Lewis Land's latest apartment release within its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/harbour-shores-biggera-waters-564-oxley-drive-biggera-waters-qld-4216">Harbour Shores</a> masterplan is targeting one of the Gold Coast's fastest-growing buyer groups, with almost a third of apartments at Solis priced below $1 million.

The seven-storey building at Biggera Waters will comprise 91 apartments, including 24 one-bedroom residences starting from $778,000, a price point Lewis Land says is aimed squarely at first home buyers struggling to enter the Gold Coast market.

<img alt="Harbour Shires" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e7486e37-22f6-4c92-b212-9b0622070b8f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-08%20at%209.09.34%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=W8MJwJUCf6HkIyl_EVSksnd.QI6MZryY" />

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/lewis-land-group">Lewis Land</a> Head of Development Michael Long said the developer deliberately allocated a significant proportion of the project to more affordable apartment types.

"First home buyers have been priced out of many parts of the Gold Coast, and we saw a clear opportunity to address this and play our part in a longer-term housing solution," Long said.

"That's why 24 of the 91 apartments being delivered at Solis have been designed and priced for the city's next generation of homeowners, quality one-bedroom apartments, half of which include an additional multipurpose room to maximise space and flexibility.

"This approach places 30 per cent of apartments in Solis under $1 million, and with close proximity to Harbour Town's future light rail extension connecting residents to the city's major employment and knowledge hubs, it's a win for buyers looking to secure their first property."

<img alt="Sores" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="550526d3-73ba-4710-9739-c5f4294a30ef" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-08%20at%209.09.29%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=cQQdXHt9wS0UXwZEm5Py5bH_3kAmzyhu" />

Designed by BDA Architecture, Solis will deliver a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with residences ranging up to 232 sqm. Apartments feature generous balconies and contemporary finishes, while residents will have access to Harbour Shores' lagoon pool, clubhouse, tennis court, gym, yoga studio and sauna.

The focus on first home buyers resonated with purchaser Holly Humphreys, who said she and her boyfriend spent more than a year searching for their first property before shifting their attention from houses to apartments.

"We fell in love with the first house we bid on and got our hopes up, but after repeated knockbacks we learned not to get too attached," Humphreys said.

"We offered at the high end of price guides, but sales kept going even higher. That's where we really struggled and we needed to re-evaluate our budget and our expectations. Standalone houses were off the table, and we pivoted to apartments and townhouses."

Humphreys said it was encouraging to see developers recognising the growing demand from first home buyers.

"There's a growing number of young buyers looking to enter the market earlier because they understand that getting in now can make a real difference as prices continue to rise," she said.

"It's fantastic to see a developer recognise this and then actively take measures to deliver an apartment with us in mind."

Solis is the first development planned within the second stage of the Harbour Shores masterplan, with early works expected to commence in September 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113271]

Joel Robinson

Lewis Land targets first home buyers at latest Harbour Shores release, Solis

Luxury apartment developer Abadeen has recorded $19.25 million in apartment sales across two of its Lower North Shore developments in the lead-up to the end of the financial year, headlined by the sale of a $6.75 million penthouse at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/koyo-crows-nest-5-rodborough-avenue-crows-nest-nsw-2065">KOYO in Crows Nest.</a>

The transactions also included the sale of a newly completed three-bedroom apartment at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/park-residences-cremorne-2-sutherland-street-cremorne-nsw-2090">Park Residences in Cremorne</a> for $6.35 million, with the residence selling shortly after the project's first public inspections following completion.

The sales come as completed, owner-occupier-focused apartments continue to attract strong demand across Sydney's Lower North Shore, particularly from buyers looking for certainty and immediate occupancy.

The penthouse at KOYO spans 491 sqm across a single level and was designed by architect Koichi Takada. The development is one of Abadeen's flagship boutique projects in Crows Nest.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108800 project_image_fid=370093]

Abadeen Executive Chairman and Founder Justin Brown said buyer activity lifted noticeably in the lead-up to the end of the financial year.

"We saw a clear increase in enquiry levels, inspection numbers and buyer engagement across our completed projects leading into the end of the financial year," Brown said.

"Buyers have become far more decisive over the past six months. The combination of improving confidence, limited supply and the ability to physically inspect completed residences is creating strong competition for premium apartments in the best locations."

Brown says the&nbsp;response to Park Residences following completion has been particularly strong.

"Buyers want certainty and are responding positively to the opportunity to walk through a finished product, inspect the quality firsthand and move in immediately," Brown suggested.

"Projects such as Park Residences and KOYO demonstrate that when the product is exceptional and the location is irreplaceable, buyers are prepared to act quickly."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=370116]

Abadeen CEO Joe Tack said quality continued to differentiate projects in the current market.

"Today's buyers are incredibly discerning," Tack said.

"They are seeking larger floorplans, premium finishes, walkability, lifestyle amenity and confidence in the developer delivering the project. Well-designed boutique developments continue to outperform because they offer something genuinely difficult to replace.

"The enquiry we are seeing across our completed and recently completed Lower North Shore portfolio is very encouraging, and we expect this momentum to continue into spring."

The sales follow increased enquiry across Abadeen's Lower North Shore portfolio which also includes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/northcote-collective-naremburn-2-northcote-street-naremburn-nsw-2065">Northcote Collective in Naremburn</a> which also completed recently.

KOYO penthouse headlines Abadeen's $19.25 million EOFY sales flurry

The City of Sydney has approved plans for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/billbergia">Billbergia Group</a> and Metrics Credit Partners’ $3.5 billion Castlereagh Place project in the heart of the Sydney CBD

The towers will be among the tallest in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/sydney-nsw-2000">Sydney</a>'s CBD, with more floors than any other residential tower in the city.&nbsp;

The 6,000 sqm site was acquired by the joint venture partners in 2024. It is the largest amalgamated land parcel in the Sydney CBD and comprises eight individual sites fronting Castlereagh, Pitt and Liverpool Streets.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castlereagh-place-sydney-324-348-pitt-street-sydney-nsw-2000">Castlereagh Place</a> will transform an underutilised city block into a landmark mixed-use destination, anchored by two 82-storey towers comprising 607 luxury residences above an 8-level podium housing a 209-room luxury hotel. A 1,000 square metre civic park on ground level features a curated mix of food, beverage and retail.

The plans have been refined over the past year to rebalance the residential and hotel offering, and reconfigure the retail footprint to create a stronger, more dynamic dining experience.

A three-level flagship building on the prominent corner of Pitt and Liverpool Streets will be the gateway to the Castlereagh Place lifestyle precinct. Set to become a Sydney icon, the building is capable of housing multiple hospitality venues.

“Castlereagh Place is designed to be the City's next great urban oasis - an energetic mixed-use precinct that pulses with life, day and night,"&nbsp;said Joseph Kinsella, Group Director of Billbergia.

"It will bring the vibrancy of places like Barangaroo and Darling Quarter into a more accessible, central destination at the very heart of Sydney."

