<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/aura-by-aqualand-north-sydney-168-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">AURA</a>&nbsp;doesn’t just rise over North Sydney, it redefines it. Now in its final release, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aqualand-australia">Aqualand</a>’s $1 billion architectural statement is not just complete, but already reshaping the way people live, connect and dine in this rapidly evolving harbourside CBD.

Positioned beside the new Victoria Cross Metro Station and boasting panoramic views across Sydney Harbour, Aura’s 386 residences crown a mixed-use precinct designed with unapologetic ambition. The curvaceous sandstone-inspired form by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a>, paired with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/richards-stanisich">Richard Stanisich</a>’s understated interiors, sets a design tone that’s both monumental and intimate.

At its peak, literally, the two penthouses so spectacular they command their own names; La Davina and Il Magnate. The residents are spread across the&nbsp;entire top floor, offering what many consider the most refined residences ever built in North Sydney. Designed by Richard and Kirsten Stanisich, each four-bedroom home is meticulously crafted to evoke calm, space, and permanence.&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VB70993aG-I?si=adRBlXQliYmYvaSz" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

The kitchens are fully wrapped in natural stone, with integrated Gaggenau appliances, Sub-Zero fridges, concealed sculleries, and even a zip hydro tap delivering boiling, chilled and sparkling water on demand. A linear stone fireplace anchors the open-plan living space, dividing lounge and dining zones with quiet sophistication.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=292861]

The master suite, meanwhile, feels more like a private retreat, complete with a custom stone makeup vanity, walk-through dressing area, and spa-inspired ensuite with heated stone floors, a freestanding Villeroy &amp; Boch tub, and timber veneer joinery throughout.

Kirsten Stanisich, Director of Richards Stanisich, said the penthouses offer incredible scale reflective of a single residence.&nbsp;

“We sought inspiration for these remarkable residences from the classic top-floor Parisian apartment," Stanisich said.

"We looked at what made these French apartments so elegant and found it really came down to their scale. It was ultimately this generosity of space that we used for the AURA penthouses, where we’ve designed considered rooms with deep large-scale proportions."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=310337]

Everyday living at Aura feels no less elevated. A dedicated 24-hour concierge, Technogym fitness centre, sky dining terraces, and a resort-style pool serve a lifestyle designed to rival luxury hotels.

At street level, Aqualand’s own hospitality arm, Etymon Projects, curates a precinct of LA-style bistros, Japanese fine dining, and local wine bars, all seamlessly integrated into the building’s sculptural podium.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=310337]

This final chapter, aptly dubbed The Finale, is more than a sales phase, it’s an invitation to two of the most exclusive apartments ever to be built in North Sydney.

With limited residences remaining, buyers can access curated incentives including stamp duty rebates, rental guarantees, legal fee coverage, and even $20,000 towards dining within the precinct.

From generous one-bedders to The Icons, two singular penthouses priced well into prestige territory, Aura’s offerings reflect a scale and calibre rarely seen in urban Sydney. And with move-in now immediate, this is no longer a promise of future luxury. It’s happening.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=30959]

Staff Writer

Aqualand unveils penthouse collection at AURA By Aqualand in North Sydney

There’s no sign of the development wave that began several years ago slowing along Old Burleigh Road.

Around 10 new apartment developments are either underway or preparing to launch along the 800-metre strip stretching from the southern edge of Surfers Paradise towards the heart of Broadbeach, collectively adding just shy of 1,000 new apartments to the beachfront corridor.

The latest plans propose a further 30 apartments to replace an original six-unit walk-up on a 658 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/20a-old-burleigh-road-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">20A Old Burleigh Road</a>. The 14-storey building has been designed by Ferro Chow Architecture, which recently joined the Elevation Architecture Group.

The developer behind the project is Geoffrey Booth, whose Future Liv In has focused on delivering rental accommodation across regional Australia.

