Local developer Harridan is seeking to turn its Woolloongabba apartment project into the first stage of a broader transformation of Burke Street, using a new 16-storey mixed-use building to establish a greener pedestrian connection toward the rapidly evolving Boggo Road transport and knowledge precinct.

The South East Queensland developer has filed plans for 154 apartments on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-burke-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">southern side of Burke Street</a>, where its proposal has been designed alongside a wider vision by LatStudios for the street.

That vision positions the southern side of Burke Street for buildings of 15 storeys and above, while envisaging lower-rise development of up to five storeys on the northern side to transition into Woolloongabba's existing character housing. It also proposes wider pedestrian verges, deep planting, new street trees and upgrades to the pedestrian approach to Boggo Road Station.

The Harridan development itself has been designed by Brisbane-based Arqus Design and will comprise 154 apartments across 16 storeys. The mix is weighted heavily toward two-bedroom apartments, with 121 proposed alongside 10 one-bedroom and 23 three-bedroom residences. There will typically be around 14 units per floor.

A lower-ground car park and three podium levels will accommodate 156 resident parking spaces, along with visitor and commercial parking. There will also be 154 resident bicycle spaces and 40 visitor bicycle parks.

&nbsp;

Harridan is a family-owned developer and part of the Holmwood Highgate Group, with more than three decades of development activity across South East Queensland. Its portfolio spans residential, commercial and industrial property, with current residential projects including Riverbank on Byron in Bulimba, Esperance Residences in Carina and The Precinct at Kinross Road in Thornlands.

Wooloongabba has been popular for apartment developers, particularly since the announcement of the 2032 Summer Olympics games in Brisbane.

While there have been a lot of development applications, it has failed to materialize into real supply.&nbsp;

Sarazin has been the major player in the area. They are under construction at Murcia Residences, on the fringe of East Brisbane and Woolloongabba. They have just launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-stanley-residences-woolloongabba-8-trafalgar-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">The Stanley Residences</a>, in Woolloongabba on Trafalagar Street. They also have Nuage coming soon on the nearby <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nuage-woolloongabba-14-wellington-road-woolloongabba-qld-4102">Wellington Road</a>.

Joel Robinson

First look: Harridan plans Burke Street transformation beside Boggo Road transport hub

IN BRIEF

<ul>
	<li>
	Just three double-storey Sky Homes sit at the top of The Waterline, each with its own private marina berth and rooftop terrace.
	</li>
	<li>
	Construction on The Waterline is complete, with the first residents expected to move in from mid-October.
	</li>
	<li>
	Sky Homes range from 282 sqm to 367 sqm and are priced from $3.65 million.
	</li>
</ul>

<hr />
Lewis Land has opened the first completed sky home for inspection at Harbour Shores, giving buyers their first opportunity to step inside one of just three double-storey residences crowning The Waterline.

Each sky home comes with its own private marina berth, rooftop terrace and Broadwater views, combining the scale of a larger home with direct access to the boating lifestyle that underpins the wider <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/harbour-shores-biggera-waters-564-oxley-drive-biggera-waters-qld-4216">Harbour Shores</a> masterplan.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=366708]

Lewis Land Head of Development Michael Long said the inclusion of a berth with every Sky Home had become increasingly valuable as marina access across the Gold Coast tightened.

“Marina berths are becoming increasingly difficult to secure across the Gold Coast, so including one with every Sky Home makes this a genuinely rare offering,” Long said.

“The private 70-berth marina will accommodate boats up to 12 metres in length and is positioned just 2.5 kilometres from the Broadwater, placing the open ocean only 15 minutes away.

“Being able to step out of your home onto your boat is a rare luxury, and it’s something residents here can look forward to when it opens later this year.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=366709]

The display opening comes as construction completes on The Waterline, with the first residents expected to move in from mid-October.

The three Sky Homes range from 282 sqm to 367 sqm and each feature three bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living zones, expansive kitchens with butler's pantries and large balconies taking in the Broadwater outlook.

Each residence also has three secure basement car spaces and additional storage.

“This is the first opportunity the Gold Coast has had to step into Harbour Shores and see, touch and feel what we’re bringing to life here,” Long said.

“There are only three Sky Homes within The Waterline, ranging in size from 282sqm to 367sqm, with each residence featuring three large bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living zones, expansive custom-built kitchens with butler’s pantry, and large balconies capturing Broadwater views.”

<img alt="Harbour Shores" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bab65e10-4fab-45e1-92d8-fc56e2ab98ff" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%202.00.16%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=XT8q76LsPkw3cYTsvN3JfFDaPLud90PN" />

Residents of The Waterline will have access to a private pool, along with Harbour Shores' wider collection of amenity including a lagoon pool, social clubhouse, tennis court, gym, yoga facilities and sauna.

Lewis Land partnered with Studio Collective to furnish the completed display, with the interiors designed to demonstrate how the residences could function as permanent homes rather than simply as show apartments.

Studio Collective Director Melissa Park said the surrounding waterways informed the interiors, but in a more restrained way than a traditional coastal scheme.

“We drew inspiration from the canals and coastal surrounds, but our approach was to interpret that subtly through layered materials and a grounded palette of earthy tones, rather than literal coastal references,” Park said.

“We introduced hero moments of green and teal to reference the surrounding waterways, while mirrored elements help reflect natural light.

“The result is a residence that feels elevated yet comfortable, somewhere buyers can genuinely imagine themselves living, entertaining and unwinding.”

Sky Homes are priced from $3.65 million.

Lewis Land is also offering private marina berths with The Residences, its limited collection of three and four-bedroom villas positioned directly along the Harbour Shores waterfront boardwalk.

Three-bedroom villas are priced from $2.99 million, while four-bedroom residences start from $3.19 million.

Harbour Shores is being marketed by Colliers International.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113271]

Lewis Land opens sky home display as The Waterline completes at Harbour Shores

St Vincent de Paul Society Housing Australia has filed plans for a major mixed-use housing precinct on the southern edge of the North Sydney CBD, adding another significant proposal to a pocket around North Sydn​ey Station that is quickly becoming one of the LGA's busiest development zones.

The State Significant Development Application covers a 5,990 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/1-19-mackenzie-street-lavender-bay-nsw-2060">1-19 MacKenzie Street and 211 Blues Point Road in Lavender Bay</a>, immediately south of Nor​th Sydney Station and between the commercial core and the lower-rise Lavender Bay Heritage Conservation Area.

Designed by Wardle, the proposal would deliver a new residential tower comprising 88 build-to-sell apartments and 19 affordable apartments, alongside a separate co-living building with 57 rooms and a building manager's studio.

It would also see the significant restoration and upgrade of St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, the adaptive reuse of the former school building, new parish facilities, retail, a new public square and around 1,000 sqm of publicly accessible open space.

<img alt="Vinnies North Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d5dd7f87-a617-463e-b577-17541e01f0e9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.10.13%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4R8TsFN3P_LrrXO2HswTOIrx2blil8lh" />

The project is seeking a concurrent rezoning of the site to R4 High Density Residential and an increase in the maximum building height to allow a tower reaching RL120, or up to 20 storeys. The proposal was progressed through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

The build-to-sell component will be weighted toward larger apartments, with just six one-bedroom apartments compared with 31 two-beds, 43 three-beds and eight four-bedroom residences.

