Local developer Harridan is seeking to turn its Woolloongabba apartment project into the first stage of a broader transformation of Burke Street, using a new 16-storey mixed-use building to establish a greener pedestrian connection toward the rapidly evolving Boggo Road transport and knowledge precinct.

The South East Queensland developer has filed plans for 154 apartments on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-burke-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">southern side of Burke Street</a>, where its proposal has been designed alongside a wider vision by LatStudios for the street.

That vision positions the southern side of Burke Street for buildings of 15 storeys and above, while envisaging lower-rise development of up to five storeys on the northern side to transition into Woolloongabba's existing character housing. It also proposes wider pedestrian verges, deep planting, new street trees and upgrades to the pedestrian approach to Boggo Road Station.

The Harridan development itself has been designed by Brisbane-based Arqus Design and will comprise 154 apartments across 16 storeys. The mix is weighted heavily toward two-bedroom apartments, with 121 proposed alongside 10 one-bedroom and 23 three-bedroom residences. There will typically be around 14 units per floor.

A lower-ground car park and three podium levels will accommodate 156 resident parking spaces, along with visitor and commercial parking. There will also be 154 resident bicycle spaces and 40 visitor bicycle parks.

&nbsp;

Harridan is a family-owned developer and part of the Holmwood Highgate Group, with more than three decades of development activity across South East Queensland. Its portfolio spans residential, commercial and industrial property, with current residential projects including Riverbank on Byron in Bulimba, Esperance Residences in Carina and The Precinct at Kinross Road in Thornlands.

Wooloongabba has been popular for apartment developers, particularly since the announcement of the 2032 Summer Olympics games in Brisbane.

While there have been a lot of development applications, it has failed to materialize into real supply.&nbsp;

Sarazin has been the major player in the area. They are under construction at Murcia Residences, on the fringe of East Brisbane and Woolloongabba. They have just launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-stanley-residences-woolloongabba-8-trafalgar-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">The Stanley Residences</a>, in Woolloongabba on Trafalagar Street. They also have Nuage coming soon on the nearby <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nuage-woolloongabba-14-wellington-road-woolloongabba-qld-4102">Wellington Road</a>.

Joel Robinson

First look: Harridan plans Burke Street transformation beside Boggo Road transport hub

IN BRIEF

<ul>
	<li>
	Just three double-storey Sky Homes sit at the top of The Waterline, each with its own private marina berth and rooftop terrace.
	</li>
	<li>
	Construction on The Waterline is complete, with the first residents expected to move in from mid-October.
	</li>
	<li>
	Sky Homes range from 282 sqm to 367 sqm and are priced from $3.65 million.
	</li>
</ul>

<hr />
Lewis Land has opened the first completed sky home for inspection at Harbour Shores, giving buyers their first opportunity to step inside one of just three double-storey residences crowning The Waterline.

Each sky home comes with its own private marina berth, rooftop terrace and Broadwater views, combining the scale of a larger home with direct access to the boating lifestyle that underpins the wider <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/harbour-shores-biggera-waters-564-oxley-drive-biggera-waters-qld-4216">Harbour Shores</a> masterplan.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=366708]

Lewis Land Head of Development Michael Long said the inclusion of a berth with every Sky Home had become increasingly valuable as marina access across the Gold Coast tightened.

“Marina berths are becoming increasingly difficult to secure across the Gold Coast, so including one with every Sky Home makes this a genuinely rare offering,” Long said.

“The private 70-berth marina will accommodate boats up to 12 metres in length and is positioned just 2.5 kilometres from the Broadwater, placing the open ocean only 15 minutes away.

“Being able to step out of your home onto your boat is a rare luxury, and it’s something residents here can look forward to when it opens later this year.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=366709]

The display opening comes as construction completes on The Waterline, with the first residents expected to move in from mid-October.

The three Sky Homes range from 282 sqm to 367 sqm and each feature three bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living zones, expansive kitchens with butler's pantries and large balconies taking in the Broadwater outlook.

Each residence also has three secure basement car spaces and additional storage.

“This is the first opportunity the Gold Coast has had to step into Harbour Shores and see, touch and feel what we’re bringing to life here,” Long said.

“There are only three Sky Homes within The Waterline, ranging in size from 282sqm to 367sqm, with each residence featuring three large bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living zones, expansive custom-built kitchens with butler’s pantry, and large balconies capturing Broadwater views.”

