New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=372394]

Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=953]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=925]

Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=5374]

The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

Joel Robinson

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Rainbow Bay apartment doubles in price since off the plan sale during pandemic

The long-planned transformation of Brisbane's historic Shafston Estate has taken another major step, with Capella Hotel Group announced as the luxury hospitality partner behind what will become Brisbane's first branded residences.

The project, to be known as Capella Residences Brisbane, is being delivered by Verso Projects at the landmark Kangaroo Point riverfront estate, with completion targeted for 2029.

The announcement follows a series of planning changes to the project over recent years. The site was originally approved in 2023 for a 15-level, 37-apartment development designed by Rothelowman for Burgundy Group before Verso Projects took over the 10,070 sqm riverfront holding and lodged revised plans with Kerry Hill Architects to increase the development to a 25-level tower with 51 apartments.

The latest announcement confirms Capella Hotel Group will bring its branded residential offering to the project, marking just the second Capella Residences development globally after Seoul, and the group's first branded residential project in Australia.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/23-castlebar-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Castlebar Street development</a> will centre around the restoration of the heritage-listed Shafston House, one of Brisbane's oldest residences, originally constructed in 1851 by Reverend Robert Creyke as a single-storey cottage known as Ravenscott.

<img alt="Capella" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2b9f4ce5-638f-4d6b-8082-3ca7e4b75fca" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-09%20at%207.20.41%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=f7aeqsW_DzOJI4FymWb3lD8NptSfsP7q" />

Capella said the project aligns with its focus on heritage-led developments, with the Brisbane estate combining the restored historic residence with a new luxury apartment tower and hospitality-inspired resident amenities.

Residents will have access to the Capella Living Room, a concierge-led communal space inspired by the group's luxury hotels, alongside landscaped gardens, six swimming pools, wellness and recreation facilities.

The broader estate will also include two riverfront homes, a six-berth private marina, porte cochère arrival experience, secure basement parking and a new section of public riverwalk along the Brisbane River frontage.

The heritage Postal Depot Building will also be retained and repurposed as a guest house, in line with the revised development plans.

The project represents another evolution for the site, which Kerry Hill Architects previously described as a rare opportunity to restore one of Brisbane's most significant heritage estates while creating a new benchmark for apartment living.

"The Shafston Estate provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to restore one of Brisbane's finest heritage precincts and to reinstate residential use as a unique site perched on the edge of Kangaroo Point," Kerry Hill Architects said in its Urban Context Report accompanying the planning submission.

"The project will celebrate excellence in sub-tropical residential design, setting a new benchmark for vertical living in Brisbane."

Verso Projects, which now has an $8.5 billion development pipeline spanning more than 6,000 dwellings across apartments, townhouses, retail and commercial projects, said the partnership with Capella would elevate the development beyond a traditional residential project.

"We feel honoured to be restoring Shafston Estate to its former glory, elevating it to new heights of luxury and excellence underpinned by Capella's distinctive service ethos and design philosophy, and making it a standout landmark in Brisbane," Verso Projects CEO Steve Laffey said.

"By partnering with Capella, globally recognised for its refined approach to luxury hospitality and deep respect for cultural and historical context, we will elevate this project beyond a residential offering into a world-class destination."

Capella Hotel Group President Roland Fasel said Brisbane's emergence as a global city made it the right location for the company's Australian residential debut.

"Brisbane is a city on the cusp of something remarkable, and Capella Residences is our commitment to being part of that story," Fasel said.

"The Capella residential experience is more than luxury. It is about a sense of belonging to a place with deep meaning."

Private appointments have now opened for the project, with a display suite expected to open in late 2026 ahead of the planned 2029 completion.

