New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=372394]

Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=953]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=925]

Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=5374]

The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

Joel Robinson

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Rainbow Bay apartment doubles in price since off the plan sale during pandemic

The long-planned transformation of Brisbane's historic Shafston Estate has taken another major step, with Capella Hotel Group announced as the luxury hospitality partner behind what will become Brisbane's first branded residences.

The project, to be known as Capella Residences Brisbane, is being delivered by Verso Projects at the landmark Kangaroo Point riverfront estate, with completion targeted for 2029.

The announcement follows a series of planning changes to the project over recent years. The site was originally approved in 2023 for a 15-level, 37-apartment development designed by Rothelowman for Burgundy Group before Verso Projects took over the 10,070 sqm riverfront holding and lodged revised plans with Kerry Hill Architects to increase the development to a 25-level tower with 51 apartments.

The latest announcement confirms Capella Hotel Group will bring its branded residential offering to the project, marking just the second Capella Residences development globally after Seoul, and the group's first branded residential project in Australia.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/23-castlebar-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Castlebar Street development</a> will centre around the restoration of the heritage-listed Shafston House, one of Brisbane's oldest residences, originally constructed in 1851 by Reverend Robert Creyke as a single-storey cottage known as Ravenscott.

<img alt="Capella" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2b9f4ce5-638f-4d6b-8082-3ca7e4b75fca" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-09%20at%207.20.41%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=f7aeqsW_DzOJI4FymWb3lD8NptSfsP7q" />

Capella said the project aligns with its focus on heritage-led developments, with the Brisbane estate combining the restored historic residence with a new luxury apartment tower and hospitality-inspired resident amenities.

Residents will have access to the Capella Living Room, a concierge-led communal space inspired by the group's luxury hotels, alongside landscaped gardens, six swimming pools, wellness and recreation facilities.

The broader estate will also include two riverfront homes, a six-berth private marina, porte cochère arrival experience, secure basement parking and a new section of public riverwalk along the Brisbane River frontage.

The heritage Postal Depot Building will also be retained and repurposed as a guest house, in line with the revised development plans.

The project represents another evolution for the site, which Kerry Hill Architects previously described as a rare opportunity to restore one of Brisbane's most significant heritage estates while creating a new benchmark for apartment living.

"The Shafston Estate provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to restore one of Brisbane's finest heritage precincts and to reinstate residential use as a unique site perched on the edge of Kangaroo Point," Kerry Hill Architects said in its Urban Context Report accompanying the planning submission.

"The project will celebrate excellence in sub-tropical residential design, setting a new benchmark for vertical living in Brisbane."

Verso Projects, which now has an $8.5 billion development pipeline spanning more than 6,000 dwellings across apartments, townhouses, retail and commercial projects, said the partnership with Capella would elevate the development beyond a traditional residential project.

"We feel honoured to be restoring Shafston Estate to its former glory, elevating it to new heights of luxury and excellence underpinned by Capella's distinctive service ethos and design philosophy, and making it a standout landmark in Brisbane," Verso Projects CEO Steve Laffey said.

"By partnering with Capella, globally recognised for its refined approach to luxury hospitality and deep respect for cultural and historical context, we will elevate this project beyond a residential offering into a world-class destination."

Capella Hotel Group President Roland Fasel said Brisbane's emergence as a global city made it the right location for the company's Australian residential debut.

"Brisbane is a city on the cusp of something remarkable, and Capella Residences is our commitment to being part of that story," Fasel said.

"The Capella residential experience is more than luxury. It is about a sense of belonging to a place with deep meaning."

Private appointments have now opened for the project, with a display suite expected to open in late 2026 ahead of the planned 2029 completion.

Capella to launch Brisbane's first branded residences at Shafston House, Kangaroo Point

Lewis Land's latest apartment release within its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/harbour-shores-biggera-waters-564-oxley-drive-biggera-waters-qld-4216">Harbour Shores</a> masterplan is targeting one of the Gold Coast's fastest-growing buyer groups, with almost a third of apartments at Solis priced below $1 million.

The seven-storey building at Biggera Waters will comprise 91 apartments, including 24 one-bedroom residences starting from $778,000, a price point Lewis Land says is aimed squarely at first home buyers struggling to enter the Gold Coast market.

<img alt="Harbour Shires" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e7486e37-22f6-4c92-b212-9b0622070b8f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-08%20at%209.09.34%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=W8MJwJUCf6HkIyl_EVSksnd.QI6MZryY" />

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/lewis-land-group">Lewis Land</a> Head of Development Michael Long said the developer deliberately allocated a significant proportion of the project to more affordable apartment types.

"First home buyers have been priced out of many parts of the Gold Coast, and we saw a clear opportunity to address this and play our part in a longer-term housing solution," Long said.

"That's why 24 of the 91 apartments being delivered at Solis have been designed and priced for the city's next generation of homeowners, quality one-bedroom apartments, half of which include an additional multipurpose room to maximise space and flexibility.

"This approach places 30 per cent of apartments in Solis under $1 million, and with close proximity to Harbour Town's future light rail extension connecting residents to the city's major employment and knowledge hubs, it's a win for buyers looking to secure their first property."

