Perth’s new apartment market recorded its strongest quarter of sales since Q4 2021, with 412 apartments sold in Q1 2026 and a record quarterly sold value of $537 million, according to Urbis’ latest Apartment Essentials results.

Urbis said the March quarter result reflects strong, highly product‑specific demand across both ends of the market, from more attainable projects delivering at scale, through to premium stock being absorbed by equity‑rich downsizers.&nbsp;

David Cresp, Partner at Urbis, said the key story in Perth is not demand, it is the market’s ability to convert demand into delivered housing.&nbsp;

“This is the strongest sales quarter since Q4 2021, and it reinforces that demand in Perth is real and it’s local,” David Cresp said. “But the task now is delivery, turning that demand into projects that can actually be built and completed.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110291 project_image_fid=302785]

<h2>Affordable product leads, premium demand remains resilient</h2>

Sales in Q1 were led by more affordable projects, with The Boulevard (SKS Group) recording 115 sales in the quarter, the presentation noting this is only the second time a single project has surpassed 100 quarterly sales. The project was able to offer more affordable housing product right next to a train station.&nbsp;

Palmyra West (Finbar) also delivered strong results with 28 sales in Q1, following 84 sales in Q4, with an average price of under $800,000, underscoring depth of demand for well‑located, attainable new stock.&nbsp;

At the premium end, Urbis said downsizer demand is continuing, with the results highlighting Romeo (Applecross, Finbar) recording 75 sales and reaching almost 50% sold in one quarter.

Jual (Shenton Park, Celsius Property) also posted a strong quarter with 28 sales, reaching 39% sold in one quarter.

Urbis noted that Perth apartment demand is not speculative, not investor‑led, and not uniform, describing it as localised, often equity‑driven and highly product‑specific, a pattern reflected in the polarisation between strong “attainable” performers and premium downsizer product.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148957 project_image_fid=364102]

<h2>Prices underpinned by costs, and the delivery risk is growing</h2>

Urbis said pricing pressure is cost not demand‑driven: construction costs and delivery risk are now a central constraint, with the results noting build costs remain elevated and volatile, and that energy, fuel and labour uncertainty weigh on feasibility.

David Cresp said a growing challenge for private Build‑to‑Sell developers is simply securing a builder in the current environment.

“Developers are really feeling the pressure from a building market that was operating at capacity and securing a builder is challenging,” David Cresp said, adding that even where a builder can be secured, “trying to get to the price that makes the development financially viable is incredibly challenging in the current market.”&nbsp;

Urbis’ broader WA commentary also notes that industry remains at or above capacity with lot and housing creation, and that many builders are limiting new sales to manage stretched workforces and fixed‑price contract pressures, conditions that flow directly into apartment feasibility and delivery timing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108869 project_image_fid=317905]

<h2>Supply: improving later, but still constrained, and Perth lags eastern benchmarks</h2>

While near‑term supply remains constrained, Urbis’ forecast shows completions lifting “Supply is forecast to be back above 1,500 apartments per annum for the first time since 2019”, with 1,775 completions forecast for 2026, and volumes remaining above that level over the following years.&nbsp;

Looking further ahead, completions are forecast to reach 2,500 in 2028, with the report noting 32% of that total is social/affordable, reflecting the role of government‑supported delivery in rebuilding the pipeline.&nbsp;

However, Urbis said Perth remains behind comparable markets on pipeline scale. In a national comparison of projects under construction, the report shows under construction Perth Build‑to‑Sell (BTS) at 3,446 apartments versus the Gold Coast at 7,922. Mr Cresp said “The challenge for Perth is how to we grow the delivery pipeline”.

Urbis’ conclusion is that Perth’s market is increasingly defined by product discipline and delivery certainty, with the research identifying “delivery certainty is key” and calling out builder risk and procurement models as core success factors, alongside “timing and staging”.&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

Perth apartment sales hit strongest pace since late 2021 as builder capacity tightens

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sammut-developments">Sammut Group</a> has secured development approval for its latest Brisbane apartment project, marking the Sydney developer’s next step in expanding its Queensland pipeline following the success of its debut Gold Coast development, Coast.

The approved project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/44-glen-road-toowong-qld-4066">44 Glen Road, </a><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a> will deliver a 15-storey riverfront apartment building with 42 residences, significantly increasing the scale of the site’s previous approval for a smaller luxury scheme. Designed by Bureau^proberts, the development will comprise a mix of predominantly four-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments positioned to maximise Brisbane River and city views.

Sammut Director Julian Sammut said the group had been actively searching Brisbane for several years before identifying Toowong as the right fit.

“Brisbane was the right step for Sammut,” Sammut said.

