Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FH_1EzB-1vs?si=XScVlP1ERsTDJoME" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356818]

After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356828]

Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

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The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356829]

Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351104]

Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351102]

Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

Joel Robinson

From ONE to ERA: Why buyers are choosing GWH again in Newcastle West

Virgate Property Group is preparing to commence construction of Verdé, its new apartment development in Melbourne's Arts Precinct at Southbank, following a strong run of sales that has seen more than half of the project's 173 apartments secured.

Verdé has attracted a broad mix of first home buyers, owner-occupiers upgrading from nearby inner-city suburbs and investors, with younger owner-occupier couples aged between 28 and 45 accounting for the strongest enquiry. Many are already living in Southbank, South Melbourne, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and the CBD.

"Verdé is located in one of the most desirable pockets of southern Melbourne," Blair Property Group Director Darren Blair, who is managing sales at Verdé, said.

"It's within walking distance of the Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and Southbank's restaurants and retail. It's a great lifestyle location with strong amenity and liveability, which made it a very attractive choice for the project."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372549]

Virgate was already familiar with the precinct, having previously delivered the successful Domain House development in neighbouring South Melbourne. That experience gave the developer confidence to acquire the Coventry Street site and continue expanding its presence in Melbourne's inner south.

"We had been keeping an eye on the site and the broader precinct for a few months before deciding to move forward with the acquisition," Virgate said.

The project was ultimately secured in 2020 following feasibility studies, planning assessments and due diligence, with the brief centred on delivering "a high-quality, considered design that feels both refined and fit for purpose."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=314259]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, Verdé comprises 173 one, two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $599,000. The architecture is distinguished by a faceted glass façade that responds to both the site's outlook and Melbourne's changing light conditions.

According to Bruce Henderson Architects, the coloured glazing gives the building a distinctive identity while also providing privacy and solar shading, with residences oriented to capture views across the bay, city skyline and surrounding parklands.

Inside, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> has created interiors focused on natural light, efficient planning and enduring materials. Apartments feature engineered oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, floor-to-ceiling glazing and SMEG appliances, while a restrained material palette aims to complement the expansive outlooks rather than compete with them.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372550]

Resident amenity has also been designed around everyday functionality rather than occasional use. Facilities include a concierge-serviced lobby, residents' lounge with fireplace, library and co-working space, gym, terrace garden with barbecue facilities, ground-floor café, and package delivery management.

The project's location continues to be one of its strongest drawcards. Positioned on Coventry Street, Verdé sits within walking distance of the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park Lake, while Southbank's dining precinct, Sturt Street trams and the new ANZAC Station are all nearby. The surrounding education catchment also includes Melbourne Grammar, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School and several major university campuses.

The sales team says buyers have responded particularly well to the combination of location, design quality and long-term liveability.

"They're responding really positively to the quality of the design, premium resident amenities and the uninterrupted views. Many also appreciate the location and how connected it is to everything they need."

The ability to secure stamp duty savings before completion has also been a key factor for purchasers, alongside the opportunity to personalise finishes ahead of settlement.

With construction set to commence soon and more than half the apartments already sold, Verdé enters its next phase as one of the Arts Precinct's more established apartment developments, offering remaining buyers an opportunity to secure a residence before construction advances further. Expected completion is scheduled for late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4661]

Virgate's Verdé Southbank moves toward construction as sales fly past halfway stage

Downsizer-focused apartment development Kooyongkoot in Hawthorn has been recognised at the 2026 Better Future Melbourne Design Awards, taking home Gold and Silver awards in two categories.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a>, currently being delivered by developer PQD and designed by Cera Stribley, received Gold in the Interior Design – Proposed category and Silver in the Architecture – Proposed category.

The dual recognition reflects the design approach behind the boutique development on prestigious Kooyongkoot Road, where the focus has been on creating homes for downsizers seeking the space, quality and functionality of a detached house within a low-rise apartment building.

Rather than maximising apartment numbers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pqd">PQD</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> limited the development to just 18 residences, allowing for larger floorplans, greater privacy, generous landscaping and expansive communal spaces.&nbsp;The majority of the apartments also benefit from corner aspects, allowing for dual sources of natural light.

Now around 70 per cent complete and on track for completion in November 2026, Kooyongkoot will comprise a mix of garden residences, ter​race apartments, sub-penthouses, and is crowned by two half-floor penthouses with direct lift access and private rooftop terraces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355297]

The Silver Award for Architecture recognised the way the building responds to its prominent corner position at the ent​rance to Hawthorn's Scotch Hill precinct, one of Melbourne's most established residential neighbourhoods.

Rather than competing with the grand homes that line Kooyongkoot Road, the architectural approach focused on restraint and longevity, using curved brickwork, generous landscaping and carefully considered proportions to integrate with the existing streetscape.

"The form feels fluid and timeless, as though shaped by the landscape itself – architecture that belongs, rather than competes," said Chris Stribley, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Cera Stribley.

