The idea of a low-maintenance forever home located close to the city were the two driving factors behind a recent purchaser’s journey at Murcia, the under-construction East Brisbane apartment development by Sarazin.

Last year, Lois and her husband purchased a two-bedroom plus multi-purpose room (MPR) apartment in the new building, which is being constructed by Hutchinson Builders and is on track for completion in late-2027.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135094 project_image_fid=341638]

The couple’s number one priority was to remain within easy commuting distance of the city for work. Murcia is positioned alongside the new Cross River Rail, with Woolloongabba Station just 300 metres from the front door.

They are currently living in their Annerley unit, which they have owned for several years, after recently moving out of their inner-city apartment, located on the very same street as Murcia.

“We had watched the development for a long time, and when construction activity began, that’s when we felt confident to buy,” Lois said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135094 project_image_fid=356540]

The timing also made sense. By moving back into their Annerley unit, they are able to save money ahead of settlement, while looking forward to returning closer to the city once Murcia is complete.

“We see Murcia as a forever home, as opposed to an investment, or something we need to appreciate massively in value and move on from in a few years,” Lois said.

“We secured an apartment large enough to grow a family, so we’re expecting to call Murcia home for a very long time.”

The couple plan to grow their family, but without the added maintenance demands of owning a standalone house further from the city. Working with Sarazin and architect HAL, they were able to slightly tweak the floorplan, converting the two-bedroom plus MPR layout into a functional three-bedroom apartment.

An added bonus was the recently revised communal space plans, which now incorporate a dedicated working-from-home area, complete with work pods, and shared desks.

“It means the third bedroom doesn’t have to become a part-time office and part-time bedroom,” Lois said, adding that residents have the benefit of working from home without actually being inside their apartment.

The rooftop wellness amenity was another standout compared to living in an established complex or a house. A signature feature of Sarazin developments, the rooftop will include a full gym, hot and cold plunge pools, a steam room and sauna, and a hotel-style pool with cabanas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135094 project_image_fid=214682]

Buyer journeys can vary significantly, from purchasing in the established market to buying new, or choosing between houses and apartments. Lois said they knew immediately that buying off the plan was right for them.

“We wanted something new, with less maintenance, and we weren’t quite ready to make the full financial leap straight away. The timing and deposit structure gave us the flexibility we needed.”

Designed by HAL Architects and inspired by the Spanish city of Murcia, the development takes a Mediterranean-influenced approach to architecture and landscaping, with a strong emphasis on shared spaces.

“The design feels considered, the amenities support how we actually live, and the location keeps us connected to the city without feeling right in the middle of it.”

Murcia is Sarazin’s second development in the area, following the completion of Silk One just up the road in 2022. They have several more projects coming to market in Woolloongabba ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Summer Olympics.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135094]

Joel Robinson

Close to the city, built for the future: Inside a growing family’s move to Murcia in East Brisbane

While most developers are aiming high across the Gold Coast, John Kearney’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/immerse-projects">Immerse Projects</a>&nbsp;has scaled back its plans for its Kirra Beach project.

As first reported by Apartments.com.au in April 2025, Immerse <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-immerse-projects-plan-new-apartments-at-kirra-beach">lodged plans for 105 apartments</a> on its 2,026 sqm Haig Street site.

The developer has now revised the proposal, reducing the 14-storey building to nine storeys and cutting the total number of apartments from 105 to 65.

The new scheme will also feature a broader mix of apartments. It will comprise 23 two-bedroom units, 17 three-bedroom units, and 25 four-bedroom apartments, the latter a configuration that was not included in the original proposal.

<img alt="Lot 11 C2859, 7 Haig Street, COOLANGATTA QLD 4225" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="972e3bbf-c3e6-4308-b098-5821e571f829" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Haig%20Street%20perspective%201.png?VersionId=3jkyNU0n7TW08DpkoEsY62bXWTb3UHxY" />

The building will rise to a compliant height of 29 metres, aligning with the Building Height Overlay.&nbsp;

The built form incorporates three basement levels accommodating 197 resident car parks and 13 visitor spaces, alongside storage and servicing areas. Level two is dedicated in part to communal amenity, including a lap pool along the western boundary, pool deck, spa and cold plunge pools, gym, work-from-home and meeting spaces, and landscaped areas designed to enhance privacy and outlook.

The typical floorplate will have eight apartments per level.

<img alt="Lot 11 C2859, 7 Haig Street, COOLANGATTA QLD 4225" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="002d2594-9cf4-4ee4-bb2a-9a0546ac1cc5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Haig%20Street%20site.png?VersionId=Qk.Cm0K9RziXrWu0Q4u2eOjEM3CwNhhC" />

The subject site is currently occupied by two 1970s-era walk-up buildings, Giraween and Caribbean, comprising 14 apartments.

Immerse Projects, led by building veteran John Kearney, who also heads construction firm Greyburn, has become increasingly active in the Kirra and broader southern Gold Coast market. The group recently completed Rhyhthm Kirra Hill on Garrick Street. They have another site locally, on McLean Street, which has approved plans for 58 apartments.

First Look: Immerse favours four-bed apartments in Kirra Beach switch

The development wave is continuing in the affluent suburb of Woollahra following last year’s planning reforms introduced by the Minns Labor Government.

In early 2025, the NSW Government implemented significant changes to its Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy, altering planning controls to allow greater density for new apartment projects within an 800-metre walking distance of stations and town centres in the Woollahra Local Government Area, overriding existing local controls. Buildings are now permitted to rise up to six storeys within 400 metres of a station or centre, or eight storeys where affordable housing is incorporated, and up to four storeys within the 401 to 800 metre radius, which can increase to six storeys with affordable housing.

