A collection of just 25 large-format apartments and penthouses overlooking Goodwin Park is entering the Coolangatta market, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marea-residences-coolangatta-27-27a-dixon-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Maréa Residences</a> combining a low-density, residential-only approach with uninterrupted park and Pacific Ocean outlooks.

Located at 27 Dixon Street, Maréa comprises three and four-bedroom residences alongside a limited number of dual-level penthouses, with the project positioned between Goodwin Park and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/coolangatta-qld-4225">Coolangatta</a>’s coastal precinct.

Construction has commenced, with completion currently estimated for late 2027. Three-bedroom residences are priced from $1.8 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374005]

The project has been designed around its northern outlook across the park, with the building’s architecture, landscaping and material palette intended to establish a connection with the neighbouring green space. The residences have been configured to maximise natural light and views across Goodwin Park towards the ocean.

Inside, the material palette incorporates timber, stone and brushed brass, complemented by curved detailing and ambient lighting. Kitchens and bathrooms carry the same natural material approach, while residences also include basement parking, storage and lift access.

Maréa’s penthouses are arranged over two levels and include private pools, adding another layer to the project’s focus on larger-format apartment living. Across the development, residences are configured with three or four bedrooms rather than the broader mix of smaller apartment types commonly found in larger projects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374010]

Resident amenity is concentrated at rooftop level, where landscaped entertaining terraces and pools take advantage of elevated views across Coolangatta and the Pacific Ocean.

The project has so far been particularly well received by local owner-occupiers and downsizers, according to Urban Activation Property Sales and Marketing Director Matt George, with the residential-only format, construction quality and northern park outlook among the features resonating with purchasers.

“The uninterrupted northern aspect overlooking Goodwin Park has been a key point of difference, with buyers attracted to the sense of serenity and open space the park provides, while still enjoying easy access to the ocean and being within walking distance of the lifestyle and amenities Coolangatta has to offer,” George said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374002]

“The combination of high-quality construction, a residential-only building, park outlook and proximity to the beach has resonated strongly with the local downsizer market.”

The Dixon Street address is within walking distance of Coolangatta Beach and the broader southern Gold Coast coastline, including the surf breaks at Snapper Rocks and Kirra. Coolangatta’s cafés, restaurants and retail are nearby, while Gold Coast Airport is also within close proximity.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150999]

Joel Robinson

Maréa Residences brings parkside apartments to Coolangatta

Melbourne developer PDG has secured Victorian Government approval for its $1.5 billion Southbank development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-one-1-queens-bridge-street-southbank-vic-3006">The One</a>, clearing the way for the long-dormant riverfront site opposite Crown to finally be developed.

The Minister for Planning has approved the project at 1-29 Queens Bridge Street, with the Department of Transport and Planning issuing the planning permit following its assessment.

The approval will allow PDG to develop the prominent 5,059 sqm site with a major mixed-use tower comprising premium apartments, including branded residences, a luxury hotel and boutique office space.

PDG acquired the site in late 2024, with its position directly opposite Crown's main entrance and near Melbourne's Arts Precinct making it one of Southbank's most significant remaining development opportunities.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3933013e-6332-4386-b9be-089df05caf17" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.22%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sITIgBqDL0N3VNSMwWEmF5UA.uvcsRyu" />

Designed by COX in collaboration with ODO and PDG, the tower's architecture draws on the movement of the Yarra River, with six vertical pleats running the height of the sculpted facade.

The project will also see the heritage-listed Queens Bridge Hotel restored and incorporated into the development&nbsp;with new hospitality and public uses, including a rooftop venue.

A significant component of The One will be its residential amenity.

More than 5,000 sqm of resident facilities will be delivered across a single level, making it one of the largest consolidated residential amenity offerings proposed in an Australian apartment development.

The planning approval also incorporates a major upgrade of Queensbridge Square, which PDG will deliver in partnership with the City of Melbourne.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73167fcd-1031-4b6f-a408-a064cfe45ed1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.17%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Pf1AEWxw6SNmBqR0zQW5lyEze.MtxgFp" />

The existing square will be revitalised as a new civic and pedestrian space along the Yarra River, strengthening the connection between the project, Southbank and the riverfront.

PDG Founder and Managing Director Vince Giuliano said the approval represented a major milestone for a site which has remained largely underutilised for more than 15 years.

“This is the most significant Planning Permit approval Melbourne has seen in recent years,” Giuliano said.

“For more than 15 years, this site has remained underutilised. This approval enables us to deliver a project that will contribute meaningfully to the revitalisation of Southbank, restore and reactivate an important heritage building, and create a new civic and hospitality destination for Melbourne.”

The latest approval follows an earlier planning permit issued by the City of Melbourne covering demolition works across part of the site at 9-29 Queens Bridge Street. Those demolition and early works are already underway.

PDG has also started generating early interest in the residential component from owner-occupiers ahead of a planned public launch in early 2027.

PDG secures approval for $1.5bn Southbank apartment development, The One

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>.

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

Apartments

<html><body>
Brunswick's Jewell Station Precinct redevelopment has progressed with the master plan currently open to public comment. A joint project between land owner VicTrack and property developer Neometro, Jewell Station Precinct forms part of VicTrack’s <a href="https://www.victrack.com.au/en/projects/details/projects%20n-z/station-precinct-enhancement-program#.VNanRjGUfUc">Station Precinct Enhancement</a> program which seeks to cede under-utilised VicTrack-owned land to developers for renewal.

In turn proceeds from the redevelopment of Jewell Station Precinct will allow VicTrack to fund the revitalisation of the station forecourt, creating a safer and more accessible transport hub.

BKK Architects, McAllister Alcock Architects and landscape/urban design practice Glas form the design team appointed to create "A community asset that becomes part of the cultural fabric of Brunswick, ”according to Neometro Director James Tutton​. As seen below both architecture firms are more than capable of creating highly distinctive, small to medium scale developments that also deliver quality urban design outcomes.

