Holiday Letting in New South Wales. It would be most helpful if it were to indicate how the strata law should be clarified to deal with short-term lettings when it reports at the end of August 2016.
This matter needs to be addressed because of the requirement that all strata schemes review their by-laws within 12 months of the commencement of the 2015 Act.
My suggestions are:
<ul>
<li>That the planning authorities specifically provide for the regulation of short-term lettings for strata apartments in their planning policies.</li>
<li>That owners corporations be able to include a policy statement, which sets out their policy upon use of the residential apartments for short-term lettings, as an adjunct to their by-laws. This policy statement would not have the legal force of a by-law, but would be influential if an application were made to the planning authorities for approval to use an apartment for short-term lettings.</li>
<li>To assist in enforcement, the owners corporation should be given the power to assist the enforcement officers of the planning authority to prosecute contraventions of the planning laws.</li>
<li>If a short-term letting use is being carried on, with or without planning approval, the owners corporation should be entitled to levy a surcharge upon the strata levies payable for the apartment in question, to cover extra wear and tear, garbage, insurance premiums, visitor parking and water use.</li>
</ul>
Anthony J Cordato is lawyer, Cordato Partners and can be <a href="https://www.businesslawyer.com.au" target="_blank">contacted here</a>.
 
 
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Property 101: Victorian strata and lot owner proprietary rights

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City of Moonee Valley's two main drivers, Essendon and Moonee Ponds, continue to bubble along in terms of apartment development.

Growland's 343-349 Ascot Vale Road has been joined at planning by CBD Development Group's 1144 Mt Alexander Road. These recently submitted applications are set to add hundreds of new apartments to Moonee Ponds and Essendon respectively, with the latter to also house a full size Coles supermarket and commercial space.

Combined with Caydon's phase 2 of the former Readings site, the three shape as City of Moonee Valley's three most notable projects at planning.

The Readings or Moonee Ponds Market site now resembles a construction site with LU Simon initiating works during July on the first phase of the massive residential development which will yield in excess of 600 apartments. Of interest is phase 2 of the development which if approved will deliver Moonee Ponds its tallest building.

<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/fkmp1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Podium perspective of Caydon's Moonee Ponds tallest. Planning image: Fender Katsalidis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="484" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/fkmp1.jpg?itok=4iIZ1cfd" title="Podium perspective of Caydon's Moonee Ponds tallest. Planning image: Fender Katsalidis" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Podium perspective of Caydon's Moonee Ponds tallest. Planning image: Fender Katsalidis</figcaption></figure>A fair proportion of the 691 dwellings earmarked for phase 2 are found within a proposed 34 level tower designed by Fender Katsalidis Architects. At 107 metres it would comfortably surpass Mondo Tower's 17 levels to become Moonee Ponds' tallest building. See more renders <a href="/news">on the forum</a>.

Diagonally opposite the Readings development, The Moloney Group's 14 level apartment project at 33 Hall Street is at marketing and poised to deliver Moonee Ponds another high-rise.

Supporting these larger projects is a squad of medium and smaller apartment developments. <a href="/developments/moonee-ponds-vic-3039">28-30 Young Street</a>'s construction tender recently closed as did <a href="/buildings/parkside-apartments-64-keilor-road-essendon-north">Parkside</a>'s, while a host of additional projects such as Esse, Kin, The Alexander, MOPO and Alexa are under 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/image7_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Alexa and a nearly complete Leake Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="253" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image7_9.jpg?itok=iY2wzxUj" title="Alexa and a nearly complete Leake Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Alexa and a nearly complete Leake Street</figcaption></figure>From a sales perspective, two additional projects are poised to be offered to the public.

<a href="/buildings/curve-294-296-keilor-road-essendon-north">Curve Apartments</a> on Keilor Road is a Rothelowman-designed low-rise development on what was once a service station. While the final configuration is unknown, planning for the project envisaged 74 apartments.

Also set to launch is Alexandria at 852 Mt Alexander Road. Perched above Essendon Junction, Alexandria is an 11 Dimensions-designed 8 level apartment project with near on 60 apartments included. With the finishing touches currently being applied to the display, Alexandria is one of 6 apartment projects surrounding Essendon Station.

The largest of these is Revel Development Group's <a href="/new-apartments/linc-19-russell-street-essendon">13-21 Russell Street</a> which in its submitted version included 99 dwellings. The project was given the green light by VCAT earlier this year.

Apartments.com.au's Project Database has Mooneey Valley's major apartment centres containing the following number of active apartments: Essendon North with 370, Essendon with 666 and Moonee Ponds with a substantial 2,242.