Since then, a significant number of development applications have been lodged, and numerous sites have transacted, some at record highs, with the increased density provisions now working in favour of developers.

Lower North Shore developer Abadeen are behind the latest project. They are planning a six-storey residential building at 101–115 Edgecliff Road, on the border of Woollahra and Bondi Junction.

<img alt="First Look: Lindos Group plans six-storey adaptive reuse apartment project in Woollahra’s Fletcher Precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="17a75a04-3ecd-4b0f-af9f-54514690721b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Edgecliff%20DA%20front.png?VersionId=r0MiKualBGqKrjVj6hJZHsEiwl9QzF0D" />

The proposal would replace a trio of interwar flat buildings on the amalgamated 1,514 sqm site, which has three street frontages to Edgecliff Road, Adelaide Street and Australia Lane.

Importantly, as noted in the documents, the project represents a 200 per cent increase in bedroom density, from 32 bedrooms to 66, rather than a significant increase in the number of apartments, which will rise only slightly from 28 to 29.

The scheme proposes four one-bedroom units, 13 two-bedroom units, and 12 three-bedroom apartments. The submitted planning documents note that, based on market research and background analysis, one of the primary target markets will be downsizers seeking to remain in the local area while moving out of larger freestanding homes they no longer require.

“This allows for new housing supply opportunities beyond just the subject site,” the Design Report by architecture firm Squillace states. The current unit mix comprises 24 one-bedroom apartments and four two-bedroom units.

The top level of the new development will feature a rooftop deck with a pool, barbecue facilities, integrated seating, and a communal vegetable and herb garden.

“Providing these facilities is beneficial in encouraging increased interaction between occupants, which in turn fosters a greater sense of community,” Squillace’s report notes. The firm adds that the vegetable and herb garden, in particular, offers social value, with volunteering opportunities creating further interaction among residents.

<img alt="First Look: Lindos Group plans six-storey adaptive reuse apartment project in Woollahra’s Fletcher Precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9619b7bb-291d-417a-a006-f36d14a97cb1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Edgecliff%20DA%20perspective.png?VersionId=PYeMKcgOnEV7XVztARQ_YVDlvHcuyZaW" />

Squillace describes the intent as delivering additional housing supply while maintaining the heritage character of the Fletcher Precinct.

“Our objective is to design a high-quality benchmark building that enables considered additions and the adaptive reuse of the existing three brick residential flat buildings,” the architecture firm states.

The site is located within a heritage conservation area, with all three existing buildings identified as contributory items in the Woollahra Development Control Plan. Rather than pursuing wholesale demolition, the proposal retains the primary brick façades and tiled pitched roof forms along Edgecliff Road and Adelaide Street. New upper-level additions are set back from the existing parapets and articulated with horizontal and vertical shadow lines to provide visual separation.

“The proposed design seeks to retain the primary brick façades and roof forms to the street, demonstrating how existing building fabric can be preserved while increasing housing density within conservation areas,” the report adds.

Prior to Christmas, around <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/rose-bay-apartment-market-fires-up-with-200m-in-new-developments-filed">$200m of new projects</a> were filed in Rose Bay alone, within the Woollahra LGA.

The suburb of Woollahra is subject to the most change in the Woollahra LGA, with the&nbsp;Minns Labor Government to deliver&nbsp;Sydney’s first new heavy rail station in more than a decade, enabling up to 10,000 new homes by rezoning land around&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/woollahra-nsw-2025" target="">Woollahra</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/edgecliff-nsw-2027" target="">Edgecliff</a>&nbsp;stations.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/next-stop-woollahra-train-station-delivering-up-to-10-000-new-homes-in-the-heart-of-sydney">Next stop Woollahra train station - delivering up to 10,000 new homes in the heart of Sydney</a>

First Look: Woollahra development wave continues as Abadeen plots six-storey apartment block

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-broadbeach-13-armrick-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218">Crest Broadbeach</a> continues to record strong sales momentum more than a year after the launch of second tower, reinforcing buyer confidence in the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/morris-property-group">Morris Property Group</a> development as construction progresses on site.

The two-tower project on Armrick Avenue is now around 70 per cent sold. Around 90 per cent of the apartments in the first tower have been snapped up, with more than 40 per cent of sales achieved in the second tower since its mid-2025 release. With both towers now under construction and completion targeted for late 2027, Crest continues to attract buyer interest well after its initial launch.

The project’s sales success reflects Morris Property Group’s long-standing commitment to premium locations, delivery certainty, and apartments designed for long-term owner-occupiers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112024 project_image_fid=343113]

Crest occupies a rare position on Armrick Avenue, a leafy Broadbeach address that has seen minimal apartment development despite the suburb’s wider growth. The site overlooks expansive green space, including Broadbeach Park and the neighbouring bowls club grounds, offering leafy outlooks and immediate access to open space just moments from the beach.

That scarcity has been a key driver of urgency, particularly among buyers seeking a full-time coastal residence in an area where new supply opportunities are increasingly limited.

Delivery certainty has also played a central role. Morris Property Group is delivering Crest using its in-house construction team, with both towers being built concurrently, providing buyers with clear construction visibility at a time when confidence in project timelines has become a decisive factor.

The developer’s long-standing presence in Broadbeach has further reinforced buyer confidence. Crest is Morris Property Group’s ninth apartment development in the suburb since 2006, following recently completed projects such as Malo Broadbeach and with Maison Broadbeach currently under construction nearby.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112024 project_image_fid=5430]

Pricing has also been carefully positioned relative to comparable beachfront and near-beach product. With two and three-bedroom apartments starting from $1.199 million, Crest has attracted both local downsizers and interstate purchasers seeking value without compromising location or build quality.