<img alt="Old Burleigh Road" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="99d393e7-d404-43bc-80cb-6255c39b83d6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-01-05%20at%2012.28.44%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ZFT8F3mOny4M4ut.kFF3woC9WH9oR5gT" />

The Old Burleigh Road development will comprise 18 two-bedroom apartments, 10 three-bedroom apartments, and a single four-bedroom residence occupying the entirety of level 12. Above, the building will be crowned by a two-storey penthouse with its own private lift, several multi-purpose rooms, and two rooftop terraces — one featuring a puppy lawn and spa, the other offering a private swimming pool, sunset deck, and built-in barbecue.

Resident amenities will be located on the second level and include a pool with adjoining spa, cabana, and pool deck, along with an indoor residents’ lounge featuring a bar and an alfresco barbecue kitchen.

In the architectural statement submitted by Elevation Architecture, the project is referred to as “UMI”, which the firm says has been “inspired by the majestic hinterlands and shaped by the coastal climate”.

“It is an exemplar of how community living can still feel at one with nature, breathable, and deeply connected in place,” the architects noted.

They added that the site benefits from established building separation to adjoining towers, helping to maintain privacy, sunlight, and residential amenity, while still offering direct beach access within an urban setting.

“Drawing inspiration from the Gold Coast hinterlands and the region’s natural landscape, the podium and tower detail highlights the contrasting elements of treetop green and cliff-face peach. The vibrant texture and materiality shaped by time has a richness in depth and character.”

<img alt="Old Burleigh Road" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b3d6c923-a0ab-4d74-86da-177313447e8e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-01-05%20at%2012.28.38%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=i2fygmoVQM6hWpbATTAW_yTitoMTrnI1" />

Old Burleigh Road has become a hotspot for developers, with the three-tower Jewel development kickstarting a wave of projects up and down the strip when it was completed in 2020.

Currently under construction and approaching completion is <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/faro-broadbeach-123-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">FARO Broadbeach</a> by 5Point and Bottega, 21 large-scale half- and full-floor apartments. 5Point is also behind the recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/lumara-108-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">Lumara</a>, another 37 apartments to add to the pipeline.

Luxury builder GRAYA is progressing construction on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/enclave-by-graya-118-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">Enclave</a>, its first Gold Coast tower, while Polycell remains the most active developer on the street. They are preparing to launch <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/sandpiper-broadbeach-155-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">Sandpiper</a>, a 50-storey redevelopment of the former Sandpiper Holiday Resort that will deliver around 200 apartments alongside extensive resident amenity. The group also has another 130-apartment project approved nearby, as does <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/dvb-approved-for-second-broadbeach-apartment-development">Dean Gallagher’s DVB Projects</a>.

Joel Robinson

First look: Old Burleigh Road apartment development wave continues

Sunshine Coast developer Habitat Development Group continues to position itself as one of the region’s largest new apartment developers.

Its latest project is in Maroochydore, where it is currently delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-millwell-2-millwell-road-east-maroochydore-qld-4558">The Millwell</a>. Adjacent to the new 53-hectare Maroochydore City Centre project, Habitat is planning a further 180 apartments on a 3,468 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/132-136-aerodrome-road-maroochydore-qld-4558">132–136 Aerodrome Road</a>. The site was purchased with approval for a smaller 13-storey, 103-unit building.

Habitat will demolish the two existing retail centres, currently home to the Salvation Army Family Store and Neighbours Aid, and replace them with an 18-storey building featuring the significant rooftop amenities that have become a hallmark of Habitat developments in recent years. The rooftop will include both indoor and outdoor spaces, anchored by an infinity swimming pool.

<img alt="Maroochydore" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ad434d07-666b-4614-b33e-530ad6a2d261" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-01-05%20at%2010.12.33%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=7pyLsPWKQuwv0us3_v.9DmbzEc2VZe9Z" />

There will be a mix of one- to four-bedroom apartments.

