Queensland builder-developer MAYD has revealed the first look at its major North Kirra beachfront development, lodging amended plans that reduce the number of apartments and increase the proportion of larger residences.

The project is planned across a substantial 4,742 sqm amalgamated site spanning seven lots at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/2-6-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">2-6 Pacific Parade</a> and 27-33 Golden Four Drive in Bilin​ga, directly opposite Nor​th Kirra Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD</a> secured the site for $32.5 million in 2025, in what was one of the Gold Coast's largest property transactions of the year.

The development will be delivered across two stages, with the first stage carrying an estimated gross realisation value of around $360 million.

The latest amendments seek to reduce the overall apartment count and shift the project further toward the owner-occupier market, with larger residences designed for buyers wanting considerably more space than traditionally offered in a beachfront apartment.

The residential mix will include townhomes, oversized two-bedroom apartments, substantial three-bedroom residences and four-bedroom homes.

MAYD has appointed Cera Stribley to lead the architecture and interiors, with the Melbourne-based design practice drawing on the beachfront setting through a series of ocean-facing terraces and heavily landscaped balconies.

Strong horizontal forms and curved balconies will define the exterior, with subtropical landscaping integrated throughout the building to soften the built form and increase the connection between the residences and the beachfront.

The project will also include an extensive collection of resident wellness and lifestyle facilities, continuing the broader shift across the Gold Coast's luxury apartment market toward larger homes supported by resort-style amenity.

<img alt="MAYD" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1bcbb05-e659-4b47-8bd4-1e595315e2ad" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%202.05.03%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=jj0XEud1X1DuLt7_KyElhjMdZGOXmLHP" />

MAYD Founder Todd Mould said North Kirra was increasingly appealing to buyers attracted to the more established, lower-density character of the southern Gold Coast.

"North Kirra presents one of the most compelling luxury residential opportunities currently emerging in Australia, combining absolute beachfront with the character and authenticity that buyers are increasingly seeking, and the same sense of tight-knit community that defined Burleigh and Currumbin perhaps 10 or 15 years ago," Mould said.

"With Gold Coast Airport on its doorstep, it also offers a level of accessibility that broadens its appeal across almost every market demographic."

The project comes as the southern Gold Coast continues to attract an increasing share of high-end apartment development and buyer activity.

Kirra in particular has emerged as one of the region's more tightly held beachfront markets, with its relatively low-density character, established surf and hospitality scene and proximity to Gold Coast Airport differentiating it from the higher-density markets further north.

Mould said those characteristics had informed the approach MAYD and Cera Stribley had taken to the project.

"We've worked closely with Cera Stribley to create a vision that is deeply connected to its surroundings," he said.

"Inspired by the coastline itself, the architecture has been shaped around space, privacy and resort-style living, creating a collection of homes that reflects the next generation of luxury on the southern Gold Coast."

MOTIV Managing Director Carly Cottam, who has been appointed to market the project, said buyer attention had continued to move south along the Gold Coast.

"Purchasers who may once have defaulted to Broadbeach, Main Beach or Surfers Paradise are increasingly recognising the value of a genuine beachfront location that offers lower density, strong amenity and a more established sense of community," Cottam said.

"Kirra has a powerful combination of growing demand and genuine scarcity. Beachfront supply is inherently constrained, the area remains relatively low density, and buyers are increasingly placing a premium on locations that feel established, uncrowded and authentic rather than heavily developed."

Cottam said the proximity to Gold Coast Airport was also proving increasingly important for interstate and second-home buyers.

"Being minutes from Gold Coast Airport makes it particularly compelling for interstate buyers, frequent travellers and second-home purchasers who can access an authentic coastal lifestyle almost immediately after stepping off a flight."

The acquisition takes MAYD's active development portfolio to more than $500 million, with the North Kirra project representing one of its largest undertakings to date.

MAYD is targeting an early 2027 launch.

Joel Robinson

First look at MAYD's North Kirra mixed-use precinct

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Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.

But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.

Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377679]

The project will comprise three residential towers alongside a hotel, restaurants, cafes and a skybar, more than 1,600 sqm of ground-floor retail and almost an acre of landscaped gardens.

It represents the largest project undertaken by Reve Group, the development arm of the Kassis family, which has been building across the Hills District for more than 30 years through Kassis Homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]

Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.

Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.

Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]

Reve Group Managing Director Sam Kassis said the project reflected the family's three decades of building in the Hills, which has evolved from trophy homes on quarter-acre blocks to larger-scale apartment development.

"Grand Rêve was our first apartment project here and it showed us what this pocket of Castle Hill could be. Nova Rêve is the refinement of that idea: not just apartments, but a place the whole suburb can use," Kassis said.

A key part of that approach is the hotel, which has been designed to operate as an amenity for the wider Castle Hill community rather than solely hotel guests.

It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.

At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.

Almost an acre of gardens designed by Land and Form Studios will run through the precinct, incorporating pathways, seating, barbecue areas and children's play spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377680]

Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.

"There are gardens with pathways, barbecues, seating and play areas, shops and cafes opening onto the street, and a hotel with restaurants and a skybar that anyone in Castle Hill can walk into," Georges said.

The project's elevated position on one of Sydney's highest ridgelines will also provide apartments with outlooks toward the Sydney skyline, surrounding parkland and the Blue Mountains.

More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152737]

<h3 data-end="3697" data-section-id="q3n5ak" data-start="3672">&nbsp;</h3>
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Nova Rêve arrives as Reve Group bets on Castle Hill's next growth phase

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]

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

Apartments

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No <a href="/tag/super-tuesday">Super Tuesday</a>-like announcement in sight but State Planning Minister Matthew Guy has in recent days approved six additional towers throughout inner city Melbourne.