Kinsella said the project will build on&nbsp;Sydney’s growing laneway culture with the City’s largest network of new activated lanes - an expanded, next-generation take on precincts like Angel Place, Palings Lane and Ash Street in Wynyard.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134477 project_image_fid=374401]

Castlereagh Place has been designed by architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fjc-studio">fjcstudio</a> in collaboration with Trias Studio, Aileen Sage and Polly Harbison Design, joint winners of an international design competition in 2018.&nbsp;

Signature design elements from the original scheme remain unchanged, while the public domain has been significantly enhanced, delivering 60 per cent more open-to-sky space.

Pedestrian access will also be enhanced through new laneways linking Pitt, Liverpool and Castlereagh Streets, drawing people into a new civic park with outdoor seating, landscaping and integrated public art.

With activated laneways supported by strong hospitality offerings, Castlereagh Place is tipped to become a vibrant new dining destination in the heart of Sydney’s CBD.

It marks the largest undertaking to date for the Billbergia and Metrics Credit Partners partnership. Together they are developing other underutilised Sydney sites into mixed-use precincts, including the $2.2 billion Concord Central and the $1.3 billion Chatswood Grand Residences.

Metrics Managing Partner and Group CEO Andrew Lockhart said Castlereagh Place is a landmark project that will redefine Sydney’s skyline.

"As the tallest residential high-rise development, the revitalised site will offer panoramic views across the CBD and surrounds. We are excited to partner with Billbergia to reinvigorate an underutilised site and create a sophisticated and contemporary mixed-use offering situated in the heart of Sydney.”

Total apartments within the towers have increased to 607 dwellings, with a focus on larger floorplans. Aligned to growing market demand, Castlereagh Place now comprises 299 three-plus-bedroom apartments, 198 two-bedroom units and 110 one-bedroom configurations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134477 project_image_fid=374402]

Resident amenities will include an exclusive residents club containing a gym, rooftop pool, dining rooms, co-working spaces, library, golf simulator, games room, cinema room, and access to an exclusive concierge service. There will be around 500 basement car spaces below the towers.

The development will also include a state-of-the-art wellness centre, set to feature a bathhouse with magnesium pools, hot/cold plunge pools and premium amenities.

&nbsp;

According to fjcstudio, the towers will feature distinctive yet elegant architectural design reflecting Sydney’s geometry and urban character, with a network of through-site links and intimate public spaces activating the streetscape.

"Castlereagh Place is a city-making project of significant scale and ambition," said Richard Francis-Jones, Design Director at fjcstudio.

"It will create a rich urban complex of public open spaces, landscaped gardens, and vibrant laneways. Defining these new public spaces and the important streetscape of Castlereagh Street is a sequence of fine-grained, diverse retail and hotel architecture designed in collaboration with Aileen Sage, Polly Harbison Design and Trias.

“Rising above the tree-lined, human-scale streetscape are two slender residential towers that will transform the city skyline and look towards the Harbour, Hyde Park, and the Royal Botanic Garden.”

Demolition and early construction works have commenced onsite at Castlereagh Place.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134477]

Billbergia, Metrics, approved for $3.5 billion Sydney skyscrapers

International developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/spg-land">SPG Land</a> is preparing to re-launch its long-awaited $1.5 billion <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/paradiso-place-surfers-paradise-103-ferny-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Paradiso Place</a> development at Budds Beach, bringing a new price point to the Surfers Paradise apartment market.

The developer will release one-bedroom apartments from $825,000 and two-bedroom apartments from $1.24 million in the three-tower development.

According to Urbis, the starting price for the two-bedroom apartments is more than $400,000 below the weighted average sale price for comparable two-bedroom apartments in Surfers Paradise during 2025, which was pinned at $1.7 million.

&nbsp;

Urbis reported quarterly average sale prices for new two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments ranged from around $1.2 million to $1.7 million throughout 2025, peaking in the December quarter.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=185853]

Paradiso Place is now moving into its formal sales campaign, with a limited early-release opportunity available ahead of the public launch.

The development will comprise 845 apartments across three towers rising 40, 41 and 44 storeys from a 1.15-hectare site spanning an entire city block. The towers will sit above a new retail precinct.

"Paradiso Place represents a rare opportunity in today's market, offering premium apartments at a price point that is significantly more competitive than anything else currently available," SPG Land Sales Director Brad McMahon said.

"When you look at comparable new developments across Surfers Paradise, Main Beach and the Southern Beaches precinct, buyers are typically paying hundreds of thousands more for a similar product.

"The scale of this project and the developer-builder construction model allows us to unlock efficiencies that smaller developments simply cannot achieve. We are passing those benefits directly to buyers, while still delivering a five-star residential experience with an unmatched lifestyle."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=374280]

Each of the three towers designed by Rothelowman will have its own podium, connected by an elevated skybridge network to create a beachside village for residents. The resident amenity has been designed to rival a five-star hotel, with private dining rooms, resident lounges and entertainment spaces.

McMahon said the pricing strategy was a deliberate response to the current market.

"What Paradiso Place offers is a unique balance, genuine value within a premium market. Buyers are not compromising on quality, design or amenity, they are gaining access to it at a more competitive price point at a time when prices across the Gold Coast continue to reach new highs."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=362498]

Located around 100 metres from the beach and within walking distance of the Surfers Paradise North light rail station, Paradiso Place occupies one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held beachfront precincts.

Construction is continuing to progress, with eight of the project's 112 foundation piles now complete. Excavation has also commenced on the first diaphragm wall panel, with the first concrete poured on 15 June, marking a key milestone in the project's early works program.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=106566]

SPG Land launches $1.5 billion Paradiso Place at attractive price point

Luxury developer-builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/lowe-living">Lowe Living</a> has achieved a new Victorian benchmark for an off-the-plan apartment, with the sale of two penthouses at its ultra-exclusive Maison Savoy development in Brighton.

The two penthouses achieved a combined sale rate of $49,926 per sqm. Both transactions eclipsed the previous identified Victorian off-the-plan price-per-square-metre benchmark, set by the 449 sqm apartment at Como Toorak, which sold at $46,659 per sqm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140818 project_image_fid=366473]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/maison-savoy-brighton-150-esplanade-brighton-vic-3186">Maison Savoy</a>, Lowe Living's redevelopment of the former Brighton Savoy Hotel on absolute beachfront land at 150 The Esplanade, Brighton, has gained significant momentum since launching just eight weeks ago. Around 30 per cent of the project's 19 residences have already been secured, generating approximately $45 million in sales.

"Securing two of the three penthouse sales at this stage, within eight weeks of launching to market speaks to the confidence our clients place in Lowe Living," Lowe Living co-founder Emma Lowe said.

"They know we'll be with them through every stage of the journey, and that assurance is something we've worked hard to earn and never take for granted."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140818 project_image_fid=366474]

Lowe said Maison Savoy was conceived as a genuine alternative to a prestige Brighton home, combining house-scale proportions with the convenience, security and lock-up-and-leave appeal of apartment living.

