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

Joel Robinson

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

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

Sammut secures approval for debut Brisbane apartment development in Toowong

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

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

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

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

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

WM Residences fills gap in Mordialloc townhouse market

Fender Katsalidis

<html><body>
Located in the of Sydney, Liverpool has just cemented itself as Sydney’s third CBD with the approval of the city’s tallest commercial office tower designed by <a href="/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>. 
Developed by Macky Corp, the tower stands as a new gateway to Liverpool with 23 levels of grade A office space, 1,500sqm of co-working space and 640sqm of ground retail space. 
Additionally, the refurbishment of the New Commercial Hotel alongside with a two level development known as ‘The Stables’ which reflects the current heritage landscape and will be the podium to the curved glass tower above. The design draws upon the aesthetic of Liverpool’s brick buildings, green corridors and riverbank. The elegantly curved design of the tower is shaped to allow sunlight to enter the heritage precinct below. 
The alley with boutique retail, eateries, cafes and bars stretching from Bigge Street to Scott Street will provide <a href="/new-apartments/liverpool-nsw-2170">Liverpool</a> residents with a destination that the area truly deserves and has been long awaited. 
 

<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/fk_liverpool_aerial_day_20_lg_07_low_res.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Render of the Liverpool Quarter precinct with incorporated civic space and heritage buildings."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="829" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/fk_liverpool_aerial_day_20_lg_07_low_res.jpg?itok=PjFdIjZd" title="Render of the Liverpool Quarter precinct with incorporated civic space and heritage buildings." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Render of the Liverpool Quarter precinct with incorporated civic space and heritage buildings.</figcaption></figure> “Liverpool Quarter is a landmark project that will transform the area and enhance its surrounds,” says <a href="/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a> director Mark Curzon. “The building will act as a regional marker welcoming ones arrival into the city whilst creating an exciting new civic precinct celebrating its heritage.”

The Liverpool Quarter development is a response to the growing commercial interest in the area with the approval of nearby Western Sydney Airport and intimate connectivity to the Sydney CBD via public transport services. The development is welcomed by the Liverpool City Council as a perfect example for the type of developmental growth the new CBD needs.

“What drew us to Liverpool was the unprecedented infrastructure investment. We were attracted to this site given it was opposite the train station but also because of the three-storey heritage pub that was once the gateway to the city from the river and the east. Liverpool Quarter will stand proud as the gateway to the city and the refurbished pub alongside The Stables will create a destinational food and beverage precinct” says <a href="/news/mackycorp-lines-up-a-major-liverpool-office-development">Macky Corp</a> director Michael Hercus. 
 

<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/fk_liverpool_plazaviewin_146_lg_07.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Liverpool Quarter's plaza and community space"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="290" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/fk_liverpool_plazaviewin_146_lg_07.jpg?itok=X1NhqUlj" title="Liverpool Quarter's plaza and community space" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Liverpool Quarter's plaza and community space</figcaption></figure> 
Katsalidis design gives plenty of “breathing space” between the existing New Commercial Hotel and the new tower, providing the area with a high level of community engaged, civic space.

“The people of Liverpool and the south-west deserve better. They are tired of travelling great distances to work and to experience quality food, beer and wine in a clean and safe environment. Liverpool Quarter will be a place for the people of Liverpool and the south-west to be proud of and call their own” says Hercus.

<a href="/new-apartments?bedrooms%5Bvalue%5D=0&amp;bedrooms%5Bvalue2%5D=5&amp;bedroom-prices%5Bvalue%5D=0&amp;bedroom-prices%5Bvalue2%5D=8&amp;field_local_government_area_name=Sydney%20%28City%29">Sydney CBD</a> and <a href="/new-apartments/parramatta-nsw">Parramatta</a> have been leading the commercial office market with low vacancy levels at 0.8% in some areas for A grade office buildings. Located opposite Liverpool Station, the $210 million dollar development will be amongst local destinations such as Macquarie Street, Biggie Park, Georges River, Liverpool Hospital and Westfield Liverpool and changes the shape and evolution of Australia’s fourth oldest town.

Liverpool’s current population of 210,000 is expected to explode to over 331,000 by 2036, thus being dubbed Sydney’s third CBD to which residents will be able to find pride and engage in their community.

