Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> is the latest to jump into St Leonards booming Transport Oriented Development precinct.

The developer, which has previously delivered Sapphire by the Gardens apartment development in Melbourne, identified the Atchison Street site in 2023. It filed a Scoping Report around 12 months ago, and now has revealed the designs for the new&nbsp;40-storey mixed-use tower.

The State Significant Development Application covers <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/projects/14650/summary">20-22 Atchison Street</a>, a 1,374 sqm site positioned between St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the project would deliver 181 apartments, above a four-storey commercial podium, five basement levels, and new public domain works along Mitchell Street. The apartment mix comprises 35 one-bedroom apartments, 39 one-bedroom-plus-study apartments, 85 two-bedroom apartments, and 22 three-bedroom residences.

The proposal has been lodged as a shop-top housing development under the NSW Government’s TOD planning pathway, which allows increased density around key transport infrastructure. The site sits within the recently rezoned Crows Nest Accelerated TOD Precinct.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b799673d-48e2-46b0-801a-0e33a9330100" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20site.png?VersionId=dPh0UfwfaHpbFL1R7H1cbZNbIW0CHbCC" />

SP Setia acquired the Atchison Street site as part of its continued expansion into the Australian apartment market. In comments made to City &amp; Country (The Edge Malaysia) in 2023, SP Setia President and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai described the acquisition as “a strategic move” aligned with the group’s post-pandemic market recovery strategy.

“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.

The tower has been designed as a slender vertical form rising from a mixed-use podium, with COX Architecture positioning the development as a response to the evolving St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline.

“The purpose of the project is to facilitate the delivery of high-quality housing at a strategically located site and deliver a built tower outcome that is consistent with the desired future character of St Leonards and aligns with the TOD controls,” the design report stated.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a85eee-76f7-436c-a6da-73ba827b9b13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20entry.png?VersionId=dA9jHGPMcm.dDbwk4QfxqWiY5bfh3UVt" />

The podium would incorporate retail uses fronting Atchison Street, commercial tenancies, landscaped communal areas, and pedestrian improvements along Mitchell Street. Vehicle access and loading would be consolidated via Atchison Lane.

Residents would have access to more than 665 sqm of communal indoor and outdoor spaces, while the development proposes 96 parking spaces across five basement levels.

The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.

COX said the tower form responds directly to the emerging high-density character of the precinct while seeking to maximise solar access, cross ventilation, and outlook from apartments.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2163f85c-f63b-4be3-aafa-f8763976cec5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_5.png?VersionId=WiAmtIKJ6.ZQ41EtYEQ1fol7AeorKBlL" />

“The building is orientated towards north,” the Apartment Design Guide compliance report noted, adding that the tower’s slim form was driven by the constrained inner-urban site dimensions.

The design also incorporates landscaped setbacks and communal open space at podium level, intended to soften the interface with surrounding streets and improve pedestrian amenity.

The project adds to a growing wave of redevelopment proposals reshaping St Leonards and Crows Nest following the opening of the Sydney Metro City line and the NSW Government’s push for higher-density housing around major transport nodes.

Last week Stockland filed plans just down the road. They want to build a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">52-storey tower on Pacific Highway</a>.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower&nbsp;</a>

Joel Robinson

First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.

The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.

The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.

SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”

The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" />

The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.

A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.

Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" />

The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.

Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.

The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.

First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s latest tower at Wickham interchange

Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;

Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">premium site at 180 Macquarie Street</a> features uninterrupted river frontage in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held residential precincts.&nbsp;

The proposed development, currently under assessment with Brisbane City Council, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and will deliver a boutique collection of premium residences positioned specifically for owner occupiers and downsizers.&nbsp;

The residences are set to redefine luxury apartment living in the area, with a focus on architectural quality, refined finishes, landscape integration and elevated amenities including curated wellness facilities, resort-style pools and recreation spaces rarely seen in the local market.&nbsp;

Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;

Bottega House Managing Director Nick Malloch said the project reflects the group’s ambition to deliver a highly curated residential offering within one of Brisbane’s most tightly held precincts.&nbsp;

“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;

“Our vision from the outset was to create a boutique collection of residences that feel more like private homes than traditional apartments, with generous proportions, refined finishes and exceptional amenity throughout."

