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

Joel Robinson

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

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

Sammut secures approval for debut Brisbane apartment development in Toowong

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

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

Property developer One Living, backed by former Macquarie banker turned investment manager Chris Green’s investment firm, has unveiled plans to bring more institutional capital into housing to help address the national supply crisis.

The New York-based investor has focused his firm, GreenPoint Partners, on addressing the supply shortage hitting middle market housing in Australia.

It is backing the new One Living business to develop more than 1000 units along the eastern seaboard. The new firm is starting with a development on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, with around 140 apartments planned. They are eyeing off more sites across the city.

With cost pressures rising in the industry, One Living’s model is to be a vertically integrated developer-builder, so it can respond directly to the housing gap by removing the cost inefficiencies embedded in traditional residential delivery.

“We are building a platform designed to operate at scale and starting in a market where there’s a clear need for quality, attainable housing,” One Living joint managing director Joseph Scuderi said.

“It’s that missing middle – it’s that attainable end of housing… that’s what most Australians invest into and what Australians can actually afford.”

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="798dfa93-4941-4db6-a696-31e9dc18e81c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.31.50%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=mKBqi5C_DmeiXS.AtJkcR8LQIxqCqmFi" />

GreenPoint Partners brings years of experience assembling and scaling real estate operating businesses across major markets. And Green sees a big opportunity in Australia.

“For its size, sophistication and importance to the community, Australia’s living sector has remained largely under-institutionalised, which represents significant opportunity,” Green said. “GreenPoint identified that gap, assembled the right team, and is backing One Living to build a platform that is aligned to market needs.”

Green said being a builder-developer would give the company the capacity and flexibility it required to deliver reasonably-priced homes.

“We want it to be at that attainable level; not super high end luxury but at that attainable level,” he said.

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="74a5344a-4b26-4d4a-ada3-056b1220be77" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.32.15%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=vY8hXHO4reBMdO8ZXMWCNtGZJofUPQ3j" />

&nbsp;

One Living will undertake a component of affordable housing in its schemes, which it will own and operate, and it could also run build-to-rent on some sites.

Green praised local policy settings.

“The NSW government is being very supportive, strategic and pragmatic in terms of how do we generate more supply of housing,” he said. “We think it’s actually positive for development and the bit that’s been lacking at that attainable level is that it’s lots of relatively small private developers, whereas we want to create an institutional platform.”

One Living is also&nbsp;looking at high-density projects and could take on more institutional funding in the future.

“The way we will be able to achieve economies of scale is through size,” Green added.

One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition

It's been several years since there's been an opportunity to buy a brand new townhome in Melbourne's coastal suburb of Mordialloc. Even apartment developments in recent times have been few and far between in the area.

Local developer LDS Property identified the gap in new housing, securing a site on White Street, directly opposite&nbsp;Woodlands Golf Club Mordialloc. They've recently launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/wm-residences-mordialloc-102-white-street-mordialloc-vic-3195">WM Residences</a>, just 13 townhouses which they have already started building.

Projects by Buxton Director Heath Thompson, who is selling WM Residences, says the townhouses x that perfect middle ground be

"Mordialloc residents have had limited options to downsize within the suburb, often forcing them to look elsewhere despite long-standing ties to the area," Thompson says.

"With very little comparable new supply coming to market, projects like WM Residences are well placed, particularly as buyers look to capitalise on current conditions amid constrained supply."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6109]

The development, designed by regarded architecture firm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf</a>,&nbsp;adopts a deliberately restrained architectural approach, focusing on simplicity, durability and liveability rather than overt design gestures.

The boutique scale is central to the offering. With only 13 three-bedroom residences, each home is configured to prioritise functional layouts and everyday use, supported by private terraces and secure two-car garages.

Ewert Leaf’s design response leans into a calm, neutral material palette. Interiors are defined by oak flooring, white walls and soft finishes, creating a consistent and understated backdrop. The approach avoids trend-driven detailing in favour of longevity, with an emphasis on natural light and spatial clarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6110]

Beyond aesthetics, the homes are designed to meet contemporary performance expectations. Each residence targets a minimum 6-star energy rating, incorporating double glazing, comprehensive insulation and all-electric Bosch appliances.

The project’s location supports a walkable coastal lifestyle, sitting within close proximity to Mordialloc’s foreshore, Main Street retail strip and the train station. Local cafés and dining venues, including Suburbia Deli and Hendriks Café, are within a short walk, reinforcing the area’s established neighbourhood character.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6116]

While <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/mordialloc-vic-3195">Mordialloc</a> is often defined by its beach and pier, the project taps into other areas of day to day living, offering easy access to local food, casual dining and transport, rather than positioning itself purely as a lifestyle retreat.

WM Residences reflects a continued trend across Melbourne’s coastal suburbs towards smaller-scale, design-led townhouse developments, particularly on infill sites where proximity to amenity is already established.

With construction commenced prior to its market entry, the project aligns with a growing preference among buyers for developments with visible progress and defined delivery timeframes.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134646]

WM Residences fills gap in Mordialloc townhouse market

Cottee Parker

Established in Brisbane in 1989 by Geoff Parker and Rob Cottee, Cottee Parker has evolved into a national practice with studios operating in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.

The firm, which combines “intellect and creativity with a skilful, sensitive approach to design”, has garnered recognition for their design outcomes.

“We design considering culture, environment and the human condition to produce responsive and sustainable solutions. We use our experience, skills and knowledge to create designs that work for clients and the community”, the multi-disciplinary practice said.