The Australian Financial Review has today reported the approval of three key projects: 888 Collins Street in Docklands, 2 Riverside Quay on Southbank and 499 St Kilda Road.

Additionally Minister Guy announced via twitter that 9 Mackenzie Street, 605 Lonsdale Street and 28-66 Dorcas Street have also been approved.

2 Riverside Quay aside, the five remaining projects are largely residential and represent an additional 2,187 apartments into Melbourne's development pipeline. Of those residential projects approved, Lend Lease's 888 Collins Street and Far East Consortium's The Fifth at 605 Lonsdale Street have already moved to registration and sales.

Recently Mirvac Group snared PriceWaterhouseCoopers as tenant for the forthcoming 20,000 square metre 2 Riverside Quay commercial development, increasing the likelihood that three of the six projects outlined today will advance to construction this financial year.

Details on each project can be viewed by clicking the Apartments.com.au Project Database links below.
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silvermb

Six towers approved for Melbourne

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A solid year for development proposals fronting Albert Park Lake continues with the much anticipated 77 Queens Road with City of Port Phillip for assessment. Likewise for site proponent Southlink Developments who add 77 Queens Road to their <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic">Sovereign Blackburn</a> and <a href="/buildings/claremont-manor-7-claremont-street-south-yarra">Claremont Manor</a> apartment developments, both of which are currently at sales.

Contrary to varying media reports that suggested an Elenberg Fraser scheme associated with the site's sale during 2013 would proceed to sales, Southlink have instead chosen Fender Katsalidis to create a new tower for their next Melbourne foray.

<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/image3277q.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Old and new. Images courtesy elenberg Fraser and Fender Katsalidis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="201" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image3277q.jpg?itok=YNWdmQUc" title="Old and new. Images courtesy elenberg Fraser and Fender Katsalidis" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Old and new. Images courtesy Elenberg Fraser and Fender Katsalidis</figcaption></figure><h2>77 Queens Road Summary</h2>

<ul>
<li>2,329 sqm site</li>
	<li>Currently a low-rise, 1960's apartment block of 36 apartments</li>
	<li>15 metre setback to Queens Road at ground level</li>
	<li>Proposed 13 level complex @ 41.9 metres</li>
	<li>160 apartments</li>
	<li>178 car parking spaces and 181 bicycle spaces</li>
	<li>GFA 12, 364.44sqm</li>
</ul>
<h2>An unmistakable imprint</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/image34w_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Images courtesy Fender Katsalidis and Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="464" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image34w_0.jpg?itok=ZzkvsH2W" title="Images courtesy Fender Katsalidis and Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Images courtesy Fender Katsalidis and Ryan Seychell</figcaption></figure>The casual observer wouldn't be mistaken for assuming Fender Katsalidis have merely melded two of their successful recent projects together in creating 77 Queens Road. Straight lines and funny angles are alive and well as this application draws upon the best of both <a href="/news">108 Flinders Street</a> and Canberra's NewActon Nishi (above left and right).

Perhaps Fender Katsalidis have stumbled upon a winning formula of confluence which yields both commercial and aesthetic returns? Regardless external finished will see blue/grey vision and spandrel glazing, clear balustrades, coloured precast panels in addition to dark window frames and louvres.

<h2>Internal arrangement</h2>

The majority of apartments are arranged in a herringbone pattern where possible to take in an Albert Park Lake and Bay aspects, with the remainder toward Queens Lane presented in a more conventional format. Single bedroom apartments will be centralised along the Queens Lane frontage while dual bedroom apartments run through the mid levels, with all three bedroom abodes holding frontage to Albert Park Lake along the buildings western flank.

Apartment breakdown will see the following numbers: 20 one-bedroom, 24 one-bedroom + study, 76 two-bedroom, 26 one-bedroom + study, 14 three-bedroom.

<h2>Ground plane</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/img_8739.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ground level. Image courtesy Fender Katsalidis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="249" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_8739.jpg?itok=QcDJUjZn" title="Ground level. Image courtesy Fender Katsalidis" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ground level. Image courtesy Fender Katsalidis</figcaption></figure>As with many buildings fronting Queens Road, generous setbacks are the norm which allow for an expansive usable space if so desired. A porte-cochere layout addressing Queens Road is included, similar to many developments nearby, including the neighbouring Monarc apartment project.

A central passage will bisect 77 Queens Road at ground with a host of communal facilities holding sway, whilst services are clustered to the most innocuous quadrant. Oculus have devised the landscape solution which will feature outdoor terraces, bluestone paving, outdoor dining/seating and green privacy screens over ground and the level 9 setback.

<h2>Project team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Southlink</li>
	<li>Architect: Frender Katsalidis</li>
	<li>Planning: URBIS</li>
	<li>Project Management: PDS Group</li>
	<li>Services: WSP Group</li>
	<li>Structural Engineer: Robert Bird Group</li>
	<li>Traffic: Traffix Group</li>
	<li>Building Surveyor: BSGM Consulting Building Surveyors</li>
	<li>Waste: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Landscape: Oculus</li>
	<li>ESD: Ark Resources</li>
</ul>
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Southlink lodge plans for 77 Queens Road

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The wraps are off what is the third coming for a Southbank development site perched above the Kings Way overpass. Now known as Bellla Apartments, the site has seen two high-profile failures in getting a residential development out of the ground.