<img alt="Sores" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="550526d3-73ba-4710-9739-c5f4294a30ef" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-08%20at%209.09.29%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=cQQdXHt9wS0UXwZEm5Py5bH_3kAmzyhu" />

Designed by BDA Architecture, Solis will deliver a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with residences ranging up to 232 sqm. Apartments feature generous balconies and contemporary finishes, while residents will have access to Harbour Shores' lagoon pool, clubhouse, tennis court, gym, yoga studio and sauna.

The focus on first home buyers resonated with purchaser Holly Humphreys, who said she and her boyfriend spent more than a year searching for their first property before shifting their attention from houses to apartments.

"We fell in love with the first house we bid on and got our hopes up, but after repeated knockbacks we learned not to get too attached," Humphreys said.

"We offered at the high end of price guides, but sales kept going even higher. That's where we really struggled and we needed to re-evaluate our budget and our expectations. Standalone houses were off the table, and we pivoted to apartments and townhouses."

Humphreys said it was encouraging to see developers recognising the growing demand from first home buyers.

"There's a growing number of young buyers looking to enter the market earlier because they understand that getting in now can make a real difference as prices continue to rise," she said.

"It's fantastic to see a developer recognise this and then actively take measures to deliver an apartment with us in mind."

Solis is the first development planned within the second stage of the Harbour Shores masterplan, with early works expected to commence in September 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113271]

Lewis Land targets first home buyers at latest Harbour Shores release, Solis

Luxury apartment developer Abadeen has recorded $19.25 million in apartment sales across two of its Lower North Shore developments in the lead-up to the end of the financial year, headlined by the sale of a $6.75 million penthouse at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/koyo-crows-nest-5-rodborough-avenue-crows-nest-nsw-2065">KOYO in Crows Nest.</a>

The transactions also included the sale of a newly completed three-bedroom apartment at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/park-residences-cremorne-2-sutherland-street-cremorne-nsw-2090">Park Residences in Cremorne</a> for $6.35 million, with the residence selling shortly after the project's first public inspections following completion.

The sales come as completed, owner-occupier-focused apartments continue to attract strong demand across Sydney's Lower North Shore, particularly from buyers looking for certainty and immediate occupancy.

The penthouse at KOYO spans 491 sqm across a single level and was designed by architect Koichi Takada. The development is one of Abadeen's flagship boutique projects in Crows Nest.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108800 project_image_fid=370093]

Abadeen Executive Chairman and Founder Justin Brown said buyer activity lifted noticeably in the lead-up to the end of the financial year.

"We saw a clear increase in enquiry levels, inspection numbers and buyer engagement across our completed projects leading into the end of the financial year," Brown said.

"Buyers have become far more decisive over the past six months. The combination of improving confidence, limited supply and the ability to physically inspect completed residences is creating strong competition for premium apartments in the best locations."

Brown says the&nbsp;response to Park Residences following completion has been particularly strong.

"Buyers want certainty and are responding positively to the opportunity to walk through a finished product, inspect the quality firsthand and move in immediately," Brown suggested.

"Projects such as Park Residences and KOYO demonstrate that when the product is exceptional and the location is irreplaceable, buyers are prepared to act quickly."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=370116]

Abadeen CEO Joe Tack said quality continued to differentiate projects in the current market.

"Today's buyers are incredibly discerning," Tack said.

"They are seeking larger floorplans, premium finishes, walkability, lifestyle amenity and confidence in the developer delivering the project. Well-designed boutique developments continue to outperform because they offer something genuinely difficult to replace.

"The enquiry we are seeing across our completed and recently completed Lower North Shore portfolio is very encouraging, and we expect this momentum to continue into spring."

The sales follow increased enquiry across Abadeen's Lower North Shore portfolio which also includes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/northcote-collective-naremburn-2-northcote-street-naremburn-nsw-2065">Northcote Collective in Naremburn</a> which also completed recently.

KOYO penthouse headlines Abadeen's $19.25 million EOFY sales flurry

Brunswick

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A Brunswick landmark has been listed for sale by negotiation with a $3.5 million price tag.
The 1903 Federation Free Style building at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-vic-brunswick-501942650" target="_blank">307 Victoria Street</a> features a warehouse, showroom and penthouse.
It has housed designer printing business Papers Of Distinction since 1997, founded by vendor Jillian Houlihan.
Set on the Boase St corner, the 529sq m property has Art Nouveau detailing, including tulip mouldings.
It was also formerly the United Friendly Societies medical dispensary building.
IRC Property Group agent Raff De Luise said most of the potential buyers planned to live in the two-bedroom penthouse and operate their business beneath.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Brunswick warehouse, showroom and penthouse for sale

<html><body>
Ray White Brunswick auctioneer Jamil Allouche noted the former Brunswick dairy price “blew everyone away.”
It sold recently for $440,000 over its reserve as nine buyers fought for the charming four-bedroom family home.
The bidding started at $1.2 million and flying past its $1.35 million reserve, the sale price of <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-brunswick-122769070" target="_blank">4 Bell St, Brunswick</a> fetched $1.79 million.
CoreLogic put the median house price at $856,000.
It last sold for $1.175 million in 2011.
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Brunswick former diary cottage sells at $1.79 million

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It's unprecedented times for Brunswick and surrounding suburbs Brunswick East and Brunswick West. Never before have the trio of postcodes been so popular with Melbourne's apartment builders with 13 separate projects currently under construction.

