<p>The residential transformation of St Kilda Road is set to continue into with more new apartment plans for the sought-after boulevard.</p>

<p>Wing Tai Asia has lodged plans for a major residential tower at 464-466 St Kilda Road, replacing the former VACC House with an 18-storey mixed-use development designed around a retained heritage podium and a sculpted contemporary tower.</p>

<p>The proposal, prepared under Victoria’s Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway, would deliver 325 apartments and ground-floor retail across the prominent 4,653 sqm boulevard site in Melbourne’s St Kilda Road North Precinct.</p>

<p>The project centres on the adaptive reuse of the site’s heritage-listed VACC Building, an eight-storey office designed by Bernard Evans that has occupied the address for decades. Planning documents state the development would involve “carefully dismantling and conserving off-site the original metal fabric of the podium visible from St Kilda Road,” before reinstating it as the defining frontage of the new scheme.</p>

<p>Above the restored podium, Wing Tai is proposing a curvilinear residential tower. The scheme includes 172 one-bedroom apartments, 63 two-bedroom apartments, 66 three-bedroom apartments, and 24 four-bedroom apartments, alongside two ground-floor food and beverage tenancies fronting St Kilda Road.</p>

<p>The tower has been designed with substantial articulation and variable setbacks to minimise perceived bulk and maintain view corridors along the boulevard. Urbis, which prepared the planning report, said the design “has been significantly articulated through a curvilinear design” with “an interplay with materials, façade expression and depth” to create visual separation and visual interest.</p>

<p>The proposal also includes 254 basement car spaces, landscaped pedestrian links connecting St Kilda Road and Queens Lane, and a biophilic landscape strategy featuring canopy trees, raised planters, cascading greenery and a glass oculus pool overlooking the eastern frontage.</p>

<p>Planning documents confirm the $270.1 million development will contribute 3 per cent of project costs to the Social Housing Growth Fund as part of the application process.</p>

<p>Wing Tai acquired the St Kilda Road property in 2018 alongside Abacus Property Group for $95.38 million, before later consolidating ownership of the site. The property previously served as the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce headquarters for around 60 years.</p>

<p data-end="345" data-start="110">The transformation of the St Kilda Rd boulevard is already beginning to materialise, with a number of high-profile projects recently completed, launched, or approaching launch as developers continue to back the long-term appeal of the precinct.</p>

<p data-end="689" data-start="347">Among the most notable recent completions is Louise by Samuel Property Group, just off the strip on Queens Lane, the same pocket Hirsch &amp; Faigen recently launched The Queensbury. Mirvac is too on the same street with The Albertine, which is approaching completion.</p>

<p data-end="689" data-start="347">Dexus recently secured approval for its slice of St Kilda Road, while Gurner also has approved plans for the precinct.</p>


Joel Robinson

Wing Tai unveils 325-apartment St Kilda Road tower on former VACC House site

<p>Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> is the latest to jump into St Leonards booming Transport Oriented Development precinct.</p>

<p>The developer, which has previously delivered Sapphire by the Gardens apartment development in Melbourne, identified the Atchison Street site in 2023. It filed a Scoping Report around 12 months ago, and now has revealed the designs for the new&nbsp;40-storey mixed-use tower.</p>

<p>The State Significant Development Application covers <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/projects/14650/summary">20-22 Atchison Street</a>, a 1,374 sqm site positioned between St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.</p>

<p>Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the project would deliver 181 apartments, above a four-storey commercial podium, five basement levels, and new public domain works along Mitchell Street. The apartment mix comprises 35 one-bedroom apartments, 39 one-bedroom-plus-study apartments, 85 two-bedroom apartments, and 22 three-bedroom residences.</p>

<p>The proposal has been lodged as a shop-top housing development under the NSW Government’s TOD planning pathway, which allows increased density around key transport infrastructure. The site sits within the recently rezoned Crows Nest Accelerated TOD Precinct.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b799673d-48e2-46b0-801a-0e33a9330100" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20site.png?VersionId=dPh0UfwfaHpbFL1R7H1cbZNbIW0CHbCC" /></p>

<p>SP Setia acquired the Atchison Street site as part of its continued expansion into the Australian apartment market. In comments made to City &amp; Country (The Edge Malaysia) in 2023, SP Setia President and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai described the acquisition as “a strategic move” aligned with the group’s post-pandemic market recovery strategy.</p>

<p>“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.</p>

<p>The tower has been designed as a slender vertical form rising from a mixed-use podium, with COX Architecture positioning the development as a response to the evolving St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline.</p>

<p>“The purpose of the project is to facilitate the delivery of high-quality housing at a strategically located site and deliver a built tower outcome that is consistent with the desired future character of St Leonards and aligns with the TOD controls,” the design report stated.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a85eee-76f7-436c-a6da-73ba827b9b13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20entry.png?VersionId=dA9jHGPMcm.dDbwk4QfxqWiY5bfh3UVt" /></p>

<p>The podium would incorporate retail uses fronting Atchison Street, commercial tenancies, landscaped communal areas, and pedestrian improvements along Mitchell Street. Vehicle access and loading would be consolidated via Atchison Lane.</p>

<p>Residents would have access to more than 665 sqm of communal indoor and outdoor spaces, while the development proposes 96 parking spaces across five basement levels.</p>

<p>The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.</p>

<p>COX said the tower form responds directly to the emerging high-density character of the precinct while seeking to maximise solar access, cross ventilation, and outlook from apartments.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2163f85c-f63b-4be3-aafa-f8763976cec5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_5.png?VersionId=WiAmtIKJ6.ZQ41EtYEQ1fol7AeorKBlL" /></p>

<p>“The building is orientated towards north,” the Apartment Design Guide compliance report noted, adding that the tower’s slim form was driven by the constrained inner-urban site dimensions.</p>

<p>The design also incorporates landscaped setbacks and communal open space at podium level, intended to soften the interface with surrounding streets and improve pedestrian amenity.</p>