Capella to launch Brisbane's first branded residences at Shafston House, Kangaroo Point

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]

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

Fitzroy

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A flue has thrown the future of Fitzroy’s Spanish Club on Johnston Street into doubt, after a recent VCAT decision denied a planning permit for the redevelopment of the existing building.
But papers have already been lodged to Supreme Court to appeal VCAT’s decision.
The site’s developer Tim Gurner had agreed to absorb the Club’s substantial debt and transfer ownership of that debt into his company’s name to ensure that the banks could not pursue the Club for costs whilst the redevelopment was ongoing.
Proposed plans by his GURNER firm would have seen the 787 sqm site transformed into a new Spanish bar and restaurant, with clubhouse facilities at ground level and apartments occupying the 5 – 6 levels above.
After successfully mediating with all objectors except for one, the permit was denied on a technicality due to an adjoining property owner’s automotive paint shop, and this landowner’s refusal to negotiate a new location for an exhaust flue on the shared boundary.
The elected president of The Spanish Club, Margarita Ros, explained that unless the decision is overturned the business will have to sell up and close, as without the support of redevelopment its business model cannot remain viable in its current form.
“Tim Gurner had taken on personal liability for the Club’s existing debt and has been paying our interest for over a year to ensure that we could continue trading and operating in the community until the redevelopment had been completed, however now I don’t see how we can repay the debt and continue to function as a community,” Ros said.
“The Club has played a vital role in helping to integrate and promote multiculturalism in Victoria. Over the years, it has also assisted the broader community through fundraisers for various disaster recover appeals. To think that this might be our last year working with the community is too upsetting to contemplate. It’s just devastating.”
The location of the flue fails to meet Environmental Protection Authority guidelines and is also a non-conforming use within the current mixed use zoning, leading the VCAT Member to rule that the flue was in an unacceptable position for the proposed development. 
Commenting on the matter, Tim Gurner said that it was disappointing to see the permit denied on such a small technicality.
 
“To have a scheme overturned due to a neighbouring land use that is not even allowed in this zone, and from an exhaust flue that is not compliant with EPA guidelines is incredibly disappointing and shortsighted,” he said.
“The Spanish Club has been celebrating the unique culture of Spanish immigrants for the better part of 50 years; it is run by a voluntary committee and all income that is generated is reinvested into the Club.”
Immigrant social clubs all over Australia have been ordered to either adapt or close their doors for good in recent years. The Sydney Spanish Club was forced to shut in 2013, while Melbourne’s Celtic Club has been on the market for many years after failing repeatedly to forge agreements to redevelop the ailing pub.
“What doesn’t make sense is that the VCAT Member even stated he was in support of the project in terms of its overall design outcome and height. Why then fail to provide a permit on a technicality, why not instead issue a permit pending the ability to resolve the issue,” Gurner said.
“We believe the decision was incorrectly made and of a poor judgement. We will be challenging the decision at the Supreme Court to attempt to keep the Spanish Club alive and thriving into the future,” he concluded.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Spanish Club redevelopment off to Supreme Court after GURNER's permit denied by VCAT

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A Heidelberg corner site leased to Bendigo Bank has been sold at auction for $5.302 million, reflecting a 3.4 percent yield and a land rate of around $7,470 per sqm.
The 710sqm property, 164-166 Burgundy Street, is zoned Commercial 1 and subject to a development overlay for a development of six-to-eight levels comprising 30-plus apartments above ground floor retail.
Fitzroys agent Chris James said several buyer groups fought out the auction for nearly an hour.
“The successful purchaser fought off other local and offshore investors including parties from Singapore and Hong Kong, as well as a number of development groups,” he said.
“The attention of overseas buyers is now firmly focused on the Melbourne and Sydney commercial markets given the penalties imposed by regulators on overseas investors acquiring residential properties,” he said.
“The eventual buyer was comforted by the fact that although they are an investor that now owns a bank site with a secure income, there is an opportunity at some time in the future to undertake a substantial development project on one of the suburb’s most prominent corners and in an area that increasingly embracing medium and high-density living.”
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Investor banks on Heidelberg corner site

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Adept at creating high-end residential projects, Piccolo Developments are chasing another for their portfolio by way of the redevelopment of a historic building at 71-75 Argyle Street, Fitzroy.