The judging submission also highlighted practical innovations throughout the building, including lift cores servicing only nine homes each, a central landscaped lightcourt designed to bring daylight and ventilation into the building, and fully enclosed private storage rooms with lighting, power and shelving to better accommodate residents transitioning from larger family homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355293]

The Gold Award for Interior Design recognised the project's focus on long-term liveability rather than display-home aesthetics.

According to the awards submission, the interiors were designed from the inside out, prioritising how homes would function over decades of daily use through generous proportions, practical storage, durable natural materials and flexible layouts.

The specification includes natural stone throughout, upgraded acoustic glazing, V-ZUG appliances and fully enclosed storage rooms, alongside an amenity offering focused on wellness, entertainment and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Residents will have access to a gym and yoga studio, a wellness centre featuring traditional and infrared saunas, a cold therapy shower and treatment room, as well as a residents' lounge and golf simulator/cinema room for entertainment.&nbsp;Kooyongkoot has also considered the everyday convenience of its residents by offering a private carwash and pet wash facilities on site as well as dedicated parcel lockers and oversized fully enclosed storage rooms.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355303]

The project's attention to detail has already resonated with buyers. Earlier this year, Kooyongkoot recorded one of Boroondara's highest apartment sales when an $8 million penthouse was purchased by a Melbourne CEO downsizing from a nearby family home.

"Every detail feels deliberate, from the overall design down to the smallest touches," the purchaser said.

"The level of quality and refinement is exceptional, but what really sold it was how liveable it felt... It felt like a place where everything had been considered, not just a luxury building."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355304]

Sustainability also formed a key part of both award submissions. Kooyongkoot is targeting a minimum 7.5-star NatHERS rating across all residences, supported by passive design principles, high-performance glazing, EV charging infrastructure, water reuse systems and a wellness model focused on lower-energy dry facilities rather than pools and large wet areas.

Located within walking distance of Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College, Koo​yong Lawn Tennis Club, Aubur​n Village and Camberwell Junction, Kooyongkoot continues to target owner-occupiers looking to remain in Melbourne's inner east without compromising on space or quality. A limited selection of two, three and four-bedroom residences remains available, with prices starting from $1.9 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102717]

Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

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]

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

Commercial

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Urban.com.au has on numerous occasions over the course of the last year highlighted the groundswell of office-based development aimed squarely at Melbourne's city fringe markets.

The municipalities of Yarra and Port Phillip have been the primary beneficiaries of this discernible shift in office activity. Only last month <a href="/news/urban-com-au-is-tracking-1-3-million-square-metres-of-office-space-in-development">Urban.com.au highlighted the growing importance of fringe suburbs</a> such as Richmond, Cremorne, South Melbourne and Collingwood in Melbourne's grander office-driven boom. 

What though, are the driving forces that are underpinning this new office dynamic?

A leader in the field is Southbank-based design practice Hayball, who are currently working with a trio of developers in order to realise office projects across Collingwood, South Melbourne and Cremorne. Hayball's Managing Director Tom Jordan recently spoke to Urban.com.au, providing insight on the hot topic that is city fringe office development.

<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/image22_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hayball's trio of current inner-city office projects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="369" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image22_11.jpg?itok=LMYB8X-r" title="Hayball's trio of current inner-city office projects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hayball's trio of current inner-city office projects</figcaption></figure>Behind the strengthening of Melbourne's city fringe office markets is the emerging dichotomy between the established CBD/Docklands 'corporate' tenant office space and emerging 'creative' tenants which are actively seeking to reject the norm.

Tom Jordan explains that these creative, dynamic businesses are looking to commit to collaborative hot spots such as Cremorne, rather than opting for more corporate CBD surrounds. It is a matter of perception, where these typically smaller businesses are taking a holistic approach toward their office requirements which include the ability to provide highly customised workspaces.

From Hayball's perspective, the above has manifested itself by way of three separate projects.

Alpha 14 Property Group is pursuing GCQ, a 9,000sqm A-grade quality development on the corner of Collingwood's Gipps and Cromwell Streets. Valued at $28 million and due to commence construction during February 2018, the design is based upon a collaborative approach with flexible office spaces offered.

Also on Hayball's agenda is 134 Moray Street, South Melbourne. The distinctively angular building consists of premium grade office space; some of which will be absorbed by developer SMA Projects.

Rounding out the trio is Caydon Property's $35 million Harcourt Parade project in Cremorne. It too was "conceived as a place to innovate, co-create, collaborate and showcase."

<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/image25_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Interior perspectives of Harcourt Parade"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="205" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image25_9.jpg?itok=KuU4MGE5" title="Interior perspectives of Harcourt Parade" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Interior perspectives of Harcourt Parade</figcaption></figure>Beyond location and perception, Tom Jordan explains the offices themselves in these city fringe markets are generally quite different to larger corporate-based occupancies, amplifying certain aspects of design. Gone are partitions and plaster for instance, with earthier, open spaces the order of the day in these customised commercial designs.

Demonstrated above and below is Hayball's interior spaces for Cremorne and Collingwood. They are reflective of the want of tenants to have their staff mobile, in that fit-outs are high flexible and specifically tailored to be welcoming.