The 19 affordable apartments will comprise two studios, 15 one-bedroom apartments and two two-bedroom apartments, taking the total apartment component to 107 residences before the 58 co-living rooms are included.

<img alt="Vnnies" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7d568ca5-cb90-4e18-96c6-d9795dba0c56" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.10.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=GY2R5M9VtQh0EKy1vajaea19PSLOPuRD" />

Wardle's design for the Vinnies site has sought to negotiate that emerging high-rise context while retaining the lower-scale character of MacKenzie Street and the adjoining heritage conservation area.

The main building adopts a three-storey podium and tower arrangement, with the podium aligned to the ridgeline and front setback of St Francis Xavier Church.&nbsp;Wardle has designed the podium with colonnades, seating, recessed entries and active ground-floor frontages, with sandstone-toned precast concrete and face brick referencing the materiality of the existing church.

The tower then steps back eight metres to the south and six metres to the north before rising in a sculpted form comprising four interlocking quadrants. Wardle has also introduced rounded forms and chamfered corners to reduce the tower's perceived bulk and improve view sharing with neighbouring development sites.

Resident facilities and outdoor areas are planned at the separation between the podium and tower at Level 3, oriented toward Sydney Harbour and the CBD skyline.

The tower itself will feature a glass reinforced concrete facade, with recessed balconies and deep reveals used both to provide shading and privacy and frame views toward the harbour and city. The lower levels take a different architectural approach, using brick and sandstone-toned finishes intended to establish a stronger relationship with St Francis Xavier Church. The Church itself will be conserved and upgraded for its continued use, while the former school building will be adaptively reused as part of the co-living component.

<img alt="Lavendar Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d4418ad-90aa-4d49-af93-c80b140aea80" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.09.47%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Kv4gzbsACaGvZSRuaqcfGC54jEJRXIDJ" />

&nbsp;

The proposal adds to an increasingly concentrated pipeline of residential development around Blue Street, MacKenzie Street and Lavender Bay.

Just west of the site, Central Element lodged plans earlier this year for one of the most significant residential developments proposed in Lavender Bay in recent years.

Central Element's SJB-designed scheme at 64-66 Lavender Street and 3-7 Middlemiss Street would deliver 163 apartments across two towers rising 23 and 32 storeys, replacing five existing apartment buildings containing 32 homes. The project also forms part of the Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-central-element-reveals-lavender-bay-apartment-plans?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">First look: Central Element reveals Lavender Bay apartment plans</a>

Immediately around North Sy​dney Station, another two significant proposals have emerged at 5 and 15 Blue Street.

Zurich Australian Insurance Properties is seeking to adaptively reuse its longstanding commercial building at 5 Blue Street, directly above North Sydney Station, rather than demolishing the structure.

Its SSDA proposes converting the building into a 14-storey mixed-use development with 62 apartments and 86 co-living rooms, together with ground-floor retail and a major refurbishment of Blue Street Plaza. The application is currently at the Response to Submissions stage.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-zurich-targets-north-sydney-office-conversion-with-148-unit-proposal-above-metro-station">First look: Zurich targets North Sydney office conversion with 148-unit proposal above Metro station</a>

&nbsp;

First look: Vinnies files for 20-storey Lavender Bay apartment tower as North Sydney housing pocket heats up

When the opportunity arose for South Australian developer Palumbo to return to Kent Town, where it had previously delivered East Park Apartments and the East 
Rundle Apartments, it wasn't one the longstanding developer-builder was going to pass up.

The decision was quickly vindicated, with more than 30 apartments sold within the first month of launching <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/royal-apartments-kent-town-2-8-north-terrace-kent-town-sa-5067">Royal Apartments</a> to the market.

The 206-apartment development, which will bring significant new supply to Adelaide's tightly held eastern city fringe, also gives <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/palumbo">Palumbo</a> the opportunity to bring new life to one of Kent Town's most recognisable watering holes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376073]

Royal Apartments incorporates the historic Royal Hotel, a venue Palumbo Managing Director Daniel Palumbo said has a longstanding connection with the local community.

"Everyone in the area has history with the Royal Hotel," Palumbo told Apartments.com.au.

"It was quite an active pub and social gathering place for locals. We want to bring it back to its former glory."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376072]

The wider development will comprise two residential towers alongside the restored hotel, sitting on North Terrace opposite the Adelaide Park Lands.

For Palumbo, the project also marks a return to familiar territory.

The developer completed East Park Apartments next door more than a decade ago and jumped at the opportunity to develop in Kent Town again when the Royal Hotel site became available.

"The opportunity emerged, and we moved to secure the site," Palumbo said.

"We were approached by the previous landowner, who said they had extensive commitments in Sydney and weren't in a position to deliver the project.

"We took over the site and within six months recut the design scheme to be more in keeping with the type of development we want to bring to Adelaide.

"Now we're on the market and those changes have really resonated with local buyers."

That has translated into a strong start to sales, with 33 apartments transacting in the project's first 35 days.

Palumbo said the early purchaser profile had been consistent with the group's traditional focus on owner-occupiers rather than investor-led apartment stock.

"Local owner-occupiers have always been our market," he said.

"There are always some investors, but we've never developed what would be called traditional development stock. Owner-occupiers are very much our market."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376068]

The buyer mix has been diverse so far, with downsizers and younger professionals both accounting for a significant portion of early sales.

South Australia's current stamp duty settings, which allow&nbsp;eligible homeowners in South Australia aged 60 savings of up to $103,830 on stamp duty when they downsize to a new property valued at up to $2 million,&nbsp;have helped encourage downsizer activity, while younger buyers in their late 20s and early 30s have been attracted to the opportunity to live immediately outside the CBD while still being able to walk into the city.



Location has been a major part of the proposition for both buyer cohorts.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376075]

Royal Apartments sits on North Terrace directly opposite the Adelaide Park Lands, with residents able to walk through the parklands toward the East End, Rundle Street and Rundle Mall.

Apartments have been positioned to capture views across the parklands, Adelaide skyline, Botanic Gardens and Adelaide Hills.

Palumbo believes the scarcity of developable land along this section of the Park Lands makes the site particularly difficult to replicate.

"There's very few allotments on that side that can be developed," he said.

"If this location was in New York and you were sitting on Central Park, you'd be talking about a $60 million apartments."

Royal Apartments will offer a broad mix of residences, ranging from one-bedroom apartments through to four-bedroom sub-penthouses and penthouses.

Current listings include one-bedroom apartments from $680,000, while larger three and four-bedroom residences are priced around $2.5 million.

Residents will have access to a swimming pool, gym, barbecue and recreation areas, residents' lounge and dining space, and a communal deck.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376067]

The apartments will feature generous balconies, while secure parking, bicycle storage and storage cages will also be provided.

A porte-cochère-style arrival and drop-off area has also resonated with buyers, particularly those attracted to being able to walk into the CBD during the day while retaining secure vehicle access at home.

Palumbo is acting as developer, architect and builder on Royal Apartments, continuing the vertically integrated model it has used across its South Australian portfolio.

