A long-stalled Mermaid Beach development site opposite Pacific Fair, previously earmarked for a twin-tower project, is set for a fresh development push with plans for a major mixed-use residential tower.&nbsp;

Billionaire garbo Ian Malouf's development company, REMI Residences, is proposing Project Elegance, a 44-storey tower with over 270 residential apartments and 88 short-term accomodation units at&nbsp;2065 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach, on the corner of Mermaid Avenue.

Malouf paid $23.76 million for the 3,783 sqm site in 2022, six years after it traded for $34.1 million when it was bought by Hubei United Investment Group.

 
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The design statement by DKO says Project Elegance "represents a holistic response to its coastal and urban context. It draws upon site, climate, and landscape to create a composed architectural outcome that prioritises occupant experience, public interface, and long-term viability via vibrant and active uses."

They say the subject site&nbsp;occupies a distinctive island parcel with three street frontages and prominent visual exposure to passing visitors.

"This unique position allows the development to form a panoramic dialogue with water and city, setting the foundation for a climate-responsive, site-specific architectural expression.&nbsp;The podium base, inspired by the region’s sandstone headlands and coastal setting, and adopts a sculpted and grounded character that provides a stable counterpoint to the slender tower above."

&nbsp;

<img alt="First Look: REMI Developments plans major mixed-use tower with 360 apartments at stalled Mermaid Beach site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4f088e10-6493-49d4-83cd-10fc039318ac" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Mermaid%20Beach%20da%20tower.png?VersionId=Sbglj0tNBqyvY5V_DlVH.bvjXi8kBbfl" />

Residents and guests would have access to multiple communal recreation levels. Plans include a shared recreation deck on level six, with a pool and three padel courts. There will be a residential-only pool on level seven, and an upper-level communal space only accessible by those buyers towards the top of the tower.

&nbsp;

Ground-floor commercial spaces are proposed to operate between 5am and midnight, contributing to an activated street frontage along the busy Gold Coast Highway corridor.

The site sits within the High Density Residential zone and a Light Rail Urban Renewal Area, where planning policy encourages higher-density development close to transport infrastructure and services. The planning report states the project aims to “ensure the efficient reuse of this centrally located property” and support the transformation of inner-city areas into “more vibrant, compact, interesting, connected and active” precincts.

&nbsp;

The proposal marks the latest attempt to unlock the high-profile parcel, which previously carried approval for the “Elegance” twin-tower development, a project that included more than 500 apartments but ultimately stalled after sales activity ceased in 2019.

REMI Developments has been increasingly active in the Gold Coast property market, with the Malouf-led group positioning itself around premium residential and lifestyle-focused projects as the region continues to attract both interstate buyers and international interest.

Malouf is one of Australia's most impressive entrepreneurs, having sold his waste business fore more than $500 million, having started only with a small truck at 18 years old.

Joel Robinson

First Look: Billionaire Ian Malouf plans Mermaid Beach tower

A State Significant Development proposal from Ecove Group could see two high-rise residential towers developed above an ALDI-anchored retail podium in Gordon.

The 28-storey towers, dubbed Eight 10, would become the tallest in the sleepy Upper North Shore suburb, which has been stirred by changes to the Low to Mid-Rise Housing Policy aimed at triggering greater density around transport hubs.

Ecove Group’s plans for 810 Pacific Highway, a 2,357 sqm site around 400 metres from Gordon railway station, include 180 apartments, 39 of which would be dedicated as affordable housing.

Architecture firm PBD said in its Design Report the site "presents an exciting opportunity to positively contributes to the surrounding context, enhances the overall urban experience."

<img alt="First Look: Ecove lodges State Significant Development plans for dual-tower “Eight 10” project at 810 Pacific Highway, Gordon" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e50141fa-fb0b-44b3-bf9b-c6d87b993c3b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Eight%2010%20podium.png?VersionId=YTgQPBxNnmQwr6x2AJSpVZ1COqa.9oLQ" />

The site previously received approval for a development comprising 56 apartments above retail in 2018.

PBD noted in its report that the planning&nbsp;context for the site has "evolved significantly since the original consent was issued."

