The residential transformation of St Kilda Road is set to continue into with more new apartment plans for the sought-after boulevard.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dexus recently secured approval for its slice of St Kilda Road, while Gurner also has approved plans for the precinct.

Joel Robinson

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

<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" />

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.

“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.

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.

“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.

<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" />

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.

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.

The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.

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.

<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" />

“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.

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.

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.

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>.

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>

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

<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.

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.

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.

<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" />

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.

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.”

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.

<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" />

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.

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.

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.

<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" />

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.

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.

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.

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

Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;

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;

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;

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;

Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;

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;

“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;

“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."

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;

"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

<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.

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.

“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]

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.

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]

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.

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]

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.
</section>
</section>

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

Apartments

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Highett is set to mirror neighbouring suburbs such as Cheltenham and Moorabbin with a taste of high density apartment living. No stranger to smaller stature apartment projects, a planning application was lodged with City of Kingston during February for a prime Highett development site located at 1233-1237 Nepean Highway.

Designed by RotheLowman for developer Growland Group, the 13 level building sits on a site of 4,383sqm. Apartments.com.au recently <a href="/news/growland-group-assumes-a-greater-presence-across-melbourne">touched upon the site</a> which was subject to a concept design by McBride Charles Ryan, although RotheLowman has been installed as project lead.

Dubbed the Highett Gateway Project, the large tract of land holds frontages to Southland Shopping Centre and an open air car park to the south, the ever-busy Nepean Highway to the west and low-rise residential properties to the north and east. The proposal also maintains a secondary address of 60-64 Matthieson Street, Highett.

The development site was offered for sale by Savills during September 2015.

<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/image66_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial perspective of the site. Image: Savills"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="388" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image66_1.jpg?itok=6RQnfDle" title="Aerial perspective of the site. Image: Savills" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial perspective of the site. Image: Savills</figcaption></figure>RotheLowman Senior Associate Belinda Nincevic provided Apartments.com.au with the following project description:

<blockquote>
The concept for this proposal focuses on the opportunity to create a community, through the building’s composition, articulation and iconic presence in this location.

The overall development will create a visual buffer to the blank hard edges at the northern side of the shopping centre while the commercial frontage will activate and improve the urban streetscape. A new pedestrian link is also proposed along the southern boundary promoting an improved pedestrian experience and connection between transport, commercial and residential destinations.

The proposal is for a collection of buildings varying in height from three to thirteen storeys; all of which connect at pedestrian level.
<cite>Belinda Nincevic, Senior Associate, RotheLowman</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/v1article.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A new Nepean Highway focal point? Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="349" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/v1article.jpg?itok=p5i6m6bd" title="A new Nepean Highway focal point? Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A new Nepean Highway focal point? Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN</figcaption></figure>Overall the 13 storey proposal totals 31,282.1sqm in Gross Floor Area, and will consist of approximately 265 apartments with associated amenities. Provisions for 289 car spaces have been included.

City of Kingston currently have the project at a Request for Further Information stage, with public advertising likely to follow for may would become Highett's tallest building.
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silvermb

RotheLowman seeks a new high design benchmark of Highett

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GUEST OBSERVER
Australian economic data is mixed. 
Building approvals rose a slightly greater than expected 3.1 percent, thanks to a bounce in normally volatile apartment approvals. 
However, this followed a 6.6 percent decline last month, they are down 9% year on year and the trend is clearly down. Building approvals are still high pointing to a continued high level of dwelling construction, but the clear downtrend indicates that the contribution of home building to economic growth over the year ahead will slow. This may also be exacerbated as wealth effects from housing slow as momentum in Sydney and Melbourne property prices cools down.
<a href="/images/2016/04/5/image004.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/04/5/image004.png" alt="">
Source: ABS, AMP Capital
 