<p>The project adds to a growing wave of redevelopment proposals reshaping St Leonards and Crows Nest following the opening of the Sydney Metro City line and the NSW Government’s push for higher-density housing around major transport nodes.</p>

<p>Last week Stockland filed plans just down the road. They want to build a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">52-storey tower on Pacific Highway</a>.</p>

<p><em>Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower&nbsp;</a></em></p>


First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.</p>

<p>The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.</p>

<p>The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" /></p>

<p>Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.</p>

<p>SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”</p>

<p>The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" /></p>

<p>The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.</p>

<p>A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.</p>

<p>Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" /></p>

<p>The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.</p>

<p>Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.</p>

<p>The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.</p>


First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s latest tower at Wickham interchange

<p>Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">premium site at 180 Macquarie Street</a> features uninterrupted river frontage in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held residential precincts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The proposed development, currently under assessment with Brisbane City Council, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and will deliver a boutique collection of premium residences positioned specifically for owner occupiers and downsizers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The residences are set to redefine luxury apartment living in the area, with a focus on architectural quality, refined finishes, landscape integration and elevated amenities including curated wellness facilities, resort-style pools and recreation spaces rarely seen in the local market.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bottega House Managing Director Nick Malloch said the project reflects the group’s ambition to deliver a highly curated residential offering within one of Brisbane’s most tightly held precincts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Our vision from the outset was to create a boutique collection of residences that feel more like private homes than traditional apartments, with generous proportions, refined finishes and exceptional amenity throughout."</p>

<p>Malloch says there is a&nbsp;lack of premium owner-occupier stock of this quality in the market, particularly for downsizers wanting space, privacy and a true lifestyle offering without compromise.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;</p>


Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

<section data-scroll-anchor="false" data-testid="conversation-turn-6" data-turn="assistant" data-turn-id="request-WEB:84a2af5e-d7cf-4ddf-922a-f4d44d6c6caa-2" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:84a2af5e-d7cf-4ddf-922a-f4d44d6c6caa-2" dir="auto">
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<p data-end="157" data-start="0">The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.</p>

<p data-end="459" data-start="159"><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.</p>

<p data-end="459" data-start="159">[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]</p>

<p data-end="651" data-start="461"><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.</p>

<p data-end="950" data-start="653">Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.</p>

<p data-end="1081" data-start="952">“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.</p>

<p data-end="1081" data-start="952">[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]</p>

<p data-end="1307" data-start="1083">Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.</p>

<p data-end="1522" data-start="1309">The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.</p>

<p data-end="1522" data-start="1309">[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]</p>

<p data-end="1714" data-start="1524">Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.</p>

<p data-end="1945" data-start="1716">The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.</p>

<p data-end="1945" data-start="1716">[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]</p>

<p data-end="2220" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="" data-start="1947">More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.</p>
</section>
</section>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]</p>


SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

Apartments

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<p>Glen Waverley is on the cusp of realising a handful of higher density projects within its designated activity centre. The tempered flow of projects doesn't necessarily correlate to the underlying demand for apartments within the suburb, if apartment projects such as Ikon and Galleria are any example.</p>

<p>Both managed to sell in near record time, with the latter selling <a href="http://www.plusarchitecture.com.au/plus-glen-waverley-tower-galleria-sells-100-apartments-in-90-minutes/">100 apartments in 90 minutes</a>.</p>

<p>So demand is present and the structure plan is in place. Can Glen Waverley reach the heights of more established suburbs such as Box Hill and Doncaster, in terms of higher density living?</p>

<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/gall.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Gone, gone… Galleria. Image: Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="335" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/gall.jpg?itok=GgqMGyh2" title="Gone, gone… Galleria. Image: Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Gone, gone… Galleria. Image: Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure><p>Essentially no, not to the same degree.</p>

<p>Box Hill is the unequivocal gorilla of the eastern suburbs apartment market for both number of projects and their sheer size; three more residential projects due to enter the Apartments.com.au Project Database will push Box Hill past 30 separate current projects. Doncaster too, punches hard with 22 separate listings. Lower in height yet denser is the order of the day on Doncaster Hill.</p>

<p>Glen Waverley, on the other hand, is shaping as a secondary eastern suburbs apartment hub, similar in many ways to Ringwood.</p>

<p>Peruse the respective structure plans and Ringwood's <a href="http://www.ringwoodgoingplaces.com.au/ImageLibraryAssets/Resources/040816%20Final%20Report%20August%202004.pdf">Transit City Study Area</a> is discernibly larger than the <a href="http://www.monash.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/building-amp-planning/monash-structure-plans/glen-waverley-principal-activity-centre-structure-plan.pdf">Glen Waverley Activity Centre Structure Plan</a>. It seems the demand is present within Glen Waverley, but the availability of land holdings ripe for higher density development may not be.</p>

<p>That's not to say Glen Waverley won't be without some landmark developments. In addition to <a href="/buildings/sky-garden-235-springvale-road-glen-waverley">The Glen's redevelopment</a> which will deliver hundreds of new apartments, City of Monash has identified the Central Car Park site as an ‘Opportunity Site’ which is mandated to host a tower in excess of 10 levels.</p>

<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/image3jtx.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="JTX International's Glen Waverley bid. Image: JTX International"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="334" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image3jtx.jpg?itok=lrl21Kyj" title="JTX International's Glen Waverley bid. Image: JTX International" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>JTX International's Glen Waverley bid. Image: JTX International</figcaption></figure><p>Seen above is <a href="http://www.jtx.com.au/project/town-centre-glen-waverley/">JTX International's bid for the Central Car Park</a>. In addition to residential towers, a new town square, library and community meeting spaces are likely to be built in accordance with Council's wishes.</p>

<p>While City of Monash have yet to endorse a preferred bid publicly, the above scheme may give an indication as to what can be expected. It shapes as Glen Waverley's defining development.</p>

<p>In terms of what has actually entered planning, the most recent Glen Waverley high-density project currently before the City of Monash is <a href="https://youtu.be/n4OfREEe9Eg">15-17 Marriott Parade</a>, with the combined site selling for a record residential sales price of over $7 million.</p>