On the intersection of Fitzroy and Argyle Streets, Piccolo has submitted plans for the late 19th century brick factory and adjoining at-grade car park. The developer's hope is a 7 storey residential building created by Jackson Clements Burrows that would effectively wrap around the existing building.

In order to gain the nod from Yarra City Council, the application is required to adequately interact with the onsite brick building whose facade is "considered to be 'Individually Significant', meaning it is aesthetically, historically, scientifically, and/or socially significant at the local level and contributory or complementary to the South Fitzroy 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/image26_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="71 - 75 Argyle Street, Fitzroy. Planning image: JCB Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="336" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image26_7.jpg?itok=-v3D-upL" title="71 - 75 Argyle Street, Fitzroy. Planning image: JCB Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>71 - 75 Argyle Street, Fitzroy. Planning image: JCB Architects</figcaption></figure>The 1,038sqm site is slated for 41 dwellings including 12 x 3BR apartments, 59 car spaces, 57 bicycle spaces and a 129sqm restaurant at ground level.

Also called for is the "Demolition of parts of the existing factory building including the circa 1930s-40s addition, parts of the original north and east walls and the roof." The Victorian factory facades to Argyle and Fitzroy Streets will be maintained, as will be the front corner returns to the side wall, the chimney and the painted signage along the east elevation.

<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_7319.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Elwood House is approaching completion"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="405" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_7319.jpg?itok=m5i9S6i-" title="Elwood House is approaching completion" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Elwood House is approaching completion</figcaption></figure>Piccolo's Fitzroy pursuit joins an additional three residential projects in the works for the Carlton-based outfit.

Wood Marsh's spasmodic forays into higher density designs have resulted in 228-230 Dorcas Street. Piccolo describes the South Melbourne project as a "Landmark project designed by Wood Marsh incorporating luxury residential apartments and premium retail space."

Jackson Clements Burrows have a hand in the developer's remaining two projects. Construction is nearing completion on Elwood House; a bespoke residential project within Elwood Village that includes 31 apartments.

Also on the cards is 341-347 Queensberry Street North Melbourne, although a change to the application has been noted by City of Melbourne after initial plans called for a 13 storey building.
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silvermb

Piccolo gets busy in Fitzroy

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A three level Fitzroy warehouse conversion has been listed for February auction. 
The renovated Brooks Building at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-fitzroy-124507698" target="_blank">51A Little Smith St, Fitzroy</a>, features a loft bedroom with a balcony, offering views of Collingwood and Fitzroy.
There is a light-filled open-plan living area with exposed beams. 
Nelson Alexander Fitzroy agent Luke Sacco said the building conversion was about three decades ago to retain the raw features of its warehouse heritage.
It has the high ceilings, exposed brick, old timber floors.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/01/29/Fitzroy.jpg" alt="">
On the ground floor, there is a lockup garage and two bedrooms.
There are original warehouse windows with wooden floors and white-painted bricks complement the exposed beams in the lounge and dining area.
The property is set to go under the hammer on February 11 with price expectations of $1.55 million to $1.65 million.
CoreLogic says it last traded in 1978 at $7500.
Last year an undeveloped Fitzroy North warehouse sold at auction.
The 6A/1 Bik Lane offering sold for $1.216 million, just over its $1.1 million reserve set by the artist Polly Courtin who'd been there a decade.
The 120sq m building space boasted ceilings high enough to fit three storeys inside, the Nelson Alexander marketing suggested.
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Fitzroy Brooks Building warehouse conversion listed for auction

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With links onsite that span back to the 1890's, St Vincent's Private Hospital is now pursuing a new phase of expansion in order to keep pace with Melbourne's growing population.

St Vincent's Private is now considered at capacity, with plans afoot to create an 11 storey building across 59-61 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy. With the development's anticipated construction cost approaching $60 million, the overall value of the expansion weighs in at $94 million.

