Prominent Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/osk-property">OSK Property</a> has unveiled <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/aura-at-melbourne-square-7-hoff-boulevard-southbank-vic-3006">Aura</a>, the next stage of its $3.5 billion Melbourne Square precinct in Southbank, continuing its push into wellness-led, amenity-rich apartment living.

The $800 million tower, planned for 7 Hoff Boulevard, will rise 67 storeys and deliver 673 apartments, with COX Architecture drawing on both Japanese design principles and Australia’s natural landscape to shape the building’s identity. A rectangular grid aesthetic defines the building’s exterior, with COX drawing design cues from New York high-rises and Tokyo’s skyline.

Aura builds on a growing trend in high-density living, where wellness is no longer an add-on but central to the product. The development is structured around four key pillars, combining calm, minimalist residences with layered communal spaces, landscaped gardens, and a suite of wellness amenities designed to support both physical and mental wellbeing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151921 project_image_fid=367465]

At the core of the project is what OSK describes as a vertical wellness ecosystem, a multi-level approach to amenity that integrates health, lifestyle, and social spaces throughout the building rather than confining them to a single level.

The main resident hub, the Aura Club on level seven, will include a pool, cold plunge, spa, gym, Pilates and yoga studios, alongside more lifestyle-driven inclusions like a golf simulator, music rooms, library, and work-from-home spaces. Above, a series of higher-level amenity zones, including the Meridian Club and Cumulus Club, introduce more refined, social and retreat-style environments, with private dining, lounges, and premium wellness spaces positioned to take advantage of city views.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151921 project_image_fid=367467]

The residences themselves will largely include balconies, a key design move in a market increasingly focused on natural light, airflow, and connection to the outdoors. Views will extend across the CBD, the Arts Precinct, Royal Botanic Gardens, and beyond.

Aura also introduces approximately 1,600 sqm of retail across the lower levels, further activating the Melbourne Square precinct, which already includes Kennedy Park, a Woolworths, childcare, and a growing mix of hospitality operators.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151921 project_image_fid=367474]

“Aura stands tall as an exemplar of holistic wellness – its focus on social, physical and mental health culminate in a building that is calming, restorative and relaxing, where residents will have their own sanctuary within the well-connected and sought-after <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/southbank-vic-3006">Southbank</a>," says&nbsp;OSK Property CEO Chong Boon Woon.

“We have been very encouraged by the market’s response to the BLVD offering, and we know there is a strong demand for the level of amenity, service and design that the Melbourne Square precinct is known for.

“Complemented by work-from-home lounges for professionals, family friendly outdoor garden spaces, and state-of-the-art fitness and wellness facilities, Aura will continue our focus on maximising physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing,” he said.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151921 project_image_fid=367475]

The project follows the strong performance of BLVD, which is now around 80 per cent sold, and reinforces OSK Property’s long-term commitment to Melbourne Square as a fully integrated, mixed-use precinct.

Construction is expected to commence in late 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151921]

Joel Robinson

OSK unveils AURA, the latest stage in Southbank's $3.5 billion Melbourne Square precinct

National developer Time &amp; Place appears to have settled on a design for its long-anticipated Potts Point project.

After several years of back and forth with local council and the NSW Government, the developer, which has spent close to a decade targeting the former The Chimes site on Macleay Street, has now progressed its plans.

Following a concept design submission last year by SJB, Time &amp; Place has lodged a full State Significant Development Application with the NSW Government, this time for a scheme designed by Kerry Hill Architects.

<img alt="Time &amp; Place" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="504d2a27-d65f-4227-8189-1e35e3376e62" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-20%20at%209.38.24%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=_XqFKATYHF30KnVByPxhaI9UBzmkmfn7" />

The 16-storey proposal includes 44 apartments, 21 of which will be build-to-sell. These will comprise 19 three-bedroom apartments and two four-bedroom penthouses.

More than 50 per cent of the development will be dedicated to affordable housing, with 23 one- and two-bedroom apartments delivered in line with the NSW Government’s Housing SEPP.

Kerry Hill Architects said the proposal is driven by a strong response to place.

“Our proposal for a new residential building for Potts Point in Sydney is driven by a deep consideration of place,” the practice said in its submission.

“This operates on multiple levels, including a landscape approach that reinstates endemic flora of the Sydney peninsula and provides a ground-floor garden for residents, reconnecting the site to its pre-European history. A brick podium further strengthens this relationship to context, integrating planting and fine bronze detailing that references the predominant material language of Macleay Street.”

The three-level podium will be topped by a communal resident space, featuring a covered pool designed to receive direct afternoon sun in winter, a neighbouring reflection pool, dining and event areas oriented to maximise sunset views, and an outdoor exercise zone.

<img alt="Time &amp; Place" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8d3eedc1-babb-44a3-bd96-d8a42f3adf1f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-20%20at%209.37.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Ii7.4dvqNatu5GQi6bhqNjAswrMB998." />

The design also incorporates highly crafted shopfronts and a clearly defined residential entry to activate the street. Juliette balconies to the podium residences will provide passive surveillance and a strong sense of habitation.

Above, the larger apartments are housed within a light-coloured masonry and bronze tower.

“The tower steps back in a series of gently curved volumes that reference the rich Art Deco context of Macleay Street,” the architects said. “Carefully calibrated vertical fins frame the views while providing privacy and a sense of refuge.”

<img alt="Time &amp; Place" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6fab60f4-3140-4469-b47a-48c781e0a30b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-20%20at%209.28.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=e5XxrM3kzdASdKlcIACHAHbOSZhSKC9O" />

Time &amp; Place has been one of the most active developers nationally in the last 12 to 24 months. Late last year they completed&nbsp;The Queensbridge in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/southbank-vic-3006">Southbank</a>, a mixed-use tower with 353 apartments and a hotel. They are currently selling Park Modern, 246 apartments near the famous Botanic Gardens in South Melbourne.

The developer has approval for The Burke, a mixed-use project in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/glen-iris-vic-3146">Glen Iris</a>&nbsp;being delivered in partnership with Woolworths. The 60 apartments, positioned above a new Woolworths supermarket, are expected to launch in the coming months. Time &amp; Place is also progressing plans for the redevelopment of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/northcote-vic-3070">Northcote</a>&nbsp;Plaza, and have recently submitted plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/vic/time-place-unveils-plans-22-storey-south-melbourne-tower">22-storey tower</a>, another in South Melbourne.

