<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/consolidated-properties">Consolidated Properties Group</a> (CPG) is approaching the launch of its latest Brisbane riverfront development, Castile, on the dress circle Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

VIP buyers are now being engaged, with a full public sales launch coming later this year.

Positioned as the final opportunity to secure a new absolute riverfront residence on the East bank of Newstead, Teneriffe or New Farm, Castile at 47 Skyring Terrace has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> as a timeless addition to the Brisbane skyline.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=371113]

The name Castile draws on themes of permanence, sophistication and legacy, reflecting a broader vision centred on enduring architecture and timelessness in the rarest of riverfront positions.&nbsp;

CPG Chairman and CEO Don O’Rorke said the project had been envisioned as a future Brisbane icon.&nbsp;

“With 47 metres of direct river frontage and never to be built out views, 47 Skyring Terrace is the definitive address on the Brisbane River,” O’Rorke said.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=371114]

“Rather than following trend-based apartment design, Castile draws inspiration from Brisbane’s great heritage buildings, reinterpreting classical architecture into a contemporary riverfront landmark designed to stand proudly for the next 100 years,” he said.&nbsp;

The approved development will comprise 227 apartments across a 25-storey tower alongside a boutique six-storey riverfront building of just 12 residences.&nbsp;

Construction is scheduled to commence in September 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150489]

Joel Robinson

CPG unveils Castile Newstead ahead of upcoming sales launch

Australia’s online shopping habits have shifted dramatically over the last decade. As eCommerce volumes surged, so too did the frustrations that came with traditional parcel delivery: missed deliveries, long Post Office queues, parcel theft and the challenge of being home during business hours.

Australia Post’s Parcel Lockers emerged as one of the more practical responses to that changing consumer behaviour.

What started as a relatively niche delivery option has evolved into a nationwide network of more than 1,400 self-service Parcel Lockers positioned at train stations, shopping centres, supermarkets and Post Offices across the country. The system allows Australians to send, collect and return parcels 24 hours a day, fundamentally changing how many people interact with deliveries.

The appeal is relatively straightforward: flexibility.

Instead of waiting at home for a delivery driver or rushing to a Post Office before closing time, users can direct eligible parcels to a Parcel Locker location of their choice. Once the parcel arrives, Australia Post sends a notification with a collection code or QR access through the AusPost app, allowing customers to retrieve their package at any time within the collection window.

For apartment residents in particular, the system has become increasingly valuable.

Higher-density living has created logistical challenges around deliveries, especially in buildings without concierge services or secure parcel rooms. Missed deliveries are common, while parcel theft has become an increasing concern as online shopping volumes continue to rise.

Australia Post itself has repeatedly highlighted the growing issue of “porch pirates” during peak shopping periods, encouraging customers to use Parcel Lockers as a safer alternative to unattended home deliveries.

That security aspect is one of the key reasons the Australia Post Parcel Locker network has grown so rapidly.

Parcel Lockers are positioned as secure, monitored collection points that reduce the risk of theft while also improving delivery efficiency for Australia Post. Instead of multiple redelivery attempts, parcels can be consolidated into a single secure destination.

The Parcel Lockers themselves are free to use through a MyPost account and support a range of parcel sizes up to 16 kilograms and dimensions of approximately 35 x 44 x 61 centimetres.

Beyond receiving parcels, the system has increasingly become integrated into the broader eCommerce ecosystem.

Customers can now use Parcel Lockers to return online purchases, while retailers have embraced the model as a way to improve delivery success rates and reduce friction in the shopping process. Australia Post has actively expanded partnerships with major retailers and promoted Parcel Lockers as part of a broader out-of-home strategy.

The timing of that expansion aligns with broader changes in Australian shopping behaviour.

The acceleration of online retail during and after the pandemic placed enormous pressure on delivery infrastructure. Parcel volumes reached record highs, particularly during Black Friday and Christmas periods, with Australia Post delivering more than 100 million parcels during peak festive seasons.

That growth forced logistics providers to rethink the “last mile” of delivery, widely regarded as the most expensive and operationally difficult stage of the process.

Parcel Locker systems have increasingly been viewed as part of the long-term solution.

The concept itself is not unique to Australia. Parcel Locker networks have become common globally, particularly across Europe and Asia, where dense urban environments and apartment living create similar logistical challenges. But Australia’s geography and suburban sprawl made adoption slower initially.

Now, however, the convenience factor is driving mainstream usage.

For commuters, Parcel Lockers near train stations allow parcels to be collected on the way home from work. For apartment dwellers, they remove the uncertainty around access and missed deliveries.

The rise of the AusPost app has also streamlined the experience, centralising notifications, tracking and Parcel Locker access into a single platform. Australia Post has increasingly pushed customers toward app-based delivery management, partly as a way to combat phishing scams and fake delivery notifications, which have become more sophisticated in recent years.

The Parcel Locker model is also beginning to influence property development itself.