Retail sales were flat in February, contrary to market expectations for a 0.4 percent gain. Annual growth slowed to 3.3 percent yoy and momentum appears to have slowed although this may be partly due to very low retail price inflation compared to the past. The loss of momentum may also reflect the waning impact from last year’s interest rate cuts and slowing wealth gains from housing as house price gains slow in Sydney and Melbourne.
In terms of the latter while annual retail sales growth in NSW (at 4.6 percent year on year) and Victoria (+4.8 percent yoy) are strong and continuing to offset weakness in WA (where retail sales are -0.2%yoy) there has been some loss of trend monthly growth in both NSW and Victoria which are now trending at 0.2 percent mom compared to around 0.4-0.5 percent mom around mid last year.  
Click to enlarge
<img src="/images/2016/04/5/image005.png" alt="">
Source: ABS, AMP Capital
ANZ job ads rose just 0.2 percent mom in March, after a 1.2 percent fall in February but with annual growth at 10 percent year on year they still point to solid jobs growth for now.
Finally the Melbourne Institute Inflation Gauge for March was flat and up just 1.7 percent yoy, with the trimmed mean similarly flat month on month and up just 1.6 percent year on year, telling us that inflationary pressures remained very weak in the March quarter. 
While the RBA is likely to leave interest rates on hold at its April meeting, the slowing trend in building approvals, slowing momentum in retail sales and indications that March quarter inflation will be weak are consistent with our view that the RBA remains likely to cut interest rates again in the months ahead.
With mining investment continuing to fall and the contribution to growth from housing set to fade over the year ahead it’s critical that trade exposed sectors like tourism, higher education and even manufacturing contribute to growth over the year ahead but the rise in the $A is a threat to this. The best way for the RBA to check this threat is to ramp up its jawboning to get the $A down again and to ultimately cut interest rates again in the months ahead.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://plus.google.com/110172465327488162875?rel=author" target="_blank">SHANE OLIVER</a> is head of investment strategy and economics and chief economist at <a href="https://www.ampcapital.com.au/home" target="_blank">AMP Capital</a> and is responsible for AMP Capital's diversified investment funds.
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soliver-smf6LQXgW9

Volatile apartment approvals drive dwelling stats: AMP Capital's Shane Oliver

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Marketing to Chinese consumers is a hot topic for all businesses across different sectors. A common misperception for businesses is that they need to be in China to sell to Chinese consumers.

This has prompted developers and agencies to invest in roadshows, exhibitions and seminars at China’s prime real estate and events, only to result in expensive failures. With the growing Chinese population in Australia, sellers need not look too far in reaching out to their prospective Chinese buyers.

At ACproperty.com.au we believe there are three reasons why you should begin your marketing locally before embarking on overseas marketing investments:

<h2>1. Chinese buyers rely on word of mouth recommendations from Australians</h2>

The most effective and efficient way of marketing to mainland Chinese buyers is to build a loyal following among the local Chinese communities, who can endorse your brand.

Most prospective mainland Chinese buyers have friends and relatives living in Australia. This is one of the biggest reasons that influences their decision to migrate to Australia. The first thing most of them will do is to speak their relatives living in Australia, to understand which area is suitable for their lifestyle and to gain recommendations on <a href="/developments">property investments</a>, <a href="/developers">developers</a> or real estate agents.

Glen Waverly High and Balwyn High are classic examples on the success of word of mouth recommendations. None of the schools have advertised in China, yet every prospective mainland Chinese buyers would have heard of Glen Waverley and Balwyn School zones.

Speaking from experience, ACproperty.com.au has been enjoying tremendous success as evident from our 65% growth of inbound traffic from China for the past 3 years, while mainly concentrating our marketing efforts on the local Chinese communities and student associations.

<h2>2. Chinese migrants in Australia are buying properties too</h2>

A significant amount of our web traffic is from high quality leads in Australia. Agents and developers alike will find a group of high conversion Chinese customers right under their noses.

The value in targeting this group grows exponentially once we realise that this is the same group that will be recommending your brand to their peers overseas.

<h2>3. Chinese buyers want authentic and unbiased local property information</h2>

A consistent piece of feedback we receive from our users is that when buying Australian property, they prefer to access an <a href="/">Australian site</a> (vs. Chinese-based sites) so they can access vital local Australian market experience. Our Chinese Concierge Team are constantly receiving calls from buyers wanting to validate information they receive from Chinese sources, which they perceive as biased or incomplete.

To successfully capture the Chinese market, developers and agents should first market to the local Chinese communities, cultivating a loyal following before expanding into overseas marketing. Not only are they potential buyers, they are also huge influencers of their overseas peers.

Chinese buyers also view Australian sites and sources as more trustworthy and knowledgeable. Australian agents and developers should leverage this inherent credibility to reach international customers and ensure their brand is top of mind among the Chinese community to successfully capture the Chinese market.