Initially designed by Crone Partners for Wadhawan Group / DEC, the scheme saw planning approval granted during 2012 for a tower of 207 apartments. Labelled as Verge, the 32-level project also would have also housed 39 car spaces, 102 bicycles spaces, and a residents gym.

<blockquote>
Its vibrant façade screens the car parking beyond and delivers an interesting, rhythmic pattern to those using Kings Way and when viewed approaching from the east. The obtuse corner to the site has been embraced as a tool to define an important city block and to guide the building’s façade around the corner. The building then sets back along City Rd to reinforce the existing planning parameters.

The tower’s elegance is reinforced by its slender proportions and the subtle variation across the main facades. The bold, dark, solid façade elements make a dramatic statement, whether viewed during the day or at night.
<cite>Crone Partners</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/image9bella.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A reworked initial concept delivered as Bella Apartments. Images courtesy Crone &amp; Salvo Property Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="394" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image9bella.jpg?itok=qflvpF2e" title="A reworked initial concept delivered as Bella Apartments. Images courtesy Crone &amp; Salvo Property Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A reworked initial concept delivered as Bella Apartments. Images courtesy Crone &amp; Salvo Property Group</figcaption></figure>Amidst a swirl of media attention and sizeable sporting sponsorships, history will show Wadhawan Group / DEC's grand plans for Melbourne which involved three separate projects going to sales (including the sprawling 1,200 apartment <a href="/new-apartments/400-430-city-road-southbank">400 City Road</a> project) simultaneously amounted to little more than the mid-rise <a href="http://www.decaustralia.com.au/cms-projects/elan.php">Elan</a> project in South Yarra.

Some time later 608 Property Group signage appeared over the site hoardings. Although 608 Property Group had successfully delivered the high-rise Tiara project nearby, ultimately the development firm mirrored the rapid rise and fall of its Director, once more plunging the project into obscurity and buyers into another period of uncertainty.

<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_8244.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The current state of play"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_8244.jpg?itok=G9cKqpNZ" title="The current state of play" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The current state of play</figcaption></figure>Site works commenced early last year, although the site has laid dormant for the best part of twelve months to date. In the interim established property player and Melbourne-based Salvo Property Group had assumed control over the project, labelling it Bella Apartments.

With tower footings in place, mass design adjustments have been avoided, rather a tweaking of the external finishes has occurred with the addition of two extra levels. It's understood Urban Design Architects have been tasked with augmenting the initial design, continuing a partnership with Salvo which has yielded multiple residential towers in the past.

Turquoise highlights have been applied to the podium and tower; in conjunction with the marketing material, the turquoise elements and name changed have served to differentiate the current proposal from past failed incarnations. Brookfield Multiplex have added Bella to their building Melbourne construction roster, with works expected to restart shortly for the project with a varied history.
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Third time lucky for 248 City Road

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With winter all but a memory the season to get out and about is upon us. Judging by the sheer volume of new additions to the Apartments.com.au <a href="/developments" target="_blank">Project Database</a> developers have the same notion in mind.

Within the last week or so in near enough to 30 residential apartment developments have been added to the Project Database, signifying the next push of medium and high-density projects into the Melbourne market. Shown below are a selection of newly added projects:

<h2>North and West Melbourne running hot</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/image53nwm.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rosslyn Street, Courtney Place and Shiel Street. Images courtesy Hartland, Hayball and Fender Katsalidis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="338" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image53nwm.jpg?itok=ItrF7lF2" title="Rosslyn Street, Courtney Place and Shiel Street. Images courtesy Hartland, Hayball and Fender Katsalidis" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rosslyn Street, Courtney Place and Shiel Street. Images courtesy Hartland, Hayball and Fender Katsalidis</figcaption></figure>In addition to a handful of high-rise apartment towers subject to future articles, North and West Melbourne continue to bubble away with apartment projects coming thick and fast. Entered into the Apartments.com.au project database in recent days have been three projects.

<a href="/new-apartments/north-melbourne-vic-3051">1 Shiel Street</a> sees an existing scheme of six levels expanded to ten with the capacity for 46 dwellings while <a href="/new-apartments/north-melbourne-vic-3051">143-147 Rossly Street</a> is also a revised application seeking approval for a six level development. Most unassuming is <a href="/new-apartments/68-courtney-street-north-melbourne" target="_blank">68-74 Courtney Place</a> in North Melbourne which due to its depth has seen a Hayball design of some 80 apartments put forward.

<h2>GURNER™ add to their development stock</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/image52gurner.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="74 Eastern Road, Ikebana and Stanley Street. Images courtesy GURNER™"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="489" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image52gurner.jpg?itok=jx7f_IIF" title="74 Eastern Road, Ikebana and Stanley Street. Images courtesy GURNER™" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>74 Eastern Road, Ikebana and Stanley Street. Images courtesy GURNER™</figcaption></figure>Two projects have recently been submitted for approval by GURNER™. <a href="/buildings/74-eastern-road-south-melbourne" target="_blank">74 Eastern Road</a> and <a href="/buildings/28-stanley-street-collingwood">24-28 Stanley Street Collingwood</a> would add 130 apartment between the two, with GURNER™ describing 74 Eastern Road as "An amazing scheme." These two join <a href="/buildings/ikebana-130-dudley-street-west-melbourne" target="_blank">Ikebana West Melbourne</a> which will see the release of 248 additional apartments into the market shortly.