Tom Jordan notes that current design imperatives which both cognisant developers and businesses are requesting include:

<ul>
<li>End of use facilities such as bike storage, showers etc.</li>
	<li>Spaces that promote health and wellbeing, such as yoga rooms, communal gyms and flexible spaces for activities</li>
	<li>Social spaces such lobbies and rooftop terraces</li>
	<li>Raw finishes with sustainable and natural materials</li>
</ul>
This new wave of city fringe commercial office buildings are beginning to reflect the multi-residential market in that communal facilities have taken on a greater importance. Whether it be rooftop gardens, breakout areas of activated foyers which Tom Jordan refers to as activated 'foyer plus' spaces, it is very much reflective of the smaller and specialised mindset of many businesses in the marketplace.

<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/image29_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Alpha14’s upcoming project is GCQ"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="522" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image29_11.jpg?itok=bZg4NZGy" title="Alpha14’s upcoming project is GCQ" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Alpha14’s upcoming GCQ office development</figcaption></figure>As for future trends, Tom Jordan looks toward Fishermans Bend with great interest post the recast vision for the urban renewal zone which was released last month.

Whereas the majority of projects appearing in Cremorne, Collingwood and the like are purely commercial pursuits owing to zoning, Tom Jordan sees Fishermans Bend being positioned from the outset as a genuine mixed-use pursuit. To that end, there will be greater scope for true mixed-use programmes across a greater number of buildings.

As for now Hayball continues to actively expand their presence in the burgeoning city fringe office market, with Tom Jordan confirming that the practice is working on additional projects in the field.
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silvermb

Cornering the creative market: Hayball's Tom Jordan on Melbourne's new office dynamic

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1,284,577 square metres is the raw number.

Apartments.com.au's Project Database is keeping tabs on close to 1.3 million square metres of office space at various stages of development across Melbourne. It is a phenomenal figure which shows just how bullish the office sector is across this city.

The aggregation of all developments followed by Apartments.com.au which contains dedicated office space was prompted by the addition of the latest major planning application to the database - Newmark Capital's <a href="/new-apartments/500-chapel-street-south-yarra">500 Chapel Street</a> - which came to light earlier this month. The total figure included mixed-use and dedicated office projects.

Of course, the headline number is by no means absolute but does take into account 94 separate developments across Melbourne.

<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_1126.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A redeveloped 405 Bourke Street will bring an extra 66,000 squre metres"><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_1126.jpg?itok=z1AvVPEj" title="A redeveloped 405 Bourke Street will bring an extra 66,000 squre metres" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A redeveloped 405 Bourke Street will bring an extra 66,000 squre metres</figcaption></figure>Firms such as <a href="http://pdf.savills.asia/asia-pacific-research/australian-research/australia-office-/savillsresearch-briefing-melbourne-cbd-office-q2-2017.pdf">Savills</a>, <a href="https://www.colliers.com.au/find_research/office/metro_office_-_second_half_2017/">Colliers</a>, <a href="http://www.jll.com.au/australia/en-au/Documents/office-investment/pdf/4Q16-Melbourne-CBD-Office-Market-Commentary.pdf">JLL</a> and <a href="https://www.investa.com.au/WWW_Investa/media/Resources/April-2017-Office-Market-Report.pdf?ext=.pdf&amp;alt=&amp;fpl=&amp;fpt=&amp;fpr=&amp;fpb=&amp;guid=0fd9d529-0db5-471f-9dbc-a3ee38ad8bf0&amp;lgW=0&amp;lgH=0&amp;mdW=680&amp;mdH=0&amp;smW=480&amp;smH=0">Investa</a> have released recent reports on the current strength of Melbourne's office market. Key points that underpin the 1,284,577 square metres in development include:

<ul>
<li>Melbourne’s CBD office market could be entering the largest development boom since the early 1990’s</li>
	<li>The Melbourne CBD office market recorded its strongest annual net absorption figure (188,670 sqm) since 1978</li>
	<li>Net absorption at its highest level since 2008 and leasing activity the strongest since 2010</li>
</ul>
Of course, Melbourne's CBD maintains the largest concentration of office space across the city, at approximately 4.7 million square metres. The current level of office-based development within the CBD stands at just under 10% of the total CBD figure, alluding to the heightened number of large-scale projects which have begun construction.

405 Bourke Street, Collins Arch, 477 Collins Street and 80 Collins Street are all subject to works, with the smallest of these adding 45,000 square metres of space.

<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/image1scross.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="664 Collins Street is nearing completion. Image: Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="676" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image1scross.jpg?itok=XmtV4POb" title="664 Collins Street is nearing completion. Image: Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>664 Collins Street is nearing completion. Image: Ryan Seychell</figcaption></figure>Docklands is not left behind either with approximately 200,000 square metres in development, but as has been outlined previously by Apartments.com.au, City of Yarra is the Melbourne's 'it' office market. Apartments.com.au is tracking 21 separate projects across the municipality that amount to 182,361 square metres in development.

The actual number is likely to be higher as a number of planning applications have yet to make it to the public sphere.