Esther Yong is the co-founder and director of ACproperty.com.au. She was recently named one of the most powerful women in property by Domain and was also the keynote speaker at Property Portal Watch in New York during January 2016.
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Esther Yong

The top three reasons why you should market locally to succeed in China

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GUEST OBSERVER
One in three Queensland strata residents are concerned about apartment security from Airbnb guests, according to new research conducted by a leading Queensland body corporate company.
Archers the Strata Professionals investigated the attitudes of more than 550 Queensland unit owners and residents towards accommodation sharing services like Airbnb and Stayz, to determine how they impact unit owners in the sector.
Airbnb is an accommodation sharing service that allows property owners and residents to let their rooms or properties out to people seeking short-term lodgings. With more than 50,000 listings across Australia, the service continues to grow in popularity.
While the survey found more than 85 percent of participants were familiar with these services, many were unfazed by the platform, with 45 percent reporting they would welcome Airbnb within their complex.
Yet, despite the apparent support for such services, more than 30 percent of respondents acknowledged concerns over apartment security.
With Australia going through a widespread apartment boom, and more and more people choosing to live in strata complexes, we need to make sure that accommodation sharing services like Airbnb aren’t negatively impacting residents.
The research demonstrates some residents feel their safe, private apartment buildings are being infiltrated by a steady stream of unknown visitors, who stay for short periods of time.
Consequently, a number of strata residents are becoming uneasy about apartment security. As Queensland doesn’t have specific by-laws in place related to Airbnb and strata complexes, we encourage strata managers to work with residents to address any concerns they may have.
While Airbnb has been the topic of much controversy and debate in NSW, the heat is yet to reach Queensland. This is reflected in the research, which found almost 50 percent of Queensland strata residents would like Airbnb to be addressed by their body corporate. Developments in technology and the popularity of the sharing economy have surpassed current property legislation. 
Currently, the legislation states that, where a lot can lawfully be used for residential purposes, a bylaw cannot restrict the ‘type’ of residential use. 
Therefore, in Queensland, a body corporate doesn’t have much authority to regulate against the use of lots for private short-term letting. 
As such, we’re seeing the greatest impact in small schemes with permanent residents and no building manager. 
In those types of buildings, dealing with unplanned impacts such as increased noise, overuse of shared facilities, damage to common property and safety and security issues can be very time consuming for the volunteer committee members, and very expensive for body corporate as a whole.
Consequently, we encourage residents to work with their body corporate managers to address any concerns they may have about Airbnb, in order to find a solution to any potential issues.
 Last year, 455 Australians reported an incident of more than $1000 worth of damages from Airbnb guests. Greater education is definitely needed in this space, and we are committed to working with strata residents to mitigate their concerns.
Grant Mifsud is partner, Archers the Strata Professionals and can be contacted <a href="https://www.abcm.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Queensland strata residents concerned about Airbnb security: Grant Mifsud

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Brunswick's Anstey Precinct has been a favourite of Apartments.com.au's for some years, essentially a microcosm of Melbourne's greater push toward higher density living outside the central city.

Anchored by Anstey Railway Station and with Breese Street as its spine, the Anstey Precinct has been subject to intense apartment development during recent years. While Apartments.com.au has been both positive and <a href="/expert-insights/buying/the-anstey-precinct-failing-at-a-basic-level">critical</a> of the resulting built-form, one planning application <a href="/news/giving-something-back-12-duckett-street-brunswick">shone through during 2014</a>.

Fast forward and the site in question at 12 Duckett Street is now up for sale with Colliers offering the 4,858sqm land parcel with approval for an interesting apartment development in tow.

<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_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Duckett Street merging with the Upfield Bike Path. Image: Colliers"><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_2.jpg?itok=snjefRq2" title="Duckett Street merging with the Upfield Bike Path. Image: Colliers" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Duckett Street merging with the Upfield Bike Path. Image: Colliers</figcaption></figure>While developers will be drawn by the MOS Architects scheme allowing for 185 apartments and 11 commercial tenancies, the true 'super' nature of 12 Duckett Street is the manner in which it addresses the public realm.

With two separate residential buildings either side of Duckett Street the proposal sought and was granted the right to turn part of Duckett Street into a car free zone. Hand in hand with this is the introduction of a generous amount of green space on and around the development.