The group was also behind the $150 million Sofitel Adelaide, the 251-room five-star hotel and residential tower which opened in 2021.

Palumbo said Royal's launch had come at an interesting time for the broader Adelaide apartment market.

Buyer confidence had initially been impacted by uncertainty surrounding the Federal Budget and broader economic conditions, but Palumbo believes sentiment is beginning to improve against a backdrop of significant investment flowing into South Australia.

He pointed to increased activity across defence and resources, including Olympic Dam, as potential long-term drivers of the state's economy and housing market.

"Money is starting to flow into Adeliade, significant amounts as Adelaide bucks the trend of the rest of the country.," Palumbo said.

"There's a lot of activity in the economy over the next decade. I think more investment will come into this market."

Early works on Royal Apartments are expected to commence this year, with major construction activity and cranes anticipated on site from early next year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6109]

Palumbo's return to Kent Town strikes early chord with buyers

Go-to builder-developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/graya">GRAYA</a> is continuing to bulk out its already impressive and diverse apartment portfolio across South East Queensland. Their latest milestone is securing development approval for Silk, its boutique riverfront apartment development in St Lucia.

The approval clears&nbsp;the way for the team to begin construction planning for the 22-residence project.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/silk-st-lucia-16-18-sandford-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">Silk</a> will rise 15 levels from an 810 sqm site at 16-18 Sandford Street, occupying a prominent bend of the Brisbane River with a prized northern aspect across Orleigh Park toward the Brisbane CBD.

The approved scheme will comprise 16 split-floor and six full-floor residences, continuing GRAYA's move into larger-format apartment developments targeting Brisbane's prestige owner-occupier market.

The project has been designed around the site's broad river frontage and dual-direction views, with GRAYA prioritising larger residences, privacy and outlook over apartment yield.

<img alt="Silk St Lucia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aa5c2349-f96c-4914-a812-1f2cd6827af8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%208.25.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=WY0vEU_7vYjeRJKQHiCwFdMxu8PvFh52" />

GRAYA Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Rob Gray said the project had been shaped around local homeowners wanting to remain in St Lucia without maintaining a traditional family home.

"St Lucia is one of those suburbs people do not want to leave," Gray said.

"They know the river, the trees, UQ, the golf course, Toowong and Indooroopilly, and that familiarity is hard to replace.

"True riverfront opportunities here are exceptionally scarce. What we have designed at Silk is a way to stay in the suburb people love, with the scale and privacy of a private home and far less to maintain.

"This is not typical apartment product. It is a proper home on the river, and that is exactly what this market has been missing."

The approval comes as new apartment development continues to increase across the St Lucia and neighbouring Toowong corridor, although direct riverfront sites remain considerably more tightly held.

GRAYA Co-founder and Managing Director Andrew Gray said securing the approval had removed a significant element of development risk from Silk.

"Genuine riverfront sites of this quality in St Lucia are not something that comes up regularly," Gray said.

"The approval removes a substantial layer of execution risk, and the location underwrites demand in a way very few inner-city sites can.

"The fundamentals here are as strong as anything we have assessed in Brisbane."

<img alt="Silk St Lucia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d0f3d734-65e1-48e8-8ed3-2e0715ffcdd9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%208.25.56%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sOLSs_jdHkXLWbBKzRyayf5BfTb2vPsD" />

Silk will see GRAYA return to a stretch of the Brisbane River where it already has recent construction experience. The vertically integrated group recently completed ARC in neighbouring Toowong as builder for developer Spyre, delivering the riverfront project on a constrained site.

GRAYA will take a different role at Silk, controlling the project from design and development through construction and aftercare under its vertically integrated model.

The development will include a gym and resident leisure areas at ground level, integrated with the river's edge.

Silk joins a growing pipeline for GRAYA across Brisbane and the Gold Coast, which includes Enclave, The Gallery, Coral and Ripple.

The developer-builder has also recently lodged plans for its largest project to date, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-silo-19-chester-street-newstead-qld-4006">The Silo</a>, a proposed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/graya-buys-frasers-newstead-site-plans-the-silo-between-james-street-and-gasworks-precincts">$700 million mixed-use development</a> in Brisbane's James Street precinct.

Silk is expected to predominantly target local owner-occupiers and prestige buyers seeking a permanent riverfront home in Brisbane's inner west.

Registrations of interest are now open, with further details on the project and construction program to be released as it progresses.

<hr />
<h2>SILK PROJECT FACTS</h2>

Developer-builder: GRAYA

Project: Silk

Location: 16-18 Sandford Street, St Lucia

Apartments: 22

Built form: 15 levels

Site: 810 sqm riverfront holding

Mix: 16 split-floor and six full-floor residences

Status: Development approved

Next step: Construction planning underway

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152168]

GRAYA greenlit for riverfront St Lucia apartment development, Silk

Apartments

<html><body>
The outlook for China’s growth is a significant uncertainty for the outlook for the Australian economy, according to the latest RBA statement on monetary policy issued this morning.
But in the period ahead, Australian dwelling investment seems likely to be supported by continued strong demand from foreign buyers, the central bank concludes.
Information from the bank’s liaison suggests that foreign buyers tend to have long-term motivations for investment and may be relatively unconcerned about temporary fluctuations in housing price growth.
The statement then adds population growth, employment prospects and expectations for future housing price growth are likely to be the most important considerations for domestic buyers.
"Some geographic areas appear to be at risk of reaching a point of oversupply, particularly the inner-city areas of Melbourne and Brisbane."  
It also noted conditions in the established housing market have eased in recent months.
"National housing prices have declined slightly from their September 2015 peak, following strong growth earlier in 2015.
"Auction clearance rates, which are another timely gauge of housing market conditions, have also declined from very high levels to be around their long-run averages.
"However, some other indicators – including turnover rates, days on market and the eventual discount on vendor asking prices – have been little changed.
"The easing in housing market conditions has been most pronounced for detached houses in Sydney and Melbourne, where earlier price growth had been strongest, and in Perth, where prices have been declining since early 2015."
It noted growth of national apartment prices had been noticeably slower than that of detached housing prices, reflecting large increases in higher-density housing supply over recent years, especially in Melbourne.
"The increase in supply over recent years, partly in response to strong investor demand, has been associated with a gradual increase in the nationwide rental vacancy rate.
"Rental yields remain low by historical standards.
"Dwelling investment grew strongly over the year to the September quarter, supported by low interest rates and the significant increase in housing prices over the past several years."
The RBA has also released its Chart Pack that summarises macroeconomic and financial market trends in Australia.
<a href="/images/2016/02/05/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-05%20at%2011.20.41%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/05/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-05%20at%2011.20.41%20AM.png" alt="" width="770" height="537">
<a href="/images/2016/02/05/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-05%20at%2011.22.05%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/05/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-05%20at%2011.22.05%20AM.png" alt="" width="759" height="549">
<a href="/images/2016/02/05/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-05%20at%2011.23.19%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/05/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-05%20at%2011.23.19%20AM.png" alt="" width="712" height="508">
<a href="/images/2016/02/05/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-05%20at%2011.25.08%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/05/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-05%20at%2011.25.08%20AM.png" alt="" width="741" height="513">
<a href="/images/2016/02/05/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-05%20at%2011.26.05%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/05/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-05%20at%2011.26.05%20AM.png" alt="" width="779" height="566">
<a href="/images/2016/02/05/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-05%20at%2011.27.35%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/05/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-05%20at%2011.27.35%20AM.png" alt="" width="776" height="547">
<a href="/images/2016/02/05/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-05%20at%2011.29.29%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/05/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-05%20at%2011.29.29%20AM.png" alt="" width="810" height="584">
To view the RBA's Statement on Monetary Policy, February 2016, <a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/publications/smp/2016/feb/" target="_blank">click here</a>.
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Chinese still coming but Melbourne and Brisbane inner city at risk of over supply: RBA monetary statement

<html><body>
With 2016 now well underway and several projects gearing up for construction or gathering pace, it's an opportune time for another update on the progress of Apartments.com.au's CBD model. Previously the focus has been on the CBD North area, however with big projects such as Australia 108 in full swing and the approval of Kavanagh Park, it seemed like the next area worth looking at was Southbank.