In&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/sydney-nsw">Sydney</a>, the developer has two projects in Manly: Two Tides, which is currently under construction, and an ultra high-end building on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/shoreline-manly-beach-89-90-north-steyne-manly">North Steyne</a>, fronting the beach. It is also continuing to work through the redevelopment of The Chimes building on Macleay Street in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/potts-point-nsw-2011">Potts Point</a>, as well as Marlborough House, the redevelopment of the original David Jones warehouse building in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/surry-hills-nsw-2010">Surry Hills</a>.

First look: Time & Place settles on design for The Chimes, Potts Point redevelopment

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/develotek">Develotek</a> is joining the likes of TOGA, Deicorp, and One Global Capital, betting on a boom in Five Dock ahead of the 2032 mooted opening of the Five Dock Metro Station.

Develotek, which is currently developing Bianca on the Drummoyne waterfront and has plans approved for a tower in Chatswood, has filed a State Significant Development Application for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/79-81-queens-road-five-dock-nsw-2046">two-building project in the evolving Kings Bay precinct</a>.

The buildings, one more boutique just five storeys and the other 26 storeys, will rise from an 3,158 sqm site across&nbsp;79–81 Queens Road and 2–8 Spencer Street, will home 134 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, above ground-floor retail and five basement levels of parking.

A key component of the proposal is the inclusion of 15 per cent of residential floor space as in-fill affordable housing, unlocking additional height and density under the Housing SEPP.

<img alt="First Look: Develotek lodges State Significant shop top housing project in Five Dock precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3ee31bf7-75ba-4bc5-b190-49885193219f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/podium_2.png?VersionId=730UbrduuwK3C1sO28RHjiLPUPqXqjkh" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a>, the scheme adopts a podium-and-tower configuration, with a five-storey street wall along Queens Road transitioning to a 26-storey tower set deeper into the site. The ground plane prioritises activation and permeability, with retail frontages and a new through-site link connecting Queens Road to Spencer Street.

At the upper levels, the tower façade has been conceived using a modular system to support prefabrication and reduce construction waste, while improving build efficiency. The splayed form draws on the geometry of surrounding industrial rooftops, reinterpreting the area’s heritage in a contemporary expression while also helping to reduce solar heat gain to east and west-facing apartments.

“This project aspires to transform a former industrial site into a connected, resilient and people-focused urban community, grounded in Country, shaped by history, and designed to enrich everyday life within the evolving Kings Bay Precinct,” said John Walsh, Principal at Plus Studio.

The proposal reflects the broader transformation of the Kings Bay Precinct under the Parramatta Road Corridor Urban Transformation Strategy, marking a shift from its industrial past to a higher-density, mixed-use urban neighbourhood.

<img alt="First Look: Develotek lodges State Significant shop top housing project in Five Dock precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abde734c-1e31-4a97-a1d2-fa9bcf31c380" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/building%20podium.png?VersionId=fNUupP6u146yEytQT31kKVRxwtACgPpP" />

Develotek is emerging as an active participant in the state’s affordable housing-led uplift pathway. The developer recently secured approval for a 34-storey mixed-use tower in Chatswood, where it similarly leveraged the in-fill affordable housing provisions to increase scale and deliver a 101-unit scheme with dedicated affordable apartments.

Their entry into Five Dock places them alongside a growing list of developers targeting the suburb ahead of its anticipated transport uplift, with Sydney Metro set to extend into the area. Major players including TOGA, Deicorp, and One Global Capital are all progressing large-scale precinct-style developments nearby, collectively reshaping the low-rise industrial fabric into a higher-density mixed-use corridor.

The Five Dock site sits within the Kings Bay Precinct, a key renewal area under the Parramatta Road Corridor Urban Transformation Strategy, where planning controls support significant uplift tied to affordable housing delivery. The consolidated 3,158 sqm site is currently occupied by low-rise industrial uses, including warehouses and vehicle workshops, earmarked for transition.

First Look: Develotek joins in Five Dock apartment boom

Ascot’s Racecourse Road continues to be a hive of activity for Brisbane developers.

Following Fortis and GRAYA, which are both preparing new projects along the key strip connecting Kingsford Smith Drive and Eagle Farm Racecourse, local developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/skyhold">Skyhold</a> is the latest to lodge plans for its own development.

The group is proposing One One Two Residences, a boutique project comprising just seven apartments, named after its address at 112 Racecourse Road.

The proposal outlines a five-storey building on an 810 sqm site. The built form slightly exceeds the four-storey expectation under the neighbourhood plan, aligning instead with the emerging character of the strip. As the planning report notes, “the locality is characterised by a transition toward medium-rise residential development, with a number of recent developments… above the stipulated height limits.”

<img alt="First Look: Skyhold lodges plans for boutique Ascot apartments as Racecourse Road revival gathers pace" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ec577631-8c51-4163-960e-e7b3a77d655b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Ascot.png?VersionId=iAzQ46D4Uu1UqiS0mVnlcy9jeFKBpJIj" />

Designed by 111 with landscape architecture by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/paul-bangay-garden-design">Paul Bangay Studio</a>, the scheme adopts a layered architectural approach with strong articulation and a subtropical response. Deep balconies, integrated planters, and a mix of masonry and textured finishes define the façade, while upper-level setbacks reduce perceived bulk. The architectural statement describes “a series of horizontally expressed layers, defined by deep balconies and a consistent robust material palette,” aimed at delivering a refined streetscape presence.

Apartments are configured as large-format residences, including multiple three-bedroom layouts and a full-floor penthouse, supported by ground-level parking. A rooftop terrace will provide communal amenities including a pool and landscaped recreation areas. The design prioritises privacy, natural ventilation, and greenery, with planting integrated across all levels to soften the building form and contribute to the public realm.

<img alt="First Look: Skyhold lodges plans for boutique Ascot apartments as Racecourse Road revival gathers pace" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1e1219bd-b45a-4d7f-bbc7-7207d7b2fc94" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Ascot%20entry.png?VersionId=JIoUOLMgQ5xWpEF0etEI3ffIoIVjD7gO" />

The proposal sits within the Racecourse Road precinct, a key mixed-use spine in Ascot that continues to attract renewed development interest.

Later this year national developer Fortis will launch its own boutique development, which, pending council approvals, will be 16 apartments designed by Koichi Takada Architects, just down the street.

“Racecourse Road is going through a massive revitalisation and we’re proud to be a part of that transformation,” said Fortis's QLD General Manager, Dan Boman.

Nearby, GRAYA is advancing its larger-scale The Gallery, a mixed-use shop-top housing project designed to act as a “catalytic project for Racecourse Road.”

First Look: Racecourse Road, Hamilton revitalization to continue as Skyhold joins the party

Twenty-five years after launching one of Australia’s most visionary and successful masterplanned beach communities - Casuarina on the Northern NSW Tweed Coast - developer Consolidated Properties Group has unveiled plans for an $800 million sister project located 10 kilometres south, at Cudgera Creek near the coastal town of Pottsville.