Malloch says there is a&nbsp;lack of premium owner-occupier stock of this quality in the market, particularly for downsizers wanting space, privacy and a true lifestyle offering without compromise.&nbsp;

"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.

“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]

Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]

Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.

The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]

More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.
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[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

Local Little Bay residents, along with buyers from premium postcodes across Sydney’s affluent Eastern Suburbs, have dominated purchases in developer-builder Urban Property Group’s first Eastern Suburbs apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a>.

The $250 million coastal project, one of the first new developments in the area in several years, has proven particularly popular with downsizers, especially those from Coogee and Bondi. One Double Bay downsizer paid $4.7 million for a four-bedroom penthouse, setting a new local apartment price record in the process.

Buyers have been attracted to the combination of coastal tranquillity, premium design and amenity-rich neighbourhood living. The walkable village setting, along with proximity to three of Sydney’s leading golf courses, New South Wales Golf Club, St Michael’s Golf Club and The Coast Golf Club, has also been a key drawcard.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352689]

Built across two low-rise buildings designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hill-thalis-architecture-urban-projects-pty-ltd">Hill Thalis</a> and set along a lush, landscaped green spine, designed by leading landscape architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>, ESTE Little Bay offers a collection of one, two, three and four-bedroom residences with interiors by Richards Stanisich.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> Sales Director, Tom McIvor said the response to ESTE has been "nothing short of extraordinary."

“Buyers have been quick to recognise ESTE as a rare opportunity to invest in a coastal sanctuary that offers both seclusion and connectivity to the heart of Sydney,” McIvor said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352687]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">SRM Residential</a> Senior Director, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">Clayton Ross</a> said the local market has responded incredibly well, driven by ESTE’s exceptional location and the rarity it offers.

“We’ve seen strong interest from a variety of buyer groups, all of whom are drawn to the exclusivity and quality of the build and construction by the 4.5-star iCIRT-rated builder / developer, Urban Property Group. There’s truly nothing else like it along Sydney’s coastline.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352690]

The project also includes robust buyer protections, including Resilience Insurance’s Latent Defects Insurance, providing 10 years of structural cover, and an independent iCIRT-rating of the developer.

“The iCIRT-rating adds another layer of confidence,” Ross added. “Buyers see it as a safeguard for their investment and their lifestyle.” A highlight of ESTE’s offering is its exclusive wellness amenities, including a heated rooftop infinity pool and outdoor heated spa, a state-of-the-art Technogym fitness centre, and a sauna.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a> is topped out and is on track to complete towards the end of 2026, with residents moving in before Christmas.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112343]

Eastern Suburbs buyers snap up ESTE Little Bay apartments

Box Hill

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A 2071 square metre development land at Box Hill is for sale.
Located at <a href="https://www.rtedgar.com.au/property/423466/" target="_blank">5 – 9 Howard Street</a>, it is 500 metres from Box Hill Central.
With a Residential Growth Zone 1 that encourages higher density housing, plans for a five storey apartment complex with basement parking has been drawn up and subject to council approval.
It will provide 55 residences ranging from one to three bedrooms.
Other options on the 47 metre frontage x 44 metre depth site include a townhouse development, unit development or commercial development.
It currently sits on three period homes and will give a substantial rental income while waiting for the planning and council approval processes.
The property is also close by to Box Hill Library, the Eastern freeway and Eastern Health’s state-of-the-art healthcare facility with Wattle Park Gold Course, Box Hill Gold Course and Surrey Park nearby.
It is a short distance to Box Hill TAFE, Deakin University and others.
Expressions of interest close November 22 and is offered through RT Edgar agents Lawrence Zhu and Annabelle Feng.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Box Hill development block listed