Past projects include Queens Wh​arf in Brisbane, one of Australia's most ambitious cons​truction projects, and West Si​de Place in Melbourne.

“I wanted to create a strong legacy to leave behind, and I am extremely confident that I have done exactly that,” Cottee said.

Over 50 projects designed by the firm are currently listed on Urban. Below are four of our favourites that homebuyers can secure via Urban today.

1. Mirador, Chevron Island 
Developer: Citimark Properties

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=183047]

A unique blend of built form and nature, Mirador has been designed by Cottee Parker as part of the coastal identity of Chevron Island.

The 71 luxury residences respond to ocean views while reinforcing a coastal through a refined material palette including its white façade, bronze metal features and natural stone elements.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=183048]

Two, three and four-bedroom apartments are generously sized with butlers’ pantries, island benches, wrap-around balconies and walk-in robes.

Extensive landscaping is also a key design feature, with cascading greenery softening the built form whilst providing a lush subtropical backdrop to the residential recreational spaces including the pool, gym, wellness and barbeque areas.

2. Seasons, Birtinya 
Developer: Cube Developments

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106957 project_image_fid=184863]

Cottee Parker has been engaged on a new residential project by Cube Developments that is certain to attract young property buyers.

Situated in the growing coastal suburb, Birtinya, Seasons is a trendy $102 million apartment development with almost 150 units in two, three and four-bedroom configurations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106957 project_image_fid=184873]

Architect Sandra Brown said an emphasis on aesthetics, generously sized apartments and a number of amenities was expected to impress young buyers.

“We have focused on a range of materials to achieve a sleek, urban feel [with] timber, aluminium, plenty of greenery, as well as getting a lot of the off-form concrete into the design,” she said.

3. Nature by Cube, Cotton Tree 
Developer: Cube Developments

[smartcode_project:default project_id=89721 project_image_fid=172109]

Nature, located in the small waterfront suburb of Cotton Tree, will deliver 12 luxury residences.

Designed by&nbsp;<a href="/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, the development sits high above the Maroochy River, surrounded by green parkland and ever-shifting tidal sand bars.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=89721 project_image_fid=172111]

“The brief that Cube gave us [was] we want the best the Sunshine Coast has ever seen”, Sandra Browne said.

The sculptural project features a glass façade and hosts a number of amenities, including a 25-metre lap pool, gym, steam room and spa, yoga lawn and sun lounging areas.

4. Lowanna Beach Resort, Buddina 
Developer: WOW Group

[smartcode_project:default project_id=101206 project_image_fid=162030]

Lowanna, an Aboriginal word that is often used to describe exquisite beauty, is the namesake of the newest development to hit Buddina.

Three buildings make up the new Lowanna Beach Resort offering, each presenting a different perspective of the surrounds, and connected by centralised resort facilities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=101206 project_image_fid=162024]

All residents can enjoy the luxurious landscaped gardens, light-filled, tropical open communal areas and pool and barbeque facilities.

Residences boast generous floorplans, large balconies, plenty of storage and high-quality finishes.

“I wanted to create a strong legacy to leave behind, and I am extremely confident that I have done exactly that,” Cottee said. 

max.kwok_55688

Cottee Parker Architects' four best Queensland projects currently selling on Urban

Seasons Birtinya, on the Sunshine Coast, has proved to be popular with all demographics, as Cube, one of the area&#39;s most well-regarded developments, put together a development which was both design driven and price led.

Cube had their go-to architecture firm, Cottee Parker Architects, who have designed the developer&#39;s most high end stock in the area, create Seasons, with the overarching design principles to connect residents to the local community and to differentiate the design from its neighbours.

Priced from $499,000, the apartments have been a hit with first home buyers, local and interstate investors, as well as downsizers.

Urban recently spoke to Sandra Browne, director at Cottee Parker,&nbsp;to discuss the design ideas behind Seasons.

JR: What was the brief from Cube for Seasons? What were the key features that were essential?&nbsp;​

SB: The&nbsp;brief was to create a unique and elevated &#39;Work Rest Play&#39; environment in response to the post COVID lifestyle shift, with leading amenity for the Sunshine Coast.

JR: Was there a project that inspired you in the design?

SB: We&nbsp;initially&nbsp;drew inspiration from some&nbsp;inner-city&nbsp;Melbourne projects, and&nbsp;then evolved and adapted these to speak to the Sunshine Coast lifestyle -&nbsp;with a point of difference being an enormous amount of amenity to take advantage of the weather, the adventure and a&nbsp;sense&nbsp;of health and wellbeing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106957 project_image_fid=184863]

JR: What were the most important features of the site/location which influenced your design?

SB: Its position on Lake Ka​wana alongside the ocean&nbsp;and&nbsp;hinterland views - these factors heavily influenced the design and vision which ultimately&nbsp;culminated&nbsp;in in utilising lots of natural light and in building three individual towers with central cores.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106957 project_image_fid=184864]

JR: What was the biggest challenge in the design of Seasons?

SB: The unique shape of the site and balance area left over from Stage 1&nbsp;proved a challenge when&nbsp;placing amenity destinations throughout the common areas.

JR: How do you approach designing a three-tower development?

We engaged Cottee Parker architects to ensure our building design captured all views on offer with lots of natural light as&nbsp;well as&nbsp;appealing to a variety of purchasers through the right apartment mix.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106957 project_image_fid=184866]

JR: What part of the design are you most proud of/ most looking forward to seeing when the towers are completed?