<p>The 2,169sqm plot is now subject to a four-level planning application with 63 apartments included, split between one and two bedroom options. Located on the periphery of the Glen Waverley Activity Centre, 15-17 Marriott Parade is opposite both the Ibis Hotel and City of Monash's headquarters.</p>

<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/architeria_front_01-1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A rendered 17 Marriott Parade, Glen Waverley. Image: Architeria Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="241" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/architeria_front_01-1.jpg?itok=PCRCa-Je" title="A rendered 17 Marriott Parade, Glen Waverley. Image: Architeria Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A rendered 15-17 Marriott Parade, Glen Waverley. Image: Architeria Architects</figcaption></figure><p>Mel Gawi of Architeria Architects provided the following comments regarding 15-17 Marriott Parade:</p>

<blockquote>
<p>Architeria Architects were engaged to design apartments on this site and the brief was to create a stunning new landmark for Glen Waverley.</p>

<p>The design has allowed for soft and curvy corners, enhancing the principles of Feng Shui. Further, the building is shaped as a number 8, a prosperous number, as the two curves meet in the middle to expand along the sides. The internal courtyard allows for natural cross ventilation throughout all the apartments and creates an oasis for the residents to enjoy.</p>

<p>It has been an absolute pleasure to design an apartment building of this nature. As the site sits on the fringe of all activity, I believe the architecture will not only blend in with the higher density buildings across the road, but be a positive contribution to Glen Waverley in general.</p>
<cite>Mel Gawi, Principal, Architeria Architects</cite>
</blockquote>
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silvermb

Could Glen Waverley emerge as another eastern suburban apartment hub?

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<p>Cbus Property is set to kick off construction on arguably its two most prized Melbourne developments.</p>

<p>447 Collins Street has landed builder Brookfield Multiplex in an early contractor involvement role, with works to begin during September. Usurping 447 Collins Street with an August construction start will be Classic East Melbourne, with the ultra high-end residential development looking to take advantage of strong demand for luxury apartment living.</p>

<p>Prompting 447 Collins Street's move to construction is news that law firm King &amp; Wood Mallesons will anchor the commercial aspect of the development by taking 8,300sqm or 20% of the 49,000sqm of leasable commercial space available. </p>

<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/image97_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Collins Arch edges closer to reality"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="281" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image97_0.jpg?itok=6NZ_RKrn" title="Collins Arch edges closer to reality" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Collins Arch edges closer to reality</figcaption></figure><p>The development team will push for the project to become Melbourne's first <a href="https://www.wellcertified.com/well">WELL Building Standard</a>-rated commercial tower. A WELL rating pertains to a given building's built environment health with behavior, operations and design taken into account. With a 2019 completion date set, King &amp; Wood Mallesons staff will be among the many white collar workers within 447 Collins Street which will also sport extensive end of trip facilities.</p>

<p>With 447 Collins Street locked into construction Cbus Property and agent Colliers International will focus on leasing the balance of commercial space still available, whilst also preparing to launch the residential aspect of the project which will be known as Collins Arch. Marketing for the 205 luxury apartments will begin during September.</p>

<p>Meanwhile construction works are to commence next month on Cbus Property's Classic East Melbourne apartment project. The ultra-luxury development valued at $160 million is a joint venture with global property player Brookfield, finally realising plans to develop sites either side of the Pullman Hotel on East Melbourne's Wellington Parade.</p>

<p>Brookfield's entry into the Melbourne apartment market follows on from its acquisition of Thakral Holdings which initiated plans to develop the land holding the best part of a decade ago.</p>

<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/cbus9196_east_melbourne_apartments_e01_mosspenoch_hero-1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Mosspenoch and 22 Clarendon in view. Image: CBUS Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/cbus9196_east_melbourne_apartments_e01_mosspenoch_hero-1.jpg?itok=fuPv6Ne8" title="Mosspenoch and 22 Clarendon in view. Image: CBUS Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Mosspenoch and 22 Clarendon in view. Image: CBUS Property</figcaption></figure><p>Aimed squarely at the higher end buyer, apartments within the tri-building project will be priced between $1.4 million and $6.5 million.</p>

<p>Lovell Chen have devised apartments within the 1882 Mosspenoch building. Originally designed by Charles Webb, the grand home will now be refashioned into six three bedroom apartments of between 167 to 273sqm. Modern additions are by Bates Smart and take the form of a seven level building at 22 Clarendon Street and a fourteen level build dubbed Parade fronting Wellington Parade.</p>

<p>Dwellings within 22 Clarendon Street maintain average internals of over 200sqm whilst Parade with 49 apartments included, is topped with a garden penthouse holding 306sqm of internal living space.</p>

<p>Overall Classic East Melbourne will encompass 67 apartments with project completion set for early 2018.</p>

<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/cbus9196_east_melbourne_apartments_in04_cs_type_n3_living_view_01-1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Room with a view. Image: CBUS Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/cbus9196_east_melbourne_apartments_in04_cs_type_n3_living_view_01-1.jpg?itok=NkXMuQdM" title="Room with a view. Image: CBUS Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Room with a view. Image: CBUS Property</figcaption></figure>
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Cbus Property firms construction dates for its two premier projects

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<p>Apartments on the Gold Coast are at the peak of the market cycle according to the June property clock from Herron Todd White.</p>
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<p><span>Units in Dubbo, Newcastle and Melbourne are also at the peak.</span></p>
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<p><span>According to HTW, a boom is unlikely given the current state of play, and bust is not expected provided prices do not continue to grow through to 2018. </span></p>
<p><span>"During a boom market the last sector to see gains has historically been acreage housing and old highrise units. It is also not unusual for these two sectors to be the rst to stall as the market slows, which is the case according to our current experience," HTW said.</span></p>
<p>"There is a hive of activity around Southport in the Priority Development Area with a number of new mediumrise residential buildings either recently completed or under construction. </p>
<p>These buildings are offering compact style units which have mainly appealed to investors at attractive price points around $400,000. These units are renting out between $420 and $470 per week and have quite manageable Body Corporate fees of around $50 per week. </p>
<p>"Agents have been reporting that older established units (duplex and townhouses) are spending more time on the market than six months ago and this could be attributed to the new affordable stock available in Southport and Biggera Waters. </p>
<p><span>HTW reported the apartment market for central Melbourne has started to soften for the first part of 2016, with a 0.5 percent drop in unit prices for the first quarter of 2016, including a fall of 0.9 percent in March, according to CoreLogic. </span></p>
<p><span>"Based on figures provided by the REIV, Melbourne CBD had a 17.2 percent drop in the median unit price while Docklands had a 6.7 percent increase in the median price and Southbank had a 6.3 percent median price rise," HTW said.</span></p>
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<p> HTW also noted Melbourne houses are now at their peak.</p>
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Gold Coast apartments at top of the property cycle: HTW