Further afield and Newmark Capital's 500 Chapel Street is shaded by Frasers Property's 254-294 Wellington Road as suburban Melbourne's largest office development in the making; the Mulgrave project encompasses 60,583 square metres.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_1189.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Nexus 10, one of suburban Melbourne's current office developments"><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_1189.jpg?itok=EYwaIU_i" title="Nexus 10, one of suburban Melbourne's current office developments" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Nexus 10, one of suburban Melbourne's current office developments</figcaption></figure>
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Urban.com.au is tracking 1.3 million square metres of office space in development

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Developer Riverlee is hoping to add to City of Yarra's substantial commercial development pipeline by way of a mixed-use, multi-storey building at 484-486 Swan Street.

Utilising entity Killara Quest Pty Ltd, Riverlee has applied to deliver a major commercial and retail building spanning 14 levels which would be located adjacent to Burnley Station. Technè Architecture and Interior Design have conceived the design, marking their first high-rise project within the Apartments.com.au Project Database.

Aside from twelve floors of dedicated office accommodation, the project would also include five separate food/drink tenancies, including one which spans the entire first floor. Technè have a particularly strong background in designing hospitality spaces.

According to planning documents, various parties have shown interest in the office and restricted retail spaces although none have formally committed to the lease. 

<h2>484-486 Swan Street application summary</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/image15_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="484-486 Swan Street adjacent to the rail line. Planning image: Technè"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="291" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image15_11.jpg?itok=pSQdvVSX" title="484-486 Swan Street adjacent to the rail line. Planning image: Technè" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>484-486 Swan Street adjacent to the rail line. Planning image: Technè</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Lodged June 2017</li>
	<li>Combined site area: 2,334sqm</li>
	<li>Current use: low-rise commercial</li>
	<li>Proposed 14 storey development at 56.8 metres in height</li>
	<li>GFA: 25,655sqm</li>
	<li>Commercial office space: 13,623sqm</li>
	<li>1 retail tenancy of 226sqm &amp; 5 food/drink tenancies amounting to 2,170sqm</li>
	<li>155 car parking spaces within a 3 level basement</li>
	<li>240 bicycle spaces</li>
	<li>4 separate outdoor terraces</li>
	<li>Estimated cost of development: $42 million</li>
</ul>
<h2>Urbis planning statement</h2>

<blockquote>
484-486 Swan Street is located in one of Richmond’s most prominent areas, which is renowned for its economic diversity. The rich history of industrial uses still lives strong today, but has encouraged other forms of commerciality to the area, such as hospitality, retail, showrooms and large corporate offices.

The proposed development recognizes this site’s opportunity for a precedent setting architectural gesture. The proposal acknowledges its role within a largely activated and dynamic communal context, as a catalyst for functional and amenity driven program.

The building’s proximity to public transport and location on the street, provides ideal conditions for a ‘transport hub’ offering, contributing a significant portion of its ground plane, for public through block connections, uses encouraging activation and visitors beyond those of the office building, and meaningful landscaping.
</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/image14_14.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="484-486 Swan Street in a future built form context. Planning image: Technè"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="288" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image14_14.jpg?itok=dsNBHlGI" title="484-486 Swan Street in a future built form context. Planning image: Technè" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>484-486 Swan Street in a future built form context. Planning image: Technè</figcaption></figure><h2>Swan Street becomes increasingly popular</h2>

Other developers are also looking to transform Swan Street in line with the <a href="http://file:///C:/Users/silvermb/Downloads/Swan%20Street%20Structure%20Plan.pdf">Swan Street Structure Plan</a>. 

Adjoining 484-486 Swan Street, Elenberg Fraser have designed a sizeable scheme for 462-482 Swan Street. The predominantly residential development for Bamfa Properties includes in excess of 200 apartments and 3,400sqm of retail space.

Also at planning is <a href="/developments/richmond-vic-3121">370-374 Swan Street</a> with over 14,000sqm of office accommodation earmarked for the project. Add a raft of smaller commercial and residential developments in progress and the area particularly around Burnley Station is leading Swan Street's push as a new higher density frontier.

<h2>484-486 Swan Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Riverlee (Killara Quest Pty Ltd)</li>
	<li>Architecture: Techne Architecture and Interior Design</li>
	<li>Urban Context Analysis and Design Response: Techne Architecture and Interior Design</li>
	<li>Planning Report: Urbis</li>
	<li>Traffic Impact Assessment: Ratio Consultants</li>
	<li>Sustainability Management Plan: Arcadis</li>
	<li>Waste Management Plan: Ratio Consultants</li>
</ul>
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Riverlee eyes Swan Street for Richmond's next major development

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Architecture practice HASSELL is heading design efforts for a new office development with an end value of $163 million that will see job search firm SEEK take root within Cremorne.

The atypically shaped campus-style building was lodged with City of Yarra earlier this month, nominating a large land parcel at 60-88 Cremorne Street as SEEK's new headquarters. Arthur Land Pty Ltd is the listed land owner and applicant within planning documents, although <a href="http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/property/seek-to-move-hq-to-purposebuilt-office-in-melbourne-tech-hub/news-story/2b84264ca87b2da5b46b00455bc17aa0">The Australian</a> has nominated Gus Coopers' Cremorne Properties as the developer.