According to Apartments.com.au enquiry data, interest has remained broad-based, with Queensland buyers forming the core market and New South Wales accounting for around 20 to 30 per cent of enquiries since early 2024.

Apartments have been designed with owner-occupiers in mind, prioritising generous floor plans, practical storage, and low ongoing costs. Hybrid timber flooring, Bosch appliances, ducted air conditioning with condensers positioned away from balconies, and low body corporate levies, averaging around $90 per week for two-bedroom apartments, have resonated with buyers planning to live in the building long term.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112024 project_image_fid=286005]

Resident amenity has been curated to support everyday use rather than short-term spectacle, with a gym, pool, barbecue facilities and landscaped outdoor spaces integrated into the development.

As broader market conditions continue to reward projects that combine location discipline with delivery certainty, Crest’s sales performance highlights where buyer demand is consolidating in Broadbeach, towards established streets, proven developers, and apartments designed for permanence rather than turnover.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112024]

Sustained sales momentum underpins demand at Morris Property Group’s Crest Broadbeach

<article data-scroll-anchor="true" data-testid="conversation-turn-4" data-turn="assistant" data-turn-id="request-WEB:2cd0935f-64f2-4642-8736-f0c056a17aa8-1" dir="auto" tabindex="-1">
South East Queensland developer SIERA has lodged a development application for a 27-storey residential tower on Chevron Island, marking its third project in the Surfers Paradise area and second within the island precinct.

Designed by Gold Coast-based BDA Architecture, the proposal comprises 130 apartments across a slender tower positioned opposite Chevron Island Park. The 1,518 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/17-19-anembo-street-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">17-21 Anembo Street</a> sits at the western entry to the island and offers protected view corridors towards the Nerang River and hinterland.

According to SIERA Founder Brent Thompson, the design intent has been to create what he describes as “a Queenslander in the sky,” with a narrow floorplate to minimise overshadowing, maximise cross-ventilation and respond to the subtropical microclimate.

The podium has been articulated with layered materials and cascading landscaping to provide a transition between the park frontage and the residential tower above. A full-floor communal amenity level on level four will capture elevated park and river views, providing residents with wellness and recreation facilities in a private setting.

<img alt="Siera" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7d1008c8-e1b5-4923-a568-29f356068e3f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-02-16%20at%204.06.44%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=p_0qI12aHgz3M8aHFbUoduXBOKDhcrqV" />

Thompson said the project continues the developer’s focus on Chevron Island, a precinct he believes has been “significantly underrated” but is now gaining broader recognition.

“The demand we’ve seen at Tapestry, nearing sell-out and completing later in 2026, confirms this is where Gold Coast residents want to live,” he said.

“It offers something rare: quiet neighbourhood character with wide, tree-lined streets, genuine local amenity, cafes, quality restaurants, medical services, daily necessities, and excellent connectivity to the light rail, beaches, river and HOTA, without feeling touristy or transient. As one of only two true island residential communities on the Gold Coast with limited development opportunity, this will become one of the coast’s most coveted addresses for those seeking a genuine residential lifestyle.”

Chevron Island has undergone steady evolution in recent years, benefiting from its proximity to HOTA and improved connectivity to Surfers Paradise and the light rail network. Thompson described the location as presenting “a unique window of opportunity”, noting that while buyer activity is strong, “pricing hasn’t yet caught up to comparable locations.”

“For buyers who understand the precinct’s trajectory, particularly its proximity to HOTA and the cultural activation happening there, this represents compelling value,” he said.

Apartment configurations will comprise two- and three-bedroom layouts targeted primarily at local owner-occupiers. Thompson said the homes are designed for “practical living,” with natural light, cross-ventilation and generous outdoor spaces central to the planning approach.

“We’re not chasing volume,” Thompson added. “We’re focused on delivering projects in the right locations for genuine owner-occupiers. Chevron Island offers an incredible combination of lifestyle, connectivity and value that we believe is significantly underappreciated in the broader Gold Coast market.”

The Anembo Street proposal follows SIERA’s 113-apartment Tapestry development on Chevron Island, currently under construction and due for completion in 2026. The developer recently completed Pipis in Bilinga and is preparing to commence construction on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a 54-apartment project in Northcliffe, Surfers Paradise, in the second quarter of 2026, with 40 per cent of apartments reportedly secured ahead of its formal launch.

SIERA operates as a vertically integrated builder-developer, managing acquisition, design, sales and construction in-house.

“We’re builders at heart who develop exclusively for ourselves,” Thompson said. “We don’t build for others; we refine what we do for our residents and owners. That focus allows us to control and oversee every detail, every communication, every interaction with stakeholders from neighbours to owners to council. We’re relentless in pursuing thoughtful design for practical living.”

Pricing for the Anembo Street project has not yet been released and remains subject to development approval. The application is currently under assessment by Gold Coast City Council. If approved, construction is anticipated to commence in late 2026, with completion targeted for 2028.
</article>

First look: SIERA doubles down on Chevron Island with new tower plans 

Footscray

The brief for <a href="/buildings/cowper-residences-footscray-34-cowper-street-footscray">Cowper Residences</a> in <a href="/developments/footscray-vic-3011">Footscray</a> was straightforward enough: a residential community of around 400 homes, designed for enduring value and built to last using high-quality materials.

The triangular Cowper Street site however presented multiple challenges along with extraordinary opportunities.

Toby Lauchlan, multi-residential partner at community-focused design studio <a href="/architects/clarke-hopkins-clarke-0">ClarkeHopkinsClarke Architects</a>, says the highly collaborative client and project team saw a great location for an inclusive, walkable community of flexible typologies to suit diverse residents who value quality materiality and seamless connections to each other and the broader neighbourhood.