The Development Assessment Report, submitted to the Sunshine Coast Council, says the proposal&nbsp;is not speculative, but a response to both zoning intent and demonstrated housing need.

“The proposed development represents an appropriate and logical intensification of the site, consistent with the planning framework and the intended urban outcomes for the locality.”

Across the Sunshine Coast, councils are increasingly scrutinising not just height or yield, but whether new projects genuinely align with the long-term structure plans underpinning growth corridors. The&nbsp;ASTP Planning Report&nbsp;reinforces the approach, noting that the project has been shaped around site responsiveness rather than generic typology.

“The development has been designed to respond to the physical constraints and opportunities of the site, while delivering a high-quality residential outcome that integrates with the existing and emerging urban context.”

<img alt="Habitat" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3a03fc54-4ca5-4868-88d0-eeced70604e2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-01-05%20at%2010.12.28%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=1pkK3lJrrZjkghTLBReM2zatcas4Nc4B" />

In mid-2025, Habitat, a developer that also builds its own projects, commenced construction on The Millwell, located just over one kilometre from the new proposal. The Millwell will comprise more than 200 apartments across two eight-storey buildings.

Habitat also has two projects on Lake Kawana in Birtinya: <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/st-clair-birtinya-930-931-waterside-retreat-birtinya-qld-4575">St Clair</a>, a 200-unit, two-building development launched last year and set to welcome buyers this year; and Esperance, a 175-apartment project currently progressing through the development approval process.

First look: Habitat continues to bolster Sunshine Coast apartment pipeline with Maroochydore development plans

John Camilleri, the breeder of legendary racehorse Winx, is set to deliver a landmark two-tower beachfront development that would redefine the Surfers Paradise skyline.

Camilleri, who spent around $100 million acquiring development sites across the Gold Coast in 2025, has lodged plans for two new towers on the dress-circle stretch of Garfield Terrace, just two days before Christmas.

In assembling the site, Camilleri's Celestino Developments has effectively acquired the 71 Garfield project by Iris Capital and AALTO by Weiya Holdings, creating an unrivalled <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/63-79-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">4,000 sqm beachfront holding along Garfield Terrace</a>.

The proposal comprises two residential towers of 55 and 48 storeys, linked by a dramatic skybridge which will home “exclusive VIP and wellness amenities.”

In total, the development would deliver 275 two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments across the two towers, rising above a shared landscaped podium that incorporates a central green space and a beachfront swimming pool stretching more than 90 metres.

<img alt="DBI" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="097900f3-6bef-4919-b168-b08f2f762876" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-30%20at%209.37.58%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=et0SpmcvaPPVrexI_zWi46BVFtZBxAzx" />

Architecture firm DBI, in documents submitted to Gold Coast City Council, said the project at 63–79 Garfield Terrace would “establish a new benchmark for beachfront residential living on the Gold Coast.”

"The project occupies a rare, uninterrupted oceanfront site and has been shaped by a design philosophy that merges architectural elegance with environmental responsiveness and a carefully curated lifestyle experience. Together, the 48-storey North Tower and 55-storey South Tower form a distinctive twin-tower composition whose dynamic silhouette will make a significant contribution to the Surfers Paradise skyline."

DBI said the architectural language draws inspiration from the fluidity and movement of the coastal landscape.

"Each tower is defined by organic, curving forms and continuous balcony ribbons that wrap the buildings, providing deep shading, enhancing environmental performance, and reinforcing the rhythmic, sculptural expression of the façade. These balcony forms also reduce the apparent mass of the towers while maintaining strong visual continuity from podium to summit. Sculpted reflective downturns run along the western spine of both towers, shifting and lifting as they extend upwards to frame service zones and open eastward to maximise ocean views."