60-88 Cremorne Street's double-peaked roof along with a smaller annex building will encompass 29,493sqm of commercial floorspace. The bulk will tend to the needs of SEEK, with additional space dedicated toward retail, a wellness and education centre and a tech incubator.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=600]

Currently, at 541 St Kilda Road, SEEK's 800 local employees will be shifted to the purpose-designed Cremorne complex upon its completion.

<h2>60-68 Cremorne Street application summary</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/image14_13.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Street level perspective of Seek's new headquarters. Planning image: Hassell Studio"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="303" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image14_13.jpg?itok=EYnP1hFw" title="Street level perspective of Seek's new headquarters. Planning image: Hassell Studio" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Street level perspective of Seek's new headquarters. Planning image: HASSELL</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Frontages to Cremorne Street, Blanche Street and Parkins Lane</li>
	<li>6,734sqm site</li>
	<li>Proposed seven storey building at 36.2 metres to top of architectural ridgeline</li>
	<li>3,500sqm floor plate across lower levels</li>
	<li>Education centre with capacity for 68 students</li>
	<li>156sqm indoor recreational facility</li>
	<li>231 car parking spaces and 309 bicycle spaces within two level basement</li>
	<li>454sqm across three retail spaces</li>
	<li>390sqm terrace on level six</li>
	<li>635 jobs during construction</li>
</ul>
<h2>In HASSELL's words</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/image17_12.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Inside Seek's new headquarters. Planning image: Hassell Studio"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="359" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image17_12.jpg?itok=QtQoXoWJ" title="Inside Seek's new headquarters. Planning image: Hassell Studio" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Inside Seek's proposed headquarters. Planning image: HASSELL</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
A ‘Contemporary Warehouse’ approach has been adapted with modern form, finished in traditional materials. The approach achieves a building that is both strong in form and sensitive in footprint.

Leveraging from the industrial heritage of Cremorne, the proposal at 60 Cremorne Street Cremorne, will seek to provide a highly integrated and diverse language of materials and form to reinforce its place within the existing urban and historical context.

The intent of a ‘contemporary warehouse’ is driven by the gabled brick roof forms which are prolific throughout Cremorne, most notably the former Cremorne Street State School, listed on the Victorian Heritage Database, which is directly adjacent to the subject site.

The external architectural response cleverly reinterprets the historic buildings which occupied Cremorne and the wider Richmond area through a composition of materials and building form.

This outcome addresses policy aspirations within the Swan Street Structure Plan to ensure that new buildings “reinforce the industrial and commercial building character of the precinct” and “to promote development that responds to the diverse character and architectural styles of the precinct’s existing built form.
<cite>Urban Context Report, HASSELL</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Greening and softening</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/image19_16.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Green aspects. Planning image: Hassell Studio"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="243" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image19_16.jpg?itok=B8YNOyJ5" title="Green aspects. Planning image: Hassell Studio" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Green aspects. Planning image: HASSELL</figcaption></figure>Each floor will include winter gardens, alternating between east and west facades from level to level. Serving the needs of SEEK's staff, the winter gardens also soften the buildings external appearance.

HASSELL's integrated approach to 60-88 Cremorne Street's green appearance also sees a considered outcome to the proposal's street frontages. All four frontages feature accessible paths for foot traffic and social engagement, along with varying degrees of greenery at street level.

<blockquote>
The ground floor is as much about Cremorne’s community as it is the building’s occupants – an incubator space, a networking zone, an event platform, and an opportunity to connect over a quick bite.
<cite>HASSELL</cite>
</blockquote>

The expected new street level activation is a far cry from the fenced off, gravel car park that currently occupies the site.

<h2>60-88 Cremorne Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Cremorne Properties</li>
	<li>Architect: HASSELL</li>
	<li>Project Manager: Case Meallin</li>
	<li>Planning: Contour Consultants</li>
	<li>Landscape Architecture: HASSELL</li>
	<li>Traffic: GTA</li>
	<li>Services, Acoustics, Structure, Fire &amp; ESD: ARUP</li>
	<li>Waste: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Heritage: Bryce Raworth</li>
	<li>3D visuals: Scharp</li>
	<li>Economic: Urbis</li>
</ul>
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SEEK and you will find... a new Cremorne headquarters

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The changing built form landscape within City of Yarra may well be nudged once more down the commercial path as plans are assessed for a sizebale development of the Kia/Patersons site at 198-242 Burnley Street, Richmond.

Council is deliberating over a plan which would create four separate office buildings that would hold an accumulated GFA of approximately 40,000sqm and support 800-1000 full time jobs.

On behalf of Burnley Developments Pty Ltd, 198-242 Burnley Street would also be the first entry for Wireframe Architecture within the Apartments.com.au Project Database. A pointer toward the developer's credentials is the fact that the Melbourne-based architecture practice is part of Meydan Group, who is a well established developer across metropolitan Melbourne.