<img alt="Harbour Shores" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bab65e10-4fab-45e1-92d8-fc56e2ab98ff" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%202.00.16%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=XT8q76LsPkw3cYTsvN3JfFDaPLud90PN" />

Residents of The Waterline will have access to a private pool, along with Harbour Shores' wider collection of amenity including a lagoon pool, social clubhouse, tennis court, gym, yoga facilities and sauna.

Lewis Land partnered with Studio Collective to furnish the completed display, with the interiors designed to demonstrate how the residences could function as permanent homes rather than simply as show apartments.

Studio Collective Director Melissa Park said the surrounding waterways informed the interiors, but in a more restrained way than a traditional coastal scheme.

“We drew inspiration from the canals and coastal surrounds, but our approach was to interpret that subtly through layered materials and a grounded palette of earthy tones, rather than literal coastal references,” Park said.

“We introduced hero moments of green and teal to reference the surrounding waterways, while mirrored elements help reflect natural light.

“The result is a residence that feels elevated yet comfortable, somewhere buyers can genuinely imagine themselves living, entertaining and unwinding.”

Sky Homes are priced from $3.65 million.

Lewis Land is also offering private marina berths with The Residences, its limited collection of three and four-bedroom villas positioned directly along the Harbour Shores waterfront boardwalk.

Three-bedroom villas are priced from $2.99 million, while four-bedroom residences start from $3.19 million.

Harbour Shores is being marketed by Colliers International.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113271]

Lewis Land opens sky home display as The Waterline completes at Harbour Shores

St Vincent de Paul Society Housing Australia has filed plans for a major mixed-use housing precinct on the southern edge of the North Sydney CBD, adding another significant proposal to a pocket around North Sydn​ey Station that is quickly becoming one of the LGA's busiest development zones.

The State Significant Development Application covers a 5,990 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/1-19-mackenzie-street-lavender-bay-nsw-2060">1-19 MacKenzie Street and 211 Blues Point Road in Lavender Bay</a>, immediately south of Nor​th Sydney Station and between the commercial core and the lower-rise Lavender Bay Heritage Conservation Area.

Designed by Wardle, the proposal would deliver a new residential tower comprising 88 build-to-sell apartments and 19 affordable apartments, alongside a separate co-living building with 57 rooms and a building manager's studio.

It would also see the significant restoration and upgrade of St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, the adaptive reuse of the former school building, new parish facilities, retail, a new public square and around 1,000 sqm of publicly accessible open space.

<img alt="Vinnies North Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d5dd7f87-a617-463e-b577-17541e01f0e9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.10.13%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4R8TsFN3P_LrrXO2HswTOIrx2blil8lh" />

The project is seeking a concurrent rezoning of the site to R4 High Density Residential and an increase in the maximum building height to allow a tower reaching RL120, or up to 20 storeys. The proposal was progressed through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

The build-to-sell component will be weighted toward larger apartments, with just six one-bedroom apartments compared with 31 two-beds, 43 three-beds and eight four-bedroom residences.

The 19 affordable apartments will comprise two studios, 15 one-bedroom apartments and two two-bedroom apartments, taking the total apartment component to 107 residences before the 58 co-living rooms are included.

<img alt="Vnnies" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7d568ca5-cb90-4e18-96c6-d9795dba0c56" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.10.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=GY2R5M9VtQh0EKy1vajaea19PSLOPuRD" />

Wardle's design for the Vinnies site has sought to negotiate that emerging high-rise context while retaining the lower-scale character of MacKenzie Street and the adjoining heritage conservation area.

The main building adopts a three-storey podium and tower arrangement, with the podium aligned to the ridgeline and front setback of St Francis Xavier Church.&nbsp;Wardle has designed the podium with colonnades, seating, recessed entries and active ground-floor frontages, with sandstone-toned precast concrete and face brick referencing the materiality of the existing church.

The tower then steps back eight metres to the south and six metres to the north before rising in a sculpted form comprising four interlocking quadrants. Wardle has also introduced rounded forms and chamfered corners to reduce the tower's perceived bulk and improve view sharing with neighbouring development sites.

Resident facilities and outdoor areas are planned at the separation between the podium and tower at Level 3, oriented toward Sydney Harbour and the CBD skyline.