<blockquote>
The piazza is integral to the success of this development. We identified our subject site as a significant contributor to the high quality emerging developments within the close proximity.

Integration with the existing shared Upfield path is established as the site opens up to this path, promoting alternative movements and significant pedestrian activity.
<cite>MOS Architects, 2014 planning statement</cite>
</blockquote>

Approximately 80 metres of active frontage, high site permeability, green walls and setbacks to the Upfield bike path; these are traits not applicable to the majority of apartment developments which have landed within Anstey Precinct in recent years. And consequently this is why 12 Duckett Street is such an interesting and important development for the region.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image33_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hendrix and 8 Breese are in the early stages of construction"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="198" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image33_6.jpg?itok=Mt_uhfg7" title="Hendrix and 8 Breese are in the early stages of construction" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hendrix and 8 Breese are in the early stages of construction</figcaption></figure>While 12 Duckett Street looks for a new owner, construction is back on the agenda within Anstey Precinct. Almost simultaneously, two mid-sized apartment projects have begun construction with Maycon's Hendrix Apartments and Romano Property Group's 8 Breese both approaching bulk excavation.

Between the two developer-builder driven projects, approximately 135 apartments will be added to Anstey Precinct in addition to some much needed ground level activation by way of retail outlets.

Also set for construction is Nightingale at 6 Florence Street after receiving a Notice of Decision from Moreland City Council during March. After a well publicised VCAT rejection, the proposal was subject to minor alterations with limited onsite car parking included. With final approval in the offing, Nighingale looks like its set to join the Anstey Precinct, albeit long after it was intended.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image32_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Awaiting movement. Image: www.nightingale.melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image32_2.jpg?itok=VPoL3See" title="Awaiting movement. Image: www.nightingale.melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Awaiting movement. Image: www.nightingale.melbourne</figcaption></figure>
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Anstey Precinct's premier development site offered for sale

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Emerging local developer <a href="/developers/hirsch-faigen">H &amp; F Property</a> is seeking a slice of <a href="/new-apartments/box-hill-vic-3128">Box Hill's</a> booming apartment market with a current planning application for a substantial residential building.

Submission of the planning application follows H &amp; F Property's earlier pursuit of rezoning for the relevant site which was initially tagged as Commercial 2. Now consistent with the Box Hill Activity Centre Transit City Structure Plan, H &amp; F Property are chasing approval for a 20 storey mixed-use building created by <a href="/architects/sjb-architects">SJB Architects</a>.

Abutting Box Hill RSL, the proposal is substantially taller than anything in the immediate vicinity.

<h2>
<a href="/buildings/central-park-box-hill-12-14-nelson-road-box-hill">12-14 Nelson Road, Box Hill</a>: summary</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image12_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Planning application image: SJB Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="612" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image12_5.jpg?itok=HIeFttGA" title="Planning application image: SJB Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Planning application image: SJB Architects</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Submitted August 2015 with revisions dated January 2016</li>
	<li>Current site use: single storey warehouse building</li>
	<li>1,598sqm site area</li>
	<li>Proposed 20 level building at 64.5m (lower ground)</li>
	<li>148 apartments: 11 x 1BR, 29 x 1BR + Study, 108 x 2BR</li>
	<li>Retail tenancy: 143sqm</li>
	<li>Podium commercial tenancies total: 1,110sqm</li>
	<li>Basement and podium capacity for 180 vehicles</li>
	<li>91 bicycle spaces and 165 residential stores</li>
	<li>Communal facilities include roof deck, residents lounge, gym, BBQ / dining areas</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
The proposed development is still relatively modest in scale for this rapidly evolving suburb. At ground level (and the three podium levels) retail and/or commercial tenancies fronting Nelson Road provide activation and an engaging interface. Residential apartments activate the ground and podium levels to Shipley Street.

There are no south-facing apartments – a significant aspect of this proposal. In addition, apartments have been arranged such that there are a number of opportunities to combine one and two bedroom apartments to provide generous three bedroom family residences.

Architecturally, the proposal seeks to create a contemporary building form and façade language. A series of framed elements blur the legibility of floor levels by combining multiple levels into a single architectural component. These 
components also have the effect of making the building composition feel lighter, distorting its mass, and altering the scale and rhythm of the building.