SB: Looking forward to seeing the terrace apartments of Stage One as well as seeing the three apartment towers work together as an integrated precinct.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=106957]

Priced from $499,000, the apartments have been a hit with first home buyers, local and interstate investors, as well as downsizers.



How the Sunshine Coast apartment development, Seasons Birtinya, was designed: Five minutes with Cottee Parker's Sandra Browne

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As the tallest building in the Queens Wharf precinct, Queens Wharf Residences boast some of the most spectacular views in Brisbane – and if that isn't enough, the towering skyscraper also features a publically-accessible skydeck which offers 360* views.

We caught up with Place Projects' Matt Brandon to learn more about what makes Queens Wharf Residences a truly unique and exciting development. 

<figure><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" height="328" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/19fnkgww.jpeg?itok=Gvt_Kzuu" title="Queens Wharf Residences. Image supplied." width="580">

<figcaption>Queens Wharf Residences. Image supplied.</figcaption></figure>Urban.com.au: Which aspects of the Queens Wharf Residences development are you most proud of and why?

Matt Brandon: Location and architecture. Queens Wharf is in the CBD of Brisbane, the development will feature iconic contemporary architecture created by Cottee Parker, alongside beautifully restored heritage buildings and provide locals and tourists with more than 12 football fields of public space to enjoy. Forming 10% of the CBD footprint, it will strengthen Brisbane’s reputation as an international tourism, leisure and entertainment destination.

<figure><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" height="387" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/cblpn9na.jpeg?itok=7rJ5OVS2" title="Queens Wharf Residences. Image supplied." width="580">

<figcaption>Queens Wharf Residences. Image supplied.</figcaption></figure>U: If a buyer was deciding between Queens Wharf Residences and a similar residential development in the area, what do you think makes Queens Wharf Residences unique and the favourable option? 

MB: I do not believe there is a similar development in Brisbane that comes close to the Queens Wharf Development. The $3.6 billion integrated resort is unrelieved in the Brisbane market. It will create new riverfront spaces, fine and casual dining options to suit every taste and budget, exciting nightlife and entertainment, local and international retail brands, world-class 4.5, 5- &amp; 6-star hotels, and private residences.

<figure><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" height="328" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/v1dlydek.jpeg?itok=6sg6ikQm" title="Queens Wharf Residences. Image supplied." width="580">

<figcaption>Queens Wharf Residences. Image supplied.</figcaption></figure>U: In your opinion, what are some of the best amenities on-site or nearby?

MB: Apart from the 12 football sized public space and the Integrated Resort Developpement, there is more than 50 bars and restaurants, access to the Neville Bonner pedestrian bridge to South Bank, access to the brand new Star Casino and the soon to be world-renowned sky deck that sits more than 100 meters above street level and has a maximum capacity of 1500 people. 

Queens Wharf Residences amenities: 

 Exclusive residential facilities:

<ul>
<li>22m lap pool  </li>
	<li>Spas</li>
	<li>Pool lounges</li>
	<li>Indoor/outdoor seating areas</li>
	<li>BBQ and dining areas and facilities</li>
	<li>Residents’ lounges</li>
	<li>Private dining rooms</li>
	<li>Cinema</li>
	<li>Steam room and sauna</li>
	<li>Gymnasium  </li>
	<li>Yoga spaces</li>
	<li>Wine lounge</li>
	<li>Business centre</li>
</ul>
<figure><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" height="968" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/cok3hhpu.jpeg?itok=00iQCpqo" title="Queens Wharf Residences. Image supplied." width="580">

<figcaption>Queens Wharf Residences. Image supplied.</figcaption></figure>U: What was the inspiration behind the design of the development?

MB: World-class structure &amp; facilities that rivals other major world cities.

<figure><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" height="326" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/049atefu.jpeg?itok=LPk_k8E4" title="Queens Wharf Residences. Image supplied." width="580">

<figcaption>Queens Wharf Residences. Image supplied.</figcaption></figure>U: If you had to use only five words to describe Queens Wharf Residences, what would they be? 

MB: Brisbane's World-class Integrated Resort Development 
</body></html>

Olivia Round

Brisbane apartment of the week: Queens Wharf Residences, Brisbane CBD

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As construction nears completion on Far East Consortium’s <a href="/buildings/the-towers-at-elizabeth-quay-11-barrack-square-perth">Ritz Carlton in Perth</a>, the renowned developers have shifted their focus to its new $1.4 billion project which will take place in Perth's Northbridge. Four years ago, <a href="/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a> acquired the prime location for the complex, with plans to transform the site into a dual-tower multi-use complex.

The <a href="/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>-designed '<a href="/new-apartments/perth-hub-600-wellington-street-perth">Perth Hub</a>' has undergone many design iterations over the journey, before gaining approval last year. One tower stands at 32-storeys tall and comprises 304 residential apartments. The second tower will house the 4-star Dorsett hotel and will feature 250 rooms across 23-storeys. An exception to the tower height restriction was made, due to the floor space being creatively redistributed throughout the tower – <a href="https://www.watoday.com.au/national/western-australia/perth-city-link-158-million-two-tower-development-project-approved-20180809-p4zwh7">demonstrating design excellence</a>.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/perthhub_web02.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The two towers situated in the heart of Northbridge shopping district. Credit: Far East Consortium"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="395" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/perthhub_web02.jpg?itok=Z722K6WK" title="The two towers situated in the heart of Northbridge shopping district. Credit: Far East Consortium" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The two towers situated in the heart of Northbridge shopping district. Credit: Far East Consortium</figcaption></figure>Situated across the popular shopping strips of King, Perth and Lake Streets, the property will act as a gateway to the city’s famous shopping district, as well as housing its own 1,200 square meter retail shopping complex. It’s also close to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and walking distance to cultural landmarks including Scitech Science Museum, His Majesty’s Theatre, Kings Park, and the Art Gallery of Western Australia. The project is estimated to bring approximately 1 million visitors to the area per year, which will assist with boosting Perth’s annual tourism rates.