Lowe Living co-founder Tim Lowe said the early sales success demonstrated the resilience of Melbourne's prestige market and highlighted the growing demand for house-sized apartments among ultra-high-net-worth buyers.

"The Melbourne market has definitely been tested in recent years, with interest rates and global economic factors all creating a period of uncertainty across the real estate sector. The sales success at Maison Savoy however demonstrates that confidence remains exceptionally strong at the top end of the market.

"The prestige market is being driven by long-term lifestyle decisions rather than short-term market sentiment, which continues to create a level of certainty that befits an absolute beachfront property in a blue-chip location like Brighton.

"Brighton's fundamentals remain among the strongest in Melbourne, with limited new supply, enduring demand from an overwhelmingly local owner-occupier market, and a rare combination of beachfront amenity and proximity to the CBD."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140818 project_image_fid=374378]

According to Cotality, Brighton remains one of Melbourne's most tightly held prestige suburbs, with an average ownership tenure of 15.3 years for houses and 12.3 years for units, while more than 73 per cent of homes are owner-occupied.

Tim Lowe said selling two of the project's three penthouses so early in the campaign was an uncommon result.

"This sales result is a reflection of quality and understanding the local market. It's incredibly rare to transact the penthouses so early in a sales campaign in any project so to have sold two of the three penthouses at Maison Savoy so soon after launch, all in-house without any external sales agency appointed, is reflective of our careful consideration of our buyers' needs and lifestyle.

"This is knowledge that is accumulated not just from data and demographic analysis, but via a deeply embedded understanding of how this type of buyer wants to live and feel in their home. We pride ourselves on getting to know our clients personally, and over the last 10 years we have been able to refine our product offering by talking one-on-one with our clients about their design and floorplan preferences.

"Being a fully integrated developer-builder with an in-house design and sales team allows us to lead every part of the process and ensure the highest quality of product and service at every touchpoint. It's a really important part of our DNA and the recent sales success at Maison Savoy indicates that our clients and purchasers are resonating with this point of difference.

"It reinforces that demand remains strong for thoughtfully designed residences that offer rarity, lifestyle and long-term value in tightly held locations, which ultimately validates Maison Savoy's positioning as creating a new benchmark for house-scale, wellness-led apartment living on Brighton's beachfront."

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140818 project_image_fid=366480]

The residences at Maison Savoy start from 295 sqm, with most enjoying uninterrupted views across Port Phillip Bay. The project sits moments from the Brighton Bathing Boxes, Royal Brighton Yacht Club, Middle Brighton Baths and Church Street's retail and dining precinct.

A key feature of the development is its private residents-only bathhouse, curated by the founder of Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse and modelled on traditional European bathing rituals and the award-winning Sorrento bathhouse.

The wellness offering includes a hydrotherapy pool, salt room, sauna, steam room, cold plunge pool, foot activation zone and a Vichy rainfall bed, one of only a handful in Australia. Residents will also have access to a Technogym studio, lounge spaces and a dedicated concierge service offering everything from morning coffee delivery and restaurant bookings to dry cleaning and home coordination.

"Wellness-led design has become a defining factor for luxury buyers," Emma Lowe said.

"Purchasers increasingly value homes that enhance wellbeing through thoughtful design, private amenity, privacy and liveability."

The penthouse purchasers are now undertaking a bespoke customisation process curated personally by architect Pete Kennon and the Lowe Living team, one of the developer's signature service offerings.

Construction on the $160 million transformation of the former Brighton Savoy Hotel site commenced last month, with completion expected in early 2028. The project has secured funding from NAB alongside development partner Monark.

Just one penthouse remains available, along with a limited number of two and three-bedroom residences starting from $3.75 million.

Lowe Living currently has eight projects on the market across Melbourne and recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, having grown a $1 billion development pipeline alongside a $350 million construction pipeline.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=140818]

Lowe Living set new Melbourne off the plan apartment record

Fishermans Bend

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Though the final <a href="/news/fishermans-bend-framework-and-planning-controls-finalised">Framework and Planning controls for Fishermans Bend</a> were only adopted in the last few weeks, the reality is that work has been progressing on Australia's largest urban renewal project for quite some time. Apartment developments such as Gravity Tower and Nightfall aside, the Hayball-designed South Melbourne Primary School opened in February this year within what will become known as the Montague precinct.

And now the first stage of a new park for the growing community has opened, marking another significant milestone for the area. Named Kirrip Park, the name was chosen through an extensive community consultation process by City of Port Phillip. ‘Kirrip’ means friendship or mate in the Boon Wurrung language.

Hayball have acted as Principal Consultants on the Ferrars St Education and Community Precinct, encompassing the South Melbourne Primary School and Community Facility and Kirrip Park - a catalyst project for Fishermans Bend that provides more public space, community services and facilities for the growing community. The landscape design of the new park was undertaken by Tract Consultants, continuing from and building on their work on the school and wider precinct.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/screenshot_20181021-202356_instagram.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Kirrip Park forms part of the Ferrars Street Education and Community Precinct. Image: City of Port Phillip"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="316" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/screenshot_20181021-202356_instagram.jpg?itok=0GbUuh6L" title="Kirrip Park forms part of the Ferrars Street Education and Community Precinct. Image: City of Port Phillip" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Kirrip Park forms part of the Ferrars Street Education and Community Precinct. Image: City of Port Phillip</figcaption></figure>The site of the 9,000 sqm park was jointly purchased and delivered by the City of Port Phillip and the Victorian State Government, and provides much needed open space within Fishermans Bend - the equivalent of around 20 netball courts. Further development of the park will be carried out in consultation with the community to determine what other elements are needed to support a wide range of active and passive uses.

As previously mentioned, the Ferrars Street precinct features Victoria’s first vertical primary school, in addition to tram stop and street upgrades as well as streetscaping to improve safety, accessibility and connections to the surrounding area. The balance of streetscaping works is expected to be completed by the end of the year. The project marks the transformation of the old industrial site into a new and vibrant area for Fishermans Bend.

<blockquote>
This park is a great example of how we are undoing Matthew Guy’s mess at Fishermans Bend. Our partnership with the City of Port Phillip and the City of Melbourne has been at the heart of delivering a better future for Fishermans Bend and the neighbouring communities.

- Martin Foley, Member for Albert Park
</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/smps_diannasnape_print_14_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Kirrip Park joins the South Melbourne Primary School. Image: Dianne Snape"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/smps_diannasnape_print_14_0.jpg?itok=TO-T3eyB" title="Kirrip Park joins the South Melbourne Primary School. Image: Dianne Snape" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Kirrip Park joins the South Melbourne Primary School. Image: Dianne Snape</figcaption></figure>Fishermans Bend encompasses around 485 hectares of former industrial land on the doorstep of Melbourne's CBD. It is expected that by 2050, it will be home to approximately 80,000 residents and provide employment for up to 80,000 people across five precincts; Lorimer, Montague, Sandridge, Wirraway and the Employment Precinct.