The framed elements also create a dynamic, cascading pattern across the façade, giving it a strong and distinguishable architectural character amongst the varied architectural forms within this energising precinct.
<cite>SJB Architects, January 2016 Architectural 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/image14_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Planning application image depicting the rooftop area: Tract"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="241" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image14_6.jpg?itok=aFP26Wvp" title="Planning application image depicting the rooftop area: Tract" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Planning application image depicting the rooftop area: Tract</figcaption></figure>Integral to 12-14 Nelson Road's planning documents currently on display is the project's Urban Context Report prepared by SJB which gives an indicative development outcome for Box Hill through to 2030.

Although a concept, the image below does provide a glimpse of Box Hill's future with the current inundation of apartment buildings showing no sign of slowing. Of particular interest is the density emerging around Wellington Road with Spotlight Development Group's intended project joined by fellow projects 5-9 Wellington and 16-22 Wellington.

While the graphic provides great detail for current and expected built form north of Whitehorse Road, various development sites south of Whitehorse Road are not included. Factoring future large towers into the below graphic, an understanding of the massive proportions that Box Hill is headed toward can be gained.

<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_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Urban Context Report image: SJB"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="329" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image13_7.jpg?itok=tZAeqN2U" title="Urban Context Report image: SJB" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Urban Context Report image: SJB</figcaption></figure>12-14 Nelson Road is the second entry for H &amp; F Property within the Apartments.com.au Project Database, following on from their current apartment development located in <a href="/new-apartments/glen-iris-vic-3146">Glen Iris</a>. At <a href="/buildings/grace-1555-malvern-road-glen-iris">1555-1559 Malvern Road, Grace Apartments</a> is a <a href="/architects/conrad-architects?%2C0">Conrad Architects</a>-designed building containing 43 apartments over four levels.

With the concrete structure complete, builder <a href="/builders/maxcon">Maxcon</a> is proceeding with internals on the development which has an expected completion date toward the end of 2016.

<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/projectimages.image1_.144.grace_01b.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Grace Glen Iris. Image source: Maxcon"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="261" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/projectimages.image1_.144.grace_01b.jpg?itok=cqYuJinS" title="Grace Glen Iris. Image source: Maxcon" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Grace Glen Iris. Image source: Maxcon</figcaption></figure><h2>12-14 Nelson Road development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: H &amp; F Property Group</li>
	<li>Architect and Urban Design: SJB Architects</li>
	<li>Town Planning: Pro Urban</li>
	<li>Landscape Consultant: Tract</li>
	<li>Traffic Engineer: MGA Consultants</li>
	<li>Waste Management: Lid Consultants</li>
	<li>ESD: ARK Resources</li>
</ul>
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H & F Property enter Box Hill with 12-14 Nelson Road

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As one the city's in demand new apartment locations, West Melbourne continues to consistently churn out development news.

Last week architecture firm Buchan Group confirmed that its former studio at 133 Rosslyn Street West Melbourne had received planning approval for a new residential complex. Replacing the firm's former office will be a new 9 storey design for developer Starland Pacific Group.

With PDS Group installed as Development and Project Manager, 133 Rosslyn Street will now proceed to apartment sales with construction expected to begin later this year. 165 apartments will be supplemented by 150 basement vehicle spaces.

<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/external1-1aa.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Buchan Group's rendered 133 Rosslyn Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="332" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/external1-1aa.jpg?itok=MF2Eie_O" title="Buchan Group's rendered 133 Rosslyn Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Buchan Group's rendered 133 Rosslyn Street</figcaption></figure>Set over a 2,550sqm site, the development plot was sold during 2014 for in excess of $14 million, with CBRE City Sales and Gross Waddell handling the transaction. Buchan Group will still be involved by way of providing ongoing architectural and interior design services for the project.

<blockquote>
Our aim is to create an exciting and cohesive new residential development that brings a positive addition to the emerging architecture of West Melbourne. We are thrilled that the project has received Planning Approval and look forward to its progress.
<cite>Nick Nigro, Principal Head of Delivery, Buchan Group</cite>
</blockquote>

Also last week CBRE City Sales successfully sold a development site located at 137-157 Adderley Street West Melbourne. Subject to a current planning application for an eight level apartment development, the site was secured for $9.4 million by one of five bidders at the onsite auction which was conducted last Friday.