“With the success of Coast we thought we should definitely look to do more in Queensland alone. We then pushed up to look at Brisbane. We've been looking for I'd say two to three years actually and it was hard to find the right location.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" 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%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.14%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=dYAVIL7qdcGA8ojvkslSrLjczXFejSSx" />

Sammut said suburbs including New Farm and Teneriffe were considered before the group ultimately focused on Toowong due to its strong downsizer demographic and limited supply of developable riverfront land.

The site was acquired off-market after what Sammut described as a lengthy negotiation and planning process, with the developer pursuing an uplift to the original approval.

“We are DA approved now which is very exciting,” Sammut said.

“We've had our change approval come through and we've obviously doubled the height, 15 storeys plus rooftop. We've got 42 amazing apartments that are going to be coming to market soon.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ohkRkY0dIZlqdfME2EZePsCQavRiBadE" />

Bureau^proberts said the design responds to Toowong’s evolving urban character, balancing contemporary apartment living with the area’s established residential identity.

“A place where traditional Queensland living has taken place for centuries; Toowong is seeing a shift of contemporary influence, commercial and retail hubs mixed with well-considered residential offerings – all the while maintaining its character and charm,” the architect noted in planning documents submitted to Brisbane City Council.

The architecture practice said the project’s form was shaped by its riverfront setting, flood considerations, neighbouring building scales, and view corridors.

“They said the mix of four and two-bedroom apartments capture the ‘fundamental qualities of Queenslander living,’ translated into the context of a contemporary subtropical building.”

The development sits just off Coronation Drive within walking distance of Toowong’s retail precinct and the upgraded Regatta ferry terminal, while also benefiting from proximity to the incoming green bridge connection to West End. Sammut said the accessibility and amenity offering were central to the site’s appeal.

The approval adds to growing residential activity along the Toowong riverfront, joining nearby projects including Consolidated Properties’ Monarch Residences and Spyre Group’s ARC Residences.

Sammut secures approval for debut Brisbane apartment development in Toowong

Developer Lanevick is heading back into Sydney’s apartment market after focusing more heavily on the luxury townhouse and terrace sector in recent years.

Lanevick, founded and directed by Steve Maroun, is expecting to receive approval in the coming months for a new apartment development in Gladesville, with the aim to launch it to the market later this year.

The 51-apartment project, designed by Studio Johnston, will comprise a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments positioned toward the Hunters Hill downsizer market.

“Traditionally it’s been difficult for people in that market to downsize because there just hasn’t been the right product available,” Maroun said.

“We’re targeting buyers who might have 30 to 40 per cent of their house value sitting in the bank after downsizing.

“They still want good spacious entertaining areas, they still want quality design, but they also want flexibility and the ability to enjoy life a bit more after working hard for a long time.”

The project sits near Boronia Park and within close proximity to the Parramatta River foreshore, an area Maroun says offers more of a Hunters Hill lifestyle than a traditional apartment precinct.

“From a lifestyle perspective, it’s really more Hunters Hill than Gladesville,” Maroun said. “You’re close to the foreshore, close to parklands, and still connected back into the village precinct.”

From level four and above, apartments will capture water views&nbsp;toward Sydney Harbour. Communal amenity will include rooftop entertaining areas, wellness spaces, and a gym tailored toward owner-occupier buyers.

“We’ve really designed these apartments around that buyer coming from the Hunters Hill LGA and what they’re actually looking for in their next chapter.”

The proposed development has also been designed to respond to the changing character of the broader Gladesville town centre, where a growing number of mixed-use and residential proposals are expected to emerge over the coming years.

“Gladesville presented a rare opportunity to deliver a genuinely design-led residential project within an evolving lifestyle precinct, just moments from the growing Gladesville town centre, and we’ve approached the project with a strong focus on architecture, liveability and long-term community value,” Maroun said.

Maroun said Lanevick saw a first-mover advantage within the precinct as planning controls continue to evolve to accommodate greater housing density.

“We think there’s a real opportunity there that hasn’t really been serviced properly yet,” he said.

“There’s going to be a broader evolution of the whole Gladesville village precinct over time, particularly with more activation and mixed-use outcomes.”

The Venus Street proposal will include a commercial and retail component at ground level designed to contribute to that evolving streetscape activation.

“A big part of the thinking was how do you activate that area properly and create more vibrancy and amenity, which is what Hunters Hill has been looking for,” Maroun said.

Lanevick’s focus since 2020 has largely been on smaller-scale luxury townhouse and terrace developments. The developer recently completed Royale Randwick, also designed by Studio Johnston, where prices reached $3.65 million. The project was featured in the UDIA NSW 2026 Professional Development Prospectus and was also named a finalist for Development of the Year.