<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/fk_liverpool_streetplazaend_62_lg_07_low_res.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The incorporated New Commercial Hotel and Stables entrance"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="290" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/fk_liverpool_streetplazaend_62_lg_07_low_res.jpg?itok=o2EVIOXt" title="The incorporated New Commercial Hotel and Stables entrance" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The incorporated New Commercial Hotel and Stables entrance</figcaption></figure>Construction of the tower commences in late 2019 with an expected completion in late 2021. 
All images by Fender Katsalidis
</body></html>

Nick Dante

Fender Katsalidis' Liverpool Quarter Tower receives the green light

<html><body>
Iconic Australian architecture firm <a href="/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a> has just signed a contract to lead the design of Kingston Arts Precinct in Canberra. The mixed-use precinct will be located adjacent to Lake Burley Griffen and will provide a place for multiple arts organisations to gather and create. Fender Katsalidis Director David Sutherland explains that the precinct will endeavour to deliver a “more cohesive and community-focused arts experience in Canberra”.

The project falls under the $78 million urban renewal project will see an underutilised space transform into a thriving precinct.

<blockquote>
“We have deeply considered the public realm and its relationship with the existing heritage buildings in our plans as these are emblematic within the urban canvas. The project ties in nicely with our completed and ongoing work in Canberra as well as our broader work in promoting the arts in Australia.”
</blockquote>

David Sutherland, Fender Katsalidis Director

Joining Fender Katsalidis in the collaborative project will be developers Geocon and landscape architects Oculus.

Nick Georgalis, founder and managing director at Geocon has confirmed that contracts have now been signed, and the team are ready to commence work to bring the project to life.

<blockquote>
“Canberrans are looking to us, to bring culture, vibrancy and excitement to the Kingston Foreshore and we are now ready to deliver.”
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/170421_-_kingston_arts_precinct_-_v06_-_id.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image credit: Fender Katsalidis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/170421_-_kingston_arts_precinct_-_v06_-_id.jpg?itok=pwDcVMkk" title="Image credit: Fender Katsalidis" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image credit: Fender Katsalidis</figcaption></figure>Oculus Founder Bob Earl, also referred to the area as a  “The public domain will be a broad canvas for a series of public experiences and events forming the heart of a thriving creative hub.”

Historically, Fender Katsalidis Architects have designed many arts precincts across Australia, including Mona in Hobart, Buxton Contemporary in Melbourne, Ian Potter Museum of Art in Melbourne, Bendigo Art Gallery Melbourne and more.

Arts organisations to be situated within the new precinct include:

<ul>
<li>Canberra Glassworks</li>
	<li>Megalo</li>
	<li>M16 Artspace</li>
	<li>Craft ACT</li>
	<li>Canberra Contemporary Artspace</li>
	<li>PhotoAccess</li>
	<li>ArtSound</li>
</ul>
Lead image credit: Fender Katsalidis Architects
</body></html>

Olivia Round

Fender Katsalidis Architects add another arts precinct project to their collection

<html><body>
The City of Melbourne via its Future Melbourne Committee last night resolved to provide support for an amended design to Lendlease's Melbourne Quarter Tower in Docklands.

Replacing an earlier endorsed scheme for a 27-storey office building of 92,086 sqm (GFA), the revised design would instead rise 32-storeys above Wurundjeri Way for an overall height of 147.15m and a GFA of 101,998sqm, thus making it Docklands' tallest building.

Height and GFA aside, the form of the tower has also changed with Woods Bagot adopting a 'curved' sweeping form that is concave in plan to the west and a concave to the east. This replaces DCM's more rectilinear scheme which also included a protruding volume at its summit, known as the 'Sky Room'.

Internally the new scheme also features four x three-storey terraces above level 21, where the low-rise lift banks drop-off, though City of Melbourne believes these could be better expressed externally to aid in reducing the visual mass of the tower further.

<blockquote>
"Noting the visibility of the form particularly from across the Fairfax building, we encourage the more direct expression of the terrace and common areas where the low rise lift drops off above Level 21. The expression of 
these spaces in the elevation would greatly enhance the presentation of this long elevation through creating ‘moments’ of interest centrally within the façade, with depth, shadow play and vegetation visible. A shift to a legible winter garden or louvred glazing approach would be strongly encouraged."

