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.

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"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.

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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."

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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."

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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."

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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."

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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."

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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

Cox Architecture

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Better known for its extensive interests in retail and commercial assets, GPT Group is shaping up for an apartment foray.

The diversified property group via is GPT Funds Management 2 Pty Ltd arm is circling planning approval for a Rouse Hill development site. GPT Group's funds management platform is normally focused on national retail and commercial interests, with the Rouse Hill bid a distinct departure from the norm.

In focus is a site which falls in within the Rouse Hill Town Centre precinct. With over 56,000 square metres of existing retail space, the freshly submitted development application is looking to capitalise on the approved Stage 2 Precinct Plan that will delivery mixed residential and retail expansion.

On the corner of Caddies Boulevard and Rouse Hill Drive, GPT Group's 4,300 square metre site is earmarked for 141 apartments.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image212_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Cox Architecture's Rouse Hill design"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="340" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image212_1.jpg?itok=2jYkqi4c" title="Cox Architecture's Rouse Hill design" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Cox Architecture's Rouse Hill design</figcaption></figure>The intersection will carry the main building bulk which rises 11 storeys or 37.4 metres, stepping down to 6 storeys at its rear. Holding 12,254 square metres of gross floor area, the development also includes an outdoor terrace located on level 7 above the 6-storey built form to the north.

Serviced by dual lift cores, Cox Architecture have included 39 single, 91 double and 11 triple bedroom apartments.

The wider precinct will see an extension of the retail centre and associated at grade car parks, in addition to road network enhancements. Commercial space and an additional apartments are also planned.

GPT Group's application is another in the wider Rouse Hill apartment drive which is seeing thousands of new higher density dwellings flood into the area, spurred by the Sydney Metro Northwest project.
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silvermb

GPT Group dips into apartment development

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Mascot's Holiday Inn Sydney Airport is poised for major expansion, as a bevvy of additional hotel operators earmark a presence in the blossoming aviation turned development precinct.

Plans were lodged last week seeking to add another hotel building adjacent to the existing Holiday Inn Sydney Airport. Created by Cox Architecture, the submission looks to wedge the new building in at the corner of Bourke Road and O'Riordan Street.

The Silversea Trust-backed proposal holds a build value near on $45 million and is expected to account for a small portion of the overall 6,534 square metre site. Agent Savills has been installed as project manager.

Holiday Inn Sydney Airport's location is in the heart of the Mascot Station Town Centre Precinct approximately 7 kilometres form Sydney's CBD, with surrounding uses generally dedicated to commercial offices and other hotels servicing the wider aviation precinct.

<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/image158_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A crude representation of the expansion in situ. Image: Cox Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="292" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image158_2.jpg?itok=mKxWNrhV" title="A crude representation of the expansion in situ. Image: Cox Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A crude representation of the Holiday Inn expansion in situ. Image: Cox Architecture</figcaption></figure>As a result of the expansion hotel numbers onsite would increase from the current 252 to 456 rooms, with onsite vehicle capacity expanding to 212.

Holiday Inn maintains a lengthy lease over the site and adjacent road reserve which expires in 2039, with another 50 year lease extension at their discretion. The current hotel spans 11 storeys whilst the new Cox Architecture-designed wing increases to 12 storeys or 43 metres.

A precast art wall fronts the major intersection, with either flank dominated by precast panels with aluminium highlights.

<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/image159_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Ewan Street mixed-use project. Image: Savelle"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image159_4.jpg?itok=es-m5zGJ" title="The Ewan Street mixed-use project. Image: Savelle" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Ewan Street mixed-use project. Image: Savelle</figcaption></figure>In and among the thousands of apartments in development within Mascot, a strong hotel delivery pipeline also exists. Pro-invest Group is endeavouring to gain approval for a new 178-room Holiday Inn Express at <a href="/developments/mascot-nsw-2020">2-8 Sarah Street</a> whilst Apartments.com.au earlier in the year <a href="/news/savelle-supersize-their-mascot-mixed-use-development">outlined developer Savelle's upscaled intentions for 5-11 Ewan Street</a>.

Included within Savelle's development is capacity for 187 hotel rooms.