&nbsp;

Lanevick to cater for Hunters Hill downsizers with new Gladesville apartment development

Property developer One Living, backed by former Macquarie banker turned investment manager Chris Green’s investment firm, has unveiled plans to bring more institutional capital into housing to help address the national supply crisis.

The New York-based investor has focused his firm, GreenPoint Partners, on addressing the supply shortage hitting middle market housing in Australia.

It is backing the new One Living business to develop more than 1000 units along the eastern seaboard. The new firm is starting with a development on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, with around 140 apartments planned. They are eyeing off more sites across the city.

With cost pressures rising in the industry, One Living’s model is to be a vertically integrated developer-builder, so it can respond directly to the housing gap by removing the cost inefficiencies embedded in traditional residential delivery.

“We are building a platform designed to operate at scale and starting in a market where there’s a clear need for quality, attainable housing,” One Living joint managing director Joseph Scuderi said.

“It’s that missing middle – it’s that attainable end of housing… that’s what most Australians invest into and what Australians can actually afford.”

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="798dfa93-4941-4db6-a696-31e9dc18e81c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.31.50%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=mKBqi5C_DmeiXS.AtJkcR8LQIxqCqmFi" />

GreenPoint Partners brings years of experience assembling and scaling real estate operating businesses across major markets. And Green sees a big opportunity in Australia.

“For its size, sophistication and importance to the community, Australia’s living sector has remained largely under-institutionalised, which represents significant opportunity,” Green said. “GreenPoint identified that gap, assembled the right team, and is backing One Living to build a platform that is aligned to market needs.”

Green said being a builder-developer would give the company the capacity and flexibility it required to deliver reasonably-priced homes.

“We want it to be at that attainable level; not super high end luxury but at that attainable level,” he said.

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="74a5344a-4b26-4d4a-ada3-056b1220be77" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.32.15%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=vY8hXHO4reBMdO8ZXMWCNtGZJofUPQ3j" />

&nbsp;

One Living will undertake a component of affordable housing in its schemes, which it will own and operate, and it could also run build-to-rent on some sites.

Green praised local policy settings.

“The NSW government is being very supportive, strategic and pragmatic in terms of how do we generate more supply of housing,” he said. “We think it’s actually positive for development and the bit that’s been lacking at that attainable level is that it’s lots of relatively small private developers, whereas we want to create an institutional platform.”

One Living is also&nbsp;looking at high-density projects and could take on more institutional funding in the future.

“The way we will be able to achieve economies of scale is through size,” Green added.

One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition

It's been several years since there's been an opportunity to buy a brand new townhome in Melbourne's coastal suburb of Mordialloc. Even apartment developments in recent times have been few and far between in the area.

Local developer LDS Property identified the gap in new housing, securing a site on White Street, directly opposite&nbsp;Woodlands Golf Club Mordialloc. They've recently launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/wm-residences-mordialloc-102-white-street-mordialloc-vic-3195">WM Residences</a>, just 13 townhouses which they have already started building.

Projects by Buxton Director Heath Thompson, who is selling WM Residences, says the townhouses x that perfect middle ground be

"Mordialloc residents have had limited options to downsize within the suburb, often forcing them to look elsewhere despite long-standing ties to the area," Thompson says.

"With very little comparable new supply coming to market, projects like WM Residences are well placed, particularly as buyers look to capitalise on current conditions amid constrained supply."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6109]

The development, designed by regarded architecture firm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf</a>,&nbsp;adopts a deliberately restrained architectural approach, focusing on simplicity, durability and liveability rather than overt design gestures.

The boutique scale is central to the offering. With only 13 three-bedroom residences, each home is configured to prioritise functional layouts and everyday use, supported by private terraces and secure two-car garages.

Ewert Leaf’s design response leans into a calm, neutral material palette. Interiors are defined by oak flooring, white walls and soft finishes, creating a consistent and understated backdrop. The approach avoids trend-driven detailing in favour of longevity, with an emphasis on natural light and spatial clarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6110]

Beyond aesthetics, the homes are designed to meet contemporary performance expectations. Each residence targets a minimum 6-star energy rating, incorporating double glazing, comprehensive insulation and all-electric Bosch appliances.

The project’s location supports a walkable coastal lifestyle, sitting within close proximity to Mordialloc’s foreshore, Main Street retail strip and the train station. Local cafés and dining venues, including Suburbia Deli and Hendriks Café, are within a short walk, reinforcing the area’s established neighbourhood character.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6116]

While <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/mordialloc-vic-3195">Mordialloc</a> is often defined by its beach and pier, the project taps into other areas of day to day living, offering easy access to local food, casual dining and transport, rather than positioning itself purely as a lifestyle retreat.

WM Residences reflects a continued trend across Melbourne’s coastal suburbs towards smaller-scale, design-led townhouse developments, particularly on infill sites where proximity to amenity is already established.