Parcel management has become a growing consideration in apartment building design, particularly as online shopping becomes embedded in everyday life. Many new residential developments are now incorporating dedicated parcel rooms or Parcel Locker systems into foyers and communal spaces.

For developers, parcel management is increasingly viewed as part of the broader resident amenity offering, alongside gyms, wellness spaces and communal work areas.

That reflects a wider evolution in how residential buildings are designed.

Apartment buyers are placing greater emphasis on convenience, security and operational functionality, particularly in higher-density urban environments. Parcel delivery, once considered a minor operational detail, has become an increasingly important part of that equation.

Australia Post’s Parcel Locker network sits at the centre of that behavioural shift.

What began as a simple alternative delivery option has evolved into a key piece of infrastructure supporting Australia’s growing eCommerce economy and changing urban lifestyles.

And as online shopping continues to expand, the role of Parcel Lockers is likely to become even more embedded in how Australians live, shop and receive goods.

How Australia Post Parcel Lockers changed parcel delivery convenience in Australia

Perth’s new apartment market recorded its strongest quarter of sales since Q4 2021, with 412 apartments sold in Q1 2026 and a record quarterly sold value of $537 million, according to Urbis’ latest Apartment Essentials results.

Urbis said the March quarter result reflects strong, highly product‑specific demand across both ends of the market, from more attainable projects delivering at scale, through to premium stock being absorbed by equity‑rich downsizers.&nbsp;

David Cresp, Partner at Urbis, said the key story in Perth is not demand, it is the market’s ability to convert demand into delivered housing.&nbsp;

“This is the strongest sales quarter since Q4 2021, and it reinforces that demand in Perth is real and it’s local,” David Cresp said. “But the task now is delivery, turning that demand into projects that can actually be built and completed.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110291 project_image_fid=302785]

<h2>Affordable product leads, premium demand remains resilient</h2>

Sales in Q1 were led by more affordable projects, with The Boulevard (SKS Group) recording 115 sales in the quarter, the presentation noting this is only the second time a single project has surpassed 100 quarterly sales. The project was able to offer more affordable housing product right next to a train station.&nbsp;

Palmyra West (Finbar) also delivered strong results with 28 sales in Q1, following 84 sales in Q4, with an average price of under $800,000, underscoring depth of demand for well‑located, attainable new stock.&nbsp;

At the premium end, Urbis said downsizer demand is continuing, with the results highlighting Romeo (Applecross, Finbar) recording 75 sales and reaching almost 50% sold in one quarter.

Jual (Shenton Park, Celsius Property) also posted a strong quarter with 28 sales, reaching 39% sold in one quarter.

Urbis noted that Perth apartment demand is not speculative, not investor‑led, and not uniform, describing it as localised, often equity‑driven and highly product‑specific, a pattern reflected in the polarisation between strong “attainable” performers and premium downsizer product.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148957 project_image_fid=364102]

<h2>Prices underpinned by costs, and the delivery risk is growing</h2>

Urbis said pricing pressure is cost not demand‑driven: construction costs and delivery risk are now a central constraint, with the results noting build costs remain elevated and volatile, and that energy, fuel and labour uncertainty weigh on feasibility.

David Cresp said a growing challenge for private Build‑to‑Sell developers is simply securing a builder in the current environment.

“Developers are really feeling the pressure from a building market that was operating at capacity and securing a builder is challenging,” David Cresp said, adding that even where a builder can be secured, “trying to get to the price that makes the development financially viable is incredibly challenging in the current market.”&nbsp;

Urbis’ broader WA commentary also notes that industry remains at or above capacity with lot and housing creation, and that many builders are limiting new sales to manage stretched workforces and fixed‑price contract pressures, conditions that flow directly into apartment feasibility and delivery timing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108869 project_image_fid=317905]

<h2>Supply: improving later, but still constrained, and Perth lags eastern benchmarks</h2>

While near‑term supply remains constrained, Urbis’ forecast shows completions lifting “Supply is forecast to be back above 1,500 apartments per annum for the first time since 2019”, with 1,775 completions forecast for 2026, and volumes remaining above that level over the following years.&nbsp;

Looking further ahead, completions are forecast to reach 2,500 in 2028, with the report noting 32% of that total is social/affordable, reflecting the role of government‑supported delivery in rebuilding the pipeline.&nbsp;

However, Urbis said Perth remains behind comparable markets on pipeline scale. In a national comparison of projects under construction, the report shows under construction Perth Build‑to‑Sell (BTS) at 3,446 apartments versus the Gold Coast at 7,922. Mr Cresp said “The challenge for Perth is how to we grow the delivery pipeline”.

Urbis’ conclusion is that Perth’s market is increasingly defined by product discipline and delivery certainty, with the research identifying “delivery certainty is key” and calling out builder risk and procurement models as core success factors, alongside “timing and staging”.&nbsp;

Perth apartment sales hit strongest pace since late 2021 as builder capacity tightens

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sammut-developments">Sammut Group</a> has secured development approval for its latest Brisbane apartment project, marking the Sydney developer’s next step in expanding its Queensland pipeline following the success of its debut Gold Coast development, Coast.