<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/image2wmelb.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Raw 3D's impression of 137-157 Adderley Street, West Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="383" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image2wmelb.jpg?itok=aKB8H8hG" title="Raw 3D's impression of 137-157 Adderley Street, West Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Raw 3D's impression of 137-157 Adderley Street, West Melbourne</figcaption></figure>Included within the intended project which also maintains a Rosslyn Street frontage are 88 apartments, one cafe space of 120sqm and 72 car parking bays. Whether on not the above Michael Ellis Architects scheme for the site is maintained by the new developer remains to be seen.

Nearby and demolition has begun in earnest on Alpha 14's upcoming residential project at 386 Spencer Street West Melbourne. Bond Quarter will be a 16 storey building maintaining 105 one &amp; two bedroom apartments. Designed by Hayball, the project is currently at construction tender and will follow The Wallace which is Alpha 14's current West Melbourne apartment project at construction.

During March, 50-56 Batman Street West Melbourne landed before Melbourne City Council with a new planning proposal for a residential hotel. Formerly The Arkadia Centre, the property sold for $8.78 million after a campaign held during mid 2015.

At 868sqm the site is close to new builds that over recent years along Batman Street have generally peaked at 15 storeys.

<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/image7wm.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Flagstaff Green and Rosslyn Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="208" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image7wm.jpg?itok=nfeDnRWF" title="Flagstaff Green and Rosslyn Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Flagstaff Green and Rosslyn Street</figcaption></figure>Two pending projects have also reared of late. SPEC Property's 15-31 Batman Street has appeared online dubbed Flagstaff Green.

The project has undergone a number of design changes over the course of planning with a notable reduction in height also included. Flagstaff Green is SPEC's latest endeavour and follows on from the developer's intention to sell two sites with approved apartment schemes in North Melbourne and South Melbourne.

Last but not least Trennery Property is going with a new preliminary design image for 185 Rosslyn Street. After purchasing the site from Australia Post during 2015, Trennery has replaced an initial RotheLowman planning application with new intentions.

The project is likely to include residential and hotel uses, a medical centre, various retail spaces and substantial residential gardens as seen in the image above.
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West Melbourne's development scene as fluid as ever

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The national architecture firm Rothelowman has won the prestigious President's Award at the 2016 National Urban Development Institure of Australia (UDIA) Awards for Excellence.
They won the award for a mixed-use Abbotsford apartment development.
Developed by Hamton and ISPT, the three-stage project has been planned to include premium facilities such as a rooftop cinema, lobby bars and a health and wellbeing centre.
Rothelowman, working closely with the client and council, integrated the riverfront in their design by allowing public access through the centre of the site to the bank of the Yarra River. 
Rothelowman principal Chris Hayton said that Eden (above), Haven and Sanctuary (the three stages) have added high quality and a meaningful public space to the existing urban fabric of Abbotsford.
The project also won the national award in the High Density Housing category and previously won awards in the categories of Master Planned Developments and High Density Developments in last years Victorian UDIA awards.
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Rothelowman-designed development wins big at UDIA awards

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The construction at the Bohème Apartments in Robina is heading skywards this week as Robina and Varsity Lakes continue to solidify its position as Gold Coast City's centre for population and employment growth. 
Driven by local first home buyers, professionals, empty nesters and southern investors, the dual tower development is more than 60 percent sold, with sales topping $41 million.
The tower is being constructed by Brisbane based builder Cullen Group and is due for completion later this year.
Comprising of 52 apartments across seven levels, the construction of the two basement levels and podium for tower one have just been completed. 
Robina/Varsity has been identified as one of Gold Coast City's principal growth areas over the next t35 years by Australian futurist and demographer Bernard Saly and property analyst Urbis Research.
By 2050, Robina/Varsity's resident population and employee base are expected to more than double, with the area's economy predicted to grow 280% to $5.4 billion annually.
There is already a $1 billion-plus development and infrastructure investment underway in Robina, which will 'future-proof' the area and developer new projects to meet the needs of its growing population, which is expected to increase 
Bohème Apartments is part of The Robina Group's $250 million CityVillage masterplanned community, a waterfront urban village.
When complete it will comprise of 129 apartments across two towers, with facilities including a pool and barbecue terrace.
Two bedroom apartments at Bohème Apartments start from $459,000.
For more information, <a href="https://www.cityvillage.com.au/boheme/" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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Queensland's Bohème Apartments stretching skyward

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Banyule is beginning to witness an upswing in projects entering the Apartments.com.au Project Database as apartment developments within the municipality begin to take a foothold as with many other parts of Melbourne.