With construction commenced prior to its market entry, the project aligns with a growing preference among buyers for developments with visible progress and defined delivery timeframes.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134646]

WM Residences fills gap in Mordialloc townhouse market

Frankston

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A securely leased apartment block at Frankston in Melbourne's popular south-eastern bayside suburb has price expectation in the high $1 millions.
Available through Savills Australia, the <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-vic-frankston-502049122" target="_blank">Park Street property</a> sits directly opposite Beauty Park and is a short walk to shops, schools and public transport.
It comprises a two level residential building, with eight one bedroom units in good condition and undercover parking on a 788 sqm site.
Savills' agents Julian Heatherich and James Lockwood say that the property is fully leased, with the exception of one unit which has been refurbished.
It has a potential, fully leased, income of $80,920.
Julian said the property would suit investors and developers with multiple options to fully refurbish, value-add or redevelop.
"The property will appeal to both investors and developers looking to value-add or redevelop subject to council approval," he said. 
"It is currently fully let, with the exception of one unit due to refurbishment, with an excellent leasing history and is situated in a fantastic location within walking distance of all essential amenities."
James highlighted the properties key investment attributes.
<ul>
<li>The location in a bayside precinct within walking distance of the beach, transport and shops;</li>
<li>The secure lease profile;</li>
<li>The solid building in very good condition; </li>
<li>The generous 788 square metre site;</li>
<li>The exceptional add-value potential; and,</li>
<li>The potential for redevelopment (STCA).</li>
</ul>
"This is a great opportunity for an investor and/or developer with the option of either maintaining an investment with a proven income stream, or a value-add redevelopment with the advantage of ongoing income in the planning stages," James said.
"Properties of this calibre and versatility in bayside locations are highly sought after by tenants and investors alike." 
The property will be sold by Expressions of Interest closing, Tuesday, August 23 at 12pm.
 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Bayside Frankston apartment block close to the beach for sale

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Frankston's bathing box prices are on the rise.
One of the 30-odd foreshore boxes on Gould Strett, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-other-vic-frankston-122228534" target="_blank">Bathing Box 26</a>, is being offered for sale at $145,000.
The selling agent Robert Austin of LJ Hooker Seaford said the property would likely break the Frankston record.
Frankston's recent beach box sales include <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-other-vic-frankston-119371491" target="_blank">Bathing Box 32 </a>which fetched $125,000 in March last year, and the Sunrise Rotary Club-built <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-frankston-116155691" target="_blank">Bathing Box 10</a> which sold for $114,500 in 2014.
Bathing box records have fallen in Portsea, McCrae, Dromana and then three times in Brighton over the past year. 
Frankston resident Bill Gardiner bought his box 30 years ago for just $3000.
Gould St’s beach boxes can only be owned by Frankston council ratepayers, similiar to the situation at Brighton’s Dendy Street beach.
MELBOURNE'S BEACH BOX BONANZA
Brighton: the record price for the Dendy Street beach foreshore has been broken three times this year, most recently with Bathing Box 44, which fetched $307,000 last month.
Dromana: Boatshed 145 set a new benchmark when sold for $306,800 in March.
Portsea: Boatshed 23 broke the Shelley Beach record, fetching $615,000 in November, but a subsequent prized offering failed to sell.
McCrae: a mystery racehorse owner paid a record price<a href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/realestate/news/melbourne-vic/racing-identity-wins-bidding-race-for-beach-box-on-mccrae-foreshore-on-the-mornington-peninsula/news-story/4d66598d44c0cc6bd08bf14981ad00a4" target="_blank"> </a>of $239,000 for Boatshed 28 last October.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Frankston bathing box prices on the rise

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Frankston (postcode 3199), an outer-southeastern suburb of Melbourne, figures in the top 10 most searched suburbs of Australia in 2015 compiled by rent.com.au.
The median rent for all rental properties advertised in Frankston in the 30 days till the first week of February was $300 per week, a 6.25% or $20 fall from the previous quarter. 
This was also cheaper than the median of $350 in the same 30 days for the surrounding suburbs of Seaford, Frankston South, Frankston North, Langwarrin and Langwarrin South. 
The price range for all properties advertised in the 30-day period varies from $140 for a one-bedroom dwelling to $450 for five or more bedrooms.
The average days on market for rental properties in Frankston within a 90-day period was 28 days, 10 shorter than the previous quarter.
There were 119 rental properties advertised in the 30 days, up 39 from the previous 30-day period.
There are a total of 5,353 rental properties in Frankston, which is 37.8 percent of all properties there, according to ABS data, 2011.
The overall property composition of Frankston is 84.5 percent houses and 15.5 percent apartments.
As an illustration of properties around the median rent, Property Observer picked these from rent.com.au:
<img src="/images/2016/03/31/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-31%20at%202.09.20%20PM.png" alt="">
1. A two-bedroom apartment at <a href="https://www.rent.com.au/property-house-frankston-3199-1146001" target="_blank">9/34 Birdwood Street</a> (above) is up for rent for $325 per week.
<img src="/images/2016/03/31/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-31%20at%202.13.29%20PM.png" alt="">
2. A two-bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.rent.com.au/property-unit-frankston-3199-1696600" target="_blank">4/11 Williams Street</a> (above) can be rented for $280 per week.
The ASX-listed Rent.com.au Ltd achieved a record 615,405 unique visitors to its website in January, followed by more than 610,000 unique visitors in February.
Landlords are able to list their property for free in a limited time offer on <a href="https://www.rent.com.au/" target="_blank">rent.com.au</a>.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Melbourne’s Frankston median rent $50 cheaper than surrounds: Rent.com.au 