“The site was zoned for six and 10 storeys but it wasn’t huge, and it had three very different interfaces with surrounding streetscapes,” Lauchlan said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4761 project_image_fid=21421]

“The residential interface along Cowper Street was single story, and the other boundaries were hard up against the rail line and Hopkins Street, one of <a href="/developments/footscray-vic-3011">Footscray’s</a> busiest mixed-used streets. But the site was literally surrounded by everything that makes Footscray great - <a href="/developments/footscray-vic-3011">a very diverse neighbourhood</a>, industrial architecture with loads of character, fantastic amenities including public transport, retail, hospitality, arts and culture, employment, and education. Plus local institutions like Footscray Market and Flemington Racecourse, and incredible views in all directions."

Lauchlan said they knew they needed&nbsp;to avoid a singular expression and provide an answer that was multi-faceted, with a diversity of spaces, heights, scales and materials.

"It had to be a fine grain collection of buildings connected by communal spaces including beautiful landscaped gardens and terraces, all which would contribute to the character of Cowper Street and the broader neighbourhood.”

Instead of simply going upwards, like so many surrounding developments, the architects drew on ClarkeHopkinsClarke Architects’ distinctive Creating Vibrant Communities methodology and urban design expertise to maximise the entire site.

Double-height SOHOs and three-storey townhouses are located along and off low-rise Cowper Street. Six and 10-storey apartment precincts are set back towards the rail line and Hopkins Street interface.

At ground level, an entry plaza accommodates retail and hospitality tenancies and leads to a welcoming landscaped courtyard on the expansive podium. These communal spaces are destinations in themselves, not merely thoroughfares, with the built form and landscaping maximise 360-degree views.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4761 project_image_fid=21420]

Multiple entry and exit points create easy flow and surrounding connections. SOHOs and retail and café tenancies activate the ground plane. A new side street, unusual in a development of this size, creates a townhouse precinct for larger homes with separate entrances.&nbsp;

The design considers residents’ interactions, outlooks&nbsp;and public-private interface, and connects them in multiple ways to <a href="/developments/footscray-vic-3011">Footscray’s bustling activity</a> and to each other – via the podium-level gym with multiple access points and gobsmacking views, for example, and shorter-than-usual apartment corridors, which increase casual interactions between neighbours.

The 364 apartments, 16 townhouses and 10 SOHOs each required distinctive, complementary architectural forms and interior identities, and options for residents to upgrade to deluxe finishes and fixtures.

ClarkeHopkinsClarke senior interior designer, Sa Bayley, capitalised on the apartments’ spacious, light-filled interiors with warm tones, natural palettes and textured materials including charcoal groove feature panelling, refined bathroom tiles and engineered timber flooring.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4761 project_image_fid=214425]

Corridors awash with views and natural light feature Deco-inspired way finding, timber-texture ceiling battens, graphic wall murals and subtle differences on each level, avoiding hotel-like sameness.

The SOHOs are warehouse loft-like spaces with warm textures and industrial touches like exposed brick facades, warm concrete ceilings, groove panel joinery, crisp white walls, balustrades of black powder-coated steel and mesh and exposed track lights.

Their flexible floorplans feature a gorgeous, glazed, street-front office with its own entry and views onto tree-lined Cowper Street. For those not running a business from home these spaces are also being used as dens, studies or additional bedrooms or living spaces.

With 3.7-metre-high ceilings and clerestory windows, these refined spaces feel particularly voluminous. The SOHOs also feature a private courtyard with separate entry directly into the home’s main living and dining spaces, and bedrooms and balconies energised by city views.

In a new side-street introduced to create a comfortable spaciousness within and between residential precincts, three-storey, three-bedroom townhouses provide similarly flexible floorplans, making them easy to re-configure&nbsp;over time as needs and preferences change.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4761 project_image_fid=21418]

They all feature private entrances, balconies, courtyards and high-end fixtures and fittings, with upgrade options including brass tapware and Herringbone floors.

Residential precincts are linked by abundant landscaping designed by MDG Landscape Architects. This includes private courtyards, terraces and balconies as well as communal spaces like the&nbsp;central courtyard and the rooftop gardens and terraces atop the apartment precincts. Planting is a lush mix of natives, flowering trees, vines and grasses.

Precincts and buildings are oriented, constructed and specified for&nbsp;passive solar design, maximising natural light, ventilation, thermal mass, acoustic privacy, rainwater collection and indoor-outdoor connectivity.

They also maximise views in all directions, from the glazed southern wall of the gym to terraces with vistas of the docks and considered framing of city and treetop-views in the apartment precincts’ shared corridors and lift lobbies.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4761]

Cowper Residences reinvents a tricky site in Melbourne’s inner west through sustainable placemaking, inventive typologies and robust local character

alisonwarters@gmail.com

How a Footscray car yard was transformed into a community-focussed precinct

Growland continue to achieve milestone after milestone at their <a href="/developments/footscray-vic-3011">Footscray</a> masterplan, <a href="/buildings/victoria-square-8-hopkins-street-footscray">Victoria Square</a>.&nbsp;

The integrated community at <a href="/buildings/victoria-square-8-hopkins-street-footscray">8 Hopkins Street</a> will comprise six towers and 939 apartments when it's completed.

Apartments in the first stage <a href="/buildings/victoria-square-8-hopkins-street-footscray">of the development</a> are completed and settled, with stage two soon set to follow suit after L.U Simon Builders completed the second building.

Renowned <a href="/architects/fk-australia">architecture firm Fender Katsalidis</a> drew&nbsp;inspiration from the surrounding environment for the design. A rhythmic pattern adorns the facade, combining concrete and shading to create a textured and visually engaging exterior that extends into the interiors.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1187 project_image_fid=170413]

<a href="/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a> Interior Designer, Cassandra Fahey, said they want people to feel that they really belong to a place.&nbsp;

“We aimed to find a balance for the interiors between the <a href="/developments/footscray-vic-3011">historical story of Footscray</a> — the down to earth, edgy vibe — and the contemporary urban scene that’s lively and bespoke."