<h2>The drawn-out Waterfront Place</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/image55fk.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Fender Katsalidis concept design for Waterfront Place"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="244" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image55fk.jpg?itok=IwU7CXhP" title="The Fender Katsalidis concept design for Waterfront Place" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Fender Katsalidis concept design for Waterfront Place</figcaption></figure>Kuwaiti-backed Action Group Australia have held the prime Port Melbourne site for some time. Enlisting Fender Katsalidis, an initial 30 level wave-like development was proposed, subsequently falling in height to 19 levels, 13 levels and now a 10 level proposal which is entered into the database. With the approvals process resembling a melodrama, the most recent <a href="/new-apartments/1-11-waterfront-place-port-melbourne" target="_blank">1-11 Waterfront Place</a> looks to have lost a significant amount of design flair.

City of Port Phillip have indicated this scheme too will not find favour.

<h2>Into the north</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/image56nth.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="St George, Hive Thornbury and 602 Doncaster Road. Images courtesy MAP Architecture, ROTHELOWMAN &amp; ITN"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="488" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image56nth.jpg?itok=y3q1jtxj" title="St George, Hive Thornbury and 602 Doncaster Road. Images courtesy MAP Architecture, ROTHELOWMAN &amp; ITN" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>St George, Hive and 602 Doncaster. Images courtesy MAP Architecture, ROTHELOWMAN &amp; ITN</figcaption></figure>The suburbs aren't without a swag of projects, with locales such as Preston, Doncaster, Essendon and Northcote delivering more residential projects into the Apartments.com.au database. Shown above is St George at 64 St Georges Road Northcote and Hive at 630 High Street Thornbury.

Recently added but known of for some time is <a href="/new-apartments/602-630-doncaster-road-doncaster" target="_blank">602-630 Doncaster Road</a> which after initially finding no favour with local council won approval at VCAT, further adding to Doncaster's impressive stock of residential apartments.

Lead image courtesy Alan Lam.
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Scores of new residential developments enter the Urban.com.au database

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It's always somewhat concerning when the heart of any sub-precinct is defined by two large open air car parks, and this is the case at Essendon Station, within the greater Essendon Junction precinct. Conversely the opportunity exists to transform said car parks into a worthwhile urban experience if the process is handled correctly.

Owner VicTrack considers the land around Essendon Station surplus, indicating that the land parcels should be developed and in the process remove Melbourne's 18th worst level crossing at Buckley Street by sinking Essendon Station. As was <a href="http://www.theweeklyreviewmooneevalley.com.au/story/1231678/essendon-level-crossing-removal-hinges-on-talks/">reported last year</a> VicTrack is heading toward a policy of linking with private developers in order to facilitate development of underutilised tracts of land.

<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/image76ess.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Excerp from Property Council of Australia's 20 Projects publication"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="371" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image76ess.jpg?itok=6TaIPng5" title="Excerp from Property Council of Australia's 20 Projects publication" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Excerpt from Property Council of Australia's 20 Projects publication</figcaption></figure>Essendon Station as the focal point of Essendon Junction was also earmarked as one of Victoria's 20 best investment sites as seen in the graphic above, according to the Property Council of Australia. The 2.5 hectares available for development could have an end value of $250 million with a mix of uses.

City of Moonee Valley in their 2012 Draft Structure Plan below clearly outline the dual expansive blue car parks abutting Essendon Station. According to the most recent planning application for Essendon Junction, maximum heights of 39 metres or 13 levels are expected at the heart of the wider Essendon Junction area.

<blockquote>
The Essendon Junction area is nominated as a Neighbourhood Activity Centre in the Moonee Valley Planning Scheme. State Government planning policy requires activity centres like Essendon Junction to operate as vibrant hubs containing a mix of residential dwellings, shops, services and public transport.

Once completed, the Structure Plan will provide a long term vision for future growth and development within Essendon Junction. It will be used to guide major changes to land use, built form, transport, community services and open space within the centre over a 20 year timeframe.
<cite>Essendon Junction Draft Plan 2012</cite>
</blockquote>

It seems all parties are in furious agreement when it comes to redeveloping Essendon Station, yet the policies to facilitate this have either not been implemented or acted upon.

<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/image73han.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Built form typologies map. Image courtesy Hansen Partnership"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="375" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image73han.jpg?itok=yFnAPeOn" title="Built form typologies map. Image courtesy Hansen Partnership" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Built form typologies map. Image courtesy Hansen Partnership</figcaption></figure>As it stands all the development action lies at the fringes of Essendon Junction and further north along Mt Alexander Road as developments of 4-10 levels have been approved or completed in a steady procession. The currently under construction 20 Napier Street was recently joined by a new planning application located at 952-960 Mt Alexander Road, at the hands of a private developer.

952-960 Mt Alexander Road looks to take advantage of its elevated position by delivering an eight level apartment block on the periphery of the Essendon Junction area, yet still having tram, train and bus and retail all within walking distance.

<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/image75ess.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="952-960 Mt Alexander Road. Image © 11 Dimensions"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="300" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image75ess.jpg?itok=183LTON_" title="952-960 Mt Alexander Road. Image © 11 Dimensions" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>952-960 Mt Alexander Road. Image © 11 Dimensions</figcaption></figure><h2>952-960 Mt Alexander Road summary</h2>

<ul>
<li>Site: 1,077sqm, currently a low-rise commercial buildings</li>
	<li>Proponent: Rafina Port Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Architect: <a href="http://www.11dimensions.com.au/home">11 Dimensions</a>
</li>
	<li>8 levels at 27.4 metres</li>
	<li>58 apartments: 1x1BR/53x2BR/4x3BR</li>
	<li>63 car parks, 28 bike spaces &amp; 2 retail tenancies</li>
</ul>
<h2>Comment</h2>

The announcement signaling intent to move on development air rights above a select few Melbourne rail stations was made at the beginning of 2013, Essendon included. That nothing has been said or done publicly since says much for the speed at which bureaucracy works and for the ease in which words without context can be so easily forgotten.

