The Victorian Government has secured the passage of the Building Legislation and Treasury Legislation (Tax Relief) Amendment Bill 2026, introducing a suite of reforms aimed at improving consumer protection and confidence in the apartment market.

Resilience Insurance, Australia’s leading Latent Defects Insurance (LDI) provider, has welcomed the move.

The LDI elements of the Bill passed with bipartisan support and now moves to the Legislative Council where debate and passage are expected later this month. It represents a significant milestone in the national shift toward stronger, longer-term protection for apartment buyers.&nbsp;

The reform would deliver practical benefits across the housing system. Apartment owners will have stronger protection if major defects emerge, developers and builders will have a clearer quality framework to work within, and the State will reduce the risk of serious building failures becoming a long-term financial and social burden for households, communities and government.&nbsp;

LDI helps support apartment delivery while providing stronger protection for buyers and encouraging better construction outcomes.&nbsp;

Resilience LDI provides apartment owners with 10 years of insurance-backed cover for major structural defects from completion, with direct claim access to the insurer. This means owners are not required to first pursue developers or builders through costly legal action before accessing protection.&nbsp;

Resilience Insurance has been operating in Australia since 2022 and has already insured hundreds of development projects covering many thousands of apartments across Australia.&nbsp;

At approximately 1.8 per cent of build cost, it is a cost-competitive alternative to the traditional two per cent Strata Bond, bond while delivering significantly broader and longer protection.&nbsp;

“The Victorian Lower House vote shows that reforms like this succeed when they are practical, evidence-based and supported by industry," says Corey Nugent, CEO of Resilience Insurance.

"Victoria is moving quickly on a reform that will make a real difference for apartment buyers, while supporting better building outcomes and greater confidence in apartment delivery.

“This is step one. We look forward to the Bill completing its passage through the Legislative Council and to working with government and industry to implement the framework effectively.”&nbsp;

Fast Facts: What is Resilience LDI?&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Resilience Latent Defects Insurance (LDI): Covers major structural defects for 10 years from completion.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Consumer-first: Direct claim access, no need for lengthy legal action.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Cost advantage: At approximately 1.8% of build cost, LDI is typically priced below the traditional 2% Strata Bond while offering broader protection.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Market leader: Resilience Insurance is the first approved LDI provider in NSW.</li>
</ul>

The Building Legislation and Treasury Legislation (Tax Relief) Amendment Bill 2026 has passed the Victorian Lower House, putting Victoria on track to become the first state to legislate an industry workable LDI framework as a formal alternative to the Strata Building bond. 

Joel Robinson

10-year Latent Defects Insurance for new apartment buyers set to land in Victoria

Just a few months after acquiring a prime Broadbeach site on the corner of First Avenue and Surf Parade, family-run developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/raptis">Raptis</a> has filed fresh plans for a new apartment development.

Raptis is seeking to deliver a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/17-19-first-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4217">29-storey tower with 73 apartments</a> on the 818 sqm site. It will be the developer's seventh project in the suburb, as they are approaching completion of The Sterling on George Avenue.

There will be a pool, barbecue and outdoor dining area, residents lounge and dining, sauna and steam room, gym, and a Yoga and Pilates studio.

<img alt="Raptis" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b554da3f-7344-49aa-b1c9-44cf459af0d7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-05%20at%2010.41.45%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=zzjWu1iO1wnuYv4EV4fyOyf5nSXjGYut" />

Raptis Joint Managing Director, Evan Raptis, says they remain&nbsp;committed to developing quality infill sites across the Gold Coast in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

"This project continues our long track record of delivery in Broadbeach, and we look forward to bringing another premium development to this thriving precinct."

The announcement follows strong delivery momentum for Raptis, with The Sterling Broadbeach nearing completion and construction well underway on the final stage of the Waterpoint community adjacent to Harbour Town. The developer's continued investment in the Gold Coast reflects confidence in the region's apartment market fundamentals, underpinned by sustained Southeast Queensland population growth.&nbsp;

The outlook for the region is further bolstered by infrastructure investment tied to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, which is expected to drive continued economic and population growth across the SEQ corridor.&nbsp;

Subject to a favourable response from Gold Coast City Council, construction on the new First Avenue tower is targeted to commence before the end of 2026.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/it-s-all-in-the-family-four-decades-later-raptis-continues-to-shape-the-gold-coast-skyline">It’s all in the family: Four decades later, Raptis continues to shape the Gold Coast skyline</a>

