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.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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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Apartments.com.au has contributed <a href="/tag/footscray">many an article</a> toward the seismic shift occuring within Footscray, there's a raft of large-scale apartment developments in the pipeline set to transform the area over the next decade. No less than <a href="/new-apartments/footscray-vic-3011">21 current apartment project listings</a> for postcode 3011 are in the Apartments.com.au project database, with the sum of 4,900 plus apartments a distinct possibility.

Even the likes of local stalwart Franco Cozzo has sought to vacate his premises as the lure of development takes effect.

But what will keep these thousands of new residents occupied in Footscray proper, rather than seeking the entertainment and retail options of for instance, the CBD?

<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_3602_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Barkly Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="373" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_3602_0.jpg?itok=hf4Lrhrl" title="Barkly Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Barkly Street</figcaption></figure>On a recent walking tour of Barkly Street and surrounds it became apparent there's a tremendous sense of place in Footscray. The diverse mix of cultures, fashion and cuisine provides an outcome unique to Footscray, but it's also coupled with a street level history and scale that is comparable in many ways to Collingwood or Richmond.

Whether it's the 'rough' (in some areas) urban realm or the general bustle, Footscray is an intriguing locale with all the fundamentals in place to cope with a massively expanded population in years to come. Should contemporary venues such as Barkly Street's Littlefoot Bar proliferate and provide the area with a new dimension of dining and entertainment venues to compliment the super-strong ethnic cuisine offerings from South East Asia and the Horn of Africa, Footscray will become a destination all its own. A new Smith Street in the offing.

I can only hope the above notion is conveyed through the following images. Click on the main image below to expand and as always enjoy.
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silvermb

Where else but Footscray!

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Recently Apartments.com.au <a href="/news/the-tannery-and-hopkins-street-launch-footscrays-joseph-road-precinct">broke the news</a> that <a href="/new-apartments/footscray-vic-3011">Footscray's</a> Joseph Road Precinct will begin its transformation into an inner-city residential enclave with the release of Riverina Apartments. Located less than five kilometres from Melbourne's CBD, Riverina Apartments also presents as developer AZX Group's vanguard Australian development, with further projects planned along the Eastern Seaboard.

<a href="http://www.cbresi.com.au/about/peopleDetails.aspx?ProfileID=29">Nic Cuni</a> as Director of CBRE's Residential Projects was on hand to guide Apartments.com.au through the now open display suite, providing an overview of <a href="/buildings/riverina-22-hopkins-street-footscray">Riverina Apartments</a> which has seen the project's first stage already garner strong sales.

<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_2627.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Riverina's display suite model up close"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_2627.jpg?itok=DX0kXXW_" title="Riverina's display suite model up close" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Riverina's display suite model up close</figcaption></figure>Within close proximity to the <a href="/new-apartments/maribyrnong-vic-3032">Maribyrnong</a> River, Nic Cuni explains that the <a href="/architects/peddle-thorp-architects">Peddle Thorp-designed</a> complex will be split into stages. Initially available for purchase are apartments within the podium and buildings D, C and E; all of which which front Hopkins Street.

Subsequent stages will see the dual 31 level residential towers delivered, creating a heightened level of living to Footscray with unfettered views to all directions. Overall Riverina Apartments will provide in excess of 950 new dwellings while also delivering Melbourne's inner West with a highly visible marker.

To date Riverina Apartments' strong early sales has seen a considerable number accounted for over the available buildings, with a mix of domestic and overseas buyers securing apartments at competitive prices. One, two and three bedroom apartments are available with an entry point of $255,000, while four bedroom penthouses crowning each tower as seen above are also available.

<blockquote>
CBRE have just released Riviera to our Victorian database, only to receive the biggest response ever fielded. So much so we expect to sell out of stage one soon after our grand opening during July.

The market has understood the value proposition that Riverina offers, with Melbourne's affordability issues in part addressed by releasing apartments from $255,000.
<cite>Nic Cuni</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/image239.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Representative kitchen and bedroom finishes"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="256" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image239.jpg?itok=8SPhYOwO" title="Representative kitchen and bedroom finishes" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Representative kitchen and bedroom finishes</figcaption></figure>The display suite demonstrates the bright, open apartment format created by Peddle Thorp. Kitchens and bathrooms are simple, modern and convenient with an emphasis on functionality while bedrooms feature neutral tones.

Floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive living areas point toward the desire of the development team to create apartments that capture the maximum amount of light possible.

<blockquote>
We have addressed quality by using well known appliances and showcasing interiors designed by Peddle Thorp. Buyers get a unique opportunity to buy an exceptional apartment within five kilometres to the CBD from $255,000.

