Around 400 additional homes could be built at Southwark Grounds on Port Road, lifting total site capacity from 1300 to around 1700 dwellings.

A recently approved code amendment would allow apartment towers of up to 14 storeys in some areas of Renewal SA’s redevelopment of the former West End Brewery.

Renewal SA Acting Chief Executive Shane Wingard said he welcomed the code amendment, with the increase in heights and homes making a positive impact on the supply of high-quality, well-connected housing close to the city.

“By going higher across some parts of Southwark Grounds, we are adding a substantial number of very well-located homes with little impact on project delivery time or planned open space,” Mr Wingard said.

Since the project officially launched in 2025, Mr Wingard said more than 12,000 enquiries had been received about living at Southwark Grounds.

“The very strong early interest we’ve seen since homes were first released in the precinct reinforces our plans to create more housing opportunities,” he said.

The Southwark Grounds code amendment was launched in December last year, with community engagement undertaken over five weeks from January.

It proposed increasing maximum building heights from eight to 14 storeys on the eastern section of Southwark Grounds, and to 12 storeys across the remainder of the site, with minimum building heights ranging from two to four storeys.

The code amendment was implemented through an Early Commencement policy in late January, allowing developers to quickly explore the viability of increased height and housing yield while other planning processes continue.

One of the first developers delivering apartment sites have already finalised redesigns to increase the number of apartments following the code amendment.

Samaras’ development adjacent to the future Colonel Light Park is now planning to deliver 125 apartments across 11 storeys, significantly greater than original plans of around 50 apartments across four storeys.

The developer is also exploring the potential for additional affordable housing outcomes.

Most of the apartments at Southwark Grounds will be delivered within a master-planned precinct on a large parcel of land on the eastern portion of the site, covering around two-thirds of its 8.4 hectares.

Wingard said detailed precinct planning over the coming months may identify further opportunities to increase yield further that could see total apartment numbers at Southwark Grounds, exceed this number.

Affordable homes at Southwark Grounds will also see a net increase, with Renewal SA maintaining its commitment to a minimum of 20 per cent affordable housing across the development.

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Civil works have begun across the site, with construction under way on the first new roads surrounding a townhouse precinct in the south‑west corner of Southwark Grounds. This includes Renewal SA’s 17 Founder’s Row homes, which are on track for completion by Christmas.

“We expect to have people living at Southwark Grounds by the end of the year, so delivering roads and public spaces for those residents is among our highest priorities.”

Construction of 40 townhouses off Anderson Street, known as West Village and being delivered by Contour, is forecast to begin in mid‑2026. Kolabb’s Anderson Lane development will follow shortly after, delivering a further 26 townhouses.

Southwark Grounds is a state government‑led urban renewal project now set to deliver around 1,700 homes over the next decade.

Homes will be supported by a supermarket, a range of retail and hospitality offerings anchored by a revitalised Walkerville Brew Tower, a childcare centre, car parking and well‑connected public spaces.

Joel Robinson

400 new homes planned for Adelaide's former West End Brewery site

Brisbane developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/cavcorp">Cavcorp</a> has lodged plans for a new mixed-use residential development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-wyandra-street-teneriffe-qld-4005">55 Wyandra Street</a>, Teneriffe, anchored by an 85-metre public laneway designed to reconnect the suburb’s riverfront with the Gasworks precinct.

The buildings, known as Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane, would replace the existing Queensland Cotton head office site with a 15-storey residential tower transitioning to eight storeys toward Helen Street. The project has been designed by Plazibat Architects and lodged as a code assessable development application for 93 apartments across a 3,401 sqm mixed-use site within the Newstead and Teneriffe Waterfront neighbourhood plan.

Central to the scheme is the transformation of an existing service easement into a publicly accessible cross-block connection linking Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the new laneway will act as both a pedestrian shortcut and a landscaped civic space between the Teneriffe Riverwalk, ferry terminal, and Gasworks precinct.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26e7f058-b065-4de8-b13d-a2b8cb64dfcc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bldg.png?VersionId=sELS0ZKYi361oYipUa1BIKfe_.DLZoFV" />

“The revised proposal delivers a legacy public-realm cross-block link, permanently secured for community use, transforming an existing private easement into a safe, high-quality pedestrian connection between the Teneriffe heritage riverwalk and the Gasworks–Long Island precinct,” the planning report states.

The laneway will sit beneath a large subtropical loggia integrated into the podium levels of the development. The design incorporates deep landscaping, water gardens, lobby spaces, business lounges, and ground-floor apartments to create what Cavcorp describes as a climate-responsive “urban verandah.”

The tower itself has been designed as a slender form with recessed floorplates and curved translucent corners inspired by contemporary Japanese architecture. The building height aligns with the Commercial Road precinct controls, which permit towers up to 15 storeys within proximity to Longland Street.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8a17d40-43b6-4718-b3fd-67676fcbb485" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers%202_1.png?VersionId=i3VwDtp5AmL_8InW7w4qRbDFEpb744Jt" />

The project will comprise a mix of larger-format apartments aimed at owner-occupiers, downsizers, and families. The proposed apartment mix includes 11 loggia apartments across the lower levels, 50 four-bedroom Sky-Terrace apartments from levels three to seven, and 32 Sky-Pool Homes occupying the upper tower levels. The Sky-Pool Homes will feature private thermal plunge pools integrated into oversized balconies.

According to the application, the apartments are intended to reinterpret the scale and character of Teneriffe’s woolstore conversions and Queensland homes within a vertical residential format.

“The sky-pool homes build on Cavcorp’s previous projects and introduce a distinct apartment typology to Teneriffe, informed by both local and international precedent and responding to an identified market demand for enhanced safety, space and amenity,” the planning submission notes.

