Local developer Harridan is seeking to turn its Woolloongabba apartment project into the first stage of a broader transformation of Burke Street, using a new 16-storey mixed-use building to establish a greener pedestrian connection toward the rapidly evolving Boggo Road transport and knowledge precinct.

The South East Queensland developer has filed plans for 154 apartments on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-burke-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">southern side of Burke Street</a>, where its proposal has been designed alongside a wider vision by LatStudios for the street.

That vision positions the southern side of Burke Street for buildings of 15 storeys and above, while envisaging lower-rise development of up to five storeys on the northern side to transition into Woolloongabba's existing character housing. It also proposes wider pedestrian verges, deep planting, new street trees and upgrades to the pedestrian approach to Boggo Road Station.

The Harridan development itself has been designed by Brisbane-based Arqus Design and will comprise 154 apartments across 16 storeys. The mix is weighted heavily toward two-bedroom apartments, with 121 proposed alongside 10 one-bedroom and 23 three-bedroom residences. There will typically be around 14 units per floor.

A lower-ground car park and three podium levels will accommodate 156 resident parking spaces, along with visitor and commercial parking. There will also be 154 resident bicycle spaces and 40 visitor bicycle parks.

&nbsp;

Harridan is a family-owned developer and part of the Holmwood Highgate Group, with more than three decades of development activity across South East Queensland. Its portfolio spans residential, commercial and industrial property, with current residential projects including Riverbank on Byron in Bulimba, Esperance Residences in Carina and The Precinct at Kinross Road in Thornlands.

Wooloongabba has been popular for apartment developers, particularly since the announcement of the 2032 Summer Olympics games in Brisbane.

While there have been a lot of development applications, it has failed to materialize into real supply.&nbsp;

Sarazin has been the major player in the area. They are under construction at Murcia Residences, on the fringe of East Brisbane and Woolloongabba. They have just launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-stanley-residences-woolloongabba-8-trafalgar-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">The Stanley Residences</a>, in Woolloongabba on Trafalagar Street. They also have Nuage coming soon on the nearby <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nuage-woolloongabba-14-wellington-road-woolloongabba-qld-4102">Wellington Road</a>.

Joel Robinson

First look: Harridan plans Burke Street transformation beside Boggo Road transport hub

IN BRIEF

<ul>
	<li>
	Just three double-storey Sky Homes sit at the top of The Waterline, each with its own private marina berth and rooftop terrace.
	</li>
	<li>
	Construction on The Waterline is complete, with the first residents expected to move in from mid-October.
	</li>
	<li>
	Sky Homes range from 282 sqm to 367 sqm and are priced from $3.65 million.
	</li>
</ul>

<hr />
Lewis Land has opened the first completed sky home for inspection at Harbour Shores, giving buyers their first opportunity to step inside one of just three double-storey residences crowning The Waterline.

Each sky home comes with its own private marina berth, rooftop terrace and Broadwater views, combining the scale of a larger home with direct access to the boating lifestyle that underpins the wider <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/harbour-shores-biggera-waters-564-oxley-drive-biggera-waters-qld-4216">Harbour Shores</a> masterplan.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=366708]

Lewis Land Head of Development Michael Long said the inclusion of a berth with every Sky Home had become increasingly valuable as marina access across the Gold Coast tightened.

“Marina berths are becoming increasingly difficult to secure across the Gold Coast, so including one with every Sky Home makes this a genuinely rare offering,” Long said.

“The private 70-berth marina will accommodate boats up to 12 metres in length and is positioned just 2.5 kilometres from the Broadwater, placing the open ocean only 15 minutes away.

“Being able to step out of your home onto your boat is a rare luxury, and it’s something residents here can look forward to when it opens later this year.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=366709]

The display opening comes as construction completes on The Waterline, with the first residents expected to move in from mid-October.

The three Sky Homes range from 282 sqm to 367 sqm and each feature three bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living zones, expansive kitchens with butler's pantries and large balconies taking in the Broadwater outlook.

Each residence also has three secure basement car spaces and additional storage.

“This is the first opportunity the Gold Coast has had to step into Harbour Shores and see, touch and feel what we’re bringing to life here,” Long said.

“There are only three Sky Homes within The Waterline, ranging in size from 282sqm to 367sqm, with each residence featuring three large bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living zones, expansive custom-built kitchens with butler’s pantry, and large balconies capturing Broadwater views.”

<img alt="Harbour Shores" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bab65e10-4fab-45e1-92d8-fc56e2ab98ff" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%202.00.16%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=XT8q76LsPkw3cYTsvN3JfFDaPLud90PN" />

Residents of The Waterline will have access to a private pool, along with Harbour Shores' wider collection of amenity including a lagoon pool, social clubhouse, tennis court, gym, yoga facilities and sauna.

Lewis Land partnered with Studio Collective to furnish the completed display, with the interiors designed to demonstrate how the residences could function as permanent homes rather than simply as show apartments.

Studio Collective Director Melissa Park said the surrounding waterways informed the interiors, but in a more restrained way than a traditional coastal scheme.

“We drew inspiration from the canals and coastal surrounds, but our approach was to interpret that subtly through layered materials and a grounded palette of earthy tones, rather than literal coastal references,” Park said.

“We introduced hero moments of green and teal to reference the surrounding waterways, while mirrored elements help reflect natural light.

“The result is a residence that feels elevated yet comfortable, somewhere buyers can genuinely imagine themselves living, entertaining and unwinding.”

Sky Homes are priced from $3.65 million.

Lewis Land is also offering private marina berths with The Residences, its limited collection of three and four-bedroom villas positioned directly along the Harbour Shores waterfront boardwalk.

Three-bedroom villas are priced from $2.99 million, while four-bedroom residences start from $3.19 million.