Generally, established private sector developers will realise a project at a far greater speed than government could expect to, and Essendon Junction is shaping to be a prime example. Sites surrounding Essendon Station are steadily falling under the developers touch (as expected) but Essendon Station itself - the heart of Essendon Junction - is going nowhere fast.

Off the top of my head the only property development successfully delivered in recent times by VicTrack (in a development agreement with Consolidated Properties) was <a href="http://www.ikonapartments.com.au/team.php">Ikon Glen Waverley</a> which incidentally sold out in the first weekend of sales. Surely the time is now to spread that successful policy/formula elsewhere!
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Working from the outside in at Essendon Junction

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An apartment sales campaign looks imminent for one of Melbourne's more contentious and long lasting development sites, referred to as Nelson Place. In recent weeks Dalton Consulting Engineers have been appointed to handle civil infrastructure matters and the like whilst Icon Construction currently have phase one of what will be known as <a href="http://waterlineplace.com.au/" target="_blank">Waterline Place</a> listed online as an active construction tender.

Comprising 83 apartments and two retail tenancies, the initial development phase will include a six level SJB Architects-designed complex as seen below. The completed development will potentially see 20 level towers and in excess of 800 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/image24will.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Stage One of Waterline Place features an apartment building of 83 dwellings. Image courtesy Icon Construction"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="357" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image24will.jpg?itok=KU2lnICc" title="Stage One of Waterline Place features an apartment building of 83 dwellings. Image courtesy Icon Construction" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Stage One includes 83 apartments. Image courtesy Icon Construction</figcaption></figure><h2>Site History</h2>

Formerly the Port Phillip Woollen Mills, the site is bound by Nelson Place (north), Kanowna Street (east), Cecil and Aitken streets (south) and Ann Street (west). Carrying a handful of historic structures, the development site has been subject to a decade of wrangling between Hobsons Bay City Council, the Save Williamstown action group and proponent, Evolve Development.

The long-running saga prompted developer Ashley Williams to deliver this broadside in response to the development and parking concerns raised by opposing bodies:

<blockquote>
A bunch of what I'd say are fairly selfish established residents, who have benefited from property price rises, make it very hard for developers to respond to that demand. They forget that the changes that led to the parking issue have meant that there are more people around, more cafes, the place is a more vibrant retail centre, the supermarket and greengrocer open later, so you can't have it both ways.
<cite>Ashley Williams, "<a href="http://www.news.com.au/finance/real-estate/developer-furious-at-selfish-residents/story-fndbarft-1226586508083">Developer furious at 'selfish' residents</a>" (news.com.au), February 27, 2013</cite>
</blockquote>

It was argued by Save Williamstown that the development would:

<ul>
<li>Destroy heritage</li>
	<li>Be situated too close to the shipyards</li>
	<li>Be situated too close to Mobil MHF(includes feeder arms on jetty, pipelines &amp; tank farm with tanks up to 40m diameter) and fuel importation ships flagged overseas</li>
	<li>Destroy nationally significant jobs</li>
	<li>Overwhelms local schools, child care and community services</li>
	<li>Make Williamstown less family friendly</li>
	<li>Overburden roads and traffic</li>
	<li>Lead to tourists being squeezed out of the peninsula</li>
</ul>
Ultimately VCAT ruled in favour of the development as was <a href="http://williamstown.starcommunity.com.au/star/2013-01-15/development-upheld/" target="_blank">reported during January 2013</a>, dismissing a number of gauzy claims above.

<h2>Staged development</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/image29will.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Images courtesy Lovell Chen &amp; Save Williamstown"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="317" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image29will.jpg?itok=fVOxuPqu" title="Images courtesy Lovell Chen &amp; Save Williamstown" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Images courtesy Lovell Chen &amp; Save Williamstown</figcaption></figure>The overall site is broken into 14 separate lots according to the graphic above. <a href="http://www.savewilliamstown.net/" target="_blank">Save Williamstown</a> provides a concise summary of events and applications to date, where Stage One will involve Lots 1,2 and 3 with permitted plans allow for the demolition of the 1800's Oriental Hotel and provision for 142 dwellings by way of apartments and townhouses.

Lot 2 situated on the Nelson Place and Ann Street intersection holds the 6-storey apartment building which rises 19.6 metres above ground. Hobson Bay City Council's Built Form Outcomes seeks “A prominent building which provides emphasis to the corner of Nelson Place and Ann Street” and “A building that incorporates innovative façade articulation and limited sheer walls.” Vertical louvres look to be design response.

Subsequent stages are expected to see building heights rise to 9 levels, with the potential for multiple 20 level apartment towers considered likely for latter stages of the project. Expected to stretch toward 2020, the overall program is envisaged to deliver 700 apartments and 100 townhouses, although given the size and elongated delivery period for Waterline Place final numbers are unknown.
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Williamstown's contentious Nelson Place sails toward construction

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Media circles last week reported that Melbourne CBD's tallest tower (to date) had received planning approval. With news of the revised planning application <a href="/news/the-dawn-of-a-new-age-and-melbournes-new-tallest-building" target="_blank">first broken by Urban.com.au</a> during November last year, recent reporting of approval for 250 Spencer Street relates to the site masterplan. In effect, approval for an overarching development envelope rather than the final design.