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A premium site in Box Hill’s major development precinct is for sale.
Located at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-box+hill-502168210" target="_blank">9-11 Prospect Street</a> this property has an area size of 1475 sqm.
There is a planning approval for a 25 storey apartment tower that will house 187 apartments as well as commercial and retail shops.
The majority of the apartments will be two bedrooms.
It is situated in the key location within one of Melbourne’s most active and robust apartment markets, according to the Savills marketing.
It is surrounded by significant amenities being adjacent to Box Hill Central Shopping Centre and Box Hill Train station.
Expressions of interest closes on November 30 through Savills agents Julian Heatherich, Clinton Baxter and Nick Peden.
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Premium apartment development site in Box Hill listed through Savills

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A 1,042 sqm site in Melbourne's Box Hill has sold to an investor with a 100 percent value increase in property worth, with the vendors selling after only two years.
The property, 107 Severn Street, Box Hill was sold at auction for $3.9 million under the hammer. It was purchased in 2014 for $1.95 million and features a double-storey with seven bedrooms, three bathrooms and a caretakers’ residence/ bungalow.
It was sold with a Residential Growth zoning.
Fitzroys agent Michael Ryan, said the site sold for around $800,000 above reserve.
"Box Hill was currently in a phase of evolution that had its market standing apart from other suburbs," he said
“It really is operating on its own timetable - the depth and type of demand for sites with future growth and development potential is different to any other place in Melbourne right now. 
“The rarity of this offering’s versatility was reflected in the high levels of enquiry and great result result for the vendors.”
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Box Hill landholding sale scores 100 percent value increase

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Recognised as the gateway to the eastern suburbs, Box Hill has come a long way from its initial suburban identity. With a number of major urban redevelopment projects underway and many more set to define its skyline, Box Hill has become the fastest growing city centre outside of the Melbourne CBD and is now offering a genuine alternative to the Melbourne CBD for investment, employment, entertainment and a place to stay.

It is somewhat the perfect storm that has been created that makes Box Hill an attractive proposition for a range of key industry players. The town centre is well served in terms of infrastructure. Box hill benefits from a well-located and established activity centre and shopping centre (Box Hill Central) with a diverse range of retail, commercial, food and beverage and entertainment offerings.

The town centre is a major public transport hub, well supported by rail, tram and bus routes with both the Belgrave and Lilydale railway lines converging deep below the shopping centre, with a major tram route located along Whitehorse Road and a regional bus interchange located above the shopping centre.

In terms of employment generation Box Hill also boasts the highest office floor area outside the Melbourne CBD and has been a long time home for some major health (Box Hill Hospital and Epworth Hospital) and education facilities (Box Hill Institute and Box Hill TAFE).

Unlocking the potential in Box Hill has been the strategic work that has been carried out by Whitehorse City Council with support given to this vision by State Government for decentralisation. The Box Hill Transit City Activity Centre Structure Plan was introduced in 2006. The structure plan provides a framework for city development and identifies areas for growth with an emphasis on contribution to employment generation, housing supply and the 24 hour city.

Of note is Precinct F where there are no height limits and higher rise development is encouraged. This area otherwise known as the development ‘’go zone’’ in Box Hill.

Momentum has been gathering since the adoption of the structure plan though it is only been over the last few years that the development industry has sat up, taken notice and tapped into Box Hill’s true potential.

Investment in Box Hill has skyrocketed in the last few years with much of this coming from Asian investors, and more specifically from China. It is worth noting that a significant proportion of the Box Hill population comes from Chinese descent and Box Hill host one of the biggest Chinese New Year’s parties in the country.

There has still been a great deal of interest and investment from local investors too.The potential for uplift in value in properties has been a huge drawcard with single dwelling lots being converted into high rise multi dwelling mixed use developments. The sheer scale of potential development, encouraged in the Box Hill MAC, makes it an attractive prospect.

Another key factor is that property values have grown considerably more in Box Hill than in equivalent suburbs in Melbourne. Property values have increased by a whopping 927% in Box Hill over the last 20 years. The adoption of the Box Hill Transit City Activity Centre Structure Plan all of 10 years ago has been a key catalyst for this.