<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/perthhub_web04.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The 4-star Dorsett Hotel. Credit: Far East Consortium"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="395" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/perthhub_web04.jpg?itok=n0k2raxn" title="The 4-star Dorsett Hotel. Credit: Far East Consortium" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The 4-star Dorsett Hotel. Credit: Far East Consortium</figcaption></figure> 

<blockquote>
"As construction and development progress over coming years, we will see retail, hospitality and hotel operations continue to boost the State’s economy… local, interstate and international visitors have Perth Arena and Yagan Square at their feet with the added bonus of direct train services to key destinations. With new hotel options, this will now be the ultimate destination for commuters and a popular weekender escape." 

- Planning Minister Rita Saffioti
</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/perthhub_web03.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Perth Hub residential tower. Credit: Far East Consortium"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="395" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/perthhub_web03.jpg?itok=PkC63IIL" title="Perth Hub residential tower. Credit: Far East Consortium" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Perth Hub residential tower. Credit: Far East Consortium</figcaption></figure> 

The residential tower has been designed with a range of apartment configurations available, to facilitate first-home-buyers entering the property market.

<blockquote>
“We think Perth Hub is going to be a really good opportunity for youthful buyers. We are very much targeting it at the young or young at heart.” 

- FEC WA manager Dan Sweet.
</blockquote>

The desirable location and affordable rates have seen 120 off-the-plan apartments sell almost instantly, with only 184 residential properties left on the market. Interested? <a href="/new-apartments/perth-hub-600-wellington-street-perth">Enquire here</a>.

Guest and resident amenities include a lobby bar, meeting space, spa facilities and a direct connection to the underground Perth Central Station and Bus Port.

Completion is anticipated for mid-2020.
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Far East Consortium's ‘Perth Hub’ proves popular with buyers who want to live next to Perth Arena

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While Victoria was preparing for the Melbourne Cup last week, the Queensland State Government announced it had approved a Master Plan for The Star Gold Coast valued at over $2 billion, providing a massive boost for tourism across South East Queensland (SEQ) and creating 10,000 jobs in the region. 

In approving the Master Plan concept, The Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, said the proposal by The Star Entertainment Group and its partners Far East Consortium and Chow Tai Fook Enterprises, provided a platform for further investment at the Broadbeach Island integrated resort site.

The Master Plan approves the construction of four new towers, each with the potential to generate up to 1,800 jobs during construction. A further 3,000 ongoing operational jobs would be created between the towers, restaurants, bars, days spas and other facilities.  Along with the four additional towers, the $2 billion-plus Master Plan includes the following:

<ul>
<li>Significant new restaurant and bar precincts</li>
	<li>Increased entertainment and retail options </li>
	<li>Lush new resort facilities</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/the_star_gc_master_plan.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The approved $2bn Master Plan will feature an additional four towers. Image: The Star Entertainment Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="892" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/the_star_gc_master_plan.jpg?itok=iBHQ4eEz" title="The approved $2bn Master Plan will feature an additional four towers. Image: The Star Entertainment Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The approved $2bn Master Plan will feature an additional four towers. Image: The Star Entertainment Group</figcaption></figure>The approval of The Star's Master Plan follows a series of major milestones as part of an initial $850 million redevelopment including:

<ul>
<li>the opening of the luxury hotel The Darling</li>
	<li>the redevelopment of The Star Grand</li>
	<li>the purchase of The Sheraton Grand Mirage and;</li>
	<li>the start of construction of the Dorsett hotel and apartments tower.</li>
</ul>
The Star was the first official partner of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, the host venue for the Logies in July, and will host the Queensland Tourism Awards this month.The Star has also committed to delivering these tourism investments with no extra poker machines.

The first phase of the overall Master Plan’s five new towers  - dubbed 'The Star Residences' - was approved in December 2016 and is currently under construction. The 53-storey tower has been designed by DBI Design and Cottee Parker and will include a 316 room Dorsett hotel in addition to 423 residential apartments with an expected completion date of 2022. 

A phased approach is proposed for the development of the additional four towers and facilities. According to The Star Entertainment Group, the latest segment of the Master Plan is over and above the already-committed multi-billion dollar investments from the consortium partners into SEQ.

<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/slider-star-gc-01-2000x1125.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The now under construction Star Residences represents the first phase of the new Master Plan. Image: Far East Consortium"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/slider-star-gc-01-2000x1125.jpg?itok=x1-2m3Fq" title="The now under construction Star Residences represents the first phase of the new Master Plan. Image: Far East Consortium" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The now under construction Star Residences represents the first phase of the new Master Plan. Image: Far East Consortium</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
This approval gives The Star and its partners the opportunity to lift The Star's profile with international tourists to even greater heights. Over the past four years Star has demonstrated its confidence in Queensland’s tourism outlook by making significant investments to drive economic growth and job creation on the Gold Coast.