CPG has taken the wraps off Caldera, a 78-hectare masterplanned village that builds on the legacy of Casuarina and aims to help address Northern NSW’s coastal housing shortage via the delivery of 550 homes built in a sustainable manner and addressing affordability and housing diversity, while also focusing on architectural and ecological merit.

Caldera is being brought to life by the same creative team that delivered Casuarina, led by Consolidated Properties CEO and chairman Don O’Rorke, Hutchinson Builders chairman Scott Hutchinson and renowned urban designer Brian Toyota, of architectural practice Bureau Proberts.

CPG has lodged a rezoning application with Tweed Shire Council for the Caldera site, which has been designated since 1991 as the Dunloe Park Urban Release Area, the final land release area within the Pottsville locality and one of only four remaining growth areas along the entire Tweed coastal strip. Preliminary plans for Caldera feature a 13-hectare retail and commercial precinct at the core of the village, surrounded by meticulously planned residential areas comprising around 550 homesites.

The retail hub will be anchored by a Coles Supermarket and will offer 7000 sqm of retail and 23 commercial lots designed to serve the local community and bring together curated shopping, dining, gym, wellness, childcare, medical and other essential services.

<img alt="Cons prop" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fca7dc71-4b71-45b1-bb04-5a60bd7158d0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-20%20at%208.34.04%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=vAKwIvLuwmTKj6blHJRYIEeXS_8lCgUx" />

The project will create more than 1500 jobs over its development cycle, according to its economic modelling, and significantly address the shortage of employment land in the Tweed.

The residential areas will encourage a sense of community via a cohesive urban design that encourages walking, cycling, enhanced resident connectivity and reduced reliance on cars via bike paths and pedestrian-friendly streets.

Homesites will include a range of options from premium ridge-top homes to affordable housing options, ensuring a community that is inclusive of different income levels and designed to appeal to a wide demographic from baby boomers to families, singles and professionals. Architectural and planting covenants on home building will support the village’s built form and protect its character.

O’Rorke says CPG intends Caldera to be a model project delivered efficiently in a dedicated urban release area and ‘very much for this region and for this time’.

“Our vision for Caldera is to create a modern coastal village with its own unique northern NSW identity,” he said.

“Building on our legacy of Casuarina, 25 years on, this new village is designed to stand apart, offering the future of modern living, balancing the natural beauty of the region with contemporary amenities and convenience.

“Caldera will be more than just a place to live - it will be a welcoming, inclusive coastal village neighbouring Pottsville that invites visitors and embraces new residents. With its strong ties to the land, vibrant lifestyle and sense of place, Caldera will set a new standard for village living in Northern NSW.”

<img alt="CPG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9a5a7cf4-5f76-4ddf-bd05-c8fb77d0a787" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-20%20at%208.33.59%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=J1CzCGD7kE7fcAMd41V4pKAf_sI4L5Jv" />

The project’s centrepiece is environmental sustainability, with comprehensive wetlands protection measures and planting of native trees, parklands, village greens and communal grounds to enhance the natural beauty of the area.

CPG will also deliver a developer-funded wastewater treatment plant to ensure zero ocean outflows and provide high quality long-term infrastructure for Tweed Shire.

A key focus is wildlife management planning, including extensive conservation controls for the West Pottsville koala population, aligned with Tweed Shire Council’s Koala Plan of Management and designed to enhance koala habitat connectivity and future population growth.

Caldera will extend the existing koala corridor by connecting koala precincts west of the Pacific Highway with populations in the north and east precincts. A koala underpass will be created under Pottsville Road to complete the connection of this important corridor. Native tree plantings will expand essential koala food sources, while approximately eight kilometres of exclusion fencing will be constructed to safeguard the koalas from urban threats.

The Caldera site is nestled in the hills of Cudgera Creek and benefits from its rich natural surroundings including the Pottsville Wetland, Cudgera Creek Nature Reserve and nearby Pottsville Beach.

It takes its name from the surrounding Tweed Shield Volcano and Caldera, the vast bowl-shaped depression stretching from Byron Bay to the Queensland border that 20 million years ago was the world’s largest shield volcano and which has shaped the region’s striking landscape, with Mount Warning standing as one of its most iconic features.

The development is a joint venture between CPG and Pottsville Development Corporation, which made its first investment in Pottsville more than 45 years ago and is the developer of Black Rocks By the Sea, a masterplanned community now part of the fabric of Pottsville and which was the catalyst for the construction of a bridge across the Pottsville Estuary, providing direct access to the beach.

CPG’s $1.5 billion Casuarina Beach township, 10 kilometres to the north of Caldera, commenced construction in 2000 and has become the model for modern Australian, eco-sensitive beachside development.

Consolidated Properties unveils $800m coastal village Caldera in Casuarina

Frasers Property

Only limited opportunities remain to buy into the sought-after urban neighbourhood of Ed. Square.

Developed by Fraser Property, Ed. Square promises a vibrant lifestyle, with an array of amenities and a convenient location adjacent to the Edmondson Park train station.

Ed. Square is a connected community, designed to cater to a variety of lifestyles.

The remaining townhouses comprise two-bedroom and three-bedroom floorplans, each boasting modern design elements and thoughtful layouts.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5995 project_image_fid=78729]

The two-bedroom townhomes offer a contemporary living experience. As you step into these homes, you'll be greeted by a spacious and adaptable office space.

Upstairs, a beautifully appointed L-shaped kitchen and dining area provide a stylish setting for everyday meals. The living room extends to a sunny alfresco terrace, perfect for enjoying the outdoors.

For those seeking a larger living space, the three-bedroom townhomes are a dream come true. The modern kitchen, featuring a generous island bench, serves as the focal point for gatherings with friends and family. The spacious interiors flow seamlessly to a private and sunlit terrace, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5995 project_image_fid=78733]

One of the key attractions of Ed.Square is its unparalleled accessibility.

The Edmondson Park train station, situated right at the heart of Ed.Square, offers excellent connectivity. With just three stops to Liverpool and its proximity to Sydney's future second airport at Badgerys Creek, Ed.Square residents can enjoy the convenience of seamless travel.

The community has been awarded a 6 Star Green Star Community rating, signifying its world leadership in creating a happy, healthy, and sustainable living environment.