<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/image64.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="selected projects from both BKK Architects and McAllister Alcock Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="425" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image64.jpg?itok=wr1061_E" title="selected projects from both BKK Architects and McAllister Alcock Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Selected projects from both BKK Architects and McAllister Alcock Architects</figcaption></figure><h2>Jewell Station master plan highlights</h2>

As sourced via the recent media release, Jewell Station Precinct's design will be heavily influenced by the following factors:

<h3>Activation of the station forecourt</h3>

The station entrance, currently dominated by a large asphalt area, is proposed to be reactivated by a grand staircase with integrated seating, where commuters and residents can sit and take in the precinct’s public art features, public square and enjoy an elevated café terrace looking down Wilson Avenue. This public square is imagined as a flexible space that will evolve with needs of the local community, offering infrastructure to host small events such as pop-up concerts and market stalls.

<h3>Improvements for cyclists and pedestrians</h3>

The Upfield cycle path will be significantly improved to increase safety for pedestrians and cyclists. Rumble strips and slopes will be added to the station’s approach in both directions to slow cyclists and prevent collisions, while clearer markings will highlight to pedestrians the shared nature of the path. Bike facilities, such as pumps for flats and bike racks, are also suggested within the precinct.

<blockquote>
This bike path is a highway for cyclists travelling to and from the city and has been the basis of intense planning to improve the safety and accessibility for both cyclists and pedestrians around the station
<cite>Neometro Director, James Tutton</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/image69_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Jewell Station precinct. Image courtesy Neometro"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="408" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image69_1.jpg?itok=gOPhp_7A" title="Jewell Station precinct. Image courtesy Neometro" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Jewell Station precinct. Image courtesy Neometro</figcaption></figure><h3>Apartment design to create a village feel</h3>

Community gardens and two apartment buildings designed with Neometro’s signature passion for great design and architecture will bookend the northern and southern ends of the site. At a proposed eight levels each, the buildings have been designed in accordance with the Brunswick Structure Plan and will feature various commercial spaces and flexible studios at the ground floor interface.

<h3>Improvements to safety</h3>

The western side of the station will see improvements to the public park with lighting, picnic areas, a larger community garden to increase the safety and amenity. Proposed parcel pick-up locker facilities will allow nearby residents to collect deliveries on the way home. A dedicated space is also proposed to service the nearby RMIT campus, which will be asked to outline its desires for the site.

<h2>Comment: better luck this time round</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/image68_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ikon Glen Waverley. Render courtesy NH Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="286" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image68_1.jpg?itok=BVYuzNS5" title="Ikon Glen Waverley. Render courtesy NH Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ikon Glen Waverley. Render courtesy NH Architecture</figcaption></figure>VicTrack's initial attempt at station enhancement is more a tale of woe. Seen above left was the initial design created by NH Architecture for a Glen Waverley Station residential block, which ultimately morphed into a disappointing urban outcome when completed at the turn of 2014. Teaming with Consolidated Properties, Ikon Glen Waverley looks to be more an attempt at cost cutting and maximising profits rather than delivering a lasting positive urban outcome.

How will Jewell Station Precinct provide a better outcome? With Neometro comes a <a href="/news/james-tutton-on-all-things-urban">very different ethos</a> to development, emphasised by their B Corporation status achieved in 2013.

<blockquote>
Success for us is defined by the delivery of social, community and financial outcomes. Jewell Station is the perfect canvas for this approach. The transformation of this precinct will give locals and the wider community a beautiful, safe, creative and active space to play and live in.
<cite>Neometro Director, James Tutton​</cite>
</blockquote>

The hope of course is a far superior outcome to that of Glen Waverley. A period of community feedback for Jewell Station Precinct is now underway with the wider public able and encouraged to provide commentary which will ultimately help refine plans prior to their submission for approval.

Visit <a href="http://jewellstation.engagementhq.com/jewell-station">jewellstation.engagementhq.com</a> for details.
</body></html>

silvermb

Jewell Station's redevelopment a step closer

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Leighton Properties Managing Director Mr Mark Gray described the purchase of Moonee Ponds' Readings site as "Consistent with Leighton Properties strategy to focus on inner ring urban renewal sites which are in prime locations, close to transport links, retail and places of work." Sixteen months later and the boom site covering more than 13,300sqm is for sale with JLL and CBRE jointly offering what was formerly home to the Moonee Ponds Market.

With six street frontages and high expectations for a landmark urban renewal development, Leighton Properties and joint venture partner Qualitas snapped up the vacant land for $23 million.  During their October 2013 announcement, it was stated via Leighton Properties' website that the staged development would likely provide in excess of 800 apartments and 2,000sqm of retail, with an end value near on $450 million.

<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/image3_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="40 Hall Street which is at planning. Image courtesy Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image3_1.jpg?itok=7_PNdJ_R" title="40 Hall Street which is at planning. Image courtesy Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>40 Hall Street which is at planning. Image courtesy Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure>Seen above is the design for the sole plot of the sprawling site which the joint partners advanced to planning assessment with City of Moonee Valley. <a href="/news/leighton-initiate-the-readings-moonee-ponds-transformation">Covered first</a> by Apartments.com.au during October 2014, the residential tower would have 162 apartments within its 15 levels and include retail outlets fronting Hall Street.  Along with associated landscaping and provision for a pedestrian link the scheme would cover 2,388sqm or over 17% of the total development area.

Plus Architecture are responsible for the initial planning application, and it's more than likely that they too are responsible for indicative scheme seen below.  Accompanying online sales information are a number of high quality concept images designed to provide context for prospective developers; 1200 apartments within seven buildings is the nominated site 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/main_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="An indicative outcome. Image courtesy JLL"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/main_2.jpg?itok=sz_VSiy-" title="An indicative outcome. Image courtesy JLL" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>An indicative outcome. Image courtesy JLL</figcaption></figure>Two residential towers in excess of 20 levels headline the concept scheme, followed by the at planning <a href="/buildings/hall-st-40-hall-street-moonee-ponds">40 Hall Street</a> and a number of smaller towers thereafter.  Included within the scheme is the envisaged north-south pedestrian link/public open space which City of Moonee Valley had requested, in addition to a number of other key site criteria that have been sent to the Minister for Planning for approval within site specific Development Plan Overlay.