In April 2024, the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) identified the site as being located within a Transport Oriented Development (TOD) precinct. In parallel, Ku-ring-gai Council progressed a preferred planning framework for Gordon Town Centre, including proposed amendments to the Ku-ring-gai Local Environmental Plan 2015 (KLEP 2015).

<img alt="First Look: Ecove lodges State Significant Development plans for dual-tower “Eight 10” project at 810 Pacific Highway, Gordon" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cf65fb26-a163-41ea-a4d3-8ddbeabd67e4" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Eight%2010%20MAP.png?VersionId=vrQJzXSg3xRH.APBmtth5mA2adPmUPjc" />

PBD said the proposed development "responds to the amended KLEP 2015 and, in addition, seeks to utilise the floor space ratio and height incentives available under Chapter 2, Part 2, Division 1 of the State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021."

Late last year the first project in Gordon through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority was approved. That was for 106 apartments across two connected seven to eight-storey buildings.

Ecove plans 28-storey apartment towers in Gordon

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/graya">Graya</a> has set its sights on one of Brisbane’s scarce remaining riverfront development opportunities.

They have spent $17 million on an 810 sqm site across 16-18 Sandford Street, where it is planning SILK, a 15-storey apartment tower with just 22 apartments.

Planning documents outline a single tower designed to take advantage of the site’s northerly outlook toward the river and Brisbane CBD.

There will be eight two-bedrooms and 14 three-bedroom apartments on offer, each either half- or full-floor.

<img alt="Graya" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="059e1aa4-695c-4556-bafa-e8b5970c06f5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-03-12%20at%203.07.50%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=tEqwv_m8HYhrXSCStOMFHvGZZ5WgKfEx" />

&nbsp;

According to the Town Planning Assessment, the proposal "showcases a high quality architectural and landscape design outcome that is enhanced by the amenity of the Brisbane River… and provides a subtropical design response that celebrates Brisbane’s climate and lifestyle.”

Ground level includes landscaped communal areas facing the river alongside a gym and outdoor garden space, while the rooftop terrace will feature multiple leisure amenities like swimming pools,&nbsp;dining and barbecue facilities, as well as outdoor relaxation and yoga spaces.

<img alt="Graya" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="93982dbb-9f27-409b-a319-bd6f458f9ea7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-03-12%20at%203.09.05%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=gCaaW82pEBxMvXkVkEm4TC_o7_UXA82p" />

Architecturally, the tower form draws inspiration from the movement of water along the river edge. Design documentation describes the building as “a form sculpted by flow, shaped by shifting water,” with curved forms, varied materiality, and sculptural elements used to soften the building’s visual bulk. Sandstone, an iconic material throughout St Lucia, is reinterpreted through a mix of refined and split-face textures across the façade.

The Sandford Street frontage is intended to present an articulated façade featuring vertical landscaping and sculptural architectural elements, helping the tower integrate with the evolving high-density character of the riverfront strip while maintaining visual interest from both the street and river corridor.

Graya has continued to expands its footprint across South East Queensland, with projects under construction across both Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

GRAYA unveils plans for SILK in St Lucia

Less than five months after submitting plans to redevelop the former Cadbury office on St Kilda Road into a luxury apartment tower, development giant <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/dexus-property-group">Dexus</a>&nbsp;has been given ministerial approval to push on with the project.

Apartments.com.au <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/vic/first-look-dexus-joins-st-kilda-road-apartment-ranks-with-gateway-tower-proposal">revealed the plans in October last year</a>.