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<p>Following on from last week's Docklands construction update on <a href="/news/docklands-update-june-2016-newquay-and-harbour-town">NewQuay and Harbour Town</a>, is an update on the Victoria Harbour precinct being delivered by Lend Lease. Construction has been constant on the peninsula site, just as one project is finishes another begins.</p>

<p>At the moment construction is centred largely to the west with a series of large scale residential buildings at various stages of their construction programmes. The built form of the precinct will continue to edge ever closer to the Bolte Bridge as the final stage known as Collins Wharf gets underway.</p>

<p>The current projects below will between them provide over 1500 apartments within the precinct.</p>

<h2>The Residences</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/theresidencesvh.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="186" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/theresidencesvh.jpg?itok=ikHAEUj5" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Residences at Victoria Harbour</figcaption></figure><p>Located behind Forte, the boutique development known as 'The Residences' comprises six luxury freehold terrace homes nestled within the heart of Victoria Harbour, and located on Geographe Street. The materiality of the individual homes reflects the materials of the surrounding context, with Melbourne bluestone grounding the houses in the active laneways and parkland and the timber screens softening the façade and introducing a natural element.</p>

<p>The project is progressing with the townhouses reaching their full height and installation of the timber screens commencing.</p>

<h2>888 Collins Street</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/888_collins_street.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="88 Collins Street progress."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="409" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/888_collins_street.jpg?itok=ke4DjLXl" title="88 Collins Street progress." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>88 Collins Street progress.</figcaption></figure><p>888 Collins Street, which commands the corner site where Bourke and Collins Street converge at the waterfront has topped out with facade installation across both buildings now complete. Testing of the LED lighting display on the shorter building continues and retail fitout to Bourke Street is yet to commence.</p>

<p>Along with the Concavo building, 888 Collins Street completes the Bourke Street streetscape.</p>

<h2>839-889 Collins Street</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/839-889_collins_street.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="839-889 Collins Street progressing well"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="409" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/839-889_collins_street.jpg?itok=JPh56OLo" title="839-889 Collins Street progressing well" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>839-889 Collins Street progressing well</figcaption></figure><p>Four towers consisting of two sets of twins sit atop massive podia with frontages to the Yarra River and Collins Street is progressing well with facade installation commencing on the western half of the project and the tower floorplates beginning to rise. The podiums feature a combination of timber and brick spandrels providing the project with a historical and site specific contextual response, referencing the maritime history of the Docklands.</p>

<p>The project has a whopping 1,070 apartments.</p>

<h2>No.1 Collins Wharf</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/collins_wharf_site.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="No.1 Collins Wharf. Photo courtesy of Redden"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="294" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/collins_wharf_site.jpg?itok=AmRSUiRA" title="No.1 Collins Wharf. Photo courtesy of Redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>No.1 Collins Wharf. Photo courtesy of Redden</figcaption></figure><p>1 Collins Wharf is the latest Victoria Harbour project to reach sales with early works progressing in preparing for construction. Given Lend Lease's record it's a fair assumption that 1 Collins Wharf may well keep rolling into construction, adding another 321 apartments to the area.</p>

<h2>Who's next?</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/imagepreview_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A new hotel for Victoria Harbour?"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/imagepreview_2.jpg?itok=hqxRzWHc" title="A new hotel for Victoria Harbour?" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A new hotel for Victoria Harbour?</figcaption></figure><p>Seen above is one of a number of concept images for the remaining land parcel at 839 Collins Street. While the possibility of a boutique hotel remains, recent talk has shifted toward another commercial complex for the site, quite possibly in order to expand the presence of ANZ which maintains its headquarters next door.</p>

<p>Whatever its final use, 839 Collins Street shapes as the next project for Victoria Harbour.</p>
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Laurence Dragomir

Docklands update June 2016: Victoria Harbour

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<p>It's unprecedented times for Brunswick and surrounding suburbs Brunswick East and Brunswick West. Never before have the trio of postcodes been so popular with Melbourne's apartment builders with 13 separate projects currently under construction.</p>

<p>The yield of apartments from these projects is set to exceed 1,300 dwellings. Brunswick East leads the way with seven projects under construction, followed by Brunswick with four and Brunswick West with two.</p>

<p>Sourcing Apartments.com.au's Project Database, the area is traditionally dominated by medium-sized apartment projects averaging 40-50 dwellings, although the current count of 1,300 apartments under construction is skewed by two large projects which jointly account for approximately 700 apartments under construction.</p>

<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_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ettaro and York Brunswick West are underpinning the area's construction progress"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="221" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image40_4.jpg?itok=te8wrDOg" title="Ettaro and York Brunswick West are underpinning the area's construction progress" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ettaro and York Brunswick West are underpinning the area's construction progress</figcaption></figure><p>The largest with 400 plus apartments is Brunswick East's Hayball-designed Ettaro which is rapidly approaching completion at the hands of LU Simon, whilst York Brunswick West has seen works begin on the second phase of the project for developer R.Corporation.</p>

<p>Most recent to begin construction have been The Moreland and Protec Property Group's The Dux located adjacent to Anstey Station. A long time favourite of Apartments.com.au, Anstey Precinct as it has been christened is a pocket of Brunswick dedicated toward urban renewal/higher density living.</p>