A major focus of the proposal is its five-level wellness and lifestyle offering, extending from the basement through to the rooftop.

Amenities proposed include a rooftop Swim &amp; Racquet Club with a 25-metre Olympic lap pool and tennis court, coworking spaces and libraries, golf simulators, wine storage, concierge facilities, business lounges, pet wash areas, and rooftop longevity-focused wellness spaces with spas, outdoor fitness zones, and landscaped terraces.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="944b352c-49b9-4247-a4c6-5967b4b69fda" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/amenity.png?VersionId=Ed_qKjAtMwFT.5gfl3jiA9QwdWxSMsaX" />

All parking will be concealed within basement levels accessed from Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the deep-basement engineering approach allows the entire ground plane to prioritise landscaping, pedestrian movement, and active frontage rather than vehicle infrastructure.

The development continues Cavcorp’s concentration in Newstead and Teneriffe, where the Brisbane developer has delivered a number of apartment projects including Lucent, Le Bain, and Luminare, as well as the Long Island Wellness Precinct nearby. Several of those projects have received national design and architecture awards, including recognition under Brisbane’s “Buildings that Breathe” program.

Cavcorp unveils wellness-focused Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane apartment buildings

Focus Group Investments has lodged plans for a new apartment development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-70-hanover-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">64–70 Hanover Street</a> in Fitzroy, seeking to utilise the Victorian Government’s recently introduced Great Design Fast Track pathway to accelerate approvals for the project.

The proposal is among the latest developments to emerge through the state-led initiative, which was established to fast-track well-designed residential projects in activity centres and transport-connected inner-city locations. The pathway allows qualifying developments that meet elevated design and housing benchmarks to bypass traditional council planning timeframes and instead be assessed directly by the Department of Transport and Planning.

Designed by SJB, the development will comprise a mix of apartments above activated lower levels, with a strong focus on architectural articulation, landscaping, and communal amenity. The design response seeks to balance the industrial character of Richmond’s former warehouse precincts with a more contemporary residential form.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abea51cc-d85b-479e-9aef-a589f3b37ca7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ground.png?VersionId=e1Kf8EyPWwyiVumtqQ4rM5S4GpOR3CCz" />

Proposed are 63 new dwellings, a wide ranging mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, and townhouses and duplexes. They will be spread across a part-three, part-eight storey building.

The Planning and Urban Context Report by Tract says the development is of an "exemplary architectural standard" and has been carefully crafted by SJB Architects.

"Dwellings&nbsp;will benefit from excellent access to natural light, cross-ventilation opportunities and extensive communal space," the report noted.

The architectural material highlights the project’s integration of landscaped elements and communal spaces throughout the building. The proposal also incorporates sustainability initiatives aligned with the Victorian Government’s push for higher-performing apartment developments under the fast-track program.

The Great Design Fast Track was unveiled by the Victorian Government in 2024 as part of a broader housing supply strategy aimed at accelerating the delivery of new homes. Projects assessed through the pathway must demonstrate high-quality architecture, sustainability outcomes, and housing diversity while being located close to public transport and existing infrastructure.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="afdbe834-8dc4-4a77-a943-ba07bc927348" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_11.png?VersionId=0J657j.TaChAZfp93wqJYBTqSsnREJx2" />

Focus Group, founder and led by Paul De Lutiis, is increasingly active across Melbourne’s inner suburbs, targeting well-connected urban renewal locations suited to medium and higher-density residential development. The Fitzroy proposal continues that strategy, leveraging the area’s strong transport links, established retail amenity, and proximity to the CBD.

Fitzroy has been one of the most popular spots for developers and buyers in recent years. The likes of PACE Development Group, SMA Projects, Crema Group and Chapter Group, currently selling projects in the suburb.

First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Fitzroy apartments

The Gold Coast Planning Committee has supported the preliminary approval for the Benowa Gardens Urban Village project following an extensive community consultation and assessment process.

The proposal will now proceed to a full council vote on June 2.

The application sought approval for a masterplanned urban village on the existing Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre site, combining new housing, retail, dining, health and lifestyle amenities within a walkable, integrated precinct.&nbsp;

The proposed redevelopment includes around 413 apartments integrated above a revitalised mixed-use centre featuring a full-line supermarket of 4,000 sqm, 6,000 sqm of specialty retail and dining space across around 30 retailers, a 7,000 sqm health and wellness precinct, and roughly 9,630 sqm of office and medical suites.&nbsp;

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fb36ae47-80bc-45f0-9914-31b0c7b6007d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/PR26576%20Ashmore%20Road%20C4%201121%20FI.jpg?VersionId=6mRKk2uU4r67TmTt39DKGUlvFRbTVqWa" />

The broader masterplan also includes very significant traffic and transport improvements, wide pedestrian walkways, upgraded pedestrian and cycle connections, and enhanced public areas designed to create a more connected and walkable community environment.&nbsp;

Centre owner Patrick Lu said the milestone reflected months of detailed planning, technical assessment and ongoing communication with local residents, businesses, schools and stakeholders.

“We appreciate the time, consideration and care Council officers and the Planning Committee have given this proposal throughout the assessment process,” Lu said.

“We also sincerely thank the local community for engaging with us, sharing feedback and participating in the consultation process over many months.

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32fd1fc3-d0e6-485f-ac57-9916c9bcb818" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/PR26576%20Ashmore%20Road%20C5%201121%20FI_2.jpg?VersionId=fz8qQKDBLQ7MyFRc856Zccfbh9nFwLOe" />

“We understand projects of this scale bring questions and concerns, which is why we have worked hard to listen carefully, provide information transparently and continue refining elements of the proposal where possible.

“Our vision has always been to create a well-designed, community-focused urban village that responds to the changing needs of the Gold Coast, while delivering improved amenity, housing diversity, healthcare access and local lifestyle benefits.