- City of Melbourne's Urban Design team
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/mqt_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A reimagined Melbourne Quarter Tower. Image: Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="884" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mqt_0.jpg?itok=512liRq0" title="A reimagined Melbourne Quarter Tower. Image: Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A re-imagined Melbourne Quarter Tower. Image: Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure>The City of Melbourne's Urban Design team was otherwise supportive of the design changes highlighting the curvilinear form as adding to the diversity of the architecture in the area.  According to the Urban Design Team, the introduction of fins to add shade and depth and an ordering grid was also a welcome addition however, encouraged further development of this.

Meanwhile, work continues on another Woods Bagot-designed commercial tower in the precinct - the 25-storey Two Melbourne Quarter, with the first of the facade panels installed.

Two Melbourne Quarter joins Fender Katsalidis' East Tower which is shooting up to its eventual height of 143m and 41-storeys.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/redden_2mq.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="L-R: Two Melbourne Quarter | East Tower. Images: redden"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="216" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/redden_2mq.jpg?itok=3D2McpxK" title="L-R: Two Melbourne Quarter | East Tower. Images: redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>L-R: Two Melbourne Quarter | East Tower. Images: redden</figcaption></figure>Lendlease has already completed One Melbourne Quarter and stage 1 of the SkyPark, with the second stage to be delivered as part of Melbourne Quarter Tower.

With City of Melbourne's support in hand, the final planning hurdle to overcome remains Planning Minister Richard Wynne, although this would appear to be a mere formality.

It is expected Lendlease will look to secure an anchor tenant or significant pre-commitment for Melbourne Quarter Tower prior to commencing construction.
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Laurence Dragomir

City of Melbourne provides support for revised Melbourne Quarter Tower

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Property developer Riverlee has today announced that Australia’s first '1 Hotel' will open at its $450 million Seafarers development on Melbourne's Northbank.  The 1 Hotel brand is part of the award-winning hotel group SH Hotels &amp; Resorts, which maintains an exemplary environmental responsibility and has already gained worldwide recognition since opening its first three hotels in the United States including, Brooklyn Bridge and Central Park in New York, and South Beach in Miami.

<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/skyline_1_bedroom_suite_living_room_1_hotel_brooklyn_bridge_new_york.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/skyline_1_bedroom_suite_living_room_1_hotel_brooklyn_bridge_new_york.jpg?itok=tl2tSJ6F" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>1 Hotel, Brooklyn Bridge, NYC. Credit: Riverlee</figcaption></figure><figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/1_hotel_south_beach_miami.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="423" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1_hotel_south_beach_miami.jpg?itok=yMFvm8uK" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>1 Hotel, South Beach, Miami. Credit: Riverlee</figcaption></figure> 

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/1_hotel_central_park_new_york.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="436" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1_hotel_central_park_new_york.jpg?itok=GygidOGR" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>1 Hotel, Central Park, NYC. Credit: Riverlee</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
“We’re excited to bring 1 Hotels to Australia, working alongside a world-class organization like Riverlee. As a mission-driven brand, we look forward to creating the finest destination in the heart of Melbourne.”

- Arash Azarbarzin, SH Hotels &amp; Resorts President
</blockquote>

Approval for Seafarers was granted <a href="/news/riverlees-seafarers-place-gains-ministerial-approval-construction-to-commence-in-2019">late last year</a>, with the plan to redevelop the Northbank Goods Shed and rejuvenate the disused industrial site. Riverlee has already <a href="/news/riverlee-restores-melbournes-last-remaining-original-electric-crane">restored the wharf and Melbourne's last-remaining original electric crane</a>, which was relocated to the eastern end of Goods Shed No. 5.

<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/1hotel1.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1hotel1.jpg?itok=_Sfpw-O3" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>1 Hotel planned location. Credit: Riverlee</figcaption></figure>1 Hotel will contain 280 luxury guest rooms, designed in association with Melbourne architectural firm Fender Katsalidis. The design will integrate 1 Hotel’s international vision, blending luxury with sustainability to highlight the beauty of nature. 

The hotel will be situated on the Yarra River, with optimum viewpoints from every angle. Inside the hotel, reclaimed artefacts and playful sea-life inspired artwork are scattered throughout the property.

<blockquote>
“This includes recycled and reclaimed materials from the site restoration, as well as native greenery and industrial steel.

At Riverlee, we pride ourselves on urban renewal. We are committed to rebuilding connections between people and places by delivering a masterplanned precinct that is rich in history, adding to Melbourne’s vibrant culture.” 

- David Lee, Riverlee’s Development Director via The Hotel Conversation
</blockquote>

Guests will also be able to enjoy a premium wellness centre, 1000-seat function auditorium, exquisite lobby bar and a variety of world-class dining options.