<p>Joining The Dux under construction within Anstey Precinct are Hendrix Apartments and 8 Bresse Street, with the much publicised Nightingale Apartments on Florence Street set to begin its build. Post its visit to VCAT and subsequent minor design alterations, Nightingale is now poised to become the latest project within Anstey Precinct to offer "delivery of tangible, meaningful, visitable and assessable built outcomes," following in the footsteps of <a href="/news/is-this-melbournes-best-new-residential-development">The Commons</a>.</p>

<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_4890.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Bensons Property Group's C3 Brunswick"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="380" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_4890.jpg?itok=kYDuEGLs" title="Bensons Property Group's C3 Brunswick" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Bensons Property Group's C3 Brunswick</figcaption></figure><p>Further to the 13 projects under construction, Apartments.com.au has identified a further 10 apartment projects set for an imminent construction start. </p>

<p>Among them is Alpha 14 Property Group's Crest on Sydney Road, the aforementioned Nightingale Brunswick and what shapes as Moreland's tallest project to date, Brunswick Heart. Set over 14 levels, site preparation for the RotheLowman-designed project is complete with a builder set to take site possession shortly.</p>

<p>These 10 projects combined will add another 800 plus dwellings to Moreland's ballooning apartment market.</p>

<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_4929.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="MakShaq's 8 Lygon is moving toward construction"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_4929.jpg?itok=RF9uPV-H" title="MakShaq's 8 Lygon is moving toward construction" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>MakShaq's 8 Lygon is moving toward construction</figcaption></figure><p>Whilst construction and projects at sales remain robust within Brunswick and its adjoining suburbs, there are signs that the surge in apartments may be slowing.</p>

<p>2016 has brought a discernible slow down in the number of larger apartment projects filtering through Moreland City Council's online planning platform. Indeed scant few new listing within Moreland have been added to the Apartments.com.au Project Database in recent times as developers seem content in delivering on the healthy backlog of approved projects.</p>

<p>With the persistent talk of market oversupply, the easing of projects at planning could also be a sign that developers have cooled on the Brunswick market somewhat given it has traditionally been the domain of smaller sized apartments aimed toward investors and singles/couples.</p>
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Unprecedented times for Brunswick's apartment growth, but can it last?

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<p>There's been much comment about the nature of the property market both in Melbourne and nationally of late. It could be reasonably argued that the sector is subject to certain trends like any other; the dominance of Asian-based buyers in Melbourne's property market in recent years is a prime example.</p>

<p>So what is the current direction of the property market and in particular Melbourne apartment market? It's been well publicised that discerning buyers have swung to more bespoke or intimate projects, shying away from larger inner city investor-driven stock.</p>

<p>But what of the influence of the growing band of buyers emanating from Sydney and whay have they risen to prominence here in Melbourne?</p>

<p>Urban.com.au posed a series of questions to three prominent players in the Melbourne apartment market, with the following answers provided:</p>

<h2>Future Estate Founder &amp; Managing Director, Ben Anderson</h2>

<p><strong>How strong is the interest from Sydney and has there been a discernible increase in interest over the last year?</strong></p>

<p>We have definitely witnessed a large increase in the number of Sydney-based purchasers buying into our projects; particularly over the last few years. The feedback we have received is that, given the affordability constraints of the Sydney market, investors are being forced to look elsewhere, with Melbourne and Brisbane logical alternatives.</p>

<p>Melbourne, being the next biggest city in Australia, boasts a significantly larger, much more diverse economy with a broader range of employment opportunities than Brisbane, so naturally it is the most popular choice. Investors can appreciate and understand the inherent benefits of a city of this size and scale.</p>

<p><strong>What is the conversion rate of interested Sydneysiders to sales contracts?</strong></p>

<p>Very few reservations we receive from our Sydney clients drop away; they are currently the most active purchasers across our projects.</p>

<p><strong>Are Sydneysiders buying in Melbourne skewed toward owner occupiers or investors, and if the latter what apartment size and layout are they requesting?</strong></p>

<p>Over the last 12 months, we have noticed that Sydneysiders buying in Melbourne have predominately been doing so for investment purposes, however, this is an ever evolving trend.</p>

<p>Recognised as the world’s most liveable city for the fifth year in a row, it is no wonder that more and more people are migrating from NSW to Melbourne. Something to consider on this note is, with each property cycle, affordability plays an important role, especially when it comes to interstate migration.</p>

<p>People will naturally move away from an unaffordable location and seek out residence in a cheaper area, that we know, the obvious limiting factor here is employment opportunity. Thus, when comparing the size, strength and diversity of the Melbourne economy with Sydney, a city with similar income potential, property price becomes the prime motivation.</p>

<p>Melbourne housing is far more affordable, it is as simple as that, which is why Future Estate are focusing our attention on this market.</p>

<p>Typically we like to see 30%-35% (max) of a household’s income going to mortgage repayments. The rationale behind this is that house price growth can only continue long-term if people can afford to buy. If, however, affordability is too constrained, as is the case in many parts of Sydney where 50% of a household’s income goes to mortgage repayments, then the prospects of sustainable capital growth are far lower and the risk of a price correction, far higher.</p>

<p>Hence Melbourne’s reputation as a smarter investment opportunity and Sydney’s a high-risk, low-reward market.</p>

<h2>Cameron Clarke, Founder &amp; Principal of My Real Estate Mate</h2>

<p><strong>Why are Sydney investors drawn to Melbourne?</strong></p>

<p>The feeling of 'value' in Melbourne is more discernible. Sydney entry prices are high for prospective buyers and investors, and there is strong competition from Asian-based and backed buyers across all sectors of property.</p>

<p>Having missed out or feeling that they will, Melbourne is the next logical step in their quest to purchase property.</p>

<p><strong>Define the typical buyer from Sydney.</strong></p>

<p>Couples are saying lets move to Melbourne feeling that Sydney is at its peak, with entrepreneurial types and sole investors also present. They're attracted to stamp duty savings and depreciation over buying established property in Sydney.</p>