Read more: <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/raptis-secures-prime-surf-parade-site-for-next-broadbeach-apartment-development">Raptis secures prime Surf Parade site for next Broadbeach apartment development</a> 
&nbsp;

Gold Coast developer brings seventh Broadbeach project to market, targeting construction commencement before year end

First look: Raptis lodges plans for new 29-storey Broadbeach tower 

Brisbane development veteran Kevin Seymour's Seymour Group is set to deepen its presence on one of Brisbane's most tightly held riverfront addresses, lodging revised plans for a luxury apartment development on Oxlade, just a few doors down from The Oxlade, which it completed in 2024.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/70-72-oxlade-drive-new-farm-qld-4005">new project at 70-72 Oxlade Drive</a>, directly north of The Oxlade, will have 27 apartments across a seven-storey building&nbsp;overlooking the Brisbane River and Merthyr Park. It's a revision from a 2021-approved design.

Designed by bureau^proberts, the project has evolved from the previously approved 26-apartment scheme, introducing an additional penthouse level while maintaining a low-density, boutique character. The development will comprise 26 three-bedroom apartments and a single four-bedroom penthouse, supported by two basement levels with 86 car spaces and 34 bicycle spaces.

The architectural response is centred around two distinct building forms separated by a landscaped open-air atrium.&nbsp;"This dual composition captures and embraces Brisbane’s subtropical environment whilst breaking down built form and scale," the submission to the Brisbane City Council noted.

<img alt="First look: Seymour Group returns to Oxlade Drive with revised riverfront apartment plans in New Farm" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c12d84d0-bc11-4067-b46f-5bd2d786a34d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/new%20farm%20landscape.png?VersionId=YEPc2k5CAdh6aAPlu4uVpgZadh4MEfRd" />

A defining feature of the design is a deep landscaped void running through the centre of the building, creating what bureau^proberts describes as a "natural ravine" that enhances airflow, daylight penetration and resident amenity. The design report notes that the separation of the two building volumes is intended to maximise natural light, cross-ventilation and outlook while strengthening connections to the surrounding riverfront setting.

Curved balcony edges, integrated planting and extensive landscaping throughout the façade reinforce the subtropical design approach. The building's façade is softened by elevated gardens and planter beds, creating a green edge that complements the established landscape character of Oxlade Drive and neighbouring Merthyr Park.

New Farm has become one of Brisbane's most sought-after suburbs for developers delivering premium downsizer-focused apartments.

GRAYA has been particularly active in the precinct, completing both Chalk and York in recent years, while construction of Moray House, being delivered for Spyre, is now nearing completion. Architect-turned-developer Joe Adsett recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/arcilla-new-farm-by-joe-adsett-28-maxwell-street-new-farm-qld-4005">Arcilla on Maxwell Street</a>, an exclusive collection of just nine apartments.

First look: Seymour Group returns to New Farm's Oxlade Drive with riverfront apartment plans

A new residential tower will be the first piece of a broader mixed-use precinct set to reshape a prominent Newcastle West site, with local developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> bringing its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/cambridge-quarter-newcastle-west-12-denison-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Cambridge Quarter</a> vision to market.

The first release, Tempo, will introduce 87 apartments across a 24-storey tower, marking Stage 1 of the residential component of a larger urban regeneration project planned for the western end of Newcastle's city centre, encompassing the former Cambridge Hotel site.

Positioned on Denison Street, Tempo has been designed as the inaugural building within Cambridge Quarter, a precinct that will ultimately combine apartments, retail activation and revitalised public spaces including the revamping of the Cambridge Hotel.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368853]

The tower will comprise a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, including layouts with multipurpose rooms, catering to a broad cross-section of owner-occupiers. Apartment sizes range from around 60 sqm to 192 sqm, with a number of residences oriented to capture views across Newcastle Harbour, the city skyline and coastline.

GWH has emphasised liveability in the design, with open-plan layouts extending to generous balconies and terraces. Residents will have a choice of two interior palettes, while specifications include engineered stone benchtops, SMEG appliances, full-height bathroom tiling and secure building access. Premium upgrade packages will also be available.

Multiple rooftop resident retreats will provide communal outdoor space overlooking the harbour and city, offering an elevated amenity layer above the activity of the precinct below.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368851]

The broader Cambridge Quarter vision extends beyond the residential tower itself. Ground-level retail activation and landscaped public areas are planned throughout the precinct, creating a walkable neighbourhood environment connected to the surrounding renewal of Newcastle West. The Cambridge Hotel is also earmarked for future redevelopment into a family-friendly hospitality venue integrated with the new precinct.