Harbour Shores is being marketed by Colliers International.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113271]

Lewis Land opens sky home display as The Waterline completes at Harbour Shores

St Vincent de Paul Society Housing Australia has filed plans for a major mixed-use housing precinct on the southern edge of the North Sydney CBD, adding another significant proposal to a pocket around North Sydn​ey Station that is quickly becoming one of the LGA's busiest development zones.

The State Significant Development Application covers a 5,990 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/1-19-mackenzie-street-lavender-bay-nsw-2060">1-19 MacKenzie Street and 211 Blues Point Road in Lavender Bay</a>, immediately south of Nor​th Sydney Station and between the commercial core and the lower-rise Lavender Bay Heritage Conservation Area.

Designed by Wardle, the proposal would deliver a new residential tower comprising 88 build-to-sell apartments and 19 affordable apartments, alongside a separate co-living building with 57 rooms and a building manager's studio.

It would also see the significant restoration and upgrade of St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, the adaptive reuse of the former school building, new parish facilities, retail, a new public square and around 1,000 sqm of publicly accessible open space.

<img alt="Vinnies North Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d5dd7f87-a617-463e-b577-17541e01f0e9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.10.13%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4R8TsFN3P_LrrXO2HswTOIrx2blil8lh" />

The project is seeking a concurrent rezoning of the site to R4 High Density Residential and an increase in the maximum building height to allow a tower reaching RL120, or up to 20 storeys. The proposal was progressed through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

The build-to-sell component will be weighted toward larger apartments, with just six one-bedroom apartments compared with 31 two-beds, 43 three-beds and eight four-bedroom residences.

The 19 affordable apartments will comprise two studios, 15 one-bedroom apartments and two two-bedroom apartments, taking the total apartment component to 107 residences before the 58 co-living rooms are included.

<img alt="Vnnies" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7d568ca5-cb90-4e18-96c6-d9795dba0c56" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.10.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=GY2R5M9VtQh0EKy1vajaea19PSLOPuRD" />

Wardle's design for the Vinnies site has sought to negotiate that emerging high-rise context while retaining the lower-scale character of MacKenzie Street and the adjoining heritage conservation area.

The main building adopts a three-storey podium and tower arrangement, with the podium aligned to the ridgeline and front setback of St Francis Xavier Church.&nbsp;Wardle has designed the podium with colonnades, seating, recessed entries and active ground-floor frontages, with sandstone-toned precast concrete and face brick referencing the materiality of the existing church.

The tower then steps back eight metres to the south and six metres to the north before rising in a sculpted form comprising four interlocking quadrants. Wardle has also introduced rounded forms and chamfered corners to reduce the tower's perceived bulk and improve view sharing with neighbouring development sites.

Resident facilities and outdoor areas are planned at the separation between the podium and tower at Level 3, oriented toward Sydney Harbour and the CBD skyline.

The tower itself will feature a glass reinforced concrete facade, with recessed balconies and deep reveals used both to provide shading and privacy and frame views toward the harbour and city. The lower levels take a different architectural approach, using brick and sandstone-toned finishes intended to establish a stronger relationship with St Francis Xavier Church. The Church itself will be conserved and upgraded for its continued use, while the former school building will be adaptively reused as part of the co-living component.

<img alt="Lavendar Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d4418ad-90aa-4d49-af93-c80b140aea80" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.09.47%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Kv4gzbsACaGvZSRuaqcfGC54jEJRXIDJ" />

&nbsp;

The proposal adds to an increasingly concentrated pipeline of residential development around Blue Street, MacKenzie Street and Lavender Bay.

Just west of the site, Central Element lodged plans earlier this year for one of the most significant residential developments proposed in Lavender Bay in recent years.

Central Element's SJB-designed scheme at 64-66 Lavender Street and 3-7 Middlemiss Street would deliver 163 apartments across two towers rising 23 and 32 storeys, replacing five existing apartment buildings containing 32 homes. The project also forms part of the Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-central-element-reveals-lavender-bay-apartment-plans?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">First look: Central Element reveals Lavender Bay apartment plans</a>

Immediately around North Sy​dney Station, another two significant proposals have emerged at 5 and 15 Blue Street.

Zurich Australian Insurance Properties is seeking to adaptively reuse its longstanding commercial building at 5 Blue Street, directly above North Sydney Station, rather than demolishing the structure.

Its SSDA proposes converting the building into a 14-storey mixed-use development with 62 apartments and 86 co-living rooms, together with ground-floor retail and a major refurbishment of Blue Street Plaza. The application is currently at the Response to Submissions stage.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-zurich-targets-north-sydney-office-conversion-with-148-unit-proposal-above-metro-station">First look: Zurich targets North Sydney office conversion with 148-unit proposal above Metro station</a>

&nbsp;

First look: Vinnies files for 20-storey Lavender Bay apartment tower as North Sydney housing pocket heats up

When the opportunity arose for South Australian developer Palumbo to return to Kent Town, where it had previously delivered East Park Apartments and the East 
Rundle Apartments, it wasn't one the longstanding developer-builder was going to pass up.

The decision was quickly vindicated, with more than 30 apartments sold within the first month of launching <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/royal-apartments-kent-town-2-8-north-terrace-kent-town-sa-5067">Royal Apartments</a> to the market.

The 206-apartment development, which will bring significant new supply to Adelaide's tightly held eastern city fringe, also gives <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/palumbo">Palumbo</a> the opportunity to bring new life to one of Kent Town's most recognisable watering holes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376073]

Royal Apartments incorporates the historic Royal Hotel, a venue Palumbo Managing Director Daniel Palumbo said has a longstanding connection with the local community.

"Everyone in the area has history with the Royal Hotel," Palumbo told Apartments.com.au.