<p>There is also a degree of an 'I own an investment property interstate' mentality, with accounts for many of the client referrals we receive.</p>

<p><strong>What's the typical property Sydneysiders have in mind when purchasing in Melbourne?</strong></p>

<p>Enquiries from Sydney-based prospective clients have doubled since January 2016, with the trend really cementing itself during June 2015. Product-wise a single bedroom apartment in Sydney is roughly the same as a two bedroom, 2 bathroom in Melbourne so this is preferred product, with or without a car park. Melbourne's public transport system is well regarded and understood by those who are seeking properties without the intention of owning a vehicle..</p>

<p>Budgets for prospective Sydney buyers range from $400,000-$600,000; clients are happy looking at marketing and plans over email and will generally come to Melbourne once they have genuine intent on a particular property...bottom line is that with $600,000 a Sydney resident will achieve far more in Melbourne than the Harbour City.</p>

<h2>Bradley Dean, Director of off the plan sales and marketing company Eton Property Group</h2>

<p><strong>How strong is the interest from Sydney and has there been a discernible increase in interest over the last year?</strong></p>

<p>We have seen a huge increase in the interest in Melbourne properties from Sydney buyers in the last 12 months.</p>

<p>With the Sydney market reaching record heights, buyers are now looking to Melbourne for the cheaper alternative. Buyers are quick to move, understanding that if they want the best choice of apartments they need to act quickly, as has been the case with one of our projects in North Melbourne, <em>Reflections</em>, where demand from Sydney investors has been particularly strong.</p>

<p><strong>What is the conversion rate of interested Sydneysiders to sales contracts where possible?</strong></p>

<p>We have found, given the quality of the projects we are currently marketing, 20-30% of Sydney registrations are converting into sales, most of whom are buying, sight unseen.</p>

<p>What we are also noticing is a shift in the locations they are favouring, with many Sydneysiders shifting their focus from CBD &amp; Southbank projects to inner fringe areas of Melbourne. This can be put down to the growing realisation that Melbourne’s CBD and Southbank are becoming over-developed and locals would in fact prefer to live on the outskirts of the inner city, where they have access to superior public transport links, schools, cafés, eateries, amenities and leisure facilities.</p>

<p>Beyond location, these buyers are becoming savvier and know to seek out those projects offering luxury inclusions, better quality fixtures and fittings, and limited communal facilities, to ensure body corporate costs are kept at a minimum.</p>

<p><strong>Are Sydneysiders buying in Melbourne skewed toward owner occupiers or investors, and if the latter what apartment size and layout are they requesting?</strong></p>

<p>The Sydneysiders we are dealing with are mostly investors.</p>

<p>Melbourne is such a competitive market, here you can pick up a one-bedroom apartment for under $450,000 and a two-bedroom apartment for under $650,000. For those interstate investors, it is almost like bargain buying; for the price of one, one-bedroom apartment they can double down in Melbourne and buy two.</p>

<p>Interestingly, however, we have had a couple of instances where young couples are relocating their lives and migrating south to start a fresh in Melbourne where it is so much more affordable.</p>

<p><em>Lead image: Tommy Miller</em></p>
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Sydney property buyers seek solace in Melbourne

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<p>Burgeoning developer AZX Group's Melbourne presence continues to evolve with their latest project before State planning officers subject to recent revisions. The last parcel of land to be offered for sale surrounding Etihad Stadium, 685 La Trobe Street's reworked April 2016 plans show heavily activated frontages with two residential towers set above.</p>

<p>After securing the vacant site for a <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/business/property/azx-buys-docklands-site-20150728-gimakw">reported $31.1 million</a>, AZX Group are pursuing 629 apartments for the 4,411sqm site with Peddle Thorp Architects entrusted with the design.</p>

<p>AZX Group are expecting that the revised residential towers will replace an approved office scheme for the site. Designed by Bates Smart for then owner Charter Hall, the facility was to have offered <a href="http://www.flagshipgroup.com.au/projects/another-development/">35,000sqm of office accommodation in a project valued at $220 million.</a></p>

<h2>685 La Trobe Street development 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/image17_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="685 La Trobe Street's northern elevation. Planning image: Peddle Thorp"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image17_4.jpg?itok=O1SHsSMk" title="685 La Trobe Street's northern elevation. Planning image: Peddle Thorp" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>685 La Trobe Street's northern elevation. Planning image: Peddle Thorp</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Vacant site of 4,411sqm</li>
	<li>Dual towers with the taller at 74.5 metres</li>
	<li>629 apartments in total</li>
	<li>Tower 1: 140 x 1BR, 176 x 2BR, 3 x BR</li>
	<li>Tower 2: 59 x 1BR, 247 x 2BR, 4 x 3B </li>
	<li>Total retail NSA: 1,035sqm</li>
	<li>Provision for 373 bicycle bays and 103 car parking bays</li>
	<li>Project GFA: 62,614sqm</li>
</ul>
<h2>Public interface</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/image18_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Concourse level. Planning image: Peddle Thorp"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="448" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image18_8.jpg?itok=mlvMciP8" title="Concourse level. Planning image: Peddle Thorp" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Concourse level. Planning image: Peddle Thorp</figcaption></figure><p>685 La Trobe Street is heavily activated with retail to three frontages over multiple levels, owing to the sloping nature of the site and Etihad Stadium's elevated concourse. </p>

<p>Services to the development will for the most be confined to the westerly aspect which fronts a service lane, whilst an obligatory art installation will wrap the south-west corner of the development. In total 9 retail spaces wrap the development; a far stronger level of activation than a handful of neighbouring project that front Etihad Stadium.</p>

<p>The space separating both towers is expected to be finished with paving and areas of lawn which is a far cry from the barren concourse that currently surrounds Etihad Stadium.</p>

<p>685 La Trobe Street 's emphasis on interacting with its surrounds follows on from the <a href="http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-04-29/ambitious-plan-underway-to-upgrade-etihad-stadium">AFL's mooted plans to redevelop Etihad Stadium</a>'s environs should it gain control of the stadium earlier than the slated 2025 date. </p>