<blockquote>
In September Council asked the Minister for Planning to approve and include in the Moonee Valley Planning Scheme a Development Plan Overlay for the site. We are currently still awaiting approval.

<cite>City of Moonee Valley, January 2015</cite>
</blockquote>

As to the motivations for Leighton/Qualitas offloading this prized site with a staged delivery timeframe most likely over a decade? According to <a href="http://www.afr.com/p/business/property/walker_corporation_runs_ruler_over_RZtUxZONt76pNLVgF5NUhO">this AFR article</a> Leighton Propeties as an entity is for sale after its parent company (Germany's Hochtief) refused to provide rental guarantees to support some projects in its development pipeline.  Leighton's Properties thereafter began offloading a number of future development sites with the Moonee Ponds Market site set to be the latest.

Nonetheless opportunity has arisen for a developer to assume the reigns over one of Melbourne's blue-chip development sites.

<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/image2_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hero perspective of the eastern portion of the site. Image courtesy JLL"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image2_3.jpg?itok=IKxeuJ_h" title="Hero perspective of the eastern portion of the site. Image courtesy JLL" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hero perspective of the eastern portion of the site. Image courtesy JLL</figcaption></figure>
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Leighton seeks to offload their Moonee Ponds super site

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Walking through the back streets of Fitzroy not all that long ago with camera in tow, the visit provided an opportunity to observe the healthy number of apartment developments currently under construction. With most in the vicinity of Brunswick Street, a question sprung to mind; is Fitzroy losing its fine grain character due to the increasing number of apartment developments subsuming prime and/or historic sites?

Naturally my perspective is slanted toward built form and street level character, whereas the average visitor to the area would not in all likelihood spend the majority of their time on Brunswick Street thinking along the same lines as me. That the Brunswick Street nightlife, entertainment and fashion strip has to date been spared from development is perhaps the critical point to consider.

Very few apartment developments of any note have found themselves holding prime Brunswick Street frontage in recent times. Apartments.com.au's project database shows the only current project as <a href="/new-apartments/fitzroy-vic-3065">422 Brunswick Street</a> which is seeking approval. City of Yarra's Planning Register shows the proponents of 422 Brunswick Street as still striving for approval after two years in planning..make of that what you will.

So interest moves to the back streets where the real action is happening. Do current Fitzroy apartment developments mimic those of other suburbs, or are they truly reflective of the unique surrounds?

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image23.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Currently under construction in Fitzroy"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="304" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image23.jpg?itok=uJ2tXp8m" title="Currently under construction in Fitzroy" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Currently under construction in Fitzroy</figcaption></figure>Clockwise above are <a href="/buildings/nojo-45-rose-street-fitzroy">Nojo,</a> <a href="/buildings/bespoke-fitzroy-81-argyle-street-fitzroy">Bespoke</a>, <a href="/buildings/district-160-argyle-street-fitzroy">District</a>, <a href="/buildings/george-corner-377-george-street-fitzroy">George Corner</a> and <a href="/buildings/miya-37-kerr-street-fitzroy">Miya</a>. What do that have in common aside from being under construction? They're all small to medium sized developments that have design character, which introduces a fresh dynamic to their surrounds.

The key with Fitzroy is minimising impact; small is good! There are 21 current Fitzroy listings in our project database and all are demure in size but generally highly design competent. Development of this scale certainly doesn't detract from Fitzroy's existing urban character given they are well designed, small-scale developments essentially surrounded by masses of existing, dated buildings of a similar scale.

There is one notable exception though. NKYA was complete over an entire Fitzroy block during 2011, with project architect Ivan Rijavec providing a <a href="/expert-insights/buying/ivan-rijavec-on-a-question-of-urban-character">spirited description</a> of both building and surrounds on Apartments.com.au during 2013. While it has many varying facade elements to break its mass, NKYA for many represents the overdevelopment of Fitzroy. I appreciate the nuances of the design, but I'm not a fan of its scale and imposition upon surrounding streetscapes.

<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.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The next crop of Fitzroy projects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="261" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image32.jpg?itok=bQh-PW3m" title="The next crop of Fitzroy projects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The next crop of Fitzroy projects</figcaption></figure>Looking ahead the Fitzroy development pipeline is also laden with residential projects that fit the bill, as seen above with five diversely designed projects highlighted. Yet for mine the best is Room 11's recent scheme for the corner of Spring Street and Argyle Street. While the below image depicts the original design, a current resubmitted planning application has just completed it's public advertising period with City of Yarra.

Maintaining the eclectic nature of the area's built form is key to maintaining and dare I say enhancing the area's intrinsic character, otherwise Fitzroy would forever remain a museum showpiece. Room 11 have devised four visually distinct buildings in scale with their surrounds, plus the retention of historic facades to both frontages; this is solid design befitting the area!

<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/hero-day_edit.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The initial proposal for Argyle &amp; Spring. Image courtesy Room 11 "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="362" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/hero-day_edit.jpg?itok=AiQt6TwN" title="The initial proposal for Argyle &amp; Spring. Image courtesy Room 11 " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The initial proposal for Argyle &amp; Spring. Image courtesy Room 11</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
Celebrating the fine grain of Fitzroy with simple, abstracted forms, four distinct mini towers are proposed rather than a single monolithic “wedding cake”.

The project seeks to amplify the fine grain nature of the site and surrounds and provide density which does not impact internal or surrounding amenity. The development sits between infill and landmark – a hybrid condition which is clearly defined via the breakup of the building into distinct blocks separated by ‘lane way’ voids.