"It was quite an active pub and social gathering place for locals. We want to bring it back to its former glory."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376072]

The wider development will comprise two residential towers alongside the restored hotel, sitting on North Terrace opposite the Adelaide Park Lands.

For Palumbo, the project also marks a return to familiar territory.

The developer completed East Park Apartments next door more than a decade ago and jumped at the opportunity to develop in Kent Town again when the Royal Hotel site became available.

"The opportunity emerged, and we moved to secure the site," Palumbo said.

"We were approached by the previous landowner, who said they had extensive commitments in Sydney and weren't in a position to deliver the project.

"We took over the site and within six months recut the design scheme to be more in keeping with the type of development we want to bring to Adelaide.

"Now we're on the market and those changes have really resonated with local buyers."

That has translated into a strong start to sales, with 33 apartments transacting in the project's first 35 days.

Palumbo said the early purchaser profile had been consistent with the group's traditional focus on owner-occupiers rather than investor-led apartment stock.

"Local owner-occupiers have always been our market," he said.

"There are always some investors, but we've never developed what would be called traditional development stock. Owner-occupiers are very much our market."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376068]

The buyer mix has been diverse so far, with downsizers and younger professionals both accounting for a significant portion of early sales.

South Australia's current stamp duty settings, which allow&nbsp;eligible homeowners in South Australia aged 60 savings of up to $103,830 on stamp duty when they downsize to a new property valued at up to $2 million,&nbsp;have helped encourage downsizer activity, while younger buyers in their late 20s and early 30s have been attracted to the opportunity to live immediately outside the CBD while still being able to walk into the city.



Location has been a major part of the proposition for both buyer cohorts.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376075]

Royal Apartments sits on North Terrace directly opposite the Adelaide Park Lands, with residents able to walk through the parklands toward the East End, Rundle Street and Rundle Mall.

Apartments have been positioned to capture views across the parklands, Adelaide skyline, Botanic Gardens and Adelaide Hills.

Palumbo believes the scarcity of developable land along this section of the Park Lands makes the site particularly difficult to replicate.

"There's very few allotments on that side that can be developed," he said.

"If this location was in New York and you were sitting on Central Park, you'd be talking about a $60 million apartments."

Royal Apartments will offer a broad mix of residences, ranging from one-bedroom apartments through to four-bedroom sub-penthouses and penthouses.

Current listings include one-bedroom apartments from $680,000, while larger three and four-bedroom residences are priced around $2.5 million.

Residents will have access to a swimming pool, gym, barbecue and recreation areas, residents' lounge and dining space, and a communal deck.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376067]

The apartments will feature generous balconies, while secure parking, bicycle storage and storage cages will also be provided.

A porte-cochère-style arrival and drop-off area has also resonated with buyers, particularly those attracted to being able to walk into the CBD during the day while retaining secure vehicle access at home.

Palumbo is acting as developer, architect and builder on Royal Apartments, continuing the vertically integrated model it has used across its South Australian portfolio.

The group was also behind the $150 million Sofitel Adelaide, the 251-room five-star hotel and residential tower which opened in 2021.

Palumbo said Royal's launch had come at an interesting time for the broader Adelaide apartment market.

Buyer confidence had initially been impacted by uncertainty surrounding the Federal Budget and broader economic conditions, but Palumbo believes sentiment is beginning to improve against a backdrop of significant investment flowing into South Australia.

He pointed to increased activity across defence and resources, including Olympic Dam, as potential long-term drivers of the state's economy and housing market.

"Money is starting to flow into Adeliade, significant amounts as Adelaide bucks the trend of the rest of the country.," Palumbo said.

"There's a lot of activity in the economy over the next decade. I think more investment will come into this market."

Early works on Royal Apartments are expected to commence this year, with major construction activity and cranes anticipated on site from early next year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6109]

Palumbo's return to Kent Town strikes early chord with buyers

Go-to builder-developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/graya">GRAYA</a> is continuing to bulk out its already impressive and diverse apartment portfolio across South East Queensland. Their latest milestone is securing development approval for Silk, its boutique riverfront apartment development in St Lucia.

The approval clears&nbsp;the way for the team to begin construction planning for the 22-residence project.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/silk-st-lucia-16-18-sandford-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">Silk</a> will rise 15 levels from an 810 sqm site at 16-18 Sandford Street, occupying a prominent bend of the Brisbane River with a prized northern aspect across Orleigh Park toward the Brisbane CBD.

The approved scheme will comprise 16 split-floor and six full-floor residences, continuing GRAYA's move into larger-format apartment developments targeting Brisbane's prestige owner-occupier market.

The project has been designed around the site's broad river frontage and dual-direction views, with GRAYA prioritising larger residences, privacy and outlook over apartment yield.

<img alt="Silk St Lucia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aa5c2349-f96c-4914-a812-1f2cd6827af8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%208.25.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=WY0vEU_7vYjeRJKQHiCwFdMxu8PvFh52" />

GRAYA Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Rob Gray said the project had been shaped around local homeowners wanting to remain in St Lucia without maintaining a traditional family home.

"St Lucia is one of those suburbs people do not want to leave," Gray said.

"They know the river, the trees, UQ, the golf course, Toowong and Indooroopilly, and that familiarity is hard to replace.

"True riverfront opportunities here are exceptionally scarce. What we have designed at Silk is a way to stay in the suburb people love, with the scale and privacy of a private home and far less to maintain.

"This is not typical apartment product. It is a proper home on the river, and that is exactly what this market has been missing."

The approval comes as new apartment development continues to increase across the St Lucia and neighbouring Toowong corridor, although direct riverfront sites remain considerably more tightly held.