2015 witnessed a new high benchmark set for the area with the Fender Katsalidis-designed Ivanhoe Apartments gaining approval at 14 levels, becoming Banyule's tallest approved development to date.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image54_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ivanhoe Apartments is approved and at sales. Image: Caydon"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="350" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image54_1.jpg?itok=_v4qHy-M" title="Ivanhoe Apartments is approved and at sales. Image: Caydon" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ivanhoe Apartments is approved and at sales. Image: Caydon</figcaption></figure>Ivanhoe Apartments at 443 Upper Heidelberg Road may soon be joined by another sizeable project with the former Courtney and Patterson Ford site on Bell Street subject to a large planning application.

Proponent Blue Whale Property Group Australia Pty Ltd is seeking approval for the development of the former car yard into a mixed-use project.

Initially submitted at 14 to 16 levels during mid 2015, the project which features aged care spaces, independent living apartments, GP and medical clinic spaces, a gymnasium, childcare centre, residential hotel and traditional apartments has been scaled back somewhat in line with Council's expectations. With revised plans submitted during December headline details for the Hayball-designed project are as follows:

<h2>37-69 Bell Street, Ivanhoe</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/image55_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A revised scheme for Bell Street is under consideration. Planning image: Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="226" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image55_3.jpg?itok=Wr5lGy0H" title="A revised scheme for Bell Street is under consideration. Planning image: Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A revised scheme for Bell Street is under consideration. Planning image: Hayball</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>8,924sqm site with 125m frontage to Bell Street</li>
	<li>Four buildings of up to 12 levels</li>
	<li>Aged care and independent living apartments</li>
	<li>Traditional private apartments and hotel suites</li>
	<li>GP clinic and Allied Health consulting suites</li>
	<li>Various communal facilities</li>
	<li>132 car barking bays, 14 bicycle bays and storage spaces</li>
	<li>Amenities include 901sqm gym, central courtyard garden, aged care day respite centre and cafe </li>
</ul>
<h2>The bulking of Banyule</h2>

A variety of smaller apartment projects are in the pipeline for the area as well, with Ivanhoe and Heidelberg accounting for many of the projects.

Blue Earth Group secured approval earlier in the year for an eight level apartment project at 9-11 Martin Street and 12 Powlett Street. Sold off by Austin Health and in close proximity to Heidleberg's medical precinct, Blue Earth Group are now free to pursue the SACBW-designed scheme which will include 131 apartments above medical and retail spaces.

Almost adjoining is a proposal for 91 Darebin Street, with Ascui &amp; Co creating a six level building containing a medical suite and 37 apartments. 37 Burgundy Street is also subject to a six level mixed-use building, with a variety of other smaller 3-4 level apartments projects also current within Banyule City Council's planning process.

<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/image59_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="91 Darebin Street and 294 Bell Street. Images: Ascui &amp; Co / Afterglow"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="196" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image59_3.jpg?itok=JWmggfnN" title="91 Darebin Street and 294 Bell Street. Images: Ascui &amp; Co / Afterglow" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>91 Darebin Street and 294 Bell Street. Images: Ascui &amp; Co / Afterglow</figcaption></figure>Lacking a dedicated planning register, Banyule City Council's planning process can be somewhat opaque, making the task of publicly tracking the municipality's higher density development all the more difficult.

Currently Apartments.com.au is tracking 31 projects within Banyule, with a handful yet to be added to the Project Database. The vast majority are residential apartment projects and are at various stages of the development cycle.

Larger projects at construction include Evergreen Ivanhoe and Heidi Apartments which between them account for 177 dwellings, while smaller projects such as Cartmell Place and 13-17 Cartmell Place act as infill developments. Mooted to launch shortly is 104 Mount Street with approximately 120 dwellings while 294 Bell Street has been revised if the new render above is any guide.

Overall, Apartments.com.au is tracking in excess of 2,100 apartments within Banyule.
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