Sydney Airport Corporation is looking to capitalise upon Mascot's robust short stay demand with intentions to create a portfolio of hotels on airport land. The corporation began this process last year with the opening of a Mantra-branded hotel adjacent to the domestic terminal last year.
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Holiday Inn stays ahead of the Mascot curve with a sizeable expansion planned

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The second instalment in Apartments.com.au's Southbank by Beulah series highlights UN Studio and COX Architecture's entry dubbed "The Green Spine" which celebrates and contributes to Melbourne's parklands and gardens.

The collaborative design proposal aims to establish the site as a new destination within Southbank, which forms part of the linear part network being delivered via the Southbank Boulevard project, connecting the Botanical Gardens with the Yarra River.

The project is both characterised and organised around the ‘Green Spine’ of vertically networked of cascading platforms, terraces and verandas, which begin at street level and wind their way up the tower's extremities.

<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/uns_green-spine_view-cityroad.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="To maximise solar permeability to City Road, the scheme is split into two towers. Image: UN Studio and COX Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="822" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/uns_green-spine_view-cityroad.jpg?itok=Vrhg2ZlP" title="To maximise solar permeability to City Road, the scheme is split into two towers. Image: UN Studio and COX Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>To maximise solar permeability to City Road, the scheme is split into two towers. Image: UN Studio and COX Architecture</figcaption></figure>COX Architecture and UN Studio’s distinct design considers nature, culture and well-being within the urban framework and is the product of the two firms’ collaborative, conceptual thinking of future living.

In addition to being fully integrated within the existing Melbourne network of cultural, entertainment, leisure and commercial venues on offer, with its variety of programmes and connectivities, the design further proposes a mixed-use building that is a city in itself.

The Green Spine is conceived as an environmental tool, adding a distinctly contemporary, Australian vernacular and striking presence to Melbourne’s skyline.

The Green Spine is created by splitting a single mass of the planning envelope to create two separate towers of varying height, revealing the "almost geological strata of their core layers as they rise above a light-filled canyon."

The towers that result on either side benefit from city views, access to daylight, strong permeability and vastly improved contextual links. The orientation of the Green Spine enables an extension of the public realm from the podium, sweeping up the towers, oriented towards the CBD and the Botanical Gardens at the top of the towers.

A host of programmes, including recreation, retail, offices, residential, hotel and exhibition spaces are integrated into the vertically stepped public infrastructure – an infrastructure that is formed by indoor-outdoor spatial frames that embed nature, public space and culture.

On a local level, the aim of the design is to provide porousness at street level, whilst simultaneously connecting the upper floors with the streetscape by expanding the public realm.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/unstudiocox_corner.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Green Spine as viewed from City Road &amp; Southbank Boulevard. Image: UN Studio and COX"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/unstudiocox_corner.jpg?itok=tMrk8Qjz" title="The Green Spine as viewed from City Road &amp; Southbank Boulevard. Image: UN Studio and COX" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Green Spine as viewed from City Road &amp; Southbank Boulevard. Image: UN Studio and COX</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say:</h2>

<blockquote>
What I thought was so great about the location is that on one hand it is closely related to the botanical garden and inner city and will be seen from so many parts of the city, but also that it so nicely connects to all this liveliness of Melbourne.

- Ben van Berkel, Founder UN Studio
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
Everywhere really, you continuously see this green, and it's a lively green - it twists around.

- Caroline Bos, Co-Founder UN Studio
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
Through the exploration of a series of massing forms, we came to the realisation that a singular tower form was going to be a serious impediment on the precinct and the connections from Southbank to the CBD.

So we evolved the design to look at the idea of two towers, with a great separation between those two towers, creating a permeability of light and views through the Southbank precinct.

- Pete Sullivan, Director COX   
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
The other key component to this is the way we integrate the Southbank Boulevard and the importance, I think, within this precinct creating amenity for the area is key.

- Phillip Rowe, Director COX
</blockquote>

<h2>PROJECT DETAILS:</h2>

<ul>
<li>Value: AUD 2 billion</li>
	<li>GFA/ Area: 253,485 sqm</li>
	<li>Height: 360m + 246m</li>
</ul>
<h2>CONSULTANT TEAM:</h2>

<ul>
<li>Future City, London: Cultural Placemaking</li>
	<li>Studio Drift, Amsterdam: Lead Artist</li>
	<li>Atelier 10, Melbourne: Sustainability and Well-being</li>
	<li>Grant Associates: Landscape Architect</li>
	<li>GTA Consultants: Traffic &amp; Accessibility </li>
	<li>ARUP, Melbourne: Engineering</li>
</ul>
The winning design for the “Southbank by Beulah” competition will be announced on August 8th, 2018.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/281931532" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe>

<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://vimeo.com/281931532">Southbank by Beulah, UNStudio, Green Spine</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/unstudio">UNStudio</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.
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Laurence Dragomir

Southbank by Beulah: UN Studio & COX Architecture - The Green Spine

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26-56 Queens Parade has found planning resolution, with developer GURNER gaining approval via VCAT for the site which still remains steeped in controversy.