It's an opportunity to enjoy a high yielding investment that has huge growth potential and Riverina's mix of apartments will appeal to first home buyers, downsizers and the local area investor!
<cite>Nic Cuni</cite>
</blockquote>

A feature of Riverina Apartments will be an expansive internal courtyard which opens to Warde Street. Surrounded by hanging greenery, the courtyard and garden area headline project amenities which include rooftop entertainment and barbecue areas, rooftop swimming pool, sauna and spa, private dining/entertaining rooms and a gymnasium.

An activated ground level will see a slew of retail and entertainment options with the project maintaining frontage to four separate streets. Specialty and large-scale retailers will constitute the mix with a supermarket expected to underpin retail activities which stretch across the 9,500sqm site.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image237.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Riverina's penthouses with their distinctive exterior. Image courtesy CBRE"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="330" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image237.jpg?itok=UtzAGhvH" title="Riverina's penthouses with their distinctive exterior. Image courtesy CBRE" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Riverina's penthouses with their distinctive exterior. Image courtesy CBRE</figcaption></figure>
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Footscray's Riverina Apartments powers ahead

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Footscray's <a href="http://www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/Page/Page.aspx?Page_Id=2220">Joseph Road Precinct</a> looks set to receive its first taste of construction with separate apartment projects launching their respective sales campaigns. The Tannery and 18-24 Hopkins Street are vanguard projects for the precinct which will eventually see dozens of new towers on what is now vacant land.

Long a topic of discussion on Apartments.com.au, Joseph Road Precinct has seen a number of prime sites snapped up by Asian and Asian-backed developers, who have both the financial means and bravado to proceed with their intended 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/img_2089.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="No longer in the cold, Maribyrnong's Joseph Road Precinct"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="275" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_2089.jpg?itok=pWHN_W1B" title="No longer in the cold, Maribyrnong's Joseph Road Precinct" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>No longer in the cold, Maribyrnong's Joseph Road Precinct</figcaption></figure>First out of the blocks is <a href="/buildings/riverina-22-hopkins-street-footscray">18-24 Hopkins Street</a> which will see the delivery of five separate residential towers. Listed in the Apartments.com.au project database as having 968 approved apartments,18-24 Hopkins Street may also see a 1,500 sqm supermarket, showrooms and 18 retail spaces at ground level. While these form part of the approved scheme, the final composition of retail and entertainment options, and apartment numbers has yet to be revealed.

Located on a 9,500 sqm land parcel, 18-24 Hopkins Street is the work of architects Peddle Thorp and will see a mixture of one, two and three bedroom dwellings included in the development with a starting price of $255,000. The project website carries a promotional video which appears to show the developer as AW Group, although the video is somewhat ambiguous in this regard.

<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_2087.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="18-24 Hopkins Street's display model"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="374" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_2087.jpg?itok=CB0OiY5Y" title="18-24 Hopkins Street's display model" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>18-24 Hopkins Street's display model</figcaption></figure>Joining 18-24 Hopkins Street is <a href="/new-apartments/footscray-vic-3011">The Tannery</a> which is the largest project that Australian Property &amp; Business Group has offered to date. The 1,725sqm site was <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/business/aviation/footscray-site-with-tower-permit-sells-for-5-million-20150303-13tzd6">reportedly sold for $5 million</a> during early 2015 with Australian Property &amp; Business Group wasting no time in creating a <a href="http://www.thetanneryfootscray.com.au/">project website</a> for the 15 level project.

Featuring 54 one bedroom and 80 two bedroom dwellings, sales have begun in earnest with a dozen apartments listed as sold via the project website. Priced from $325,000, construction is anticipated to begin in the latter part of this year.

<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/143076407.png" rel="gallery-all" title="The Tannery. Image courtesy APBG"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="541" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/143076407.png?itok=pUAL7KCo" title="The Tannery. Image courtesy APBG" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Tannery. Image courtesy APBG</figcaption></figure><h2>Comment</h2>

Jospeh Road Precinct has been covered previously on Apartments.com.au with the issue of infrastructure and amenity at the fore in order to facilitate development.

<blockquote>
Joseph Street Precinct absolutely needs an initial infrastructure boost from the State government in order to promote the area as more than a current industrial wasteland. Implementing a road network and delivering some much needed civic works, particularly to Maribyrnong River, may just be the key to unlocking a flow of development that would begin the long sought transformation of the precinct.
<cite><a href="/news/the-quandry-that-is-hopkins-street-precinct">The quandry that is Hopkins Street Precinct</a>, Apartments.com.au, October 17 2014</cite>
</blockquote>

Now that development will proceed regardless, will the millions required to provide an adequate road network and amenity match the million dollar views on offer? Even with developer levies/contributions, it's a sizeable yet necessary task to get the required infrastructure in early; the alternative will be shiny new towers and hundreds of residents surrounded by vacant land and dilapidated public spaces.