The project is strategically positioned within walking distance of Newcastle Interchange, providing access to light rail, regional rail services and direct connections to Sydney. Residents will also be close to Honeysuckle, Newcastle Harbour and the city's beaches and coastal walkways.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368852]

For GWH, Cambridge Quarter represents one of its most significant Newcastle developments to date. The locally based developer, which has operated in the Hunter region since 1995, describes the project as a new chapter in the ongoing transformation of Newcastle West.

GWH Executive Director Jonathan Craig said the project had been shaped by a focus on creating lasting community connections.

"We take pride in creating places that last. Spaces where people feel connected, comfortable and a genuine sense of belonging," Craig said.

"Cambridge Quarter is something we are truly proud of, a place shaped by local knowledge, built with care and designed to be part of Newcastle's next chapter."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135876]

GWH unveils first release at landmark Cambridge Quarter precinct in Newcastle West

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ss-projects">S&amp;S Projects</a>,&nbsp;Rainbow Bay's busiest developer,&nbsp;has officially lodged plans for the largest development in its booming local portfolio, seeking approval for a further 88 apartments on Boundary Street.

The proposal&nbsp;at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">209–213 Boundary Street, Coolangatta</a>,&nbsp;marks the next chapter in the developer's transformation of the southern Gold Coast beachside precinct. It will be its fifth in the area, having already delivered Flow, Awaken and Esprit, while construction continues on the 38-apartment Radia. The new project would rise 57 metres above a consolidated 1,518 sqm site, on the same street as Radia and Esprit.

&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, the proposed development comprises 88 two and three-bedroom apartments across a contemporary podium-and-tower form that integrates extensive landscaping from street level through to the rooftop.

The tower would be delivered above a basement and multi-level podium accommodating resident and visitor parking, with the residential component commencing from level three. The design incorporates cascading planting throughout the façade, landscaped podium edges, and deep planting zones along the Boundary Street frontage.

<img alt="First look: S&amp;S Projects lodges plans for 88-apartment wellness tower at Coolangatta's Boundary Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="677e6615-b5c0-4b6c-b4f9-efb14fcde1a6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ss%20da%20pers.png?VersionId=YOnPKQm7IFXv0M5H326djEpxk80500Hi" />

A key feature of the development is its expansive rooftop wellness and recreation precinct. Plans reveal a resort-style pool deck, gymnasium, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, rooftop terraces, barbecue areas and landscaped relaxation spaces positioned to capture views across the southern Gold Coast coastline.

The rooftop wellness focus builds on the vision S&amp;S Projects first outlined when it acquired the site for $20.25 million last year.

"We are taking every advantage to create a truly unique rooftop wellness experience with a natural feel for residents, offering stone features throughout and an underlying theme that emulates a botanical garden," S&amp;S Projects founder and director Paul Gedoun said at the time.

The proposal seeks a 57-metre building height, representing a 50 per cent uplift on the site's mapped 38-metre height limit. Planning documents argue the additional height is consistent with recently approved and emerging towers in the immediate Boundary Street and Rainbow Bay precinct.

Urbis, acting as planning consultant, said the development would provide "88 dwellings, comprising a mix of two and three-bedroom apartments, contributing to housing choice and supply within an established medium to high-rise coastal urban neighbourhood."

The scheme has undergone extensive pre-lodgement consultation with the City of Gold Coast, with the design refined following feedback relating to architectural expression, landscaping, traffic access and podium treatment.

<img alt="S&amp;S" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a2d70fd-62ac-4b83-97c6-b798fc1243dd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-05%20at%209.16.31%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=yHmghUwKM3IVGpBktQU1mE.0Lpf3WimG" />

The architectural team is led by Brisbane-based Cottee Parker, one of Australia's most active residential design studios, with landscape architecture by Dunn + Moran. The consultant team also includes ADG Engineers, Windtech and Acoustic Works.

S&amp;S Projects has become one of the most influential private developers operating on the southern Gold Coast. Since entering Rainbow Bay in 2022, the company has assembled a portfolio exceeding $1 billion in end value, establishing itself as a key player in the area's evolution into a premium apartment destination. Pezet Matheson will again handle the sales for S&amp;S.

Coolangatta is entering another wave of apartment development, following the delivery of several prominent residential projects in recent years.