“This proposal is about creating a genuine live-work-play environment where residents can access everyday services, schools, healthcare, dining, shopping and green space within walking distance, while also supporting local jobs and economic activity.”

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="50dfbd04-590e-4fc6-983b-766880947867" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Dining%20Day%20Time%20-%20High%20Resolution.jpg?VersionId=BP7ZoKJ0DdL_8iRkkC8VVx99moICV6kg" />

Lu said the proposal had evolved significantly through consultation and technical review, particularly around traffic, pedestrian and student safety and neighbourhood connectivity.&nbsp;

Melissa Griffin, Director at Urbis, said the recommendation recognised the strategic importance of delivering more housing and services within established urban areas already supported by infrastructure.

“This proposal represents the type of thoughtful, integrated growth that planning frameworks across South-East Queensland are encouraging,” Ms Griffin said.

“The project seeks to place housing, retail, healthcare and employment opportunities together in a highly accessible location close to schools, transport and existing services.

“Importantly, the process has involved significant technical assessment and community engagement to ensure local issues and feedback were properly considered throughout the planning pathway.”

$1 billion Benowa Gardens Urban Village heads to council vote following Planning Committee support

Surfers Paradise is officially set for its first new residential development with a 45-storey skybridge connecting the two towers.

John Camilleri’s Celestino Developments has been given the green light by the Gold Coast City Council to develop its major beachfront precinct across its huge 4,000 sqm oceanfront site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/63-79-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">63–79 Garfield Terrace</a>, just five months after its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-exclusive-billionaire-winx-breeder-s-bold-two-tower-surfers-paradise-play-with-45th-storey-skybridge">submission in late 2025</a>.

The approved scheme will deliver two towers rising 55 and 48 storeys, connected by a skybridge positioned on level 45 that will house a range of resident-only wellness and entertainment spaces.

In its notice of approval, the Gold Coast City Council said the&nbsp;proposed overall built form has been designed to complement the scale, intensity and protect the adjacent amenity and surrounding streets through the use of varied setbacks, site cover and architectural elements.

<img alt="First look exclusive: Billionaire Winx breeder’s bold two-tower Surfers Paradise play with 45th-storey skybridge" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-30%20at%209.53.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=ADyPJ_TFbJvSU9wZFOiCBnlPtgF7VWqW" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dbi">DBI</a>, the development will comprise 275 apartments across the two towers, including a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom residences, as well as several penthouses. The apartments will sit above a landscaped podium featuring more than 90 metres of beachfront pool frontage, private resident lawns, lounges, and wellness spaces.

DBI said the design draws heavily from the movement and form of the coastal environment, with curving balcony lines and sculpted façades intended to soften the scale of the towers while maximising ocean outlooks and passive shading outcomes.

“The project occupies a rare, uninterrupted oceanfront site and has been shaped by a design philosophy that merges architectural elegance with environmental responsiveness and a carefully curated lifestyle experience,” DBI said in planning documents submitted to the Gold Coast City Council.

The most distinctive element of the approved project is the skybridge linking the two towers at level 45. The elevated communal space is planned to include executive lounges, formal dining areas, wellness facilities, and panoramic ocean-facing outlooks.

“The skybridge enhances the identity of the development, promotes social interaction, and delivers a lifestyle experience not found elsewhere on the Gold Coast,” DBI said.

At podium level, residents will have access to a suite of resort-style amenities, including resident lounges, private dining rooms, a yoga lawn, gymnasium, plunge pools, and treatment spaces. The beachfront pool has been designed with separate lap, lounge, and children’s areas extending across the width of the site.

The project will also introduce new food and beverage offerings along the Enderley Avenue and Oceanway frontages, contributing additional activation to the beachfront precinct.

First look: Winx billionaire’s beachfront Surfers Paradise apartment development greenlit

Footscray

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R&amp;F Property Australia has today turned the sod on what will become one of Footscray’s most significant and largest urban regeneration projects – Live City.
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The site represents a new era for the Kinnears Ropeworks factory. 
The site is centrally positioned between the Victoria University, Western Hospital and Highpoint Shopping Centre.
The sit is being repurposed into a residential and mixed-use precinct of up to 1,450 dwellings. 
Built in 1908, the former Kinnears Ropeworks will require econservation works to be undertaken and R&amp;F Property Australia has told River and Yarraville Ward councillors it is committed to honouring the factory’s industrial past.
It is R&amp;F Property Australia’s first development in Victoria after purchasing the site in August 2016. 
Its experienced development team have been working with Heritage Victoria over the past 18 months to design and deliver an exciting new precinct which carefully balances the site’s State Heritage listing.
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R&amp;F Property Australia vice president Thomas Chiu said the project will create a lively community.
“Live City will set the tone for Footscray’s newest precinct with conservation of three heritage buildings, approximately 1,450 apartments, specialty retail, commercial offices and public spaces to bring this vibrant new community to life,” he said.
“The development comes with a vision to create a sustainable hub that integrates seamlessly with the surrounding local neighbourhood, along with increased housing and amenity for Melbourne’s inner- west. 
“We want to create lively communities that have good transport connections, shops, cafes and access to employment and education facilities,” Mr Chiu said. 
Development will be staged over the next 6-8 years, to incorporate six precincts with a project total end value estimated at $750 million. 
The first stage of Live City is located on the site’s western edge between Ballarat Road and Kinnears Street and will feature 208 residential apartments within three buildings.
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Heights will vary between eight and eighteen storeys and will comprise a mix of retail, residential and carparking facilities on the ground level.
R&amp;F Property Australia is part of R&amp;F Properties, a global property development group.
Its offices in Melbourne and Brisbane, R&amp;F Property Australia works closely with all levels of government, industry partners, local contractors and communities to create high-quality, high-demand mixed-use, residential, commercial, and urban development projects.
For more information <a href="http://ppmga.com.au/project/r-f-property-australia-l-v-e-project/" target="_blank">click here.</a>
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Construction begins at Live City, the $750 million Footscray regeneration project

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Standing dormant for years, Kinnears Footscray has finally begun its transformation into a mixed-use precinct.