The yield of apartments from these projects is set to exceed 1,300 dwellings. Brunswick East leads the way with seven projects under construction, followed by Brunswick with four and Brunswick West with two.

Sourcing Apartments.com.au's Project Database, the area is traditionally dominated by medium-sized apartment projects averaging 40-50 dwellings, although the current count of 1,300 apartments under construction is skewed by two large projects which jointly account for approximately 700 apartments under construction.

<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/image40_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ettaro and York Brunswick West are underpinning the area's construction progress"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="221" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image40_4.jpg?itok=te8wrDOg" title="Ettaro and York Brunswick West are underpinning the area's construction progress" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ettaro and York Brunswick West are underpinning the area's construction progress</figcaption></figure>The largest with 400 plus apartments is Brunswick East's Hayball-designed Ettaro which is rapidly approaching completion at the hands of LU Simon, whilst York Brunswick West has seen works begin on the second phase of the project for developer R.Corporation.

Most recent to begin construction have been The Moreland and Protec Property Group's The Dux located adjacent to Anstey Station. A long time favourite of Apartments.com.au, Anstey Precinct as it has been christened is a pocket of Brunswick dedicated toward urban renewal/higher density living.

Joining The Dux under construction within Anstey Precinct are Hendrix Apartments and 8 Bresse Street, with the much publicised Nightingale Apartments on Florence Street set to begin its build. Post its visit to VCAT and subsequent minor design alterations, Nightingale is now poised to become the latest project within Anstey Precinct to offer "delivery of tangible, meaningful, visitable and assessable built outcomes," following in the footsteps of <a href="/news/is-this-melbournes-best-new-residential-development">The Commons</a>.

<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_4890.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Bensons Property Group's C3 Brunswick"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="380" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_4890.jpg?itok=kYDuEGLs" title="Bensons Property Group's C3 Brunswick" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Bensons Property Group's C3 Brunswick</figcaption></figure>Further to the 13 projects under construction, Apartments.com.au has identified a further 10 apartment projects set for an imminent construction start. 

Among them is Alpha 14 Property Group's Crest on Sydney Road, the aforementioned Nightingale Brunswick and what shapes as Moreland's tallest project to date, Brunswick Heart. Set over 14 levels, site preparation for the RotheLowman-designed project is complete with a builder set to take site possession shortly.

These 10 projects combined will add another 800 plus dwellings to Moreland's ballooning apartment market.

<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_4929.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="MakShaq's 8 Lygon is moving toward construction"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_4929.jpg?itok=RF9uPV-H" title="MakShaq's 8 Lygon is moving toward construction" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>MakShaq's 8 Lygon is moving toward construction</figcaption></figure>Whilst construction and projects at sales remain robust within Brunswick and its adjoining suburbs, there are signs that the surge in apartments may be slowing.

2016 has brought a discernible slow down in the number of larger apartment projects filtering through Moreland City Council's online planning platform. Indeed scant few new listing within Moreland have been added to the Apartments.com.au Project Database in recent times as developers seem content in delivering on the healthy backlog of approved projects.

With the persistent talk of market oversupply, the easing of projects at planning could also be a sign that developers have cooled on the Brunswick market somewhat given it has traditionally been the domain of smaller sized apartments aimed toward investors and singles/couples.
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silvermb

Unprecedented times for Brunswick's apartment growth, but can it last?

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A Brunswick development site has been sold by Raine &amp; Horne at $1.2 million.
Its town planning permit consist of 10 generous two bedroom apartments, 1 one bedroom apartment and a 52sq metre office on the ground floor.
Set within walking distance to cosmopolitan Sydney Road, the <a href="https://www.rhcommercial.com.au/properties/15-breese-street-brunswick-3056-victoria-cd7744c8-1283-4440-958e-0cd86e076c66" target="_blank">Breese Street property</a> was offered by Raine &amp; Horne agent Tim Frian.
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Brunswick development site sold by Raine & Horne Commercial

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Brunswick's Anstey Precinct has been a favourite of Apartments.com.au's for some years, essentially a microcosm of Melbourne's greater push toward higher density living outside the central city.

Anchored by Anstey Railway Station and with Breese Street as its spine, the Anstey Precinct has been subject to intense apartment development during recent years. While Apartments.com.au has been both positive and <a href="/expert-insights/buying/the-anstey-precinct-failing-at-a-basic-level">critical</a> of the resulting built-form, one planning application <a href="/news/giving-something-back-12-duckett-street-brunswick">shone through during 2014</a>.

Fast forward and the site in question at 12 Duckett Street is now up for sale with Colliers offering the 4,858sqm land parcel with approval for an interesting apartment development in tow.