As this is an ongoing process there are still buildings still to be added, both existing and future, but it's interesting to see what's in store for Southbank over the course of the next five or so years.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/southbank_aerial.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Southbank aerial of the central cluster."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="382" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/southbank_aerial.png?itok=9dTLUtgo" title="Southbank aerial of the central cluster." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Southbank aerial of the central cluster.</figcaption></figure>The elevation below shows (some are not visible) the projects currently under construction on Southbank.

<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/southbank_uc_elevation.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Southbank under construction."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="203" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/southbank_uc_elevation.png?itok=m8Au0yyd" title="Southbank under construction." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Southbank under construction.</figcaption></figure>Major towers currently under construction include:

<ul>
<li>Australia 108</li>
	<li>1-11 Balston Street</li>
	<li>Opus Tower (nearing completion)</li>
	<li>2 Riverside Quay</li>
	<li>Shadow Play</li>
	<li>Marco Apartments</li>
	<li>Platinum Tower</li>
</ul>
When the approved projects (blue) are added into the mix the change in Southbank's skyline and density is significant with Kavanagh Park alone set to add six towers and 2,610 dwellings to the area.

Other sizeable developments include 38 Freshwater Place at 274 metres, 158 City Road, Elysium (240 metres) and Central Equity's tallest approved project to date: Southbank Place at 165 metres.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/southbank_proposals_elevation.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Southbank approvals (blue) and under construction (green)."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="203" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/southbank_proposals_elevation.png?itok=ONcUZOXG" title="Southbank approvals (blue) and under construction (green)." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Southbank approvals (blue) and under construction (green).</figcaption></figure>And lastly proposed developments are included, adding further variety to the skyline silhouette; a far cry from the City of Melbourne's desire for a blanket height in Southbank of 100 metres.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/southbank_all_in_elevation_.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Southbank all in."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="203" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/southbank_all_in_elevation_.png?itok=lR3i9DO_" title="Southbank all in." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Southbank all in.</figcaption></figure>Still missing from the above images are <a href="http://www.wilkinsoneyre.com/">Wilkinson Eyre</a>'s 317 metre Crown Plaza at 1 Queensbridge Street, which will slot straight in taking centre stage in the Southbank model. This will occur once Apartments.com.au has the full details on the development.

Additionally a dual tower scheme for 87-105 City Road, designed by Fender Katasalidis Architects is also anticipated to be included soon as will the the revamped 334-344 City Road.

<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/southbank_from_fss.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Southbank from Flinders Street Station."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="261" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/southbank_from_fss.png?itok=bak2-zBS" title="Southbank from Flinders Street Station." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Southbank from Flinders Street Station.</figcaption></figure>
</body></html>

Laurence Dragomir

Southbank's surge continues: another CBD model update

<html><body>
Prolific South Yarra developer Michael Yates has banked upon the continued success of the luxury apartment sector within the suburb by positioning his latest apartment offering squarely at the expanding baby-boomer sector of the market.

After a string of successful apartment and commercial developments spanning the best part of two decades and predominantly within South Yarra's Forrest Hill Precinct, Michael L Yates &amp; Co. have released 55 Claremont with the intention of capturing the “boomer-boom." Discerning the shift of a certain part of the market toward premium apartment living, 55 Claremont will contain a comparatively modest 37 apartments over 16 levels.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/yate9001_55_claremont_e01_heroa.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hero perspective of the upcoming development"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="1160" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/yate9001_55_claremont_e01_heroa.jpg?itok=67_hgbmp" title="Hero perspective of the upcoming development" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hero perspective of the upcoming development</figcaption></figure>According to the developer the first signs of the strengthening luxury apartment market appeared when fellow Michael L Yates &amp; Co. development Yarra House sold more than 70 percent of apartments to owner occupiers in the over-50 bracket. With Yarra House freshly completed, 55 Claremont has been positioned to absorb the “boomer-boom” defined by their desire for high quality, spacious apartments in inner city pockets.

In excess of 40 percent of stock has traditionally gone to investors in the developer's earlier apartment projects, although with baby boomer demand for apartment living on the rise projects such as 55 Claremont will continue to emerge as the industry steps up to cater for this emerging apartment dweller.

<h2>The boomer shift</h2>

<blockquote>
We ensured our next development, 55 Claremont, ticked the boxes for baby boomers – spacious and flexible floorplans, a boutique development in a prime location and a dress circle view of Melbourne.

Another trend we’re seeing is the downsizers’ desire to merge floorplans. The ability to create your own, bespoke apartment combined with a five-star hotel ambiance has been embraced by empty nesters looking to enjoy their encore years.

With the kids out of home, or retirement on the way, these buyers value being in close proximity to Melbourne’s best restaurants and cafes, cinemas, recreational facilities, parks and the city.
<cite>Michael Yates of Michael L Yates &amp; Co</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/in03_type_b_kitchen_lighta.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Space and more space. 55 Claremont's kitchen area"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/in03_type_b_kitchen_lighta.jpg?itok=SPBbQ5sk" title="Space and more space. 55 Claremont's kitchen area" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Space and more space. 55 Claremont's kitchen area</figcaption></figure>Michael L Yates &amp; Co.'s preferred architect Bird de la Coeur is responsible for the overall design of 55 Claremont, with Hassell appointed to deliver interiors for the premier project that will see a maximum of three apartments over any one floor

Designed with clean finishes, apartments feature and abundance of space, stainless steel Gaggenau appliances, stone-finish island benches and oak timber flooring.

As South Yarra and Forrest Hill in particular continue to develop, Michael L Yates &amp; Co. also consider 55 Claremont's position as a strong selling point. Panoramic, never-to-be built out views are on offer with the CBD a focal point.

<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/yate9001_55_claremont_in02_bedrooma.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A bedroom with CBD views"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="388" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/yate9001_55_claremont_in02_bedrooma.jpg?itok=PF5CxdQ_" title="A bedroom with CBD views" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A bedroom with CBD views</figcaption></figure>One bedroom apartments within 55 Claremont range in size from 41sqm to 53sqm with large two bedroom apartments holding 95sqm. Three bedroom apartments range between 95sqm and 151.5sqm with prospective purchasers having the option of combining floorplans to create bespoke apartments.