<blockquote>
“Riverlee’s investment is great news for Victorians and will create more than 500 local jobs. Securing one of the world’s top luxury hotel operators in Victoria is a clear vote of confidence in our visitor economy, our world-class infrastructure, our exceptional local produce and retail talent.”

- Martin Pakula, Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade
</blockquote>

<a href="/news/riverlees-seafarers-place-gains-ministerial-approval-construction-to-commence-in-2019">The entire Seafarers design</a> will be undertaken by an expert team, with architecture by Fender Katsalidis, interiors by Carr Design and landscaping by Oculus. A 3,500 square metre park will be created for public use, as well as 140 luxury residences, commercial spaces, and restoration of the historic wharf and heritage-listed crane.

1 Hotel is expected to open in 2022. Follow the progress of the Seafarers development <a href="/developments/docklands-vic-3008">here</a>. 
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Riverlee announces 1 Hotel for $450m ‘Seafarers’ project

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Construction has commenced on GPT Group's $300 million office development at 32 Smith Street in Parramatta with representatives from the development team and anchor tenant QBE on hand to mark the occasion at a ground breaking ceremony last Friday.

<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/0d3a9232.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="L-R: Matthew Faddy, GPT Head of Office &amp; Logistics Renee Roberts, QBE Australia Pacific Chief Operating Officer Mark Curzon, Director at Fender Katsalidis. Image: Supplied" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="451" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/0d3a9232.jpg?itok=grpuRi-B" title="L-R: Matthew Faddy, GPT Head of Office &amp; Logistics Renee Roberts, QBE Australia Pacific Chief Operating Officer Mark Curzon, Director at Fender Katsalidis. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>L-R: Matthew Faddy, GPT Head of Office &amp; Logistics Renee Roberts, QBE Australia Pacific Chief Operating Officer Mark Curzon, Director at Fender Katsalidis. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure>The 29-storey tower has been designed by Fender Katsalidis Architects (FKA) and joins the growing chorus of projects reinvigorating Parramatta and reinforcing its credentials as a design-led city.

Located on a 2,439 sqm gateway site on the corner of Smith and Phillip streets, 32 Smith Street, is just a stone's throw away from the $1.2 billion Riverbank cultural and entertainment precinct, and the $2 billion Parramatta Square.

Parramatta Square represents NSW's largest urban renewal project and will upon completion, provide new chambers for Parramatta City Council, a public library and a vertical campus for Western Sydney University.

These projects,together with pother major commercial and residential projects, including the restoration of the historic, 700-seat Roxy Theatre are leading the charge for Parramatta as it sets its sights on becoming Sydney’s second CBD. 

On the design front, FKA have conceived a tower which it says gracefully opens up the site’s ground level to the public with a set-back podium and two softly rounded, pebble-like forms that encourage pedestrian usage.

According to FKA, the tower is simple in form and has been shaped as a building in the round, with its curved pebble form reducing glare and wind to create a "friendly sculptural tower."

<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/fkmed_17020_6262.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="32 Smith Street's forecourt. Image: Supplied" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="425" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/fkmed_17020_6262.jpg?itok=VZacbr8g" title="32 Smith Street's forecourt. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>32 Smith Street's forecourt. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure>The Fender Katsalidis design was selected from a competitive jury process led by the Parramatta City Council with its sense of civic contribution amongst the design's strong points.

The tower is imagined as a glazed form which rises above this civic ground level, creating what will become the most translucent building on the Parramatta skyline.

32 Smith Street has also been designed with an eye on the future. Its car parking is raised 12m above ground, to a full-height storey, allowing for future conversion to commercial programme.

Located above the car parking is an “oasis level” featuring an outdoor terrace that provides views to the Parramatta River, as well as a datum which responds to the existing scale of the street wall, highlighting the base of the tower.

At its summit, the building is crowned by a tree-lined open-air terrace, allowing tenants elevated views of Parramatta River and the emerging Parramatta skyline beyond.

Insurer QBE will move into the building as its major tenant, when it is completed in late-2020.

<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/fkmed_17020_6266.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="32 Smith Street's street level interface. Image: Supplied" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="420" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/fkmed_17020_6266.jpg?itok=TqahkZNf" title="32 Smith Street's street level interface. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>32 Smith Street's street level interface. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
“GPT is excited to be delivering such a well-designed and future thinking asset into Parramatta. 32 Smith will be Parramatta’s standout office building and will play an important role in the transformation of the Parramatta CBD that is now underway.”