FK Director James Pearce said they wanted to&nbsp;celebrate a sense of ownership and belonging to a place.

"That’s why we’ve weaved the <a href="/developments/footscray-vic-3011">spirit of Footscray</a>&nbsp;and the contour of the river through the design. The pattern isn’t just an afterthought, it’s essential to how the building is constructed and experienced," Pearce said.

A host of world-class amenities are also on offer for residents of <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic">Victoria Square</a>. The development boasts Australia's first and only Olympic-sized aerial outdoor track, while the 2,400 sqm sky garden, situated atop the four-level podium, provides panoramic views of the city, giving residents a serene oasis within the bustling urban landscape.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1187 project_image_fid=80716]

There's also a heated indoor pool, with <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic">Melbourne's skyline</a> serving as the backdrop to the space, in addition to a gym, private dining room complete with a commercial kitchen and bar, and a thriving retail and dining precinct with a variety of cafes, bars, supermarkets and restaurants.&nbsp;

Beyond the allure of the development itself, the location of <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic">Victoria Square</a> adds to its appeal. Situated between the trendy neighbourhoods of <a href="/developments/kensington-vic-3031">Kensington</a> and <a href="/developments/yarraville-vic-3013">Yarraville</a>, and just under four kilometres away <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic">from the CBD</a>, <a href="/developments/footscray-vic-3011">Footscray</a> serves as a gateway to both the city centre and the western suburbs. The proximity to fashionable suburbs like <a href="/developments/williamstown-vic-3016">Williamstown</a> and <a href="/developments/seddon-vic-3011">Seddon</a>, along with popular beaches, further enhances the attractiveness of this cultural hub.

One-bedroom apartments are priced from&nbsp;$398,000. Two-bedroom units start at $547,000 and the three-bedroom apartments from&nbsp;$850,000.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=1187]

Renowned architecture firm Fender Katsalidis drew inspiration from the surrounding environment for the design

Buyers to move into Growland's second stage of Victoria Square in Footscray

At the Western gateway to Melbourne, Footscray has become one of the city's most popular destinations for those seeking an inner-city lifestyle.&nbsp;

As the area continues to grow and develop, Bensons Property Group's Liberty One has emerged as a beacon of luxury living, offering an unparalleled opportunity to experience all that Footscray has to offer, with the group welcoming the first crop of residents recently.&nbsp;

The development boasts 24 levels, including a rooftop and four levels of basement car park, comprising of 378 one, two and three-bedroom apartments and 10 retail shop tenancies across the ground floor.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=709 project_image_fid=211787]

There's been a big uptake from first home buyers at Liberty One, with the location of the project a major drawcard a Bensons' spokesperson said.&nbsp;

"Situated just five kilometres from the CBD, residents are within proximity to a bustling and diverse foodie culture, along with proximity to transport, retail and major education institutions."

"Now that the project is completed, its and exciting time for buyers to walk through the spaces and really envision their future home."

With prices for a one-bedder starting from $509,850, first home buyers have also been keen to call the Footscray development home, with the option to secure an apartment with just a $10,000 deposit another drawcard.&nbsp;

Designed by CHT Architects, Liberty One takes on a modern and sleek design, with floor-to-ceiling windows that, as you ascend up the floors, only help to display the expansive view lines from the tower even more impressively.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=709 project_image_fid=210299]

A suite of residential amenity is on offer at Liberty One, with the rooftop a stand out feature, offering communal barbecue spaces, a lounge area, and an outdoor cinema.&nbsp;

The ground floor Joseph Road Precinct is abuzz with convenient amenity as well, with the 12,000 sqm space home to cafes, wine bars, three new parks, yoga studios, gyms and a large scale commercial supermarket.&nbsp;

The tree-lined and town-square-styled boulevards open up the project, spilling retail and dining out from within, while also creating a metaphorical link between the flow of the river and the dynamic culture of Footscray.

Liberty One has also been pitched to the investor market, with a five-year residential lease guarantee on offer. This scheme provides buyers with a consistent return of five per cent gross net for five consecutive years, meaning a stable cash flow and no vacancies.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=709 project_image_fid=210301]

There's been a strong uptake from both local and interstate investors, with Liberty One's price point highly competitive when compared to other markets, such as the Sydney market.&nbsp;

"Investors have also been strongly encouraged by the government's investment in infrastructure, including the West Gate Tunnel project and Footscray hospital upgrades."

One, two and three-bedroom floorplans still remain at Liberty One, with two-bedders priced from $693,365 and three-bedders from $921,733

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=709]

 First residents move into Footscray apartments, Liberty One

It's a rare feat to find new, completed and ready to move in apartments in Melbourne’s inner-city at the moment.&nbsp;

A number of developments have been hit by extreme worker shortages, the pandemic, and rising material costs, resulting in prolonged construction times.&nbsp;

A handful of developers have managed to overcome these, prevailing through to deliver, with a handful even welcoming their first residents this year.&nbsp;

We’ve taken a closer look at some of the ready-to-move-in options across Melbourne.&nbsp;

<h2>HOME&nbsp;</h2>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24441 project_image_fid=167645]

Located in Alphington at the corner of Heidelberg Road and Chandler Highway, HOME sits atop the highest and most prominent position in the Alphington Paper Mill Development.

Sleek lines and bold design create this landmark building. The brick podium is a nod to the industrial heritage of the site whilst the parallel lines of the curved glazed tower showcase the latest in contemporary architecture.