Builder LU Simon has initiated works on Stage One of the project, which will be known as <a href="/buildings/live-city-124-188-ballarat-road-footscray">L.I.V.E. City</a>. Beating out other contractors such as Hutchinson and Hamilton Marino, LU Simon is tasked with delivering 208 apartments across 14 levels at the western most section of the massive 33,393 square metre site which is addressed 124-188 Ballarat Road.

Demolition works are in progress elsewhere across the site, gradually removing the structure that formerly housed the rope manufacturer. Architecture firm Elenberg Fraser are working on the master-planned precinct for developer R&amp;F Property Australia. 

Although a display suite onsite is ready, no public release of apartments has taken place as yet.

<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/image281.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Works across the Kinnears site with XO Projects' take on the development"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="492" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image281.jpg?itok=BV_aStlz" title="Works across the Kinnears site with XO Projects' take on the development" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Works across the Kinnears site with an early masterplanned image for the site</figcaption></figure>Meanwhile works across <a href="/buildings/victoria-square-8-hopkins-street-footscray">Growland's Victoria Square</a> site have begun following a January approval to amended plans for the development.

Six buildings consisting of 900 plus apartments, offices and extensive retail space can proceed. The $600 million project now has excavators onsite preparing for a construction start.

Amendments to the Kavellaris Urban Design scheme included bumping apartment numbers up to 931, increasing commercial floor space to 6,012 square metres and boosting parking spaces within the development to 1075. <a href="https://urban.melbourne/planning/2017/10/10/growland-pushes-footscrays-victoria-square-new-heights">Building heights were also marginally increased</a>, with the tallest to stand at 25 storeys.

Stage One of Victoria Square includes the delivery of 161 single bedroom, 265 dual bedroom and 28 triple bedroom apartments across two towers.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image27_5_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The amended and approved Victoria Square. Image: KUD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image27_5_0.jpg?itok=pVUNNQPH" title="The amended and approved Victoria Square. Image: KUD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The amended and approved Victoria Square. Image: KUD</figcaption></figure>With earthworks in progress, construction proper on Stage One of Victoria Square is slated to begin mid this year, with a completion target of 2020.

Either side of Victoria Square, construction is also in motion for two fellow Joseph Road Precinct projects. Blue Earth Group have initiated construction across 2 Hopkins Street, whilst Stage One of Riverina Footscray has recently topped out.

It will temporarily hold the title as Footscray's tallest residential tower until Victoria Square's first stage is completed. Future stages of Riverina will see two 31 level apartment towers also delivered.

<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_7067.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Riverina Footscray construction progress"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="355" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_7067.jpg?itok=hE1vkpNG" title="Riverina Footscray construction progress" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Riverina Footscray construction progress</figcaption></figure>
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silvermb

Kinnears and Victoria Square add to Footscray's construction upswing

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The swirl of development activity in Footscray has found another gear as new projects are submitted for approval, or are on the verge of beginning construction.

Two separate planning applications have been advertised by Maribyrnong City Council; their subsequent addition to the Apartments.com.au Project Database has seen the overall number of apartment developments within Footscray in development swell to 40. These 40 projects represent approximately 7,350 new dwellings for postcode 3011.

Latest to the database is a proposal spanning multiple residential lots across 108-120 Cowper Street and 10 Parker Street, Footscray. FJP PTY LTD and RLWL PTY LTD hope to secure approval for the  2,414 square metre corner site.

Proposed is a five storey building of 68 apartments designed by Turco and Associates. 7 x 1 bedroom apartments, 57 x 2 bedroom apartments and 4 x 3 bedroom apartments constitute the living mix, with a café and basement parking for 69 vehicles also present.

Outdoor seating is associated with the café whilst a large landscaped atrium at the centre of the development adds to the project's amenity.

<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/image9_19.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A new Cowper Street interpretation. Planning image: Turco and Associates"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="268" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image9_19.jpg?itok=IN1e73_b" title="A new Cowper Street interpretation. Planning image: Turco and Associates" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A new Cowper Street interpretation. Image: Turco and Associates</figcaption></figure>Keystone Property Group also has another Footscray apartment project at planning, this time adjoining their near complete development at 90 Buckley Street.

The vacant block at 94-104 Buckley Street has been earmarked for a 10 storey mixed-use building comprising 4 retail tenancies over 326 square metres and 121 residential apartments. Holding a build value of $24 million, the project encompasses a 2,770 square metre tract of land which backs onto the Footscray rail corridor.

The apartment mix sees 44 x 1 bedroom, 73 x 2 bedroom and 4 x 3 bedroom apartments. 130 car spaces and 70 bicycle spaces, a swimming pool, seating areas and BBQ facilities are provided within the scheme created by Kavellaris Urban Design.

<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/image8bark.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Buckley Street continues to garner residential attention. Planning image: KUD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image8bark.jpg?itok=kURUXoSm" title="Buckley Street continues to garner residential attention. Planning image: KUD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Buckley Street continues to garner residential attention. Planning image: KUD</figcaption></figure>Nearby and construction starts are on the agenda within Footscray's Joseph Road Precinct, as two more projects prepare to break ground within the formerly industrial precinct which spans 7 hectares.

Stage One of Growland's Victoria Square project is at tender and is expected to carry a build value in excess of $100 million. Towers 3 and 4 of the six tower project will be constructed along with the podium building for a grand sum of 455 apartments and 8 commercial tenancies.