The initial failings of Docklands should not be mirrored in Joseph Street Precinct.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_2081.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The precinct's million dollar views"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_2081.jpg?itok=lj1S7aNw" title="The precinct's million dollar views" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The precinct's million dollar views</figcaption></figure>
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The Tannery and Hopkins Street launch Footscray's Joseph Road Precinct

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Peruse the Apartments.com.au project database and Footscray has no fewer that 20 residential listings covering roughly 30 separate buildings yet to be built. There's little doubt that Footscray will be an apartment hotspot in the near future, but what of the associated infrastructure and amenity that should always accompany mass development?

Over the past decade the heart of Footscray has seen tremendous change for the better with both the State Government and Maribyrnong City Council doing their bit to regenerate the area, whether it be infrastructure such as a revamped Footscray Station or extensive civic works with an aim toward creating a more pleasant built form environment.

<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/image193.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Footscray's possible Welcome Arch. Image courtesy MCR"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="280" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image193.jpg?itok=9lQz3LXl" title="Footscray's possible Welcome Arch. Image courtesy MCR" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Footscray's possible Welcome Arch. Image courtesy MCR</figcaption></figure>In line with the latter, initial images for a Welcome Arch has been revealed as part of the Little Saigon Precinct Activation Plan. With the aim of mustering public opinion prior to settling upon a final design, the McBride Charles Ryan design has been encouraged by Council, with input from the Footscray Asian Business Association, Vietnamese Community Australia Victorian Chapter, Footscray Traders Association and the Footscray Community Arts Centre.

Featuring two crane-like structures, the McBride Charles Ryan piece will carry both cultural and local references embossed on the internal walls of the sculpture. Environmentally Sustainable Design elements have also been incorporated which will see adaptable reuse (the building has been designed to ensure adaptable long term reuse); low energy lighting; passive ventilation; and high quality pedestrian and cycle environments included, according to the associated City Development Special Committee report.

<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/image194.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A new Little Saigon. Image courtesy Group GSA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="330" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image194.jpg?itok=h7lw7V8l" title="A new Little Saigon. Image courtesy Group GSA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A new Little Saigon. Image courtesy Group GSA</figcaption></figure>Forming part of the Little Saigon Precinct Activation Plan, the Welcome Arch is expected to join a raft of additional upgrades designed to enhance the immediate local environment. Further landscaping is earmarked within the precinct, as is an upgrade to Byron Street which will see new public facilities delivered.

According to consultancy Spiire, "The proposed development proposes a significant intensification of currently underutilised land through providing additional retail opportunities, car parking and informal community recreation space." Put before Council for consideration during December 2014, the existing at-grade public car park will be condensed into a multi-level structure in order to facilitate a public plaza complete with artworks.

Accordingly a planning permit has been issued for the building and plaza, with construction due to commence shortly.

<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/little-saigon-development_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Little Saigon Market. Image courtesy Atomic 3D"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="339" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/little-saigon-development_1.jpg?itok=cDsyJRNE" title="Little Saigon Market. Image courtesy Atomic 3D" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Little Saigon Market. Image courtesy Atomic 3D</figcaption></figure>What remains ambiguous are the plans for Little Saigon Market, directly opposite the new Byron Street plaza. Architecture firm Techné have conceived a residential complex of 260 apartments over two towers which would consume the entire 5,000sqm site. The approved redevelopment would feature a market style retail centre at ground level.

<blockquote>
The form allows for maximum natural light and visual outlook by splitting the volume into two towers, resulting in the creation of an internal podium of landscaped open space. The towers employ an additive method of articulation which reflects opposing functional aspects of the program and responds to the unique built form of the surrounding area.
<cite>Techné</cite>
</blockquote>

Like so many other residential projects in Footscray, the Little Saigon Market development has yet to proceed. At least the civic infrastructure will be in place should it ever be delivered.
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Footscray's little saigon finds its phoenix

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Away from the high profile yet dawdling urban renewal area that is Joseph Street Precinct, a raft of other Footscray infill development sites are in the process of finding new purpose. With infrastructure such as the new West Footscray Railway Station in place and located only a handful of kilometres from Melbourne's CBD, Footscray is proving to be a popular choice for both developers and residents alike.

One of the 'early adopters' was developer Cedar Woods who pounced upon a sizeable development site fronting Barkly Street, Footscray during 2006. Now known as Banbury Village, the final stage of the development consists of a ROTHELOWMAN-designed apartment complex dubbed Botanica Apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3031]

After a mixture of housing types to date, Botancia Apartments represents Cedar Woods' foray into apartment living within Banbury Village. On the back of this I recently spoke with State Manager at Cedar Woods Properties, Nathan Blackburne, regarding Banbury Village and the ongoing role that the development firm plays in urban regeneration.