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Frankston City Council this week approved what will become the city's tallest building. At 17 levels and 52.5 metres in height the residential tower is located directly behind popular venue The Deck and will hold a prime position over the bayside suburb.

Championed by Peninsula Blue Development, the Finnis Architects-designed tower features a curved facade which the architect believes reflects the waves and nearby beach. With only two and three bedroom apartments included, 6 Davey Street as it's known for now will incorporate 240 degree aspects with balconies facing north, east and west.

With no objectors and full Council support, 6 Davey Street it's hoped will spearhead heightened high-rise residential activity in the area.

Planning Consultants Taylors submitted the Davey Street apartment complex for approval. It was processed in less than 60 days, under Council’s Priority Planning procedure for developments in the Frankston City Centre.

Frankston City CEO Dennis Hovenden says that Council’s Priority Planning process sends a strong message to the development industry that the City is taking development applications seriously.

“The Priority Planning process can also apply to applications outside Frankston city centre, if they demonstrate significant economic benefit”, said Mr Hovenden.

<h2>6 Davey Street, Frankston summary</h2>

<ul>
<li>Existing structure: former Place of Assembly (church and hall)</li>
	<li>17 level residential tower at 52.5 metres</li>
	<li>919.88sqm site with frontage to Davey Street</li>
	<li>63 apartments: 53/2BR + 10/3BR</li>
	<li>Ground floor offices and private function room included</li>
	<li>89 car parking spaces and 24 bicycle bays with four basement levels</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/frankston_architecture_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A new focal point. Image © Finnis Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/frankston_architecture_1.jpg?itok=_JJsOao2" title="A new focal point. Image © Finnis Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A new Frnakston focal point. Image © Finnis Architects</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
The proposed development will result in a land mark building on a prominent site on the edge of the Frankston MAC (Major Activity Centre). The proposal is consistent with policy directions at State and local level and will increase housing densities and choice for the wider community of Frankston.

Issues relating to access arrangements and traffic movement can be addressed through the provision of widening and upgrading of Bay Lane. Approval can only be recommended on this basis.
<cite>Council officers assessment</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
Frankston is now less than an hour’s commute from Melbourne CBD and the entire Mornington Peninsula, and has become a viable option for buyers and investors seeking bay views and an attractive lifestyle

Residential development boosts Frankston’s economy by increasing demand for local goods and services. It also assists with perceptions of safety by increasing levels of activity outside of business hours.
<cite>Frankston City CEO, Dennis Hovenden</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
This will be a landmark development for Port Phillip Bay, introducing high quality apartments to the Frankston CBD, potentially stimulating further investment into the area
<cite>Rodney Goullet, Peninsula Blue Development</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Frankston gets going</h2>

Word has it 6 Davey Street has a healthy number of apartments precommitted, increasing the likelihood that it will proceed to construction. The immediate site adjoining 6 Davey Street is though testament to the difficulty in realising a substantial apartment project in Frankston with <a href="/buildings/allure-bayside-12-davey-street-frankston">Airio</a> failing to materialise in recent years.

Having said that a number of large-scale residential and/or commercial proposals have lined up the bayside suburb. Approved are <a href="/new-apartments/harbour-frankston-446-450-nepean-highway-frankston">446-450 Nepean Highway</a> and 16 Clyde Street while South East Water's new office accommodation is midway through construction.

Future projects are likely to include <a href="http://www.doigarchitecture.com.au/gallery-category/masterplanning-urban-design/#444-nepean-highway">444 Nepean Highway</a> with multiple towers and Riverlee's <a href="http://www.riverlee.com.au/projects/453-455-nepean-highway-frankston-123">453-455 Nepean Highway</a> which is subject to a 16 level residential tower concept devised by K2LD as seen below.