<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/image36wa.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial perspective of the development. Planning image: Wireframe Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="342" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image36wa.jpg?itok=Xtc5fDea" title="Aerial perspective of the development. Planning image: Wireframe Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial perspective of the development. Planning image: Meydan Planning</figcaption></figure>Part demolition is sought over the 8,020sqm site, with Lovell Chen providing advice in regards to a number of sensitive heritage buildings onsite.

The late 1800's Alcock’s Electric Light and Motive Power Co building, also known as the 'power station building' along Neptune Street to the site's rear will be restored and internally reconfigured to accommodate co-working office space. Secondary heritage facades to Burnley Street and the ‘Patersons Building’ to Neptune Street will be restored with new built form set back from the boundary.

As seen above, Building A accounts for the Patersons Building, Building B relates to the restored power station structure, Building C sits behind the existing redbrick sawtooth roof extension to the adjacent power factory whilst Building D as the developments largest, will account for a number of nondescript existing buildings.

198-242 Burnley Street is also slated to include retail tenancies, 385 car parking spaces and 250 bicycle parking spaces.

<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/image38_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Burnley Street perspective. Planning image: Wireframe Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="188" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image38_8.jpg?itok=L6PTzJu_" title="Burnley Street perspective. Planning image: Wireframe Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Burnley Street perspective. Planning image: Wireframe Architecture</figcaption></figure>198-242 Burnley Street is the latest commercial contender to stake a claim within City of Yarra, as the municipality rides a wave planning applications looking to take advantage of the area's popularity.

Richmond and Cremorne carry a combined 11 commercial projects within the Apartments.com.au Project Database, amounting to approximately 75,000sqm of new office space. New listings to the database include <a href="/developments/richmond-vic-3121">33-39 Stewart Street</a>, <a href="/developments/richmond-nsw-2753">12-18 Albert Street</a> and <a href="/new-apartments/church-600-church-street-cremorne">594-600 Church Street</a>.

Collingwood is also flying the flag in a commercial development perspective, accumulating another 33,000sqm within the Apartments.com.au Project Database.

A decision on the merits of the Burnley Street application won't be made before early next month.
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City of Yarra runs hot with another significant commercial development planned

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<blockquote>
How do you tie together a modern icon like the Rialto with an immediate next door neighbor, a gem of Victorian architecture, in a way that reflects the place of this building in the city and its future uses. The whole team has done a remarkable job in achieving that vision.
<cite>Lord Mayor, Robert Doyle</cite>
</blockquote>

The words of Melbourne's Lord Major ring true for many locals. Rialto Towers is instantly recongisable as one of Melbourne's enduring built form icons, with the adjoining InterContinental Melbourne and York Butter Factory lower in stature but equally as important.

Now 31 years old, the Rialto Towers complex is nearing the end of an extensive facelift which has sought to better connect the hulking towers with the surrounding streetscape, whilst also adding value to the asset which is jointly controlled by Grollo Group and the Kuwaiti government-backed St Martins Properties.

Internal fit-outs continue, but the majority of works for the 8,000 square metre regeneration project are now complete and open to public perusal.

<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_2876.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rialto's new exterior perspective"><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_2876.jpg?itok=GOCby1vF" title="Rialto's new exterior perspective" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rialto's new exterior perspective</figcaption></figure>Shops, cafes, restaurants, bars and offices are on show as part of the development, including the first Australian Mercedes me store.

The works of Woods Bagot, Rialto's new addition presents for the most as a uniform structure linking the ornate and timeless InterContinental Melbourne on Collins Street with King Street's former York Butter Factory. Atop the new retail and commercial building, a new rooftop areahas greenery and entertainment areas.

According to a recent <a href="http://www.businessnewsaus.com.au/articles/melbourne-s--200m-rialto-project-nears-completion-after-10-years-of-plannng">interview</a> with Grollo Group CEO Lorenz Grollo, the redevelopment spanned 10 years from conception to completion and has had at least 10 different architects involved at varying points. The new addition has sought to bring the ground plane into the 21st century, whilst the towers were still operating at near full occupancy.

Overall the refurbishment saw roughly $200 million split between the new build and upgrading the existing Rialto Towers.

<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_3196.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A vastly different street level"><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_3196.jpg?itok=D88SFOXf" title="A vastly different street level" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A vastly different street level</figcaption></figure>According to construction firm Built, the project was not without its challenges:

<blockquote>
Located on the corner of Collins and King Streets in the heart of Melbourne, the Rialto Regeneration project draws on all aspects of Built's expertise. Whilst preserving the working experience of 8,000 current building occupants, the project involves new construction of 5,000m² of commercial office space, complex refurbishment of the existing structure and lobby space, and high end office fitout works.

A new 6 storey office construction on the corner of the site is considerate of the existing tower design, with floor spaces connecting into the tower providing up to 3,000m² of office floor plates.
<cite>Built, Rialro Regeneration Project head contractor</cite>
</blockquote>

 With a build value of $74 million, the Rialto Regeneration Project has scored a MBA for Excellence in Health &amp; Safety.