Surrounded by regional parklands, open spaces, and pocket parks, Ed.Square seamlessly blends the outdoors with its residents' daily lives. The community offers an extensive network of walking tracks and cycle routes, encouraging an active and connected lifestyle within Edmondson Park.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5995]

The remaining townhouses comprise two-bedroom and three-bedroom floorplans, each boasting modern design elements and thoughtful layouts

alisonwarters@gmail.com

Limited supply of townhouses remain at Edmondson Park's vibrant urban neighbourhood, Ed.Square

National masterplan developer Frasers has revealed their plans for the former Keppera Quarry in Brisbane's north-west.

There are two residential precincts planned, as well as one sport and recreational precinct and one conservation zone precinct. They were approved in 2017, well before Frasers bought the site for $31 million in 2019. It had provisional approval for 700 dwellings, a mix of apartments and townhouses.

The recent plans reveal Rothelowman's designs for the first precinct, 91 townhouses which will be delivered over six stages.&nbsp;They will be spread across 5,043 sqm, a small section of the overall 18.9 hectare residential site.&nbsp;

The larger Keperra Quarry site adjoins the Enoggera Barracks (also known as Gallipoli Barracks) in the east which is heavily vegetated land utilised for military operations, such as live firing practice and other training purposes.

<img alt="Keperra" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7ad24ce8-786a-4244-aca1-b967d03b639f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-04-20%20at%207.49.23%20am.png?VersionId=IRh9XBoaFHU94Pl8Am7QS7pr__dvxjy0" />

Rothelowman says in the architectural report submitted to the Brisbane City Council that the masterplan is designed to prioritise pedestrians and create meaningful and deliberate interfaces between public and private realms.

"Vehicular access to townhouses and private vehicle parking is provided via minor roads, allowing living spaces and outdoor rooms to address the boulevard and public open spaces," the renowned architecture firm noted.

"The removal of crossovers from the boulevard allows for significant landscaping to this corridor, resulting in a landscape-rich public realm and a layered interface between private and public spaces.

"This layering of streetscape creates an idyllic suburban street filled with life, colour and texture."

<img alt="Keperra" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="849f9aaf-be59-4da2-9f10-25ec85ffcabb" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-04-20%20at%207.49.44%20am.png?VersionId=.giWAXkPdN4hmf44G0njAY6rKcHXCwrv" />

There's a generous mix of nine townhouse configurations proposed. They will have three or four bedrooms across two or three levels, with a minimum gross floor area of 140 sqm. Each townhouse provides a minimum of area of 35 sqm. dedicated to private open space. There will be 67 three-bed townhouses, and 24 four-bedrooms, which will be serviced by 182 resident car spaces and 77 visitor spaces.

The collections are dubbed The Garden House, The Pavilion House, and The Sunset Houses.

Frasers has frequently been tinkering the plans as the design process evolves, tweaking boundaries for the precincts.&nbsp;

<img alt="Keperra" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9c2aba19-a3dd-42fa-a816-8efe2571e7ce" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-04-20%20at%209.33.00%20am.png?VersionId=Zn3alRtMUJMzPdjU0QPa4ayMGEVVfv_A" />

There was a pre-lodgement meeting late last year which discussed some key issues and opportunities in the plans, namely the communal facilities, the landscape designs, and the use of some of the extensive large open spaces throughout the first stage which have no proposed use other than tree planting.

There are extensive facilities planned for the first precinct, including two swimming pools, which will be flanked by a recreation centre on one side and a gym on the other. Next to the rec centre will be a large lawn area. The facilities will be located&nbsp;in the middle of the precinct.

<img alt="Keperra" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b7592a9f-c36b-4665-b77f-b0f06717a4fe" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-04-20%20at%207.50.47%20am.png?VersionId=Po99JvG_e0h3t.7pCWUq.6amlC7V79hX" />

<h2>Rothelowman's design statement for each collection</h2>

<h3>The Garden House</h3>

The conventional laneway townhouse has two primary facades - one dedicated to vehicular entry and the other to pedestrian entry. Landscaping and access to natural ventilation and daylight is isolated to one facade. The introduction of a courtyard allows for landscape, light and ventilation to permeate further into the dwelling, and provides an additional layer of privacy - a secondary outdoor space pulled away from the street edge.

The landscape-focused townhouse takes the concept a step further, introducing a single garage and flexible carport space. The resulting outdoor space and landscape stretches from front to rear boundary, providing excellent access to light, ventilation and outdoor living.

<h3>The Pavilion House</h3>

The Pavilion House is designed to absorb a one-storey level change in the topography of the site and allow the living space to be located as an elevated “pavilion” accessed by pedestrians from street level. An outdoor room at either end of the dwelling allows the living spaces to open completely for access to daylight and cross-ventilation. The primary outdoor space engages with the boulevard, however is offered privacy through a combination of elevation and landscaping.

<h3>The Sunset Houses</h3>

A collection of robust forms hold the edge of the neighbourhood, inspired by the unique landforms of the quarry Their form reads clear and consistent from afar, defining the edge of the precinct.

The recent plans reveal Rothelowman's designs for the first precinct, 91 townhouses which will be delivered over six stages.


First look exclusive: Frasers plans revealed for Keperra Quarry site

The national property developer Frasers Property Australia has lodged plans for its next Brisbane project.

Frasers is set to create a 17-level mixed-use tower on the corner of&nbsp;Chester and Morse streets, which was secured&nbsp;for $16.5 million last year.

There will be 142 apartments, 10 two-storey terrace townhouses, and a street-level plaza which will home hospitality venues.

There will be a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments across the first 16 levels of the tower, with the level 17 rooftop featuring resident amenity, including a communal recreation space with city skyline views, a swimming pool, hot and cold spa, and barbecue spaces.

<a href="/new-apartments/newstead-qld-4006"><img alt="" height="1061" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/frasers_3.jpg" width="1200" /></a>

The one-bedroom apartments will start from 59 sqm, with the three-bedders reaching 205 sqm.

Seven penthouse apartments sit at level 15 of the tower with their own private terrace, featuring an outdoor fire pit, plunge pool and open entertaining space.

The public plaza, in the inverted style podium, homes office spaces that have been incorporated to provide for working from home opportunities, along with a gym, caf&eacute; and indoor sport/recreation space.

Rothelowman designed the new residential tower&nbsp;in an L shape,&nbsp;manipulated at its edges to soften its form.

<a href="/new-apartments/newstead-qld-4006"><img alt="" height="755" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/frasers_4.jpg" width="1200" /></a>

Rothelowman noted in their design statement submitted to the Brisbane City Council that the apartments&nbsp;follow the fern house concept, which is based on celebrating the threshold that exists between inside and outside.

&ldquo;The indoor/outdoor lifestyle is embraced through the sequence of entry to balcony edge. Living spaces and bedrooms become balconies through a series of architectural devices, controlled and tuned according to how one chooses to live,&nbsp;&rdquo; Rothelowman noted.