<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/127.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="In the making? Image © K2LD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="343" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/127.jpg?itok=XYjJflgW" title="In the making? Image © K2LD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>In the making? Image © K2LD</figcaption></figure>
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silvermb

6 Davey Street: Frankston's tallest tower approved

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Frankston City Council have taken a proactive step in enabling further investment to flow into the municipality by implementing further changes to their planning framework, designed to expedite planning applications and enhance investment potential in the area.

<blockquote>
Frankston City Council has developed an innovative program, called Priority Planning, to facilitate significant commercial precinct development within the Frankston city centre, and potentially other parts of the municipality, which demonstrate significant economic benefit.

The process seeks to ‘cut red tape’ by ensuring more efficient planning decisions are made on applications that drive employment and/or activate the Frankston city centre, while encouraging high quality developments.
<cite><a href="http://www.investfrankston.com.au/planning" target="_blank">Invest Frankston: Priority Planning</a></cite>
</blockquote>

Priority Planning revolves around pre-application meetings between Council and the applicant in order to communicate issues and mitigate points of difference, thus avoiding these once the application is submitted. Over a five year period average planning process days for delegated planning decisions have tumbled from near on 105 days to just 45 days.

<blockquote>
There are two streams in the streamlined application process. Stream 1 deals with moderate sized applications that can be delegated to Council officers. Stream 2 deals with major applications with a development cost of over $ 5 million and/or three or more levels, which must be considered by Councillors.
<cite><a href="http://www.investfrankston.com.au/planning" target="_blank">Invest Frankston: Priority Planning</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/20934Nepean03_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="446-450 Nepean Highway. Image © Doig Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/20934Nepean03_0.jpg?itok=32lMjGUL" title="446-450 Nepean Highway. Image © Doig Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>446-450 Nepean Highway. Image © Doig Architects</figcaption></figure>Ultimately the revised process equates to major projects being resolved within a nominated 60 day period. An example of a Stream 2 project is the above 11-level office tower at which was <a href="/news/planning-application-446-450-nepean-highway-frankston" target="_blank">highlighted by Urban.com.au</a> earlier in the year. 446-450 Nepean Highway has since been approved and stands as an example of Frankston City Council's willingness to generate investment into the city via higher density developments.

<blockquote>
The delivery of prompt processes to prospective developers will send a strong message that Frankston is open for business. We are a city undergoing transformation and we have to capitalise on the interest in our city right now and Priority Planning is already reaping excellent results.
<cite><a href="http://www.frankston.vic.gov.au/Your_Council/Media_and_Publications/Latest_News/Frankston_Council_fast_tracking_city_centre_development" target="_blank">Darrel Taylor, Frankston City Mayor</a></cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Comment</h2>

Hats off to Frankston City Council for beating their drum in terms of encouraging investment, although one adage comes to mind: you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink.

While the new $80 million South East Water HQ may act as a generator for investment, some of the good work seems to have been undone by the apparent failure of <a href="/buildings/allure-bayside-12-davey-street-frankston">Airio Apartments</a>. With online sales no longer visible and the project website banished, it seems demand is not quite there for a 14 level apartment tower in Frankston.

Regardless, see the good work of Frankston City Council via <a href="http://www.investfrankston.com.au/home" target="_blank">Invest Frankston</a>.
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Frankston City Council introduces Priority Planning

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Today's article is a follow-up piece to a news item from earlier this week titled <a href="/news/is-this-frankstons-time-to-shine" target="_blank">'Is it Frankston's time to shine?'</a> in which Apartments.com.au highlighted the growing number of medium and high-rise developments jockeying for position within the bayside suburb.

In focus today is 446-450 Nepean Highway, an 11 storey mixed-use development which is currently toward the tail end of the approval process as Frankston City Council has indicated that the development will receive the green light.  Located directly opposite the revamped Peninsula Centre, 446-450 Nepean Highway is expected to form part of a wall of mid and high-rise buildings on the western flank of Nepean Highway. 

<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/Image1_48.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The site in question. Image © Google Maps"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image1_48.jpg?itok=DXDzFQKj" style="height:263px; width:580px" title="The site in question. Image © Google Maps"></a>

Responsible for this scheme, <a href="http://www.doigarchitecture.com.au/" target="_blank">Doig Architecture</a> are also in the process of devising a residential building of some 300 apartments on the neighbouring 444 Nepean Highway site.  Whilst these are separate developments, both will abut one another and appear as five separate buildings over a 200 plus metre stretch.  Capable of being constructed in stages to meet market demand, both developments are designed to be visually discernable in their components, acting as a 'city wall' according to Doig.

At 44.1 metres tall, 446-450 Nepean Highway would carry approximately 10,500 m² of office accommodation over upper floors.  A mezzanine ground floor and two podium levels will host a select number of apartments facing Kananook Creek and the Bay beyond while a total of approximately 600 m² of lettable retail space will activate both Nepean Highway and Kananook Creek Boulevard.