John Kearney's Immerse Projects will launch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kaiya-kirra-beach-5-haig-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Kaiya on Haig Street</a>&nbsp;soon, meanwhile, Palm Beach-based Sherpa Property Group is preparing to bring its debut Coolangatta development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-viver-87-griffith-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Flourish Viveré</a>, to market later this year, subject to approvals.

First look: S&S Projects proposes 88-apartment wellness tower at Coolangatta's Boundary Street

East End

Having initially focussed on Sydney’s fast growing south-west corridor, Iris Capital has more recently taken a leap up the coast, dipping into the prospers of the Newcastle region to deliver the masterplan set to transform the suburb.

Encompassing a 1.66-hectare site, from Perkins Street to Newcomen Street, the East End precinct has been delivered across four stages, with the entire project slated for completion by 2027.

<img alt="Render of the East End development" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="40b73dc8-a390-483f-a087-fe8da0a92f4e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/SJB_Newcastle%20East%20End%20S3-4_01_LR.jpeg?VersionId=bOkrUVJv2O_hufELwx1jA.2.jkdXP5A8" />

SJB Director, Adam Haddow said that since 2013, the group had been investigating the unique community of Newcastle, having worked on the original masterplan for East End as architect and collaborator for the stage one development.&nbsp;

“We are over the moon to have the opportunity to again collaborate with our peers – this time Sydney based Durbach Block Jaggers and Novocastrian's Curious Practice, to deliver the final stage of this once-in-a-lifetime project,” said Haddow.

In a bid to realise the City of Newcastle’s Harbour to Cathedral Park ambition, the site has been divided based on experience, expertise and scale.&nbsp;

<img alt="Render of the East End development" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cd286c15-d89e-4872-ad31-d4e8bc95305d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/SJB_Newcastle%20East%20End%20S3-4_02_LR.jpeg?VersionId=Q4OkzsIts62U6XR9_.J8VO5Cs.h5Zrrq" />

“Our vision for the East End is rooted in a fine grain response that reimagines the retail offering and pedestrian activity of Hunter Street. The new public ‘market square’ has great potential to connect into Council land creating the link withNewcastle Christ Church Cathedral and the harbour – to become the centre of theEast End,” Haddow said.&nbsp;

“We truly hope that this new connection will enable Indigenous planting to thrive along the north-facing slope of East End, once again cradling the silhouette of the cathedral in a green skirt when seen from the harbour."

Iris Capital’s Chief Executive Officer spoke to the prominence of the site in Newcastle, saying it is a critically important and significant development for the city that will create a long desired public domain connecting the Harbour to the Cathedral.&nbsp;

“The winning SJB, DBJ, and Curious Practice design unquestionably delivered in its purpose to achieve design excellence and has maintained the Cathedral as the city’s prominent landmark structure with a family of beautiful buildings that follow the topography and mesh with the built form of the hill,” Arnaout said.&nbsp;

“The winning design also was considered as the best outcome to incorporate the numerous heritage elements and considerable level changes across the site,” he said.&nbsp;

Like stage one which has been embraced by the community, achieving a sold out status, the final stages of the project will similarly be instantly recognisable through the adaptation of designs that draw inspiration from existing Newcastle architecture and retention of key heritage buildings.&nbsp;

<img alt="Render of the East End development" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e3ba6bf9-0ee8-46bc-8902-d20ac57da4d9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/SJB_Newcastle%20East%20End%20S3-4_06_LR.jpeg?VersionId=SwJffMJvI1PBhsisr6BbjfG4Tz5AecPV" />

“We will continue to work closely with the winning architect's impressive design during the development application phase and refine the scheme by incorporating recommendations made by the competition jury,” Arnaout added.&nbsp;

Stage three and four of East End sees three buildings establish the marketplace, each following an archetypal form.&nbsp;

The ‘block’ of the heritage Municipal building, the ‘tower’ behind it and the ‘stoa’ forming the western edge, with the architectural gestures designed to provide companions to the Cathedral.&nbsp;

The composition forms an Uffizilike public square which allows for both pause and transition, encouraging passage through and connection to the green space beyond the Cathedral and its garden.