11 apartments are through the podium, whilst Tower 3 accommodates 276 apartments and Tower 4 houses 168.

Directly east of Victoria Square, Blue Earth Group have moved to initiate works at <a href="/buildings/boat-house-2-joseph-road-footscray">2 Hopkins Street</a>, with a piling rig indicating construction should begin shortly. River One and Boat House are the initial two releases within the development, consisting of hundreds of new apartments on the banks of the Maribyrnong River.

If history repeats itself, Hamilton Marino Builders will construct Blue Earth Group's multi-tower project.

<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/image4vicsqu.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Victoria Square above Footscray. Image: Growland"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="222" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image4vicsqu.jpg?itok=EXrktRoy" title="Victoria Square above Footscray. Image: Growland" width="580"></a>

<figcaption><a href="/buildings/victoria-square-8-hopkins-street-footscray">Victoria Square</a> above Footscray. Image: Growland</figcaption></figure>
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Footscray's churning apartment pipeline reaches 40 separate projects

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A two bedroom Footscray cottage has been sold by mortgagees.
It sold at $647,000.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-footscray-126733518" target="_blank">The 230 Ballarat Road home</a> has been boarded up.
It last sold at $209,750 in 2002.
The price guidance had been $500,000 to $550,000.
The suburb's median price is $850,000.
It had been a $420 a week rental in 2014.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Footscray cottage sold at $647,000 by mortgagee

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Growland has sought to increase the size of all bar one of the six tower than constitutes their <a href="/buildings/victoria-square-8-hopkins-street-footscray">Victoria Square development</a>.

Hand in hand with the developer revealing it had <a href="https://urban.melbourne/development/2017/09/12/growland-aims-local-buyers-victoria-squares-second-stage-launched">effectively sold out the Footscray project's first tower release</a> during September, a revised planning application was put before Maribyrnong City Council seeking to add between 4-5 levels across five separate buildings. The revised application also sees a near fourfold increase in commercial space across the development.

Currently, Growland are pursuing sales for Victoria Square's most recently released tower which has been dubbed VS02.

<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/image1kud.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A new Dynon Road perspective. Planning image: KUD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image1kud.jpg?itok=hHKeQXZh" title="A new Dynon Road perspective. Planning image: KUD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A new Dynon Road perspective. Image: Scharp</figcaption></figure>Under plans currently on display with Maribyrnong City Council, the tallest tower across the development would increase from 24 to 28 levels. It along with the adjoining and unchanged 24 level building constitute Stage 1 of Victoria Square, and are defined by their white horizontal exterior.

The remaining four towers across Stages 2 and 3 are all earmarked for an additional five levels of apartment living. Stage 2's blue-glazed towers front Hopkins Street whilst the development's envisaged final release includes twin 19 level towers across the site's northern perimeter.

An increase in office space from 887sqm to 3,164sqm across Stage 2 is a concession to the objectives within the Footscray Metropolitan Activity Centre framework, which seeks a diversified land use within the wider Joseph Road Precinct.

All in all Victoria Square's final outcome would see as many as 1,066 apartments delivered, plus the aforementioned 3,164sqm of office space and over 2,700sqm of retail space spread across 20 separate retail tenancies. 

<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/image4_18.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A new vista beckons for Footscray. Planning image: KUD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="361" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image4_18.jpg?itok=cFLr5PL8" title="A new vista beckons for Footscray. Planning image: KUD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A new vista beckons for Footscray. Image: Scharp</figcaption></figure>The project's exterior continues to evolve as well, as described by Kavellaris Urban Design within the planning documents:

"The three separate stages incorporate the swaying/shifting floor plates as a common architectural language but have differing material palettes. The central towers (stage 1) incorporate a solid expression of white concrete and perforated metal screens, whereas stage 2 and 3 (southern and northern respectively) incorporate a lighter reflective glass language.

Both stage 1 and 2 towers share a singular podium built form which incorporates a landscaped terrace at the roof level. The podium has been designed to capture the various curvilinear architectural expressions and explores suburban parks and public spaces typologies.:

Imagery created by design agency Scharp also points toward the impending bulk headed for the wider Joseph Road Precinct. Should it be approved, Victoria Square's tallest tower at 28 levels would still be shadowed by taller towers already approved for the urban renewal area.
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Growland pushes Footscray's Victoria Square to new heights

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A two bedroom Footscray apartment has sold for $455,000 making it Melbourne’s cheapest long weekend auction sale.
The apartment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-footscray-126289306" target="_blank">8/155 Gordon Street</a> was being marketed as the “ideal low maintenance” property with price expectations between $450,000 and $490,000.
It last sold for more - in 2012 for $460,000.
The apartment was offered as a $360 a week rental earlier this year, having been offered in 2013 at $400 a week.
It features a living and dining area that leads to a courtyard along with a kitchen complete with stainless steel gas appliances.
There are two double sized bedrooms both having their own built-in robes while a third room is suitable as either a study or separate living room.
Other feature includes an undercover car space.
The property is within close proximity to public transport, shops and cafes.
The property was offered through McGrath.
The neighbouring three bedroom 80 sq m apartment followed a roughly similar path too, having sold at $460,000 recently.
It had last sold in 2012 at $450,000.
It was offered as a $390 a week rental recently, having been offered at $410 a week in 2012.
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Two bedroom Footscray apartment sold for $455,000 - and small loss

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On the back of selling 90% of apartments within the first Victoria Square tower, developer <a href="/developers/growland-group">Growland</a> has launched the second stage of the development located in <a href="/new-apartments/footscray-vic-3011">Footscray's</a> Joseph Road Precinct.