The success at VCAT comes after a marathon planning stint, seeing local discontent, intervention from Victorian Planning Minister Richard Wynne and ultimately VCAT deciding call. The Fitzroy North site can now progress to redevelopment for the purposes of 263 dwellings over the sprawling site.

Buildings of eight, nine and 10 storeys are approved, a far cry from the much denser 16 storey development that initially went to planning with 476 apartments in tow.

26-56 Queens Parade's path to approval was stymied after Victorian Planning Minister Richard Wynne intervened three days prior to the project's initial VCAT hearing, restricting any development over the site to 10 storeys.

<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/image26_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="26-56 Queens Parade. Image: Cox Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="314" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image26_9.jpg?itok=8lsjv6CB" title="26-56 Queens Parade. Image: Cox Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>26-56 Queens Parade. Image: Cox Architecture</figcaption></figure>In a strongly worded press release, the developer has insinuated that the move by the Planning Minister was a politically motivated exercise, owing to the development falling within the minister's electorate. Ultimately GURNER cycled through a handful of planning sets and two architects prior to finding approval.

26-56 Queens Parade and nearby developments have been vehemently opposed by residents action groups such as Protect Fitzroy North.

With approval in the pocket, developer Tim Gurner has gone on the offensive once more, berating the planning process.

<blockquote>
It has been a challenging process for us but in terms of the actual effect on the project it is insignificant compared to the costs incurred by Council, taxpayers and other stakeholders.

For the Minister to claim that a project is of State Significance to warrant intervention and waste so much time and money for an outcome that represents just a 9 percent reduction in massing is ludicrous, however we are pleased with the outcome and believe this new design will deliver on our vision a world-class precinct for the area.

We held information sessions which the locals boycotted, then accused us of being closed to discussion – it was an intense period and one that we had never encountered before.

It is imperative that strategic planning is not affected by political intervention, particularly when the Planning Minister is conflicted and using his political power to influence planning matters in in his own electorate, when developers are acting within the Minister’s own planning guidelines.
</blockquote>

Comment was sought from the Planning Minister but no response was received prior to publishing.

Further project particulars see a 450 square metre central public place which includes dining and retail spaces. GURNER and Cox Architecture's approved scheme includes 23,250 square metres of Net Sellable Area and two basement levels.

GURNER have indicated the project will initiate sales during 2019 with construction also expected to begin the same year.

<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/image31_12.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Site aerial and new street level finish. Images: Yarra City Council and GURNER"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="272" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image31_12.jpg?itok=v9B7GiQf" title="Site aerial and new street level finish. Images: Yarra City Council and GURNER" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Site aerial and new street level finish. Images: Yarra City Council and GURNER</figcaption></figure>Diagonally opposite the freshly approved site, GURNER is also pushing the merits of another site at planning. A new mixed-use building at 81-89 Queens Parade is planned, accounting for a 3,201 square metre triangular site that also fronts George Street.

Cox Architecture was also tasked with design duties, including a 1,732 square metre supermarket at ground level, 4,074 square metres of commercial office space and 110 serviced apartments.

If Gurner chooses to operate the serviced apartment component directly, it would represent the developer's first foray into the field. 81-89 Queens Parade's cost of development is estimated to be just shy of $30 million.
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Resentment remains as GURNER gains approval for Queens Parade

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Heavyweight GPT is progressing with plans for a substantial overhaul of the lobby of its Melbourne Central Tower. 

Designed by COX Architecture, the $35m upgrade would re-instate the corner of Elizabeth and Little Lonsdale Streets as one of the primary points of access into the building, removing interventions introduced during upgrades to the centre over a decade ago.

The upgrade will dramatically change the Elizabeth Street streetscape and how people move in and around the site, while also retaining and celebrating the 90's architecture, characterised by the space frame canopy.