In the effort to epitomise Queensland living, a central theme throughout the design approach, apartments have been tuned to embrace the environment through screens, extended balconies, sliding doors and landscaping within each home.

&quot;[The tower at] Chester and Morse represents an opportunity to add to a rapidly evolving inner-urban precinct in Brisbane City,&quot; Rothelowman added.

As well as the apartments will be&nbsp;ten low-set terrace homes with secure triple lock-up garages along Morse Street.

Spread over three levels, the houses have been designed to provide a front to back open plan that connects from Morse Street to Morse Lane and through to the deep planting at the rear, which can be accessed from a private staircase in each dwelling.

<a href="/new-apartments/newstead-qld-4006"><img alt="" height="800" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/frasers_2.jpg" width="1200" /></a>

The townhouses benefit from internalised amenity for habitable spaces with sky courts, as well as open stairs that penetrate natural light throughout the home and create &ldquo;outdoor&rdquo; spaces within the home.

The Morse St Lane is a thoroughfare that connects the Morse and Chester Street public forecourt to the terrace home entrances.

The tower&nbsp;will see several efforts taken to encourage a greener future and way of living, with a number of ecological and sustainable assessments outlined within their proposal.

&quot;The proposal is defined by a high level of subtropical design, expansive landscaping, communal rooftop recreation space and its contribution to street life,&quot; Rothelowman stated.

&quot;It is also committed to achieving the Buildings that Breathe elements, 5 Green Star rating and NatHERS average performance of 6 Star rating.&quot;

<a href="/new-apartments/newstead-qld-4006"><img alt="" height="1142" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/frasers_5.jpg" width="1200" /></a>

Vertical vegetation has been outlined in the design plans, applied to the facade facing Chester Street, it contributes to the existing urban streetscape by providing visual relief and breaking the building up from being seen as one jarring form.

Recesses in the floor plans are lined with planters to encourage vertical greenery along the tower envelope with the vegetation providing residents with their own garden in the sky.

An abundance of planting has been proposed for the rooftop space, offering a level of insulation as well as assisting in the natural drainage of rainwater and encouraging natural wildlife.

The integration of existing South-East Queensland flora to the site will support subtropical climate Brisbane provides resulting in minimal maintenance of the greenery and landscaping throughout the development. Water regulation systems have also been installed to assist with the maintenance.

Designed by Rothelowman, the development plans to redevelop the site for a mixed-use development, with a 17-storey residential building, comprising 142 residential units within the tower, along with ten, two-storey terrace townhouses. 



Frasers Property lodge plans for 17-storey Newstead apartment development

Japan&rsquo;s largest property developer Mitsui Fudosan has made its first foray into Australia by investing in Midtown MacPark, Frasers Property&rsquo;s urban renewal project on Sydney&rsquo;s North Shore.

The investment is in the $232 million MAC Residences apartment project, the first phase of the Midtown MacPark master-planned community in the Macquarie Park precinct.

It will have a mix of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses.

Around 91 percent of the 24 storey MAC Residences has been sold from $459,500 to $1,800,000, with sales since late 2020.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29969 project_image_fid=159035]

It is scheduled for completion in late 2023.

The Bates Smart-designed building is located on Herring Road and Epping Road.

MAC Residences is the first building in the $2.1 billion Midtown MacPark community to be developed in stages over the next 10 to 12 years.

Frasers Property is working with the NSW Government to deliver the $2.1 billion Midtown MacPark masterplanned mixed tenure community, which will integrate 3,300 apartments with a range of community facilities including a proposed school and childcare, a new central park, pocket parks and playgrounds, a community centre, pool and gym.

It will comprise 269 units located 550 metres from from the Macquarie University campus and metro station.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29969 project_image_fid=159036]

Midtown MacPark will adjoin with Macquarie Exchange, a business park joint venture between Frasers and Winten Property Group.&nbsp;

Mitsui and Frasers partner on an integrated logistics park in Bangkok.

&ldquo;We&rsquo;re pleased to again partner with Mitsui Fudosan on the MAC Residences development at Midtown MacPark, where we&rsquo;re applying our place-making and community development expertise to create Sydney&rsquo;s next great urban neighbourhood,&rdquo; said Mark Gleeson, executive general manager of investment and capital transactions at Frasers Property Australia.

The Sydney venture is Mitsui&rsquo;s first investment after setting up its Australian office in 2019.

It is Mitsui’s first investment after setting up its Australian arm in 2019

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Japanese developer invests in Fraser's Midtown MacPark apartment project

Construction is underway on the&nbsp;new Carlton apart​ment development,&nbsp;Encompass.

Designed by renowned architects Jackson Architecture and located on the corner of Elgin and Nicholson Streets, Encompass is a joint venture between Frasers Property Australia and Citta Property Group.

Encompass, which will be a&nbsp;minimum 5-star energy rated residential building, has already sold over 50 per cent of its 115 apartments.

Harris HMC has been appointed as the builder and construction of the residential tower is expected to reach completion in mid-2023.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5116 project_image_fid=21762]

Sarah Bloom, General Manager Development Victoria, Frasers Property Australia, says the expansive city views, location just 2.5km from Melbourne&rsquo;s CBD as well as having local cafes, shops and restaurants at its doorstep, make Encompass a popular choice for purchasers wanting to experience cosmopolitan Carlton.

&ldquo;There is a real &lsquo;wow&rsquo; factor to Encompass, not only from its impressive aesthetic design, but also its many sustainability features, such as water management initiatives, natural light and ventilation to every corridor, consideration of orientation and shading maximising light and ventilation to all apartments,&rdquo;&nbsp;Bloom says.

&ldquo;With all these benefits on offer in one place, it&rsquo;s no wonder that more than 50% of Encompass&rsquo;s apartments have already been sold.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5116 project_image_fid=188245]

&ldquo;We&rsquo;re excited to get started and to mark this exciting milestone with our project partners and members of the community,&rdquo; she says.

Alister Woods, Director, Citta Property Group says Encompass combines stunning architecture with premium amenities for residents to create a compelling lifestyle offer for buyers.

&ldquo;Encompass will elevate the local community with its striking design and range of quality resident facilities,&quot; Woods says.

&quot;The strong sales achieved to date demonstrate the value proposition Encompass represents and today&rsquo;s sod-turning means we&rsquo;re on the way to delivering a premium quality, sustainable, lifestyle-focused development that takes full advantage of its convenient and cosmopolitan Carlton location.&quot;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5116 project_image_fid=188242]

The eight-level building, offering a mix of one, two and three- bedroom apartments, is set to cater to&nbsp;a wide range of purchasers, from first home buyers and young families to downsizers and investors.