These voids increase the ability to provide a greater internal amenity and allow the continuation of the fine grain found throughout the area. Utilising existing buildings on site and the vacant corner, we celebrate the fine grain of Fitzroy with simple, abstracted forms, Four distinct mini towers, rather than a single monolithic “wedding cake”.
<cite><a href="http://room11.com.au/projects/fitzroy-apartments/">Fitzroy Apartments, Room 11 website</a></cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_0103.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Tower cranes numbers are on the rise in Fitzroy"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="256" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_0103.jpg?itok=CVqSlOI8" title="Tower cranes numbers are on the rise in Fitzroy" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Tower cranes numbers are on the rise in Fitzroy</figcaption></figure>When you tend to walk about a certain area for a long enough period, changes to an area's feel and composition become quite discernable. Does Fitzroy's existing built form and character suffer with the introduction of the new in recent years? I'd contend no it does not.

In fact I'd assert Fitzroy in many ways leads all other areas of Melbourne in terms of progressive, appropriate apartment design. City of Yarra look to have done a solid job of overseeing the gradual implementation of many new a apartment project in Fitzroy, with retention of local character to the forefront.

Small and varied, this 'mosquito squadron' of contemporary development is bringing a new dynamic to Fitzroy's back streets without compromising the abundant character that has been created over many decades.
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Is Fitzroy losing its built form character to apartment development?

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Last week it was announced <a href="/new-apartments/melbourne-vic">Melbourne's</a> tallest skyscraper was set to be released for sale domestically in February with the remainder of apartments expected to be snapped up after the project's successful launch in Asia. Developed by World Class Land Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of Singapore-based <a href="/developers/world-class-global">Aspial</a>, Australia 108 is expected to carry an end value of $1 billion.

With the initial hype and comment over the public launch subsiding, now presents an opportune time to pour over the figures that define Melbourne's next landmark structure.

<h2>From the ground up</h2>

<ul>
<li>Located at <a href="/buildings/australia-108-southbank-70-southbank-boulevard-southbank">70 Southbank Boulevard</a> in busy <a href="/new-apartments/southbank-vic-3006">Southbank</a>
</li>
	<li>100 levels and 319 metres in height</li>
	<li>Designed by <a href="/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis Architects</a> as an accompaniment to their earlier Southbank project, the 297 metre Eureka Tower</li>
	<li>Retail and lobby/concierge located at ground floor plus porte cochere access</li>
	<li>10 levels of podium car parking: 558 car parks and 310 bicycle spaces</li>
	<li>Level 11 lap pool, sauna, steam room and private theatre as well as indoor and outdoor entertaining areas and external deck</li>
	<li>944 apartments below the starburst including:</li>
	<li>Three studio apartments ranging in size from 53.6 to 57.8 square metres
	<ul>
<li>418 one bedroom, one bathroom apartments ranging in size from 47.1 to 65.7 square metres</li>
		<li>105 two bedroom, one bathroom apartments ranging in size from 57.8 to 66.3 square metres</li>
		<li>418 two bedroom, two bathroom apartments ranging in size from 59.6 to 128.2 square metres</li>
		<li>​Level 70/71 starburst with dual level residential facilities</li>
	</ul>
</li>
	<li>161 Sky residences above the starburst which include:
	<ul>
<li>Three bedroom apartments with either two or three bathrooms. Size ranges from 120.6 to 211.4 square metres</li>
		<li>Penthouses (they are also 3 bed 3 bath) – range from 355.4 to 391.6 square metres</li>
		<li>Penthouse 100 (top floor) – the tallest residence in the southern hemisphere. Customisable, it is 797.4 square metres</li>
	</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2>Exterior</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/tpa8467_australia_108_e01_hero_elevated-2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hero perspective of the Southbank behemoth. Image supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="878" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/tpa8467_australia_108_e01_hero_elevated-2.jpg?itok=znmOAPJ6" title="Hero perspective of the Southbank behemoth. Image supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hero perspective of the Southbank behemoth. Image supplied</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Deep blue facade with white stripes enveloping the facade, and which have integrated LED lighting at visible outside daylight hours</li>
	<li>Starburst feature located 210 metres above ground, inspired by the Federation Star on the Australian Flag</li>
	<li>Similar design impetus to the neighbouring Eureka Tower whose exterior drew inspiration from the Eureka Stockade</li>
	<li>11-level podium features large glazed planter boxes and heavy with greenery providing contrast to City Road's drab frontage</li>
</ul>
<h2>Apartment interior design</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/resisences_06.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Interior of a typical apartment. Image courtesy australia108.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="361" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/resisences_06.jpg?itok=D7erNq20" title="Interior of a typical apartment. Image courtesy australia108.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Interior of a typical apartment. Image courtesy australia108.com.au</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Floor to ceiling windows over all apartments</li>
	<li>Apartments interiors delivered by <a href="/architects/carr-design">Carr Design Group</a>
</li>
	<li>Two colour palettes on offer - Starlight &amp; Sunlight</li>
	<li>Starlight (light scheme) comprise a white palette and strong geometric lines. Kitchen design incorporates a slender benchtop and island breakfast bar, which is finished in a grey porcelain slab. Bathrooms feature custom-designed wall-hung basins with integrated storage, finished in a finely-crafted solid surface material</li>
	<li>Sunlight (warm scheme) follows the same architectural line of the concept, but encompasses an off-white porcelain benchtop and splashback, complemented by timber effect laminate cabinetry</li>
	<li>Residents above the Star Club with find Carrara marble and limestone options, bespoke joinery and stone bathtubs as standard</li>
	<li>Miele appliances as standard, with premium Miele in upper level apartments</li>
	<li>Flooring in premium apartments comprise engineered timber flooring throughout, with woven carpet or wool carpet in bedrooms</li>
</ul>
<h2>Communal facilities</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/star70_06_l.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Lounge area within Australia 108. Image courtesy australia108.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="357" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/star70_06_l.jpg?itok=fIdAin2D" title="Lounge area within Australia 108. Image courtesy australia108.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Lounge area within Australia 108. Image courtesy australia108.com.au</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Three levels of communal facilities with a total of 3000 square metres available for use</li>
	<li>Level 11 includes pool, sauna, steam room, golf simulator, theatrette plus an outdoor entertaining space and external deck</li>
	<li>Star Club over levels 70 and 71 provides two separate communal facilities, with one reserved exclusively for use residents living above the starburst</li>
	<li>Differing finishes define the two levels with HBA designing the premium zone for upper level residents</li>
	<li>Premium zone includes an infinity pool in a double height space with floor-to-ceiling views, private dining room, club rooms and lounges</li>
	<li>Carr Design Group has designed the other zone for lower level residents, comprising an infinity pool with Port Phillip Bay views</li>
	<li>Dining rooms, private theatrettes and bars are common to both communal levels</li>
</ul>
As foreshadowed by Apartments.com.au last year construction giant Brookfield Multiplex holds the upper hand with contractual negotiations between developer and builder reported as in progress last week. With commencement of works a few short months away Australia 108 is due for staged completion through to 2019.
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Facts and figures that define Australia 108