The tower itself will feature a glass reinforced concrete facade, with recessed balconies and deep reveals used both to provide shading and privacy and frame views toward the harbour and city. The lower levels take a different architectural approach, using brick and sandstone-toned finishes intended to establish a stronger relationship with St Francis Xavier Church. The Church itself will be conserved and upgraded for its continued use, while the former school building will be adaptively reused as part of the co-living component.

<img alt="Lavendar Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d4418ad-90aa-4d49-af93-c80b140aea80" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.09.47%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Kv4gzbsACaGvZSRuaqcfGC54jEJRXIDJ" />

&nbsp;

The proposal adds to an increasingly concentrated pipeline of residential development around Blue Street, MacKenzie Street and Lavender Bay.

Just west of the site, Central Element lodged plans earlier this year for one of the most significant residential developments proposed in Lavender Bay in recent years.

Central Element's SJB-designed scheme at 64-66 Lavender Street and 3-7 Middlemiss Street would deliver 163 apartments across two towers rising 23 and 32 storeys, replacing five existing apartment buildings containing 32 homes. The project also forms part of the Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-central-element-reveals-lavender-bay-apartment-plans?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">First look: Central Element reveals Lavender Bay apartment plans</a>

Immediately around North Sy​dney Station, another two significant proposals have emerged at 5 and 15 Blue Street.

Zurich Australian Insurance Properties is seeking to adaptively reuse its longstanding commercial building at 5 Blue Street, directly above North Sydney Station, rather than demolishing the structure.

Its SSDA proposes converting the building into a 14-storey mixed-use development with 62 apartments and 86 co-living rooms, together with ground-floor retail and a major refurbishment of Blue Street Plaza. The application is currently at the Response to Submissions stage.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-zurich-targets-north-sydney-office-conversion-with-148-unit-proposal-above-metro-station">First look: Zurich targets North Sydney office conversion with 148-unit proposal above Metro station</a>

&nbsp;

First look: Vinnies files for 20-storey Lavender Bay apartment tower as North Sydney housing pocket heats up

When the opportunity arose for South Australian developer Palumbo to return to Kent Town, where it had previously delivered East Park Apartments and the East 
Rundle Apartments, it wasn't one the longstanding developer-builder was going to pass up.

The decision was quickly vindicated, with more than 30 apartments sold within the first month of launching <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/royal-apartments-kent-town-2-8-north-terrace-kent-town-sa-5067">Royal Apartments</a> to the market.

The 206-apartment development, which will bring significant new supply to Adelaide's tightly held eastern city fringe, also gives <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/palumbo">Palumbo</a> the opportunity to bring new life to one of Kent Town's most recognisable watering holes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376073]

Royal Apartments incorporates the historic Royal Hotel, a venue Palumbo Managing Director Daniel Palumbo said has a longstanding connection with the local community.

"Everyone in the area has history with the Royal Hotel," Palumbo told Apartments.com.au.

"It was quite an active pub and social gathering place for locals. We want to bring it back to its former glory."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376072]

The wider development will comprise two residential towers alongside the restored hotel, sitting on North Terrace opposite the Adelaide Park Lands.

For Palumbo, the project also marks a return to familiar territory.

The developer completed East Park Apartments next door more than a decade ago and jumped at the opportunity to develop in Kent Town again when the Royal Hotel site became available.

"The opportunity emerged, and we moved to secure the site," Palumbo said.

"We were approached by the previous landowner, who said they had extensive commitments in Sydney and weren't in a position to deliver the project.

"We took over the site and within six months recut the design scheme to be more in keeping with the type of development we want to bring to Adelaide.

"Now we're on the market and those changes have really resonated with local buyers."

That has translated into a strong start to sales, with 33 apartments transacting in the project's first 35 days.

Palumbo said the early purchaser profile had been consistent with the group's traditional focus on owner-occupiers rather than investor-led apartment stock.

"Local owner-occupiers have always been our market," he said.

"There are always some investors, but we've never developed what would be called traditional development stock. Owner-occupiers are very much our market."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376068]

The buyer mix has been diverse so far, with downsizers and younger professionals both accounting for a significant portion of early sales.