Growland will now pursue the local owner-occupier market even more vigorously in order to account for the bulk of the second tower's sales, having noted a decline in foreign buyer interest of late. The newly released tower has been dubbed VS02 and will include 168 apartments, spanning levels 4 to 21.

This refocusing on the local buyer has seen a diverse number of floorplates and design options made available across VS02; the strategy allows the tower to be an attractive option for as many potential buyers as possible. Growland has also begun single bedroom apartment internals within VS02 from 61sqm, a considerably large size in relation to many other Melbourne apartment projects.

<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/image17vic.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Victoria Square's second stage has been released"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="829" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image17vic.jpg?itok=6SDnjxee" title="Victoria Square's second stage has been released" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Victoria Square's second stage has been released</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
Interest from foreign buyers is slowing due to regulatory changes, so the market has adapted to meet the preferences of the local owner-occupier market, which is quickly gaining in strength. There are many aspects of a project that need special attention to cater to this demographic. Quality, diversity, and flexibility are crucial.

The scale of Victoria Square and VS02 means we can offer a significantly diverse range of residences. While Victoria Square is fantastic for young professionals, couples, and first-home buyers, there is a large range of larger apartments that are also perfect for young families.

This gives it a unique position in the market place: it will be a truly integrated community in Footscray.
<cite>Ronald Chan, CEO, Growland</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
The need to add a study or separate office to apartments has been superseded by the need for flexible work zones. We have integrated flexible nooks and activity spaces throughout the Victoria Square apartments so residents can use these for work, relaxation, or children can use them for homework,” says Kavellaris.

This has meant we can adapt the floorplates to house the bigger bedrooms and living spaces that are crucial to creating apartments that modern families can enjoy over a lifetime.
<cite>Billy Kavellaris, Managing Director, <a href="/architects/kavellaris-urban-design">Kavellaris Urban Design</a></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/image22_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Amenities on show within Victoria Square"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="461" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image22_9.jpg?itok=apD0YdRp" title="Amenities on show within Victoria Square" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Amenities on show within Victoria Square</figcaption></figure>VS02's greater design diversity includes three kitchen designs, two colour schemes and a wide array of floor plates. One, two, and three-bedroom apartments are available, and include flexible breakout zones in the living spaces.

Although part of a wider six tower development designed by Kavellaris Urban Design, VS02 will carry interior finishes independent to those of the first tower. On the amenities front, the entire development will include an Australian-first outdoor running track, fitness zones, split-level dining room and a Warde Street laneway retail hub.

The release of VS02 comes as Joseph Road Precinct begins to take shape with major projects either side of Victoria Square in development. 2 Hopkins Street has begun its sales campaign, while <a href="/buildings/riverina-22-hopkins-street-footscray">22 Hopkins Street's</a> first phase is well into construction.

Victoria Square at <a href="/buildings/victoria-square-8-hopkins-street-footscray">8 Hopkins Street</a> will be among the urban renewal area's largest developments, having been granted approval for 939 dwellings.
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Growland aims for local buyers as Victoria Square's second stage is launched

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The Victorian Government has given the green light for the first stage of the new Footscray Learning Precinct (FLP), which will include the redevelopment of Gilmore College for Girls and Footscray City Primary School following a commitment of $10.6 million in May's State Budget.

Hayball has been engaged to complete the master planning and advance designs for all sites in the precinct, including a new junior secondary campus. They are also the architects for the vertical learning schools currently under construction in Richmond and South Melbourne.

In what is being hailed as a first for Victoria by the Government, the FLP aims to better connect early childhood, primary, secondary and tertiary education together in three local ‘hubs’.

The vision for the precinct is one where state-of-the-art facilities, such as a STEM learning centre, sports buildings and a performing arts venue, can be shared between schools, Victoria University and the wider community.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/flp_lead.png" rel="gallery-all" title="A glimpse at the Footscray Learning Precinct. Image: State Government of Victoria"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="360" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/flp_lead.png?itok=th_R2q6E" title="A glimpse at the Footscray Learning Precinct. Image: State Government of Victoria" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A glimpse at part of the plan for the Footscray Learning Precinct. Image: State Government of Victoria</figcaption></figure>Construction of the first stage is due to begin in 2018, and completed in time for the 2020 school year. This stage includes:

<ul>
<li>Upgrading facilities and expanding capacity at Footscray City Primary School. Additions include a three-court indoor sports and recreation building.</li>
	<li>Refurbishing and modernising Gilmore College for Girls.</li>
</ul>
Key proposals for future stages include:

<ul>
<li>Reconfiguring Gilmore College for Girls as a co-educational school. It would become one of two junior (Years 7-9) secondary campuses in the precinct, with the other being a new vertical school to be built in Seddon at Pilgrim Street</li>
	<li>Transforming Footscray City College into a senior secondary campus (Years 10-12), with a nearby STEM Centre delivered in partnership with Victoria University.</li>
	<li>Building a performing arts centre at either the primary school or Gilmore College for Girls</li>
	<li>Establishing an integrated early learning centre at the primary school in partnership with Maribrynong City Council.</li>
</ul>
<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/south_melbourne_primary_01_1341x1000.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="South Melbourne Primary School and Richmond High School. Images: Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="190" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/south_melbourne_primary_01_1341x1000.jpg?itok=xnPTRj4f" title="South Melbourne Primary School and Richmond High School. Images: Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>South Melbourne Primary School and Richmond High School. Images: Hayball</figcaption></figure>Urban.com.au discussed Hayball's appointment to master plan the FLP and how they will draw on their experience in the sector with Hayball Director Richard Leonard. This follows from a <a href="/news/a-discussion-on-vertical-modes-of-learning-with-hayballs-richard-leonard">previous discussion</a> from two years ago on the advent of vertical modes of learning.