Each apartment will include its own private balcony or courtyard, accessed by floor-to-ceiling sliding doors. There will be&nbsp;2.7 metre&nbsp;high ceilings to living areas, premium kitchen appliances,&nbsp;oak timber finish floors in living areas and 100% wool loop pile carpet in the bedrooms.

Another highlight is the residents-only rooftop lounge, complete with alfresco dining area and outdoor barbeque, fully-equipped kitchen and a formal lounge area with television and library.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=5116]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5116 project_image_fid=188243]

Harris HMC has been appointed as the builder and construction of the residential tower is expected to reach completion in mid-2023

Construction starts on Frasers' Encompass, Carlton apartments

Since 1924, Frasers Property Australia has created stronger, smarter, happier neighbourhoods. It has developed residential land, housing, and apartments and delivered over 140,000 homes.

It seeks to work sustainably to ensure the places we create leave a positive environmental legacy and enhance the way people live life together.&nbsp;

Frasers Property in Australia has certified over 5.6 million square metres of Green Star space across our communities, and their commitment to reduce carbon has been approved by the global Science-Based Targets initiative.&nbsp;

Urban recently caught up with&nbsp;Cameron Leggatt, Executive General Manager, Development at Frasers Property Australia, to discuss the o​ff the plan apartment market.

JC: How have you viewed the performance of the of​f the plan market in 2021, and what are the strongest positive and negative factors that will influence outcomes in 2022 and 2023?

CL: In new communities, while the market for land and townhomes has dominated growth, off th​e plan apartments have also performed with considerable strength in 2021. The pandemic has legitimised working from home and this has meant select regional and coastal locations have led the way.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29969 project_image_fid=159035]

In particular, apartment markets such as the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast have performed well, while for Frasers Property Australia, the Shell Cove community on the NSW South Coast that we are creating with Shellharbour City Council has enjoyed strong conditions.

Obviously the CBD and near-city markets in Sydney and Melbourne have experienced greater challenges, with the lack of migration and students being felt most sharply. Nevertheless, sales are still occurring and both owner-occupiers and investors are active.

In Sydney, we&rsquo;ve experienced strong sales at Midtown MacPark in Macquarie Park and at Ed.Square in south-west Sydney, while in Melbourne the final stage of our Carlton project and the final two stages of Burwood Brickworks have been met with a strong response from buyers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29969 project_image_fid=159036]

Looking ahead, much will hinge on the continuance of the low interest rate environment and the return of migration as a demand factor, including the return of international students. Affordability will remain a concern and with the coming election, the market awaits firm policy options in this area.

As long as rates remain low, as the Reserve Bank has suggested they most likely will through 2022 and 2023, demand will be supported. More recently there has been speculation that the Reserve Bank&rsquo;s hand may be forced earlier, but to date they have indicated they intend to maintain the course unless macro conditions shift significantly.

The increased gap in values between houses and apartments, exacerbated through the 2021 boom, makes apartment living more attractive to owner-occupiers, including first home buyers and families. This is being complemented by the return of investors to ensure demand for quality projects remains diverse, which is especially advantageous for apartments in areas of low supply.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5995]

Should values moderate this could impact investor appetites, with areas subject to increased supply potentially most impacted.

Most important is the need for communities offering apartments to also offer complementary lifestyle amenities, to create a point of difference and a unique value proposition. Connected communities which provide a high level of amenity with a masterplan emphasising positive urban design outcomes can be expected to continue to achieve strong sales in the years ahead.&rdquo;

JC: What trend (short term or long term) has prompted your greatest enthusiasm for the apartment market, and what is the issue of most concern to you and or your buyers?

CL: Apartment buyers are increasingly attracted to high amenity communities which offer choice, quality, lifestyle and sustainable outcomes. Sites and opportunities in which we can apply a community development and place-making focus to create belonging are those we&rsquo;re most attracted to.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5995 project_image_fid=78736]

Of course, the potential for ongoing disruption resulting from COVID-19 remains a concern for the industry, as it does for all industries.&nbsp;The impacts of border closures in reducing investor demand, shutdowns impacting schedules, and supply chain blockages that increase price and ultimately put pressure on the commercial viability of future stages and projects, are all potential concerns as we embark on the long-term recovery.&rdquo;

JC: Has urbanisation stalled amid the rush to the regions and what will it look like over the decade ahead?

CL:&nbsp;Closed borders aside, population growth is still a reality and as this growth continues over the coming decade, so will further urbanisation.&nbsp;

The evolution of flexible working is here to stay and provides people with greater housing choice further from capital cities but the innate desire for people to live in vibrant urban environments, with easy access to amenity in locations with strong lifestyle attributes and access to good infrastructure, still remains.&nbsp;

This will continue to drive urbanisation and regentrification. We may see urbanisation become more competitive, with certain areas and projects needing to elevate their desirability as a housing destination, which would be a positive outcome supporting better mixed-use outcomes.&rdquo;

JC: How important do you view the push for sustainability practices in the apartment market, and what initiative has seized your interest or focus?

CL:&nbsp;Through fostering resilient communities, carbon-reducing initiatives, responsibly sourcing services and materials, providing clean energy, using green finance and being accountable to ourselves and our customers using independent tools and ratings, we contribute to a better, cleaner future.

We have established a roadmap to target net zero by 2028 and this will require a coordinated series of measures and initiatives, with our apartment projects to play a pivotal role.

All our buildings are Green Star certified and we have a range of recent projects to draw learnings from. For instance, we recently completed the first certified Passive House by a volume developer at Life, Point Cook in Melbourne. At Minnippi Quarter in Brisbane, we devised a formula to calculate embodied carbon to offer customers an offset option in another industry-first initiative, called Build Neutral.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27139 project_image_fid=77326]

Real Utilities, Frasers Property Australia&rsquo;s licensed energy retailing business, provides Climate Active-certified carbon neutral energy to residential, commercial, and retail customers, while in Melbourne we&rsquo;ve created the world&rsquo;s most sustainable shopping centre, the Living Building Challenge&reg; Petal-certified Burwood Brickworks.

Customers expect better sustainability outcomes in an environmental and social sense, and this aligns with our holistic view of sustainability and our commitment to maintain our global leadership in this space.

Frasers seeks to work sustainably to ensure the places we create leave a positive environmental legacy and enhance the way people live life together. 



"Apartment buyers increasingly attracted to high amenity communities": Five minutes with Frasers Property Australia's Cameron Leggatt

Rising nine stories in Melbourne&rsquo;s inner-northern suburb of Carlton, Encompass is the latest residential project from leading developers Frasers Property and Citta Property Group.