<img alt="Garfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a2a00ce3-a0e9-45d6-b4b5-b7baed592ac5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-30%20at%209.53.40%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=DnruWV1dhLrtXOeElwekyd7vPq2gw55t" />

The project’s most striking feature is the skybridge at level 45, which will house executive lounges, formal dining spaces, wellness facilities and panoramic ocean-facing views.

“The skybridge enhances the identity of the development, promotes social interaction, and delivers a lifestyle experience not found elsewhere on the Gold Coast,” DBI added.

The podium will host an extensive suite of recreational amenities, including resident lounges, private dining rooms, a large open green lawn, and the signature 90-metre pool stretching along the beachfront. The pool is divided into lap, lounge and children’s zones.

The southern end of the podium will accommodate additional wellness facilities, including a gymnasium, plunge pools, treatment rooms and a dedicated yoga lawn.

<img alt="Garfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ee1b4f25-231f-4804-83b1-a573a1481962" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-30%20at%209.55.47%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=zObzIA3D5w7EwqPsHjr2pKrA4vbB28zL" />

There will be 127 apartments in the North Tower and 148 in the South Tower, including multiple penthouses, while the Enderley Avenue and Oceanway frontages will be activated by a series of food and beverage tenancies.

Camilleri emerged as the most active site acquirer on the Gold Coast in 2025. He spent just over $30 million acquiring Pacific Point, a 10-level Surfers Paradise apartment block and an adjoining three-level duplex, from fellow racing identity and Aquis billionaire Tony Fung. Plans are now underway for a 93-apartment, 40-storey tower on the 1,682 sqm site.

He also paid $53.65 million for the 1,500 sqm Garfield Terrace site previously marketed as AALTO by Weiya Holdings, before acquiring the adjoining parcel from hotel billionaire Sam Arnaout’s Iris Capital, the developer behind V&amp;A Broadbeach.

First look exclusive: Billionaire Winx breeder’s bold two-tower Surfers Paradise play with 45th-storey skybridge

The Melbourne-based HLA Group is the latest developer to expand into South East Queensland, lodging plans for a unique mixed-use short-term accomodation and apartment building in Taringa, with the building design inspired by the Glasswing Butterfly.

The development application for 10 Morrow Street seeks approval for a total of 232 dwellings, comprising 116 residential apartments and 116 short-stay accommodation units. The build-to-sell residential component is made up of 31 one-bedroom apartments, 67 two-bedroom apartments, 17 three-bedroom apartments, and a single four-bedroom apartment, offering a diverse mix aimed at singles, couples, families, and downsizers.

<img alt="Taringa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="33913cd4-9839-4456-b325-d35b3f8b4694" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.40.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=sLvc7jUrYzDwqPDZBPrXTosKHDSp.qrt" />

Designed by Ellivo Architects, the tower takes strong inspiration from nature, with the architectural language driven by one of Queensland’s most delicate species. As described in the planning documents submitted to Brisbane City Council, Ellivo Architects state the design is “inspired by the elegance of the Glasswing butterfly," and mirrors the graceful sweep of its wings, a form that feels light, fluid, and alive.

“Lush subtropical greenery is throughtfull woven throughout, transforming the building into a sanctuary in the heart of the city.”

The proposal positions the building as more than a conventional residential tower, with Ellivo Architects describing 10 Morrow Street as “an urban oasis that blends short term accomodation with residential living. A destination for rest, relaxation, and renewal.”

<img alt="Taringa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="84e9a0ff-464e-4973-bffe-5d5a8fe9f087" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.40.32%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=dhX9eVgUaQE2TvCzJPhF8N8_hzYSKpyK" />

Formally, the building’s massing and floorplate are directly shaped by its butterfly inspiration. Ellivo explain that, “adopting the wings of the Glasswing Butterfly, the tower's plan is divided into four distinct quadrants, each shaped to mirror the wing's segmented geometry and taking the slender ‘veins’ up the facade of the tower.”

"This approach results in a sculpted tower form with articulated façades and a strong vertical expression."