<h2>What the designers say...</h2>

<blockquote>
A key approach to Hayball’s design in this precinct has been to incorporate flexible and adaptable spaces, that provide greater facilities for the growing Fishermans Bend community. This is reflected at South Melbourne Primary school, Victoria’s first vertical primary school, and will be even more evident now that Kirrip Park is complete and open to the public.

The landscape of the precinct, including the park, is integral to creating a vibrant and functional space for the community to utilise and interact in. Kirrip Park will be a blueprint for useful and inclusive city parks not only across Melbourne, but for other urban areas across the country.

The wider Ferrars St Education and Community Precinct is a great example of successful urban regeneration in Melbourne, with spaces that will support a growing and diverse community.

- Anthony Apolloni, Project Leader and Senior Associate, Hayball
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
The Kirrip Park project is sensitive to the social and cultural context and will play a key role in the making of a new active community, providing a wide range of flexible use spaces for a diversity of users. The scale of the open space is fitting for the growing community and school users which inhabit the surrounding areas.

The landscape concept was based around the principle of environmental sustainability and active stormwater management systems. Through a collaborative design approach, rain gardens and planted drainage swales were designed to create a naturalistic landscape, providing passive irrigation, and improving water quality discharging to the downstream Yarra River outfall.

Through a creative landscape and engineering design solution the ‘open’ approach provides additional flood storage capacity in local flood events, whilst creating usable green areas and improving the public amenity, landscape and ‘green’ nature of the precinct. High quality open space will play a central role in the creation of a vibrant and successful new community.

- Mariano Lopez, Principal Landscape Architect, Tract Consultants
</blockquote>

Lead Image: City of Port Phillip via twitter.

 
</body></html>

Laurence Dragomir

The first new park in Fishermans Bend officially opens

<html><body>
The Minister for Planning, Richard Wynne, and the Member for Albert Park, Martin Foley, this morning launched the new Fishermans Bend Planning Framework at South Melbourne Primary School forecourt. 

This follows 12 months of extensive public consultation which also included a Planning Review Panel process, attracting over 250 submissions. The Framework will also be supported by an infrastructure funding plan to be announced at a later date.

Fishermans Bend represents Australia’s largest urban renewal project and seeks to capitalise on its proximity to the Melbourne CBD, Docklands and Southbank. The urban renewal precinct spans two municipalities across the City of Melbourne and the City of Port Phillip. By 2050 it will be home to around 80,000 residents and provide jobs for 80,000 people.

Fishermans Bend will see the delivery of the equivalent of 60 MCGs worth of new open space, in addition to housing diversity and typologies to ensure Fishermans Bend doesn't become simply another high-rise suburb. It will also include a six per cent affordable housing target for all new developments, with the potential for developers to opt into a Floor Area Uplift via delivery of affordable housing.

The new Framework was developed to guide the vision for Fishermans Bend over the course of the next 30 years, with a real focus on building a community that is supported by new primary and secondary schools, public transport and walking and cycling links.

Already the South Melbourne Primary School has been delivered, with a new park within Montague near complete. Planning is already underway on a new secondary school within what will become the Wirraway Precinct adjacent to JL Murphy Reserve.

Twenty-six tower proposals were ‘called in’ by the Minister for Planning earlier this year and will now be assessed by a Standing Advisory Committee against the new planning controls, which were also announced this morning.

The release of the Framework and Planning Controls for Fishermans Bend follows the establishment of the Fishermans Bend Development Board in August this year. The Board's role will be to provide guidance on the planning and development of the urban renewal precinct, in addition to community engagement and providing advice on the preparation of Precinct Plans and major decisions for Fishermans Bend.

The board will be led by Ms Meredith Sussex AM as Chair. Ms Sussex is joined by a team of five experts in planning, industry, finance and transport: Ms Cheryl Batagol PSM, Ms Janet Bolitho, Mr Gary Liddle, Mr Martyn Myer AO and Ms Susan Oliver.

Urban.com.au will provide further analysis however in the meantime, see the framework on <a href="https://www.fishermansbend.vic.gov.au/">fishermansbend.vic.gov.au</a>. 

<h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
We’re fixing the mess Matthew Guy created when he rezoned swathes of land overnight to benefit a few fortunate land holders, in actions roundly condemned by an independent review panel.

This Framework will make Fishermans Bend a community – rather than a concrete jungle – with schools, public transport and green, open spaces to meet friends and kick a footy.

-  Richard Wynne, Minister for Planning 
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
Matthew Guy’s dodgy rezoning was an absolute disaster - which is why we’re making sure the planning changes needed to protect Fishermans Bend are enshrined in law, so that this community can continue to grow and flourish.

I thank everyone who contributed to the Framework and helped save Fishermans Bend from the Liberal Party.

- Martin Foley, Member for Albert Park
</blockquote>

Lead Image: Lensaloft via fishermansbend.vic.gov.au
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Fishermans Bend Framework and Planning controls finalised

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The Victorian Greens have announced that as part of their 2018 election pitch, $100 million would be allocated to begin the planning for the Melbourne Metro 2 project, which seeks to build a rail tunnel from Clifton Hill to Newport via Fishermans Bend, and link the Mernda and Werribee train lines.

In policy documents published on the Greens' <a href="https://greens.org.au/sites/default/files/2018-08/Greens%20MM2%20Initiative.pdf">website</a>, the party describes Melbourne Metro 2 as "a sustainable alternative to mega road projects like the East-West link, the West Gate Tunnel, and the North East Link by providing residents in Melbourne’s North, West and Fishermans Bend with reliable high capacity metro rail service."

The Greens cite preliminary costs devised by AECOM and PWC for Infrastructure Victoria's 30 year infrastructure strategy  - $15 billion to $23 billion 'over 10 years' - and for the most part, a map drawn up by the party depicts the same number of stations as the project that was modelled for Infrastructure Victoria.

The promised $100 million would be used to pay for a business case, detailed costings, and a cost-benefit analysis to "define the best alignment and technical requirements for the implementation of the project."

Greens MP for Prahran and Transport spokesperson, Sam Hibbins, said "Melbourne Metro 2 is The Greens alternative to the old parties’ obsession with toll roads, and is essential to reduce congestion and protect Melbourne’s liveability with a growing population."  He added "No party can have any credibility on public transport unless they commit to planning for Melbourne Metro 2 now."

The Greens policy pledge also includes creating a new branch line from the Mernda line to Wollert, and extending metro services from Werribee to Wyndham Vale.