Included in the proposal before City of Yarra is provision for new consulting suites, 91 new multi-day beds for patients, 12 new same-day beds, additional operating rooms and pre/post operation stations.

Set above a new podium to both Victoria Parade and Brunswick Street, the building's overall height is pencilled in at 43.36 metres.

<h2>A need for expansion</h2>

<blockquote>
It is now vital for St Vincent's Health Australia to undertake a major expansion project at this flagship private hospital, including an additional 91 net beds and eight (8) operating theatres, to ensure that it will have the capacity to meet future demand and compete within key market segments. No major footprint expansion of SVPHF has occurred over the past 44 years.
Frequently during the working week SVPHF faces 'bed block' and non-elective or urgent private patients are redirected to other hospitals. In addition all private consulting suite space at SVPHF is fully occupied. Additional private consulting rooms and theatres are vital to the future of SVPHF and improved healthcare to the community.
<cite>Planning report, Meinhardt</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/image229.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="St Vincent's Plaza perspective. Image: BLP"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="323" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image229.jpg?itok=e7lUY_jx" title="St Vincent's Plaza perspective. Image: BLP" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>St Vincent's Plaza perspective. Image: BLP</figcaption></figure>To facilitate the proposed expansion, demolition is required across a number of sensitive buildings.

The existing hospital at 59-61 Victoria Parade would partially make way for the new development, as would 77 Victoria Parade, a.k.a. the former Eastern Hill Hotel. The latter is on the Victorian Heritage Register, with the development team seeking removal of its western wing to the rear of the building.

Partial demolition of Edensor House is also proposed, and mainly confined to the Victorian Heritage Register-listed building's rear. Full demolition is sought for 63-71 Victoria Parade (the former Easthill House), with the building considered to be Individually Significant from a heritage perspective.

<h2>Building design</h2>

Shades of natural and midnight copper cladding would provide the design highlight over the east and north facades, with the balance a clad consisting of compressed fibre cement sheet cladding in a banded finish.

The southern facade is predominantly glazed, with elements of purple, charcoal and white, and its angular nature suggesting that it lends in some small way from the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre which was completed earlier in 2016.

<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/image228_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Brunswick Street perspective. Image: BLP"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image228_0.jpg?itok=kkcOuz_7" title="Brunswick Street perspective. Image: BLP" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Brunswick Street perspective. Image: BLP</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The proposed new building complements the existing building in terms of height and form but contrasts in colour and material to express it as a contemporary insertion into the existing fabric. Together the existing and the new hospital form a pair of buildings that create a distinct identity to the hospital and an appropriate backdrop to the scale of St. Vincent's plaza.

The proposed podium facade along Victoria Pde complements the fenestration of both the three storey heritage building as well as the existing hospital podium and acts as a transition element in terms of both distribution of openings as well as parapet height

The proposed materiality of the podium responds to both the glazed brickwork of existing hospital and the painted and render brick facade of the East Hill Hotel by utilising a porcelain stone clad finish to complement the existing heavy materiality of the streetscape 

<cite>Urban context report, Billard Leece Partnership</cite>
</blockquote>

Also in the works is an expansion of the existing multi-storey car park at 93-99 Victoria Parade.

Of more interest from a design perspective than in terms of what benefits it could provide to the larger community, an expansion would see the already colourful structure capped with three new levels of parking. 185 additional car parking spaces would be added if approved.

The new levels would be finished in metal screens, accentuated by rectangular openings featuring small planter boxes.

<blockquote>
The design intention is to mimic balconies of an apartment building making reference to the many examples in Melbourne of residential and commercial spaces sitting on top of multi deck carparks. The screen consists of closely spaced vertical steel angles powder coated in multiple colours. The colours ranges change as the screen presents itself to different solar orientations.
<cite>Urban context report, Billard Leece Partnership</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/image230.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="An expanded 93-99 Victoria Parade. Image: BLP"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="344" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image230.jpg?itok=OJkFLsLg" title="An expanded 93-99 Victoria Parade. Image: BLP" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>An expanded 93-99 Victoria Parade. Image: BLP</figcaption></figure>
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St Vincent's substantial expansion plans unveiled

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Property developer FourSQ are opening the doors of their warehouse inspired display suite for luxury townhouse development, No. 108, located at 108 Leicester Street, Fitzroy, following an unprecedented sales campaign which has seen seven of the eight residences sold in five weeks.