<img alt="Taringa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5947011d-ff6c-4a57-bdc1-9072a472a79c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.40.29%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=nnGqd4WCZM8AOJZY.c3u49BO4LurKRhb" />

The Assessment Report by Human Habitats said the 19-storey tower capitalises on its strategic connectivity and prominence at the entrance of Taringa Village and adjoining the Taringa Station.

"The proposal offers a significant revitalisation of the subject site that integrates architectural excellence, innovation, and sustainable design to directly address long-standing connectivity and safety challenges, housing supply , and diversity together with enhanced streetscape activation and convenient access to major transport corridors."

HLA Group Australia is registered to South Yarra and is currently delivering Adamson No.5, just 15 luxury apartments that start from around $2 million.&nbsp;

The Butterfly Effect: Glasswing butterfly inspires Taringa apartment development

Asian Pacific Group

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Asian Pacific Group is preparing to move ahead with <a href="/new-apartments/west-melbourne-vic-3003">West Melbourne's</a> largest residential project.

Partnered by <a href="/developers/ironfish-developments">Ironfish Developments</a>, the duo are behind <a href="/buildings/melbourne-village-377-spencer-street-west-melbourne">Melbourne Village</a>, with signage for the project appearing onsite in recent days. At 83-113 Batman Street, Asian Pacific Group's purchase of the site a year ago came with planning approval for a <a href="/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>-designed 522-apartment scheme.

Covering 3,800-square metre plot and with a secondary frontage to Spencer Street, imagery for Melbourne Village shows a new exterior look which differs considerably to the Bruce Henderson Architects design.

<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/apg9305_melbourne-village_el01_elevated-towards-docklands_a1cmyk_skyextension-crop.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial view of the intended project. Image: melbournevillage.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="310" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/apg9305_melbourne-village_el01_elevated-towards-docklands_a1cmyk_skyextension-crop.jpg?itok=IHtYuIo2" title="Aerial view of the intended project. Image: melbournevillage.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial view of the intended project. Image: melbournevillage.com.au</figcaption></figure>83-113 Batman Street first appeared on the planning horizon during 2012 when West Melbourne was less of a high-rise magnet. Two residential buildings of 31 and 41 storeys were initially requested, although Asian Pacific Group snared the approved site with dual 27-level residential towers permitted.

The site went back to planning during September of this year, encompassing the revised design and was promptly approved during October.

Although shorter than <a href="/buildings/the-spencer-420-spencer-street-west-melbourne">The Spencer</a> which will stand at 131 metres upon completion, Melbourne Village can become the suburb's biggest development by apartment numbers. Should Asian Pacific Group and Ironfish Developments push through with anywhere near the approved 522 apartments, Melbourne Village will comfortably surpass The Spencer and <a href="/developers/trenerry-property">Trenerry Property's</a> <a href="/buildings/west-end-185-rosslyn-street-west-melbourne">Rosslyn Street</a>, both of which have total apartment numbers in the 400's.

Marketing material for the project suggests that both towers will be set above a village-like podium.

<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/image5_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="An early site design by Bruce Henderson Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="259" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image5_8.jpg?itok=476DYZvK" title="An early site design by Bruce Henderson Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>An early site design by Bruce Henderson Architects</figcaption></figure>With registrations of interest now open for Melbourne Village, it becomes Asian Pacific Group's fourth Melbourne project in play.

The developer along with Ironfish found rapid success with <a href="/buildings/whitehorse-towers-850-whitehorse-road-box-hill">Whitehorse Towers</a> atop <a href="/new-apartments/box-hill-vic-3128">Box Hill</a>, which sold out promptly. With that project well into construction, Asian Pacific Group also has a stake alongside <a href="/developers/golden-age-group">Golden Age Group</a> in <a href="/buildings/opera-450-st-kilda-road-melbourne">Opera St Kilda Road</a> and <a href="/buildings/collins-house-melbourne-460-466-collins-street-melbourne">Collins House</a>. Both are in their early construction phase.