South Australia's current stamp duty settings, which allow&nbsp;eligible homeowners in South Australia aged 60 savings of up to $103,830 on stamp duty when they downsize to a new property valued at up to $2 million,&nbsp;have helped encourage downsizer activity, while younger buyers in their late 20s and early 30s have been attracted to the opportunity to live immediately outside the CBD while still being able to walk into the city.



Location has been a major part of the proposition for both buyer cohorts.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376075]

Royal Apartments sits on North Terrace directly opposite the Adelaide Park Lands, with residents able to walk through the parklands toward the East End, Rundle Street and Rundle Mall.

Apartments have been positioned to capture views across the parklands, Adelaide skyline, Botanic Gardens and Adelaide Hills.

Palumbo believes the scarcity of developable land along this section of the Park Lands makes the site particularly difficult to replicate.

"There's very few allotments on that side that can be developed," he said.

"If this location was in New York and you were sitting on Central Park, you'd be talking about a $60 million apartments."

Royal Apartments will offer a broad mix of residences, ranging from one-bedroom apartments through to four-bedroom sub-penthouses and penthouses.

Current listings include one-bedroom apartments from $680,000, while larger three and four-bedroom residences are priced around $2.5 million.

Residents will have access to a swimming pool, gym, barbecue and recreation areas, residents' lounge and dining space, and a communal deck.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376067]

The apartments will feature generous balconies, while secure parking, bicycle storage and storage cages will also be provided.

A porte-cochère-style arrival and drop-off area has also resonated with buyers, particularly those attracted to being able to walk into the CBD during the day while retaining secure vehicle access at home.

Palumbo is acting as developer, architect and builder on Royal Apartments, continuing the vertically integrated model it has used across its South Australian portfolio.

The group was also behind the $150 million Sofitel Adelaide, the 251-room five-star hotel and residential tower which opened in 2021.

Palumbo said Royal's launch had come at an interesting time for the broader Adelaide apartment market.

Buyer confidence had initially been impacted by uncertainty surrounding the Federal Budget and broader economic conditions, but Palumbo believes sentiment is beginning to improve against a backdrop of significant investment flowing into South Australia.

He pointed to increased activity across defence and resources, including Olympic Dam, as potential long-term drivers of the state's economy and housing market.

"Money is starting to flow into Adeliade, significant amounts as Adelaide bucks the trend of the rest of the country.," Palumbo said.

"There's a lot of activity in the economy over the next decade. I think more investment will come into this market."

Early works on Royal Apartments are expected to commence this year, with major construction activity and cranes anticipated on site from early next year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6109]

Palumbo's return to Kent Town strikes early chord with buyers

Go-to builder-developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/graya">GRAYA</a> is continuing to bulk out its already impressive and diverse apartment portfolio across South East Queensland. Their latest milestone is securing development approval for Silk, its boutique riverfront apartment development in St Lucia.

The approval clears&nbsp;the way for the team to begin construction planning for the 22-residence project.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/silk-st-lucia-16-18-sandford-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">Silk</a> will rise 15 levels from an 810 sqm site at 16-18 Sandford Street, occupying a prominent bend of the Brisbane River with a prized northern aspect across Orleigh Park toward the Brisbane CBD.

The approved scheme will comprise 16 split-floor and six full-floor residences, continuing GRAYA's move into larger-format apartment developments targeting Brisbane's prestige owner-occupier market.

The project has been designed around the site's broad river frontage and dual-direction views, with GRAYA prioritising larger residences, privacy and outlook over apartment yield.

<img alt="Silk St Lucia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aa5c2349-f96c-4914-a812-1f2cd6827af8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%208.25.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=WY0vEU_7vYjeRJKQHiCwFdMxu8PvFh52" />

GRAYA Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Rob Gray said the project had been shaped around local homeowners wanting to remain in St Lucia without maintaining a traditional family home.

"St Lucia is one of those suburbs people do not want to leave," Gray said.

"They know the river, the trees, UQ, the golf course, Toowong and Indooroopilly, and that familiarity is hard to replace.

"True riverfront opportunities here are exceptionally scarce. What we have designed at Silk is a way to stay in the suburb people love, with the scale and privacy of a private home and far less to maintain.

"This is not typical apartment product. It is a proper home on the river, and that is exactly what this market has been missing."

The approval comes as new apartment development continues to increase across the St Lucia and neighbouring Toowong corridor, although direct riverfront sites remain considerably more tightly held.