The Star Entertainment Group is driving a massive injection of private sector funding into Queensland’s tourism industry, creating thousands of construction and operational jobs and opening up countless new supply opportunities for Queensland businesses.

On completion of The Star Gold Coast and its $3.6 billion Queens Wharf Brisbane development, the consortium will have created up to 10 hotels, with almost 3,000 rooms between them, and up to 100 restaurants and bars. This translates into some 15,000 new jobs for Queenslanders.

Queensland is pivotal to The Star Entertainment Group’s approach and it continues to proudly support and host major events in Australia’s events capital of the Gold Coast. As a top 100 ASX company, The Star Entertainment Group, also plans to relocate its corporate office to Brisbane, which is another salute to Queensland.

- Annastacia Palaszczuk, Queensland Premier
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
The Master Plan in its entirety would see The Star Gold Coast boast more tourism accommodation than any other resort in Australia. The 3000 hotel rooms and apartments would also exceed what the world-renowned Marina Bay Sands in Singapore offers, and be on a scale to compare with the largest integrated resorts in Las Vegas.

Once the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane transformation is complete, and if The Star Gold Coast Master Plan is rolled out in full, we will have tourism assets across SEQ worth around $9 billion. This includes the original assets on the Gold Coast and Brisbane, and the considerable and ongoing investments we have made in both those destinations.

We are delighted to receive the State Government’s approval of our expanded Master Plan. Our site at Broadbeach is the perfect location for continued development of tourism assets that will deliver to the Gold Coast an integrated resort capable of competing with the best on a domestic, regional and global basis.

This would be a project of incredible scale, delivering substantial economic benefit to the State from jobs and increased tourism visitation. In addition to The Star Grand, The Darling and The Dorsett hotel tower, our expanded Master Plan provides the opportunity for another four towers and world-class facilities.

They would include a stunning recreational deck, water features and hero pools, a quality day spa, new dining precincts, more bars and cafes, exciting entertainment facilities, plus a nightclub where international acts can be showcased.

The Master Plan also looks at ways to enhance the connection of Broadbeach Island with Pacific Fair, the Gold Coast Convention Centre and the surrounding Broadbeach precinct.

-  Matt Bekier, Managing Director and CEO of The Star Entertainment Group
</blockquote>
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Laurence Dragomir

The Star Gold Coast receives State approval for Massive $2 billion Master Plan

Milton-based Pointcorp has added another residential development in waiting to its portfolio, this time in Burleigh Heads.

41 apartments are spread over the 15 level Cottee Parker-designed high-rise at&nbsp;1827 Gold Coast Highway. Reflective of another high-end planning application for Broadbeach&nbsp;<a href="/news/bassar-group-to-test-broadbeachs-luxury-apartment-market-depth">first outlined by Urban.com.au last week</a>, the Burleigh Heads developments consists of oversized apartments aimed at owner-occupiers.

Pointcorp's newest project consists of purely three bedroom apartments. What is effectively a repetitive floorplate sees apartments sizes in three options;&nbsp;172, 205 and 207 square metres.

The prominent 1,271 corner site is currently a service station, with nearby towers having already created a comparable height precedent.

<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/image5_22.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Cottee Parker's new Burleigh Heads addition."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="454" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image5_22.jpg?itok=koP3UXa1" title="Cottee Parker's new Burleigh Heads addition." width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Cottee Parker's new Burleigh Heads addition.</figcaption>
</figure>

<blockquote>
The development represents a distinct podium and tower form, with a highly articulated and modulated built form and façade. At ground level the retail space extends along the Goodwin Terrace frontage and part of the Gold Coast Highway.

The retail spaces includes glazing and openings to these frontages to encourage the activation of the streetscape and the continuation of activity along Goodwin Terrace. A residential foyer, plant and services and driveway access are located on the Gold Coast Highway frontages.
<cite>Cardno Town Planning Report</cite></blockquote>

1827 Gold Coast Highway represents Pointcorp's first major apartment development outside of the Brisbane market. The&nbsp;Burleigh Heads application is also another notch in Pointcorp's growing development pipeline.

In another step toward diversification Pointcorp is also at the helm of Brisbane's 458 Brunswick Street which will be branded&nbsp;Hotel Indigo&nbsp;Brisbane&nbsp;Fortitude Valley.

<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/image8fg.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hotel Indigo Brisbane Fortitude Valley is part of the Pointcorp stable"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="486" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image8fg.jpg?itok=0fgOVROF" title="Hotel Indigo Brisbane Fortitude Valley is part of the Pointcorp stable" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Hotel Indigo Brisbane Fortitude Valley is part of the Pointcorp stable</figcaption>
</figure>

Alongside 30 high-end apartments and 1,000 plus square metres of commercial space, the project has also signed on&nbsp;IHG to operate 146 hotel rooms. It has a nominal completion date of 2020.

Pointcorp's bread and butter to date has been residential projects across Brisbane.

Construction continues on&nbsp;Teneriffe's Fabric Apartments which includes 73 dwellings within a golden-clad Cottee Parker-designed mid-rise. Construction recently wrapped up on The Maxwell at New Farm's&nbsp;40 Maxwell Street, and Pointcorp has in its keep a luxury Elenberg Fraser-designed project next door.

44 Maxwell Street is a&nbsp;riverfront block that has approval for&nbsp;14 three bedroom apartments capped by a single penthouse. A sizeable rooftop terrace and pool would maintain&nbsp;sight lines over Story Bridge.