“We love the city and people of Newcastle. With the support of Sam Arnout and Iris Capital, and in collaboration with Newcastle City Council, we’re confident that as a design team will be able to renew this part of the East End for the entire community to be proud of,” Haddow concluded.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=29044]

Cited as one of the country’s first large-scale urban regeneration projects, East End is focused on delivering a blend of residential, retail, entertainment and dining to Newcastle, in a collaboration between three practices, SJB, Durbach Block Jaggers (DBJ) and Curious Practice, following the group’s design competition win. 



alisonwarters@gmail.com

Iris Capital launch final stages in Newcastle East End apartment project

<html><body>
The flow of development to Melbourne CBD's East End began as a trickle relative to surrounding inner city precincts, but the 'Paris End' of late has come into its own. 'Paris End' of course is an ill-fitting moniker (some would also say crass) with current development within the CBD's eastern flank well spread, as opposed to being centralised around Collins Street's historic grandeur.

Bound by Flinders, Elizabeth, Spring and Victoria, Apartments.com.au's Project Database shows a mass of East End developments looking to make their mark. Historically the domain of commercial development, East End was bereft of residential projects as developers favoured proven areas such as Southbank and Docklands, although this trend his has now changed sharply!

Spurred on in part by the phenomenal influx of Asian-based property entities, East End proposals have steadily increased over the last two years as the insatiable push to secure prized sites in the current market shows no signs of slowing; an arms race of property development for lack of a better analogy.

<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/image8ep.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="All shapes and sizes of proposals within East End"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="402" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image8ep.jpg?itok=n5TgfwMI" title="All shapes and sizes of proposals within East End" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>All shapes and sizes of proposals within East End</figcaption></figure><h2>Apartment development leading the charge</h2>

Below is a summary of East End residential projects currently found within the Apartments.com.au Project Database. Given the ever dynamic nature of development and planning at the moment, these may require refreshing in a few weeks time. Regardless, this is the current state of play concerning residential projects within East End.

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 100%;">
<thead><tr>
<th>Address</th>
			<th>Apartments</th>
			<th>Developer</th>
			<th>Levels</th>
			<th>Staus</th>
		</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/empire-melbourne-398-elizabeth-street-melbourne">398 Elizabeth Street</a></td>
			<td>474</td>
			<td>Mammoth Empire</td>
			<td>55</td>
			<td>Registration &amp; Sales</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/abode-318-318-russell-street-melbourne">318 Russell Street</a></td>
			<td>433</td>
			<td>PDG &amp; Schiavello</td>
			<td>57</td>
			<td>Construction</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/new-apartments/crystal-gardens-276-russell-street-melbourne">276 Russell Street</a></td>
			<td>154</td>
			<td>Unknown</td>
			<td>36</td>
			<td>Approved</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>500 Elizabeth Street</td>
			<td>524</td>
			<td>Brady Group</td>
			<td>72</td>
			<td>Construction</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/new-apartments/309-325-bourke-street-melbourne">309 Bourke Street</a></td>
			<td>466</td>
			<td>Unknown</td>
			<td>&gt;10</td>
			<td>Approved</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/35-spring-street-melbourne">35 Spring Street</a></td>
			<td>270</td>
			<td>CBUS</td>
			<td>43</td>
			<td>Construction</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/97-franklin-street-melbourne">97 Franklin Street</a></td>
			<td>367</td>
			<td>Artemis Group</td>
			<td>62</td>
			<td>Planning</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/new-apartments/63-exhibition-street-melbourne">63 Exhibition Street</a></td>
			<td>328</td>
			<td>Asia One</td>
			<td>67</td>
			<td>Planning</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/new-apartments/the-trillium-36-la-trobe-street-melbourne">36 La Trobe Street</a></td>
			<td>224</td>
			<td>Unknown</td>
			<td>39</td>
			<td>Registration &amp; Sales</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/metrolitan-melbourne-137-bourke-street-melbourne">137 Bourke Street</a></td>
			<td>104</td>
			<td>VIMG</td>
			<td>19</td>
			<td>Registration &amp; Sales</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">85 Spring Street</a></td>
			<td>303</td>
			<td>Grocon</td>
			<td>46</td>
			<td>Planning</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/avant-60-abeckett-street-melbourne">54 A'Beckett Street</a></td>
			<td>750</td>
			<td>Aspial - WCL</td>
			<td>81</td>
			<td>Planning</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/aurora-melbourne-central-224-la-trobe-street-melbourne">224 La Trobe Street</a></td>
			<td>1,206</td>
			<td>UEM Sunrise</td>
			<td>88</td>
			<td>Planning</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/victoria-one-452-472-elizabeth-street-melbourne">452 Elizabeth Street</a></td>
			<td>622</td>
			<td>Golden Age</td>
			<td>75</td>
			<td>Registration &amp; Sales</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/new-apartments/9-11-exploration-lane-melbourne">9 Exploration Lane</a></td>
			<td>89</td>
			<td>Balfour</td>
			<td>33</td>
			<td>Approved</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">180 Russell Street</a></td>
			<td>506</td>
			<td>AXF Group</td>
			<td>70</td>
			<td>Planning</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/new-apartments/48-50-abeckett-street-melbourne">48 A'Beckett Street</a></td>
			<td>235</td>
			<td>Austwin</td>
			<td>45</td>
			<td>Approved</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">22 Bennetts Lane</a></td>
			<td>25</td>
			<td>Unknown</td>
			<td>12</td>
			<td>Approved</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/light-house-450-elizabeth-street-melbourne">450 Elizabeth Street</a></td>
			<td>607</td>
			<td>Hengyi</td>
			<td>69</td>
			<td>Registration &amp; Sales</td>
		</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
There are 19 projects are listed above, six of which are at planning assessment. These six have a total unit count similar to that of the remaining 13 in the list. 3,490 apartments are at planning, with the largest project being UEM Sunrise's 224 La Trobe Street carrying 1,206 dwellings, followed by 54 A'Beckett Street with 750.