<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_3197.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Canopy with Rialto towers and the new addition visible"><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_3197.jpg?itok=qbVqqMAh" title="Canopy with Rialto towers and the new addition visible" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Canopy with Rialto Towers and the new addition visible</figcaption></figure>Of most intrigue from a design perspective is the new canopy that joins Rialto Towers with InterContinental Melbourne and the new low-rise building. Providing coverage from the elements, the grid shell format immediately draws the eye from the Collins Street entry point. Capable of being illuminated, the canopy sits above a substantial forecourt which is open to the public and has the ability to host exhibitions and/or events.

The deep blue of Rialto Towers' facade has been emulated across the the new building, opposed by offset, less translucent panels.

Upon first inspection, the new additions strike a balance between flair and function, particularly behind the new street facade, whilst also adding a more intimate "Melbourne' laneway experience to a local classic.

<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_3201.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rialto Towers' entry point has also been refashioned"><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_3201.jpg?itok=hDy-i5pp" title="Rialto Towers' entry point has also been refashioned" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rialto Towers' entry point has also been refashioned</figcaption></figure>
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Rialto's regeneration done and dusted

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A property site where a tourism project had been planned and located at the gateway to the town of Healesville in Yarra Valley has been listed for sale. 
The site at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-residential+land-vic-healesville-201752606" target="_blank">11 Maroondah Highway, Healesville</a> is expected to fetch at least $8.8 million.
The 101 acre site earlier had concept plans prepared for a Healesville Mandarin Tourism Project and was rezoned to Special Use Zone Schedule 2 to encourage the development of a tourist precinct. 
The original concept plans allowed for hotel/motel accommodation and self-contained villas, convention facilities including meeting rooms, restaurant and chapel, Chinese landscaped gardens and associated facilities including shops and car parking.
<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/2017/05/22/Healesville2.jpg" alt="">
The land has views to nearby mountain ranges, a large dam, cleared and undulating paddocks.
The site is close to the township, wineries and the renowned Healesville Sanctuary where visitors can watch Australian wildlife.
The listing agent is Peter Nunn of Barry Plant.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Healesville site with plans for tourism project listed for $8.8 million

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At a time when the majority of <a href="/new-apartments/melbourne-vic">Melbourne's</a> commercial buildings in development are best describes as 'boxy', <a href="/new-apartments/south-melbourne-vic-3205">South Melbourne</a> may well be in for two intriguing commercial buildings, should the respective planning applications receive the green light.

On the corner of Moray and York Streets, <a href="/developments/south-melbourne-vic-3205">134 Moray Street</a> is an angular, almost aggressive gesture to its otherwise mundane surrounds.

<a href="/architects/hayball">Hayball</a> are the design force behind the commercial project, acting on behalf of 134 Moray Street Unit Trust, the prospective developer. 

<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/image79_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="As envisaged from the corner of Moray and York Streets. Planning image: Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="360" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image79_5.jpg?itok=SvtVJkzX" title="As envisaged from the corner of Moray and York Streets. Planning image: Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>As envisaged from the corner of Moray and York Streets. Planning image: Hayball</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Proposed 10 storey commercial building at 34.1m in height</li>
	<li>6,221sqm of leasable office space</li>
	<li>82 car parking spaces, 90 bicycle spaces &amp; 6 visitor bicycle spaces</li>
	<li>Ground floor commercial display area of 429sqm</li>
	<li>One café of at 38sqm</li>
	<li>Communal terraces across each level</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
The lower tier of the development forms a street wall to Moray street and responds to the surrounding conditions of the site by taking the notion of a ‘Jewel’, intent on providing urban interest in an otherwise understated part of South Melbourne. The ‘Jewel’ concept has been applied to the façade design through a highly faceted yet restrained language and unifies the building setbacks into a cohesive whole.

The primary material pallet of glass, and metal, takes priority and forms the facets of the ‘Jewel’. The folded nature of the metal and glass facets allow for a playful shift of light and shade throughout the day, creating a dynamic yet restrained architectural language. The façade is further accented with variants in metal and glass tint and the subtle reading of the façade framing.

Through articulation of surface, material, light, and depth, the composition of the building provides a unified and robust architectural statement.
<cite>Design statement, <a href="/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a> Planning</cite>
</blockquote>

In addition to a light well which is would allow natural light penetration to internal spaces,134 Moray Street also carries a raft of ESD features. Likely to appear within the project is a rainwater harvesting system for toilet flushing and irrigation, re-used timber in building and construction works, a 25kWp solar photovoltaic array on pitched terrace roofs, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and shared electric bikes for staff.

While 134 Moray Street is a refreshing departure from the typical commercial form, it may not be the only one destined for <a href="/new-apartments/south-melbourne-vic-3205">South Melbourne</a>. During March plans were lodged with City of Port Phillip regarding an application for a fourteen storey office building at <a href="/developments/south-melbourne-vic-3205">11-29 Eastern Road</a>. The island site sits just off Kings Way and currently features a low-rise commercial building and at-grade car parking.

If images published on architect <a href="/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman's</a> website are indicative of the current planning application, South Melbourne may well be in for two stunningly designed commercial buildings.