<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/p8310239-1024x768.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Pointcorp's image of Fabric's construction progress during August"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/p8310239-1024x768.jpg?itok=W8R7Po-S" title="Pointcorp's image of Fabric's construction progress during August" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Pointcorp's image of Fabric's construction progress during August</figcaption>
</figure>

silvermb

Pointcorp adds a luxury Burleigh Heads project to its boom portfolio

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The fourth and final tower within Far East Consortium's (FEC) $1b West Side Place multi-tower development has been released. Located on Spencer and Lonsdale Streets, West Side Place is directly opposite FEC's now complete Upper West Side neighbourhood.

Known as The Park Release, the 70-storey mixed-use tower follows the success of the 72-storey Gold Release fronting Lonsdale Street. The approx. 235m high building will accommodate 684 apartments and a 4-star 312 room Dorsett branded hotel, offering views across the Flagstaff Gardens.

As part of the redevelopment of the 12,000 sqm former Age site, a new laneway will be developed connecting Lonsdale St and Little Lonsdale St, providing restaurants and an extensive number of retail sites focused around a central landscaped public realm.

The Park Release features a mix of one, two and three bedroom apartments all designed to maximise natural light and completed with high-end quality fit-outs.

Residential amenities are located on levels 9 &amp; 10 and include a residential lounge, private dinning rooms, wine tasting room with wine cellar, garden terrace with BBQ facilities, rooftop cinema, virtual golf, lap pool, plunge pools, gymnasium and yoga and pilates spaces and more.

<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/wsp02.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Park Release draws on its location adjacent to West Side Place's central park. Image: Far East Consortium"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="414" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/wsp02.jpg?itok=Dtqv-Rwq" title="The Park Release draws on its location adjacent to West Side Place's central park. Image: Far East Consortium" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Park Release draws on its location adjacent to West Side Place's central park. Image: Far East Consortium</figcaption></figure><h2>The Park Release Quick Facts</h2>

<ul>
<li>70-storeys, approx. 235m in height</li>
	<li>684 apartments</li>
	<li>4-star Dorsett hotel comprising 312 suites</li>
	<li>Over 3,000 sqm ground floor retail space</li>
	<li>Over 475sqm of park and open space</li>
	<li>Views over Flagstaff Gardens and the city skyline</li>
	<li>World-class amenities including lounge, private dining rooms, rooftop cinema and more.</li>
</ul>
Meanwhile, head contractor Probuild is ramping up construction on Stage 01 with the erection of two tower cranes and the formation of the first core.

Stage 01 comprises a total of 1,359 apartments and Melbourne's first Ritz-Carlton hotel across two towers - the 81-storey Tower 1, which will house the Ritz-Carlton and the 64-storey Tower 2 which will rise to heights of 270m and 211m, respectively.

Stage 01 of West Side Place is scheduled for completion in 2022.

<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/wsp_probuild.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Probuild is progressing with construction of stage 1. Image: Probuild"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="582" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/wsp_probuild.jpg?itok=xSX3j6jM" title="Probuild is progressing with construction of stage 1. Image: Probuild" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Probuild is progressing with construction of Stage 01. Image: Probuild</figcaption></figure>
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The Final Stage of West Side Place released as construction ramps up on stage 01

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Developer <a href="/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a> has unveiled its expansive green rooftop garden atop its 2,500 apartment Upper West Side development. Spanning over 4,000sqm, and situated 25 metres above the street, the rooftop has been developed to create a new benchmark for green inner-city spaces.

Urban.com.au was invited on a tour of the development by the project team.

<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_1772.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Upper West Side rooftop garden."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1772.jpg?itok=4GbaslxS" title="Upper West Side rooftop garden." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Upper West Side rooftop garden.</figcaption></figure>Located in the heart of <a href="/new-apartments/melbourne-vic">Melbourne’s CBD</a>, on the site of the former Lonsdale Street powerstation, Upper West Side’s communal rooftop represents almost one acre of landscaped podium rooftop gardens, lounge areas, barbecue spaces and ‘The Bouldering Cave’, an innovative horizontal rock-climbing wall area.

A resort-style pool will be added to the mix upon completion of the Manhattan building and its associated podium, thus completing the expansive rooftop area. While a fifth tower aptly named '<a href="/buildings/the-fifth-605-lonsdale-street-melbourne">The Fifth</a>' will complete the rebranded Rose Lane frontage to the development, it is seen as a stand-alone project independent of Upper West Side with its own podium and rooftop.

Designed by <a href="/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker Architects</a> in conjunction with njr and associates, Upper West Side’s green rooftop amenity represents an investment in excess of $3.5 million and includes a range of soft and hard landscaping features to enable greater recreational opportunities for residents, setting a new standard for inner-city living.

There are 40 species of trees and plants with the trees ranging in age from 8-25 years. Water is drawn from the rainwater collected on the rooftop and grey water from the Midtown tower's showers.

<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_1776.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The gardens draw on rainwater collected from the rooftop and grey water."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1776.jpg?itok=nTRzkHGr" title="The gardens draw on rainwater collected from the rooftop and grey water." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The gardens draw on rainwater collected from the rooftop and grey water.</figcaption></figure>Architect Shane Williams of Cottee Parker Architects describes Upper West Side’s rooftop space as a garden in the sky, designed to allow residents and their visitors the opportunity to relax in a space as close to a natural environment as possible despite living in an apartment building.