<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_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Duckett Street merging with the Upfield Bike Path. Image: Colliers"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="265" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image35_2.jpg?itok=snjefRq2" title="Duckett Street merging with the Upfield Bike Path. Image: Colliers" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Duckett Street merging with the Upfield Bike Path. Image: Colliers</figcaption></figure>While developers will be drawn by the MOS Architects scheme allowing for 185 apartments and 11 commercial tenancies, the true 'super' nature of 12 Duckett Street is the manner in which it addresses the public realm.

With two separate residential buildings either side of Duckett Street the proposal sought and was granted the right to turn part of Duckett Street into a car free zone. Hand in hand with this is the introduction of a generous amount of green space on and around the development.

<blockquote>
The piazza is integral to the success of this development. We identified our subject site as a significant contributor to the high quality emerging developments within the close proximity.

Integration with the existing shared Upfield path is established as the site opens up to this path, promoting alternative movements and significant pedestrian activity.
<cite>MOS Architects, 2014 planning statement</cite>
</blockquote>

Approximately 80 metres of active frontage, high site permeability, green walls and setbacks to the Upfield bike path; these are traits not applicable to the majority of apartment developments which have landed within Anstey Precinct in recent years. And consequently this is why 12 Duckett Street is such an interesting and important development for the region.

<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/image33_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hendrix and 8 Breese are in the early stages of construction"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="198" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image33_6.jpg?itok=Mt_uhfg7" title="Hendrix and 8 Breese are in the early stages of construction" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hendrix and 8 Breese are in the early stages of construction</figcaption></figure>While 12 Duckett Street looks for a new owner, construction is back on the agenda within Anstey Precinct. Almost simultaneously, two mid-sized apartment projects have begun construction with Maycon's Hendrix Apartments and Romano Property Group's 8 Breese both approaching bulk excavation.

Between the two developer-builder driven projects, approximately 135 apartments will be added to Anstey Precinct in addition to some much needed ground level activation by way of retail outlets.

Also set for construction is Nightingale at 6 Florence Street after receiving a Notice of Decision from Moreland City Council during March. After a well publicised VCAT rejection, the proposal was subject to minor alterations with limited onsite car parking included. With final approval in the offing, Nighingale looks like its set to join the Anstey Precinct, albeit long after it was intended.

<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_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Awaiting movement. Image: www.nightingale.melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image32_2.jpg?itok=VPoL3See" title="Awaiting movement. Image: www.nightingale.melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Awaiting movement. Image: www.nightingale.melbourne</figcaption></figure>
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Anstey Precinct's premier development site offered for sale

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When you mention <a href="/new-apartments/brunswick-vic-3056">Brunswick</a> to anyone who's from the other side of the Yarra you're quite likely to get a rendition of the Franco Cozzo ad, a massive expletive-ladden anti-hipster tirade or hushed jibes about lefties.

However we need to question how long those stereotypes will last. Apartments.com.au labelled <a href="/news/hotspots-lygon-street-east-brunswick">Lygon Street in Brunswick East a development hotspot</a> in August 2013 and the picture today is dramatically different. Not that Lygon Street is seeing significantly less development, it's that the planning applications are flying in from all over Brunswick and increasingly <a href="/new-apartments/coburg-vic-3058">Coburg</a>.

A quick glance at the <a href="/">data portal</a> for Moreland shows there are currently 69 projects across the municipality yielding a total of 5,575 units across all statuses. 57 of those projects with 4,293 units are located in postcodes 3055, 3056 and 3057: <a href="/new-apartments/brunswick-west-vic-3055">Brunswick West</a>, Brunswick and <a href="/new-apartments/brunswick-east-vic-3057">Brunswick East</a> respectively.

10 of the projects located in either of the three postcodes are under construction, 13 at sales, 18 approved and 16 are currently before council. Most of those projects are located on the Brunswick activity strips of Sydney Road and Lygon Street however this might just be about to change.

<h2>Moreland's Neighbourhood Centres Strategy</h2>

The City of Moreland has liberally applied the residential growth zone to many parts of the municipality outside its three key activity centres of Brunswick, Coburg and <a href="/new-townhouses/glenroy-vic-3046">Glenroy</a> and the draft neighbourhood<a href="http://moreland.vic.gov.au/neighbourhood-centres-strategy"> </a>centres strategy now viewable on Moreland's <a href="http://moreland.vic.gov.au/neighbourhood-centres-strategy">website</a> seeks to clarify the council's vision for its second-tier activity centres.

In a nutshell the strategy aims to introduce controls to 11 of the 12 neighbourhood centres in Moreland. The neighbourhood centres are scattered throughout the municipality and include areas such as Grantham and Union Streets, Melville Road and Victoria Street in Brunswick West. Gaffney Street in <a href="/new-apartments/pascoe-vale-vic-3044">Pascoe Vale</a>, Merlynston, Fawkner and <a href="/new-townhouses/oak-park-vic-3046">Oak Park</a> are also on the list of areas where development will be encouraged.

The aforementioned areas come under the residential growth zone and in some part include mixed use and commercial 1 zones.