The approved project will see the 19-storey office building at 636 St Kilda Road replaced with a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bates-smart">Bates Smart</a>-designed tower delivering more than 400 new apartments at the prominent intersection of St Kilda Road and Queens Road.&nbsp;

The design responds to the site’s gateway position at St Kilda Junction, with Bates Smart describing the tower as a “refined and sculptural built form that mediates between the scale of St Kilda Road and Queens Road,” reinforcing a civic presence at the key intersection.&nbsp;

<img alt="First look: Dexus joins St Kilda Road apartment ranks with gateway tower proposal" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-10-06%20at%2012.52.37%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=Tq3yyOWe0e0klvy5j4TIjiZT7yd3f1Xk" />

The development will comprise 402 apartments, including 40 studios, 87 one-bedroom, 203 two-bedroom, and 66 three-bedroom residences, alongside six penthouses. The project will also incorporate active frontages, new pedestrian through-links and a landscape strategy designed to integrate with the boulevard character of St Kilda Road.&nbsp;

Public realm improvements form part of the approved scheme, including a 138 square metre linear park, extensive landscaping and approximately 188 metres of active street frontage intended to improve permeability and safety at ground level. Four basement levels will provide 449 car spaces and 120 bicycle spaces.&nbsp;

The project includes a $9.6 million contribution to the Social Housing Growth Fund, equivalent to three per cent of the project’s estimated development cost, supporting broader affordable housing initiatives across Victoria.&nbsp;

<img alt="First look: Dexus joins St Kilda Road apartment ranks with gateway tower proposal" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/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/St%20kilda%20rd%20site.png?VersionId=m_ZioKYhwkvekE3ZUF6y7bz.5_5yFPnZ" />

Wholesale Australian Property Fund (DWAPF) Fund Manager Chris Davitt said the residences are intended to appeal to a broad mix of buyers seeking proximity to the CBD and surrounding amenities.

“We’re excited about the potential of the project to contribute new residential supply to one of Melbourne’s most sought-after areas,” Davitt previously said. “The landmark site at 636 St Kilda Road is at the gateway to Melbourne’s CBD, offering sweeping views and exceptional connectivity.”&nbsp;

The site’s three street frontages, St Kilda Road, Queens Road and Queens Lane, allow for generous setbacks and a flexible built form, while its proximity to the ANZAC Station tram-rail interchange and the St Kilda Road cycling corridor positions it within one of Melbourne’s most connected inner-city precincts.&nbsp;

St Kilda Road has become one of Melbourne’s most active apartment corridors in recent years, with projects such as Victoriana, The Muse and St Boulevard already completed overlooking Albert Park Lake, while Gamuda Land continues construction on Fareham and several other developments are planned nearby.&nbsp;

Dexus secures ministerial approval for St Kilda Road apartment tower

Just a few months after launching to the market,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gold-partners-australia">Gold Partners Australia</a>&nbsp;has sold 75 per cent of the apartments at&nbsp;Harmony on Broadbeach, its debut Gold Coast apartment development.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/harmony-on-broadbeach-2797-gold-coast-highway-broadbeach-qld-4218">Harmony on Broadbeach</a>, which will rise 33 storeys on the corner of First Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway about 400 metres from the beach, will deliver a collection of two and three-bedroom apartments designed to appeal to a mix of local owner-occupiers, interstate buyers, and investors seeking newer stock in the tightly held Broadbeach market.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dbi">DBI Architects</a>, Harmony will home just over 100 apartments, with a typical floorplate limited to four apartments per level. The configuration allows for larger layouts and greater privacy compared to many higher-density coastal towers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113098 project_image_fid=355608]

The residences comprise generous two and three-bedroom apartments with open-plan living areas, large balconies and floor-to-ceiling glazing designed to maximise natural light and capture views across the ocean, hinterland and Broadbeach skyline. Interiors feature natural stone benchtops, engineered timber flooring and Miele appliances, with finishes intended to reflect the coastal character of the surrounding area.&nbsp;

Amenities are centred on a dedicated wellness offering, including a 20-metre swimming pool, spa, sauna, gymnasium and yoga lawn, alongside communal lounges, private dining areas and outdoor barbecue spaces for residents. The building will also include a hospitality venue at street level, activating the ground plane along the Gold Coast Highway.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113098 project_image_fid=355611]

Olympus Property Group is handling sales for the development. Director Deanna Lockett said the project has resonated with a wide buyer pool drawn to the combination of location and pricing.