Indeed approval has been given for four towers of between 205 and 300 metres in height, although the ultimate design for each has yet to be submitted. What is known is architecture firm Cottee Parker will deliver near on 3,000 apartments and two hotels of some 488 rooms over the four towers.

<a href="http://www.afr.com/p/business/property/new_melbourne_skyscrapers_approved_2FE9rMf2vSkp83L8dLVOYI" target="_blank">As reported</a> in the Australian Financial Review last week, Far East consortium have secured Ritz-Carlton to anchor the premium hotel space, located within the top 15 levels of the tallest, 300 metre tower.

With the final design not yet submitted for approval, a grainy yet excellent indicator was included in developer Far East Consortium's newly published 2014 Annual Report. The hulking towers seen below dwarf neighbouring northern residential developments, and bare a strong resemblance to the <a href="/news">endorsed masterplan concept</a>.

<figure><img alt="" height="572" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/pictures/article-images/image2250s.jpg" title="The expected development? Image sourced via the FEC Annual Report" width="454"><figcaption>The expected development? Image sourced via the FEC Annual Report</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
In June 2013, the Group acquired another piece of land (known as 250 Spencer Street Site), located next to the Upper West Side development with site area of approximately 1.176 hectares. 250 Spencer Street Site is currently with a planning permit for residential development with a total sellable area of approximately 2.2 million sq. ft.

The project is expected to consist of approximately 3,000 residential apartments and will be developed in phases.
<cite>Far East Consortium 2014 Annual Report</cite>
</blockquote>

As outlined within the statement above, Far East Consortium aren't strangers to delivering large-scale projects as directly opposite the company has recently released for sale <a href="/news/the-fifth-605-613-lonsdale-street-melbourne" target="_blank">The Fifth</a>. Its 399 apartments join the 2,207 existing/under construction apartments of Upper West Side for a staggering total of 2,606 dwellings over five towers. All five residential buildings were also conceived by Cottee Parker.

<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_6987.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Piling work along the southern boundary"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_6987.jpg?itok=wUdnC0ev" title="Piling work along the southern boundary" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Piling work along the southern boundary</figcaption></figure>Currently 250 Spencer Street resembles a bomb site of sorts as Guilfoyle Demolition reduce The Age's former citadel to little more than dust. While demolition continues, a piling rig has also been plying its trade onsite implying that at the very least Far East Consortium intend to waste no time emulating the success of Upper West Side.
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Far East Consortium's massive 250 Spencer Street design unveiled?

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Pace Development Group currently have a planning application before City of Port Phillip for a prized Fitzroy Street, St Kilda site which the prolific developer reportedly paid in excess of $17 million for during the course of 2013. Previously home to the Australian Institute of Management, the existing office block at 181 Fitzroy Street is set to make way for a sizeable building of 177 apartments.

Incidentally 181 Fitzroy Street joints four other Pace Development Group projects within a short distance of St Kilda Junction, enforcing perceptions that the precinct is currently in the midst of an apartment surge.

<h2>Project summary</h2>

<ul>
<li>181 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda, currently a six level office building</li>
	<li>Proposed 12 level apartment building at 38.7 metres</li>
	<li>2,146sqm site with expected GFA of 22,010sqm</li>
	<li>60 metre frontage to Fitzroy Street</li>
	<li>177 apartments: 70 * 1BR/1+study, 100 * 2BR/2+study, 7 * 3BR</li>
	<li>5 level basement car park for 177 vehicles and 55 bicycles</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_7662.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="181 Fitzroy Street's southern facade. Image courtesy SJB"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="389" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_7662.jpg?itok=CA9CdoV_" title="181 Fitzroy Street's southern facade. Image courtesy SJB" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>181 Fitzroy Street's southern facade. Image courtesy SJB</figcaption></figure>Likely to target owner-occupiers, the SJB-designed building will carry amenities over level 8 including a gym, lounge and terrace area. The Fitzroy Street frontage will hold three retail tenancies and residential lobby while the site's rear to Pattison Street will also maintain three pedestrian entrances and vehicle access.

Each apartment has either a balcony or terrace included while 28 single bedroom + study apartments have been designed to be converted into two bedroom dwellings if demand dictates.

<blockquote>
The building consists of separate built forms including the main built form and its recessed light weight upper level. The building is well articulated and incorporates a range of quality materials and finishes including precast concrete, masonry cladding, glazing, dark metal cladding, galvanised metal mesh and timber batten screens.
<cite>Urbis Planning Report</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Five on St Kilda Junction</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/image19pdg.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Pace Development Group's contribution to the Junction precinct"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="425" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image19pdg.jpg?itok=dYrsWX89" title="Pace Development Group's contribution to the Junction precinct" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Pace Development Group's contribution to the Junction precinct</figcaption></figure>181 Fitzroy Street joins another Pace Development Group project currently at planning, albeit with City of Stonnington. According to the Stonnington Planning Register, <a href="/buildings/george-windsor-1-peel-street-windsor">46-48 Punt Road</a> has gone to appeal due to Stonnington's failure to determine within the prescribed time limit; an appeal hearing date is listed for Monday 29th September.

Directly opposite 46-48 Punt Road, construction has begun on another Pace Development Group project, <a href="/buildings/henry-windsor-2-henry-street-windsor">Henry Windsor</a> while <a href="/buildings/the-icon-6-st-kilda-road-st-kilda">The Icon</a> at 18 levels is in many ways the development firm's flagship project and well into construction. Rounding out the group is <a href="http://www.allureapartments.com.au/">Allure</a> which was completed the best part of a year ago.