GRAYA Co-founder and Managing Director Andrew Gray said securing the approval had removed a significant element of development risk from Silk.

"Genuine riverfront sites of this quality in St Lucia are not something that comes up regularly," Gray said.

"The approval removes a substantial layer of execution risk, and the location underwrites demand in a way very few inner-city sites can.

"The fundamentals here are as strong as anything we have assessed in Brisbane."

<img alt="Silk St Lucia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d0f3d734-65e1-48e8-8ed3-2e0715ffcdd9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%208.25.56%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sOLSs_jdHkXLWbBKzRyayf5BfTb2vPsD" />

Silk will see GRAYA return to a stretch of the Brisbane River where it already has recent construction experience. The vertically integrated group recently completed ARC in neighbouring Toowong as builder for developer Spyre, delivering the riverfront project on a constrained site.

GRAYA will take a different role at Silk, controlling the project from design and development through construction and aftercare under its vertically integrated model.

The development will include a gym and resident leisure areas at ground level, integrated with the river's edge.

Silk joins a growing pipeline for GRAYA across Brisbane and the Gold Coast, which includes Enclave, The Gallery, Coral and Ripple.

The developer-builder has also recently lodged plans for its largest project to date, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-silo-19-chester-street-newstead-qld-4006">The Silo</a>, a proposed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/graya-buys-frasers-newstead-site-plans-the-silo-between-james-street-and-gasworks-precincts">$700 million mixed-use development</a> in Brisbane's James Street precinct.

Silk is expected to predominantly target local owner-occupiers and prestige buyers seeking a permanent riverfront home in Brisbane's inner west.

Registrations of interest are now open, with further details on the project and construction program to be released as it progresses.

<hr />
<h2>SILK PROJECT FACTS</h2>

Developer-builder: GRAYA

Project: Silk

Location: 16-18 Sandford Street, St Lucia

Apartments: 22

Built form: 15 levels

Site: 810 sqm riverfront holding

Mix: 16 split-floor and six full-floor residences

Status: Development approved

Next step: Construction planning underway

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152168]

GRAYA greenlit for riverfront St Lucia apartment development, Silk

Essendon

<html><body>
The veteran jockey Luke Currie has his Essendon home of 17 years listed for sale.
Currie and his wife, Sophia, have $1.5 million to $1.6 million expectations.
The four-bedroom house has been home to his daughters Mia, 4, and Miley, 10 months for the 39-year-old joekey.
He recently rode Arcadia Queen to victory in the Mckinnon Stakes.
He told the Herald Sun 2B Thomson Street was being listed as they were set to move closer to Sophia’s family in Bayside.
They made renovations since paying $480,000 in 2003.
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firstname1-iYD4UYzvBa

Jockey Luke Currie lists Essendon home

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The Essendon townhouse of Brydon Coverdale, known as “The Shark” on Channel Seven’s quiz program The Chaser, has been listed for sale.
The quiz whiz and his wife Zoe used winnings from his appearance on Million Dollar Minute in 2014 to pay off the townhouse.
It was their first home when bought in 2011 for $560,000.
The Kendall Street home has three bedrooms, with city skyline views in the master.
Matthew Febey, at Nelson Alexander Essendon has listed it for June 13 auction with a guide of $730,000 to $780,000.
It has city skyline views in the main bedroom.
The home is in the zone for Strathmore Secondary College.
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The Chaser's Shark Brydon Coverdale lists Essendon townhouse

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Designer Kathy Demos worked on a new building material concept in total secrecy for half a decade and has finally revealed the design.

Demos collaborated with the team at PGH Bricks to produce a stunning metallic brick, which would reflect different coloured light across the day. PGH have been in the brick manufacturing industry for over 100 years, and of their expansive team, only six workers knew about the project. The bricks will be featured on the lower levels of the John Demos Architects designed 'Luminess', and will sit above traditional red brick, and below modern glass and concrete, providing a strong tie between the two juxtaposing elements. 

<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/imagehandler_901b751c.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/imagehandler_901b751c.jpg?itok=m8UvEfgt" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Metallic bricks designed by Kathy Demos in collaboration with PGH</figcaption></figure>Intrigued by the secrecy of the project, we asked Kathy Demos a few questions about the project, and discovered that she already has another exciting building material in the works.