The development, under construction by the reputable construction firm Harris HMC,&nbsp;has been designed by Jackson Architecture to present a collection of premium one, two and three-bedroom residences.

Residents arriving at the development, situated on the corner of Elgin and Nicholson Streets, will be greeted by an architecturally distinct building, establishing a unique urban presence within Carlton.

Staying true to the neighbourhood&rsquo;s cultural heritage, the architects utilise &lsquo;masonry stone&rsquo; textured concrete on the fa&ccedil;ade, reminiscent of the original blue cobblestone streets of Carlton.

The building&#39;s form is sculpted by its balconies and terraces, creating a layered effect, and providing a level of privacy, outlook and outdoor living for residents to enjoy.

&ldquo;Pop-out perforated metal clad balconies and staggered anodised window hoods add another element of articulation to the fa&ccedil;ade&rdquo;, the project marketing reads.

The lobby is also framed by perforated metal finishes which continues into the foyer, merging the fa&ccedil;ade with the interior.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5116 project_image_fid=188246]

Open and bright living spaces are the feature of each residence, with 2.7m ceilings, paved terraces and balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Oak timber finish flooring and the choice between two colour schemes, light or dark, add a warmth to the home

&ldquo;The kitchens at Encompass are the perfect combination of contemporary style and functionality&rdquo;, the developers note.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5116 project_image_fid=188244]

Premium appliances, matte timber-look, full-height cabinetry and dual-tone cupboards contrast against the reconstituted stone benchtop in raw concrete.

Kitchens also include a pull-out pantry and&nbsp;sophisticated matte black tapware to present a cohesive minimalist style. An&nbsp;integrated fridge and freezer is an optional upgrade.

Bedrooms are similarly warm and inviting with built-in robes, wool loop pile carpets and some featuring a study nook.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5116 project_image_fid=188243]

Encompass bathrooms follow on from the clean lines and minimalist style of the residence, with feature black fittings, terrazzo floor tiles and a hand-blown Hollywood-style wall lamp.

Creative architecture and considered landscaping mean residents can feel excited whether they are in their private apartments or enjoying the communal amenities on offer.

The development features a rooftop lounge, outdoor barbeque, alfresco dining and lounge areas and a fully-equipped kitchen to provide an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city below.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=5116]

Residents arriving at the development, situated on the corner of Elgin and Nicholson Streets, will be greeted by an architecturally distinct building

max.kwok_55688

Inside Frasers Property’s new Carlton apartments, Encompass

Encompass is a new development rising nine storeys in Melbourne&rsquo;s inner-northern suburb of Carlton, delivered in partnership between Frasers Property and Citta Property Group and currently under construction by the reputable Harris HMC.

At the &ldquo;centre of everything&rdquo;, Encompass is located on the corner of Elgin and Nicholson Streets, and the latest in a strong portfolio of premium residences by the two leading property groups.

Comprised of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, the project provides a great lifestyle opportunity for discerning buyers seeking the best of architecture, outdoor spaces, sustainability, and urban living.

But why invest? Urban takes a look at eight reasons why investors are showing interest in this new development.

1. Melbourne&rsquo;s most walkable neighbourhood

Carlton has been named Melbourne&rsquo;s most walkable neighbourhood by Walk Score, with a score of 97 attributed to its convenient local amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5116 project_image_fid=188289]

Residents at Encompass can walk to around 50 restaurants, bars and coffee shops within five minutes.

Benefitting from strong local retail and amenity, education and employment hubs, as we shall soon explore, Carlton has it all.

2. Apartment affordability

Apartments in Carlton offer an affordable option for renters with median weekly rents registered at $360 for the year to March 2021, according to Urbis.

For new apartments&nbsp;in Carlton, median weekly rents registered at $410; a $50 premium over older apartment stock.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5116 project_image_fid=188281]

This, coupled with a gross rental yield of 5.1 per cent, provides a big positive for potential investors looking to purchase an apartment in Carlton.

Investors are also likely to achieve a better return on investment as the rental market stabilises as a result of ongoing tenant activity.

3. Public transport

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5116 project_image_fid=188283]

With trams running along Swanston Street, Nicholson Street and Lygon Street, Encompass residents can feel connected to the Melbourne CBD.

The new Parkville station will also enhance the local public transport offering of Carlton, providing nearby access to the CBD and the remainder of Melbourne.

4. Open space and neighbourhood amenities

Leisure and open space are an important part of any neighbourhood, and Carlton is rich with parklands and gardens.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5116 project_image_fid=188280]

World heritage site Carlton Gardens boasts nearly 20-hectares of parkland, and contains the Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne Museum and tennis courts.

Other neighbourhood amenities include the Carlton Baths, which features a 25-metre public pool, as well as a health club and sporting facilities.

5. Retail and restaurants 

Carlton is characterised by its young and culturally-diverse population, reflected in its great bars and trendy caf&eacute;s.

Lygon Street, or &ldquo;Little Italy&rdquo; as it&rsquo;s known by locals, features almost 150 retail stores, including 80 caf&eacute;s, bars and restaurants, many of which are Italian. &nbsp;

Residents are never far from local retail amenity, with a Woolworths shopping centre nearby, as well as an IMAX cinema, bank and clothing stores.

6. Over $11 billion in infrastructure investment

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5116 project_image_fid=188285]

$11 billion in state and local government infrastructure investment is currently in the pipeline to benefit Encompass residents.

Key projects include the $11 billion new metro tunnel project to improve train capacity by close to 60 per cent and the $9 million University Square masterplan.

The $500 million redevelopment of the inner-city innovation precinct will also serve to introduce a new mixed-use precinct to the suburb that features office space, public engagement space and retail offerings.

7. Great design

Designed by Jackson Architecture, the design of Encompass is sure to see renters seek out an apartment in the new development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5116 project_image_fid=188287]

The architecturally distinctive building will establish a unique urban presence within Carlton and Fitzroy, while staying true to the neighbourhoods&rsquo; cultural heritage.

This extends into the interiors with open and bright living spaces, a paved terrace or balcony in each residence and carefully considered floorplans.

8. Nearby educational institutions

A number of educational institutions are within close proximity of Encompass, including Australia&rsquo;s leading university, the University of Melbourne, which sits along the western border of Carlton.

Several major universities are situated within walking or cycling distance for Carlton residents, including RMIT University, Victoria University Flinders Campus and the University of Melbourne&rsquo;s Parkville campus.