With only 37 apartments on offer construction of 55 Claremont is due for completion by the end of 2017.
</body></html>

silvermb

The boomer-boom: 55 Claremont targets the luxury apartment market

<html><body>
Melbourne City Council are set to make the early running in 2016 in terms of providing feedback on seven high-rise towers which are still at planning at a state level. This evening's first sitting of the year for the Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee will consider the merits of four separate planning applications covering Melbourne's CBD and Fishermans Bend.

In a new planning climate where Melbourne City Council's support or opposition carries a greater weight on the decision making process, the events of this evening may well provide the clearest indication yet on the fate of a number of notable Melbourne projects.

Outlined below are the four projects under consideration this evening.

<h2>850-868 Lorimer Street, Port Melbourne</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/image11_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="850-868 Lorimer Street. Image courtesy Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="290" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image11_5.jpg?itok=2opb2sWu" title="850-868 Lorimer Street. Image courtesy Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>850-868 Lorimer Street. Image courtesy Hayball</figcaption></figure>Melbourne City Council supports the proposal subject to conditions

First appearing on Apartments.com.au during mid 2014, the Fishermans Bend proposal put forward by commercial and industrial property player Goodman Group has been subject to design changes in the interim.

Initially with four towers, the revised scheme now sees three towers ranging between 28 and 44 storeys with the tallest at 144.75 metres. 1,354 apartments and 1,100 car spaces were set for the development when first submitted, although these figures have come down to 1,134 and 936 respectively.

The project has a revised value of half a billion dollars and has the ability to be built over two separate stages, with the taller two buildings forming stage 1.

<h2>111-125 A’Beckett Street, Melbourne</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/image132_0_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Franklin and Elizabeth perspective. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="716" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image132_0_0.jpg?itok=kJYq_HPM" title="Franklin and Elizabeth perspective. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Franklin and Elizabeth perspective. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>Melbourne City Council supports the proposal subject to conditions

Singaporean developer Tong Eng Group is on the road to gaining approval for their first Australian project. 111-125 A’Beckett Street's 632 dwellings would rank it as one of the CBD's largest apartment projects.

At 210 metres the Elenberg Fraser-designed tower would feature a tinted glazing system which would see a base neutral/silver reflective glazing gradually transition to a multi-coloured tinted glazing. Spandrels over the tower would be arranged in an inverse manner giving the project a point of visual difference relative to many of its existing and future neighbours.

Planning documents show that DEWLP held an initially favourable response to the application and coupled with Melbourne City Council's support 111-125 A’Beckett Street looks set to add to the emerging forest of towers in the CBD's northern end.

<h2>478-488 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne</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/image13_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="478-488 Elizabeth Street's lower floors. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="424" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image13_5.jpg?itok=fGEn3FU4" title="478-488 Elizabeth Street's lower floors. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>478-488 Elizabeth Street's lower floors. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>Melbourne City Council does not support the proposal

A trio of nominated entities are behind the proposal which is also the handy work of Elenberg Fraser. The proposal as it stands has fallen foul of Melbourne City Council, with issues such as acceptable tower separation and setbacks, impact upon adjoining as yet undeveloped sites, lack of a five star green star rating and parking arrangements cited.

Mixed-use in nature, 478-488 Elizabeth Street would see 383 apartments, 198 hotel suites and a variety of resident/guest-driven amenities included within the 68 storey structure that would rise 208 metres.

Apartments.com.au will highlight the planning application for 478-488 Elizabeth Street next week.

<h2>212-222 La Trobe Street and 17-25 Little La Trobe Street, Melbourne</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/image14_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A comparison of old and new. Images courtesy JCB and DCM"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="362" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image14_2.jpg?itok=tiFVbfdt" title="A comparison of old and new. Images courtesy JCB and DCM" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A comparison of old and new. Images courtesy JCB and DCM</figcaption></figure>Melbourne City Council supports the proposal subject to conditions

212-222 La Trobe Street is also subject to planning assessment as Scape Student Living seek to amend the approved scheme from residential to student accommodation use. Previous architects JCB have been replaced by DCM, having been responsible for Scape's first Melbourne project nearby at <a href="/buildings/scape-melbourne-393-swanston-street-melbourne">393 Swanston Street</a>.

Accordingly the revamped La Trobe Street towers hold similar design traits to the Swanston Street project, with 212-222 La Trobe Street gaining a lattice-like structure over its podium. The development team have sought to square off the tower floorplates with Council describing the outcome as "Effectively a ‘dumbing down’ of the building and is not acceptable."

Internally the buildings will hold a cumulative 827 student dwellings, a doubling of the previous scheme which gained approval for 413 dwellings over essentially the same floor area.

Beyond the planning process, regardless of whether the planning minister approves this application or not, there will be plenty more planning work over the next few years in this immediate area due to the CBD North station, as part of the Melbourne Metro Rail project, being mooted to have its surface buildings constructed on or near the Swanston and La Trobe Street corners.
</body></html>

Melbourne City Council set the planning tone for 2016

<html><body>
Ageing in place and housing shortage are the two biggest buzz words in property at the moment, with current reports suggesting that older generations are refusing to downsize, causing a shortage of housing for younger buyers.

However, Marshall White Projects is in fact witnessing the opposite – now more than ever before we are seeing a substantial number of retirees buying up luxury apartments in order to fund their retirement lifestyle. In fact in my lifetime I have never seen a more large-scale acceptance towards apartment living from retirees than right now.

In the past six months alone, we have seen an astounding number of retirees purchasing off-the-plan apartments.

As an example, more than 70% of our Somers Avenue project in Malvern was sold to retirees, while at another luxury off-the-plan project in Doncaster, Arbor, retirees bought over 65 percent of the apartments sold. These retirees are either choosing apartment living of their own volition, or often they are assisted by their children who are supporting the move to downsize.

Whether you are for or against the merits of apartment living, there is no denying that the apartment landscape has changed drastically over the past five years.

No longer restricted to towering high-rise developments in the CBD, developers now understand that new demographics are adapting to apartments and are therefore delivering more larger-than-average, luxury apartment offerings in boutique developments in quiet tree-lined streets, to cater for these new buyers.

This has in turn opened up a host of opportunities for the retiree market who is seeking to swap their sprawling, aging home for something that offers a low-maintenance lifestyle without compromising on luxury or convenience.

According to the government’s Housing Decisions of Older Australians report, the primary motivator when retiring is to remain in a familiar community that’s close to family friends. Second is the desire to access amenity that assists with ageing in the form of facilities and low-maintenance housing.

That’s where these boutique apartment projects become so appealing to retirees.

Firstly they are located in areas that are familiar to the location the retirees know and love, and secondly they offer a spate of facilities and communal amenity that encourages community interaction and ease of living. I believe the recent shift in the retiree market’s mindset is only the beginning; as more older buyers recognise the benefits of apartment living, more will follow suit.

Which brings me to highlight the need for the current government neighbourhood planning zones to be overturned in order to fuel the demand for these sorts of boutique developments. Right now, under the current planning scheme, most of the ideal locations for these boutique developments – quiet side streets in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs – are restricted to two-lot subdivisions, with main roads the only approved locations for future development growth.