Laurence Dragomir: Describe the highlights that have made Banbury Village successful.

Nathan Blackburne: The Banbury Village project is a development comprising over 400 dwellings that occupies a 9ha site adjacent to the Whitten Oval and West Footscray Railway Station. The site was once home to the former Olympic Tyre factory which Cedar Woods purchased, rezoned, remediated and then submitted the planning application with council. We first acquired the site in 2006 and commenced development in 2008.

I think the project has been a great success in terms of providing a good example of what is possible with urban renewal on a large scale in inner Melbourne. It' showcases a contemporary architectural style, attractive streetscapes, a variety of housing typologies with the provision of a central park. The project has been met with strong demand and I think that's in part due to the quality of the design outcome that has been achieved.

Sales for the final stage Botanica Apartments have been strong. The project contains a mix of 1 and 2 bedroom apartments and presents the last opportunity to buy into the Banbury Village development.

LD: What was the main factor/drawcard for Cedar Woods getting involved with urban renewal in Footscray, and in particular this site?

NB: Cedar Woods from the outset had our eye on inner Melbourne sites that we felt were ripe for renewal. Footscray was yet to go through regeneration in any meaningful manner and we identified it as a suburb with firstly sites available for renewal, and secondly significant upside in pricing.

Banbury Village along with other developments in the area acted as a catalyst and a lot of families and professionals wanted to be close to the CBD. Hence buyers consider Footscray as a viable option when they realised that they could get a brand new home for a relatively affordable price.

<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/gs-cedarwoodsmd3-external_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Botanica Apartments at Banbury Village. Image courtesy Cedar Woods"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="156" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/gs-cedarwoodsmd3-external_11.jpg?itok=MdIKWPbT" title="Botanica Apartments at Banbury Village. Image courtesy Cedar Woods" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Botanica Apartments at Banbury Village. Image courtesy Cedar Woods</figcaption></figure>LD: So were they essentially your target market for Banbury Village?

NB: The variety of product means that there was a variety of household structures that were attracted to the project so we have had a mix of singles, couples and young families with probably a greater focus on the family category. This is fairly representative of our expectations and I should say that the project's proximity to the university has attracted a lot of younger people as well.

It was the mix of potential buyer types that made this project attractive for us in the first place.

LD: You touched on the architecture briefly. Is there any particular reason for engaging ROTHELOWMAN for the next stage, Botanica Apartments?

NB: I should mention that dKO were the architects responsible for the majority of the Banbury Village development and ROTHELOWMAN who are well regarded architects have designed the main building and the centrepiece of the development in Botanica Apartments. We wanted to ensure from the beginning that we achieved a quality design outcome that fit in well with the earlier developments and so we chose ROTHELOWMAN because of their reputation within the industry for medium-density apartment developments in inner Melbourne.

We have previously worked with RL on other integrated housing developments and their work for us has been exceptional.

LD: Is there scope for similar projects for Cedar Woods in the future? What's the next project post Banbury?

NB: We see a lot of opportunity for urban renewal projects in Melbourne, in both the inner and middle ring suburbs. In the last couple of years Cedar Woods has acquired two major sites that will deliver similar projects to what has been delivered at Banbury Village.

Firstly we acquired 6.8ha in St Albans next to the train station which the State Government has announced will be subject to approximately $200m in grade separation works and a new station. The project will have a similar mix of houses, townhouses and apartments and that capitalises on the proximity to the redeveloped train station and the retail centre of St Albans.

The St Albans development will be known as St A and will have a very similar impact on St Albans in the same way that Banbury Village has had on its surrounds. St A will seek to deliver a contemporary housing form with some central parkland and all within a few hundred metres of the proposed new station.

We then have the Jackson Green development in Clayton South which is a 6.5ha site that we recently settled on and will accommodate over 250 dwellings which again will comprise a mix of houses, townhouses and apartments. It's the site of the former Sigma Pharmaceuticals adjacent to the Centre and Carinish Road level crossing. It's one of the bigger sites in the area and we're excessively happy to have purchased it.

A part of our Victorian strategy is to acquire inner and middle suburban sites in Melbourne and we're pleased that we have four projects in the portfolio that fit that profile.

<h2>Large Footscray infill sites see movement</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/merchant-square_image001.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Kavellaris Urban Design's scheme for Kinnears . Image courtesy 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/merchant-square_image001.jpg?itok=lPtjpn56" title="Kavellaris Urban Design's scheme for Kinnears . Image courtesy KUD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Kavellaris Urban Design's scheme for Kinnears . Image courtesy KUD</figcaption></figure>In addition to Banbury Village, The Kinnears site fronting Ballarat Road is also due for development after being dormant for years. Now owned by Guangzhou-based R&amp;F Properties, the four hectare site joins another of the developers land holdings in Fishermans Bend, both of which are capable of housing thousands of people when realised.