Urban.com.au: Hayball has considerable experience in the education sector and has built up an impressive body of work. How has/will this experience inform(ed) the design of the FLP?

Richard Leonard: The Footscray Learning Precinct is truly ground-breaking – it’s never been done before in Australia.

The project integrates education opportunities and facilities from cradle to grave, taking into consideration requirements from the community and future citizens. In a region that’s growing at a tremendous rate like the inner west, education is clearly an agent for transformational change in an urban context.

We have yet to put down pen to paper in terms of design– but what I can tell you is that it will bring together all of the experience, research and creative minds at the practice into a single project challenge.

UM: Hayball has also been at the forefront designing the first vertical schools here in Victoria, with more on the way. What model(s) can we expect for FLP?

RL: The entire model for the FLP is completely new. The interesting aspect is that there’s a broad spectrum of education facilities integrating together, from an early childhood centre, primary schools, secondary schools and a university. There’s are spread across three distinct precincts of learning within the suburb. This new model of linking places of learning with the community is the next frontier for education in Australia.

There’s actually a vertical junior secondary school envisaged for the precinct, which will be home to students in years seven to ten. The site is relatively small, but the value of integrating with the entire learning community means that we’re able to make the most of the smaller pockets of land in the inner city, because schools can share facilities with other schools nearby or with community facilities such as libraries, sports grounds etc.

UM: Is FLP an opportunity to test new ideas around teaching and learning?

RL: Yes it will be, but in a very different way, in the sense that it’s for all students at all stages in life. The concept of integrated cradle to grave education is a game changer, as is the way this entire precinct will link to the community and other service providers.

The inter-connected model allows schools to work together in terms of developing a consistent curriculum, sharing facilities, systems and resources, and ensuring pedagogies are streamlined so students can move from primary to secondary to tertiary education seamlessly. Overall, it’s improving the holistic approach to teaching and learning, providing students with better opportunities, staff with better resources, and creating better transitions for students.

From a design perspective, as this model has never been done before, we’ll certainly be gaining insights as to how we can support the inter-connected model through urban planning, interior design and architecture.

UM: How do you approach designing an education precinct rather than say a campus? What are some of the challenges and opportunities?

RL: Like any major project, the challenge is how we bring a number of stakeholders (schools), community groups and the council together in the visioning and decision-making process.

The other challenge – and opportunity I suppose – is that because there’s no design models to base this project on, we’ll be setting a new benchmark in terms of integrated learning precincts.

UM: How does the Footscray context inform the design of these schools both at a macro and micro level?

RL: The interesting thing is that the FLP is divided into three precincts – while they are all geographically close, they all have different cultural context and the communities are very different. So we have to take this into consideration.

The Department of Education quotes some astounding figures in terms of growth in Footscray – by 2040, there will be an 80% increase in the overall population, and not just children. As such, there’s a real need to address the future needs of the entire society, not just students.

One of the other things to touch on is that Footscray has always been home to a number of important education institutions. Victoria University and many of the schools have been there for decades so we’ll be taking that into our design consideration. The difference with this project is that while we’re creating a handful of new learning facilities, our primary goal is to assist with the integration and alignment of very significant institutions, community and service providers in the precinct.

In this way, education is at the centre of this model, and it’s being used as a method for transformational change in the urban environment, which is particularly important for the inner west of Melbourne. That’s the really exciting bit!
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Laurence Dragomir

Hayball's Richard Leonard discusses the new Footscray Learning Precinct

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Development news from Footscray continues to flow at an increasing level.

Maribyrnong Council is providing the wider public with a first look at a new mixed use development in the heart of Footscray. <a href="/developers/k7-developments">K7 Developments</a> has enlisted <a href="/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> to create a scheme for 72-76 Paisley Street, with the expectation that it will eventually accommodate a substantial and predominantly residential building.

One block back from Barkly Street, 72-76 Paisley Street is a 1,840sqm site wedged between a multi level community healthcare centre and the Footscray Baptist Church. Not-for-profit community health organisation cohealth have occupied the modest brick building onsite for some time.

<h2>
<a href="/new-apartments/72-paisley-street-footscray">72-76 Paisley Street</a> application summary</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image151.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Street level perspective. Planning image: Rothelowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="320" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image151.jpg?itok=5SytAd7t" title="Street level perspective. Planning image: Rothelowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Street level perspective. Planning image: Rothelowman</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Proposed 12 level building at 38.4m in height</li>
	<li>140 apartment: 81 x 1BR, 59 x 2BR</li>
	<li>2 office tenancies of 225.8sqm and 251sqm</li>
	<li>1 restaurant of 131.3sqm with capacity for 50 patrons</li>
	<li>1 retail tenancy of 225.8sqm</li>
	<li>2 basement levels includes capacity for 137 vehicles &amp; 60 bicycles</li>
	<li>Expected cost of development: $25 million</li>
</ul>
The proposed development's treatment of the eastern and northern ground level interface is a direct response to the site's immediate surrounds. An existing through link will be enhanced and activated in order to join with the laneway network bisecting the block between Barkley Street and Paisley Street. 

To the rear of the site an urban street art installation is envisaged. According to Rothelowman, "The concept for the artwork is to use an abstract form in either linear / checked patterns, with principal colors of blue and gold which are bright and complimentary to the proposed building material pallet. The artwork will be placed on the dedicated metal panels on the northern elevation with anti-graffiti coating."

72-76 Paisley Street's eastern flank is to feature the restaurant space and outdoor seating area to the Baptist Church interface.

<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/image152_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Laneway perspective. Planning image: Rothelowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="312" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image152_1.jpg?itok=1EHzlUyw" title="Laneway perspective. Planning image: Rothelowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Laneway perspective. Planning image: Rothelowman</figcaption></figure>The Footscray application is K7 Developments' third active apartment project.