As retirees embrace apartment living, we need to meet these new expectations and provide suitable dwelling options to meet the heightened demand. If we don’t enforce change we will be unable to deliver the sorts of boutique apartment options that appeal to the retiree market.

In my opinion, it is this underlying lack of supply, not a voluntary refusal from retirees to downsize, which will cause a shortage of housing supply for future generations.

Leonard Teplin is a director of <a href="http://www.marshallwhiteprojects.com.au/">Marshall White Projects</a>.
</body></html>

Leonard Teplin

Retirement is no barrier to apartment living

<html><body>
The recent upward trajectory of St Kilda Junction has received an exclamation mark of sorts with a massive mixed-use planning application currently with City of Port Phillip.

Located at <a href="/new-apartments/8-12-punt-road-st-kilda">8-12 Punt Road</a> and 3-7 Wellington Street, the project which has been dubbed One St Kilda Junction would stand at over 90 metres if given the green light. Developer Drekoncile Pty Ltd has engaged <a href="/architects/plus-architecture">Plus Architecture</a> who have in turn created a uniquely shaped tower which incorporates a spiral form over its lower levels.

One St Kilda Junction would carry on the recent apartment push into St Kilda Junction, with the area's most recognisable recent addition, <a href="/buildings/the-icon-6-st-kilda-road-st-kilda">The Icon</a>, adjacent to the current Plus Architecture-driven proposal.

<h2>One St Kilda Junction 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/image33_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial perspective of the project. Image courtesy Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="351" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image33_4.jpg?itok=Sf-Ogmkh" title="Aerial perspective of the project. Image courtesy Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial perspective of the project. Image courtesy Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site address: 8-12 Punt Road and 3-7 Wellington Street, St Kilda.</li>
	<li>2,336sqm site with current commercial and limited residential use.</li>
	<li>Proposed 28 level mixed-use tower at 95.55 metres.</li>
	<li>286 apartments: 4 x studio, 130 x 1BR, 130 x 2BR, 18 x 3BR, 4 x 4BR.</li>
	<li>5,230sqm of commercial office space.</li>
	<li>958sqm of retail space over five tenancies.</li>
	<li>Six level basement holding 403 car spaces, 247 storage areas and 103 bicycle bays.</li>
	<li>Communal terrace and resident facilities over level 11.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Plus Architecture design statement</h2>

<blockquote>
Positioned right on the “Junction” the site has a responsibility to achieve significant site status. It must also elevate the built form conditions in the immediate context by setting a new precedent for any future development aspirations.

The result is a spiralling massing that begins at a historical scale of old St Kilda Road, then extrudes vertically to respond to the existing context heights of Wellington Street, with the spiral completing its turn at a height suitable for a symbolic building. The spiral form allows for the landscaping to continue vertically above the street tree canopies on the many terraces that are formed by the spiral shape.

The site shares three boundaries to three separate streets all with activated facades to achieve a day long activity at the ground plans and the immediate levels above. A pedestrian link running North South between Nelson Street and Wellington Street will give Nelson Street the opportunity to have some thriving North facing retail space.

The digital façade which holds the podium together as a horizontal band is a response to existing on site conditions, the unique traffic environment, and the vibrancy of St Kilda. This digital façade will also assist to elevate the identity of St Kilda Junction and this proposal.
<cite>Town planning report for One St Kilda Junction</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Digital desire</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/image6_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Light and colour are set to dominate lower levels. Image courtesy Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="301" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image6_4.jpg?itok=DKwfeGUd" title="Light and colour are set to dominate lower levels. Image courtesy Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Light and colour are set to dominate lower levels. Image courtesy Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure>Very few Melbourne planning applications have sought to include integrated digital façades as part of their development, yet given One St Kilda Junction 's positioning and existing exposure to billboard adverts the development team have chosen to apply digital screening over levels three and four.

Adverts, urban art installations and public information announcements are possibilities for the digital overlay which would capture passing traffic from Punt Road, St Kilda Road, Fitzroy Street and Barkly Street.

Consisting of semitransparent panels which would be internally illuminated by LED's the digital façade would still allow for external views and light penetration as it would for the most shroud office space over levels 3 and 4.

<h2>Expectations and reality</h2>

The development falls within the St Kilda Road South Precinct which is a preliminary strategic framework aiming to create new planning controls for the area.

At the time of One St Kilda Junction's submission the strategic framework plan had not yet been fully fomalised. It would seem that the development team has sought to utilise this 'grey area' with a proposal of 95 metres as opposed to the 35 metre limit called for within the preliminary strategic framework.

The Icon directly south of One St Kilda Junction passed successfully through VCAT during 2012 at 57 metres, thus providing a midway point or potentially a precedent between the developers want of 95 metres and Council's expectations of 35 metres. Council will not make a decision upon the merits of the proposal until this Wednesday at the very earliest.

<h2>One St Kilda Junction development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Drekoncile Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Project Manager: Pomeroy Pacific</li>
	<li>Architects: Plus Architecture</li>
	<li>Town Planning Consultants: <a href="/developers/urbis">Urbis</a>
</li>
	<li>Structural Engineers: BG &amp; E</li>
	<li>ESD and Services Engineers: Simpson Kotzman</li>
	<li>Traffic Engineers: Traffix Group</li>
	<li>Waste Management: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Wind Engineers: Vipac</li>
	<li>Building Surveyors: Floreancig Smith</li>
	<li>Shrine of Remembrance Vista Property Assessment Report: Bosco Jonson Pt y Lt d</li>
</ul>
</body></html>

St Kilda Junction subject to its biggest development yet

<html><body>
During 2015 Apartments.com.au highlighted Essendon's Keilor Road and surrounds as <a href="/news/essendons-high-density-development-a-model-example">a prime example of progressive high density living along a transport corridor</a>.

More specifically Keilor Road's drift toward medium density development is essentially what was envisaged by City of Melbourne's Director of City Design, Rob Adams in his <a href="http://www.transformingaustraliancities.com.au/%5C">Transforming Australian Cities</a> study. Principally focused on exploring "The potential yield that could accrue through good urban design of the urban corridors/strategic sites," Keilor Road and the adjoining Mount Alexander Road fit the bill with both tram and bus services present.

Fast forward beyond last year's article and Moonee Valley City Council are assessing the latest development looking to call upon Keilor Road with Romano Property Group seeking to add 142 apartments to the evolving strip.

<h2>165-169 Keilor Road Essendon 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/image16_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Keilor Road perspective. Image courtesy ClarkeHopkinsClarke"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="342" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image16_2.jpg?itok=blBHaawH" title="Keilor Road perspective. Image courtesy ClarkeHopkinsClarke" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Keilor Road perspective. Image courtesy ClarkeHopkinsClarke</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Currently vacant former car dealership covering 4,470sqm.</li>
	<li>Three apartments buildings proposed of up to seven levels or 21.6 metres.</li>
	<li>142 apartments: 59 * 1BR, 68 * 2BR, 15 * 3BR.</li>
	<li>203 car parking spaces, 135 bicycle spaces and 114 storage units included.</li>
	<li>Three ground floor tenancies: 1,000 sqm.</li>
	<li>Dual rooftop terraces.</li>
	<li>Project value: $30 million.</li>
</ul>
ClarkeHopkinsClarke have designed 165-169 Keilor Road, continuing their relationship with Romano Property Group which now see's a handful of ClarkeHopkinsClarke-designed projects in development for the North Melbourne-based outfit.