<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/image_33.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Keilor Road's Curve. Image: curveessendon.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="301" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image_33.jpg?itok=9-QQ6CcC" title="Keilor Road's Curve. Image: curveessendon.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Keilor Road's Curve. Image: curveessendon.com.au</figcaption></figure>
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Moonee Valley flush with development activity

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It's not often you return from an overseas trip to be greeted with a letter from City of Yarra pertaining to a Planning Application for a significant development down the street.

Planners <a href="https://urbis.com.au/">Urbis</a> on behalf of <a href="http://www.bamfa.com.au/">Bamfa Properties</a> has submitted a combined planning permit application and planning scheme amendment to pave the way forward for a significant mixed-use scheme. A 12-storey and 10-storey building with associated 3-storey podia at 462-482 Swan Street is proposed adjacent to Burnley Station on an approximately 4,658sqm site.

The <a href="http://elenbergfraser.com/">Elenberg Fraser</a> designed scheme replaces five Edwardian cottages and a series of light industrial buildings.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/site_plan_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Site Plan. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="273" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/site_plan_0.jpg?itok=bCD0BOSx" title="Site Plan. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Site Plan. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>Overall the site has a 80 metre frontage to Swan Street/Burnley Station and a 57 metre frontage along the Burnley Street service road. The site is currently zoned as Commercial 2 with the amendment seeking a change of use to Commercial 1, befitting the site's role as a gateway to Burnley Station and the Burnley Station Village.

A change in use to Commercial 1 would also help to facilitate a complementary mix of commercial, entertainment, community and residential uses which encourage activity and supports improvements of the public realm.

The applicants argue that the nature of the site, being on a prominent corner adjacent to two key transport corridors lends itself to the building which is argued is in keeping with recommendations of the Swan Street Structure Plan (March 2012).

<blockquote>
The Swan Street Structure Plan envisages this site to be the gateway of the Burnley Precinct and an appropriate located for a mixed use high density development.
<cite>Urbis Planning Report</cite>
</blockquote>

The design employs strong curvilinear forms to both podium and L-shaped tower elements, with bronze glazing and planter boxes a feature of the development's primary facades. These combined with vertical timber shading screens provide the building with warmth.

At street level clear gazing allows for visual connection from street to retail tenancies within, while silver glazing provides a counterpoint and contrasting feature to rear facades.

A supermarket with frontage to Swan Street is most prominent, with three smaller tenancies rounding out the retail mix.

Apartment typologies within 462-482 Swan Street range from 96 x 1 bedroom apartments of 45-49sqm; 20 x 1 bedroom+ apartments of 50-59sqm and 127 x 2 bedroom+ apartments of 60-79sqm.

<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/ground_floor.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ground level retail plan. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="346" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ground_floor.jpg?itok=O6e2bAmF" title="Ground level retail plan. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ground level retail plan. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>Car and bicycle parking is limited to lower basement up to level 02 with a wrap of active use (residential or commercial) to the two primary facades of the podium. A shared rooftop garden sits atop level 3 of the podium providing all apartments with some degree of outlook, either to the street or internal rooftop garden area.

<h2>462-482 Swan Street application summary</h2>

<ul>
<li>8-10 storey east tower and 10-12 storey west tower</li>
	<li>Maximum height of 40.95 metres</li>
	<li>243 apartments</li>
	<li>3-storey podia</li>
	<li>3,175sqm supermarket at ground level</li>
	<li>Smaller retail tenancies of between 71-84sqm, totalling 227sqm</li>
	<li>Three office tenancies to first floor, 60-250sqm in size</li>
	<li>366sqm gymnasium and 348sqm swimming pool</li>
	<li>445 carparking spaces and 339 bicycle spaces</li>
	<li>Eight bike spaces to Swan Street (four bike share) and eight bike spaces to Burnley Street</li>
	<li>New pedestrian plaza created along Bumley Street and streetscape improvements (including widening) to Swan Street.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Comment</h2>

As a resident who lives within 200 metres of the proposed development, I support the aspirations of the development. The project presents an opportunity to create a cohesive and coherent streetscape which at present is compromised by the light industrial properties along both Swan and Burnley Streets.

Additionally the development has the potential to act as a catalyst for further streetscape improvements and development to Swan Street west of Burnley Street.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/street_level.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Street level activation to Swan Street and Burnley Street respectively. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="173" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/street_level.jpg?itok=D44y4369" title="Street level activation to Swan Street and Burnley Street respectively. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Street level activation to Swan Street and Burnley Street respectively. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>In terms of heritage sensitivities, no overlay applies to any of the existing structures which comprise the development site, and the overall benefits to both the passengers accessing Burnley Station and surrounding residents via provision of a supermarket and retail activation to Burnley far outweigh the loss of the Edwardian dwellings.