<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_0357.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Henry Windsor to the fore with Icon beyond"><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_0357.jpg?itok=IuBUHI6e" title="Henry Windsor to the fore with Icon beyond" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Henry Windsor to the fore with Icon beyond</figcaption></figure>Should the two projects at planning reach reality, Pace Development Group would have contributed near on 500 new dwellings to the St Klida Junction precinct, making it a honey pot for the bayside-based developer.

<h2>181 Fitzroy Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Pace Development group</li>
	<li>Architect: SJB</li>
	<li>Planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>Heritage: Bryce Raworth</li>
	<li>Sustainability: SDC</li>
	<li>Services: MacCormack</li>
	<li>Traffic: Ratio</li>
	<li>Consulting engineer: Brogue</li>
</ul>
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Setting the Pace at St Kilda Junction

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City of Port Phillip's planning department is currently juggling a healthy number of high-density planning applications as land owners and developers seek to push through the next wave of apartment development. At varying stages of the planning process, the projects listed below would add 405 new dwellings to the municipality with South Melbourne and St Kilda the suburbs of choice.

With six of the smaller current planning applications highlighted, a handful of larger planning applications before City of Port Phillip will feature on Apartments.com.au in coming weeks.

<h2>240-242 Dorcas Street, South 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/image11dorcas.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Rothe Lowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="312" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image11dorcas.jpg?itok=yUo1jqYg" title="Image © Rothe Lowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy Rothe Lowman</figcaption></figure>Online documents have indicated a Notice of Decision to Grant a Permit be issued for 240-242 Dorcas Street, pending the implementation of a number of amendments. One such amendment requires the deletion of one level and addition of an upper level setback, as the proposal contravenes a discretionary height limit of 23.5 metres.

<ul>
<li>Proponent: unknown</li>
	<li>Design: Rothe Lowman</li>
	<li>Eight levels at 23.95m</li>
	<li>48 apartments</li>
</ul>
<h2>274-278 Coventry Street, South 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/image15copp.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Interlandi Mantesso"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="252" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image15copp.jpg?itok=HWBpGzVr" title="Image © Interlandi Mantesso" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy Interlandi Mantesso</figcaption></figure>A revised planning application, Interlandi Mantesso have returned to City of Port Phillip after a VCAT appeal lodged by the development team found no favour. The current application decreases the buildings height from ten levels (30.8m) to seven (21.5m), while also increasing setbacks from the street. The two current buildings are deemed worthy of demolition, with Interlandi Mantesso also providing an enhanced street frontage.

A Notice of Decision to Grant a Permit has also been put forward by the City of Port Phillip Statutory Planning Committee.

<ul>
<li>Proponent: Twenty Ninth Macorp Nominees Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Design: Interlandi Mantesso</li>
	<li>Seven levels at 21.5m</li>
	<li>43 apartments</li>
</ul>
<h2>244-246 Dorcas Street, South 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/image16copp.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy Hassell Studio"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="325" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image16copp.jpg?itok=1R_eO2g8" title="Image courtesy Hassell Studio" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy Hassell Studio</figcaption></figure>Jewel as Evolve Development have christened it, is open to registrations of interest via the project's website. Valued at $45 million, the seven level block which is slated for completion during 2016 replaces an earlier 10 level scheme.

Holding a mixture of one and two bedroom luxury apartments, Evolve have positioned the development at the luxury end of the market as evidenced by utilising Hassell Studio for the design.

<ul>
<li>Developer: Evolve Development</li>
	<li>Design: Hassell Studio</li>
	<li>Seven levels at 20.7m</li>
	<li>61 apartments</li>
</ul>
<h2>245-249 St Kilda Road, St Kilda</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/img_7646copp.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy Plus Architecture"><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_7646copp.jpg?itok=JuHbe0ID" title="Image courtesy Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure>This mixed-use proposal seeks to replace a low-rise commercial complex currently onsite. With a GFA of 17,842 the Plus Architects-designed project would feature 87 single bedroom and 53 dual bedroom apartments in addition to a separate three level commercial building. Holding 92 metres of street frontage the project also includes a sizeable central courtyard.

More images of this proposal can be seen in the dedicated <a href="/news">St Kilda forum thread</a>.

<ul>
<li>Proponent: Tony Train &amp; Aroona Property Trust</li>
	<li>Design: Plus Architecture</li>
	<li>Eight levels at 29.1m</li>
	<li>140 apartments &amp; 3,495sqm commercial space</li>
</ul>
<h2>63-73 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda</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/view-2-e1387337959876_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title=" Image courtesy Cactus Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="314" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/view-2-e1387337959876_1.jpg?itok=ds5pSZo6" title=" Image courtesy Cactus Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy Cactus Architects</figcaption></figure>Cactus Architects have conceived this project as a replacement for the current 1957-dated Easystay motel onsite. Containing 21 single bedroom and 42 dual bedroom apartments, the development includes basement car parking and provision for 40 bicycles.

Interestingly enough an open air car park will be maintained (albeit smaller) at the rear of the site, should it gain approval.

<ul>
<li>Proponent: Renzella Group Property</li>
	<li>Design: Cactus Architects</li>
	<li>Six levels at 18.7m</li>
	<li>63 apartments</li>
</ul>
<h2>31-33 Park Street, South 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/image17copp.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy Fender Katsalidis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="427" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image17copp.jpg?itok=LwqOOQIW" title="Image courtesy Fender Katsalidis" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy Fender Katsalidis</figcaption></figure>Fender Katsalidis have created an 11 level development on behalf of their client, covering a site area of 405sqm. 50 one and two bedroom apartments constitute the living spaces with seven basement levels accessed via car stacker forming part of the capacity for 30 vehicle and 58 bicycle spaces.