<blockquote>
When designing Upper West Side’s outdoor rooftop spaces, we carefully considered how each plant would establish over the next 10 to 20 years, choosing plants that had colour, vibrancy and variety, with fruit-bearing, flowering and edible vegetable species included to ensure we could create a as well as sensory- pleasing garden for residents.

Each rooftop space varies in size, weaving in and out between buildings, with the various podiums and tower roofs not only offering various levels of quiet and intimacy for residents but also designed to capture optimum rainfall, to in turn irrigate and cultivate all on-site planting.

Urban forestation is very topical at the moment and we were keen to embrace this as much as possible with Upper West Side.

In addition to notably lowering peak temperatures caused by hard-surface heat radiation, the rooftop design will retain storm water flow for continued plant growth.
<cite>Shane Williams, Lead architect, Cottee Parker Architects</cite>
</blockquote>

Another key point of difference to Upper West Side is ‘The Bouldering Cave’: an area devoted solely to a set of rock climbing walls. Strategically positioned, the walls have an organic appearance and are crafted with a cementitious material, while the floors manufactured with a recycled rubber material, to allow residents to feel they are climbing on actual cliff faces.

The space also serves the dual purpose of providing wind mitigation to the inner rooftop garden areas.

<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/upper_west_side_-_the_bouldering_cave.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The 'Bouldering Cave'. Image courtesy of Far East"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/upper_west_side_-_the_bouldering_cave.jpg?itok=mzQpq1ug" title="The 'Bouldering Cave'. Image courtesy of Far East" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The 'Bouldering Cave'. Image courtesy of Far East</figcaption></figure>Other amenities include bocce fields, outdoor lounge areas, communal kitchen/barbecue and dining spaces, a 25-metre indoor lap pool and sauna, a fully equipped gymnasium and a shared function/study area.

<blockquote>
We believe Upper West Side has set a new benchmark for green living in Melbourne’s CBD. Just because we are building apartments rather than traditional quarter-acre blocks, doesn’t mean we can’t also deliver on dynamic green spaces for our residents, too.

With such a growing number of apartment buildings, comes a requirement to deliver adequate green spaces and amenity. The rooftop gardens and creative amenity spaces at Upper West Side highlight just how far we can take it.

The response from our residents reinforces Far East Consortium’s development direction towards creating expansive garden spaces within each of our projects.

The success of the project really comes down to the shifting trends in the CBD apartment market – green spaces are essentially the way of the future.
<cite>Craig Williams, Executive Director, Far East Consortium</cite>
</blockquote>

With Manhattan racing towards completion and The Fifth well out of the ground, both Far East and Cottee Parker's attention now turns to the mammoth $2.5 billion West Side Place development.

Located across the road on the former site of The Age, the project represents a further evolution and development of some of the key aspects of Upper West Side. The project is officially due to be launched on the 4th of June but has already attracted strong interest from prospective purchasers.

Stage 1 of the project comprises 1370 apartments across two towers and featuring a 263 room Ritz Carlton Hotel, sky lobby and associated hotel facilities, in addition to ground floor retail and food and beverage.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/1_west-side-place-update.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="West Side Place. Images courtesy of Cottee Parker"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="253" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1_west-side-place-update.jpg?itok=Ub2EEUSb" title="West Side Place. Images courtesy of Cottee Parker" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>West Side Place. Images courtesy of Cottee Parker</figcaption></figure>
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Moving on up: Upper West Side unveils its rooftop garden

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Media circles last week reported that Melbourne CBD's tallest tower (to date) had received planning approval. With news of the revised planning application <a href="/news/the-dawn-of-a-new-age-and-melbournes-new-tallest-building" target="_blank">first broken by Urban.com.au</a> during November last year, recent reporting of approval for 250 Spencer Street relates to the site masterplan. In effect, approval for an overarching development envelope rather than the final design.

Indeed approval has been given for four towers of between 205 and 300 metres in height, although the ultimate design for each has yet to be submitted. What is known is architecture firm Cottee Parker will deliver near on 3,000 apartments and two hotels of some 488 rooms over the four towers.

<a href="http://www.afr.com/p/business/property/new_melbourne_skyscrapers_approved_2FE9rMf2vSkp83L8dLVOYI" target="_blank">As reported</a> in the Australian Financial Review last week, Far East consortium have secured Ritz-Carlton to anchor the premium hotel space, located within the top 15 levels of the tallest, 300 metre tower.

With the final design not yet submitted for approval, a grainy yet excellent indicator was included in developer Far East Consortium's newly published 2014 Annual Report. The hulking towers seen below dwarf neighbouring northern residential developments, and bare a strong resemblance to the <a href="/news">endorsed masterplan concept</a>.

<figure><img alt="" height="572" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/pictures/article-images/image2250s.jpg" title="The expected development? Image sourced via the FEC Annual Report" width="454"><figcaption>The expected development? Image sourced via the FEC Annual Report</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
In June 2013, the Group acquired another piece of land (known as 250 Spencer Street Site), located next to the Upper West Side development with site area of approximately 1.176 hectares. 250 Spencer Street Site is currently with a planning permit for residential development with a total sellable area of approximately 2.2 million sq. ft.