The approved project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/44-glen-road-toowong-qld-4066">44 Glen Road, </a><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a> will deliver a 15-storey riverfront apartment building with 42 residences, significantly increasing the scale of the site’s previous approval for a smaller luxury scheme. Designed by Bureau^proberts, the development will comprise a mix of predominantly four-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments positioned to maximise Brisbane River and city views.

Sammut Director Julian Sammut said the group had been actively searching Brisbane for several years before identifying Toowong as the right fit.

“Brisbane was the right step for Sammut,” Sammut said.

“With the success of Coast we thought we should definitely look to do more in Queensland alone. We then pushed up to look at Brisbane. We've been looking for I'd say two to three years actually and it was hard to find the right location.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.14%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=dYAVIL7qdcGA8ojvkslSrLjczXFejSSx" />

Sammut said suburbs including New Farm and Teneriffe were considered before the group ultimately focused on Toowong due to its strong downsizer demographic and limited supply of developable riverfront land.

The site was acquired off-market after what Sammut described as a lengthy negotiation and planning process, with the developer pursuing an uplift to the original approval.

“We are DA approved now which is very exciting,” Sammut said.

“We've had our change approval come through and we've obviously doubled the height, 15 storeys plus rooftop. We've got 42 amazing apartments that are going to be coming to market soon.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ohkRkY0dIZlqdfME2EZePsCQavRiBadE" />

Bureau^proberts said the design responds to Toowong’s evolving urban character, balancing contemporary apartment living with the area’s established residential identity.

“A place where traditional Queensland living has taken place for centuries; Toowong is seeing a shift of contemporary influence, commercial and retail hubs mixed with well-considered residential offerings – all the while maintaining its character and charm,” the architect noted in planning documents submitted to Brisbane City Council.

The architecture practice said the project’s form was shaped by its riverfront setting, flood considerations, neighbouring building scales, and view corridors.

“They said the mix of four and two-bedroom apartments capture the ‘fundamental qualities of Queenslander living,’ translated into the context of a contemporary subtropical building.”

The development sits just off Coronation Drive within walking distance of Toowong’s retail precinct and the upgraded Regatta ferry terminal, while also benefiting from proximity to the incoming green bridge connection to West End. Sammut said the accessibility and amenity offering were central to the site’s appeal.

The approval adds to growing residential activity along the Toowong riverfront, joining nearby projects including Consolidated Properties’ Monarch Residences and Spyre Group’s ARC Residences.

Sammut secures approval for debut Brisbane apartment development in Toowong

Developer Lanevick is heading back into Sydney’s apartment market after focusing more heavily on the luxury townhouse and terrace sector in recent years.

Lanevick, founded and directed by Steve Maroun, is expecting to receive approval in the coming months for a new apartment development in Gladesville, with the aim to launch it to the market later this year.

The 51-apartment project, designed by Studio Johnston, will comprise a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments positioned toward the Hunters Hill downsizer market.

“Traditionally it’s been difficult for people in that market to downsize because there just hasn’t been the right product available,” Maroun said.

“We’re targeting buyers who might have 30 to 40 per cent of their house value sitting in the bank after downsizing.

“They still want good spacious entertaining areas, they still want quality design, but they also want flexibility and the ability to enjoy life a bit more after working hard for a long time.”

The project sits near Boronia Park and within close proximity to the Parramatta River foreshore, an area Maroun says offers more of a Hunters Hill lifestyle than a traditional apartment precinct.

“From a lifestyle perspective, it’s really more Hunters Hill than Gladesville,” Maroun said. “You’re close to the foreshore, close to parklands, and still connected back into the village precinct.”

From level four and above, apartments will capture water views&nbsp;toward Sydney Harbour. Communal amenity will include rooftop entertaining areas, wellness spaces, and a gym tailored toward owner-occupier buyers.

“We’ve really designed these apartments around that buyer coming from the Hunters Hill LGA and what they’re actually looking for in their next chapter.”

The proposed development has also been designed to respond to the changing character of the broader Gladesville town centre, where a growing number of mixed-use and residential proposals are expected to emerge over the coming years.

“Gladesville presented a rare opportunity to deliver a genuinely design-led residential project within an evolving lifestyle precinct, just moments from the growing Gladesville town centre, and we’ve approached the project with a strong focus on architecture, liveability and long-term community value,” Maroun said.

Maroun said Lanevick saw a first-mover advantage within the precinct as planning controls continue to evolve to accommodate greater housing density.

“We think there’s a real opportunity there that hasn’t really been serviced properly yet,” he said.

“There’s going to be a broader evolution of the whole Gladesville village precinct over time, particularly with more activation and mixed-use outcomes.”

The Venus Street proposal will include a commercial and retail component at ground level designed to contribute to that evolving streetscape activation.