<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/mct-render-5-tmb.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Central's reconfigured retail laneway. Image: Scharp"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mct-render-5-tmb.jpg?itok=7VlTMeKY" title="Melbourne Central's reconfigured retail laneway. Image: Scharp" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Central's reconfigured retail laneway. Image: Scharp</figcaption></figure>Included as part of the works are the following key elements:

<ul>
<li>The realignment of the entry, and the creation of new retail opportunities and a 'third space' to refresh and reset.</li>
	<li>Interactive media &amp; LED walls streaming live content and multimedia artwork, as part of the welcome experience for visitors.</li>
	<li>An amphitheatre designed for collaboration, the exchange of business ideas, or a space to enjoy a morning coffee.</li>
	<li>A flexible working hub that is envisaged as a dynamic place to meet with connections to the amphitheatre and supplemented by business facilities.</li>
	<li>Providing an expanded and consolidated premium retail offering catering to new retail operators, in addition to a high-quality lobby barista on-site at the Tower.</li>
</ul>
The existing 65,000 sqm tower - designed by the late Kisho Kurokawa in association with Bates Smart - was completed in 1991, and currently accommodates major tenants including ME Bank and NBN Co, who account for approximately 40% of the office space.

GPT is also seeking a pre-commitment for an office tower at 300 Lonsdale Street, estimated to be worth around $100m.

The 13-storey development has been designed by Woods Bagot to provide 26,000 sqm NLA of A Grade office space, to be built above the existing Melbourne Central retail centre.

Whether the design as illustrated in the renders below is still current hasn't been confirmed, they at least provide a good indication of the location and breadth of development expected.

<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/300lonsdale.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="300 Lonsdale Street awaiting a pre-commitment. Images: Point Polaris + Equity DM"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="336" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/300lonsdale.jpg?itok=vfO9uwNd" title="300 Lonsdale Street awaiting a pre-commitment. Images: Point Polaris + Equity DM" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>300 Lonsdale Street awaiting a pre-commitment. Images: Point Polaris + Equity DM</figcaption></figure>Combined, these projects would form the basis of a projected $200m capital works program that GPT are embarking on at its retail and commercial asset.

The lobby upgrade represents a growing trend among owners seeking to refresh existing commercial assets in response to the latest and emerging trends within workplace design and a competitive commercial office market.

Additionally, the new wave of CBD commercial office developments such as 477 Collins Street, 80 Collins Street, Collins Arch and 405 Bourke Street is putting further pressure on existing stock to remain relevant.

Other commercial buildings set for major upgrades to their lobbies and foyers include 100 Queen Street (upon ANZ 's relocation to Docklands next year), 35 Collins Street, 459 Collins Street and 530 Collins Street to name a few.

<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/18_collins-place-banner.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="35 Collins Street lobby upgrade. Image: Armitage Jones"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/18_collins-place-banner.jpg?itok=evy05jOr" title="35 Collins Street lobby upgrade. Image: Armitage Jones" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>35 Collins Street lobby upgrade. Image: Armitage Jones</figcaption></figure>There is an increasing focus on maximising street presence and retail opportunities, improving the arrival and welcome experience, and providing quality end-of-trip and business facilities.

Works are due to commence on the Melbourne Central Tower lobby upgrade this year with completion slated for 2019.

Lead Image: Scharp
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It's Back to the Future for Melbourne Central Tower's lobby upgrade

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The new owners of 627 Chapel Street South Yarra, Goldfields, are progressing with plans for a 24-storey commercial building on the site, after previous owners' Fridcorp's plans to develop an Elenberg Fraser-designed residential tower were quashed at VCAT.

<a href="/news/street-to-stalk-627-chapel-street-walks-the-walk">First covered on Urban.com.au in 2016</a>, the 37-storey residential tower was proposed to rise to a height of 127.5m (including roof plant) and provide space for cafes, offices and 372 apartments.

Goldfields, who acquired the site in December 2017, have since engaged COX Architecture to design the 89m building, which would replace the existing office building of 5,600 sqm and provide the City of Stonnington with a benchmark commercial office development.

The brief that Goldfields gave to their consultant team was concise; 

<blockquote>
We wanted to respond positively and sympathetically to the reasons why Stonnington and the tribunal members at VCAT had rejected the previous proposal.