What has set Box Hill apart from other satellite centres such as Dandenong, Ringwood and Footscray is that the investment to date has largely been pouring in from the private sector. Whereas other centres have relied on State Government funding to a degree to kick start investment interest.

Box Hill is now experiencing a building boom with a series of major projects underway or complete. And with up to 40 major developments with planning approval yet to commence construction and many more currently in the pipeline, at the planning and pre-planning application stage, we will soon be seeing considerably more tower cranes in the Box Hill skyline over the next couple of 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/sky_one_2_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Sky One is destined for Box Hill"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="819" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/sky_one_2_0.jpg?itok=koK3U1M6" title="Sky One is destined for Box Hill" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Sky One is destined for Box Hill</figcaption></figure>There will be an unprecedented growth in population and jobs as result of these projects. This though is only the tip of the iceberg with many more redevelopment opportunities still yet to be realised in Box Hill.

Some recent key landmark developments in Box Hill of note are: the Box Hill Hospital redevelopment (completed), the new ATO at 20 storeys with 20,000sqm of leasable floor area (completed and occupied), the Whitehorse Towers at 36 and 26 storeys, which includes 511 apartments and an Art Series Hotel (currently under construction), SkyOne at 36 storeys, which includes 450 apartments and a food and beverage entertainment hub at street level, and the Spotlight development comprising three towers at 37, 30 and 17 storeys with a hotel a 450 apartments (recently approved).

Other key major development projects currently being considered by Whitehorse Council include mixed use and apartment developments at: 820 Whitehorse Road at 30 storeys, 9-11 Prospect Street at 26 storeys and 5-9 Wellington Road at 16 storeys.

The keen interest from prospective buyers is also worthy of note. The Whitehorse Towers development (Asia Pacific) is one example where development interest has been vindicated. It is understood that most of the 511 apartments sold off the plan within 6 weeks.

Apartments have also flown off the plan at Sky One (Golden Age) which will be commencing construction any day now. Success with rapid conversion with these projects has built more confidence in investors and developers and the like.

<h2>Opportunities</h2>

<ul>
<li>Land to be rezoned.</li>
	<li>Mix of uses and new uses.</li>
	<li>Clear strategy and guidelines as to where growth will / will not be supported.</li>
	<li>Rare political appetite supporting growth (unparalleled in Melbourne’s east).</li>
	<li>Opportunity for growth in spite of new height restrictions in the Melbourne CBD and indecision over Melbourne’s major urban renewal projects.</li>
</ul>
Box Hill is well and truly booming and it has all the right ingredients for this to continue for some time. Whether you are coming to invest, work, live or play Box Hill is fast becoming the place to be.

Paul McAleer is a former Planning Manager at the City of Whitehorse where a key focus was guiding major development projects in the Box Hill MAC. Paul has just recently joined Meinhardt as Associate Director – Planning.
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Paul McAleer

Box Hill to become Melbourne’s second CBD?

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Population and employment growth is propelling Box Hill to become its own mini city. In addition to bustling retail, restaurants, health and education facilities, Box Hill also sports the <a href="http://www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/Building-Box-Hill">busiest transport hub</a> in Melbourne’s east with more than 20,000 train commuters a day.

Add the <a href="http://www.economicprofile.com.au/whitehorse/economy/employment#geography">13,000 jobs</a> on the go and a population set to increase by <a href="http://www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/Building-Box-Hill">26 percent in the next 5 years</a>, and Box Hill is being eyed off by developers and home buyers alike.

With the 117m <a href="/buildings/whitehorse-trio-845-851-whitehorse-road-box-hill">845-851 Whitehorse Road</a> receiving a Notice of Decision and Golden Age's purchase of a 7344sqm site at 517-521 Station Street, planning confidence within Box Hill is also on a high. Box Hill's massive growth is also underpinned by the fact that <a href="http://www.domain.com.au/news/box-hill-booms-upwards-with-apartments-as-suburban-grows-up-20160630-gptv7k/">1,200 units</a> were approved in the suburb during 2015.