The development, which has broken price barriers with townhouses priced from $1.6-2.3 million, has previously been accessible strictly by appointment only, but this Saturday the public are invited to take a glimpse into the luxury vertical penthouses.

Daniel Cashen, Director of Residential at Knight Frank says he is not surprised by the level of interest in the project to date.

<blockquote>
Fitzroy consistently achieves high prices for its housing stock, which gave us confidence that there was latent demand for our product. Buyers have been drawn to the superior design and finishes, as well as the high ceilings and obviously the location. They have also embraced the ‘vertical penthouse’ style of living, with baby boomers responding positively to the private lifts.
<cite>Daniel Cashen, Director of Residential, Knight Frank</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/fsq003_exterior_01_complete.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="No. 108 - Leicester Street, Fitzroy. Image: Knight Frank"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/fsq003_exterior_01_complete.jpg?itok=ezXUmTNS" title="No. 108 - Leicester Street, Fitzroy. Image: Knight Frank" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>No. 108 - Leicester Street, Fitzroy. Image: Knight Frank</figcaption></figure>On display in this warehouse shell, will be a full-scale example of the spacious living area, furnished by exclusive furniture retailer, Hub, as well as the Italian-made and designed Dada kitchen with a stone island bench and stainless steel bench top.

Visitors will have the opportunity to get a sense of the full floor bedrooms with walk-in-wardrobes complete with dressing tables, customisable Italian made Molteni joinery, ensuites featuring solid surface double vanities, built-in bath and the large walk-in shower.

A key feature of the 4 and 5 level townhouses, No. 108’s private roof terraces with Tait Tilt Outdoor Kitchen and a premium Electrolux barbecue, have also been fully mocked up to give potential purchasers a taste of what life would look like in these striking vertical homes.

<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/fsq003_section_03_complete.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="No. 108 - Leicester Street, Fitzroy. Image: Knight Frank"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="701" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/fsq003_section_03_complete.jpg?itok=c79pO2eL" title="No. 108 - Leicester Street, Fitzroy. Image: Knight Frank" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>No. 108 - Leicester Street, Fitzroy. Image: Knight Frank</figcaption></figure>The first collaboration between FourSQ and BKK Architects, No. 108 residences have a 6.6-star average energy rating and offer expansive, flexible floorplans of 152-232 square metres. They each feature private lifts and soaring 3 metre ceilings along with the private roof terraces, which boast spectacular city and mountain range views.

The design of the project acknowledges the classic housing genres of its Fitzroy neighbourhood. Along Young Street the design is a contemporary reworking of traditional Victorian terraces while on Leicester Street it’s a reimagining of archetypal warehouse conversions.

For buyers aspiring to secure their own FourSQ/BKK townhouse but with a smaller budget, FourSQ will be launching a new development in collaboration with the award-winning architect in Flemington early next year, with residences under $1 million.

<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/fsq003_interior_06_complete.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="No. 108 - Leicester Street, Fitzroy. Image: Knight Frank"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="193" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/fsq003_interior_06_complete.jpg?itok=12xEnagS" title="No. 108 - Leicester Street, Fitzroy. Image: Knight Frank" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>No. 108 - Leicester Street, Fitzroy. Image: Knight Frank</figcaption></figure>
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Alastair Taylor