<blockquote>
Eastern Road’s form flares to embrace natural light, create engaging spaces and direct views towards key Melbourne landmarks. With diverse urban design, shared amenity, cafes and public art, this office building will serve as a significant leap forward in the evolution of the modern, collaborative and sustainable workplace.
<cite>Rothelowman</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image86_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Eastern Road. Image: Rothelowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="361" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image86_4.jpg?itok=apV-DdxC" title="Eastern Road. Image: Rothelowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Eastern Road. Image: Rothelowman</figcaption></figure>
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When a box simply won't do: dual eye-popping South Melbourne designs emerge

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City of Monash planners have recommended that Singapore-backed <a href="/developers/frasers-property">Frasers Property Australia</a> along with project partner Commercial &amp; Industrial Property (CIP) be allowed to proceed with a multi-staged commercial development that would become one of suburban Melbourne's largest.

Subject to a raft of conditions, the proposal which includes in excess of 60,000sqm of commercial office space is poised to account for a vacant site at <a href="/developments/mulgrave-vic-3170">254-294 Wellington Road, Mulgrave</a>. With a development cost of $120 million, the scheme displaces Peters Ice Cream which have occupied the site since 1964.

Peters have moved the bulk of their operations to an adjoining complex, allowing Frasers and CIP to roll out plans for a portion of the 133,259sqm site.

Four separate 8 storey commercial buildings are envisaged; each includes between 13,739sqm and 15,692sqm of leasable space. Designed by Max Architects, 254-294 Wellington Road also sees four multi-storey car parks with an accumulated 2,497 parking spaces, provisions for bicycle parking in each building and a cafe/food tenancy within the ground level of each office building.

An existing heritage building fronting Wellington Road will be maintained and amalgamated into the development.

<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/building_c.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="211 Wellington Road's Building C. Image: Colliers"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="302" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/building_c.jpg?itok=f97h5lEM" title="211 Wellington Road's Building C. Image: Colliers" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>211 Wellington Road's Building C. Image: Colliers</figcaption></figure>The developers play for the vacant 254-294 Wellington Road parcel comes months after work wrapped up on 211 Wellington Road.

Diagonally opposite the Peters site, 211 Wellington Road is a mixed-use project primarily consisting of three commercial buildings. Mazda National Headquarters, Monash University, BSN Medical and BMW Finance are the headline tenants within the project.

Falling under the Monash National Employment and Innovation Cluster which sees <a href="https://vpa.vic.gov.au/project/monash-employment-cluster/">Melbourne’s largest concentration of jobs outside the CBD</a>, Frasers and CIP will be hoping that the success of their 211 Wellington Road project is repeated at their new, and considerably larger commercial development across the road.

As large as it is, 254-294 Wellington Road is not the sole commercial development currently on the radar in the area.

<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/image42_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Goodman Group and Salta Properties latest offerings within Monash"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="219" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image42_2.jpg?itok=TOeF1KBg" title="Goodman Group and Salta Properties latest offerings within Monash" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Goodman Group and <a href="/developers/salta-properties">Salta Properties</a> latest offerings within Monash</figcaption></figure>Also in Mulgrave, builder <a href="/builders/hacer-group">Hacer</a> has recently taken on 10 Nexus Court. The 6,000sqm Gray Puksand-designed building is the latest commercial project under construction for Salta Properties within their sprawling Nexus Corporate Precinct.

As that precinct is rounded out by 10 Nexus Court, Salta Properties will move their attention to an adjoining development site at <a href="/news/salta-and-cedar-woods-upsize-their-monash-intentions">647 Springvale Road</a>, with an eye toward additional commercial offerings.

Meanwhile Goodman Group is seeking tenants for dual new office buildings within their Ferntree Business Park at 296-324 Ferntree Gully Road, Notting Hill. Buildings Buildings D + N are in the pipeline, and may add as much as 14,500sqm of space to that particular precinct.

Ferntree Business Park is also set to host a Quest serviced apartment complex according to current construction tenders for that particular project.
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A commercial mini city beckons as Melbourne's southeast flourishes

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Proptech startup PEXA has merged three offices and over 200 staff into a new workplace in Collins Square, Melbourne, designed by Futurespace.
Futurespace, design director Gavin Harris said the workspace is built around a central café zone which acts as the thoroughfare for both sides of the office.
“PEXA wanted to move into a space that would encourage staff to socialise and to create positive energy.," he said.
“To help support the employees, we brought in sit-stand desks, designed collaboration or scrum spaces, and created an office that facilitates people working away from their desks.
“We also implemented a range of design tactics in the office to support employees.
"These included bringing in natural materials like climbing green walls, creating exposed ceilings, lining the walls with timber, introducing texture and colour through flooring and soft furnishings."
<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/2017/04/11/image003.jpg" alt="">
Rebecca Evans, chief people and culture officer, PEXA, said so far the feedback from employees has been overwhelmingly positive.
<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/2017/04/11/image005.jpg" alt="">
“Being in such a central location, with the entire Melbourne-based team under one roof is helping to create a stronger team for our growing business,” she said.
PEXA was ranked as the fifth fastest growing tech startup in the Deloitte 2016 Technology Fast 500.
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