We identified the site's commercial and retail capabilities and ultimately realised we had a unique opportunity to deliver a building that could realistically be classified as the best office building outside the Melbourne CBD.

Together we then set the team a challenge to create a beautifully designed building that will encourage interaction with the streetscape at pedestrian level whilst still looking, feeling and functioning like a premium grade office building.

- Lachlan Thompson, Goldfields COO
</blockquote>

Speaking with COX Architecture, the design team made it clear that flexible commercial office accommodation above a strong active street edge was paramount in delivering a building which would not only add to the streetscape but also provide the Forrest Hill precinct with the diversity of programme expected. 

In attempting to achieve as much active frontage as possible, COX employed a different approach to where an entry lobby would typically be located. Instead of locating it along the Chapel Street frontage, the design team located the entry lobby off Daly Street, freeing up Chapel Street with more active and engaging uses for pedestrians meandering along the busy high street.

This also gives the building greater prominence as a "gateway site" linking back to South Yarra Station and improving the permeability of the surrounding street network.

This first 12m of street wall, emphasises COX, was one of the most critical aspirations for the project in how it responded to and enriched the pedestrian environment. This resulted in what the team termed a "3D ground plaza" whereby the end-of-trip facilities were elevated to level 1 alongside further retail opportunities, extending the activity from the street vertically not just horizontally to the street. 

Moving up, the design of the tower responds to Goldfield Group's brief for a pure office building that responds and challenges to the nature of workplace design, creating an office environment based on the ideas of amenity and lifestyle.

The office tower employs a side core configuration providing an ideal floor plate for tenants that allows them flexibility in how they fit-out and occupy the space(s).

To reduce the mass of the tower, the architects have provided the form with strong vertically articulated breaks across its height, complemented by vertical glazed fins which provide solar shading not too dissimilar to COX's Conservatory project in the CBD. 

This is further supported by landscaping voids which not only provide the built form with further articulation but extend the arbour screen from the ground up the building.

According to the design team, these "breaks" provide dynamic spaces which make a positive contribution of the amenity of the workplace, allowing workers to better connect with nature.

<blockquote>
The design proposal for 627 Chapel Street takes the opportunity to make the most of this unique island site in Forrest Hill.

A 3m setback pushes the building back from Chapel Street, this allows for greater public space at street level and ensures that the Capitol remains visible on approach. The podium is defined by the green landscaped arbor - a permeable screen that wraps the building and connects through to the Daly Street landscaped street.

Each elevation has been split by a vertical break, providing a series of slender volumes, breaking down the building mass. Further interest on the facade is generated through the implementation of fins for solar shading (East, North and West facades).

Terraced gardens provide natural setbacks at 50m and towards the top of the building a series of roof terraces and a green roof that provide new workplace amenity.

- COX Architecture Design Response
</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/27_-_hero_chapel_and_daly.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="627 Chapel Street in-situ. Planning Image: COX Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="692" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/27_-_hero_chapel_and_daly.jpg?itok=NPPiv8Ti" title="627 Chapel Street in-situ. Planning Image: COX Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>627 Chapel Street in-situ. Planning Image: COX Architecture</figcaption></figure>Alongside end-of-trip facilities which provide above and beyond the number of bikes required under local policy, the 1,510 square metre island site benefits from its close proximity to South Yarra Station and tram corridors along Chapel Street and Toorak Road.

This is not dissimilar to other emerging commercial precincts in Cremorne, Collingwood and Richmond which benefit from strong public transport links and good walkability.
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Goldfields and COX reboot 627 Chapel Street

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News regarding Melbourne's supersized developments has slowed dramatically in recent times mirroring market fluctuations and new planning laws, yet last night's Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee has seen a major Southbank skyscraper edge closer to reality.

The behemoth spans 87-127 Queensbridge Street, with proponent Aohua Sheng Le Property Development looking to realise multiple uses within the reworked tower form.

And Aohua Sheng Le Property Development may well be closer to a permit with Melbourne City Council planners recommending that a site-specific planning amendment be incorporated, effectively recommending approval. This, in turn, would be factored in by the Planning Minister who will determine the application.