FourSQ throws open its display suite for No. 108 in Fitzroy

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Six Fitzroy units have hit the market in one line, a potential opportunity for boutique developers and investors.
Colliers International’s Hamish Burgess and Ted Dwyer have been appointed to auction the block of six two bedroom units at 320 George Street, Fitzroy.
The prime-located 570 square metre allotment, within walking distance of Brunswick, Smith and Johnston streets, is anticipated to draw interest around the $3.8 million mark.
Suitable for a luxury townhouse development, there is scope for redevelopment for up to six high-end dwellings.
Leased on a monthly basis for an annual income of about $124,848, the units also represent a passive investment opportunity for discerning buyers.
320 George Street will go to auction on December 9. 
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Six Fitzroy units with townhouse development potential to go under the hammer

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A flagship retail building in Fitzroy, Melbourne is for sale.
The 1460 square metre property at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-vic-fitzroy-502131182" target="_blank">411-421 Smith Street</a> has two multinational tenants in the renovated two storey building.
Recent renovations haVE improved the building with more modern additions on the way.
Currently both floors feature high ceilings creating an open air retail/office experience.
There is a new entrance way upstairs that features an all-glass and metal lift.
There are works to create wider, new shop fronts and windows.
Smith Street’s evolution and gentrification is evident with brand new mixed use developments and renovated shops near the property.
Both tenants in the property are happy with lease term kept in line to allow for future development/owner occupation, should this be required.
The majority of the ground floor is leased by Kathmandu, who have occupied it for over 10 years, the remaining tenancy is occupied by Carryology, while the entire first offer is leased by Bellroy Operations.
The property is offered through TCI Property Consultant agent Jack Teneketzis.
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Flagship Kathmandu retail building in Fitzroy for sale

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A modern retail investment in Carlton has been sold for $575,000.
The 140 Rathdowne Street property was sold by Fitzroys agents Terence Yeh.
The inner-city strata retail sale price reflected a tight 5.5 percent yield.
<img src="/images/2016/10/25/FTZ_140_RATHDOWNE_0493.jpg" alt="">
Yeh, who acted on behalf of the developer, said a private investor with experience in developments purchased the property.
It was sold with a five-year lease to café Bloom Coffee Bar with two five-year options, returning $32,000 per annum plus outgoings and GST.
The property is on the ground floor of a boutique mixed-use development completed late last year.
The three level complex comprises six ground floor shops and thirteen apartments.
<img src="/images/2016/10/25/FTZ_140_RATHDOWNE_0514.jpg" alt="">
Yeh said the property offered an experienced tenant, long secure lease, excellent exposure and prospects for tax benefits.
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Carlton retail investment sells for $575,000

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108 Leicester Street is a collection of eight multi-level Fitzroy townhouses that have been designed to respond to the changing face of multi-residential living in Melbourne.

The hybrid inner-city dwellings combine developer/builder FOURSQ with Melbourne firm BKK Architects. The design acknowledges the housing typologies of the development's Fitzroy neighbourhood with unique identities to its primary street frontages.

Along Young Street a contemporary response to the traditional Victorian terraces is evident, while on Leicester Street a re-imagining of archetypal warehouse conversions is the key driver. Additionally the new built form provides a strong formal gesture to the site's corner, drawing on the qualities of local civic landmarks.

<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/no108.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="No. 108's materials reference its local context. Image courtesy FOURSQ"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="369" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/no108.jpg?itok=mdFOPOlF" title="No. 108's materials reference its local context. Image courtesy FOURSQ" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>No. 108's materials reference its local context. Image courtesy FOURSQ</figcaption></figure>The exploration of various design typologies is not just limited to the exterior. The interiors employ concrete as both a feature of the ceilings and in the stairwells of each residence with the integration of timber and brass, which draw on the industrial history of the local neighbourhood.

Each of the 6.6-star average energy rated townhouses offer large, flexible floorplans of 152-232 square metres over 4-5 levels, and feature a private lift, 3m ceilings and separate roof terraces which offer views towards the city and the Dandenong Ranges.