“A big part of the thinking was how do you activate that area properly and create more vibrancy and amenity, which is what Hunters Hill has been looking for,” Maroun said.

Lanevick’s focus since 2020 has largely been on smaller-scale luxury townhouse and terrace developments. The developer recently completed Royale Randwick, also designed by Studio Johnston, where prices reached $3.65 million. The project was featured in the UDIA NSW 2026 Professional Development Prospectus and was also named a finalist for Development of the Year.

&nbsp;

Lanevick to cater for Hunters Hill downsizers with new Gladesville apartment development

Bentleigh

Melbourne's dearest weekend result was when $1,629,500 was paid for a four bedroom, four bathroom townhouse at 21a Melva Street, Bentleigh East.

The Jellis Craig price guide had been $1.42 million to $1.52 million.

It was marketed as "effortless family excellence in the McKinnon Secondary College zone."

The contemporary 2020 built home has Oak floors, stone basins, black tapware, plush carpet, a water tank, and an auto garage.&nbsp;

The ANZ price predictor REALas forecast it would sell at $1,493,000.

Melbourne's auction clearance rate was hit by high withdrawals as prospective buyers are unable to physically inspect a property given pandemic lockdowns.

CoreLogic calculated a 40 percent Melbourne success rate after these high withdrawals.

Melbourne agents advised 188 results of the 267 offerings.

Sales included 25/94-96 Cavanagh St, Cheltenham for $650,000 to a local first home buyer through Angela Limanis of Ray White Cheltenham.

The vendor couple bought their first home together in 2011 for $336,500, and recently moved within Cheltenham have been renting their unit out at $420 a week.

The national apartment clearance rate was 56 percent while the house success rate sat at 65 percent.

Sydney agents advised 158 of 176 apartment results with a strong 82 percent selling.

Melbourne's auction clearance rate was hit by withdrawals as prospective buyers are unable to physically inspect a property.



jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Modern Bentleigh East townhouse tops Melbourne weekend results

In the enviable location of Bentleigh rises Onyx, a boutique development featuring a selection of 32 one, two and three bedroom apartments across five floors. &nbsp;

Developed by Vanguard Projects, Onyx delivers a strong design statement through its dramatic contemporary lines with expansive apartments that flow effortlessly to inviting outdoor areas.

However there are only a handful of&nbsp;two bedroom apartments remaining in Onyx, built by the Melbourne-based construction firm&nbsp;Drakk Pty Ltd.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3271 project_image_fid=20453]

Inside, kitchens are designed to connect with living spaces with large reconstituted stone island benches, perfect for preparing meals with ease and entertaining. There's plenty of storage with a mix of laminate and timber veneer cabinetry complimenting the Miele stainless steel built-in appliances. The splash back of bronzed glass adds a subtle layer of sophistication to the communal spaces.

Living spaces are awash with natural light from the full-height windows and flow effortlessly to your private balcony. Pair the free-flowing, timber floors with the perfect dining table and lounge room set to create a harmonious space for bringing people together.

<a href="/developments/melbourne-vic?source_news_article_id=101364&amp;ref=news_body_link"><img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="800" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/template_photoshop_melbournecbd_2.jpg" width="1200" /></a>

Bedrooms have been designed with your health and well-being in mind with plenty of natural light to wake up to and ventilation to ensure a fresh environment with generous built-in or walk-through wardrobes.&nbsp;

Bathrooms continue the natural colour scheme throughout the home and add a luxurious texture to calm the senses. Large neutral-toned tiling define the room between the vanity area and the large walk-in shower. Mirrored cabinets, a deep basin complete with modern black tapware and plenty of storage is just what you need in a bathroom.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3271 project_image_fid=77271]

Located in the highly coveted McKinnon Secondary College school zone, Onyx presents and opportunity to secure a stylish urban lifestyle within walking distance to trendy cafe's, world class restaurants and within a short distance to Melbourne's best beaches, parklands and shopping.

There are only a handful of two bedroom apartments remaining in Onyx, constructed by Drakk Pty Ltd a Melbourne based construction firm.

jordan_55689

Vanguard's completed Onyx apartment development in Bentleigh all-but sold out

A newly constructed Bentleigh townhouse topped Melbourne's weekend apartment auction results when selling at $2,253,000.

The four bedroom townhouse (pictured) had come with a $1,690,000 - $1,850,000 price guide.

Jellis Craig marketed the offering as also having two studies and 3.5 bathrooms, with double garaging.

It featured solid Tasmanian Oak floors, high ceilings and marble-look tiles.

The 780 sqm Buckingham Avenue site had been secured in 2018 at a $1.8 million cost with Cordell Connecting advising late 2019 Glen Eira council approvals for the duplex costing $760,000.

A Richmond townhouse was the next priciest sale, snapped up before its scheduled weekend auction at $2 million.

The 2/76 Regent Street offering had been listed with $1,450,000 to $1,550,000 price guidance.