Every material used on the exterior is raw and timeless. Brick, concrete, timber, metal and glass forms are cleverly sculpted together to reveal vast inner spaces. And space is something you'll find in abundance at HOME.

The leafy, riverside, sits just 6.5-kilometres north-east of the city, with HOME comprising 16 stories of terrace homes, sky homes and apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24441 project_image_fid=84979]

All of the one-bedroom apartments have already been sold in HOME, with a handful of two and three-bedders remaining. &nbsp;

Cera Stribley collaborated in the design of the residences, with all 326 apartments featuring large floorplans and light-filled living spaces.&nbsp;

Designed with the homeowner in mind, the 326 apartments feature large floor plans, light-filled living spaces and the modern must-haves, with generous storage, quality appliances, secure parking, concierge services and home automation technology.

The Terrace Homes offer an exclusive living option within HOME, with each spread across three spacious levels.&nbsp;

Natural materials reign supreme throughout, with wood grain joinery, wool-rich carpets, solid timber partitions and brass metal handles giving the living spaces a refined, pared-back feel.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24441 project_image_fid=84981]

The proportions are generous as well, with three queen-sized bedrooms in each Terrace Home, along with walk-in and fitted robes and ensuites.

Abundant natural light features through the open plan living spaces, with floor-to-ceiling windows, a double-height lightwell above the lounge and bi-fold doors opening out to the expansive balconies as well.&nbsp;

<h2>Ovation</h2>

<h2>Developer: Keystone Property Group</h2>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5490 project_image_fid=78490]

Located in the heart of Footscray, Ovation reaps all the benefits of inner-city living, maintaining proximity to public transport, schools, dining and recreational amenity, while still feeling like its own set place.

Locals Keystone Property Group are the developers behind Ovation, which comprises 131 residences with a mix of two and three-bedders remaining.&nbsp;

Keystone are no strangers to the burgeoning Footscray area, with the developers boasting a string of already sold out projects, including, The Buckley and Victoria Corner.

Kavellaris Urban Design (KUD) handled the design of Ovation, with owner Billy Kavellaris saying the vision was to honour Footscray’s unique architectural character, while still establishing a new level of design ingenuity for the area.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5490 project_image_fid=78497]

The building’s form is bold in its depiction of recessed voids, unique shapes and protrusions, with a layer of greenery added through the landscape design which is integrated tactfully into the recesses on the façade, juxtaposing the building’s built form with lush, natural beauty.

The interiors of Ovation are also very much defined by what exists outside of the apartments, with full height windows inviting in ample sunlight and stunning views of the city skyline and surrounding streetscapes.

Textured timber joinery teams with oak floors, imbuing living spaces with a neutral warmth; a blank canvas of sorts for buyers to fill with their own memories and moments.&nbsp;

Kitchen bench tops are appointed with a modern concrete finish for style and durability, next to plentiful integrated storage.&nbsp;

<h2>Yarra One</h2>

<h2>Developer: EcoWorld International&nbsp;</h2>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3127 project_image_fid=181982]

EcoWorld's recently completed South Yarra apartment development, Yarra One, was a solid addition to the group's already substantial international portfolio.

Carrying on the traditional themes see throughout other EcoWorld projects, the completed Claremont Street development is designed with liveability and lifestyle in mind.

Presenting as the finishing touch to the elite Forest Hill pocket of South Yarra, Yarra One delivers 250 residences, designed by multi-disciplinary international design firm, Fender Katsalidis.

The 27-storey tower offers a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, as well as a collection of penthouses, with floor plans spanning from 56 sqm up to 109 sqm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3127 project_image_fid=181983]

In designing Yarra One, Fender Katsalidis envisioned the birth of a new urban space to unwind and connect for the community and neighbours of Forrest Hill alike.

The location of Yarra One’s atrium between the South Yarra train station and Chapel Street makes it a key destination and gathering place for residents and neighbours of South Yarra, while the tower’s façade and slender linear form speaks directly to the existing language of its neighbouring towers.

Buyers will be at home with a residents' dining room, wine cellar, and rooftop terrace with barbecue facilities, along with a gym, yoga room, outdoor spa, sauna and steam room, pet wash and Tesla car share services.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3127 project_image_fid=181997]

With a number of developers hit by worker shortages and rising material costs, we’ve taken a closer look at some of those who have prevailed through, with a handful of ready-to-move-in options across Melbourne now. 

The top Melbourne apartments welcoming residents now 

A crop of new residents will soon be calling Footscray home.

The Keystone Property Group project, Ovation, recently topped out, with Platinum Construction behind the build of the inner-city apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5490 project_image_fid=78497]

Located just 5.6 kilometres from the Melbourne CBD, Footscray is one of those rare suburbs that, while possessing a strong village-like atmosphere, enjoys the same connectivity to that of a city fringe locale.

Designed by architects, Kavellaris Urban Design (KUD), Ovation delivers 131 residences to the heart of the suburb, with a mix of two and three-bedroom apartments.&nbsp;

Ovation’s façade speaks to the domain’s industrial past, featuring red brick, concrete and steel, while the interiors have been designed to evoke a homely atmosphere and a sense of familiarity for its residents.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5490 project_image_fid=78494]

Textured timber joinery teams with oak floors, imbuing living spaces with a neutral warmth - a blank canvas of sorts, to suit every buyer’s style.&nbsp;

Kitchen benchtops are appointed with a modern concrete finish for style and durability, next to plentiful integrated storage.&nbsp;

The interiors of Ovation are also very much defined by what exists outside of the apartments, with full height windows inviting in ample sunlight along with views to the city skyline and surrounding streetscapes.