It's also expected that near 200 m² of additional space will front a new pedestrian laneway, linking the main north-south aligned thoroughfares that flank the site.  Servicing the tower will be 367 car parking positions accompanied 48 bicycle bays and 31 motorbike bays, distributed over five levels, both above and below ground with entry via Kananook Creek Boulevard.

<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/20934Nepean03.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="446-450 Nepean Highway. Image © Doig Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/20934Nepean03.jpg?itok=va32U7wt" title="446-450 Nepean Highway. Image © Doig Architecture"></a>

The materials schedule is best described as monumental with no less than 18 separate forms of metal, timber, glass and concrete employed to create 446-450 Nepean Highway's exterior.  Prominent will be blue and grey glass over the tower's Nepean Highway frontage, punctuated silver glass in a seemingly haphazard fashion. Clear glaze will define the streetscape while perforated patterned mesh screens will cloak above ground car park levels and feature beach and nature motifs.

Doig Architecture's website carries the following summary of 446-450 Nepean Highway. "This 6,500sqm parcel of land between Nepean Highway and the Kananook Creek corridor offers a unique opportunity for the creation of a new High Street and public realm for the City of Frankston. With the opening of the Frankston Bypass, Nepean Highway is to be downgraded and two lanes of traffic removed. This section of the street could and should be developed with greater height and a more urban form, generous footpaths and planting of canopy trees and include uses such as Office, Residential and service retail, and potentially Student Accommodation and Education."

<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/Image2_24.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Kananook Creek frontage. Image © Doig Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image2_24.jpg?itok=R-dzzjzO" title="Kananook Creek frontage. Image © Doig Architecture"></a>

Although Council resolved to grant a planning permit during July 2013, the planning application was taken to VCAT as a number of objectors raised issues such as non-compliance to state and local planning policy, loading and road access provisions, design response and overdevelopment.  Subsequently a VCAT mediation session yielded an in-principal agreement  whereby increased privacy measures such as aluminium aerofoils (as seen above) will be incorporated into the design.

As of December 2013 446-450 Nepean Highway has found provisional approval from both Frankston City Council and VCAT, paving the way for final approval during the new year.
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Planning Application > 446-450 Nepean Highway, Frankston

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So long considered the 'derriere' of Melbourne, Frankston is quietly going about the process of regeneration and reinvigoration as a host of new developments eye off the Bayside locale. Far from the gaze of mainstream CBD developers and media for that matter, Frankston in the eyes of many has yet to shrug the 'Bayside Bogan' tag; and somewhat unfairly many would argue!

Under the guise of the <a href="http://www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/planning/plansandpolicies/centralactivitiesareas/frankston" target="_blank">Frankston Activities Area</a>, the renewal of the area's city centre is central to facilitating <q>Changes to land uses, building size and design and public spaces, and inform the location and types of housing, businesses, community facilities, transport and infrastructure that people want to see in Frankston.</q> Although the process of determining a suitable Structure Plan is continuing, a number of projects over all stages are in the pipeline, with the regeneration of the Peninsula Centre a development beachhead.

<h2>377 Nepean Highway</h2>

<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/f5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Peninsula Centre rebirthed as Quest on the Bay Frankston. Images courtesy lastminute.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/f5.jpg?itok=trAuEw-4" title="The Peninsula Centre rebirthed as Quest on the Bay Frankston. Images courtesy lastminute.com.au" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

Fake palm trees aside, <a href="http://www.asianpacificgroup.com.au/" target="_blank">Asian Pacific Group</a>'s regeneration of the infamous Peninsula Centre seems to have acted as a catalyst of sorts for further development in Frankston. Derided by many, including Barry Humphries as <q>The worst building in Australia</q> once upon a time, the complex reopened during 2013 as a Quest franchise and is formally known as Peninsula on the Bay. The 10 level structure that was near inexplicably tied to Frankston's negative connotation now lives on as a residential, commercial and retail hub, drawing people into the Frankston CBD.