RT Edgar marketed it as having three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a powder room, spread over two levels with lift .

There was with secure rear remote garaging for two vehicles via Little Hoddle Street in the complex designed by Mark Richards Architects.

In Melbourne, 1,035 auctions were held across the city returning a preliminary auction clearance rate of 77 percent, according to CoreLogic.

Apartment and townhouses secured just a 62 percent success rate.

Sydney recorded a preliminary auction clearance rate of 82 percent as post Easter volumes rose, with apartments and townhouses securing a 78 percent clearance rate.&nbsp;

There were 814 auctions held across Sydney, up on the Easter week’s 404 auctions.

The dearest advised apartment sale across Sydney was $2.45 million in Manly, with ocean views. The Bonner Avenue two bedroom apartment last sold at $360,000 in 1991.

There was also a Darling Point apartment on the market for the first time in more than 60 years that sold for $1.7 million which saw the proceeds directed to support nurses in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

Adelaide, Brisbane and Canberra all recorded preliminary auction clearance rates above 80 percent, with Canberra at 90 percent.

Canberra saw 70 percent of its apartment find buyers.

<h2>Popular Melbourne &amp; Sydney projects:</h2>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=600]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7758]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=89720]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24323]

The 26A Buckingham Avenue Bentleigh townhouse sold for $2.253 million

jchancellor

New townhouses top weekend apartment auction results

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A warehouse and showroom property on the Nepean Highway, at Bentleigh in Melbourne’s south-east, has hit the market. 
It comprises a single level, solid brick, 435 square metre facility, with roller door access. 
Zoned Commercial 2, the site has a frontage of just under 11 metres, and a 46 space car park including eight spaces designated for the tenancy.
The property will be sold subject to a short term lease to Carpet Call currently returning $124,140 per annum net. 
Teska Carson’s Luke Bisset and Michael Ludski listed the asset.
"The Nepean Highway is one of Melbourne’s major arterial routes and has in recent years seen a significant rise in residential and commercial development and that is, in no uncertain terms, due to the accessibility it provides as a key transport link to the affluent bayside suburbs,’’ Mr Bisset said. 
Mr Ludski said the open plan layout provided operational flexibility to cater to a number of different uses.
The property will be auctioned March 5.  
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Carpet Call Bentleigh showroom comes onto market

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Melbourne's south-east apartment market is set for a major boost with Melbourne developer Steller launching three projects in two weeks across Carnegie, Bentleigh and Cheltenham. Apartments.com.au is currently tracking Steller's project pipeline valued at over $4.2 billion, which includes its first high-rise foray in South Melbourne, working alongside longtime collaborator architect Ewert Leaf. Already the partnership has yielded hundreds of apartments across Melbourne's South Eastern suburbs.

Steller also recently commenced construction on the first stage of its $80 million Continental Hotel redevelopment in Sorrento. The major redevelopment will re-imagine the 143-year-old icon as a luxury accommodation, wellness, recreation, entertainment and dining destination, with the heritage hotel restored as a leading hospitality and events establishment, along with the addition of three new proposed interconnecting buildings, which will include premium hotel rooms and a wellness centre including a day spa and gym.

<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/continental_hotel-sorrento.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Work has commenced on the $80 million Continental Hotel development in Sorrento. Images: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="186" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/continental_hotel-sorrento.jpg?itok=TeJIBVrR" title="Work has commenced on the $80 million Continental Hotel development in Sorrento. Images: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Work has commenced on the $80 million Continental Hotel development in Sorrento. Images: Steller</figcaption></figure>Steller's trio of new apartment developments are all located within maturing apartment markets which are well serviced by public transport and within close proximity of retail strips, schools and supermarkets. Carnegie and Bentleigh in particular have benefited from the Victorian Government's Level Crossing Removal program which included the reconstruction of the respective stations, removing the conflict between rail and vehicle, while easing congestion.

Additionally, the three projects align with Steller's strategy in the south-east of delivering low-rise developments of around 30 apartments which are well designed and offer residents a high level of amenity.

<h2><a href="/buildings/laila-residences-7-11-belsize-avenue-carnegie">Laila - 7-11 Belsize Avenue, Carnegie</a></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/am18-21_lailaresidences_domain_living_1920x1080.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Laila, Carnegie. Image: Steller"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/am18-21_lailaresidences_domain_living_1920x1080.jpg?itok=tkYZj0lK" title="Laila, Carnegie. Image: Steller" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Laila, Carnegie. Image: Steller</figcaption></figure>Located within the heart of Carnegie, Laila comprises 35 apartments across four levels, within walking distance of the Koornang Road retail and dining strip, green open space and the recently rebuilt Carnegie Station. The project also capitalises on its proximity to Chadstone Shopping Centre and Monash University’s Caulfield campus, both just just five minutes’ drive away in either direction.