GRAYA Co-founder and Managing Director Andrew Gray said securing the approval had removed a significant element of development risk from Silk.

"Genuine riverfront sites of this quality in St Lucia are not something that comes up regularly," Gray said.

"The approval removes a substantial layer of execution risk, and the location underwrites demand in a way very few inner-city sites can.

"The fundamentals here are as strong as anything we have assessed in Brisbane."

<img alt="Silk St Lucia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d0f3d734-65e1-48e8-8ed3-2e0715ffcdd9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%208.25.56%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sOLSs_jdHkXLWbBKzRyayf5BfTb2vPsD" />

Silk will see GRAYA return to a stretch of the Brisbane River where it already has recent construction experience. The vertically integrated group recently completed ARC in neighbouring Toowong as builder for developer Spyre, delivering the riverfront project on a constrained site.

GRAYA will take a different role at Silk, controlling the project from design and development through construction and aftercare under its vertically integrated model.

The development will include a gym and resident leisure areas at ground level, integrated with the river's edge.

Silk joins a growing pipeline for GRAYA across Brisbane and the Gold Coast, which includes Enclave, The Gallery, Coral and Ripple.

The developer-builder has also recently lodged plans for its largest project to date, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-silo-19-chester-street-newstead-qld-4006">The Silo</a>, a proposed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/graya-buys-frasers-newstead-site-plans-the-silo-between-james-street-and-gasworks-precincts">$700 million mixed-use development</a> in Brisbane's James Street precinct.

Silk is expected to predominantly target local owner-occupiers and prestige buyers seeking a permanent riverfront home in Brisbane's inner west.

Registrations of interest are now open, with further details on the project and construction program to be released as it progresses.

<hr />
<h2>SILK PROJECT FACTS</h2>

Developer-builder: GRAYA

Project: Silk

Location: 16-18 Sandford Street, St Lucia

Apartments: 22

Built form: 15 levels

Site: 810 sqm riverfront holding

Mix: 16 split-floor and six full-floor residences

Status: Development approved

Next step: Construction planning underway

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152168]

GRAYA greenlit for riverfront St Lucia apartment development, Silk

Clifton Hill

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A three level red brick building in Clifton Hill is on the market with $4.9 million hopes.
The property at 24 Groom Street with an area of 925 square metres is on a corner site.
It has a site area of 340 square metres plus additional seven off street car parks. 
The vendor has recently completed a strip out of the until recent commercial office use of the building which now exposes the cavernous building spaces and the fabric of the structure. 
Gray Johnson director Brett Simpson says these works also expose the opportunity to create a single floor repurposing.
“There is even an opportunity to add mezzanine floor spaces,” Brett Simpson adds. 
“The character is derived from the history of uses dating back to the 1900s with the 24 Groom Street building acquiring its history and various uses along the way. 
“For instance, this building was taken over in September 1911 by the then Department of Defence and became the home of the Commonwealth Harness, Saddlery and Leather Accoutrements Factory, with an occupancy that extended until the late 1920s as a manufacturer of equipment for the armed forces. 
“I understand that during this period it became the provider of harness equipment for the Battle of Beersheba and other major World War One military campaigns. 
“There is still a commemorative plaque on the building façade acknowledging the contribution the building made to the Australian Military Forces from 1912-23. 
“During 1930s the building became the Bourke &amp; Cooke boot factory, before Zig Zag Paper took over manufacturing their legendary roll-your-own cigarette papers here.”
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/8/14/GJ%2024%20GROOM%20STREET%20STRIPPED%20OUT.jpg" alt="">
In 1973, it was acquired by National Can Industries to manufacture many of Australia’s famous tin can packaging here.
National Can on the closure of manufacturing here continued to occupy the building as their corporate office until recently. 
“It holds a Mixed Use zoning with city views able to be accessed from the property’s location that is just off Hoddle Street and the access to the Eastern Freeway,” Simpson said. 
“The property has two street frontages of 16 metres to Groom Street and a side frontage to Yarrabing Lane of another 25 metres. 
“Now exposed by the strip out works are the historic building features including exposed timber beams, ceilings and floors, brickwork, with a goods lift remaining in place.”
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Historic Clifton Hill commercial building listed for $4.9 million

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The Clifton Hill commercial premises of national pet retailer Petstock has been sold by Savills.
Petstock has a new five plus five year lease signed late last year for the 460 square metre building at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-vic-clifton+hill-502833266" target="_blank">592-596 Smith Street</a>.
They pay around $126,500 per annum for the Smith Street space which is passed by 74,000 vehicles per day.
Savills selling agents Jesse Radisich, Nick Peden, Mark Stafford and Julian Heatherich were marketing the property as an opportunity to acquire a prominent asset leased to a secure tenants in the blue-chip city fringe suburb of Clifton Hill.
Petstock have over 155 locations across Australia.
 
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Petstock premises at Clifton Hill sold

<html><body>
Following on from <a href="/news/on-site-with-wulff-projects-part-01-newry-street-richmond">Part 01</a> of Apartments.com.au's site tour with Adam Wulff of Wulff Projects, comes Part 02 - 122 Roseneath Street. Developed in partnership with Icon Development and Assemble Projects, the small footprint development is progressing on site at a rapid pace, and like Wulff's Newry Street project is targeting an early Q3 2018 completion date.

<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/160809_assemble-projects_project-slider_011-1050x460.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="122 Roseneath Street upon completion. Image : Assemble Projects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="254" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/160809_assemble-projects_project-slider_011-1050x460.jpg?itok=o5Sh9gpg" title="122 Roseneath Street upon completion. Image : Assemble Projects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>122 Roseneath Street upon completion. Image : Assemble Projects</figcaption></figure>Roseneath Street follows a suite of other developments by Wulff Projects in Clifton Hill, successfully acquiring the site off-market in 2014. A town planning permit was obtained outside of VCAT in April 2016 for 49 apartments, 18 townhouses, and one retail tenancy.