The latest version now includes land at 107-127 Queensbridge Street and sees the overall height reduced to 47 levels. A lower height equates to less overshadowing of the proposed Boyd Park nearby whilst the development also looks to partly retain heritage structures at 107 Queensbridge Street.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image44_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Before and after Queensbridge Street designs"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="316" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image44_5.jpg?itok=O_WQwmdC" title="Before and after Queensbridge Street designs" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Before and after Queensbridge Street designs</figcaption></figure>Aohua Sheng Le Property Development first emerged as the buyer of the site during 2016, paying $32.3 million to control the 1,856 square metre site, which has since expanded to cover 87-127 Queensbridge Street.

Cox Architecture has since joined Fender Katsalidis Architects in design duties, replicating a partnership that has also yielded <a href="/buildings/queens-place-157-a-beckett-street-and-370-queen-street-melbourne">Queens Place</a> and <a href="/buildings/sapphire-by-the-gardens-63-la-trobe-street-melbourne-vic-3000">Sapphire by the Gardens</a> over recent times. The Southbank result is a sweeping, vaguely kidney-shaped tower form that has a sizeable frontage to Queensbridge Street.

The highly varied tower would primarily be dedicated to residential use by way of 733 apartments split between 200 single, 401 double and 132 three or more bedroom apartments. The figure of 733 is down from the 852 sought in earlier design iterations of the tower.

The current scheme would also see 4,995 square metres of office space, 188 hotel rooms and 1,369 square metres of retail space.

The tower would span 153 metres in height and include a massive 131,145 square metres of built form.

<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/image43_14.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Mixed uses on show across the development's lower levels"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="346" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image43_14.jpg?itok=poK6cr0I" title="Mixed uses on show across the development's lower levels" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Mixed uses on show across the development's lower levels</figcaption></figure>Earlier planning queries has seen the provision of a new 1,465 square metre publicly accessible forecourt to Queensbridge Street, plus an increased through-block link to City Road. Primary vehicular access will be via City Road.

The sizeable through-block link will see extensive landscaping at ground level whilst a reflective kinetic soffit will provide visual engagement. Amenities over two levels include a cinema and karaoke area, multiple lounges, dining space, pools, terrace, gym and wellness centre.

Aohua Sheng Le Property Development's intentions saw an amended proposal submitted late last year with further revised plans to address heritage concerns submitted last month. 
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A reworked super Southbank development edges closer to approval

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Think Southbank and invariably images of skyscrapers...and high-rise apartment living come to mind.

Podium living is not necessarily on the agenda for much of the suburb, given less sophisticated designs of the past and the less than ideal ground conditions which necessitate car parking above ground level. So it is somewhat of a surprise that the developer behind Southbank's Melbourne Square development is championing the living credentials of its lower-set apartments.

It does of course help when Melbourne Square comes with its own 3,700 square metre park to which these apartments will front.

Developer OSK Property is making a pitch for families and downsizers by championing its overly large terrace-style apartments found across the lower levels of Melbourne Square. The large format apartments overlooking the development's park include sizeable outdoor areas and leafy north-facing outlooks; a selling point which OSK Property points out is unique for Southbank.

<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/image65_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Square's park is a development focal point"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image65_4.jpg?itok=uUdO5_wx" title="Melbourne Square's park is a development focal point" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Square's park is a development focal point</figcaption></figure>The terrace dwellings span up to 125 square metres in size and are set across levels two to seven. Over these levels, apartment views will be monopolised by a green outlook rather than the skyscrapers beyond; a unique selling point in the eyes of OSK Property.

Melbourne Square's park is designed by landscape architects Taylor Cullity Lethlean with Cox Architecture responsible for the project's overall appearance.

Cox Architecture Director Paul Curry said of the design: “Terrace apartments are extremely popular due to the families moving back into CBD-style locations and downsizers wanting to maintain that relationship with the outdoors that you usually only get in a house. With the rise in the wellness movement, more people are also prioritising being closer to nature, which these podium-based apartments achieve via their location but also through their own abundant outdoor areas that can be landscaped.”

Owing to the size of the development site, near on 20% of Melbourne Square will be considered public realm.

TCL managing director Perry Lethlean<a href="https://architectureau.com/articles/designs-for-melbourne-square-public-park-released/"> noted on ArchitectureAU</a> that: "The park [will be] part of a network of gardens inspired by Melbourne’s iconic Royal Botanic Gardens and qualities from other cities such as Paris, Berlin and Spain. It’s about creating opportunities for residents of Melbourne Square and other buildings in Southbank to engage with nature.”