- Matthew Faddy, GPT’s Head of Office &amp; Logistics
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
 “Parramatta is currently undergoing a marvellous urban renewal and it’s notable for the quality of design on a number of significant cultural and commercial projects. 

We are extremely proud of this project and believe it makes a significant contribution to the design-led renewal of Parramatta. Both the City of Parramatta and the NSW Government are driving this with a strong vision for the city to become a world-class business, arts and education centre with excellent design underpinning the emerging precinct.

We recognised the way pedestrians currently move around the site, which is on Parramatta’s primary north–south axis, and wanted to both open up the corner and provide a strong visual connection to the river.

The pedestrian flow-lines began to shape the podium into soft, pebble-like forms. These open up the river vista and create an impressive north-facing urban ‘room’, an open-air gathering space given shelter and shade by the building’s main tower form.

We worked hard at transforming the existing street wall into one cohesive, dynamic public realm and commercial environment.”

- Mark Curzon, Fender Katsalidis director
</blockquote>

 
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32 Smith Street's construction continues the rise of Parramatta

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Salta's 695-699 LaTrobe Street development is a step closer to being realised following the City of Melbourne providing conditional support for the project via its Future Committee meeting last night. The 29-storey development would rise to an overall height of 94.5m and provide an entry and gateway statement into the precinct.

Located on the corner of LaTrobe Street and Harbour Esplanade, the Fender Katsalidis-designed tower would add 197 hotel rooms under the Hotel Indigo brand in addition to 26 serviced apartments and 276 apartments on one of the last undeveloped plots of land around Marvel Stadium

When it first unveiled the latest design for the site two years ago, Salta announced that it would develop the tower under the 'build-to-rent' model, which would have been a first in Victoria.

Grocon's <a href="/news/bates-smarts-julian-anderson-discusses-build-to-rent">Home Southbank</a> will instead claim that title with the site already cleared in preparation for construction of a 60-storey tower, designed by Bates Smart.

<blockquote>
“Once developed, instead of selling the residential aspects of the building we will retain the 260 apartments and offer them as long-term multi-family leases – a tried and proven concept in overseas markets that will be new for Victorians. Prices in the Melbourne rental market are also increasing at alarming rates, so we are exploring a concept to respond to this situation and provide Victorians with a different housing option."

- Sam Tarascio, Salta Properties Managing Director (May 2017)
</blockquote>

City of Melbourne's Urban Design team cited the lack of a typical podium articulation and the loss of three expressed volumes along the waterfront elevation as its key concerns, features the earlier endorsed scheme displayed.

In response Fender Katsalidis have introduced vertical 'breaks' between the fluid, wave forms in addition to vertical timber fins to the lower levels to provide some articulation of a 'base' and gradation detail to the public realm. 

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/699-latrobe_before_after.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="695 LaTrobe Street Before and After. Images: FKA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="195" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/699-latrobe_before_after.jpg?itok=3ElzNV3_" title="695 LaTrobe Street Before and After. Images: FKA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>695 LaTrobe Street Before and After. Images: FKA</figcaption></figure>City of Melbourne's endorsement of 695 LaTrobe Street represents the next wave of Docklands projects and comes hot off the heels of Council also providing conditional support for the next two stages of Lendlease's Collins Wharf development at Victoria Harbour.

The dual tower development of 27 &amp; 28-storeys respectively, will inject 659 dwellings into the precinct and will extend the Docklands skyline ever closer to the Bolte Bridge. The City of Melbourne planners had asked architects Warren and Mahoney to revisit the facade strategy for CW3 to better distinguish the two towers, reflected in the planning elevation below;

<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/collins_wharf_23_elevation.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="No.2 &amp; No.3 Collins Wharf elevation. Planning Image: Warren and Mahoney"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="353" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/collins_wharf_23_elevation.jpg?itok=DnTkpu3S" title="No.2 &amp; No.3 Collins Wharf elevation. Planning Image: Warren and Mahoney" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>No.2 &amp; No.3 Collins Wharf elevation. Planning Image: Warren and Mahoney</figcaption></figure>The final say on both developments rests with Planning Minister Richard Wynne's department.
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City of Melbourne provides conditional support for Salta's Docklands project

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Last week, GURNER™ unveiled the first designs its most ambitious project to date - the $550m '<a href="/buildings/saint-moritz-st-kilda-14-16-the-esplanade-st-kilda">Saint Moritz</a>' - located on a high-profile 6,000 sqm site at 14-16 The Esplanade, once occupied by the the Saint Moritz Ice Rink.