<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/metro_2_map_final_1.png" rel="gallery-all" title="The Greens' vision for Melbourne Metro 2 - image: The Greens Victoria"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="451" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/metro_2_map_final_1.png?itok=rhPhyLxg" title="The Greens' vision for Melbourne Metro 2 - image: The Greens Victoria" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Greens' vision for Melbourne Metro 2 - image: <a href="https://greens.org.au/vic/news/greens-commit-melbourne-metro-2">The Greens Victoria</a></figcaption></figure>In Fishermans Bend, the party's map remains neutral on station placement simply referring to Fishermans Bend station 1 and 2.  Like in the Fishermans Bend <a href="http://www.fishermansbend.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0023/87071/Draft-Fishermans-Bend-Framework-LR.pdf">draft framework plan</a> where it appears the Greens' policy platform is drawing inspiration, there have been two alternative routes (and therefore two sets of station placements within the renewal area) proposed.

Both alignments include a station located within the Sandridge Precinct, with the choice then between a station within the Employment Precinct or the Wirraway precinct.

The new branch line to Wollert would start at Lalor according to the Greens policy and include 4 new stations to service the new suburban areas stuck halfway between the new Mernda extension and the Craigieburn line.

The party cites a 117% population growth figure by 2031 in regards to the Wyndham Vale extension where, at Black Forest Road, a new station would be built to facilitate interchange between Geelong regional services and Metro to better service the East Werribee National Employment and Innovation Cluster.

Both the Wollert and Wyndham Vale extensions would be studied as part of the Melbourne Metro 2 planning process.
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Alastair Taylor

Greens add Melbourne Metro 2 to their 2018 election platform

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Developer Blue Earth Group is pushing through with two sizeable developments, including initiating Fishermans Bend's latest skyscraper.

Piling works have begun at Southbank's 202-214 Normanby Road, heralding the latest addition to the sluggish Fishermans Bend development scene. Blue Earth Group <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/fosters-to-sell-cubs-southbank-headquarters-20170426-gvswq6">reportedly</a> nabbed the approved 1,518 square metre site during 2017 when it was offered for sale with a permit in place.

Rothelowman created the approved scheme for the site although an amended design is being sought for the tower, with CHT Architects tipped to be leading the redesign.

<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/image139_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Normanby Road is subject to development"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="287" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image139_3.jpg?itok=_5LfHg3K" title="Normanby Road is subject to development" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Normanby Road and the initial Rothelowman design</figcaption></figure>202-214 Normanby Road's initiation is the first major apartment project start within Fishermans Bend in over a year. Incidentally Blue Earth Group was the <a href="/news/fishermans-bends-first-project-breaks-ground">first developer to begin construction</a> of a residential tower in the urban renewal precinct, with Gravity Tower commencing during 2015.

Since that time there have been scant few construction starts within Fishermans Bend as planning uncertainty superseded many development applications. The only other project moving toward construction is directly opposite 202-214 Normanby Road; Capital Alliance is looking to move the mixed-use <a href="/buildings/normanby-199-201-normanby-road-southbank">199-201 Normanby Road</a> tower to construction during this quarter.

Across town and Blue Earth Group is preparing for the launch of a major mixed-use development in Ivanhoe.

Site clearance works are all but complete across 37-63 Bell Street with a display suite taking shape. Developer JTX International gained approval for 36,000 square metres of built form across the triple fronted 8,924 square metre site and promptly onsite the permit.

Blue Earth Group <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/jtx-sells-25m-ivanhoe-site-for-treble-what-it-paid-last-year-20170824-gy32ir">reportedly</a> picked up the site during 2017. Whether the developer sticks with the Hayball-designed approved scheme remains to be seen.

Approved within the Hayball scheme are 244 residential apartments, 80 Independent Living Units, 100 Aged Care beds, a 90 place childcare centre and 665 square metres of commercial space.

<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/img_4211.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="37-63 Bell Street Ivanhoe's current progress"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="324" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_4211.jpg?itok=qg8H8GkP" title="37-63 Bell Street Ivanhoe's current progress" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>37-63 Bell Street Ivanhoe's current progress</figcaption></figure>Blue Earth Group's moves on Ivanhoe and Fishermans Bend are in addition to their current crop of developments.

A short distance to their Bell Street development, marketing continues in earnest for 9-11 Martin Street in Heidelberg. Dubbed <a href="/buildings/martin-powlett-9-11-martin-street-heidelberg">Martin &amp; Powlett</a> the projejct includes approximately 120 dwellings.

Now at construction for the developer is the first phase of Footscray's <a href="/buildings/boat-house-2-joseph-road-footscray">2-6 Hopkins Street</a>, Brunswick West's <a href="/buildings/the-grove-1-5-olive-york-way-brunswick-west">1-5 Olive York Way</a> and <a href="/new-apartments/embassy-36-doonside-street-richmond">Embassy</a> within Richmond. Add Southbank's <a href="/buildings/the-international-61-haig-street-southbank">The International</a> which is receiving its finishing touches and the quartet of builds will add hundreds of new apartments to Melbourne's stock. 
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silvermb

Blue Earth's Fishermans Bend skyscraper moves to construction, Ivanhoe approaching launch

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The working relationship between Capital Alliance and Marriott International Inc. has deepened with the hotel operator confirming a new presence in Fishermand Bend.

The duo will work together to introduce the AC Hotels by Marriott brand to Australia within a slim tower slated for 199-201 Normanby Road. Today's announcement follows on from Marriott International also penning with Capital Alliance for their forthcoming Waterfront Way mixed-use development in nearby Docklands.

Capital Alliance was unveiled as the purchaser of the Fishermans Bend site late last year, in the interim appointing DKO Architecture to rework the approved scheme on site.

<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/image25_13.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Podium style. Image: Capital Alliance"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="487" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image25_13.jpg?itok=0UhgWVmQ" title="Podium style. Image: Capital Alliance" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Podium style. Image: Capital Alliance</figcaption></figure>The fresh design will see approximately 200 hotel rooms in a 40-level mixed-use building, in addition to 111 private apartments. Akin to the Waterfront Way development, 199-201 Normanby Road will also feature an infinity edge pool with views across Melbourne's skyline.

In line with other AC Hotels worldwide, the new hotel includes a range of collaborative spaces. The AC Lounge is one of three food and beverage tenancies and is supplemented by a co-working space, a 24-hour fitness centre and function space.

Having replaced an approved Artisan Architects-designed scheme for the site, DKO Architecture has taken the exterior in a completely different direction. The highly angular tower form is highlighted by a neon-clad stretched diagrid pattern, with angular balcony openings annunciating the residential upper floors.

<h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
We are really excited to partner with Marriott International to bring a new hotel to Fishermans Bend.

We believe in the potential of this area, just as we believed in Melbourne Docklands, and it’s great that Marriott International shares our confidence.