Bringing a layer of greenery to the development, John Patrick Landscape Architects designed the verdancy to integrate tactfully into recesses on the façade, juxtaposing the building’s built form with lush, natural beauty.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5490 project_image_fid=78492]

Two and three-bedders can still be snapped up in the development, with prices starting from $572,500.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5490]

Located just 5.6 kilometres from the Melbourne CBD, Footscray is one of those rare suburbs that, while possessing a strong village-like atmosphere, enjoys the same connectivity to that of a city fringe locale.

Construction wraps on Footscray apartments, Ovation

Residents at the soon to be completed Liberty One in Footscray will be in a prime position on the doorstep of the upcoming vibrant retail precinct, Joseph Road.

Liberty One by Bensons, which recently held a traditional topping out ceremony of the 24-level, 375-apartment building, is a stones throw from the huge 12,000 sqm precinct, offering both owner-occupiers and investors a reason to invest in the Warde Street tower.

Joseph Road will feature a number of&nbsp;restaurants, cafes and wine bars, as well as three parks, yoga studios and gyms, and&nbsp;a 550 sqm large-scale commercial supermarket.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=709 project_image_fid=29990]

Newly designed bike paths within the precinct will provide residents of Liberty One seamless connections between Footscray and surrounding areas, including Melbourne’s CBD which is just four-kilometres away.

After being recognised as a priority precinct, Footscray forms the cultural heart of the west and is also a major health and education centre. It is the gateway between Melbourne’s CBD and the wider western suburbs, providing key access beyond the city limits to regional Victoria.&nbsp;

The State Government has committed $31 billion to the local area which will be invested across a range of sectors by 2026 with projects like the $15 million Metro rail, the $6.1 billion West Gate Tunnel and the $1.5 billion Footscray Hospital redevelopment, giving buyers even more reason to invest in Liberty One.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=709 project_image_fid=97123]

The second release of Liberty One is now selling, with a selection of one, two and three-bedroom apartments still available.&nbsp;

With high demand for the project and increasing popularity of the suburb, a premium second release launched to include an upgraded interior scheme, featuring the latest cutting-edge home technology.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=709]

Joseph Road will home a number of restaurants, cafes and wine bars, as well as three parks, yoga studios and gyms, and a 550 sqm large-scale commercial supermarket

Why Liberty One's proximity to the Joseph Road precinct is drawing buyers

The under-construction Ovation Footscray is nearing completion, with the final touches being added to the Buckley Street residences.

Platinum Construction have been building the inner-city apartments, which is expected to welcome its first residents by September this year.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5490 project_image_fid=78490]

Landing just 5.6 kilometres from the Melbourne CBD, Footscray is one of those rare suburbs that, while possessing a strong village-like atmosphere, it enjoys the same connectivity to that of a city fringe locale.

Located&nbsp;in the heart of Footscray, Ovation reaps all the benefits of these attributes, maintaining proximity to public transport, schools, dining and recreational amenity, while still feeling like its own set place.

Inner-city locals, Keystone Property Group are the developers behind Ovation, which will comprise 131 residences upon completion.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5490 project_image_fid=78492]

Keystone are no strangers to the burgeoning Footscray area, with the developers boasting a string of already sold out projects, including, The Buckley and Victoria Corner.

<a href="/architects/kavellaris-urban-design" target="_blank">Kavellaris Urban Design</a>&nbsp;(KUD) handled the design of Ovation, with owner, Billy Kavellaris saying the vision was to honour Footscray&rsquo;s unique architectural character, while still establishing a new level of design ingenuity for the area.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5490 project_image_fid=78493]

&ldquo;Positioned in one of Melbourne&rsquo;s fastest emerging domains, innovation and liveability were of equal importance when designing ovation,&rdquo; Kavellaris said.

Ovation delivers a collection of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, starting from $585,000.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=5490]

Platinum Construction have been building the inner-city apartments, which is expected to welcome its first residents by September this year

Ovation, Footscray apartments, set to welcome residents by Spring

Keystone Property Group&rsquo;s latest Footscray offering delivers Ovation to the inner-west of Melbourne, marking the project as the nearly the 10th development in the area for the group.

Designed by&nbsp;<a aria-label="Kavellaris Urban Design - opens in new tab" data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-ext-link="" data-uw-styling-context="true" href="/architects/kavellaris-urban-design" target="_blank" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/kavellaris-urban-design$kavellarisurbandesign">Kavellaris Urban Design</a>&nbsp;(KUD), Ovation comprises 131 residences, with a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5490 project_image_fid=78492]

&ldquo;Positioned in one of Melbourne&rsquo;s fastest emerging domains, innovation and liveability were of equal importance when designing Ovation,&rdquo; said KUD Owner,&nbsp;Billy Kavellaris.

Situated at 94 Buckley Street, Footscray, Ovation immerses itself in the diverse and multi-cultural charm of the suburb. &nbsp;

Having experienced rapid-fire gentrification in recent years, the inner-western gem now plays host to a vibrant caf&eacute; culture and a melting pot of eateries churning out flavours from across the globe.

Just three minutes down the road is the bustling Victoria Street, where in-demand cafes like Common Galaxia, Hunter&rsquo;s Harvest and Alfa take residence, while at night, Footscray is equally as equipped, playing host to a bevy of sleek wine bars, lively restaurants, casual eateries, with both Victoria St and Barkley St coming to life with a selection of riverside destinations.

Ovation buyers will be nearby to a range of recreational offerings with a flurry of green, open spaces and leafy retreats peppering the suburb.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5490 project_image_fid=78497]

The closest park to the project, Bristow Reserve, sits just 700 metres away, with two playgrounds, two barbeques spaces and a pergola.

Ovation is also close by to Footscray Park, which sits beside a stretch of the Maribyrmong River, providing further amenity for residents.