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The most recent monthly housing approvals released from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show Victoria continues to cater for future housing stock with a combined 5,009 new approvals during November 2014. Of those approximately 2,350 were for high density living with apartments and townhouses the major contributors.

The figures and associated graph were highlighted on January 8th by Urban Taskforce Australia, a peak industry body charged with representing property development interests across Australia although with a strong Sydney focus.

<blockquote>
While housing approvals across Australia are reaching record levels NSW approvals have dropped. Victoria is leading the country with 5,009 home approvals in November compared to 3,958 for NSW which is a significantly larger state.

The state election in NSW is only a few months away and clearly the attitudes to growth and the impact on housing supply and therefore the affordability of housing will be an important election issue. We can’t let NSW slide off its Number One status in Australia so we must support growth to remain the Premier State.
<cite>Chris Johnson, Urban Taskforce Australia</cite>
</blockquote>

Sydney parochialism aside, monthly high density approvals over the best part of 30 years can be seen in the below graph. Most noticeable is the Victorian sector lagging well behind the other states for many years, although in recent years this trend has reversed, in line with the increased penchant for apartment living principally throughout inner 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/image295.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Private sector higher density home approvals. Image courtesy Urban Taskforce Australia"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="376" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image295.jpg?itok=l2xtkOM0" title="Private sector higher density home approvals. Image courtesy Urban Taskforce Australia" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Private sector higher density home approvals. Image courtesy Urban Taskforce Australia</figcaption></figure>A number of articles on the matter have been published via various media outlets in recent days along with the almost obligatory associated potential for oversupply of apartments in the Melbourne markets; the same spectre which has been present since 2011, yet for the most has been staved off.

Special kudos is reserved though for <a href="http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2015/01/08/vic-home-building-approvals-stay-ahead">SBS online</a> which reported the direct correlation between heightened Victorian approvals and an increase in apartment oversupply; quite a supposition given these additional approvals are nothing more than paper approvals and do not add to the physical stock of available dwellings.

See the Australian Bureau of Statistics <a href="http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Latestproducts/8731.0Main%20Features3Nov%202014?opendocument&amp;tabname=Summary&amp;prodno=8731.0&amp;issue=Nov%202014&amp;num=&amp;view=">latest figures on the topic</a>.
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Victorian apartment approvals at a record high

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Following on from yesterday's article highlighting Melbourne's <a href="/news/victorian-apartment-approvals-at-a-record-high">surging apartment approvals</a>, City of Melbourne rounded out 2014 by releasing their most recent Development Activity Monitor, which tracks new residential and commercial property development within the City of Melbourne municipality. Covering the 13 separate suburbs which constitute City of Melbourne, the data set released on Thursday December 18 has again highlighted the pace at which Melbourne continues to grow.

<h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
This boom in development and construction boosts employment and the economy. An additional 76,000 jobs have been generated in the City of Melbourne in the past six years and our Gross Local Product has increased by $20 billion.

As the fastest-growing municipality in Australia, we welcomed an additional 11,000 Melburnians in 2013 so it’s no surprise that residential development continues to flourish.
<cite>Lord Mayor Robert Doyle </cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
The City of Melbourne is working hard to plan for growth by ensuring we have diversity and quality in our housing stock, as well as infrastructure to meet the needs of a growing community.
<cite>Councillor Ken Ong, Chair of Council’s Planning portfolio</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Headline Statistics</h2>

<ul>
<li>2014 residential completions within City of Melbourne reached 6319, double the number completed in 2013</li>
	<li>13,500 dwellings in 59 residential developments are under construction and due to be completed in the next three years</li>
	<li>Ninety-three proposed developments have town planning approval and will yield 21,000 dwellings when constructed</li>
	<li>92 developments have applied for permits totalling 26,000 dwellings</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image242_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="603 apartments are expected for 295-309 King Street. Image courtesy Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="409" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image242_0.jpg?itok=7kMi4JcO" title="603 apartments are expected for 295-309 King Street. Image courtesy Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>603 apartments are expected for 295-309 King Street. Image courtesy Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>The analysis of bedroom data suggests that of the dwellings in the active pipeline:
	<ul>
<li>less than one per cent of new dwellings will be studio apartments</li>
		<li>43 per cent will be one bedroom dwellings</li>
		<li>52 per cent will be two-bedroom dwellings</li>
		<li>almost five per cent will have three or more bedrooms</li>
	</ul>
</li>
	<li>329,500 m2 of office space is currently under construction in the City of Melbourne, headlined by 567 Collins Street (below)</li>
	<li>28,000 m2 of retail space is also currently under construction, with half contained within mixed-use residential developments</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_3210.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="567 Collins Street will shortly add to Melbourne's premium commercial stock"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_3210.jpg?itok=2VIzg6J5" title="567 Collins Street will shortly add to Melbourne's premium commercial stock" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>567 Collins Street will shortly add to Melbourne's premium commercial stock</figcaption></figure><h2>Future apartment hotspots</h2>

Further research of the Development Activity Monitor shows that by assessing those projects expected to begin construction within a five year time frame, trends can be determined as to where the bulk of City of Melbourne's residential growth will occur.