At 4,470sqm and with 107 metres frontage to Keilor Road, the former ŠKODA dealership continues the trend of large development plots in the area being repurposed into sizeable apartment developments. A former stronghold of various car dealerships which have since been lured to Essendon Fields, 165-169 Keilor Road represents one of the last sites along the strip to go this way.

<h2>One in, all in</h2>

The domino-like fall of these prime Keilor Road and Mt Alexander Road sites has accelerated in recent years, while the scale of apartment buildings proposed has also increased.

Directly opposite 165-169 Keilor Road, Blue Earth Group have sought approval for an apartment development on what was a former Nissan dealership. Amended plans would see 232 apartments created within a multi-staged, CHT Architects-designed apartment building. The project at 144-160 Keilor Road is now in the hands of VCAT after the adjusted plans were submitted during October.

<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/image22_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="CHC's Parkside alongside CHT's 144-160 Keilor Road"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="392" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image22_4.jpg?itok=gopv1O6C" title="CHC's Parkside alongside CHT's 144-160 Keilor Road" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>CHC's Parkside alongside CHT's 144-160 Keilor Road</figcaption></figure>ClarkeHopkinsClarke are also enjoying further exposure within Essendon with two additional projects in development. Accord Property Group's Alexa is under construction while Parkside Essendon is Goal Property Group's latest pursuit.

CBD Development Group shapes as the latest entrant into the area, running with a sizeable apartment development at 1144 Mt Alexander Road. Yet to reach City of Moonee Valley's planning channels, the project dubbed Unique on the Park is the design of Peddle Thorp and will feature a full size Coles supermarket at ground level along with ancillary retail.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image28_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Leake Street, Alexa and CBD Property Group's pending 1144 Mt Alexander Road"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="291" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image28_1.jpg?itok=43MiPtxp" title="Leake Street, Alexa and CBD Property Group's pending 1144 Mt Alexander Road" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Leake Street, Alexa and CBD Property Group's pending 1144 Mt Alexander Road</figcaption></figure>Keilor Road's most recent apartment project completion was BPM Group's Collins and Queen which provides an additional 116 apartments for the strip. Over recent years Keilor Road alone has seen seen seven substantial apartment developments completed, with the likes of Amne, Essque, Erantis, Horizon, Mink and 386-388 Keilor Road joining Collins and Queen in pumping 520 additional dwellings into the area.

Recently completed Mount Alexander Road apartments total 240 dwellings.

The influx of apartment developments through Keilor Road and Mount Alexander Road has also served to alter the streetscape with increased retail and commercial tenancies replacing what were previously for the most inactive street frontages.
</body></html>

Essendon's model example set for another addition

<html><body>
Thrust into the spotlight last year, <a href="/new-apartments/brunswick-vic-3056">Brunswick's</a> <a href="/new-apartments/brunswick-vic-3056">Nightingale apartment</a> development has re-entered Moreland's planning system after VCAT revoked the project planning permit in a highly contentious decision.

At 6 Florence Street, the project became a poster boy of sorts for current planning inconsistencies with the project's approval nullified due to a lack of onsite car parking even though it is located within metres of Anstey Railway Station, Upfield Bike Path and Tram 19. The tribunal challenge came from adjoining developer Chaucer Enterprises, with VCAT ultimately ruling that Nightingale should make a contribution towards meeting the parking demands it generates, in line with other apartment developments.

The decision was so contentious the Victorian Planning &amp; Environmental Law Association and Ratio Consultants held a <a href="/news/vpela-seminar-summary-vcats-nightingale-decision-car-parking-and-the-future-of-sustainable-development">special seminar</a> on the ruling, exploring possible ramifications.

<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/ca627_florencest_5094.21.25pm.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Commons led the way in sustainability. Image courtesy nightingale.melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ca627_florencest_5094.21.25pm.jpg?itok=wHj2MBtW" title="The Commons led the way in sustainability. Image courtesy nightingale.melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Commons led the way in sustainability. Image courtesy nightingale.melbourne</figcaption></figure>Nightingale is much the same as <a href="/new-apartments/brunswick-vic-3056">The Commons</a> directly opposite, with the completed project serving as a prototype for many of the ideas fundamental to <a href="http://www.nightingale.melbourne/">The Nightingale Model</a>. The Commons has no car parking spaces onsite.

No car parking is fundamental to The Nightingale Model; its core expectation is that financial return is equal to sustainability and liveability, where it is suggested that financial return is far and away in front for the typical development model.

In the revised plans submitted during December, three car parks have been included within Nightingale at ground level with access via a laneway to the rear of the site. 42 bicycle spaces are also included.

<h2>Better luck this time</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_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Preliminary sketch of Nightingale 2.0. Image courtesy nightingale.melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="361" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image12_3.jpg?itok=qMrfUTz6" title="Preliminary sketch of Nightingale 2.0. Image courtesy nightingale.melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Preliminary sketch of Nightingale 2.0. Image courtesy Nightingale, Melbourne</figcaption></figure>Florence Street and its three car spaces aside, the partnership behind The Nightingale Model are hoping for a less complicated planning run with their next project dubbed Nightingale 2.0.

After a survey where near on 200 respondents registered their desire to live within a Nightingale apartment, planning documents for the project at <a href="/buildings/nightingale-2-0-30-railway-place-fairfield">72A Station Street, Fairfield </a>were lodged in the first week of the new year. Designed by <a href="/architects/six-degrees-architects">Six Degrees</a>, the project is adjacent to Fairfield Railway Station and will include 20 apartments and three retail premises.

Nightingale 2.0 will have zero car parks in line with the philosophy of the project partners.

<h2>Comment</h2>

Three car spaces within Nightingale comes across as an almost token offering from the development team to placate VCAT's ruling. Considering The Commons directly opposite has no car spaces included, that all the prospective Nightingale buyers were comfortable with no car parks attached to their apartment and that <a href="/news">Moreland City Counci</a>l unanimously voted to approve the development in its original guise, it makes the VCAT ruling all that much more questionable.

No doubt a degree of hypocrisy can be levelled at VCAT with Fairfax Media this week reporting on the tribunal's fresh ruling which has <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/five-storeys-zero-car-parks-vcat-gives-green-light-to-contentious-building-20160117-gm7kx6">permitted a Brunswick East development</a> to proceed with zero car parks, even though it is a comparatively fewer public transport options relative to Nightingale.

VCAT inconsistencies aside, it is highly likely that Moreland City Council will green light the alterations to Nightingale's design in quick time.
</body></html>

Nightingale heads back to planning in the wake of VCAT's howler

<html><body>
This is as much an article about the reactions of residents located within areas earmarked for higher density living, as it is the robust shift that areas of Bentleigh is currently subject to in terms of higher density living.

The article heading references the very capable <a href="https://gleneira.wordpress.com/2014/12/02/calcutta-is-here/">Glen Eira Debates</a> blog which casts a comprehensive net of higher density development within City of Glen Eira, albeit in a generally negative context.