Incidentally Kavellaris Urban Design are carrying a suite of renders for a redeveloped Kinnears on their website, one of which is seen above. Whether this is mere coincidence or a precursor to a planning application remains to be seen.

<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/1257-974-1412901261.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Victoria University Student Accommodation. Image courtesy ADCO"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="293" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1257-974-1412901261.jpg?itok=VFYwSCts" title="Victoria University Student Accommodation. Image courtesy ADCO" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Victoria University Student Accommodation. Image courtesy ADCO</figcaption></figure>The other current project of note consumes a fraction of what is a sprawling at-grade gravel car park opposite Victoria University's Ballarat Road campus. Valued at $47 million, the 12 level student accommodation project is currently under construction with ADCO building the project.

Containing 504 beds, the project is scheduled to be completed in time for the 2016 academic year.
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Laurence Dragomir

Banbury Village leading the Footscray development charge

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Urban.com.au has in the past <a href="/news/the-quandry-that-is-hopkins-street-precinct">lamented the state of flux</a> that had settled upon Footscray's Joseph Road Precinct; 15 hectares of private landholdings and public areas set for intense urban regeneration. With no obvious intent from local developers to kick start proceedings and a distinct lack of infrastructure investment in the area, progress was non-existent.

During 2014 a rash of site sales within the precinct coincided with the influx of tigerish Asian-based developers en masse, ready and willing to push paper developments toward reality. In addition to <a href="/buildings/boat-house-2-joseph-road-footscray">2 Hopkins Street</a> and <a href="/buildings/victoria-square-8-hopkins-street-footscray">8 Hopkins Street</a> which were offered for sale, Austpac elected to offload the largest approved Joseph Road Precinct development, <a href="/buildings/riverina-22-hopkins-street-footscray">18-24 Hopkins Street</a>.

<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_5051.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="20 Moreland Street Footscray with display suite at the ready"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="308" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_5051.jpg?itok=_zHc7CXK" title="20 Moreland Street Footscray with display suite at the ready" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>20 Moreland Street Footscray with display suite at the ready</figcaption></figure>The sprawling 1000-apartment, five tower project was reported as not having found a buyer during late 2014, yet that seems to have changed with an Asian-backed developer recently completing works on a sales display suite located within the only existing building onsite.

Behind 20 Moreland Street's dated facade lies a fully equipped, open plan display suite decked out with a predominantly white motif. Although it sits completed, protective covers are present suggesting that it may not be activated for some time 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/image73_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Onsite bathroom display and artist's render of the endorsed project. Render courtesy Peddle Thorp"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="280" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image73_0.jpg?itok=t2BsJMmf" title="Onsite bathroom display and artist's render of the endorsed project. Render courtesy Peddle Thorp" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Onsite bathroom display and artist's render of the endorsed project. Render courtesy Peddle Thorp</figcaption></figure>Seen above is part of the endorsed design which was initially submitted during 2012. Tract Consultants acted on behalf of Austpac at the time with Peddle Thorp responsible for the overall design. Further amendments were sought and permitted during 2013 with a new planning application for the site received during June 2014.

Curiously enough the 2014 application still remains active with no decision listed on the State Government DTPLI/DPCD website, even though the display suite is ready. It looks likely that a final altered design/layout for 18-24 Hopkins Street will be revealed once marketing commences, whenever that may be.

<h2>Further precinct rumblings</h2>

Elsewhere in the Joseph Road Precinct demolition work continues on the former Le Mans Toyota site. Covering 13,179sqm and designated <a href="/buildings/victoria-square-8-hopkins-street-footscray">8 Hopkins Street</a>, the site was offered for sale with a scheme holding 795 apartments, and was subsequently sold to to a holding company controlled by Chinese-born Guohua Liang <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/business/chinese-developers-snap-up-footscray-sites-20140923-10kvr8">according to Business Day</a>.

<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/image70.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="8 Hopkins Street and 4 Neilson Place's sales board"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="296" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image70.jpg?itok=s9QNkASy" title="8 Hopkins Street and 4 Neilson Place's sales board" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>8 Hopkins Street and 4 Neilson Place's sales board</figcaption></figure>While demolition is a sign that 8 Hopkins Street may be progressing, the nearby <a href="/new-apartments/footscray-vic-3011">4 Neilson Place</a> is currently for sale. Agent Ikon Property states on their webpage that the site, with permit in place, is available for $5,000,000 (exclusive of GST) or less than $37,000 per unit cost. With a flutter of activity is seems that the Joseph Road Precinct is finally due to make an impression.
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A display in Joseph Road Precinct you say?