Designed by Fieldwork, the design possesses a strong sustainability and community design focus, and comprises three main forms aligned north-south along the site, with two raised landscaped terraces which provide separation, access, and outlook.

These green spines or 'linear parks' are achieved by rising above the ground level car park beneath, removing the need for underground parking and costly basement excavation.

The linear parks are accessed via two cascading stairs from Roseneath Street which are accessible 24/7 - there are no gates, but the change in levels provides a threshold of sorts between the public and private domains.

To the street, the car park is concealed behind a retail tenancy and workshop space with 3-storey townhouses located either side, with a central 6-storey apartment building, that terraces down to Roseneath Street.

<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/20180209_082132.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The central apartment building's staggered form responds to the lower scale of the streetscape."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="353" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/20180209_082132.jpg?itok=-VpHv8mM" title="The central apartment building's staggered form responds to the lower scale of the streetscape." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The central apartment building's staggered form responds to the lower scale of the streetscape.</figcaption></figure>A portion of an existing Brutalist office building on the site has been retained, which provided inspiration and was a key driver in the choice of materiality for the project.  

According to Wulff, its retention was not without its challenges, particularly in how the existing floor levels and structure were integrated into the rest of the development, but says it was ultimately worth it, providing the team with an opportunity to celebrate a key element of the site's existing fabric.   

A redbrick wall along the western boundary has also been retained providing the development with another layer of existing grain and local context.

The building is a highly site-responsive design with strong sustainability, quality, and community focus with extensive Council, community and purchaser consultation which assisted the team in refining the design to sit comfortably within its context and provide a product that was appealing to the local market. .

<blockquote>
The outcome is driven by fundamental principles including an emphasis on internal amenity, privacy, light and air access, equitable view lines, and communal facilities. The project is conceived as an exemplar of contextually sensitive, high-quality design and sustainable, small footprint living.

- Fieldwork
</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/20180209_094623.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Making an impact on the Clifton Hill skyline."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="390" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/20180209_094623.jpg?itok=jgkC0tvO" title="Making an impact on the Clifton Hill skyline." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Making an impact on the Clifton Hill skyline.</figcaption></figure>One of the more interesting aspects of the development and one which reinforces the project team's commitment and belief in the quality of the project is the fact that several members of the project team will call Roseneath home. In the realm of residential development, there's no stronger endorsement in a project than when its team commits to it.  

This particularly was reassuring for prospective purchasers who were involved in the consultation process, providing them with the confidence that this wasn't your typical run of the mill apartment project.

While the extensive consultation process with the community and interested buyers might not always be required or practical on every project, it proved beneficial in shaping the final design and mix of dwellings for Roseneath, says Wulff. 

Look out for Part 03 in the coming months which will focus on Wulff Projects' upcoming 210 Alexandra Parade development. In the meantime please enjoy the slideshow of construction photos below;
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Laurence Dragomir

On site with Wulff Projects (Part 02) : 122 Roseneath Street, Clifton Hill

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Late last year Carta Group and Wulff Projects submitted a planning application for an OLA Studio-designed development at 210 Alexandra Parade East Clifton Hill, which has undergone a number of changes to respond to Council and community feedback.

The proposed development is for a 6-storey building comprising of 26 apartments and a resident’s communal workspace at ground floor. The building's design is highly site responsive and employs carefully considered amenity oriented design principles, coupled with a strong ESD focus, located in a mixed-use zone just north of the Eastern Freeway and within close proximity to both Victoria Park and Clifton Hill train stations.

210 Alexandra Parade is expressed as an articulated form that draws inspiration from the original factory while providing a considered building response to both the existing and future context. Additionally, design proposes the adaptive re-use of existing bricks from the original building on-site for communal workspace, lobby feature walls, courtyard paving and landscaping.

Planters &amp; landscaping will be provided to selected balconies and window boxes to aid in softening the building's exterior, while winter gardens have been designed into south facing apartments. Private open space averages in size at approximately 22 sqm with deep soil planting along the northern and eastern boundary.

The ground floor communal workspace ensures the building provides an active frontage to Alexandra Parade. 

<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/210_alexandra_parade_march2018.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="210 Alexandra Parade in context. Image : OLA Studio "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="449" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/210_alexandra_parade_march2018.jpg?itok=AcsC3qpk" title="210 Alexandra Parade in context. Image : OLA Studio " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>210 Alexandra Parade in context. Image : OLA Studio Design Report</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The design draws upon the architectural character and materiality of the surrounding area while referencing the site's industrial past. The original building is an old red brick Factory which is used to inform the composition of the building mass. The first 4 levels of the proposed design form a red brick podium interpretive of the original brick factory.

The upper levels and form on the eastern boundary employ a fenestrated dark metal cladding that subtly transitions from solid wall to battened screens when positioned in front of openings. The metal is dark and recessive so as to not distract from the strong form of the lower mass. The change of material from white brick to metal also allows us to read the upper levels as one element resulting in a clean and interesting compositional form.

A breakline of glazing is applied between the podium and fifth level to create the illusion that elements of the top level are floating to provide a sense of lightness.

- OLA Studio
</blockquote>

The proposal for 210 Alexandra Parade represents the Development Partners' continued focus on facilitating positive change to Clifton Hill, via a very robust design-based agenda with the objective of meeting community expectations of the suburb attracting quality, design-focused developments such as Wulff Projects' 122 Roseneath Street project in partnership with Icon Co and Assemble.

To this end the project team have worked closely with Council to refine the design to address feedback relating to privacy, overlooking, height and building mass, and dwelling diversity. This has resulted in a much stronger composition of elements to provide a  positive contribution to the streetscape.