The multiple references to suburbs within Glen Eira morphing into 'Caltutta' or Kolkata in the new vernacular, is due to the rise in medium density apartment developments throughout the municipality. Emotions aside, the correlation between Calcutta and Bentleigh, Carnegie or Caulfield is an over exaggeration in the extreme; in 2014 Glen Eira maintained a density of <a href="http://profile.id.com.au/glen-eira">3,725 people per square kilometer</a> while Kolkata held a density of <a href="http://worldpopulationreview.com/world-cities/kolkata-population/">24,000 people per square kilometer</a>.

Nonetheless, it's understandable that not every person will welcome higher density outcomes in their neck of the woods, but well, the people must go somewhere!

<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/slums.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Kolkata and Glen Eira: a tenuous analogy"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/slums.jpg?itok=fR70M6hU" title="Kolkata and Glen Eira: a tenuous analogy" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Kolkata and Glen Eira: a tenuous analogy</figcaption></figure>While Kolkata may be a stretch, Glen Eira was indeed the big mover in the Apartments.com.au Project Database over the course of 2015. Upwards of 35 residential projects were added during the calendar year; a combination of increased development and enhanced planning application detection.

As per most of Melbourne municipalities, Glen Eira is experiencing growth in apartment projects, although Glen Eira projects tend to average 4-5 storeys.

Bent Street is the prime example within Glen Eira of intense redevelopment. A typical suburban street adjacent to a Bentleigh Railway Station and the retail/services of Centre Road, many Bent Street detached dwellings have been cast aside for apartment developments. The question becomes: If not Bent Street, then where? It does seem the ideal location for higher density living.

Clearly there remains some resentment to medium density apartment development, as evidenced by Glen Eira Debates. Yet looking at the issue of adding higher density in appropriate areas in a rational manner and Bent Street is a premier example of appropriate higher density development around an activity node.

A handful of owners on Bent Street looked to be in agreement, <a href="http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/bentleigh-trio-sell-their-properties-together-as-one-and-strike-it-rich/story-fni0fit3-1226959184494">selling their combined properties to a residential developer</a> in a high profile outcome.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image1_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Bent Street is firmly on the development radar"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="313" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image1_3.jpg?itok=eUknp0hQ" title="Bent Street is firmly on the development radar" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Bent Street is firmly on the development radar</figcaption></figure>This combined site at 14-18 Bent Street went on to become Rita Apartments which is now under construction with builder Xerri set to deliver 50 plus dwellings on what was previously 3.

Rita Bentleigh is joined by XV Apartments at 15 Bent Street, The Bentleigh at 23 Bent Street and Leigh at 22 Bent Street which are either at marketing or construction. Further projects at 10-12 and 11-13 Bent Street have also been approved, totalling approximately 215 apartments with a further project at 20 Bent Street yet to reach a planning outcome.

While 215 dwellings covering a handful of suburban blocks is a meteoric jump in density for Bent Street, is it completely beyond expectations? No building exceeds four levels and Council have ensured all projects meet their planning expectations. It does in fact come across as an excellent case study where density is confined to a specific and appropriate pocket of the suburb.

While Bent Street is the epicentre, adjoining and adjacent streets are also subject to apartment development. Loranne and Mahvo Street will jointly add 70 apartments at the hand of local developer Steller while Vickery Street is subject to two applications that would add a further 57 dwellings.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image6_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Leigh, Rita and The Bentleigh are representative of the size and scale of local apartment projects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="439" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image6_5.jpg?itok=2lMEqzz3" title="Leigh, Rita and The Bentleigh are representative of the size and scale of local apartment projects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Leigh, Rita and The Bentleigh are representative of the size and scale of local apartment projects</figcaption></figure>Could a person rationally argue that Bent Street's transformation and that of other Glen Eira pockets such as Centre Road or Carnegie's Neerim Road are completely beyond rational expectations?

Mass overdevelopment in certain eyes is structured growth in others. On the face of it, Glen Eira is not so much turning into 'Calcutta', but more so keeping pace with the rest of… Melbourne.
</body></html>

Calcutta is here... in Bentleigh!

<html><body>
The heart of South Melbourne is seeing increased development activity as a swag of projects look to use the turn of 2016 as an important construction marker. Emerald Hill as it was once known serves as the heart of the suburb and has traditionally been been subject to limited low and medium-rise developments relative to its loftier neighbours in Southbank.

Developers and apartment buyers alike have been seeking out the stretch of South Melbourne west of Clarendon Street, with no less than six apartment project builds on the go which will in time add 430 new apartments to the area.

Market Street is front and centre for the moment with ITUM's The Walker most advanced in its construction. While it is approaching structural completion the adjoining site which is subject to Teri Apartments is at bulk excavation. Combined these two projects will add approximately 260 apartments to 'old' South Melbourne.

<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/image1sme.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="South Melbourne's Market Street is seeking elevated construction activity"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="268" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image1sme.jpg?itok=i4x2NCNZ" title="South Melbourne's Market Street is seeking elevated construction activity" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>South Melbourne's Market Street is seeking elevated construction activity</figcaption></figure>Directly opposite the two above yet technically in Southbank, 80 Market Street will also shortly receive a Maben-badged tower crane for the purpose of delivering a new commercial building designed by Billard Leece Partnership.

Push further into South Melbourne and Trio Construct have begun preliminary works on Lt. York while Figurehead will also begin works on the adjoining site at 274 Coventry Street for the purpose of a seven level mixed-use development which includes 37 apartments.

Dorcas Street holds three upcoming projects at varying stages of delivery. Evolve Development's Jewel apartment project is as basement level with LU Simon undertaking the build while the adjoining 240-242 Dorcas Street is also poised to begin construction at the hand of builder Trimont.

Waiting in the wings is Piccolo Developments' 228 Dorcas Street which gained approval via VCAT during November, and is expected to advance to sales this year.

<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/image4sme.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Jewel, 228 dorcas Street and an early version of 240-242 Dorcas Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="378" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image4sme.jpg?itok=7WEnkNmQ" title="Jewel, 228 dorcas Street and an early version of 240-242 Dorcas Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Jewel, 228 dorcas Street and an early version of 240-242 Dorcas Street</figcaption></figure>The spike in apartment activity within Emerald Hill may raise questions about the erosion of sorts of the area's unique character, with the current number of builds the highest recorded in the area. It does bare mentioning that 228 Dorcas Street aside, there are no other projects within the old Emerald Hill within the Apartments.com.au project database.

That's not to say that the remainder of South Melbourne is static, with a mass of projects encircling Emerald Hill.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image8_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Fishermans Bend is on the rise"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="238" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image8_3.jpg?itok=ppxnUfG0" title="Fishermans Bend is on the rise" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Fishermans Bend is on the rise</figcaption></figure>Sections of South Melbourne that fall within Fishermand Bend are beginning to see signs of construction with Hamilton Marino's Gravity Tower leading the way. While it will begin to appear in the skyline over the course of 2016, two additional projects will also add to the overall South Melbourne apartment mix.

BPM Built are poised to begin construction of Night Fall on Gladstone Street while Crowbuild will also undertake a $9 million apartment development a matter of doors down in the coming months.
</body></html>

Apartments

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Apartments

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News