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Does anyone doubt that Hopkins Street Precinct on the footstep on Footscray proper will be an unbridled success one day? I don't, but the total lack of action in materialising any of the many projects within the Urban Renewal Area is a concern and points to some fundamental issues within the precinct.

The impetus for this article is news this week the first major apartment project for the area (approved over three years ago) has been put on the market. Then design lead Architecton summed up both <a href="http://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-footscray-501317143">10 Moreland Street</a> and Joseph Road Precinct as follows:

<blockquote>
The precinct has historically been used for a mix of industrial activities which are no longer viable or appropriate in this location. The precinct benefits from unrivalled proximity to both the Footscray CAD and the Maribyrnong River environs, and enjoys excellent multi-modal connections to other parts of Melbourne.

The strategic vision is for the area to be revitalised through new and innovative mixed use development. This proposal has received the first planning permit and hence the first step in the revitalisation of the Joseph Road precinct. It is therefore considered a catalyst for change which will assist in the implementation of the State and local government's broader vision for Footscray.
<cite><a href="http://www.architecton.com.au/34556/341918/select-projects/moreland-street-footscray">Architecton: Moreland Street Footscray</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/image196.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The current 10 Moreland Street. Image courtesy Colliers"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="416" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image196.jpg?itok=U2OI9YZQ" title="The current 10 Moreland Street. Image courtesy Colliers" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The current version of 10 Moreland Street. Image courtesy Colliers</figcaption></figure>Unfortunately there has been no catalyst for change within the 17 hectare precinct in recent years, and no prospect of there being so in the short to medium term. Fellow precinct permit holder <a href="/buildings/boat-house-2-joseph-road-footscray">2 Hopkins Street</a> is also currently for sale while <a href="http://www.8hopkins.com.au/">8 Hopkins Street</a> and <a href="/buildings/riverina-22-hopkins-street-footscray">18-24 Hopkins Street</a> successfully <a href="http://www.maribyrnong.starweekly.com.au/story/1811715/footscray-mayor-grant-miles-slams-developers-over-quick-buck-sales/">found buyers</a> earlier in the year, although there are no plans to immediately develop.

<a href="/new-apartments/footscray-vic-3011">4 Neilson Place</a> and <a href="/buildings/liberty-one-1-warde-street-footscray">1 Warde Street</a> are currently at planning with joint developer Urban Inc's Danny Ciarma indicating 1 Warde Street wasn't a priority development during an interview with Apartments.com.au during mid 2014. Whether at planning or approved, Joseph Street Precinct currently has approximately 3150 in just six projects listed on Apartments.com.au's Project Database.

At this point Joseph Street Precinct reminds me of an old adage, "All dressed up with nowhere to go."

<h2>The issues</h2>

From a laypersons perspective, these are the issues Joseph Street Precinct currently face:

<ul>
<li>The sites industrial heritage means it's little more than a decrepit wasteland. Which developer would be the first to deliver their project and have it site in total desolation, condemning residents to barren external environment?</li>
	<li>As evidenced the projects mentioned above, the average development to date in Joseph Street Precinct is huge. Understandable given the lot sizes on offer, but even in staged delivery these projects need to sell hundreds of apartments at a time which for a new residential precinct in this position is quite the ask.</li>
	<li>It seems no developer wants to be the first into Joseph Street Precinct. Taking into account the above and other factors it almost looks like game theory at play where one player is reactionary to other players. If one development is launched will the other immediately follow? Probably not, and therein lies part of the problem.</li>
</ul>
<h2>The solution</h2>

Forget Docklands as an example, in this instance, Dandenong's urban renewal program may just provide the blueprint to lift Joseph Street Precinct out of the development doldrums. <a href="/news/revitalising-central-dandenong-nothing-ventured-nothing-gained">Revitalising Central Dandenong</a> is an ongoing urban renewal project delivered by the State government via Places Victoria, in conjunction with the City of Greater Dandenong.

Critical infrastructure and extensive civic works continue to be delivered to Dandenong's CBD in order to stimulate private investment in the area - a ploy which to date has worked - with increased commercial and residential development the result. A similar program is precisely what Joseph Street Precinct requires in my view.

Joseph Street Precinct absolutely needs an initial infrastructure boost from the State government in order to promote the area as more than a current industrial wasteland. Implementing a road network and delivering some much needed civic works, particularly to Maribyrnong River, may just be the key to unlocking a flow of development that would begin the long sought transformation of the precinct.

Whether it be Places Victoria, City of Maribyrnong or both, Joseph Street Precinct is in desperate need of impetus by way of initial public works investment. To do nothing is to condemn the precinct to further dormancy.