Now home of the Novotel Hotel the site will be transformed into three, ultra-luxurious 8-storey towers comprising 120 apartments in total as part of a vision for creating "the world’s most exclusive and opulent residential addresses, featuring amenities for residents that exceed standards set in the most luxurious hotels in the world." 

GURNER™ has engaged Fender Katsalidis and Koichi Takada Architects to amend the permitted plans for the site, which has a long history on Urban.com.au - we <a href="/news/a-new-beginning-for-st-kildas-novotel">first reported on plans</a> for the site four years ago to the day.

Fender Katsalidis will assume the role of lead architect for the development while Koichi Takada Architects is responsible for the design of one of the three buildings, providing the development with design diversity.

<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/novotel_redevelopment.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Render of previous permitted development for the site. Image: Metier3"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="367" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/novotel_redevelopment.png?itok=JcZ-x8W0" title="Render of previous permitted development for the site. Image: Metier3" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Render of previous permitted development for the site. Image: Metier3</figcaption></figure>Under revised plans for the site, the number of apartments has been reduced from 240 down to 120 across three buildings - up from the permitted two - set amongst oasis-style landscapes designed by Jack Merlo.

The first of the three buildings, Pacific House, is set to launch to the public in June this year, and will feature 45 residences with an average price-point of $4m and interiors by David Hicks.

A $30 million 650sqm penthouse will sit atop Pacific House complete with two private pools, seven bedrooms, a seven car private garage with direct access lift, four living rooms, in-home sauna, gym and 150sqm outdoor terrace offering panoramic views of the bay stretching to the city skyline.

The double-storey penthouse was recently snapped up by a high-profile Melbourne family and in the process has smashed Melbourne’s price record for the most expensive apartment sale. The sale, contracted off-market prior to the development’s public launch has achieved an unprecedented rate of $40,000 per square metre. The price is 20 per cent higher than the previous Melbourne record and is the second highest in Australia, second only to the $40m record price achieved for an apartment in Sydney.

According to GURNER™ founder and director TIm Gurner, they are currently designing another penthouse in the second building that will be priced in the vicinity of $25m to $30m in response to the successful sale and demand for such a unique offering.

This will be launched as part of the ‘Penthouse Collection,' comprising ten residences across the three buildings priced from $5million up to $25million-plus. 

<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/in22_-_bld_a_-_penthouse_pool_terrace.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The pool terrace of the $30m penthouse. Image: GURNER™"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="348" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/in22_-_bld_a_-_penthouse_pool_terrace.jpg?itok=Y-jE2kjJ" title="The pool terrace of the $30m penthouse. Image: GURNER™" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The pool terrace of the $30m penthouse in Pacific House. Image: GURNER™</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
We believe the luxury end of the market has been waiting for something like this to come along, with significant depth and demand for the right project offering the right level of luxury.

Our vision for Saint Moritz was to reimagine luxury living in Australia, looking to the world’s most iconic luxury waterfront developments to create something that will never be repeated again.

This is without a doubt the most ambitious and luxurious development we have ever created and I will ensure personally that every miniscule detail of this project is delivered to far exceed expectations.

Karl Fender describes the design as ‘invisible design’ - a timeless masterpiece, with curves inspired by the sand and waves of the bay that will stand the test of time.

(The) penthouse has been designed to be the best in Australia and arguably one of the best in the world.

We initially designed the penthouse with a floorplan of over 1,300sqm and an even bigger price-tag however the early feedback we have received from our local and international clientele was that a penthouse of this size would be too big even for them.

We had no intention of selling the prized penthouse until the launch, but once word got out we were swamped with interested buyers – all local Melbourne identities who quickly realised this will be Melbourne’s and arguably Australia’s best residential address. 

We had five interested buyers and two quickly became very competitive. We worked with the successful buyer to design and customise the penthouse with them before formalising the sale – a process that has now been completed.

- Tim Gurner, GURNER™ founder and director
</blockquote>
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GURNER™ reimagines luxury living in St Kilda with sale of $30m penthouse

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Local developer Beulah International recently settled on all apartments at their now complete Hallmark development in Ivanhoe - defying market trends,.