Hayball shapes as the dominant architecture practice in the municipality, with 18 projects completed or underway in the City of Whitehorse. Box Hill alone holds 11 for Hayball, including <a href="http://www.chloeboxhill.com.au/">Chloe</a>'s 96 apartments and <a href="http://taohome.com.au/">Tao Home</a> with 82 units and a focus on Chinese senior living. These projects continue the firm's approximately 6 year involvement in the area, beginning with the award winning Jade Apartments student accommodation project for Jeff Xu's 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/john_street_rhiannon_slatter_screen-2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Jade Apartments, Box Hill. Image courtesy Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="773" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/john_street_rhiannon_slatter_screen-2.jpg?itok=GdIrm_hZ" title="Jade Apartments, Box Hill. Image courtesy Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Jade Apartments, Box Hill. Image by Rhiannon Slatter</figcaption></figure>Urban.com.au met with Hayball director Eugene Chieng at the firm's Sturt Street offices to discuss their involvement in Box Hill, having completed over a dozen projects and with another half a dozen on the books in the 80-100 dwelling range. Chieng identifies a number of factors which have contributed to the growth in Box Hill, breaking down the components that make Box Hill such an emphatic apartment stroghold.

According to Chieng it's a combination of the suburb's culture, and the desire of government at local and state level to turn Box Hill into a thriving activity centre. This is seen in the number of mixed-use developments which are predominantly residential in nature, but with extensive retail at ground level.

However there has also been an increase in the number of developments which have a component of hotel and/or serviced apartments. 

Box Hill has also undoubtedly a hub for Australians of Chinese descent, with the area a magnet for Chinese-backed investment and development.

With so many apartment developments at sales and marketing and with more in the pipeline, Chieng says developments need to offer a point of difference to distinguish themselves in a competitive market. To this end Hayball have designed 82 apartments within 19-21 Poplar Street in Box Hill for developer Sunbright Investment Australia. 

Known as TaoHome, Chieng believes the project has been envisaged as a new way of living; an apartment community that’s designed especially for seniors, with shared facilities like a rooftop walking track, traditional Chinese Wellbeing Centre and Mahjong area also included. The tailoring of TaoHome for a specific demographic also sees Chinese satellite TV, universal power plugs for Chinese appliances and Fotile kitchen rangehoods to accommodate Chinese stir-frying. 

<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/tao_home_communal_lounge_low_res.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Tao Home communal lounge. Image courtesy Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="349" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/tao_home_communal_lounge_low_res.jpg?itok=TJ2rvV0y" title="Tao Home communal lounge. Image courtesy Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Tao Home communal lounge. Image courtesy Hayball</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
Culturally it is widely common practice for the Chinese to look after their parents but the younger generation here in Australia generally don't want to live with their parents, so Tao Home has been designed in response to this. TaoHome offers the opportunity for multi-generational living.

The apartments have been designed so that they can be combined or left separated for privacy. The idea is not too dissimilar to  a granny flat. - Eugene Chieng, Director, Hayball
</blockquote>

Chieng describes the project as a "very collaborative process" with a client that was very open minded, which was required for a project that was very lateral in its way of thinking. The project still contains traditional apartments but also dual key apartments which include a number of features for elderly care.

The project is 80% sold with completion on the 8-storey building expected in early 2018.

Another Hayball project, Chloe Apartments at 15-17 Irving Street features 96 high end 1 and 2 bedroom apartments over 9 levels for Cubick Property. Chieng says the project has been well received with apartments almost sold out. The project offers views to the adjacent Box Hill Gardens across the road as well as towards the city, and features a 'Rooftop Club' offering residents indoor and outdoor dining, lounges and a fireplace.

Chloe is more 'western' in its approach particularly in light of TaoHome, says Chieng and more investor and owner-occupier driven. Chloe has been tendered and construction is commencing soon.