Melbourne's CBD is still a hot bed of activity with 17,456 apartments expected to be delivered within a five year timeframe, followed by Southbank with 8,071. Docklands still has plenty of steam even though it's past the half way mark with 5,509 dwellings yet to be built whilst Port Melbourne can expect 3,630 as part of City of Melbourne's boundary incorporates Fishermans Bend; Port Melbourne figures should rise progressively in future Development Activity Monitor releases.

Carlton can expect a further 2,163 apartments in the pipeline whilst North and West Melbourne combined will see 3,750, a number also expected to increase comfortably into the future. Overall City of Melbourne's Development Activity Monitor as of late 2014 expects another 41,717 apartments to be delivered under its watch over the next five years.
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CoM's Development Activity Monitor shows a thriving city

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Melbourne-based developer <a href="/developers/golden-age-group">Golden Age Group</a> will this week begin handing over apartments within their latest residential project dubbed <a href="/buildings/emerald-35-albert-road-south-melbourne">The Emerald</a>. Only a select few of the 289 dwellings remain available within the tower located in a pocket of Melbourne becoming increasingly popular with apartment developers and owner-occupiers alike.

Head contractor <a href="/developers/equiset">Equiset</a> has joined Golden Age Group in the final stages of inspection and delivery of all apartments, slightly beyond two years since enabling works commenced for the project. Golden Age Group's Project Management and Sales Director Ronald Chan was at hand to explain to Apartments.com.au why The Emerald exceeded all expectations.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_3121.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The vertical aspect from Albert road"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="315" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_3121.jpg?itok=FXDz4oko" title="The vertical aspect from Albert road" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The vertical aspect from Albert Road</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The tower features a striking organic rippling form and comprises a 5-storey podium containing car parking and services, surmounted by a further 15 levels of residential apartments. There are 289 apartments and 294 car spaces, as well as a shared roof-top garden with spa pools, amenities and BBQ area for both visitors and residents.

The building design achieves 5-star Green Star rating eco rating.
<cite>Buchan Group website</cite>
</blockquote>

Externally the tower's facade is infused with shades of green and silver, giving rise to The Emerald. As stated architecture firm <a href="/architects/the-buchan-group">Buchan Group's</a> irregular use of floor plates has come together to produce one of Melbourne's more recognisable buildings in line with Golden Age Group's ethos of creating quality buildings both internally and externally.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_3135.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Reflections upon reflection. The undulating exterior"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_3135.jpg?itok=VqnN_atD" title="Reflections upon reflection. The undulating exterior" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Reflection upon reflection. The undulating exterior of 35 Albert Road</figcaption></figure>It is internally where The Emerald shows its true colours as a discerning development catering for owner-occupiers; Ronald Chan explains the foyer and internal areas are understated but comparatively spacious in relation to masses of other contemporary developments. Given the tower was pitched toward owner-occupiers emphasis was placed upon a spacious, functional development matched by an exceedingly high level of workmanship to all apartments.

Indeed in Apartments.com.au's visits to many a recently completed apartment project, we were impressed at the very few workmanship defects detected in the course of final inspections occurring throughout The Emerald. To that end buyer's faith in the project has been repaid with a mixture local and overseas purchasers able to take possession of their property on time. Ronald Chen believes limited apartment resales reflects upon the excellent location and positive stature in which the project is held.

Westerly apartments overlooking Albert Park and Port Phillip Bay were snapped up within a matter of days post release, although easterly aspects over the Shrine of Remembrance and Melbourne's CBD also command impressive views. Golden Age Group have acted to maintain the pedigree of their latest development by purchasing a strata office in the adjoining westerly office complex, effectively maintaining the right to veto any future development of that site. The adjoining easterly site is Government owned according to Ronald Chan and unlikely to see development.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_3145.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Penthouse kitchen featuring marble finishes"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_3145.jpg?itok=LhaY9zse" title="Penthouse kitchen featuring marble finishes" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Penthouse kitchen featuring marble finishes</figcaption></figure>Communal areas have intentionally been kept to a minimum given the wide choice of recreational areas within a short walk of The Emerald, although a rooftop communal area with barbecue and plunge pool takes full advantage of the panoramic views on offer.

The full gamut of living options are available within the project, with a 48sqm single bedroom apartment and 250sqm penthouse opened for viewing. All dwellings feature timber flooring and a light finish to apartments while the penthouse highlighted above and below has been slated for Golden Age Group principal Jeff Xu and features massively proportioned living areas, high-end finishes and appliances plus three different aspects.

Completion of The Emerald coincides with construction commencing on Golden Age Group's next project: <a href="/buildings/victoria-one-452-472-elizabeth-street-melbourne">Victoria One</a>. With completion of Victoria One expected late 2017, two new Melbourne projects will begin marketing during 2015 highlighting the rapid ascendancy of Golden Age Group as an industry leading development firm. The 55-level <a href="/buildings/collins-house-melbourne-460-466-collins-street-melbourne">Collins House Melbourne at 466 Collins Street</a> and <a href="/buildings/opera-450-st-kilda-road-melbourne">Opera at 450 St Kilda Road</a> seek to carry forth the momentum generated to date by Golden Age Group.

An image set of The Emerald during Apartments.com.au's visit can be seen below.
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In focus > The Emerald @ 35 Albert Road, Melbourne

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A joint venture between Alamar AV Communications Pty Ltd, publisher of Apartments.com.au and My Real Estate Mate takes effect today with the latter's <a href="https://urbanmelbourne.info/apartment-register?utm_source=um_editorial&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=AR_UM">Apartment Register</a> platform now a permanent feature on Apartments.com.au. The joint venture will operate for the express purpose of allowing those who register to hold first priority pick of new apartment developments, gain and attend exclusive previews for apartment projects prior to public launch and tailor their choice of apartments to personal parameters such as location, price and floor plan layout.