<h2>10-12 Davey Street</h2>

<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/f3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Above all others. Image © airio.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/f3.jpg?itok=uEXh7A81" title="Above all others. Image © airio.com.au" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

Currently at sales, Airio Frankston according to Property Subdivisions was <q>Prepared by <a href="http://www.dentoncorkermarshall.com/">Denton Corker Marshall</a> Architects, for a multi storey mixed use development comprising a café and health club at ground level, 89 residential apartments within floors 1 -13 and associated basement car parking. The development adopts a contemporary form with a key design philosophy to incorporate a ‘floating’ element above the ground level podium in response to the existing buildings that are subject to a Heritage Overlay (HO49), whilst the levels above are designed to maximise premium views towards the bay and the central Melbourne city skyline to the north west and views towards the bay and Port Phillip Heads to the south west. At ground level the public realm is activated via the introduction of a café within 10 Davey Street and associated alfresco terrace, whilst a health club is proposed within 12 Davey Street.</q>

<h2>73 Wells Street</h2>

<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/SEW_FINAL_DESIGN.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="South East Water's new digs. Image © BVN Donovan Hill"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/SEW_FINAL_DESIGN.jpg?itok=n2F0GTem" title="South East Water's new digs. Image © BVN Donovan Hill" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

Fronting Kananook Creek, Probuild has commenced construction on South East Water's new headquarters. Designed by <a href="http://www.donovanhill.com.au/" target="_blank">BVN Donovan Hill</a>, the complex will eventually accommodate 700 South East Water employees currently worked across three sites in Heatherton, Lynbrook and Dandenong South. At the time Water Minister Peter Walsh was quoted as saying <q>The consolidation, which had been in planning for 18 months, would also provide a boost to the Frankston economy... Frankston was chosen as the most appropriate site for South East Water's head office because it is the most central location for their business, which services Melbourne's south-east suburbs, Pakenham, Bunyip and the Mornington Peninsula.</q>

<h2>16 Clyde Street</h2>

<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/f2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="DCA's Clyde Street proposal. Images © Design Consortia Australia &amp; Google Maps"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/f2.jpg?itok=cA8lc061" title="DCA's Clyde Street proposal. Images © Design Consortia Australia &amp; Google Maps" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

An upcoming ten level residential complex of 177 apartments, the development if built will activate Clyde Street between Balmoral Street and Station Street whilst providing additional serviced apartments to Frankston's CBD. <a href="http://www.designconsortia.com.au/" target="_blank">Design Consortia Australia</a> describe the project as being <q>Adjacent to the food court entry at Bayside Shopping Centre, this is an island site fronting a paved pedestrian mall. Designed as a serviced apartment development of 125 apartments of 1 and 2-Bedroom apartments in the lower levels, it also comprises 52 upper level 2 and 3-Bedroom apartments which capture the panoramic bayside views offered by the location.</q>

<h2>451-455 Nepean Highway</h2>

<img alt="" height="422" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/pictures/article-images/f1.jpg" title="K2Ld's Nepean Highway tower. Image © K2Ld" width="1152">

The work of Singaporean architecture firm <a href="http://www.k2ld.com/">K2Ld</a>, 451-455 Nepean Highway is the tallest and most interesting of all potential developments for Frankston. The 18 level complex is defined by a bust of Rodin's The Thinker - an interesting, unique activation of podium space and in somewhat of an oddity the original Thinker. <q>When conceived in 1880 in its original size (approx. 70 cm) as the crowning element of The Gates of Hell</q> according to Museum Rodin... and some would say how appropriate for Frankson no doubt. Not yet a planning application, a design of this quality would do wonders for Frankston.

<h2>1 Balmoral Street</h2>

<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/Image8_14.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Old and new. Image © Property Subdivision"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image8_14.jpg?itok=8Ymk9I8P" title="Old and new. Image © Property Subdivision" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

Not every upcoming Frankston project is of a large scale, with a likely redevelopment of 1 Balmoral Street in the offing. Whether it eventuates or not, a redevelopment demonstrates that equally important to new buildings breathing life into the city centre is the regeneration of existing stock.

<h2>444 Nepean Highway</h2>

<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/f4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The anticipated 444 Nepean Highway development. Images © Doig Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/f4.jpg?itok=OWb2Mev6" title="The anticipated 444 Nepean Highway development. Images © Doig Architecture" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

Quoting <a href="http://www.doigarchitecture.com.au/" target="_blank">Doig Architecture</a>, <q>Located on Nepean Highway and overlooking the Kananook Creek and Port Phillip Bay, this site offered an exceptional opportunity to raise the quality of apartments on offer in the city. The design envisaged a mixed use complex providing three tower forms above a four level podium. A new urban courtyard links Nepean Highway to the Kananook Creek precinct and provides an address for Retail, Commercial Office and Apartment entries. The full complement of 300 apartments in 1 and 2 bedroom formats would be delivered in stages, over the podium which offers 4,000sqm of retail and commercial office space. Parking provisions for 350 cars is provided in basements beneath the Nepean Highway level.</q>

Unfortunately no crystal ball exists as to if and when these projects will be delivered but it seems that Frankston won't miss out on the consolidated, higher density and vertical way of living that is now prevalent throughout City of Melbourne and surrounds. In coming days Apartments.com.au <a href="/news/planning-application-446-450-nepean-highway-frankston">will look at a current planning application</a> that will further augment Frankston City into a high-rise enclave.
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