Urban.com.au: What sparked the idea to create bricks with a metallic quality, and how did you arrive at the final decision of the material used? 

Kathy Demos: Bricks are a traditional building product of great quality. The PGH Urban Metals range was developed specifically for Permarc’s Luminess project. We wanted to highlight the capacity of such an age-old product to continue to be highly relevant, sophisticated and surprising. It was this juxtaposition that was integral to the project. Copper, bronze, silver and zinc were selected as these finishes were emerging in fashion and homewares but we also wanted to take it a step further. What elevated this range was the decision to glaze the bricks to create an almost mirror-like effect. This meant that the bricks would constantly change in appearance depending on the light giving an ephemeral quality to a building façade.

U: Throughout the 5 year evolution period, how involved were you in the production process?

KD: Whatever the design project is, my role extends from the original concept through production, pricing, marketing and sales, whether it is a building product or the interiors of an apartment building. Ideas are challenged, designs are refined – there is a constant application to the task. Collaboration is essential and part of the joy of projects like these. The expertise from the laboratory, the factory floor and the PGH marketing specialist was vital to the development of this range.

U: How long does it take to produce each individual brick?

KD: Bricks are actually quite fast and easy to make, even ones as sophisticated as the Urban Metals. Hundreds of bricks can be produced in just a few days, its the design and development which is so vital to the success of any product that needs more time and investment.

U: In terms of durability, how do they compare to the standard brick?

KD: Bricks are highly durable and Urban Metals are no exception. The glazed finish makes this range less porous therefore more resistant to environmental factors and graffiti.

U: Are the bricks likely to be sold commercially in future? Do you worry this could take away from the uniqueness of Luminess?

KD: I am proud that Luminess will always be the first development to use these bricks. As a commercial designer, I am looking forward to seeing them on many more buildings – they will look different each time as architects find new ways to integrate bricks into their buildings.

U: What do you believe are the most important factors to consider when designing a landmark development?

KD: For me, it is only a landmark when people recognise it as such, not because of a council designation. All projects are approached in the same way, that is, to create something that addresses objectives and challenges so that the final result contributes positively, even culturally, to people’s lives.

U: What kind of new design processes and technologies are you currently interested in exploring next?

KD: I am currently working with cladding specialist, Cemintel, a company that places great emphasis on cladding that is suitable and safe for buildings. We have just launched a new range, 'Surround', which is prefinished with colour-through technology. It means that buildings can be clad in a range of textures and colours which never need painting and will sustain a beautiful appearance for years. There are other new products in development too, but I can’t tell you about those yet. Another one of those secrets!

<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/e01_exterior_hero.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="794" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/e01_exterior_hero.jpg?itok=AquwQmMg" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Luminess, Essendon</figcaption></figure>
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Olivia Round

Designer Kathy Demos reveals 5-year-long secret design

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The gangland widow Roberta Williams is using the Informer 3838 scandal to lodge an injunction to save her family's Essendon home from being auctioned December 15 by the Tax Office.
The Essendon home that belonged to the late drug lord George Williams is being sold by the ATO after it was seized earlier this year.
The property was being lived in by his daughter in law Roberta Williams after he left the home to his granddaughter Dhakota.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-townhouse-vic-essendon-129916858" target="_blank">home, bereft of any furniture</a>, has a reserve of $750,000 for its December 15 auction.
It has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and sits on an 235 sqm Primrose Street parcel.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/11/19/Ess2.jpg" alt="">
Back in 2009 Carl Williams had a $570,000 tax debt wiped by the Victorian Police as part of a deal helping them with information on a number of murders.
The debt was reinstated by the government a year later when Carl Williams, Roberta's husband, was murdered in prison.
The ATO was made mortgagee of the home in a deal that avoided a forced sale to cover the debt.
Earlier this year Roberta Williams attempted to gain ownership of the home, although failed, as the Supreme Court ruled she had no claim to the house. 
Her last-ditch bid comes in the wake of the Informer 3838 scandal, as the criminal barrister known as Informer 3838, who gave information to police about her underworld clients, represented murdered drug lord Carl Williams.
Roberta had refused to sell the home initially after George's death, claiming no tax debt existed because it was supposed to be wiped away by a 2009 deal struck with Victoria Police in return for Carl providing information about a series of murders committed.
<p data-gtm-vis-recent-on-screen-6236702_632="1544052945911" data-gtm-vis-first-on-screen-6236702_632="1544052945911" data-gtm-vis-total-visible-time-6236702_632="4000" data-gtm-vis-has-fired-6236702_632="1">In 2010, her husband was bashed to death inside Barwon Prison, where he was serving a 35-year sentence for three murders.
Victoria Police cancelled the deal to pay George's tax debt and Roberta argued, as a result, her father-in-law was unconscionably coerced into mortgaging his house to the ATO. This argument was rejected by the Supreme Court.
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Roberta Williams seeks to injunct Essendon home auction