Formerly Executive Director of Apartments for a large Melbourne-based real estate firm, My Real Estate Mate and Apartment Register principal Cameron Clarke spearheads the team which holds all the necessary accreditation to help any prospective buyer make an informed choice according to their personal criteria. With the backing of many of Melbourne's most prominent developers, Apartment Register is now an easy and highly efficient first choice option for apartment buyers to utilise.

<h2>What it means for the apartment buyer</h2>

Feedback over Apartments.com.au's social media platforms and messages by website members point toward local buyers often missing out on their apartment of choice due to the intense competition from international and channel sales. The joint venture between Apartments.com.au and Apartment Register seeks to empower the prospective apartment buyer at the most earliest stage possible.

Quite simply the joint venture will bring together both members respective strengths. Apartments.com.au's greatest asset, its comprehensive project database listing near on 650 apartment developments from planning to construction will now have a qualified, accredited means by which readers will be able to register their interest and the Apartment Register team will then take over the apartment sourcing and sales process.

In this way Apartment Register via Apartments.com.au will introduce a new method by which the buyer will on many occasions not need to wait until a select project reaches retail or public sales, but rather take the initiative and seek an apartment and/or project(s) out prior to their reaching public sales, with the intent of securing their desired property according to their criteria.

On top of the generic sign up form, Apartment Register will also have exclusive access to pre-sale campaigns, with a number of initial projects in which Apartment Register has secured pre-sales rights due to appear on Apartments.com.au in the coming weeks and months.

<h2>How to register</h2>

Simply click on any of the prominent Apartment Register ads on Apartments.com.au or head directly to the <a href="https://urbanmelbourne.info/apartment-register?utm_source=um_editorial&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=AR_UM">Urban.com.au's Apartment Register page</a> and complete the required fields.

In addition to the suburb of interest, those wishing to register are urged to utilise the Question &amp; Further Information field. According to My Real Estate Mate, preliminary enquiries have noted preferences such as budget range, suburb, apartment orientation and preferred level of occupation, apartment layout/square metreage and preferred year of completion.

The more information and/or preferences listed, the greater the chance the team at My Real Estate Mate will find the apartment you desire. Upon submitting the form on Apartments.com.au, the data is transmitted securely to the My Real Estate Mate platform and the Apartment Register team then takes over the personalised research and sales process.

<h2>The Developer's Advantage</h2>

Apartment Register also opens up a myriad of possibilities for developers. For instance should a developer be looking to purchase a site or be poised to take a project to market, they can draw upon the knowledge accumulated via Apartment Register to tailor their site/project format to what the individual or aggregated market currently desires, i.e. gaining product opinion prior to design.

This credible knowledge base accumulated by Apartment Register is matched by Apartments.com.au's industry leading <a href="/developments">project database</a> which allows the public and prospective apartment purchasers to track new projects from the planning assessment stage.

<h2>An industry perspective</h2>

The Apartment Register network is supported by over 300 Australian and International City websites funneling prospective buyers researching Melbourne property to the platform. In this regard Apartments.com.au today joins the Apartment Register network.

Apartments.com.au's project database attracts a diverse audience and thanks to 12 months of user surveys conducted by Effective Measure, we know that 25% of all unique visits are buyers conducting research to buy apartments. We have always been about continuous improvement and Alamar AV Communications Pty Ltd is delighted to have entered into a joint venture with My Real Estate Mate which we believe will suit this sizable audience segment well over the long-term.

It must be noted that the service offering from an Apartments.com.au perspective will cover the lead generation from the main<a href="https://urbanmelbourne.info/apartment-register?utm_source=um_editorial&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=AR_UM"> Apartment Register</a> page and may include individual project registration forms where My Real Estate Mate has exclusive pre-sale rights.

Our Project Launch and Database Upgrade packages remain outside the joint venture we are announcing today and the product suite has been tweaked to include the removal of Apartment Register ads when a developer or sales agent independently upgrades a listing on Apartments.com.au.

Developers or sales agents looking to include a new channel partner are encouraged to contact Cameron Clarke at <a href="http://myrealestatemate.com.au/?utm_source=Urban_Melbourne&amp;utm_medium=editorial_link&amp;utm_campaign=UM_AR">My Real Estate Mate</a> directly.

<h2>A broader context</h2>

Apartment Register as well as being a mainstay on Apartments.com.au will also be applied the forthcoming Urban Sydney website. Due for launch early 2015, the Urban Sydney platform has been built and is currently having its initial run of content added to it with the extensive task of entering the many hundreds of apartment projects underway.

Alamar AV Communications Pty Ltd, publisher of Apartments.com.au and the upcoming Urban Sydney site, is also in discussion with Brisbane interests with the prospect of Urban Brisbane firmly on the radar. Should all go to plan the intent remains to create a strong presence in Australia's three largest apartment markets, in line with industry requests and the expansion plans of our joint venture partner, My Real Estate Mate.

The joint venture with Apartments.com.au is the first of a number of structural and commercial changes that will be applied to the website over the coming new year holiday period. In addition to revamping Apartments.com.au's Off The Plan section highlighting the best of Melbourne's current apartment projects, changes to Apartments.com.au's front page appearance will allow for easier navigation about the website.

Through extensive demographic data research, the changes are designed to cater for the increasing number of apartment buyers who view Apartments.com.au in order to research their pending property acquisition.

These changes will also serve to enshrine and enhance the principles that Apartments.com.au was created upon; the free and extensive aggregation of planning application data relating to Melbourne's booming apartment sector, fostering discussion in both public and industry circles relating to Melbourne's insatiable appetite for higher-density living and shining a spotlight upon the policies, infrastructure and trends that will shape the city's future.