“There’s been nothing new come to the market in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/broadbeach-qld-4218">Broadbeach</a> at this price point for nearly a year,” Lockett said. “It hits the sweet spot of affordability, good sized apartments, in a great location.”&nbsp;

Broadbeach remains one of the Gold Coast’s most established lifestyle precincts, with residents within walking distance of the beach, dining along Surf Parade, Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, and the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre. The suburb has seen limited new apartment supply over the past year, contributing to strong early demand for Harmony.&nbsp;

Construction is due to commence in Q2 2026, with completion targeted for late 2028, as Gold Partners Australia expands into the Gold Coast market alongside its established pipeline in New South Wales.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113098]

Harmony on Broadbeach races to 75 per cent sold as Gold Partners Australia target construction commencement

Cultivate

Cultivate, the newest apartment project by developer Kincaid, is set to change the face of the small suburb of&nbsp;Heidelberg West&nbsp;when it is completed in late 2023.

Ideally located between the adjoining&nbsp;suburbs of&nbsp;Ivanhoe, Heidelberg and Preston, Cultivate will be the first high-rise in Heidelberg West. It will activate the&nbsp;street-level of Bell Street,&nbsp;with retail space at the foot of the two&nbsp;buildings.

Over 50 per cent of the building has sold, to a good mix of first home buyers, investors, and owner-occupiers, Kincaid&#39;s development manager Joel Martin says.

Investor Patrick Hernandez was one of the latest buyers. He saw a number of benefits&nbsp;to Cultivate, his first investment in Melbourne&#39;s northern suburbs.

We recently sat down with Patrick to discuss why he opted for a Cultivate apartment.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=628 project_image_fid=178987]

JR: How did you discover Cultivate?&nbsp;&nbsp;

PH: Via email and Urban&rsquo;s internet website.

JR: What makes Cultivate an attractive investment opportunity?&nbsp;&nbsp;

PH: Good value for money with strong capital growth and long term rental yield.

JR: How do the returns in Heidelberg West compare to investments you have in surrounding areas?&nbsp;

PH: This is my first time to invest in this part of Melbourne, i. e., in the northern suburbs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=628 project_image_fid=180701]

The investment however ranks comparatively though, with&nbsp;an attractive rental yield at 5.2% which is much better than most investment properties I have researched so far.&nbsp;

Capital growth is projected to be around the same level.

JR: Which apartment configuration did you opt for, and what led you to narrow down your decision to the apartment you purchased?&nbsp;

PH: I opted for a two-bedroom, two-bathroom, one-park&nbsp;unit as this unit type would give me a much better yield than a one-bedroom unit in the long run.

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JR: What made you decide to buy?&nbsp;&nbsp;

PH: The demographics and gentrification of the area has a lot of potential for further growth and development!!

JR: Are there features at Cultivate that surprised you?&nbsp;&nbsp;

PH: It has a WALK SCORE of 80, ergo, more room for future growth and development!

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JR: What do you love most about what Cultivate has to offer residents?&nbsp;&nbsp;

PH: It&rsquo;s gentrification from surrounding but more established suburbs of Ivanhoe, Preston, and Heidelberg will spill over to Heidelberg West to spur further development in the area.&nbsp;

On top of this, La Trobe University has plans to become a &ldquo;world-class University City of the Future with its 235 hectare Campus development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=628 project_image_fid=178988]

Ergo, this will create over 20,000+ jobs over ten years, additional housing for 12,000 students, and educational facilities for 40,000+ students.&nbsp; This will generate $3.5B in GRP over 10 years!

JR: Do you have any advice for budding investors?&nbsp;&nbsp;

PH: Do the maths as this rare property investment in Cultivate is a no brainer!&nbsp; If you are looking for strong capital growth and consistent rental yield, DON&rsquo;T GO PAST CULTIVATE @ HEIDELBERG WEST!&nbsp; It will surely pay you handsome dividends!

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Over 50 per cent of the building has sold, to a good mix of first home buyers, investors, and owner-occupiers, Kincaid's development manager Joel Martin says

Why investor Patrick Hernandez bought a Cultivate, Heidelberg West apartment: Urban buyer Q&A

When looking for your new home, location is, without a doubt, one of the most important things to take into consideration, which is why we always see an increase in demand when a well-positioned development hits the market.