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The Essendon home that belonged to the late drug lord George Williams is being sold by the ATO after it was seized earlier this year.
The property was being lived in by his daughter in law Roberta Williams after he left the home to his granddaughter Dhakota.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-townhouse-vic-essendon-129916858" target="_blank">home, bereft of any furniture</a>, has a reserve of $750,000 for its December 15 auction.
It has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and sits on an 235 sqm Primrose Street parcel.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/11/19/Ess2.jpg" alt="">
In 2015 it was the target of failed arson attacks.
Back in 2009 Carl Williams had a $570,000 tax debt wiped by the Victorian Police as part of a deal helping them with information on a number of murders.
The debt was reinstated by the government a year later when Carl Williams, Roberta's husband, was murdered in prison.
The ATO was made mortgagee of the home in a deal that avoided a forced sale to cover the debt.
Earlier this year Roberta Williams attempted to gain ownership of the home, although failed, as the Supreme Court ruled she had no claim to the house. 
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Robert Williams seeks to injunct Essendon home being auctioned

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Kildare, a 1900s Essendon home that has been transformed by its architect owner, has sold.
The vendor only retained the facade of the home, and renovated and extended the rear into a fully customised family home.
Julia Murphy from McDonald Upton had a $3 million to $3.3 million guide.
The multi-level home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-essendon-129415078" target="_blank">27 Richardson Street</a> comprises four bedrooms, multi-zoned living spaces, sitting room/home office and fully appointed Gaggenau kitchen. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/11/8/ess1.jpg" alt="">
Other features include outdoor entertainment terrace, salt-water pool, rear lane-way access and off-street parking for up to five cars.
The architect-owner has renovated its Kildare’s period facade.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/10/22/essendon%203.jpg" alt="">
It is close to Essendon Station, Mt Alexander Road tram lines, the area’s premier schools and amenity-rich North Essendon Village.
The suburb's median house price sits at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-essendon-129415078" target="_blank"> $1.4 million</a>, according to CoreLogic. 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Transformed Essendon home Kildare sells

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AFL legend Greg 'Diesel' Williams has sold Ardoch Tower, the Essendon trophy home.
Bought for a suburb record $3.08 million in 2004, Williams <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-essendon-129439314" target="_blank">restored the Brewster Street home</a> opposite Essendon Football Club's Windy Hill HQ.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/10/17/williams1.jpg" alt="">
It had $7 million price hopes, and is believed to have sold near that figure, which will make the 1860s Italianate residence the second highest sale in the suburb.
The home, complete with a tower that has 360 degree views across Melbourne, has five bedrooms, three bathrooms and parking for eight cars.
It features 4 metre high decorative ceilings painted by an artist who died on the Titanic.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/10/17/williams3.jpg" alt="">
A swimming pool, spa, tennis court and an all-weather alfresco area with pizza oven sits in the 2,455 sqm resort-style grounds.
Williams, a dual Brownlow Medal winner, played for Carlton, Sydney and Geelong over his 250 game, 13 year career.
 
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Essendon's Ardoch Tower sold by AFL legend Greg 'Diesel' Williams

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Ardoch Tower at Essendon has been listed by AFL great Greg ‘Diesel’ Williams and his wife Mary.
They paid a record $3.08 million when upgrading from nearby in 2004 for the now restored home on its 2453 square metre block opposite Essendon Football Club's Windy Hill headquarters.
It comes with a pool, spa, tennis court and an all-weather alfresco area with a pizza oven in resort-style grounds.
Greg Williams told The Australian earlier this year he was able to move freely again on the tennis court thanks to treatment by Melbourne biotech company Paradigm Biopharma who repurposed an old drug.
The tower in the house boasts 360-degree views across Melbourne.
The former Carlton, Sydney and Geelong star has $7 million expectations for the 1860s Italianate residence.
It features 4 metre high decorative ceilings painted by an artist who died on the Titanic, so the oft-told story suggests.
This article was first published in the Weekend Australian.
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AFL legend Greg 'Diesel' Williams lists in Essendon

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The mass migration of car dealerships from Essendon's Keilor Road is all but complete with the last super site at planning.