Just a stone’s throw from the city, Fishermans Bend is going to redefine inner suburban living and the AC Melbourne Southbank will attract sophisticated and discerning travellers to the area.
<cite>Mohan Du, Founder and Chief Executive, Capital Alliance</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
The AC Melbourne Southbank underscores the growing demand we’re seeing in Australia for premium lifestyle hotels that offer style and functional design, as well as authentic and memorable travel experiences connected to the location.
<cite>Richard Crawford, Senior Director Development, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, Marriott International</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
The signing of AC Melbourne Southbank is a testament to Marriott International’s continued success in Australia, where we currently operate 18 hotels and have 17 in the pipeline. Across Australia, we’re seeing growing demand for lifestyle brands like AC Hotels by Marriott, so we are delighted that we’ve found the right location and the right partner to bring this brand to market.
<cite>Sean Hunt, Area Vice President, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, Marriott International</cite>
</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/image27_16.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hero perspective. Image: Capital Alliance"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="1073" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image27_16.jpg?itok=-Lxok_aa" title="Hero perspective. Image: Capital Alliance" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hero perspective. Image: Capital Alliance</figcaption></figure>199-201 Normanby Road represents the third development where Capital Alliance has combined apartment and hotel uses. The aforementioned 3-43 Waterfront Way includes 200 dedicated Marroitt International rooms whilst 677 La Trobe Street also sees a Peppers Docklands apartment hotel in situ.

Work on both Capital Alliance's current projects is scheduled to start this quarter with the process of assigning builders to the Waterfront Way and Normanby Road sites in progress. The Fishermans Bend development is scheduled to be completed during late 2020.
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Capital Alliance and Marriott International tie the knot in Fishermand Bend

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<a href="/news/cel-australia-to-launch-latest-fishermans-bend-development-this-weekend">Following the recent launch of the first stage of CEL Australia's FIFTEEN85</a> multi-tower project down in Fishermans Bend, Apartments.com.au spoke to Tim Pearce, General Manager of CEL Australia about the company's ambitions for the project and the challenges of developing in an urban renewal precinct.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/gabrielsaunders_cel_gladstonest_external-lookup.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The first stage of FIFTEEN85 has been released. Image: Gabriel Saunders"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/gabrielsaunders_cel_gladstonest_external-lookup.jpg?itok=gZgmB1br" title="The first stage of FIFTEEN85 has been released. Image: Gabriel Saunders" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The first stage of FIFTEEN85 has been released. Image: Gabriel Saunders</figcaption></figure>Apartments.com.au: What was the appeal of this development site to CEL and particularly within Fishermans Bend? 

Tim Pearce: This site is more South Melbourne than it is Fishermans bend, being located immediately adjacent to the South Melbourne primary school and a stone’s throw from South Melbourne Market, in an area already well serviced by public transport and government driven infrastructure. Even so, South Melbourne/Fishermans bend, this site has everything going for its location, with excellent connections to the bay and beaches, CBD, South Melbourne. It’s so close to the CBD without being in that hustle and bustle, you still get a sense of getting out of the city and the noise, even though you’ve only travelled a couple of minutes away.

When we purchased the site the school and park were still on the drawing board, but now they are a reality, and a strong sign of the upgrades occurring in this area. This site is a key site to be one of the first to take advantage of the activation and holistic improvements to the area that are already happening. By the time Tower 1 is complete the precinct will be even better.

U: How important is acquiring a site with a permit in hand, in light of some of the planning uncertainty regarding the Fishermans Bend Draft Framework? 

TP: Very important. The last couple of years has seen some large scale changes to planning controls not just in this area, but across Melbourne. To have the surety of planning approval in this climate is a big positive.

U: Did you change much of the design and/or reconfigure apartment layouts? 

TP: We’ve been fortunate to inherit a great design by Elenberg Fraser, whom we know well from our previous projects. We’ve made a few tweaks to include additional storage for residents, remove mechanical car parking and make the building a little more user friendly. We’ve also reviewed a few of the layouts and common facilities to ensure that there is great amenity for those that are fortunate enough to live at FIFTEE85 in the future.

U: The project is located opposite the under construction Montague Community Park, the recently completed South Melbourne Primary School, within a short walk of the new route 96 tram stop - how important was the early delivery of this community infrastructure in providing not only CEL but prospective buyers with a degree of certainty around the redevelopment of the area? 

TP: Even without those things the area has very good fundamentals, connection and existing local drawcards such as the South Melbourne Market, Albert Park and the beaches close by. But, we are also very happy to see the great government-led community infrastructure that provides that cream on top. Of course seeing this investment in the area, buyers should be confident in the redevelopment of the area.

The government is delivering on their initiatives for the area and understand that major infrastructure projects like this are required for any area that will be a core residential area, as this one will be. Having the certainty of open green space and schooling on their doorstep is definitely a positive and builds on the community nature of the area as it further develops.

<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/montagueparkartistsimpression_web.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The under construction Montague Community Park. Image: City of Port Phillip"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="393" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/montagueparkartistsimpression_web.jpg?itok=Y1yrJX2P" title="The under construction Montague Community Park. Image: City of Port Phillip" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The under construction Montague Community Park. Image: City of Port Phillip</figcaption></figure>U: And building on from that, was there more of a desire to provide for families than maybe you would traditionally see with a development? There has also been talk of an early learning centre potentially being developed on the neighbouring site at 6-78 Buckhurst Street? 

TP: We love families. They are great for any development and definitely build a sense of community. Yes, we do believe that younger families and first home buyers will be attracted to the area and into this development. This is why we developed some gift packages for these demographics as part of our grand launch.

South Melbourne is a comfortable area to bring up a family and with the school and park next door, FIFTEEN85 makes it very convenient as well. The demographic of South Melbourne includes a lot of young professionals with young families, or who will have young families in the future, and don’t want to live so far from work that they need to spend hours commuting, as this time is better spent at home. If the adjoining site in Buckhurst Street is to be developed into the early learning centre, that would be a fantastic outcome.

U: The site is also minutes from South Melbourne Market and Clarendon Street in one direction but also Port Melbourne and Bay Street in the other - do you consider this proximity to as one of the major selling points? 

TP: We do of course, these areas are very popular with locals and those in neighbouring suburbs. For FIFTEEN85 to be located so close to these popular spots, it allows our residents to be able to walk to some of these spots and enjoy their time in Clarendon St and the South Melbourne Markets without having to worry about parking if they don’t want to.

U: Has the lack of any real development activity in Fishermans Bend been a consideration/concern or do you see this as the perfect opportunity to be launching FIFTEEN85 and leading the way forward?  

TP: Each project brings its own considerations and concerns. Location here is more of a consideration than a concern. For all the points mentioned already there is so much going for this location. This location is closer to central South Melbourne than it is to downtown Fishermans Bend. Development in Fishermans Bend will be good for the area and will ultimately bring activity, infrastructure and great improvements to a very central part of Melbourne.

However, because we are more South Melbourne, being one of the first is not really a concern, as there is already so many positives for this site, and this will only improve over time. Besides that, we don’t mind being a leader, it provides our potential buyers with a great opportunity to invest while prices are still affordable. 