So close to the CBD, yet so far from being reality!
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The quandry that is Hopkins Street Precinct

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The Buckley is the newest landmark address in Melbourne's inner-west that is raising the bar for apartment living. Located in the heart of Footscray, one of Melbourne's most multicultural pockets, The Buckley offers designer living just five kilometres from the CBD.

The Buckley lies in a rich, diverse, and ever-evolving pocket of the city fringe. As a divider between Footscray and Seddon, the Buckley Street site sits in the middle of two distinct yet complimentary neighbourhoods. Footscray is a district cherished by food and market lovers from all over the city. The charming streets of neighbouring suburbs Seddon and Yarraville are dotted with boutiques, speciality shops, cafes, independent grocers, butchers and florists.

The Buckley marks the eighth development in Footscray for <a href="http://www.keystoneproperty.com.au/" target="_blank">Keystone Property Group</a>, who over the past decade have built a reputation for delivering quality projects in the Melbourne inner-city market.

"Finding the right location is imperative to a development's success," said Luke Daley, Director of Keystone Property Group. As a developer, when we buy well it translates into our customers buying well. Melbourne's inner west remains one of the cities most affordable inner-city areas for investment and The Buckley lies in one of its best pockets."

"Away from areas of prolific development and adjacent to the village-like streets of Seddon, it's the only place in Melbourne, if not Australia, where 5kms out of the CBD you can purchase seventy square meter, two bedroom apartments for $470,000", said Daley.

The project is the fourth that Keystone Property Group and Kavellaris Urban Design have worked on together. With a brief to create a development that mirrored the eclectic nature of the area, The Buckley is set to become a distinctive and memorable landmark building in the heart of Melbourne's inner-west.

<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/building-facade.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Street level perspective of The Buckley"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="390" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/building-facade.jpg?itok=ayj9cS9m" title="Street level perspective of The Buckley" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Street level perspective of The Buckley</figcaption></figure><a href="http://www.kud.com.au/" target="_blank">Kavellaris Urban Design</a>, the architect behind the development, is a Melbourne-based firm that have experience across retail, large-scale commercial projects and designs that have meaning and integrity at their core.

Billy Kavellaris, lead architect on the project, said; "The Buckley is a bold project with exciting alternating articulated geometries that hover over the main facade. Our objective was to create a dynamic presence to the street facade and continue this language throughout the project. We wanted to create large livable spaces with high ceilings and integrated quality finishes throughout the development. The dwellings enjoy large balconies and clever storage and study areas for contemporary urban living."

"We opted to use the interior styling services at <a href="http://www.scharp.com.au/" target="_blank">Scharp</a> because we really wanted to showcase the potential of the property to the purchaser and make our potential buyers sit up and take notice. It is crucial to the success of a development; without furniture an apartment is just a blank canvas." said Daley.

<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/designed-for-living.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A material palate of exposed concrete and timber floorboards"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="231" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/designed-for-living.jpg?itok=1czGxV8M" title="A material palate of exposed concrete and timber floorboards" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A material palate of exposed concrete and timber floorboards</figcaption></figure>"We began putting together the 3D renderings and hero images, and after a few weeks began to translate our colours that we used for the interior images into the branding and collateral layouts. When the campaign went live we took thirty-eight registrations of interest; with buyers being highly receptive to the location, price point and design."

Scharp is a talented team of service driven property-marketing specialists renowned for quality and best practice. Scharp collaborated with KUD and Keystone to bring the project to life through the branding design, artist's impressions, and portrayal of the lifestyle on offer.

Our first question was how we can make The Buckley stand out in a neighbourhood where numerous developments are vying for the same market?" said Malcolm Schapel, Managing Director, and Creative Director at Scharp.

Scharp drew inspiration from the dynamic locale and 'on the go' lifestyle of the developments target market. "Our photographer created portraits of the local businesses and people that are the lifeblood of Footscray," said Schapel.

By using the bold design and eclectic nature of the area, Scharp weaved a unique urban narrative that stood miles apart from its competitors. "The Buckley is an iconic part of the neighbourhood; we aimed to create a campaign around its strong selling points - the location's character and position right in the heart of Footscray."

Investors in the know have had special interest in The Buckley, due to the council's vision for Footscray as part of Melbourne 2030 plan. The development that is proposed for the area is predicted to kick-start significant population and value growth.
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The Buckley - Raising the bar for apartment living

<html><body>
Submitted earlier this year to the state planning body DTPLI, only recently have Maribyrnong City Council published the respective reports for 26-34 Buckley Street and 4 Neilson Place online.

Bought to our attention via the Apartments.com.au forum, both projects have seen Maribyrnong City Council provide feedback, although no final decision has been handed down by the State Planning Minister on either.