Holden's former dealership at 203-211 Keilor Road is now subject to a Peddle Thorp-designed scheme that would turn the sizeable 5,300 square metre site into a showcase of contemporary green design. The pending rebirth of the Holden dealership follows in the footsteps of similar sized lots along Keilor Road which have been developed or hold planning approval.

At Keilor road's expense, the bulk of car dealerships have chosen the expanses of the AutoCentro precinct within Essendon Fields.

Holden's departure is Panorama Investments Pty Ltd gain, the entity snared the site during a 2017 sales campaign. The proposal was lodged with City of Moonee Valley during March this year.

<h2>203-211 Keilor Road application summary</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image13_25.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Keilor Road perspective. Planning image: Peddle Thorp"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="221" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image13_25.jpg?itok=CSywNhKa" title="Keilor Road perspective. Planning image: Peddle Thorp" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Keilor Road perspective. Planning image: Peddle Thorp</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site area: 5303.52 sqm with a primary 110m frontage to Keilor Road</li>
	<li>Proposed 7 levels at 23.7m in height</li>
	<li>121 apartments: 17 x 1BR, 85 x 2BR, 19 x 3BR</li>
	<li>Ground floor retail/commercial space: 2,130sqm</li>
	<li>2 basement levels for 247 vehicles and 131 bicycles</li>
	<li>Internal green space/courtyard and rooftop terrace</li>
</ul>
Retail tenancies will front the primary Keilor Road frontage, along with the secondary Cooper Street and Roberts Street frontages. The design's southern aspect has chosen a particularly green method of addressing the neighbouring detached properties.

Vertical and horizontal green plantings boards serve to bolster privacy whilst also providing a softer, more aesthetically pleasing outlook form the perspective of existing adjoining properties. 

Between the green facade and Peddle Thorp's inclusion of design features such as elevated bridges and an angular build form expression to Keilor Road, 203-211 Keilor Road has been billed as capable of "setting a benchmark in urban design and architectural resolution for the area".

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image14_19.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Interface with adjoining detached properties. Planning image: Peddle Thorp"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="275" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image14_19.jpg?itok=A63Luil6" title="Interface with adjoining detached properties. Planning image: Peddle Thorp" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Interface with adjoining detached properties. Planning image: Peddle Thorp</figcaption></figure>In the wider Keilor Road context, 203-211 Keilor Road is the latest project which adds to an already robust pipeline of projects. At construction is <a href="/buildings/parkside-apartments-64-keilor-road-essendon-north">Parkside Apartments</a> at 64 Keilor Road, whilst <a href="/buildings/curve-294-296-keilor-road-essendon-north">Curve Apartments</a> at 294-296 Keilor Road is awaiting the arrival of a builder onsite.

These projects combined will add approximately 125 apartments.

<a href="/new-apartments/113-keilor-road-essendon">113 Keilor Road</a> and 261 Keilor Road are more modest apartment projects in waiting, although two relative brutes stand to add 350 apartments between them. <a href="/new-apartments/144-160-keilor-road-essendon-north">144-160 Keilor Road</a> and <a href="/new-apartments/165-169-keilor-road-essendon">165-169 Keilor Road</a> are both substantial approved apartment projects, with the latter also accounting for a former car dealership.
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silvermb

Keilor Road's last car dealership goes to apartments and goes super green

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Essendon's house price record has been broken yet again - for the third time in eight months.
The record price in the northwest Melbourne suburbs was secured when a 1930s Tudor-style mansion at 41 Leslie Road is understood to have fetched about $8 million earlier this month.
The historic six-bedroom home — occupying a 2168 square metre landholding with a tennis court and pool — had been quoted at $7.775 million to $8.5 million by McDonald Upton Essendon.
It has taken the benchmark from 1903 landmark Enderby at 1 Riverview Road, which sold for more than $5.5 million in March.
The neighbouring 3 Riverview Road’s $4.53 million record sale from September.
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