One of our exciting new listings in the popular area of Heidelberg West&nbsp;is Cultivate. Take a look at our apartment spotlight video:

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AnfN5Bc_HvE" title="YouTube video player" width="660"></iframe>

<h2>CULTIVATE&nbsp;AT A GLANCE</h2>

Developer: Kincaid 
Estimated completion:&nbsp;Late 2023 
Address:&nbsp;294 Bell Street, Heidelberg West VIC 3081

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=628]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=628 project_image_fid=178967]

Developer Kincaid’s Cultivate is commencing construction at the end of the year and offers an affordable collection of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom homes bordering Heidelberg West and Ivanhoe.

Looking at Cultivate's location, we know these homes are going to sell quickly. It's situated on the fringe of Melbourne's top hospital precinct, minutes from La Trobe University and at the quiet, tree-lined end of Bell Street, with a bus to the city right from your doorstep.

At the weekends, you can enjoy spending time at Darebin Creek Forest Park and Warringal Parklands or venture 10 minutes south to Ivanhoe Golf Course.

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Cultivate will feature 146 residential apartments spread across two towers, with a rooftop barbeque area offering some of the best skyline views in the city.

We particularly love this space as it provides the perfect zone to spend summer evenings enjoying an alfresco meal with friends and family. You can also use the area to work outdoors, relax in the sun with a good book, or watch the sunrise with a cup of coffee.

Each thoughtfully designed apartment uses timeless materials.&nbsp;There's a selection of two colour palates available. The dark scheme offers chic charcoal cabinetry and grey tiles, while the light option features Scandinavian light oak joinery and ivory tiles.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=628 project_image_fid=178968]

The benches feature smooth curved edges, which is an innovative look we haven't seen often; plus, each home features integrated Smeg and Fisher &amp; Paykel appliances, as well as four-burner gas hobs.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The bathrooms are very generous in size and ultra-modern. Semi-frameless showers are stylish and the perfect cost-effective alternative to frameless – and I particularly love the added modern detail of the brushed stainless tapware.

Secure a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, home from just $556K, we think the development offers excellent value for money in this coveted area.&nbsp;

To learn more about Cultivate, enquire today and let us help you find the perfect home.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=628]

Olivia Round

APARTMENT SPOTLIGHT: Cultivate by Kincaid in Heidelberg West, Melbourne

First home buyers have been eyeing the affordable off-the-plan apartments in Cultivate, the latest development in Heidelberg West by the developer Kincaid.

The prominent architecture firm DKO have designed the apartments, which start from as low as $369,000.

The two-bedroom apartments start from $479,000, over $130,000 less than Heidelberg&nbsp;West&#39;s&nbsp;median two-bedroom apartment price of $610,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=628 project_image_fid=174207]

Cultivate, toward the tree-lined top of Bell Street, comprises 146 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two towers.

Most apartments will offer views to the CBD or Dandenong Ranges. There will be a communal garden on the top of the southern tower and on top of the podium that connects the two towers.

Cultivate has a walkscore of 80, representing a very walkable neighbourhood with easy access to decorated educational institutions like La Trobe University, the RMIT Bundoora Campus, Our Lady of Mercy College, Ivanhoe Grammar School and Ivanhoe Girls&#39; Grammar School.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=628 project_image_fid=178983]

It is located just 12km north east of Melbourne&rsquo;s CBD, which is accessible via a range of public transport options. The conveniently located&nbsp;freeway provides easy access to get out of Melbourne, linking to the&nbsp;Mornington Peninsula and the Yarra Valley winery region, while the Eastern Freeway makes the CBD easily accessible.

The nearby Yarra Valley Parklands offer a diverse range of activity, golf courses, bike paths &amp; canoeing along the Yarra River.

West Heidelberg is part of a National Employment and Innovation Cluster, as identified by the Victorian Planning Authority, and is home to some of Melbourne&rsquo;s largest medical and research centres.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=628]

First home buyers have been eyeing the affordable off-the-plan apartments in Cultivate, beating out much of the established competitors in Heidelberg West

Cultivate

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