We also benefit from the lack of tall towers around the site, and limitations on future development as well – with 360 degree views to CBD, Albert Park, and the Bay. FIFTEEN85 will really be a beacon in this area.

U: What are some of the challenges with marketing a project in an area that is going to see a considerable transformation into an urban precinct? How do you sell both the short term and long term vision to prospective buyers? Or do you focus on the benefits of being located near South Melbourne and Port Melbourne as mentioned earlier? 

TP: The story is about both the short term and immediate benefits as well as the long term vision – both are a good story. In the short term we have all those things, location, school, markets, beaches. In the longer term the community will further develop around it. To a degree you do need to look past today’s streetscape to tomorrow’s streetscape, but the increasing population will bring activity and business and overall improvements.

We will have a readymade population to support others such as the neighbours who could build their early learning centre.  We do still have a 30 story building to build for Tower 1, and that’s going to take a couple of years before the first residents will be moving in. By that time there will be further changes taking place, including the next stages of FIFTEEN85.

U: The launch of each building is being staged - will construction be staged too or will construction occur all at once? And when do you anticipate this to occur? 

TP: We anticipate that works will commence by September this year. The design includes a laneway that will ultimately integrate with the surrounding properties. This also makes Tower 1 a standalone building.

Towers 2 &amp; 3 share a common podium and while there is some flexibility in how that can be constructed, we currently anticipate that they will be constructed together. Tower 1 will commence first, with the next phase of FIFTEEN85 commencing as soon as we can – and that will be driven by the sales success of Tower 1.
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CEL Australia's Tim Pearce discusses FIFTEEN85 and developing in Fishermans Bend

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This week Laurence and Alastair sit down and wax lyrical on the events of the past week, including a new apartment launch within Fishermans Bend, Adelaide's SAHMRI 2 and Keilor Road is losing its last car yard to a new development.

Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast through your favourite app - just search for Apartments.com.au.

If you've missed any of our earlier episodes, check out our soundcloud stream <a href="https://soundcloud.com/urbancomau">here</a>.

<iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/461280246&amp;color=%23ff5500&amp;auto_play=true&amp;hide_related=false&amp;show_comments=true&amp;show_user=true&amp;show_reposts=false&amp;show_teaser=true" width="100%"></iframe>
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Weekly Podcast: Episode 19 - Fishermans Bend, Adelaide's SAHMRI 2 and Keilor Road car yards gone kaput

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<a href="/news/fifteen85-is-fishermans-bends-first-major-launch-of-2018">First mentioned on Urban.com.au last month</a>, the first stage of <a href="/developers/cel-australia">CEL Australia's</a> <a href="/new-apartments/15-85-gladstone-street-south-melbourne">FIFTEEN85</a> <a href="/new-apartments/south-melbourne-vic-3205">South Melbourne</a> development, within the Fishermans Bend Urban Renewal Area, is being launched this weekend. 

Located at 15 - 85 Gladstone Street, FIFTEEN85 is located just a few doors down from <a href="/buildings/gravity-tower-89-montague-street-south-melbourne">Gravity Tower</a>, the first residential tower to be built within the Montague precinct of Fishermans Bend, and will comprise three towers of up to 30-storeys.

<figure><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="631" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/gabrielsaunders_cel_gladstonest_external-podium.jpg?itok=2LIffat1" title="FIFTEEN 85's three multi-coloured towers in-situ. Image: Gabriel Saunders" width="580">

<figcaption>FIFTEEN 85's three multi-coloured towers in-situ. Image: Gabriel Saunders</figcaption></figure>To kick off the official launch of FIFTEEN85, CEL Australia is throwing a dog and owner festival, called the "FIFTEEN85 South Melbourne Graze &amp; Growl" on Saturday June 23rd. 

The festival includes a “Park Your Pooch Zone”, which includes Grooming by Pettiquette and the “Hair of the Dog Bar” curated by the Caine Wellness Kitchen. On the menu are complimentary treat bags, Dog friendly beer, pinot, cider and specialised dog street food. Additionally, BOco dog collars will be offering discounted leather collars and giveaways. For the humans, free food will be given out by:

<ul>
<li>Loaded Hotdogs</li>
	<li>Wheelys Coffee Cart</li>
	<li>Crepes for Change</li>
	<li>Benny Burgers</li>
</ul>
CEL Australia will also be offering the first 70 purchasers the share in over $2 million worth of developer incentive packages. The incentives will be aimed at First Home Buyers, Local Owner Occupiers, Local Investors, FIRB Investors and FIRB Owner Occupiers. Local purchases will be offered furniture and AV packages worth upwards of $25,000, as well as 12 months contributions to the Owners Corporation.

According to CEL Australia, FIFTEEN85 has been designed with comfort and style as key considerations for residents seeking a modern lifestyle, and the best of apartment and city living.

<blockquote>
The design of FIFTEEN85 is set to make it one of the most attractive residential buildings in the area. Every Aspect has been carefully considered, whether your appreciating the glassed exterior or living a great lifestyle from within,”

It’s important that there are opportunities for the residents to meet and interact to create meaningful relationships. FIFTEEN85 has been designed with this in mind. It is a vertical community which offers shared spaces as an extension of the home

- Tim Pearce, General Manager, CEL Australia
</blockquote>

The development is located opposite the under construction <a href="/news/montague-community-park-on-track-for-spring-completion">Montague Community Park, due to open in September</a>, and less than a minute's walk from the recently completed South Melbourne Primary School.  Additionally, FIFTEEN85 aims to take advantage of its proximity to South Melbourne with the market and Clarendon Street only a short walk away.

Designed by <a href="/architects/fraser-partners-0">Elenberg Fraser</a> and inspired by the works of renowned glass artist Josiah McElheny, the development is characterised by curved, tapering forms clad in multi coloured towers of emerald, cobalt and violet glazing. 

FIFTEEN85 South Melbourne comprises 702 apartments across the three towers - two towers of 30-storeys and one of 27-storeys. All three towers will include a variety of 1 bedroom, 1 bedroom plus study, 2 bedrooms plus 1 bathroom, 2 bedrooms plus 2 bathrooms and 3 bedrooms plus 2 bathroom apartments.

Shared facilities will be located on level 6 of Tower 1 and level 5 of towers 2 &amp; 3, and will include, a pool, gymnasium, sauna, spa, outdoor entertainment areas, resident’s lounges and resident’s dining rooms.

Look out for Apartments.com.au's Q&amp;A with CEL Australia's General Manager TIm Pearce in the coming weeks.