More than 50% of the <a href="http://moreland.vic.gov.au/globalassets/areas/amendments/amendmentslib-7208/c159/mcc3068-neighbourhoodcentresstrategy_v3.pdf">draft strategy document</a> is dedicated to design and built-form guidelines for the areas where development up to 4 levels is permissable.

<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/bruns_4_level.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Albert Street, Brunswick East"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="431" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/bruns_4_level.png?itok=IZus8DTn" title="Albert Street, Brunswick East" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Albert Street, Brunswick East</figcaption></figure><h2>Should Moreland be aiming higher?</h2>

Great urban initiatives like <a href="/expert-insights/buying/letting-sydney-road-drown-in-a-traffic-sewer-is-not-an-option-its-time-to-revitalise-the-strip">Revitalise Sydney Road</a> are focused on reconfiguring the look, feel and operations of Sydney Road but is it time to think bigger and earmark sites on Sydney Road for future office-only uses?

Say a concept like that outlined by the Revitalise Sydney Road comes to fruition and the public transport capacity of the road is boosted, the amount of people who will be able to travel up and down from Moreland to the new Parkville Station will increase substantially.

Most of the office space on or near Sydney Road is contained above retail shops or as add-on components to warehouses west of the Upfield train line. A company with a requirement for 1000 square metres of modern office space would be hard pressed to find a site suitable in Brunswick which is curious given it is and will be a natural spill-over area for the biotech and health-focused Parkville area.

In a policy document dated 2011-2016, some of they key challenges for Moreland include 'continued loss of land for employment purposes to residential conversion', 'poor perception of the North as the place for business' and 'limited supply of quality office space'. Perhaps it's time for a commercial development and employment-focused strategy.
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Alastair Taylor

Crystal ball gazing: City of Moreland 

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Thrust into the spotlight last year, <a href="/new-apartments/brunswick-vic-3056">Brunswick's</a> <a href="/new-apartments/brunswick-vic-3056">Nightingale apartment</a> development has re-entered Moreland's planning system after VCAT revoked the project planning permit in a highly contentious decision.

At 6 Florence Street, the project became a poster boy of sorts for current planning inconsistencies with the project's approval nullified due to a lack of onsite car parking even though it is located within metres of Anstey Railway Station, Upfield Bike Path and Tram 19. The tribunal challenge came from adjoining developer Chaucer Enterprises, with VCAT ultimately ruling that Nightingale should make a contribution towards meeting the parking demands it generates, in line with other apartment developments.

The decision was so contentious the Victorian Planning &amp; Environmental Law Association and Ratio Consultants held a <a href="/news/vpela-seminar-summary-vcats-nightingale-decision-car-parking-and-the-future-of-sustainable-development">special seminar</a> on the ruling, exploring possible ramifications.

<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/ca627_florencest_5094.21.25pm.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Commons led the way in sustainability. Image courtesy nightingale.melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ca627_florencest_5094.21.25pm.jpg?itok=wHj2MBtW" title="The Commons led the way in sustainability. Image courtesy nightingale.melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Commons led the way in sustainability. Image courtesy nightingale.melbourne</figcaption></figure>Nightingale is much the same as <a href="/new-apartments/brunswick-vic-3056">The Commons</a> directly opposite, with the completed project serving as a prototype for many of the ideas fundamental to <a href="http://www.nightingale.melbourne/">The Nightingale Model</a>. The Commons has no car parking spaces onsite.

No car parking is fundamental to The Nightingale Model; its core expectation is that financial return is equal to sustainability and liveability, where it is suggested that financial return is far and away in front for the typical development model.

In the revised plans submitted during December, three car parks have been included within Nightingale at ground level with access via a laneway to the rear of the site. 42 bicycle spaces are also included.

<h2>Better luck this time</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/image12_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Preliminary sketch of Nightingale 2.0. Image courtesy nightingale.melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="361" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image12_3.jpg?itok=qMrfUTz6" title="Preliminary sketch of Nightingale 2.0. Image courtesy nightingale.melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Preliminary sketch of Nightingale 2.0. Image courtesy Nightingale, Melbourne</figcaption></figure>Florence Street and its three car spaces aside, the partnership behind The Nightingale Model are hoping for a less complicated planning run with their next project dubbed Nightingale 2.0.

After a survey where near on 200 respondents registered their desire to live within a Nightingale apartment, planning documents for the project at <a href="/buildings/nightingale-2-0-30-railway-place-fairfield">72A Station Street, Fairfield </a>were lodged in the first week of the new year. Designed by <a href="/architects/six-degrees-architects">Six Degrees</a>, the project is adjacent to Fairfield Railway Station and will include 20 apartments and three retail premises.

Nightingale 2.0 will have zero car parks in line with the philosophy of the project partners.

<h2>Comment</h2>

Three car spaces within Nightingale comes across as an almost token offering from the development team to placate VCAT's ruling. Considering The Commons directly opposite has no car spaces included, that all the prospective Nightingale buyers were comfortable with no car parks attached to their apartment and that <a href="/news">Moreland City Counci</a>l unanimously voted to approve the development in its original guise, it makes the VCAT ruling all that much more questionable.