Located on Norman Street in Ivanhoe, the development was designed by Fender Katsalidis, comprising a range of one, two, three and four bedroom apartments. Featuring an exterior based on classical proportions, the project combines travertine and bronze, ensuring it fits in seamlessly and contributes to the character of Ivanhoe .

Despite the ongoing concerns surrounding the industry, 100 per cent of the luxury residences were settled within two weeks of the settlement date, with more than 50 per cent settled prior to the scheduled settlement day.

Funded locally by NAB, the project has now been fully repaid, with more than 80 per cent of bank debts paid before settlement day, highlighting Beulah’s ability to secure and repay debt early when many are facing their own challenges doing so.

Urban.com.au spoke to Beulah International Managing Director Jiaheng Chan about the project's success and Beula International's view of the current market conditions.

Urban.com.au: What do you attribute the success of Hallmark to in the current property climate? Does this reinforce the strength of the Beulah International brand? 

Jiaheng Chan: Great design and delivery. Even when our homes are priced at a premium compared to nearby properties, our purchasers and the wider market see the value of our property. We believe our property's enhanced value also lifts that of the surrounding area bringing benefit to our neighbours. 

This reinforces our brand as a trusted and financially strong developer that continues to deliver, taking design and liveability seriously.

U: What do you believe developments need to succeed in a tighter lending environment but also to attract prospective purchasers, particularly when there is so much competition?

JC: Developers need to remain financially strong and importantly, place a continued focus on great design-led homes. Being in the midst of uncertainties, this will allow developers to maintain the ability to deliver in tough market conditions. 

U: What do you think the effects of the Banking Royal Commission report will have on the market and the way you approach developments?

JC: We are yet to see how the recommendations in the report will be adopted by the government and the market, but we will continue to monitor the progress of this and adapt accordingly.

U: Do you see the success of Hallmark as a sign of confidence in the luxury end of the market and how does this influence your thinking on future projects?

JC: We certainly observed that the luxury end has its challenges too. Australia's population continues to grow and owner-occupiers in all sectors are still looking for homes. 

We see the success of Hallmark as a sign of confidence, particularly with regards to our ethos that good design matters. It reinforces that our commitment to deliver design-led homes and spaces to our residents is the right direction for Beulah.

U: And finally what are your expectations over the next 12 months?

JC: Things are changing daily so it's difficult to predict. With the changing residential market condition, we have prepared for multiples scenarios. We are cautiously optimistic about the next 12 months in the residential space and are prepared to weather the storm with the homes and spaces we are offering the market. 

We are also excited to venture into the commercial office, retail and hotel sector with each having its own changing and vibrant market dynamics.
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Beulah International's Jiaheng Chan discusses the success of Hallmark Ivanhoe in light of current market conditions

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Developer Riverlee has achieved a major milestone at its $450 million Seafarers Place development on the Yarra's Northbank, with the restoration of the last-remaining original electric crane in Melbourne now complete. The restored crane forms a key pillar in Riverlee's plans for the mixed-use project which has been designed by architects Fender Katsalidis in tandem with landscape architects Oculus. 

With a construction start date of Q1 2020, Seafarers Place will upon completion, comprise 145 luxury residences, a 5-star hotel, a 1000-seat function centre set within the shell of the former Goods Shed No.5 and a 3,500 sqm public park.

<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/seafarers_place.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of Seafarers Place. Image: Riverlee"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="361" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/seafarers_place.jpg?itok=aDeFa6dv" title="Artist's impression of Seafarers Place. Image: Riverlee" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of Seafarers Place. Image: Riverlee</figcaption></figure>According to Riverlee, it's passion for successful urban renewal meant it was important that the mixed-use development was sympathetic to the wharf’s industrial past. As such, Riverlee undertook a collaborative process to restore the 1948 crane, which which was recognised in 2002 for its historical significance to Victoria, forming part of the most intact cargo berth in the Port of Melbourne from the pre-containerisation era.

The crane has been carefully restored by Maritime contractor Freyssinet working with Lovell Chen to ensure structural integrity. Detailed preservation methodology and processes were implemented to ensure that any repair works undertaken were well considered and provided optimum preservation outcome for the heritage crane. This was achieved with input from Riverlee, the City of Melbourne, Department of Planning, Department of Treasury and Finance and Heritage Victoria

Originally located on the west end of Goods Shed No. 5, Riverlee opted to relocate the restored crane to the eastern end to provide improved public access, and to integrate it with the proposed Seafarers Rest Park. 