<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/chloe-1-847x1024.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Chloe, Box Hill. Image courtesy Cubick"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="701" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/chloe-1-847x1024.jpg?itok=vZtp3I5E" title="Chloe, Box Hill. Image courtesy Cubick" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Chloe, Box Hill. Image courtesy Cubick</figcaption></figure>Hayball's experience and body of work in Box Hill has seen the firm field several enquiries and approaches by new and return clients for developments in Ringwood. Its appeal lies in the new train station and bus interchange, in addition to Eastland's expansion which includes associated community facilities.

Ringwood much like Box Hill has also been identified as an activity centre where density is appropraite. Hayball are particularly interested in working on multi-generational and highly mixed-use projects in the area says Cheing, building on the office's work on TaoHome - creating more meaningful retirement developments with less high care and greater shared facilities, either via a vertical village model or townhouse typology. 

Urban.com.au will continue to follow the progress of Box Hill and Ringwood with a keen interest.
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Laurence Dragomir

Hayball's Eugene Chieng discusses the rise of Box Hill 

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Following the success of its 36-storey Sky One tower in Melbourne’s Box Hill, the Golden Age Development Group now has plans to work on another nearby project.
The 7,344 sqm site at 517-521 Station Street, Box Hill (pic above) will have a mix of commercial and retail spaces, residential accommodation and a 104-place child care facility, according to the developer’s website.
The carpark was recently bought by Golden Age for $51.8 million from Whitehorse Council.
The new project, named Sky Two, is expected to be well received like its sister project Sky One.
“Buyers of Sky One will benefit significantly from the new development as it bolsters the notion of the suburb being a city in itself, with a range of business, lifestyle and cultural amenities only minutes away,” says the developer.
Sky One, at 545 Station Street, sold some 85 percent apartments at its launch in April, which was followed by $80 million worth of apartments in May.
On completion, Sky One will be one of the tallest buildings in suburban Melbourne.
Golden Age, which was founded in 2007 by Jeff Xu, has a project pipeline worth $2 billion across Melbourne &amp; Sydney.
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After 36-storey Sky One success, Golden Age set for sister project in Melbourne's Box Hill

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Dual development sites are adding to Box Hill's skyward push. Located opposite one another, 843 Whitehorse Road and 845-851 Whitehorse Road both have the potential to accommodate substantial towers.

Selling agent Savills last week listed <a href="/buildings/east-central-tower-820-whitehorse-road-box-hill">843 Whitehorse Road</a> on Development Sites Melbourne, billing the site as Box Hill's best corner development opportunity. Located within Box Hill's 'Major Development Precinct' the site is set to be rezoned as Commercial 1, allowing for a considerable tower or towers to rise from the 1,972sqm plot.

843 Whitehorse Road also fronts Wellington Street which itself is subject to a host of mid-rise apartment developments, whilst 820 Whitehorse Road directly south is another project at planning. At 31 levels and 100 metres in height, <a href="/buildings/east-central-tower-820-whitehorse-road-box-hill">820 Whitehorse Road</a> could provide developer Longriver Property with a yield of 300 plus apartments.

<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/1_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="843 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill is up for grabs. Image: Savills"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1_9.jpg?itok=2u6FG_j2" title="843 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill is up for grabs. Image: Savills" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>843 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill is up for grabs. Image: Savills</figcaption></figure>The listing of 843 Whitehorse Road follows on from City of Whitehorse's recent advertising of plans for the site directly opposite. 845-851 Whitehorse Road will likely add to the crop of 100 plus metre towers within Box Hill, and provides some guidance as to what can be expected at 843 Whitehorse Road.

Spotlight Development Group is behind the development push at 845-851 Whitehorse Road that calls for 517 apartments and 150 hotel suites within a tri-towered scheme. Designed by Plus Architecture, 845-851 Whitehorse Road's tallest tower would span 37 levels and top out at a height of 117 metres.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image13_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="845-851 Whitehorse Road's podium. Planning image: Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="234" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image13_9.jpg?itok=dIUPGXbp" title="845-851 Whitehorse Road's podium. Planning image: Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>845-851 Whitehorse Road's podium. Planning image: Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure>Currently home to Spotlight and KFC outlets, the new development would see the hotel component located within the development's podium along with a gym, car parking and apartments. 130 single bed, 131 single plus study, 230 dual bedroom and 26 three bedroom apartments constitute the mix of dwellings within the proposal.