<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/210_alexandra_parade_street_interface.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="210 Alexandra Parade street interface. Image : OLA Studio Design Report"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="373" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/210_alexandra_parade_street_interface.jpg?itok=0zciixN2" title="210 Alexandra Parade street interface. Image : OLA Studio Design Report" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>210 Alexandra Parade street interface. Image : OLA Studio Design Report</figcaption></figure><h2>Key Project Features</h2>

<ul>
<li>Family-focused design, with 90% of apartments containing 2 &amp; 3 bedrooms</li>
	<li>Community design focus with a variety of communal facilities &amp; adept architectural integration</li>
	<li>More than one bike space for every dwelling &amp; one communal scooter space</li>
	<li>Diversity in apartment sizes and types, including 2-storey apartments</li>
	<li>Diverse range of communal facilities for residents including indoor landscaping areas, an integrated laundry and a functional workspace sustainability</li>
	<li>Strong sustainability characteristics with extensive landscaping, abundant natural light &amp; cross-flow ventilation</li>
	<li>No borrowed light to apartments</li>
	<li>Operable louvres to south facade balconies for noise protection from the adjacent freeway</li>
	<li>Provision of infrastructure for electric car charge station</li>
	<li>Rain water harvesting, PV solar panels for common area lighting and power, and 6.9 star average rating</li>
	<li>Pergola to ground floor north facing apartments facilitating indoor-outdoor living.</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/210_alexandra_parade_context.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="210 Alexandra Parade street view in context. Image : OLA Studio Design Report"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="449" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/210_alexandra_parade_context.jpg?itok=lu1HouGc" title="210 Alexandra Parade street view in context. Image : OLA Studio Design Report" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>210 Alexandra Parade street view in context. Image : OLA Studio Design Report</figcaption></figure>
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210 Alexandra Parade adds to Clifton Hill's growing design credentials

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Owner occupiers are making their presence felt in Melbourne’s inner suburban property purchasing market, according to Savills.
The firms ‘s CBD and metropolitan sales team, Julian Heatherich, Nick Peden, and Jesse Radisich, said this trend was evident in the firm’s recent sale of a Clifton Hill property.
<a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-vic-clifton+hill-502248554" target="_blank">44 Alexandra Parade</a> sold privately for $910,000 at the healthy land area rate of $5000 a square metre, Savills said.
The property comprises a single storey, 140 square metre corner freehold with an internal office fit-out, and storage and roller door access.
Two other Clifton Hill properties sold at auction earlier in March through Savills.
Hilton Street - a 205 square metre office/warehouse – sold for $900,000, and Reeves Street - a 884 square metre showroom/warehouse on an 1175 square metre site – sold for $3.6 million.
“This is the third property we have sold to an owner-occupier in the last few weeks underlining just how strong the current owner-occupier market is,” Heatherich said.
“With interest rates remaining very attractive we are likely to see this trend continue.
“The market for inner-city property has rarely been stronger and Clifton Hill is now clearly on the radar.”
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Owner occupiers out in force in Clifton Hill office market: Savills

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A freehold property at Clifton Hill has been sold.
Located at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-vic-clifton+hill-502247574" target="_blank">179 Queens Parade</a>, the property is located in the heart of the Clifton Hill Village and is leased to the post office.
Zoning is available as a Commercial 1 with a land size of 581 square metres and a building area of 210 square metres.
The tenant is on a long term lease and is secure with possible future development potential.
The property was offered through Nelson Alexander Commercial agents Luke Sacco and Damien Theisz.
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Clifton Hill freehold property sold

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Two properties in Melbourne’s inner suburb of Clifton Hill have sold for a total of $4.5 million in deals brokered by Savills.
According to Savills Australia CBD &amp; Metropolitan sales team, Julian Heatherich, Nick Peden, and Jesse Radisich, the sales reflected the increasing demand for inner city locations such as Clifton Hill, according to the selling agents.
The properties comprise 3 Hilton Street - a 205 square metre, office/warehouse with roller door access – which sold for $900,000, and 10 Reeves Street - an 884 square metre showroom/warehouse on an 1,175 square metre site – which sold for $3.6 million.
"The market for inner-city property has rarely been stronger and Clifton Hill is now clearly on the radar as it offers very close proximity to the CBD, the Eastern Freeway, and trams and train services," said Heatherich.
"The local area which includes Brunswick, Lygon and Smith streets and Queens Parade has also been very popular with both residential and commercial users over several decades with property values appreciating accordingly.’’ 
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Two commercial properties in inner Melbourne sold through Savills

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Three towers at planning, three suburbs and the prospect of three new tallest buildings within their respective postcode.

Across Moonee Ponds, Clifton Hill and Highett, these three residential towers are working their way through the approvals process, with some having a seemingly smoother ride than others.

Of the trio, Caydon Property Group's 40 Hall Street Stage 2 within Moonee Ponds is the largest. At 34 levels it is also one of greater Melbourne's largest proposed buildings.

Moonee Valley Leader <a href="http://leader.newspaperdirect.com/epaper/viewer.aspx">reported late last week</a> that the Fender Katsalidis-designed tower will be heading to VCAT, given Council's dissatisfaction with the size of the project; so much so Cr Nicole Marshall described it as an "offensive application." Subsequently, Council has urged Planning Minister Richard Wynne to rule upon the tower, although Mr Wynne's department has yet to receive a formal request asking as much.