<p>Incidentally the neighbouring site controlled by local developer Salta Properties has also headed back to planning post receiving approval for 383 apartments within a single tower. A new design for the prime corner site is expected.</p>

<h2>AZX growing at pace</h2>

<p>The developer has five apartment projects in play with a sixth looming in the shape of the balance of the former CUB site in Carlton, for which initial sketches show a very substantial tower in the works.</p>

<p>685 La Trobe Street's 600 plus apartments aside,our additional residential projects would swell the developer's pipeline by roughly 1,500 dwellings. The initial stage of <a href="/buildings/riverina-22-hopkins-street-footscray">Riverina</a> within Footscray's Joseph Road Precinct is under construction, leaving Bello on North Melbourne's Courtney Street as the project most likely to launch next.</p>

<p>AZX Group are very much indicative of the wave of Asian-backed property developers that have descended upon Melbourne in recent years.</p>
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AZX Group's Docklands development rounds out the Stadium Precinct

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<p>Just as Shangyi Property oversees the completion of one Box Hill apartment project, another for the Box Hill-based developer has broken cover.</p>

<p>5 Wellington Street is at town planning with City of Whitehorse and seeks to add in excess of 180 apartments to the burgeoning activity area. With secondary frontage to Poplar Street, the application also shapes as CHT Architects' first Box Hill entry within the Apartments.com.au Project Database.</p>

<p>At 16 levels the Wellington Street tower has been positioned by the development team as a transitional form between the emerging high-rise towers fronting Whitehorse Road and the more subdued 4-5 level built form toward the northern end of Wellington Road.</p>

<h2>5-9 Wellington Road &amp; 7 Poplar Street, Box Hill 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/image10bh.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Wellington Street may well receive a height boost. Planning image: CHT Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="556" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image10bh.jpg?itok=a-ZEnuIo" title="Wellington Street may well receive a height boost. Planning image: CHT Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Wellington Street may well receive a height boost. Planning image: CHT Architects</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Current use: vacant car park</li>
	<li>Site area: 2,480sqm</li>
	<li>Proposed 6 levels to Poplar &amp; 16 levels to Wellington at 55 metres in height</li>
	<li>184 apartments: 50 x 1BR, 134 x 2BR</li>
	<li>All apartments between 50sqm and 79sqm</li>
	<li>Café tenancy: 76sqm</li>
	<li>171 car parking spaces and 140 bicycle bays across 2 basement levels and lower ground floor</li>
	<li>Total GFA: 14,141.5sqm</li>
</ul>
<p>While the tower carries a fairly uniform textured concrete and red brick snap precast panel exterior, ground level will be activated with the intended inclusion of a pedestrian thoroughfare linking Wellington Road and Poplar Street. The thoroughfare meets an external communal space that separates both buildings.</p>

<p>Upon approval 5-9 Wellington Road would enter a very robust pool of apartment projects within Box Hill. Currently there are 28 apartment projects within Box Hill according to the Apartments.com.au Project Database, although only five fellow projects are at planning assessment. Even so, these five projects along with 5-9 Wellington Road could yield as many as 930 additional apartments.</p>

<p>The emergence of 5-9 Wellington Road follows on from the recent completion of Shangyi Property's most recent Box Hill offering, namely Spectrum Apartments.</p>

<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/kud-spectrum-001.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Spectrum Apartments. Image: KUD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="307" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/kud-spectrum-001.jpg?itok=wauvtve4" title="Spectrum Apartments. Image: KUD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Spectrum Apartments. Image: KUD</figcaption></figure><p>Located at 33 Harrow Street, Spectrum is a more modest project relative to many current projects within Box Hill, holding 70 apartments and a solitary home office set above 84 vehicle spaces. Construction on the project spanned 17 months and was completed during April with Harris HMC acting as head contractor.</p>

<p>With a GFA of 7,400sqm Spectrum is capped architecturally by a multi-angled, multi-coloured façade. An internal courtyard complete with bridges links each side of the building while all internal bulkheads and joinery mirror the angular nature of the exterior.</p>

<p>In a design sense Spectrum is described as follows:</p>

<blockquote>
<p>The project is expressed as strips of building mass to exemplify the diverse cultural context of Box Hill. The “strips” geometrically alternate over the floor plates to create highly articulated façades.</p>

<p>The terminations of the “Strips” are expressed with brightly coloured fascia around the balconies, adding a vibrant presence to the public realm.</p>
<cite>Kavellaris Urban Design</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/image9bh.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The angular theme continues internally. Image: KUD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="236" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image9bh.jpg?itok=TM6ifUa2" title="The angular theme continues internally. Image: KUD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The angular theme continues internally. Image: KUD</figcaption></figure>
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Shangyi Property's double Box Hill delight