<blockquote>
The Whitehorse rd towers are read as a pair of soft, clean volumes where their forms move and play against each other as if in a close slow dance. The east and west facades of both towers are further defined vertically to emphasise their slender lines.

The Hotel façade appears as a white sheet of paper slightly curving to respond to nodes of interest, like the corner, entry and tower breakup. The rhythm of the gold windows also change where shape becomes distorted creating a beautiful visual response.
<cite>Plus Architecture: Design response </cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_7416.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Whitehorse Towers on the rise"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_7416.jpg?itok=Ro89Pa1B" title="Whitehorse Towers on the rise" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Whitehorse Towers on the rise</figcaption></figure>On the south side of Whitehorse Road, Box Hill's first tower to break 100 metres is on the rise.

Asian Pacific Group's Whitehorse Towers will consist of 100 Art Series Hotel-branded suites, in addition to 516 private dwellings. Builder Maxcon has the project nearing the top podium floor, with dual towers set to rise above. The podium also houses a gym/recreation facility, 4 restaurants and 19 office spaces.

Designed by Peddle Thorp Architects, the project's construction contract is valued at $172 million and has an estimated completion date of November 2017.
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silvermb

One Box Hill behemoth arrives whilst another beckons

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The Hills of Carmel, a 2,000 lot sub-division spread across 223 hectares in the newly rezoned Box Hill, has sold out its first stage faster than expected.
More than 115 housing blocks have been sold to home buyers since the $1.3 billion site launched in mid-May, prompting an early release of the next 16 hectares of untouched land.
The next release is made up of 180 blocks which will start at $420,000 for 300 sqm.
Additional lots will be available consisting of 375 sqm, 450 sqm and 550 sqm.
The vast land, once owned by Governor William Bligh in the 1800s, is five minutes from the soon to be completed Metro line at Rouse Hill.
It will form part of a community which will feature a new shopping centre, playing fields, schools and extensive outdoor space and bicycle paths.
Property development consultant for The Hills of Carmel Bob Welsh expects strong sales due to a continuing shortage of affordable housing for Sydney home buyers.
“The Hills of Carmel is the best accepted estate that I’ve worked on in more than 50 years of property development – showing us that not only is there great confidence in this market, but that this development presents a unique opportunity to buy in early to the only master-planned community in the soon to be developed Box Hill,” he said.
Bob said the first release sold twice as fast as expected.
According to Welsh, the Hills of Carmel is also the only land in the Box Hill release area with all services currently enabled on site, and with housing construction ready to commence in mid 2017, will be the first to develop in the release area, acting as a path breaker for all future developments.  
The first buyers in The Hills of Carmel are made up of first and second home buyers, young families and major builders like Icon, Masterton and Eden Brae who will be creating house and land packages. 
Overall, the development is expected to create thousands of new jobs, while injecting an estimated $700 Million into the local economy.
The Department of Planning expects the new suburb of Box Hill to take shape over the coming five years, and to advance significantly over the next two decades to eventually comprise of 9,600 dwellings and population of more than 28,000 people.
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First release of $1.3 billion of rezoned Box Hill land sells out ahead of schedule