<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/img6_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Moonee Ponds' new tallest? Planning image: Fender Katsalidis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="484" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img6_1.jpg?itok=hGUauUYG" title="Moonee Ponds' new tallest? Planning image: Fender Katsalidis" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Moonee Ponds' new tallest? Planning image: Fender Katsalidis</figcaption></figure>With the VCAT hearing scheduled for January, the Moonee Ponds project represents Caydon's fifth development in succession that will make a visit to the planning tribunal. Hall Street Stage 2 joins Cremorne's Malt District project, Only Flemington, Ivanhoe Apartments and 40 Hall Street/Mason Square as having visited VCAT.

In Clifton Hill, 249-265 Queens Parade has received feedback from City of Yarra, with altered plans now on public display.

With the intended tower still at 17 levels, changes to the scheme see revised floor plans and a decrease in apartment numbers from 127 to 115, with the intent of increasing the internal amenity within the tower. This move was a <a href="http://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/IgnitionSuite/uploads/PlanningApps/PLN160494%20-%20Response%20to%20Council%20Concerns.pdf">direct response to Council's initial concerns</a> for the project which is championed by Salta Properties and Wolf Capital.

Architect in charge, Fieldwork, has modelled the exterior to closely resemble that of its neighbour, 243 Queens Parade, which is also a Fieldwork design.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/queenspde_ext03_east_a.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Reworked upper floors for 249-265 Queens Parade. Image: Fieldwork"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="359" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/queenspde_ext03_east_a.jpg?itok=RS0Go0WM" title="Reworked upper floors for 249-265 Queens Parade. Image: Fieldwork" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Reworked upper floors for 249-265 Queens Parade. Image: Fieldwork</figcaption></figure>Highett also figures prominently with 1233-1237 Nepean Highway on display with Kingston City Council after revisions to the initial design.

Spanning 14 storeys, the RotheLowman-designed residential project has sought approval for 242 apartments on behalf of Growland. Covering a 4,300sqm site opposite Southland, the proposal would see a mix of building heights ranging from three to fourteen levels.

A retail strip, gym and pool feature at ground level, as does a four bedroom apartment. At 45 metres, the proposal comfortably outsizes other recent apartment projects within Highett. As part of the proposal, a substantial courtyard faces neighbouring northern properties at ground level, with further outdoor terraces across levels 11 and 13.

<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/v3-1000-e1460537966954.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Highett is subject to a new tallest building. Image: RotheLowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="462" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/v3-1000-e1460537966954.jpg?itok=PVsDhplW" title="Highett is subject to a new tallest building. Image: RotheLowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Highett is subject to a new tallest building. Image: RotheLowman</figcaption></figure>
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silvermb

Three projects at planning which could redefine their suburbs

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A development consortium is hoping that a Clifton Hill site which recently went into planning will ultimately become the suburb's first high-rise building.

Plans for 249-261 Queens Parade were lodged with City of Yarra during May for a 17 storey tower of a consisting predominantly of apartments. The small stretch of Queens Parade abutting Hoddle Street has seen a limited number of mid-rise projects thus far, but nothing of the scale which has been designed for 249-261 Queens Parade.

With a development cost of approximately $30 million, 129 dwellings are designed to sit above ground level retail, with two basement levels also included.

Development Manager Wulff Projects carry the following description of the project on their website:

<blockquote>
Neighbouring the Patch Apartments, these adjoining sites were acquired separately and off-market by Wulff Projects on behalf of the Joint Venture comprising Wolf Capital and Salta Properties. Currently, over 100 apartments are planned, striving to be an exemplar of high quality design and all with high level amenity and priority ESD consideration.

This development is expected for completion in 2018.
</blockquote>

The two sites in question are 265 Queens Parade at 310sqm and 249-261 Queens Parade covering 885sqm. <a href="http://www.colliers.com.au/news/2015/off---market-sales-heat-up-in-clifton-hill/#.V4IUB7h9670">According to Colliers</a> the combined purchase price for the land parcels was $8.5 million.

<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/image9_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Colliers graphic for Queens Parade"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="405" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image9_7.jpg?itok=oAkGs9kW" title="Colliers graphic for Queens Parade" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Colliers International graphic for Queens Parade</figcaption></figure>Formerly light industrial, the eastern side of Queens Parade is gradually being repurposed as higher density development. 

The green plot seen in the Colliers International graphic above relates to Salta Properties and Wolf Capital's planned 17 level tower whilst the mustard site holds approval for an 11 level project at 243-247 Queens Parade. Dubbed <a href="http://patchapartments.com.au/">Patch Apartments</a>, a project website for the development is still operational.

Seen in orange above is aged care provider TLC's site for a 10 level integrated care hub at 217-241 Queens Parade. With revised plans submitted during January, Yarra City Council have the application listed as having a Notice of Decision; the final step prior to a planning permit being granted.

205-211 Queens Parade also shapes a future development with Colliers International recently running a campaign for the 1,440sqm land holding. 

<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/image10_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="243-247 Queens Parade and 217-241 Queens Parade"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="335" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image10_6.jpg?itok=JrMMHsL3" title="243-247 Queens Parade and 217-241 Queens Parade" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>243-247 Queens Parade and 217-241 Queens Parade. Images: Fieldwork Projects &amp; Baldasso Cortese</figcaption></figure>
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Clifton Hill in for a dose of the high life with 17 levels planned

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Appearing on Apartments.com.au not for the first time and certainly not for the last time, 122 Roseneath Street in Clifton Hill provides a model for development centred around community engagement.

A collaboration between development partners Wulff Projects, Icon Co and Assemble, as advocates of small footrpint living, the project gained planning approval from the City of Yarra in May following an extensive period of community consultation which has resulted in a flexible design that offers prospective residents variety.

With May's <a href="/news/assemble-papers-and-open-house-present-the-brutalist-block-party">Brutalist Block Party</a> on site done and dusted, the development team's focus now shifts to a second round of purchaser consultation before embarking on a formal sales and registration campaign.