No doubt a degree of hypocrisy can be levelled at VCAT with Fairfax Media this week reporting on the tribunal's fresh ruling which has <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/five-storeys-zero-car-parks-vcat-gives-green-light-to-contentious-building-20160117-gm7kx6">permitted a Brunswick East development</a> to proceed with zero car parks, even though it is a comparatively fewer public transport options relative to Nightingale.

VCAT inconsistencies aside, it is highly likely that Moreland City Council will green light the alterations to Nightingale's design in quick time.
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Nightingale heads back to planning in the wake of VCAT's howler

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The well-known Bridie O’Reilly’s pub in Melbourne's Brunswick fetched $6.03 million at its hotly contested auction.
The 29 Sydney Road pub was sold to a local investor through Colliers International’s Guy Wells and Pat Connolly, along with Jonathon McCormack and Alex Ham of Gross Waddell.
The sale of the nearly 1,120 square metre site translates to a yield of 4.23%.
Bidding opened at $5 million and multiple parties threw their hat in the ring. 
The winning bid was by Peregrine Projects, a local developer with plans to retain the original heritage corner pub while developing up to 60 apartments over five levels on the remainder of the block.
The property was sold by local builder and investor John Connellan, who held the hotel for 18 years after redeveloping it for The Bridie O’Reilly group.
Formerly known as the Sarah Sands Hotel, it was extensively refurbished in 1997 and now operates as an Irish-themed pub and entertainment venue.
Situated at the corner of Brunswick and Sydney Roads with additional frontage to Black Street, the hotel comprises a ground floor lounge area, large dining room/nightclub area and an outdoor courtyard. 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Melbourne's Bridie O’Reillys pub auctioned off above $6 million

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Underpinning the continued popularity of <a href="/new-apartments/brunswick-vic-3056">Brunswick</a> and surrounds as an apartment hotspot, a host of planning applications are before Moreland City Council for assessment. Many sites in question continue the trend of apartment developments subsuming former industrial facilities, while the odd application such as <a href="/buildings/cannatella-625-sydney-road-brunswick">611-621 Sydney Road</a> provide a surprise reuse.

With many projects in the 3-5 level category, Apartments.com.au has chosen to highlight the larger projects currently at planning spread over Brunswick, the always in demand <a href="/new-apartments/brunswick-east-vic-3057">Brunswick East</a> and the emerging <a href="/new-apartments/brunswick-west-vic-3055">Brunswick West</a>. Notable applications include:

<h2>611-621 Sydney Road, Brunswick</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/image182.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy Peter Brown Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="382" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image182.jpg?itok=2Hrtg66U" title="Image courtesy Peter Brown Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy Peter Brown Architects</figcaption></figure>The Courthouse Hotel looks set to be no more with an application seeking the delivery of an eight level apartment building. Received by Moreland City Council during April, Peter Brown Architects have conceived the design which will include a mixture of one and two bedroom apartments set behind a retained Sydney Road facade.

Ground level facilities see a bar/restaurant included, which will be located above a multi-level basement car park.

<h2><a href="/new-apartments/mesh-apartments-8-florence-street-brunswick">8 Florence Street, Brunswick</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/image180_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy CHT Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="260" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image180_0.jpg?itok=FJN-dM84" title="Image courtesy CHT Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy CHT Architects</figcaption></figure>A departure from <a href="/architects/cht-architects">CHT Architects'</a> typical design approach, 8 Florence Street presents as an openable, perforated metal exterior. 16 single bedroom and 8 dual bedroom apartments are spread over five levels, with two restaurants at ground level likely to bring some much needed activation to the area.

Moreland Fencing are the client for the projects which finds itself directly opposite <a href="/new-apartments/brunswick-vic-3056">The Commons</a> building within Brunswick's Anstey Precinct.

<h2><a href="/buildings/288-albert-street-brunswick">284-294 Albert Street, Brunswick</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/image181.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="334" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image181.jpg?itok=qPUp1Aft" title="Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN</figcaption></figure>Appearing to be a sister development to the adjoining <a href="/buildings/288-albert-street-brunswick">Brunswick Heart</a> project which is at sales on behalf of CBD Developments, 284-294 Albert Street Brunswick is a fellow <a href="/architects/rothelowman">ROTHELOWMAN</a> design. Spread over eight levels are 56 apartments with retail uses at ground level.

Also known as 343 Sydney Road, 284-294 Albert Street is now at advertising after lodgment with Moreland City council during late 2014.

<h2><a href="/buildings/breese-street-204-206-albion-street-brunswick">204-206 Albion Street, Brunswick</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/image178.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy Taouk Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="301" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image178.jpg?itok=EjcsZf2j" title="Image courtesy Taouk Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy Taouk Architects</figcaption></figure>Royal Nut Company look set to leave their long term home with a recent planning application seeking to replace the low-rise facility with an eight level apartment building containing 63 residences and two retail outlets. 18 single, 44 dual and 1 triple constitute the apartment mix within the proposal while 68 car parking spaces are located within the basement.

As a nod to the site's history <a href="/architects/taouk-architects">Taouk Architects</a> have included a squirrel embossed upon a mesh screen/glazing background over the podium.