Ewert Leaf's design for the exterior of the building allows it to sit comfortably within the low-rise streetscape. Employing a neutral palette of contrasting shades and highly textured materials, Laila is articulated as a series of buildings rather than one singular mass, with the upper level setback and designed to be visually recessive. The built form has also been designed to maximise privacy while minimising overshadowing to adjoining properties.

Laila's mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, each come with one or two bathrooms, and private outdoor spaces which seamlessly connect to the interiors, with large windows providing living areas with ample natural light and ventilation. The interiors feature timber flooring throughout, while kitchens are appointed with sleek black ILVE appliances and shaker style cabinets.

<h2><a href="/buildings/sora-13-15-hamilton-street-bentleigh">SORA - 13-15 Hamilton Street, Bentleigh</a></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/steller_sora_bentleigh_digital_assets_domain_premium_project-gallery_photos_1920x1080px_012.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Sora, Bentleigh. Image: Steller"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/steller_sora_bentleigh_digital_assets_domain_premium_project-gallery_photos_1920x1080px_012.jpg?itok=O5VI-U7x" title="Sora, Bentleigh. Image: Steller" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Sora, Bentleigh. Image: Steller</figcaption></figure>Ewert Leaf are once again the architects behind SORA, a four-storey low-rise of 27 apartments located 15km from the Melbourne CBD in Bentleigh.  Providing a mix of larger one, two &amp; three bedroom apartments, SORA has been designed to appeal to professionals, couples and families.

Situated within walking distance of Bentleigh Station, SORA also benefits from its proximity to Coles, Target, and the Centre Road retail strip which provides an array of essential services and amenity. A number of green spaces are also located within a short walk.

SORA's exterior is characterised by its tiered form, and combination of timber, brick and textured concrete with planters and vegetation providing green flourishes on the facade. The building is expressed as two forms to respond to the built form along the Hamilton Street and to minimise its impact on the streetscape and surrounding properties.

Internally, SORA comes complete with ILVE kitchen appliances and much like Laila, shaker-style cabinetry and natural timber flooring. In keeping with the desire to provide apartments with natural light and ventilation, large windows have been provided which also allow for a green outlook and seamless transition to the outdoors.

<h2><a href="/buildings/maude-7-11-maude-street-cheltenham">Maude - 7-11 Maude Street, Cheltenham</a></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/steller_mc_maude_street_cheltenham_digital_assets_domain_premium_project-gallery_photos_1920x1080px_01.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Steller's Maude is set to launch in the next week. Image: Steller"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/steller_mc_maude_street_cheltenham_digital_assets_domain_premium_project-gallery_photos_1920x1080px_01.jpg?itok=dXB56Mya" title="Steller's Maude is set to launch in the next week. Image: Steller" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Steller's Maude is set to launch in the next week. Image: Steller</figcaption></figure>Set to launch to market in the next week, this four-storey building comprising 34 apartments has been designed by regular Steller collaborators, Ewert Leaf. Look out for Apartments.com.au's feature on Cheltenham's development pipeline including Maude next week.
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Laurence Dragomir

A Steller showcase in Melbourne's south-east

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A Bentleigh property owned by the Pellicano family for 30 years has been sold.
The property, with a permit for 52 apartments sold to a local Melbourne developer for $9.75 million.
CBRE agent Mark Wizel, who had marketed the property, said it had presented a "fantastic packaged opportunity to the market.’’ 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/5/15/277-279%20Centre%20Road.jpg" alt="">
The 277-279 Centre Road property comprises a 1564 square metre Commercial 1 zoned allotment with a double storey commercial building of 1276 square metres offering a prominent retail strip frontage of over 33 metres with rear lane access to 36 car spaces.
The property, which is located within the coveted McKinnon Secondary College zone and across the road from an Aldi supermarket, is currently 90 per cent leased to nine tenants at a passing income of $267,000 per annum.  
The approved permit allows for a Rothelowman designed, mix-used development with 52 apartments and two significant ground floor retail spaces over seven levels. 
 <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/7/4/Table%20for%20Bentleigh.JPG" alt="">
Wizel said demand for housing in Bentleigh had driven prices past the Melbourne suburban average with a 21 per cent uplift in value over the last 18 months to register a median house price of just over $1.6 million. 
The property according to CBRE National Director Investments Mark Wizel, who brokered the deal with Julian White and Nathan Mufale, attracted a strong field of local, interstate and Asian purchasers.
Wizel said the permit appeared to unlock the best-use potential of the property although the 10-year average occupancy per tenant illustrated the strong and ongoing demand for commercial leases on the strip.
 