Asian Pacific Group's increased push into residential apartments supplements their successful hotel drive over recent years by way of their Art Series Hotel Group.
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silvermb

Melbourne Village to become West Melbourne's next big apartment project

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Whitehorse Towers (850 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill) had its planning permit settled at VCAT mediation on Thursday, with the permit to be issued shortly.

The development, set to be the tallest outside the inner city - and most certainly middle-ring Melbourne's tallest building - comprises two towers of 36 and 26 levels respectively.

The 36 level tower has a height of 115 metres and the shorter 26 level tower will measure 84 metres. Whitehorse Towers is mixed-use with residential units, hotel rooms, retail and restaurant tenancies.

Within the podium will be 100 hotel suites, set to form Asian Pacific Group's next Art Series Hotel. Atop the podium will be a children's play area complete with equipment.

<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/v03_hero_tower_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Whitehorse Towers, image: supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="637" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/v03_hero_tower_2.jpg?itok=QbxHkoUb" title="Whitehorse Towers, image: supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Whitehorse Towers, image: supplied</figcaption></figure>The roof level of the shorter tower will include a pool and given the site is approximately 80 metres above sea level, the view are set to impress.

Tim Ryder, Director at pro-Urban Planning who acted on Asian Pacific Group's behalf said "The approval process with Whitehorse Council was a very positive one that involved extensive collaboration with Council’s planners and as a result of this process a fantastic development for Box Hill is going to be delivered".

Daniel Faigen, Development Manager at Asian Pacific Group, commented that "Whitehorse Towers will set the standard in mixed-use towers in Melbourne and in the way council is working with developers, Whitehorse Towers will mark the creation of Box Hill as a second city within Melbourne"

Asian Pacific Group has seen significant buyer interest in the apartments and have told Apartments.com.au they expect to have the project sold out within eight weeks.

<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/apg8362_white_horse_towers_v05_hero_detail.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Westerly view from Whitehorse Towers, image: supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="200" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/apg8362_white_horse_towers_v05_hero_detail.jpg?itok=IOmDmKO_" title="Westerly view from Whitehorse Towers, image: supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Westerly view from Whitehorse Towers, image: supplied</figcaption></figure>
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Alastair Taylor

Whitehorse Towers, Box Hill's largest development approved

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Late last week it was announced that two of Melbourne's more dynamic property developers have teamed in order to jointly deliver what will become one of Melbourne's premier addresses. South Melbourne-based Asian Pacific Group has taken a development shareholding in <a href="/buildings/collins-house-melbourne-460-466-collins-street-melbourne">Collins House</a>, a 57 level residential development, and in doing so has cemented what is expected to become a long-term relationship with fellow developer Golden Age Group.

In fitting with the ethos of both developers to deliver high-end residential and hotel offerings, the former Makers Mark building at 464-466 Collins Street will play entry to a new luxury skyscraper which will see its sales campaign launched during May.

<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/27cca5991d45e8a45aab799578d0c2ac.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of the communal area"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="344" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/27cca5991d45e8a45aab799578d0c2ac.jpg?itok=AUpmivjU" title="Artist's impression of the communal area" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of the communal area</figcaption></figure>Subject to refinement over the previous two years, the development team has now settled upon the final Collins House format which will see 263 luxury apartments within the tower. Bates smart have designed both the building itself and interiors which are modelled upon hotel style finishes.

As outlined in the <a href="/news/the-pencil-skyscraper-464-collins-street-in-depth">initial Urban.com.au piece</a> on the 2013 planning application, Collins House is expected to employ a unique structural engineering format which will provide the 195 metre tower with its strength, given it's a mere 11 metres wide. Initially used within <a href="http://www.spectator.co.uk/australia/australia-features/9153881/a-knife-blade-on-the-skyline/">Phoenix Apartments</a> on Flinders Street, the system will be supersized for Collins House which is due for completion during 2018.