<h2><a href="/buildings/b-e-apartments-11-brunswick-road-brunswick-east">11-15 Brunswick Road, Brunswick East</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/image179.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy Interlandi Mantresso Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="242" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image179.jpg?itok=Fc9LEVMx" title="Image courtesy Interlandi Mantresso Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy Interlandi Mantresso Architects</figcaption></figure>Set to span ten levels above a three level basement, 11-15 Brunswick Road finds itself in an increasingly popular apartment pocket with a host of projects either completed or under construction in the vicinity. A single office space and 116 apartments constitute the Interlandi Mantesso-designed structure.

Currently on public display, the proposal was submitted to Moreland City Council during November 2014.

<h2><a href="/new-apartments/brunswick-vic-3056">2-6 Duckett Street, Brunswick</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/image184.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy Idle Architecture Studio"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="255" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image184.jpg?itok=UKA1I0Jy" title="Image courtesy Idle Architecture Studio" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy Idle Architecture Studio</figcaption></figure><a href="/architects/idle-architecture-studio">Idle Architecture Studio</a> enter the fray with a six level proposal seeking approval for 36 apartments and two offices. The application was lodged on behalf of Mondrian Developments and is in close proximity to 11 West Street as highlighted below.

The 701sqm site is expected to hold 38 car parking spaces which will service the 11 single and 25 dual bedroom dwellings.

<h2>350-364 Moreland Road, Brunswick West</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/image70_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy ClarkeHopkinsClarke"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="328" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image70_4.jpg?itok=n82ezx8Z" title="Image courtesy ClarkeHopkinsClarke" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy ClarkeHopkinsClarke</figcaption></figure>Unassuming it may appear from street level, but an application for 350-364 Moreland Road has recently been advertised showing 72 apartments within a five level building. Designed by <a href="/architects/clarke-hopkins-clarke-0">ClarkeHopkinsClarke</a>, the projects seeks approval for 40 single bedroom dwelling, 32 dual bedroom dwellings and a cafe tenancy at ground level.

Situated over a 2,082sqm site, the proposal is midway between Moreland Station and the 55 tram.

<h2>2-8 Barry Street, Brunswick</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/image186_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy Architeria"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="163" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image186_0.jpg?itok=ng-VnMdN" title="Image courtesy Architeria" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy Architeria Architects</figcaption></figure>After a period of consultation with Moreland City Council's planning department, 2-8 Barry Street has gained approval. Designed by <a href="/architects/architeria-architects">Architeria Architects</a>, 2-8 Barry Street is set to accommodate 36 apartments over four levels plus three offices in a project for <a href="/developers/ouson-group">Ouson Group</a>.

The project is expected to advance to sales in the near future.

<h2><a href="/buildings/the-grove-1-5-olive-york-way-brunswick-west">1-5 Olive York Way, Brunswick West</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/image4_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy MAP Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="290" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image4_7.jpg?itok=AtCPiIhc" title="Image courtesy MAP Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy MAP Architecture</figcaption></figure>VCAT only last week ruled in favour of the multi-building proposal put forward by Equity Properties Pty Ltd. Lodged during mid 2013, the <a href="/architects/map-architecture">MAP Architecture</a>-designed project will carry in the vicinity of 350 apartments over the now vacant 5,297sqm site which abuts the Tullamarine Freeway.

1-5 Olive York Way joins the completed 2-6 Olive York Way with 140 apartments and R.Corporation's at sales <a href="/buildings/the-york-8-olive-york-way-brunswick-west">8 Olive York Way</a> in finding new purpose for a previously underutilised tract of land.

<h2>11 West Street, Brunswick</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/image13_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy MOS Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="355" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image13_0.jpg?itok=PuFcg2MS" title="Image courtesy MOS Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy MOS Architects</figcaption></figure><a href="/news/giving-something-back-12-duckett-street-brunswick">Lauded on Urban.com.au</a> as a development with noteworthy urban realm contributions, 12 Duckett Street has been approved and is now known as 11 West Street, Brunswick. <a href="/architects/mos-architects">MOS Architects</a> have conceived the development which looks to activate a considerable area adjacent to the Upfield rail line.

The latest revision on Apartments.com.au's database includes 184 apartments within the development over 5-8 levels, although this may have been adjusted as the approved version consists of four buildings of up top six levels.

<h2>808-818 Sydney Road, Brunswick</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/image187_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy Fieldwork Projects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="352" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image187_0.jpg?itok=s66Eq77i" title="Image courtesy Fieldwork Projects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy Fieldwork Projects</figcaption></figure>Last but not least is 808-818 Sydney Road, Brunswick which found favour with VCAT earlier in the year. Wasting no time after gaining approval, the proponents for the prime Brunswick site have elected to sell the approved <a href="/architects/fieldwork">Fieldwork Projects</a> scheme.

Selling agent CBRE is in charge of the process which will likely see a new owner take control of the 2,032sqm site with 91 apartments and six retail tenancies totalling 478sqm allowed for.
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Brunswick bulks up with a wave of fresh planning applications

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In one of our very early articles, Apartments.com.au covered what we refer to as the <a href="/news/anstey-in-development">Anstey precinct</a>: a tract of land adjoining Anstey Station which was and continues to be subsumed by proposed and under construction mid-rise apartment developments. Now the best part of two years on, the former industrial pocket nestled in behind Sydney Road has seen enough redevelopment to pass comment on the respective successes or failures of the area.