<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/gabrielsaunders_cel_reissue-gladstonestreet_pool_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The view towards Yarra's Edge from the podium rooftop pool. Image: Gabriel Saunders"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="400" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/gabrielsaunders_cel_reissue-gladstonestreet_pool_0.jpg?itok=O26yQun1" title="The view towards Yarra's Edge from the podium rooftop pool. Image: Gabriel Saunders" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The view towards Yarra's Edge from the resident's pool. Image: Gabriel Saunders</figcaption></figure><h2>FIFTEEN85 Launch Details</h2>

What: FIFTEEN85 South Melbourne Graze &amp; Growl

Who: CEL Australia 

When: Saturday June 23rd 11:00am to 3:00pm 

Where: 15 - 85 Gladstone Street, South Melbourne Victoria
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CEL Australia to launch latest Fishermans Bend development this weekend

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Against a backdrop of planning uncertainty, delayed projects and legal wrangling, Singapore-based developer Chip Eng Seng Corporation is pushing through with Fishermans Bend's first tower launch for the year.

Having taken the sprawling near 6,000 square metre site off fellow developer BPM's hands, Chip Eng Seng Corporation is utilising local development arm CEL Australia (CES Gladstone) to push on with the marketing of the project's first stage.

The site transaction was completed during 2016 at a price of $52 million and included approval for 742 residential apartments over three towers. 

The project's inception began during 2014 with a then Hayball-designed scheme heading to planning. Post initial approval Elenberg Fraser was enlisted to tweak the tri-towered design into what will is being released for sale.

<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/image195_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Towers in succession. Image: CES Gladstone"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="390" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image195_0.jpg?itok=AawIcrIc" title="Towers in succession. Image: CES Gladstone" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Towers in succession. Image: CES Gladstone</figcaption></figure>222 new apartments are included across FIFTEEN85's initial release which is the westernmost cobalt blue tower of the trio. According to marketing material, the overall design has been influenced by American glass artist Josiah McElheny's works, with transparency a feature.

The development's podium levels are laden with greenery, tying the project in with the adjoining 8,000 square metre Montague Park which is currently under construction.

Internally FIFTEEN85 will include a residents lounge, podium top outdoor terrace, gym, dining area plus a range of one, two and three bedroom apartments.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image198_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="FIFTEEN85 perspectives. Image: CES Gladstone"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="261" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image198_0.jpg?itok=27hfn6pw" title="FIFTEEN85 perspectives. Image: CES Gladstone" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>FIFTEEN85 perspectives. Image: CES Gladstone</figcaption></figure>FIFTEEN85 will join a trio of other apartment projects now at sales within Fishermans Bend. Ruiyi Australia's <a href="/buildings/south-15-thistlethwaite-street-south-melbourne">South</a> and Portal Properties' <a href="/new-apartments/171-183-ferrars-street-south-melbourne">Vivid</a> both have long-running sales campaigns whilst SPEC Property's <a href="/buildings/lilix-51-59-thistlethwaite-street-south-melbourne">Lilix</a> is currently being offered via channel sales.

Third Street's <a href="/buildings/pm-port-melbourne-320-plummer-street-port-melbourne">PM Port Melbourne</a> is the remaining active project and has been awarded to Hutchinson Builders. It is the only project headed for construction in the urban renewal area, which would have had arguably far more projects at sales but for the extensive planning review of the precinct which is expected to tip into next year.

The changing planning goal posts has prompted Third Street to <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/fishermans-bend-developer-sues-minister-over-massive-apartment-project-20180419-p4zal5">initiate legal proceedings</a> in order to push through two additional projects.

Planning uncertainty has seen developments such as FIFTEEN85 advance as planned whilst others have effectively been scrapped.
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FIFTEEN85 is Fishermans Bend's first major launch of 2018

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Despite the planning uncertainty swirling around Fishermans Bend, the urban renewal area can now boast a world-beating and fully complete Primary School.

To mark the completion of South Melbourne Primary School (SMPS), project architects Hayball have commissioned new imagery of the complex. Melbourne-based architecture photographer Dianne Snape was tasked with capturing SMPS in use, in the process providing the wider public with a first glimpse of the project's internals.

After receiving the Future Project of the Year gong during the 2016 World Architecture Festival Awards, SMPS was handed over to contractor <a href="/builders/adco">ADCO Constructions</a> with completion achieved for term one 2018. Public plaza and landscaping works were completed thereafter.

The Ferrars Street complex is Victoria’s first high-rise state school and now caters for 160 students, although the six-level building will build up to a capacity of 525 primary school students and 44 early learning students, supplemented by various integrated community services and facilities.

<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/smps_diannasnape_print_02.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="SMPS is now a working education facility"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/smps_diannasnape_print_02.jpg?itok=f0s5O6Sw" title="SMPS is now a working education facility" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>SMPS is now a working education facility</figcaption></figure><h2>SMPS - the broader context</h2>

<blockquote>
This school is an exemplar of a contemporary 21st century learning environment, developed within the context of inner urban regeneration and focussing on the needs of today’s students and also the wider community.

With enrolments for prep at capacity before even opening the doors, the need for such a facility in the area is clear. Similarly, we’re excited to see the support from the broader community who have embraced this new integrated model of school wholeheartedly.

The school operates as a genuine community hub. Nowhere is this more apparent than at ground level where there are no fences separating the school from its surrounds.

With thousands of new residents flocking to the adjacent Fishermans Bend precinct each year – and space a scarcity in the inner-city – it was important to design facilities that can be used outside of school hours and have a greater use to the community.
<cite>Richard Leonard, Director at Hayball</cite>
</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/smps_diannasnape_print_18.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A dynamic view beyond the sandbox"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/smps_diannasnape_print_18.jpg?itok=653gCcfu" title="A dynamic view beyond the sandbox" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A dynamic view beyond the sandbox</figcaption></figure>The building's large footprint and vertical nature allowed <a href="/architects/hayball">Hayball</a> to include spaces unique to the schooling environment.

A feature that has become commonplace in many contemporary institutional designs across Melbourne makes its debut within SMPS. A large-scale atrium with tiered seating and a 'showcase' staircase become the focal point for the immediate area.

A meeting space, teaching space and auditorium seating as required, the atrium is representative of the multifunctional nature of SMPS.

Similarly, the traditional classroom is on the outer, with spaces arranged around “learning communities” to facilitate both aged-based and stage-based learning groups.

<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/smps_diannasnape_print_13.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The cavernous piazza with staircase to the roar"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="795" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/smps_diannasnape_print_13.jpg?itok=CK0SBrmS" title="The cavernous piazza with staircase to the roar" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The indoor 'piazza' with staircase to the roar</figcaption></figure><h2>SMPS - outdoor spaces a necessity</h2>

<blockquote>
Above the indoor gym, we have an outdoor sports area so kids can play typical ball games they love – of course there’re nets surrounding the play area so balls don’t fly off the roof!

There’s also a climbing play structure called ‘The Treehouse’ which allows vertical connection between the outdoor learning areas on levels two and three, promoting exercise and active play as well as connecting levels.

All in all, we’ve turned the horizontal school yard into a vertical play centre, so kids are not missing out on the best parts of going to school, which for them is playing and being active with their friends.

<cite>Richard Leonard, Director at Hayball</cite>
</blockquote>

Further images by Dianne Snape can be seen in the slideshow below
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