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A corner development site of nearly half an acre in Box Hill’s Major Development Precinct will fetch more than $20 million, according to marketing agents Savills.
The <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-box+hill-502057214" target="_blank">843 Whitehorse Road</a> property comprises a 1972 sqm land area, positioned adjacent to Box Hill Institute and close to Box Hill Hospital. 
It is soon to be rezoned to Commercial Zone 1, and will be sold subject to that rezoning process, according to Savills marketing agents Clinton Baxter, Nick Peden, and Jesse Radisich.
"This zoning within the Major Development Precinct provides the potential for a landmark redevelopment - based on the development height precedent of 36 levels in the immediate vicinity - with CBD views," Clinton said.
"Like the majority of other development sites in Box Hill it will also benefit from the best level of suburban amenity, including shopping, transport, education and lifestyle features, available  anywhere in Melbourne, and within comfortable commuting distance of the CBD."
“This is one of the very best sites, in one of the best locations for residential development anywhere in Australia.”
Savills sold the neighbouring 820 Whitehorse road late last year for $18.18 million, which set a new metropolitan development site record.
They also sold <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-box+hill-501972186" target="_blank">826-830 Whitehorse Road</a> for $30.8 million last month, on behalf of both Scope and Navy Health.
Box Hill has risen to national prominence as one of Australia’s leading apartment development destinations.
The property is for sale via expressions of interest closing August 31.
 
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Box Hill site to fetch over $20 million

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Box Hill is booming - no surprise there.

Yet Box Hill's most recent project to be advertised has raised an interesting question - has the heart of the suburb become a victim of its own rapid high-density success via a lack of foresight?

The question has been prompted by the emergence of 16-22 Wellington Street which is yet another residential tower seeking its place in Box Hill. The difference arises with project architect Elenberg Fraser's treatment of the design's ground level which provides both extensive greenery and some built form relief by way of a cavernous plaza at ground level.

This in turn prompted a scan of the Apartments.com.au Project Database to see how many of Box Hill's 30 apartment project listings have included any greenery and/or built form relief to ground level. 

39 Harrow Street and Chloe provide limited greenery to their facades by way of planter boxes, whilst only 109 Carrington Road has its built form set back from the main frontage.

Coupled with existing recent builds and Box Hill's built form environment begins to look somewhat generic.

<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/image33bh.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Plaza and laneway format. Planning image: Rush \ Wright Associates"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="499" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image33bh.jpg?itok=QaghiP2i" title="Plaza and laneway format. Planning image: Rush \ Wright Associates" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Plaza and laneway format. Planning image: Rush \ Wright Associates</figcaption></figure>Which in turn is why 16-22 Wellington Road stands out as a prospective Box Hill development. Elenberg Fraser along with landscape architects Rush \ Wright Associates have conceived something Box Hill has failed to deliver thus far - an intreresting, purposeful and green ground level activation to a tower.

<blockquote>
The proposal incorporates an important public realm initiative in the form of a public, north-facing plaza space/forecourt fronting Wellington Road and the adjacent pedestrian laneway linking to Spring Street. The plaza space is approximately 245 sqm in area.

This space...occupies approximately 41% of the Wellington Road frontage, and approximately 40% of the laneway frontage. Approximately 50% of the space is located below the building form above, but the triple-height space is 8.5m high (clearance), and is oriented north and west, so is expected to provide substantial spatial volume and natural light.

The plaza space is positioned and designed to align with movement flows between the two nearby easy-west pedestrian laneways, along pedestrians moving east-to-west to move across this part of the site, and to spend time in the space. 
<cite>Urban Design Review: SJB Urban</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/image32_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rendered activation of 16 Wellington Street's laneway. Planning image: Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="380" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image32_5.jpg?itok=zknTZ0ET" title="Rendered activation of 16 Wellington Street's laneway. Planning image: Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rendered activation of 16 Wellington Street's laneway. Planning image: Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>Has enough been done to encourage benchmarks which would result in designs such as 16-22 Wellington Street becoming the standard? Without having intimate knowledge of City of Whitehorse's planning controls one can only base opinions on what is reality; and reality shows that the vast majority of completed and pending developments in Box Hill have a lack of street level nous.

The sample images below clearly illustrate that.

Whilst many of Box Hill current streets are graced with greenery and a decent level of variation, the sweeping change of higher density development should not come at the cost of public realm. 

Hats off to Elenberg Fraser for creating a standout project for what it brings to the public realm.

<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/image35_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A sample of Box Hill's built form"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="478" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image35_5.jpg?itok=YYBIO42t" title="A sample of Box Hill's built form" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A sample of Box Hill's built form</figcaption></figure>
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