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Pellicano family sells their Bentleigh property

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A development site in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburb of Bentleigh with potential for a higher density residential project has been bought by a developer for $3.7 million. 
The 17-19 Loranne Street site spans 1398 sqm with 32 metres frontage, translating to a strong selling rate of $2,647 a square metre.
The deal was brokered by Savills’ Julian Heatherich and Jesse Radisich.
The agents said the property appealed to developers because of its inner bayside location and popularity as a residential suburb.
“Bentleigh, with its excellent level of lifestyle and retail amenity, access to public transport and key arterials, and close proximity to the CBD, continues to provide opportunities for development,” said Heatherich.
“The demand from apartment buyers has been a key driver and, with Melbourne’s population growth continuing to exceed all other capitals, that demand appears likely to remain.’’ 
The vendors were two private residential owners. 
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Bentleigh development site sells for $3.7 million through Savills

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A residential property with development potential in the Melbourne bayside suburb Bentleigh has been listed for auction by Teska Carson.
The property will be auctioned on Saturday, March 4 on site.
It is expected to fetch more than $1.15 million.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-bentleigh-116918083" target="_blank">594 Centre Road</a>, on the corner of Leckie Street, the property comprises a single level, well presented Federation  home, with four bedrooms, a separate formal lounge, modern provincial kitchen and large family room, on a 540 square metre site, zoned Neighbourhood  Residential, with two street frontages.
According to marketing agents, Teska Carson’s, George Takis and Barry Novy, the well maintained property also offers the benefit of a current permit for medical use.
"This is an excellent property from a number of perspectives including that of a well maintained, four bedroom home with classic early 20th century period charm, the ability to take up the permitted change of use to medical, and its potential for redevelopment down the track," Takis said.
He said the area continued to gain popularity with an upsurge of residential development, underpinned by strong population growth, driving both residential and commercial property markets.
Part of the attraction, Takis said, was the local village lifestyle ambience complemented by a plethora of retail outlets, cafes and restaurants, as well as a number of lifestyle amenities including close proximity to the beach.
Novy said the sale offered a number of options to prospective purchasers including investment, occupation and development.
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Potential development site in Bentleigh to go under the hammer

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A retail freehold in the key Centre Road, Bentleigh shopping strip has sold for $2.025 million under the hammer.
Fitzroys agents Chris Kombi and Mark Talbot sold the property on behalf of vendor Ninetieth Ecstasy Pty Ltd, with six bidders on auction day pushing the price $350,000 above the reserve.
The 280sqm site has a triple frontage to Centre Road, Burgess Street and a rear public carpark, and comprises a 250sqm retail building.
Leased to St Vincent de Paul Society under the Vinnies retail banner for 3 x 3 x 3 years, the property currently returns $65,000 per annum plus outgoings and GST.
 
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Triple-fronted Bentleigh retail investment leased to Vinnies sold

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With Ormond likely to get <a href="http://www.danielbowen.com/2016/07/25/ormond-station-value-capture/">its tower</a> (whatever the height might be), what of other nearby suburbs?

The transition is already underway in Bentleigh and many other areas. Around the station, numerous developments are going up.

And in principle, I have no problem with this.

<ul>
<li>Melbourne’s population continues to grow. People have to live somewhere, and placing them close to jobs and services and infrastructure is better than having our city continue to sprawl.</li>
	<li>Close to the shopping centre and the station and bus routes is the best place for this, to increase the chances of people being able to walk to what they need.</li>
</ul>
Buildings along the main street (Centre Road) in particular make sense. Car parks behind the shops provide a buffer that can help prevent shadowing onto single storey homes.

The residential zones introduced a couple of years ago mean this is spreading to nearby streets. But heights are staggered as you move away from the station, so it seems workable to me. Here’s how it looks in Bentleigh.

<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/bentleigh_zones.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Screenshot of Bentleigh's planning zones"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="471" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/bentleigh_zones.png?itok=Koh9fjCE" title="Screenshot of Bentleigh's planning zones" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Screenshot of Bentleigh's planning zones (<a href="http://planningschemes.dpcd.vic.gov.au/schemes/gleneira/maps">source</a>)</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>C1Z – no specific height limit (but still subject to planning approval of course)</li>
	<li>PUZ2 – school *</li>
	<li>PUZ4 – railway lines – as I understand it, if developed there is no specific height limit</li>
	<li>PUZ6 – Public Use Zone – these all seem to be car parks</li>
	<li>RGZ1 – Residential Growth – 13.5m / 4 storey limit</li>
	<li>GRZ1/2 – General Residential – 10.5m / 3 storey limit</li>
	<li>NRZ1 – Neighbourhood Residential – 8m / 2 storey limit</li>
	<li>MUZ1 – Mixed Use – no specific height limit*</li>
</ul>
* not in Bentleigh, but in Carnegie – see below

<h2>"Inner" Bentleigh today</h2>

Bentleigh has had densification of various types over the years.

In the 70s and 80s, some blocks of flats went up, mostly 2 storeys, many of which are still around today — though nowhere near the numbers you see in inner suburbs like St Kilda.

<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/bentleigh_street_1.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Campbell St. Bentleigh. Photo supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="383" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/bentleigh_street_1.png?itok=1I31rf2U" title="Campbell St. Bentleigh. Photo supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Campbell St. Bentleigh. Photo supplied</figcaption></figure>Since the 90s there has been a lot of subdividing. Back yards have shrunk, with either new houses being built behind old ones (this is the case behind my old house) or houses being removed and replaced with 2-3 homes, typically semi-detached townhouses.