<h2>26-34 Buckley Street, Footscray</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/image135.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of 26-34 Buckley Street, Footscray. Image © Rothe Lowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="383" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image135.jpg?itok=ZsWPRG1O" title="Artist's impression of 26-34 Buckley Street, Footscray. Image © Rothe Lowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of 26-34 Buckley Street, Footscray. Image © Rothe Lowman</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site owner: Dobinson Nominees</li>
	<li>Architect: Rothe Lowman</li>
	<li>16 storey residential building at 50 metres</li>
	<li>182 dwellings with 96 x one-bedroom, and 81 x two-bedroom dwellings plus 5 x townhouses</li>
	<li>Below/above ground car park: 122 spaces &amp; 125 bicycle spaces</li>
	<li>Ground floor retail at 235.4sqm</li>
</ul>
Maribyrnong City Council have recommended the application be refused by the Minister for Planning on the following basis:

<blockquote>
It is considered that the proposal does not meet the overall intent and objectives of the State and Local Planning Policy Frameworks, including Planning Scheme Amendment C125. It is therefore considered that the application should not be supported and a letter of objection be forwarded to the Minister for Planning
<cite>City Development Special Report Committee</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>4 Neilson Place, Footscray</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/image134.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of 4 Neilson Place. Image © SJB"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="378" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image134.jpg?itok=AAImENqH" title="Artist's impression of 4 Neilson Place. Image © SJB" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of 4 Neilson Place. Image © SJB</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site owner: Adelaide Banner Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Architect: SJB</li>
	<li>15 storey mixed use building at 48.6 metres</li>
	<li>135 dwellings with 55 x one-bedroom, and 80 x two-bedroom dwellings</li>
	<li>Above ground car park: 112 spaces &amp; 96 bicycle spaces</li>
	<li>Two commercial tenancies at 97sqm food/cafe &amp; 95sqm retail</li>
	<li>Level 5 communal area</li>
</ul>
Maribyrnong City Council have recommended the application be approved by the Minister for Planning on the following basis:

<blockquote>
The proposal, while three storeys in excess of the preferred height is considered to present an acceptable built form and design response for the site given its context adjacent to the railway line. The generous setbacks from the side and rear boundaries enables sufficient light and air into dwellings and enables adjoining properties to be equitably developed without impacting on the buildings own amenity.
<cite>City Development Special Report Committee</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Join the Conga line?</h2>

These two applications have the potential to join the ballooning number of apartment tower proposals in Footscray. Of the developments shown below, only two (top right) are concept images indicative of what is likely to be built, while the remainder represent a fraction of the brigade of developments which have been approved.

Footscray's proximity to the CBD and abundant land zoned for redevelopment such as the Joseph Street precinct should ensure that at some point in the near future the ever increasing queue of apartment development will come to fruition. The area has seen stuttered redevelopment of late, but when will the development dam gates really open - that is the question.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image139.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Images copyright to respective parties"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="948" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image139.jpg?itok=bpZWLwtz" title="Images copyright to respective parties" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Images copyright to respective parties</figcaption></figure>
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New applications join the queue in Footscray

The Planning Minister has announced the approval of 1000 units in five towers in two separate towers - both projects having been profiled on Apartments.com.au previously.

Apartments.com.au first profiled 2 Hopkins Street <a href="/news">on the forum</a> in May last year with images taken from the original planning application lodged with Maribyrnong City Council. 2 Hopkins Street consists of 751 apartment split across four towers ranging in height from 16 to 28 levels.

57 Haig Street Southbank was similarly profiled originally <a href="/news">on the forum</a> and then in <a href="/news/57-haig-street-unveiled" target="_blank">this piece</a> at the end of April last year. 57 Haig Street will have 249 apartments over 38 levels and is nestled between Clarendon Street and the West Gate Freeway in Southbank.

Of great interest is the scale of the 2 Hopkins Street project. Slowly but surely nodes outside the traditional core of Melbourne are building their own medium and high-density development momentum. Where South Yarra was the poster child (and still arguably is one of them) for non-CBD high-density development, Footscray is increasingly asserting itself.

For a map and list of all the projects Apartments.com.au is tracking in Footscray, <a href="/developments/footscray-vic-3011">click here</a>.

<h2>Full media release</h2>

<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://www.scribd.com/doc/227747599" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="View Five Towers and 1,000 Units Approved in Central Melbourne on Scribd">Five Towers and 1,000 Units Approved in Central Melbourne</a>

<iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_94405" scrolling="no" src="//www.scribd.com/embeds/227747599/content?start_page=1&amp;view_mode=scroll&amp;show_recommendations=true" width="100%"></iframe>

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