Melbourne Square’s podium will include 6 one, 72 two and 13 three bedroom apartments.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image66_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Square's construction progress during May. Image: Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="373" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image66_7.jpg?itok=YHRxg67v" title="Melbourne Square's construction progress during May. Image: Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Square's construction progress during May. Image: Ryan Seychell</figcaption></figure>Two residential towers are in their construction infancy, and will be supported by a podium top garden on level eight which includes a pool with an infinity edge and private cabanas. Private dining rooms with kitchen facilities, a theatre, sun terrace, music room, table tennis room, gym, sauna, steam room, yoga studio and golf simulator form the balance of Melbourne Square's amenities.

From a public perspective, the development will see a full-line Woolworths supermarket, childcare centre and retail/dining options, in addition to the park.

OSK Property Chairman Mr Tan Sri Ong Leong Huat, said Melbourne Square's green seting: “We are very proud of these exceptional apartments that offer an indoor/outdoor lifestyle previously unattainable so close to the city. “We have sought to create the foundation of a rich community for Southbank with access to unprecedented amenity and a green gateway in addition to the nearby arts precinct, sporting precinct, Botanic Gardens, Crown entertainment centre and CBD, which are all a short stroll away.”

Multiplex will take the first phase of Melbourne Square to completion by late 2020.
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OSK Property pushes a living aspect not normally associated with Southbank

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A new high-density precinct fronting Fitzroy North's Queens Parade is taking shape.

Developer Gurner is mid way through the planing process for a new mixed-use building at 81-89 Queens Parade. It along with Gurner's 26-56 Queens Parade and Development Victoria's pending renewal of the adjoining Gasworks site makes for three large-scale developments in close proximity to one another.

81-89 Queens Parade is the latest development to break cover, accounting for a 3,201 square metre triangular site that also fronts George Street.

Expected within the Cox Architecture designed scheme is a 1,732 square metre supermarket at ground level, 4,074 square metres of commercial office space and 110 serviced apartments. If Gurner chooses to operate the serviced apartment component directly, it would represent the developer's first foray into the field.

<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/image45_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Vivid interplay on Swanston &amp; Grattan. Image: Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="356" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image17_21.jpg?itok=8eNYxlEa" title="Queens Parade perspective. Planning image: Cox Architecture" width="580"></a></figure>Laden with greenery and featuring terrace-sized balconies, 81-89 Queens Parade would account for a single storey brick building onsite that is now used for warehouse and commercial purposes. The intended development effectively covers the entirety of the site and sits above two basement levels for 153 vehicles and 72 bicycles.

81-89 Queens Parade's cost of development is estimated to be just shy of $30 million.

Also the work of Cox Architecture, Gurner's 26-56 Queens Parade has maintained a high public profile since's its initial planning submission. Originally a Koichi Takada Architects design, the twin 16-storey buildings proposed were heavily altered after Planning Minister Richard Wynne imposed a 10 storey height limit across the site.

Still at planning, the redesigned project is aiming for 281 apartments and 14 townhouses, although this figure will be dwarfed by the numbers touted for Fitzroy North's Gasworks site at 111 Queens Parade.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image45_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Vivid interplay on Swanston &amp; Grattan. Image: Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="356" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image17_17_0.jpg?itok=8eNYxlEa" title="Queens Parade perspective. Planning image: Cox Architecture" width="580"></a></figure>Located directly opposite 81-89 Queens Parade, the former Gasworks site which also fronts Smith Street is being positioned by Development Victoria as "a mixed-use village comprising a variety of housing types, community facilities and open space".

Indicative massing for the site suggests six separate buildings are in the offing, ranging up to 14 storeys, with one slated as a vertical sporting and education facility.

The former Gasworks is considered ideal for development as opposed to purely open space due to the significant cost of remediating the site. Currently planning necessities such as formal rezoning is taking place, with site remediation and a period of community engagement expected later this year.

Development Victoria's <a href="https://developmentvictoria.engagementhub.com.au/fitzroy-gasworks">timeline for the project</a> has construction commencing at the back end of 2020, raising the prospect that thousands of new dwellings may be at construction simultaneously across the three major sites that form Fitzroy North's newest development precinct.