122 Roseneath St is a showcase for a new way of thinking about multi-residential developments, one that is true to its context and respectful to existing residents within the neighbourhood.

The mixed-use development is designed around flexible communal spaces, including a multipurpose workshop and a communal room for dining and entertaining. A hallmark of the project is two raised linear parks that intercept the three buildings, with drought-resistant native landscaping by MALA.

<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/gabrielsaunders_roseneath-street_external-4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="122 Roseneath Street raised landscape communal walkways. Image courtesy Assemble"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="580" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/gabrielsaunders_roseneath-street_external-4.jpg?itok=tE60l8-2" title="122 Roseneath Street raised landscape communal walkways. Image courtesy Assemble" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>122 Roseneath Street raised landscape communal walkways. Image courtesy Assemble</figcaption></figure>The development is only a short walk to the cafes, grocers and shops of Queens Parade and closer still to Clifton Hill train station. It connects to the breathing spaces of the Merri Creek nature corridor, with its bike trails leading directly to the Yarra River and Federation Square.

Architecturally, the development responds to the history of its location, retaining the skeleton of the Brutalist-style building on site and drawing on its materiality for inspiration throughout the design.

Veil-like metal balustrades reference the surrounding architectural features in the heritage-listed local area, while timber soffits to balconies add a warmth to the northern facade.

122 Roseneath Street presents a mix of studio apartments; single-to-three-bedroom apartments; and two-to-three-bedroom townhouses. Internal areas range from 38 square metres for studios to 148 square metres for three bedroom townhouses, in addition to generous balcony and terrace areas. Prices support community diversity, ranging from $380,000 to $1.5 million.

Through the consultation process which began in September 2015, potential residents were consulted on the functions for the communal room and adjoining terrace, the type of ground floor retail tenancy, car park demand, pet-friendly owners corporation rules and sustainability features, including external operable shutters, an embedded energy network and a shared composting facility.

A philosophy of flexibility and owner choice continues the design brief inside the dwellings. The proposal offers standard and premium options across kitchens, bathrooms and flooring as well as extras – including the possibility to add a children’s baths beneath the shower, the provision for a pet door or an ‘arrival station’ by the door to drop off coats, keys and shoes on the way in.

Seeking to provide affordable well designed living spaces on par with The Commons model whereby architects take on the role of developer, the approach adopted by 122 Roseneath's triumvirate differs somewhat in that the design has been informed by feedback from both community and prospective buyers via consultation sessions.

The design process becomes more fluid rather than linear and the development team don't dictate to buyers what they want rather they listen to their needs.

Having a development team that includes architects and builders also means that design decisions can be made during the design process with the knowledge that these won't later be value managed out once a builder is appointed post tender process and there aren't any major surprises in terms of costing and 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/gabrielsaunders_roseneath-street_external-1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="122 Roseneath Street streetscape. Image courtesy Assemble"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="290" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/gabrielsaunders_roseneath-street_external-1.jpg?itok=1g8k75nv" title="122 Roseneath Street streetscape. Image courtesy Assemble" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>122 Roseneath Street streetscape. Image courtesy Assemble</figcaption></figure>Apartments.com.au met on site with Wulff Projects Development Edward Cramer, Assemble Creative Director Pino Demaio and Icon Development Manager Kyle Reeve to discuss the merits of their exhaustive consultation process and the next round to come.

According to Cramer, following acquisition of the site which came with a permit for a larger scheme, the development team spent 3-6 months engaging with the community to ascertain what aspects they liked and disliked about the scheme.

This feedback helped the team set some of the parameters for the revised scheme that was ultimately developed for the site. This process involved community consultation evenings at Fieldwork's previous office in addition to one on one conversations with neighbours and people within the neighbourhood.

Icon Co joined the team prior to town planning and once the application was lodged they set about addressing some of the concerns they received around setbacks and overlooking says Reeve.

This involved providing greater privacy via increased setbacks, reduction in the height of townhouses, employing screens or planter boxes which act as screening elements on terraces.

With one neighbour the team increased the setback to the east and will also relocate their solar system so their ability to generate green energy is not impacted by the development.

The development team's goal was to keep the dialogue as open as possible and the process as transparent as possible, continues Reeve, rather than pushing them away or putting up the notice of advertisement and waiting to see what objections come in and then deciding whether or not to address them.

He admits it's a somewhat untested process and while it also may have drawn out the design and town planning process it was something they all felt equally passionate about.

<blockquote>
In terms of time frames it definitely took longer to undertake that consultation process and a lot more time and effort on the part of the design and development team. To meet with 50 people and try and work through there concerns is really hard work.

But it was evident when we went to Council's Internal Development Approvals Committee (IDAC) meeting that it was worth it as only three objectors attended, two of which said that their concerns had been addressed and the third was dismissed by council for raising concerns that wouldn't impact them based on the fact they lived 100's of metres away.

Out of the 140 objections that the previous scheme received we managed to get that right down to three.
<cite>Kyle Reeve, Development Manager, Icon Co.</cite>
</blockquote>

The process of then engaging with prospective buyers in information sessions of 30-50 people was more about ensuring that prospective residents were comfortable with the design and that it resonated strongly with them, rather than simply being a marketing ploy to advertise the project, says Cramer.

In addition to this the team drew on the feedback and research gathered through surveys conducted via Assemble Papers on the subject of medium-density living and better apartment design standards, says Demaio and really trying to understand what is most important to people and inform the spaces based on demand for certain aspects within a townhouse or apartment.

This, continues Demaio, is in contrast to the traditional method of relying on agents to inform the design and product without the intimate understanding or knowledge of the key design drivers of a project.

All going well, demolition could commence as early as August with completion anticipated in late 2017.
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