A total of 4,247 apartments are counted within the remaining 13 projects which have either been approved or are at registration and sales. 1,227 units are under construction. Those apartments under construction represent 16% of the total 7,737 apartments slated for East End according to the Apartments.com.au Project Database, hinting that East End is heading toward a development surge the likes of which have not been seen before within the precinct.

<h2>Other uses in high demand</h2>

82 Collins Street and the forthcoming Telstra building adjacent to their current Exhibition Street headquarters headline the large commercial projects slated for East End, adding in the vicinity of a combined 150,000sqm of premium office space. Commercial space aside, the surge of hotel suites is something to behold.

<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/image7e.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="80 Collins Street, QT hotel and Hotel Forum"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="390" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image7e.jpg?itok=d42RLtJb" title="80 Collins Street, QT hotel and Hotel Forum" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>80 Collins Street, QT hotel and Hotel Forum</figcaption></figure>In part dragged along by a raft of mixed-use, high-rise proposals, the number of expected hotel suites for East End is robust, even with the scrapping of the <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/new-operators-hope-to-resurrect-1980s-yuppie-haven-in-flinders-lane-20140721-zv8od">Rosati hotel proposal</a> mid 2014.

The current batch of intended hotel locations includes 150 Flinders Street, <a href="/buildings/97-franklin-street-melbourne">97 Franklin Street</a>, <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">180 Russell Street</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/63-exhibition-street-melbourne">63 Exhibition Street</a>, Windsor Hotel and 80 Collins Street's 19 level, 252-room hotel tower. Yielding roughly 1,200 hotel suites, these six projects may be joined by the nearly complete 146-room Brady Hotels tower at 22-32 Little La Trobe and the proposed yet troubled W Hotel development at 20-30 Bourke Street.

<h2>Future impositions?</h2>

It can be argued that as long as strong overseas sales underpin the local apartment market, then the current upward development trend will continue as developers seek new site acquisitions. A prime case in point sees the recent listing of <a href="http://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-melbourne-501229863">168 Exhibition Street</a> by CBRE as offered for sale with a Peddle Thorp development scheme, including a 54 level mixed-use development. 168 Exhibition is symptomatic of the current East End dynamic where bigger is better, but what price for heritage considerations?

The question must be asked: will the influx of many thousands of new residents place too great a burden upon existing infrastructure? Certainly East End has inherent street level qualities and character devoid in areas such as Southbank, and finds itself closer to essential services, amenity and the general 'buzz' of Melbourne. Could existing transport infrastructure be the area most imposed upon by a surging East End population?

A clear positive of Melbourne's East End development surge would be the influx of people, particularly in the commercial dominated areas of Collins &amp; Bourke Street. The resultant surge of residents would serve to activate many after-hour 'dead' spots and encourage new retail/entertainment opportunities to flourish where there were previously none; in effect bolstering and expanding City of Melbourne's <a href="http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/COMMUNITYSERVICES/COMMUNITYSAFETY/Pages/24HourCitypolicy.aspx">24 Hour City</a> policy into the eastern reaches of the CBD.

If only a crystal ball were handy to assess whether eastern promises would translate into East End realities!

Lead image courtesy Ryan Seychell.
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