The site is well serviced both via Burnley Station and the number 75 tram which operates along Swan Street. Further, the eight bicycle spaces proposed to both Burnley and Swan Street - four of which are bike share - reinforce Swan Street as a critical cycling route as well as the site's connectivity to the Yarra City Trail.

<h2>462-482 Swan Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Bamfa Properties</li>
	<li>Architect: Elenberg Fraser</li>
	<li>Planner: Urbis</li>
	<li>Traffic: GTA Consultants</li>
	<li>Waste Management: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>ESD: Sustainability</li>
	<li>Landscape Concept: ERM</li>
	<li>Wind: Vicpac Engineers &amp; Scientists</li>
	<li>Acoustics: Acoustic Logic</li>
</ul>
 
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Laurence Dragomir

Swan Street sizes up: 462-482 Swan Street, Richmond

<html><body>
The heart of Footscray is in for more change as Banco Group looks to facilitate the development of an underutilised tract of land.

With the balance of the sizeable site an at grade car park, 14 Albert Street has been earmarked for a mixed-use development. In addition to residential apartments, a cinema, supermarket, speciality shops, aged care facility, medical centres and a restaurant have all been included within the JAM Architects-designed proposal.

In its revised application, the development team has also sought to maintain activity around the development post hours.

According to the Urban Context Report, "It has long been a desire of Council to consolidate core retail within this precinct as well as facilitate a number of night-time activities that aid in maintaining security and preventing undesirables loitering within the Centre."

<h2>14 Albert Street Footscray 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/image30_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial perspective of the development. Planning image: JAM Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="582" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image30_8.jpg?itok=7uvDyJsJ" title="Aerial perspective of the development. Planning image: JAM Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial perspective of the development. Planning image: JAM Architects</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site area: 4,776sqm with three sizeable street frontages</li>
	<li>Current use: Commercial car park</li>
	<li>Proposed 13 and 19 storey mixed use development at 64.4m</li>
	<li>235 apartments: 146 x 1BR, 89 x 2BR</li>
	<li>Six cinema complex</li>
	<li>Medical centre on first floor and a two level nursing home above</li>
	<li>Supermarket and retail space totalling 2,469sqm</li>
	<li>420 car parking spaces over two basement levels and 180 bicycle bays</li>
	<li>Public realm upgrades along each of the Albert, Paisley and Grench Street frontages</li>
</ul>
<h2>Project features</h2>

14 Albert Street's ground level is anchored by a 1,206sqm supermarket, with 8 additional retail tenancies in tow. Dual courtyards also front Paisley Street and Albert Street.

Level 1 sees a function room, cafe, restaurant, outdoor terrace and the aforementioned cinemas ring additional car parking located through the podium. Level 2 is monopolised by 13 medical suites whilst level 3 is dedicated to ancillary aged care services.

120 aged care suites consume the following two levels, with level four including an outdoor terrace. Residential apartments follow thereafter and are supported by two expansive outdoor terraces.

<h2>Banco times three</h2>

14 Albert Street follows in the footsteps of Banco Group's first foray into the area by way of 18 Albert Street. Completed by Hacer during 2014, 18 Albert Street saw the construction of residential apartments above Footscray Plaza.

Also designed by JAM Architects, 18 Albert Street's revamp also brought a sizeable public artwork to the area, with the installation of a 240-square-metre screen on Albert Street and Pailsey Street. According to LED manufacturer Megabay, "The screen titled ‘<a href="http://www.megabay.com.au/recent-projects">Centricity</a>’, is Victoria’s largest LED-programmed steel sculpture designed by Melbourne artist Matthew Harding and symbolises Footscray’s diversity."

With 14 Albert Street set to join 18 Albert Street, Banco Group via their entity Paisley Pty Ltd still have a remaining central Footscray development site in the works, likely to be the nearby Forges site which will be subject to a separate planning application.

<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/174_a.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The revamped Footscray Plaza. Image: Hacer"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="294" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/174_a.jpg?itok=fKBPBd0g" title="The revamped Footscray Plaza. Image: Hacer" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The revamped Footscray Plaza. Image: Hacer</figcaption></figure><h2>14 Albert Street Footscray development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Paisley Pty Ltd / Banco Group</li>
	<li>Architect: JAM Architects</li>
	<li>Planning: G2 Urban Planning</li>
	<li>Traffic &amp; waste Assessment: Salt 3</li>
	<li>Sustainable Management Plan: Edifice</li>
	<li>Landscape Plan: Rush Wright and Associates</li>
	<li>Wind impact Assessment: MEL Consultants</li>
</ul>
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