Following on from builder <a href="/builders/citi-con">Citi-Con</a>'s recent completion of Canterbury Hill which includes 37 dwellings, two further projects are nearing a construction start. Hawthorn East's <a href="/buildings/brasshouse-771-toorak-road-hawthorn-east">Brasshouse</a> is defined by its undulating gold facade whilst Brunswick East's <a href="/buildings/seamstress-11-13-lygon-street-brunswick-east">Seamstress</a> references the past life of the site in question, which will in due course become a building of some 32 apartments.

Including the Paisley Street application, Rothelowman has become the incumbent architecture practice of choice for K7 Developments, accounting for the developers last four projects. 

72-76 Paisley Street is comfortably the developer's biggest project to date.

<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/image159_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The completed Canterbury Hill with Brasshouse. Render: Rothelowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="222" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image159_1.jpg?itok=ojpSCYjR" title="The completed Canterbury Hill with Brasshouse. Render: Rothelowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The completed Canterbury Hill with Brasshouse. Render: Rothelowman</figcaption></figure>
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K7 Developments look to push up Paisley Street

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Footscray is to host a new master planned mixed use development adjacent to the heart of Footscray.

Any prospective investor or owner occupier can now secure their space within Cowper Residences, which will be released for sale this month. With Footscray the epicentre of Melbourne's inner west, the wider region is currently subject to $26 billion worth of investment committed to infrastructure and associated projects.

Footscray built form progression is in lockstep with its social transformation. Only 4km from Melbourne's CBD, Footscray now boasts its own evolving cosmopolitan café and shopping precincts.

According to advisory Urbis, the young and fast-growing population in Melbourne's west is expected to more than double over the next 20 years. Over the past 10 years, the median price of apartments in the historical suburb has increased by 7.9 per cent per annum and has experienced the highest annual price growth compared to a selection of suburbs of similar distance to CBD.

In response, Cowper Residences has been positioned in order to attract interest from both astute investors and owner occupiers.

<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/image136_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Cowper Village offers a choice of living options"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image136_1.jpg?itok=5wB1S2T7" title="Cowper Village offers a choice of living options" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Cowper Residences offers a choice of living options</figcaption></figure>It's Cowper Residences' unique location within the Footscray context that has led to the diverse range of living options within the project.

Nestled between established low rise housing and the Footscray CBD, Cowper Residences allows for a diversified built form and unfettered views toward Docklands, the CBD and beyond. The low to medium density site offers proximity to the city coupled with spacious, quality designs which offer contemporary living and balance with its surrounds.

The development’s first two precincts to market will allow purchasers to choose between sixteen terrace homes, ten SOHOs (Single Office/Home Offices) and 63 traditional apartments.

Cowper Village is the work of ClarkeHopkinsClarke, who have a rich history of creating vibrant, integrated living and community spaces. ClarkeHopkinsClarke partner Toby Lauchlan describes Cowper Residences from the architect's perspective:

<blockquote>
When we saw the site, we immediately recognised it as a standout in Footscray. Centrally located, it’s close to the station and all of the vibrant, lifestyle offerings of this colourful suburb, but rests on a quiet, tree-lined residential street giving it real sense of tranquility.

Cowper Residences has also been designed to capture city views which won’t be built out – a rarity this close to the CBD.

The mix of housing types throughout the precincts allowed us to really diversify the design, with each form appealing to the types of people who will want to reside there.
</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/image135_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Expansive views come with Cowper Village"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="330" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image135_0.jpg?itok=6xO_OqWX" title="Expansive views come with Cowper Village" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Expansive views are par for Cowper Residences</figcaption></figure>A strong sense of place and community is at the heart of Cowper Residences, with each precinct interlinked by landscaped gardens and internal laneways. Amenities across the development include a café, gym and rooftop terrace and a communal courtyard.

Terrace homes have been designed higher and larger than the norm, with some offering city views; all have a high level of finishes and mix of materials. Each terrace includes two balconies and a private courtyard and are catered toward family living.

SOHOs maintain a loft-style configuration, complete with exposed brickwork and high ceilings. Expected to appeal to young professionals, the SOHOs provide an environment which enables flexible work patterns. 
The small-scale, low density apartment block offers investors and first home buyers the opportunity to enter the Footscray market within the confines of a boutique setting. Spanning six levels and featuring one and two bedroom apartments, the spacious apartments all maintain access to a rooftop terrace.

<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/image137_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Second level views over established low rise living"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="315" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image137_2.jpg?itok=dKzu--Te" title="Second level views over established low rise living" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Second level views over established low rise living</figcaption></figure>Selling agent, F.R. Chee of CT Real Estate, says that while Footscray is still considered affordable, continued gentrification of the area indicates that this may quickly change.

<blockquote>
Currently Footscray is an affordable suburb undergoing the process of gentrification, similar to what we’ve seen in Brunswick and Collingwood where there is now a substantially higher median sale price.

Market growth is also being driven by the high proportion of students and young professionals moving to the area due to its affordability and proximity to the city. Almost 40 per cent of the suburb’s population is aged between 20-34 years.

Cowper Residences’ position and housing mix makes for a unique investment opportunity in one of Footscray’s most premium locations. We are expecting strong sales across the campaign.

With central Footscray set to be transformed, it truly presents one of the last great investment opportunities in Melbourne’s inner ring suburbs.
</blockquote>

Cowper Residences is currently taking registrations of interest, with prospective buyers urged to register their details on <a href="http://www.cowperresidences.com.au?utm_source=urban_melbourne&amp;utm_medium=article_link">www.cowperresidences.com.au</a> and act fast in order to take advantage of off-the-plan stamp duty concessions before 1 July 2017.
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