Vires Acquirit Eundo.
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Apartment Register and Urban.com.au - it's just the beginning

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West Melbourne continues its impressive run toward the latter part of 2014 with yet another large-scale planning application currently before authorities. Located on the northern side of La Trobe Street between Spencer and King, City of Melbourne is currently assessing the merits of the residential tower which may accommodate 247 apartments if approved.

Sold by agent Savills during August 2014, new owner Spacious Property Development Group is behind the current 488-494 La Trobe Street proposal which is adjacent to a large vacant block, itself expected to become a prime residential development in due course.

<h2>488-494 La Trobe Street West Melbourne 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/image73.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Immediate built form. Image courtesy Rothelowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="385" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image73.jpg?itok=DACJ-zG6" title="Immediate built form. Image courtesy Rothelowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Immediate built form. Image courtesy Rothelowman</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Current 1,011sqm site use: dual level office building with 1,312sqm of leasable space.</li>
	<li>Planning application submitted November 2014.</li>
	<li>Proposed: 32 level residential tower at 102.35 metres.</li>
	<li>​Total GFA: 32,910sqm.</li>
	<li>​247 apartments: 113*1BR / 134*2BR</li>
	<li>​Basement catering for 38 car parking spaces and 77 bicycles.</li>
	<li>Rooftop garden at 135sqm, residential amenity and cinema at 148.5sqm</li>
</ul>
<h2>Design concept</h2>

<blockquote>
The concept for the exterior design has evolved from a carefully considered desire to create a timeless design solution. One which contributes a strong, elegant and pure form to the city's skyline. Notions of balance and symmetry lead to the pure vertical expression of tower, and created a 'Ying and Yang' dynamic between the key components.

This dynamic also allowed for a refined palette of materials. With the central component representing the solidity and strength of stone, while the northern and southern components mirror each other, and represent the graceful shimmer of water. The podium levels also take these concepts further at a scale designed to relate to the public realm.
<cite>Rothelowman, planning documents</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>From the ground up</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/image15488.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of the development. Image courtesy Rothelowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="513" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image15488.jpg?itok=aGHE98u2" title="Artist's impression of the development. Image courtesy Rothelowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of the development. Image courtesy Rothelowman</figcaption></figure>Atop three basement levels sits a ground floor heavy with building services. With three apartments located to the northern edge of the ground floor, the La Trobe Street frontage is dominated by the building substation, car park entry and hydrant booster resulting in little activation to the main pedestrian thoroughfare.

Subsequent podium levels are almost exclusively devoted to two bedroom dwellings with a smattering of single bedroom apartments included. Designed to the eastern boundary, the tower element will maintain a setback to the western boundary of 5.5 metres with an almost generic floor plan incorporated over levels 6-30. Eight apartments per level is the norm where two bedroom apartments are to floor plate corners while single bedroom apartments are clustered around the lift well to the centre of the proposed tower.

Crowning the development would be an external CBD-facing terrace of 135sqm supplemented by in excess of 140sqm internal residential amenity, consisting of dining, lounge and cinema areas.

<h2>Comment</h2>

<iframe frameborder="0" height="450" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m0!3m2!1sen!2sau!4v1417910929727!6m8!1m7!1sE0ccIS3j9iGTfFsXab8SKw!2m2!1d-37.81277595239187!2d144.9526244996608!3f322.965594420637!4f4.526909773882068!5f0.7820865974627469" style="border:0" width="600"></iframe>

A number of salient points have been made in forum discussion regarding the recent planning application for 488-494 La Trobe Street. While the existing building onsite has not been included in the City Heritage Review, its loss would represent a further erosion of the historic fabric of inner Melbourne.

It's most definitely a shame the existing frontage has not been incorporated into the proposed tower, but we're not privy to development team discussions and must assume there remains an overpowering reason for the deletion of the existing structure.

Overall the curtain facade offset by a strong vertical element provides a sharp contrast to the many existing and proposed apartment towers, while also providing a practical common wall to the east and west boundaries. While these flanks represent "The solidity and strength of stone," they in actuality would consist of precast panels in varied colours and finishes according to the materials schedule; not quite the refined finish of polished concrete or stone.

<h2>488-494 La Trobe Street West Melbourne development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Architecture: Rothelowman</li>
	<li>​Urban Planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>Wind mitigation: Mel Consultants</li>
	<li>Traffic engineering: Cardno</li>
	<li>Environmental Sustainable Design: ADP Consulting</li>
	<li>Waste management: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Tree Protection: Galbraith &amp; Associates</li>
</ul>
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Planning Application > 488-494 La Trobe Street, West Melbourne

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There is no surprise investor activity is heavily concentrated within the capital city inner city unit market. But the latest charts from Cameron Kusher at CoreLogic RP Data provides insights into the elevated level of investor purchasing.  
There are many suburbs were investors represent 50% plus of apartment buyers. Melbourne has the highest levels of investor activity for units, followed by Brisbane, Adelaide and Sydney.
 The spread of house investors are not an issue, other than one location in Brisbane. 
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4047" src="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Chart-7.jpg" alt="Chart 7" width="500" height="315">
Source: CoreLogic RP Data
As Kusher suggests, if many investors were to exit the market at a similar time in search of superior returns, that could have some serious repercussions for the inner city unit market and potentially the wider housing market too.
Investors own a staggering 89% of units in <a href="/news">Travancore</a>, the Melbourne suburb.
Their report noted the suburbs with the highest levels of investor apartment ownership are often those with significant and large developments so <a href="/news">Travancore</a>, ranked above <a href="/news">Kingsville</a>, <a href="/news">Carlton</a>, <a href="/news">Elwood</a>, <a href="/news">Notting Hill</a>, <a href="/news">Hawthorn</a> and <a href="/news">Melbourne</a>.
 Each of these areas has more than seven in 10 units owned by an investor.
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