<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/image45_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Vivid interplay on Swanston &amp; Grattan. Image: Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="356" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image31_7.jpg?itok=8eNYxlEa" title="Massing and use. Image: Development Victoria" width="580"></a></figure>
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Gurner adds weight to Fitzroy North's emerging high-density precinct

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UEM Sunrise along with head contractor Hickory Group recently celebrated the ‘topping out’ of Conservatory at a ceremony marking the event.

The $330 million residential building designed by COX Architecture is located on MacKenzie Street and upon practical completion will become UEM Sunrise’s first completed project in Australia since its entry into the Melbourne market during 2013.

Conservatory will also include a display comprising 477 pieces of significant artefacts discovered during the archaeological excavation stage early in the project's life, which will be available for public viewing from late September 2018.

<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/conservatory_redden.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="UEM Sunrise's Conservatory recently topped out. Image: redden"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/conservatory_redden.jpg?itok=aHcrXXGG" title="UEM Sunrise's Conservatory recently topped out. Image: redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>UEM Sunrise's Conservatory recently topped out. Image: Forum member redden</figcaption></figure>The artefacts will be located in glass cases in the foyer of the building, which can be visible from Bell Place. UEM Sunrise has worked closely with Heritage Victoria and the appointed archaeological consultant to identify these artefacts, which include:

<ul>
<li>
Hidden Loot – a small revolver and bullets, together with a small leather wallet and beaded necklace, were found hidden in the Mistletoe Hotel cellar, signifying the colourful lifestyle of the hotel occupants.</li>
	<li>
Necessities – everyday items that were used by patrons at the Mistletoe Hotel to service the population boom, such as a clay pipe, ceramic egg cups, silverware, a clay pipe, fob watch, inkwells, bone handle carving knives and perfume bottles.</li>
	<li>
Gold – items from the Early Gold Rush era owned by wealthy patrons, such as a gold nugget pin.</li>
	<li>
Glasswares – a number of cognac and champagne bottles used at the hotel signify a time of extravagance.</li>
</ul>
The first stage of Conservatory apartments will be handed over to purchasers from late September 2018.

UEM Sunrise's other significant Melbourne project, Aurora Melbourne Central is racing along to its eventual height of 267m with Probuild at the helm. The core of the Elenberg Fraser designed goliath is currently sitting at level 68, just below the 200 metre mark with the first stage of apartments set to be handed over to their respective purchasers later this year.

Upon completion, Aurora will become the tallest tower within the bounds of the Hoddle Grid, eclipsed only by Southbank's Eureka Tower (297m), Australia 108 (317m) and Crown's One Queensbridge Street (323m).

<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/aurora_mc_adrian.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Aurora Melbourne Central is approaching 200m. Image: Forum member Adrian"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="785" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/aurora_mc_adrian.png?itok=F2jfVY0x" title="Aurora Melbourne Central is approaching 200m. Image: Forum member Adrian" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aurora Melbourne Central is approaching 200 metres. Image: forum member Adrian</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
Hickory is very proud to be delivering a high quality, landmark project in Melbourne such as Conservatory. It will no doubt be an amazing place to live and for the owners of these luxury apartments, Hickory will help maintain the quality for years to come, not unlike the servicing of a new luxury car.

As a first in the industry, we will be on hand to ensure that owners protect their most valuable asset and keep their apartments operating efficiently into the future.

- Michael Argyrou, Managing Director of Hickory
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
Conservatory marks an important piece of history for UEM Sunrise – it’s the next step for us in fulfilling our promise of delivering quality, luxury projects in Australia, with Aurora Melbourne Central set to be handed over to purchasers from Q3 2018 onwards and site works of <a href="/new-apartments/the-mayfair-412-st-kilda-road-melbourne">Mayfair</a> commencing this year.

Conservatory is an integral part of Melbourne’s history, too. Before construction began, we engaged an archaeological consultant for an archaeological excavation of the site. They uncovered over 250,000 artefacts, dating back to the early gold rush in the 1800s when the site was the Mistletoe Hotel.

Fittingly, these items reflect an opulent time when Melbourne’s population was bourgeoning, and settlement started to take shape.

Conservatory similarly represents a new era of population growth and will service Melbournians with luxury accommodation options, boasting views over the Carlton Gardens and lavish amenities such as a rooftop jacuzzi, private cinema and golf simulator

-  Anwar Syahrin Abdul Ajib, UEM Sunrise Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer
</blockquote>
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