The wharf, which dates back to the immediate post-war era, has also undergone significant refurbishment as part of the project, paving the way for construction to begin in earnest.

<h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
We are excited to bring the rich history of the site back to life as much as possible and in particular, the restoration of the crane was so important to both Riverlee and the various partners involved.

The crane demonstrates what a lively area the wharf once was in the mid-1900s, and alludes to a similar atmosphere that is about to come to the new Northbank precinct.

We look forward to continuing to tell the story of the site’s historical relevance and reference its history throughout our project.

- David Lee, Riverlee Development Director
</blockquote>
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Riverlee restores Melbourne's last remaining original electric crane

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The City of Melbourne - via its Future (Planning) Committee - has thrown its support behind a development proposal at 407-415 King Street in West Melbourne, albeit with a caveat attached to it by way of a reduction in height.

DCF Property's latest development proposal for a 19-storey tower on the current site of Flagstaff House, would include the internal demolition of the two-storey building which is covered by a heritage overlay. Completed in 1968, Flagstaff House was designed by Yuncken Freeman with the individual heritage overlay (HO842) pertaining to the exterior only. 

The approval paves the way for the construction of a 60m building accommodating 258 hotel rooms, two function spaces on the roof level and a 177 sqm restaurant located on the ground floor. The Fender Katsalidis-designed scheme replaces a previous application which was refused at VCAT in April 2017.

<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/flagstaff_house_previous.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Previous schemes proposed for the site"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="241" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/flagstaff_house_previous.jpg?itok=GiJr9Xz9" title="Previous schemes proposed for the site" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Previous schemes proposed for the site</figcaption></figure>First submitted in May 2016, the initial proposal designed by Plus Architecture, sought approval for a 69m high mixed-use tower featuring apartments and hotel rooms. According to the City of Melbourne, 'had a failure appeal not been lodged, the application would have been refused due to significant concerns relating to heritage, built form and design matters'.

One of the key considerations VCAT cited in its verdict, was that any redevelopment of Flagstaff House must provide an appropriate design response and built form outcome. The new proposal seeks a reduced scope of demolition works than previously proposed, with the intent to retain the buttress elements and other notable features determined by VCAT.

The proposed tower is expressed as a single form, rising above and beyond Flagstaff House. The introduction of setbacks and a more proportionally appealing massing, allows Flagstaff House to 'read as a strong element therefore allowing for the real appreciation of it’s form', says the planning officer report.  Additionally, the design and materials proposed are considered 'respectful' and complement Flagstaff House's Modernist architecture. 

<blockquote>
The new tower form can, in my view, be accommodated upon the existing heritage building. The proposal now presents legibly as respecting and responding to the heritage host. The proposed design is evidently in keeping 
with and a complement to the heritage host.

As a form of a contrasting scale, of considerably greater bulk and presence than the host, the evident response to the host building should enable the new presence to be seen as following from 
the host and so to a degree as secondary to the host.

Whilst a smaller building, it is my expectation that the original building will retain a primacy of presence given the responsive composition of the new, which follows directly from that of the heritage host.

- City of Melbourne's Heritage Advisor
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/407-415_king_street_inline.png" rel="gallery-all" title="The retained Flagstaff House, incorporated into the new hotel design. Planning image: FK Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="334" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/407-415_king_street_inline.png?itok=tve4fnqr" title="The retained Flagstaff House, incorporated into the new hotel design. Planning image: FK Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The retained Flagstaff House, incorporated into the new hotel design. Planning image: Fender Katsalidis</figcaption></figure>FK are proposing a material palette which comprises clear and feature glazing, a combination of black steel paint and anodised finishes based on the existing heritage elements. A bronze metal canopy will provide a flourish of colour to the streetscape.

The City of Melbourne's Urban Design team also expressed their support for the amended design noting the additional ‘bay’ to the upper floor facades and the removal of service louvres to King and Batman Street have resulted in an improved outcome which satisfies previous feedback provided. Interestingly, the Urban Design team didn't express any concern regarding the proposed height.

Despite its general support, the City of Melbourne is seeking a reduction in height down to 53m (excluding the lift overrun) or the equivalent of two-storeys. According to planning officers, the 53m height will also ensure that 'the proposed tower steps down from the adjoining (development at Flagstaff Green) which is at a height of approximately 66m'.
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