The project is expected to consist of approximately 3,000 residential apartments and will be developed in phases.
<cite>Far East Consortium 2014 Annual Report</cite>
</blockquote>

As outlined within the statement above, Far East Consortium aren't strangers to delivering large-scale projects as directly opposite the company has recently released for sale <a href="/news/the-fifth-605-613-lonsdale-street-melbourne" target="_blank">The Fifth</a>. Its 399 apartments join the 2,207 existing/under construction apartments of Upper West Side for a staggering total of 2,606 dwellings over five towers. All five residential buildings were also conceived by Cottee Parker.

<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_6987.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Piling work along the southern boundary"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_6987.jpg?itok=wUdnC0ev" title="Piling work along the southern boundary" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Piling work along the southern boundary</figcaption></figure>Currently 250 Spencer Street resembles a bomb site of sorts as Guilfoyle Demolition reduce The Age's former citadel to little more than dust. While demolition continues, a piling rig has also been plying its trade onsite implying that at the very least Far East Consortium intend to waste no time emulating the success of Upper West Side.
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Far East Consortium's massive 250 Spencer Street design unveiled?

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Hong Kong-backed local developer Far East Consortium has begun pre-sales marketing for the fifth and final installment of their Upper West Side residential development. Currently at planning, The Fifth Apartments otherwise known as 605-613 Lonsdale Street, continues the strong working relationship between developer and architects Cottee Parker.

Responsible for the initial four residential buildings that constituted Upper West Side, Cottee Parker have again delivered a scheme for 605-613 Lonsdale Street which was purchased by Far East Consortium, enabling a fifth tower within the greater development.

<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/Image100.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="As envisaged from Spencer Street. Image © Cottee Parker"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="905" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image100.jpg?itok=5xKWoMtW" title="As envisaged from Spencer Street. Image © Cottee Parker" width="580"></a>

<h2>Planning assessment details</h2>

<ul>
<li>The Fifth Apartments @ 605-613 Lonsdale Street</li>
	<li>51 levels and 165.45 metres in height</li>
	<li>1,491 sq.m site including 133 sq.m under Rose Lane</li>
	<li>399 apartments - 64 x one bedroom, 291 x two bedroom, 44 x three bedroom</li>
	<li>279 sq.m of retail over four separate tenancies to Rose Lane and Lonsdale Street</li>
	<li>204 car spaces, 6 motorbike spaces, 122 bicycle spaces provided within two basement levels and six podium levels, accessed via two car lifts from Lonsdale Street. </li>
</ul>
<h2>Cottee Parker guiding factors</h2>

<blockquote>
From a built form perspective the proposed design aims for three principal objectives: to activate the ground plane with retail tenancies and foyer entry to the exposed frontages; to provide a podium activated with apartments and of a scale that contributes and enhances the street wall face to both Lonsdale Street and Rose Lane; and a tower of apartments that reinforces the Hoddle Grid in its orientation on the site, is set back off its boundaries to separate its form from the podium below, and offers maximum access to sunlight and views across the city and beyond.
</blockquote>

Externally the tower varies from its neighbours by featuring copper and champagne metal cladding over the tower, whereas other UWS towers rely upon curtain wall glazing or precast finishes. Arranged in a rectilinear pattern, The Fifth's facade is accentuated by bronze tinted glass balustrades and is presented in almost a haphazard manner to pique visual interest.

<blockquote>
The resultant expression is of a random cellular nature with added layers of complexity developed by the location of the glazing and the secondary solid balustrade components.
</blockquote>

Although the western end of the CBD continues to flourish with a bevy of new developments, The Fifth will find its only direct residential interface with the adjoining 56 level Manhattan which is currently under construction. Both buildings front Rose Lane and as such 3.86 metres separate the towers at street level. Setbacks to Lonsdale Street above podium level maintain a minimum of six metres while separation to the adjoining Manhattan above podium is generally maintained at ten metres.

<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/roi-image-02-1927x1101.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A touch of Jack Merlo. Image © thefifthapartments.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="331" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/roi-image-02-1927x1101.jpg?itok=r3oTMHJz" title="A touch of Jack Merlo. Image © thefifthapartments.com.au" width="580"></a>

<h2>Internal amenity</h2>

Jack Merlo has been charged with delivering The Fifth's recreational areas, totalling 396 sq.m. Residential amenity over level 6 includes a gym, lounge and terrace while pool, spa, teppanyaki grill and rooftop garden are also present.

Nine apartments per floor is the norm for the tower component with fewer apartments located over the podium levels, acting as a car park wrap. No less than 22 separate apartment floorplans are available within The Fifth with the most proportionately generous being a level seven 2bed/bath at 225 sq.m, 156 sq.m of which is terrace. More typical spaces of between 47 sq.m and 108 sq.m constitute the majority of the 399 apartments expected to head to sales upon final approval.

<h2>Development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Far East Consortium</li>
<li>Architect: Cottee Parker Architects</li>
<li>Structural &amp; Civil: Winward Structures</li>
<li>Traffic: Cardno</li>
<li>ESD Consultant: Wood &amp; Grieve</li>
<li>Services, Fire &amp; Lift Engineer: Wood &amp; Grieve</li>
<li>Hydraulics: Hydrautech</li>
<li>Acoustic Engineer: Acoustic Logic</li>
<li>Surveyor: Jeavons &amp; Tomkinson</li>
<li>Building Surveyor: Phillip Chun</li>
<li>Waste: Wastech</li>
<li>Town Planner: Fulcrum Planning</li>
<li>Wind Engineer: Melconsultants</li>
<li>Facade Engineer: BG&amp;E Consulting</li>
<li>3D Renders: Luminova</li>
</ul>
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