Designed with flexibility in mind, four of the townhouses offer the option of using their ground level as a second living area, extra bedroom, home office or media room. All townhouses have two bedrooms – each with their own private level and en suite, with some opening to a balcony. The open plan living areas feature concrete ceilings, expansive glazing and bespoke screens to the stairwell made of Victorian Ash and brass woven mesh.

The outdoor roof terraces have been designed with space for outdoor cooking, dining and living featuring a Tait Tilt Outdoor Kitchen and barbecue with roasting hood. Five townhouses have Young or Leicester Street frontages and access while three are entered via the internal garden courtyard which features timbers recycled from the site’s original warehouse.

<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/108_rooftop.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="No. 108 rooftop terraces with a city backdrop. Image courtesy FOURSQ"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="371" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/108_rooftop.jpg?itok=i62BnlNU" title="No. 108 rooftop terraces with a city backdrop. Image courtesy FOURSQ" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>No. 108 rooftop terraces with a city backdrop. Image courtesy FOURSQ</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
A collection of eight luxury, 4-level, vertical dwellings. The project draws upon the local character and various dwelling typologies to create a new type of housing for this gritty, inner-city suburb of Melbourne.
High levels of environmental design, vertical green spaces and extra-large dwellings are clustered around a tranquil courtyard garden. Every aspect of this project is considered in detail to achieve a benchmark well beyond the standard.
<cite>BKK Architects</cite>
</blockquote>

Urban.com.au recently sat down with BKK director Simon Knott at the on-site display suite to discuss the design of the project, and its response to its context.

Knott described No. 108's conception as "a highly collaborative process between FOURSQ and BKK". FOURSQ engaged BKK to develop a design for a townhouse-style development that was more unique to what was on the market. BKK pushed and pulled the massing around the site from which the idea of developing a typology that was primarily a house within the envelope of what would otherwise be an apartment building.

No. 108, says Knott, has been designed to be at the forefront of a shift in the market away from investor stock towards a more owner occupier driven product - essentially eight high end houses on the site that are extremely well pointed and have a great amount of detail and craftsmanship to them.

One thing that is not quite so obvious to other people when they see the end product is the time taken to develop the design. According to Knott, BKK have explained to clients that they’re not paying for inspiration necessarily, but rather good design which takes time; the more time spent on the drawing board, the better the outcome and overall the process on No. 108 has been an exhaustive one.

<blockquote>
There is a real desire out there for these high end homes in a really good location near the city. They’ve got everything within them – 2 car parks that are in a stacker which people are pretty comfortable with now. Five have their own street address and the other three have entries off the internal courtyard.
We wanted the design to be a contextual reinterpretation – something that looked like it came out of Fitzroy – with elements of the old warehouse that is onsite and using brick that’s typical to Fitzroy.
Then this idea of marking the corner with a really significant corner element. Something which referenced the Victorian Terrace home and then this more industrial warehouse feel out the back and finally mitigated with this central courtyard space which is a semi-public space that services the three townhouses sitting within it.
All the townhouses have been designed with dual aspect and cross ventilation throughout.
The way we approached the design was how we would start to look at apartment design then quickly realised through discussions with Tom from FOURSQ that it’s actually houses that we’ were designing here. And that’s similar to JCB, Six Degrees and even Clare Cousins now – we all have a background in housing rather than typically commercial apartment design.
I think it’s wrong to think of the homes at 108 as townhouses… they’re something else. They’re kind of a new typology of housing and each one is slightly different. There’s a couple that are similar – two on Young Street and two on the courtyard that are similar. But I think the opportunity for someone to have something where they have their own front door in this location and feel a lot more like they're in a home.
The bedrooms are more like 4m x 5m rather than 3m x 3m. The design was very much about trying to get a level of craftsmanship through rather than something manufactured and polished and that’s a hard balance to get right – you don’t want it too look like a shabby, half cooked idea. Something a lot more refined.
<cite>Simon Knott, Director, BKK Architects</cite>
</blockquote>

Construction of No. 108 is anticipated to start by early 2017 with completion in late 2017.
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