Stretching from Mount Macedon to Port Phillip Bay, the Maribyrnong River trail passes a myriad of parks and attractions including&nbsp;<a href="/developments/footscray-vic-3011">Footscray</a>&nbsp;Community Arts Centre,&nbsp;<a href="/developments/footscray-vic-3011">Footscray</a>&nbsp;Park, and Flemington Racecourse.

&ldquo;<a href="/developments/footscray-vic-3011">Footscray</a>&nbsp;is one of those rare suburbs that, while possessing a strong village atmosphere, enjoys connectivity characteristic to that of a city fringe locale.&rdquo;

CoreLogic data shows Footscray apartments are selling up to eight per cent higher compared to last year, positioning Ovation as a hot buy for investors and owner-occupiers alike.

Further playing into the card of the investor, the median weekly rent for the suburb sits around $350 with the median gross yield at 3.5 per cent according to CoreLogic.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5490 project_image_fid=78494]

Since their inception Keystone has developed more than 450 properties across 17 projects, with particular experience across growth suburbs such as Footscray, Brunswick and Prahran.

The group currently has a number of other projects in the pipeline and under construction, including The Buckley and Victoria Corner in Footscray, VOX in Prahran, and Ensemble in Elwood.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=5490]

Having experienced rapid-fire gentrification in recent years, the inner-western gem now plays host to a vibrant café culture and a melting pot of eateries churning out flavours from across the globe.



Around Keystone’s Footscray apartments, Ovation

The Melbourne property developer Bensons Property Group is well on track to have residents move into their new Liberty One, Footscray apartment project by the end of the year.

Next week Bensons will top out the project&nbsp;at the Warde Street site, ideally located soaring 24 levels overlooking&nbsp;Flemington Racecourse and the Maribyrnong River.

The tower will also benefit from the burgeoning Joseph Road precinct, some 12,000 sqm&nbsp;of restaurants, cafes and wine bars, three new parks, yoga studios, gyms and a large-scale commercial supermarket, right at Liberty One&rsquo;s doorstep.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=709 project_image_fid=29990]

Liberty One was designed by CHT Architects, whose&nbsp;design intent was to create a building that reinforces the metaphorical link between the flow of the river and the dynamic culture of Footscray.

Residents are connected to the surrounds both inside and outside of their apartments. Each apartment features floor to ceiling windows, spacious terrace balconies and the latest in smart home technologies.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=709 project_image_fid=97120]

Sora Interior Architecture &amp; Design handled the apartment interiors, with the result at Liberty One a creation of spaces that&nbsp;people want to engage with; places to eat, to stay, to sleep and work.

Residents are at one with nature in the building facilities. The&nbsp;dedicated communal rooftop space complete with an open-air yoga space, meditation zone and gym.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=709 project_image_fid=198443]

As the social bedrock of the building, the rooftop is complete with high-end cooking facilities, as well as indoor and outdoor lounge and dining areas and an outdoor cinema.

One-bedroom apartments are&nbsp;priced at $496,975, with two-bedders&nbsp;from $693,365&nbsp;and the biggest apartments on offer, the three-bedrooms,&nbsp;from $943,219.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=709]

As the social bedrock of the building, the rooftop is complete with high-end cooking facilities, as well as indoor and outdoor lounge and dining areas and an outdoor cinema


Liberty One Footscray apartments approach completion 

Keystone Property Group are well on track to deliver its latest apartment development, Ovation, in the heart of the burgeoning Footscray area.

Ovation, on the popular&nbsp;Buckley Street, is currently being built by&nbsp;Platinum Construction and will home&nbsp;131 one, two, and three-bedroom apartments just over five kilometres from the Melbourne CBD.

Kavellaris Urban Design (KUD) handled the design of Ovation.

KUD&#39;s&nbsp;Billy Kavellaris said the&nbsp;vision for the Buckley Street development was to honour Footscray&rsquo;s unique architectural character while still establishing a new level of design ingenuity for the area.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5490 project_image_fid=78492]

&ldquo;Positioned in one of Melbourne&rsquo;s fastest emerging domains, innovation and liveability were of equal importance when designing ovation,&rdquo; Kavellaris said.

The fa&ccedil;ade speaks to the domain&rsquo;s industrial past, exhibiting red brick, concrete and steel, while the building&rsquo;s form is bold in its depiction of recessed voids, distinctive shapes and protrusions.

Bringing a layer of greenery to the development, the landscape design by John Patrick Landscape Architects is integrated tactfully into recesses on the fa&ccedil;ade, juxtaposing the building&rsquo;s-built form with lush, natural beauty.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5490 project_image_fid=78495]

According to the architects, Ovation&rsquo;s interiors were designed to evoke a homely atmosphere and a sense of familiarity in residents.

Featuring textured timber joinery teamed with oak floors, kitchen bench-tops are appointed with a modern concrete finish, along with brushed-nickel and matte black tap-ware, Bosch appliances and integrated storage.

The interiors of Ovation are also very much defined by what exists outside of the apartments, with full height windows enveloping residences with natural sunlight whilst also providing vistas to the city skyline and surrounding streetscapes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5490 project_image_fid=78490]

Level one of Ovation is where the residential amenities are located. The facilities include a lap pool, theatre, and barbecue and dining areas.

On the outskirts of the Melbourne CBD, Footscray is a rare suburb&nbsp;that, while possessing a strong village atmosphere, enjoys connectivity characteristic to that of a city fringe locale.

Located in the heart of Middle Footscray, Ovation reaps all the benefits of this attribute, close to public transport and an exorbitant list of convenient amenity.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=5490]

KUD's Billy Kavellaris said the vision for the Buckley Street development was to honour Footscray’s unique architectural character while still establishing a new level of design ingenuity for the area


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