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<div id="post-body-3534858795590951741" class="post-body entry-content">
<div>The Detailed Labour Force figures reported that Greater Sydney's unemployment rate fell to just 4.8 percent in April. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>When tracked in rolling annual terms to smooth out the monthly volatility, Sydney's unemployment rate has been cascading lower for 26 beautiful months now.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The unemployment rate in Melbourne has also been trending lower for 17 months, although the unemployment rate in Brisbane has stopped falling for the time being after an impressive run. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Across most of the capital cities ex-Sydney unemployment rates seem to be converging to around a 6 per cent level, neither great nor amazingly bad.<br><br>Adelaide has been the outlier on this measure.</div>
<br><div class="separator"><a href="/images/2016/05/31/UNEMPLOYMENT.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div class="separator"><img src="/images/2016/05/31/UNEMPLOYMENT.jpg" alt=""></div>
<br><div>Over the past two years New South Wales and Victoria (read: Melbourne) have created more than 85 per cent of net new employment (+333,000 jobs), although Brisbane has had a more than decent past 12 months (+34,900 jobs). </div>
<br><div class="separator"><a href="/images/2016/05/31/DLF1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div class="separator"><img src="/images/2016/05/31/DLF1.jpg" alt=""></div>
<strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br></span></strong><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Residex April update</span></strong><br><div>
<br>CoreLogic is reporting that Sydney's median home value has increased by 6.9 percent over the last quarter, the figure perhaps skewed higher by the running of some new parameters.<br><br>
</div>
<div>In its monthly market update Residex reported that Sydney's median house price increased by 0.4 percent month of April to $1,046,000.  </div>
<div>
<br>This is 10.6 per cent higher than one year ago, although the median looks to be struggling a bit to break new highs now.</div>
<br><div>Despite various gloomy predictions and talk of oversupply, Sydney unit prices increased by 1.3 per cent in the harbour city over the thee months to April to be 10.5 per cent higher over the year.<br><br>The median Sydney unit price is now at a new record high for unit prices anywhere in Australia of $695,000.<br><br><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Dichotomy</span></strong>
</div>
<div> </div>
<div>How is this occurring despite lower stock turnover and somewhat lower mortgage finance in New South Wales?</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Without generalizing too much, the inner suburbs (where most units are located) are seeing feisty activity, but many of the outer or secondary suburbs are struggling. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>You can witness this trend in auction clearance rates, with the eastern suburbs, lower north shore, city &amp; south, and northern beaches sub-regions continued star performers. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>As you move away from the prized inner suburbs the market begins to look a little sketchier, while some areas are in all likelihood experienced declining prices.</div>
<br><div class="separator"><a href="/images/2016/05/31/Crs.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div class="separator"><img src="/images/2016/05/31/Crs.jpg" alt=""></div>
<br><div>Remember that the reported median price is a midpoint of the frequency distribution, but it doesn't necessarily reflect what is happening across all markets.</div>
<br><div>Elsewhere, Residex reported that over the year to April there have been solid increases in house prices in Melbourne (10.8 per cent) and Brisbane (5.3 per cent). </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Residex noted that value declines in resources regions, although ongoing, appear to be easing.</div>
<div> </div>
</div>
<div class="post-footer"> 
<p><span><em>PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blogger</a>.</em><br></span></p>
<p><em>His latest book is <a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.</em></p>
</div>
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Sydney apartments surge: Pete Wargent

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<p>Ringwood finds itself in an interesting position in that a handful of major apartment projects are circling the outer eastern suburb. Traditionally the domain of smaller 2-3 level apartment projects, these upcoming and relatively very large developments if delivered have the ability to add thousands of new apartments.</p>

<p>Garnering most public attention of late is 42-58 Nelson Street which is on a substantial site overlooking Mullum Mullum Creek.</p>

<p>Recently subject to a revised application at the hands of CHT Architects, the project now seeks approval for 249 apartments and townhouses over three separate buildings. Plans for the development overseen by Hantang Taifu Pty Ltd can be seen <a href="http://elton.com.au/nelsonstreetringwood/">here</a>. </p>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image11_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="42-58 Nelson Street Ringwood. Image: CHT Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="487" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image11_8.jpg?itok=X67uAUbf" title="42-58 Nelson Street Ringwood. Image: CHT Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>42-58 Nelson Street Ringwood. Image: CHT Architects</figcaption></figure><p>Also shaping up is 94 Feet's substantial 301 Maroondah Highway project which has been christened Evita Ringwood and is reportedly close to its sales launch campaign.</p>

<p>Set over 3,188sqm the design is also the work of CHT Architects after initially gaining approval at the hands of Design Consortia Australia. Located within the Ringwood residential growth zone, Evita is adjacent to the existing 80-apartment Lakewood complex which was completed during 2011 and for the time being stands as Ringwood's tallest apartment building at 9 levels.</p>

<p>With the initial scheme gaining approval for 231 apartments, it's expected that Evita will have a similar number of dwellings along with the possibility of a serviced apartment component.</p>

<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/ren_301-maroondah_v01_south.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Developer 94 Feet's image of Evita Ringwood"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="459" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ren_301-maroondah_v01_south.jpg?itok=mZl1CVNw" title="Developer 94 Feet's image of Evita Ringwood" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Developer 94 Feet's image of Evita Ringwood</figcaption></figure><p>What shapes as Ringwood's largest prospective development is located at 28-30 Maroondah Highway with developer Orion International Group providing a brief glimpse of what can be expected via their website.</p>

<p>With 9,428sqm of land abutting Eastlink to develop, the early scheme seen below looks to include three towers of between 10 and 21 levels with the potential to house hundreds of apartments.</p>

<p>More definitive plans for the site remain to be seen.</p>

<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/3c.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Early imagery for The Ring. Image: Orion "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/3c.jpg?itok=R2gkME8u" title="Early imagery for The Ring. Image: Orion " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Early imagery for The Ring. Image: Orion</figcaption></figure><p>Whilst the three above projects stand to be Ringwood's largest for the time being, there is a support cast of smaller projects also in the works. Quest is set to gain a foothold in Ringwood with builder CornoNero commencing works on a mixed-use serviced apartment and commercial building at 96-98 Maroondah Highway.</p>

<p>Quest would be close to the planned 120-room hotel at 171-175 Maroondah Highway which equates to the final stage of Eastland's redevelopment. </p>

<p>Also in the wings is 233 Maroondah highway which has been dubbed 233 East. Jellis Craig Projects is set to market the development which under a previous form held approval for 131 dwellings and commercial space over 10 levels. New design imagery for the development has yet to be released.</p>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image17_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Quest Ringwood and marketing material for 233 East"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="520" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image17_3.jpg?itok=KpnJSMMz" title="Quest Ringwood and marketing material for 233 East" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Quest Ringwood and marketing material for 233 East</figcaption></figure><p>Most recent to planning with Maroondah City Council is 8 Bond Street with plans submitted during May for a seven level building with ground level retail which would replace a single level clinic.</p>

<p>Add the raft of upcoming projects such as 8-10 Bourke Street, 44 Bond Street plus 92 Maroondah Highway and it looks like many a developer has identified Ringwood as an upcoming apartment hotspot.</p>
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