There's clearly no doubt that the Anstey precinct has been a hit with apartment buyers, as evidenced by the seven apartment projects finished in recent years. There seems to be no slowing down either, with <a href="/new-apartments/brunswick-vic-3056">8 Breese Street,</a> Maycon's Hendrix Apartments and <a href="/new-apartments/brunswick-vic-3056">Nighingale Apartments</a> the next in line.

In this regard, a massive tick goes to Moreland City Council for advancing the cause for urban regeneration and higher density living in a totally appropriate area. But what of the street level activation and generally public amenity for all these new residents?

<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_6824_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Take that, sensible urban design!"><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_6824_0.jpg?itok=ppmyWRqY" title="Take that, sensible urban design!" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Take that, sensible urban design!</figcaption></figure>Quite simply, there is none. Apartments.com.au raised the issue during 2013 and 2014, but now as Breese Street in particular continues to fill out, it's evident that all things street level have been completely neglected.

What has become a disappointing norm in the area is the practice of building to site boundaries with no setbacks and little articulation in form. This is the case for all buildings bar two - Anstey Square and The Commons - which incidentally happen to be the two more meritorious developments in Anstey, by way of softening their street level interface.

So big deal if there are no setbacks and zero street level consideration. Well you get the above scenario where there's no greenery, no compromise, no incentive or stimulation for passers by and absolutely no urban design nous. Maybe a little harsh, but is it unrealistic to expect that once in a generation change as is going on in Anstey could bring with it an equivalent level of sophisticated, contemporary street level public amenity? No, the plastic chairs in the above photo don't count!

As new buildings appear, footpaths seem all the more narrowed and barren, while greenery… well, don't bother. For mine, Moreland City Council has missed a trick; surely the Anstey of today was not what they had in mind say three, five or seven years ago? Have they fallen behind the development curve or simply given little credence to the need for a pleasant and safe streetscape to service a rocketing population?

<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_6831.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Anstey Square proves something for the eye, within its site boundary of course."><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_6831.jpg?itok=tfyNSJVJ" title="Anstey Square proves something for the eye, within its site boundary of course." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Anstey Square provides something for the eye, within its site boundary of course.</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
Ultimately though, it shouldn't be in the hands of the developer/architect to create these spaces of their own volition, but rather adhere to a well formulated green/structure plan devised by Council. If every high density project within Anstey delivered a little of what 12 Duckett proposes, the area would be the benchmark for urban renewal.

In due course Apartments.com.au will take a pictorial tour of Anstey precinct, highlighting its hits and misses, and why 12 Duckett Street is so important.
<cite>Mark Baljak, <a href="/news/giving-something-back-12-duckett-street-brunswick">"Giving something back &gt; 12 Duckett Street, Brunswick"</a> (July 7, 2014)</cite>
</blockquote>

12 Duckett Street which the above quote refers to, proposed eliminating vehicle traffic on Duckett Street for the sake of a public piazza between two intended buildings. Incidentally the application received a Notice of Decision to Grant a Planning Permit in the first quarter of 2015.

With the piazza comes a string of ground level tenancies expected to draw in pedestrians to a communal focal point, rather than the transient movements currently witnessed to either Anstey Station or Sydney Road.

<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/image71_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A piazza for Anstey Precinct. Image courtesy MOS Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="371" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image71_0.jpg?itok=LAcbOKr4" title="A piazza for Anstey Precinct. Image courtesy MOS Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A piazza for Anstey. Image courtesy MOS Architects</figcaption></figure>The Anstey precinct to date is an abject let down where arguably it matters most: street level. One thing is certain, it would now take a considerable amount of funding to fix the wrongs as opposed to placing a minimal levy on the sale of each apartment that would go toward public realm works; not an altogether uncommon practice.

Perhaps removing car parking along Breese Street in certain areas in favour of remodelled footpaths and/or water-sensitive urban design raingardens is in order; City of Yarra alone has in excess of 50 <a href="http://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/environment/Saving-water/Water-Sensitive-Urban-Design-WSUD/">on-street raingardens</a>. If no forethought, then a little retrospective effort at least would go along way to bringing the Anstey precinct up to scratch.

<h2>Extrapolating the Bend</h2>

In some small way there is a viable comparison between Anstey, Docklands and Fishermans Bend.

Where vast areas of Docklands were delegated out to a single developer with the purpose of creating a masterplanned outcome along with the associated services and public amenity, Anstey is much like Fishermans Bend in that there are many sites within the area under the control of a multitude of developers. Anstey is a clear example of what occurs if there is no cohesive overarching plan to which developments need to adhere to, particularly regarding the public domain contributions.

Both Anstey and Fishermans Bend are industrial areas finding a new purpose by way of higher density redevelopment. In certain quarters Fishermans Bend has already been likened to another Docklands: should Fishermans Bend fail to get the critical public realm right in addition to its built form, it may worse yet be likened to Anstey.
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