A setback of 2.5 metres is implemented over levels 3-10, while a 106sqm retail space is available at ground level.

<ul>
<li>Proponent: Greg Hocking Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Design: Fender Katsalidis</li>
	<li>Eleven levels at 34.8m</li>
	<li>50 apartments</li>
</ul>
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City of Port Phillip fielding planning applications from all directions

<html><body>
Keen observers would have noted the increased media attention surrounding Melbourne-based property developer Golden Age in the lead up to the official launch of their most notable project, the gleaming Victoria One on Elizabeth Street. An informative piece on company head Jeff Xu was published last week in the <a href="http://www.afr.com/p/business/property/melbourne_property_king_jeff_xu_6ZcdmWQNMcJVSstdILZqPI" target="_blank">Financial Review</a>, outlining the rise and rise of both man and company as Golden Age continues to assert itself upon the Melbourne property scene.

From their first modest development of some three levels in Box Hill completed three short years ago, Golden Age have since delivered the 32 level mixed-use 27 Little Collins Street and have witnessed their most recent project, the 20 level <a href="/buildings/emerald-35-albert-road-south-melbourne" target="_blank">Emerald</a> apartment development, reach structural completion in recent weeks.

At the Victoria One launch evening last week, the affable Jeff Xu announced that the soaring tower had financing in place after reaching 60% sales and that a preferred builder had been chosen. Probuild has the task of delivering the 75 level, 241 metre tower from late 2014 , marking the firm's tallest build to date.

<h2>Victoria One at a glance</h2>

<ul>
<li>$350 million dollar project</li>
	<li>115 one bedroom apartments, 482 two bedroom and 32 three bedroom apartments split across a 75 level tower</li>
	<li>Podium apartments feature featuring in-built planting boxes overflowing with greenery</li>
	<li>Apartment sizes range from 41sqm to 91sqm</li>
	<li>One bedroom apartments from $370,000 up to minimum 890,000 fro a three bedroom apartment</li>
	<li>Completion due 2017</li>
</ul>
A technical overview of the project can be seen in an associated <a href="/news/victoria-one-452-elizabeth-street" target="_blank">planning assessment article</a>.

<h2>Ins and Outs</h2>

Leading global colour systems firm Pantone in choosing emerald green as their <a href="http://au.pantone.com/pages/index.aspx?pg=21055" target="_blank">colour of the year</a> provided the following description: "Lively. Radiant. Lush… A color of elegance and beauty that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony." The same could be said for Victoria One's facade as project architect Elenberg Fraser have designed a unique tower which will change consistently as light and shade and traverse the facade.

This is of course due to the prominent silver-white metallic fins cascading down this façade, thus "Creating curves and peeling away at the corner of Elizabeth and Franklin Streets."

A benefit of the curtain facade sees all apartments feature floor to ceiling windows, allowing for excellent natural light penetration. Wintergardens are included, featuring operable windows and built-in breakfast bars which is a bonus not generally included within contemporary designs. Customised lighting, wallpaper, hardware and bathroom accessories are available, while the dual available colour schemes coupled with timber flooring throughout add an earthy feel to internals. This earthy feel in turn flows into the communal areas.

<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/victoria_one_hero_external_render.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Victoria One Melbourne. Image © Golden Age"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="1134" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/victoria_one_hero_external_render.jpg?itok=ZVnMcSvd" title="Victoria One Melbourne. Image © Golden Age" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Victoria One Melbourne. Image © Golden Age</figcaption></figure>Victoria One will include a pool, spa, gym and indoor/outdoor entertaining area over level nine. Featuring landscaping and barbecue areas, the podium-top facility is designed to reflect the beaches and rockpools of the coast. Elsewhere the residents facility on level 40 provides two resident lounges, double dining rooms and poker play facilities for private events.

As has become common over Melbourne's taller residential towers of late, an entire floor at a lofty height has been seeded to a communal residents-only retreat. Level 66 is home to the exclusive One Club, a lounge area consuming the entire floor and inspired by the beauty of the Yarra Valley according to Golden Age.

<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/vic5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Victoria One's austere yet sophisticated swimming pool"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="593" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/vic5.jpg?itok=LSCbAfhT" title="Victoria One's austere yet sophisticated swimming pool" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Victoria One's austere yet sophisticated swimming pool</figcaption></figure><h2>A golden year indeed</h2>

The new year will herald the arrival of Golden Age's latest development, a preliminary render of which is seen below. According to <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/business/property/st-kilda-road-office-space-is-being-turned-into-homes-by-developers-20140513-387rm" target="_blank">Business Day</a>, 450 St Kilda Road was purchased during April, and has since seen Golden Age act briskly to facilitate a Bates Smart-designed tower of 19 levels.

227 luxury apartments are slated for the project that will have an approximate market value of $180 million. The not yet submitted for planning approval scheme sees a streamlined residential building curving mildly away fom the abutting historic Airlie Mansion.

The location and ever increasing prowess of Golden Age should ensure the immediate success of 450 St Kilda Road upon release.

<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/photo111.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A pre-planning render for 450 St Kilda Road"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="790" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/photo111.jpg?itok=YNTp_uap" title="A pre-planning render for 450 St Kilda Road" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A pre-planning render for 450 St Kilda Road</figcaption></figure>
</body></html>

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