<blockquote>
The narrow site has required the team to completely rethink construction systems for tall buildings which has resulted in its radically slender proportions to be built from state-of-the-art in situ cast concrete construction techniques.
<cite>Bates Smart</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/db9b16ba4847223fd897346f4c5ab110.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Collins House with Southbank beyond"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="200" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/db9b16ba4847223fd897346f4c5ab110.jpg?itok=swONHfyS" title="Collins House with Southbank beyond" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Collins House with Southbank beyond</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
This partnership with Asian Pacific Group adds immense value to the delivery of the luxury lifestyle we have envisaged for Collins House, further strengthening the unique offer in the market. It is the beginning of what we see as a long-term relationship creating luxury residential projects with a partner that understands quality and Melbourne.

We both have a passion for property in Melbourne and love to play golf, so we have wanted to work together for some time. We look forward to announcing further projects together in the future.
<cite>Golden Age Group founder Jeff Xu</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
Through the Art Series brand we have demonstrated a commitment to creating inspired and extraordinary spaces – Collins House is exactly this. Located on Melbourne’s version of Fifth Avenue, Collins Street, this architecturally-designed project will stand the test of the time and bring hotel living to a residential setting.

We are immensely excited about this foray into residential development and are pleased to partner with Golden Age Group, which shares the same commitment to quality as we do.
<cite>Asian Pacific Group CEO Will Deague</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Future intent</h2>

Both Golden Age Group and Asian Pacific Group have additional projects on the horizon. Only yesterday it <a href="http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/east/proposal-for-dual-tower-development-in-box-hill/story-fngnvlxu-1227264697791">was reported</a> that Asian Pacific Group have attained unanimous support form City of Whitehorse for their dual-tower scheme fronting Maroondah Highway.

Subject to a VCAT hearing, <a href="/buildings/whitehorse-towers-850-whitehorse-road-box-hill">850 Whitehorse Road</a> would see towers of 36 and 26 levels; the former weighing in as the tallest in Box Hill at 115 metres. In addition to 500 plus apartments, the development will see the Art Series Hotel component named after artist Zhong Chen.

It's been reported the VCAT hearing is a preemptive move on the developers part to quell the intentions of an objector to the project.

<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/image56_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impressions of both Whitehorse Towers and Opera"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="230" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image56_0.jpg?itok=NLqWhfDk" title="Artist's impressions of both Whitehorse Towers and Opera" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impressions of both Whitehorse Towers and Opera</figcaption></figure>Conversely Golden Age Group have their flagship project, <a href="/buildings/victoria-one-452-472-elizabeth-street-melbourne">Victoria One</a>, in its construction infancy as piling rigs begin to lay foundations for the 241 metre, Elenberg Fraser-designed tower. With the vast majority of its 600 plus apartments accounted for, Golden Age Group will soon turn its attention to a prized site at 450 St Kilda Road.

Dubbed Opera, the Bates Smart design is expected to contain roughly 220 dwellings, and is described as follows:

<blockquote>
Our design vision for 450 St.Kilda Road aims to draw on the nostalgic glamour of Airlie Mansion and leverage off its significance and value to our development site. To express this relationship and rapport, our design has taken a more sculptural and contemporary shape to create a landmark which exudes a distinctive, elegant and alluring flavour.

We aim to create a building that not only captures the movement and vitality of St Kilda Road’s glamorous past but also allows the key views across the site to be maximised. The facade is stretched like fabric over this contemporary form. Openings are expressed as cuts which accentuate the sense of movement.

The ground plane draws on the idea of pattern making of traditional paving evident in the grand mansions along St Kilda Road but provides a contemporary twist.
<cite>Golden Age Group</cite>
</blockquote>

With the intent to further collaboration in the future outlined by both parties, could one or both of the above projects be next in line?
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