Meanwhile, a lot of homes have had extensions, increasing capacity but not necessarily occupancy.

<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/bentleigh_street_2.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Campbell St Bentleigh. Photo supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="324" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/bentleigh_street_2.png?itok=71RtUlu4" title="Campbell St Bentleigh. Photo supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Campbell St Bentleigh. Photo supplied</figcaption></figure>Buildings are bigger closer to the station. Below you can see the main street, Centre Road, a retail and residential building about five years old.

It’s big, but you barely notice it at street level if you’re walking around looking at the shops. If it built were today, I’d be surprised if they didn’t aim higher.

<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/bentleigh_street_3.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Centre Road, Bentleigh. Photo supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="344" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/bentleigh_street_3.png?itok=jjh_GSlr" title="Centre Road, Bentleigh. Photo supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Centre Road, Bentleigh. Photo supplied</figcaption></figure>The zones above, introduced a couple of years have triggered a lot more apartment developments off Centre Road. Below is Mavho Street (3 storey limit on the west side), looking towards the Aldi building pictured above.

<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/bentleigh_street_4.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Lorrane Street, Bentleigh. Photo supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="324" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/bentleigh_street_4.png?itok=8VnaG1E_" title="Lorrane Street, Bentleigh. Photo supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Lorrane Street, Bentleigh. Photo supplied</figcaption></figure>Lorrane Street: This one has just been completed. It’s not really a surprise that all the recent and current developments go right up to their zone’s height limit.

<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/bentleigh_street_5.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Bent Street, Bentleigh. Photo supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="338" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/bentleigh_street_5.png?itok=EmWDybT3" title="Bent Street, Bentleigh. Photo supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Bent Street, Bentleigh. Photo supplied</figcaption></figure>Bent Street: It’s not hard to anticipate that many of the homes in the RGZ1 4 storey zone will be re-developed in this way in coming years.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/bentleigh_street_6.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Bent Street, Bentleigh. Photo supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="305" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/bentleigh_street_6.png?itok=ZDukKUPg" title="Bent Street, Bentleigh. Photo supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Bent Street, Bentleigh. Photo supplied</figcaption></figure>Clearly some home owners have seen the writing (and the dollar signs?) on the wall.

<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/bentleigh_street_7.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Bentleigh properties for sale. Photo supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="357" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/bentleigh_street_7.png?itok=UtF49aD7" title="Bentleigh properties for sale. Photo supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Bentleigh properties for sale. Photo supplied</figcaption></figure>At the southern end of Bentleigh (near Patterson Station), and also in Mckinnon, there’s been development around the shopping strip. Despite the garage doors facing onto the street (not ideal for pedestrians), I find the scale and look of these homes quite appealing.

<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/bentleigh_street_8.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Bentleigh. Photo supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="349" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/bentleigh_street_8.png?itok=ZYuh_knc" title="Bentleigh. Photo supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Bentleigh. Photo supplied</figcaption></figure>With my local resident hat on, I would like the benefits <a href="http://www.danielbowen.com/2015/06/04/i-love-bentleigh/">of my suburb</a> to be available to more people, so I see nothing wrong with this, provided designs are good, nobody is forced out, and anybody who does sell up to developers is doing well out of the transaction.

If anything, I think the 3-4 storey limits should be allowed a little further from the station.

Of course there are many lovely older homes that should be preserved. Height limits across most of the area (away from the station) can help with this, but inevitably won’t save them all.

The commercial zone along the main street should be developed to ensure it includes destinations, not just residences, to increase local employment and activity — rather than the area being just a dormitory suburb. (It’s good to see the chain stores/anchor tenants are staying put in the shopping centre.)

As I said above, it makes sense to increase urban density in areas with good access to services and infrastructure. It’s good to see it happening.

<h2>Planning schemes elsewhere</h2>

Also worth looking at: the area around Carnegie and Murrumbeena.

<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/carnegie_zones.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Carnegie zones"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="308" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/carnegie_zones.png?itok=NAf7sGob" title="Carnegie zones" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Carnegie zones</figcaption></figure>This is particularly interesting in the context of the skyrail debate; most of the areas alongside the rail line have 3-4 storeys permitted (higher immediately around the stations), though when and if this occurs of course, nobody knows.

How is it in your neighbourhood? <a href="http://planningschemes.dpcd.vic.gov.au/">It’s worth finding out</a>, especially if you’re planning on buying, and/or living there for a while.

Daniel Bowen is a Bentleigh resident and spokesperson for the Public Transport Users Association. This article was republished with permission, <a href="http://www.danielbowen.com/2016/07/28/bentleigh-dense/">read the original here</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/danielbowen">Follow Daniel on Twitter</a> or his blog on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/danielbowen.blog">Facebook</a>.
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