Primary schools nearby include the Carlton Gardens Primary School, Carlton Primary School and Carlton North Primary School.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=5116]

Urban takes a look at eight reasons why investors are showing interest in this new development

Why invest in Carlton: Find out why investors are eyeing Frasers Property’s Encompass

Australia needs to &lsquo;urbanise the &rsquo;burbs&rsquo; as the recent property boom and skyrocketing house prices drives more residents to the outer suburbs of our cities, says Hatch RobertsDay partner, Mike Day.

The leading urban planner says these new residents seek out the ingredients that make our inner cities so attractive.

&ldquo;Many want the urban experience and lifestyle: from the inner-city layout of small parks, mini main streets, and public transport at their doorstep to the bustling cafe and restaurant culture and an integrated community feel&rdquo;, he said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6284 project_image_fid=77232]

According to the urban planning consultancy, the last 30 years saw planners follow the conventional suburban model of separating land uses &ndash; houses in one area and shopping centres and business hubs in another, which are only accessible by car.

&ldquo;With hundreds of thousands of new dwellings set to be developed in the outer city fringes, urban planners, developers and councils need to ensure we get this urban mix right&rdquo;, Day said.

<blockquote>
&ldquo;We need to foster a diverse range of housing with more compact and attainable homes centred around mixed-use community hubs.&rdquo;
</blockquote>

This is especially true for Australians who are now finding that the community they buy into is just as critical as choosing the home they live in.

Leading property investment expert Michael Yardney has long sustained that up to 80 per cent of the capital growth in the value of a home or investment property will be due to its location.

As a result, new housing estates must co-exist with other land uses and return to old-fashion community life: connected footpaths to community hubs, and schools, shops, restaurants, and facilities within walking distance.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5995 project_image_fid=78732]

Day offered the example of the new mixed-use project Ed.Square in south-west Sydney&rsquo;s Edmondson Park as an ideal community.

&ldquo;One of the first planned neighbourhoods under the South West growth area, Frasers Property Group has successfully created an urban community and neighbourhood feel in Sydney&rsquo;s outer suburbs.&rdquo;

With apartments and townhouses within walking distance and minutes from trains and buses, the development encourages residents to rely less on cars &ndash; giving the community a sense of identity and soul.

<h2>What needs to change?</h2>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27139 project_image_fid=77337]

Mike Day shared five key factors of inner-city neighbourhoods that developers could apply to our outer suburbs:

1. Diversity in housing types

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7633 project_image_fid=32168]

Communities that contain a mix of apartments, townhouses and single-dwelling homes attract residents across all ages and incomes &ndash; a solution to Australia&rsquo;s lack of housing affordability.

According to Day, developers and urban planners need to step away from suburban resident-only enclaves and large homes on large blocks that segregate people from others and their local community hubs.

Instead, he encourages a shift towards modest, compact homes to create strong local connected communities.

2. Integrated communities with centralised amenities

Mixed-use developments blend residential with commercial, cultural, and entertainment uses.

Having local community facilities in a central hub enable residents to walk and cycle to their daily needs &ndash; reducing the reliance on cars. It also promotes healthier lifestyles.

Day said new urban neighbourhoods require mini main streets that safely and easily connect shops, parks, schools, and community centres to homes. In doing so, residents can also minimise the cost of owning and servicing a vehicle &ndash; which could save them thousands each year.

3. Open green space and &lsquo;destination parks&rsquo;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22700 project_image_fid=48701]

According to the Housing Industry Association, backyards shrinking and the&nbsp;average lot size 16 per cent smaller than in 2009. Thus,&nbsp;there is a further need for neighbourhood parks, signature streets, and green spaces for the community to enjoy.

Tree-lined streets and small green &lsquo;destination&rsquo; spaces with playgrounds and outdoor equipment are essential. This can reduce the creation of empty &lsquo;cookie cutter&rsquo; parks with little purpose.

4. Driveways and garages positioned on small streets at the rear of the home

Townhouses in our cherished inner-city neighbourhoods were designed with small streets behind the home that provided access to driveways and garages.

According to Day, suburban streets should return to this timeless layout to provide more greener, tree-lined streets. It also removes driveways at the front of homes &ndash; enabling more pedestrian- and cycle-friendly paths.

5. Separate and wider walking and cycling pathways

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22699 project_image_fid=70088]

Walkable neighbourhoods require wider and separate pathways for pedestrians and cyclists, which increases safety for residents.

It can also motivate more people to reduce car usage &ndash; in turn, reducing road congestion and air pollution &ndash; and create a sense of community.

The leading urban planner says new residents who have been pushed to the outer suburbs seek the ingredients that make inner cities so attractive

Australia needs to ‘urbanise the ’burbs’, says Mike Day

<html><body>
Bordered by both the Davis Creek and Werribee River waterways, The Grove Estate is set in a picturesque community setting, surrounded by nature, setting the new standard for location, choice and services in the highly sought after Tarneit. Tarneit is the heart of Melbourne's fastest growing Western corridor, where a modern and family-friendly lifestyle by the river is waiting for you.

<figure><a href="/developments/tarneit-vic-3029"><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/the-grove-estate-180-davis-road-tarneit-4dab7c011418cb2f29cad99fabef7af9.jpg?itok=QpQ0UajA" style="width: 580px; height: 326px;"></a></figure>Offering a natural and relaxed atmosphere, the community is located just moments from the future Tarneit train station and will create services direct to Melbourne's CBD, about 31 kilometres away. Convenience comes first at The Grove, with leading schools, growing town centres and shopping precincts and highly walkable parkland and wetland areas, perfect for relaxing or entertaining family and friends over a BBQ.

<figure><a href="/developments/tarneit-vic-3029"><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/the-grove-estate-180-davis-road-tarneit-2177e2708f3a3c1f47be261f2765df6b.jpg?itok=rwRAFwPt" style="width: 580px; height: 415px;"></a></figure>The three and four-bedroom homes on offer at The Grove Estate include:

<ul>
<li>20mm stone benchtops to all wet areas</li>
	<li>Laminate timber flooring</li>
	<li>European stainless steel appliances</li>
	<li>LED downlights throughout</li>
	<li>Air conditioner to living area &amp; master bedroom</li>
	<li>Remote controlled panel lift garage door</li>
	<li>Front &amp; rear landscaping</li>
	<li>Letterbox, clothesline, antenna</li>
</ul>
<figure><a href="/developments/tarneit-vic-3029"><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/the-grove-estate-180-davis-road-tarneit-5a5fdc6ecd1401b5fbd416787861ac94.jpg?itok=greLZem7" style="width: 580px; height: 326px;"></a></figure>With distinct neighbourhoods, a range of lots for all budgets, and an already well-established community. Discover life by the river soon.
</body></html>

Frasers Property

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Frasers Property

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News