The residential transformation of St Kilda Road is set to continue into with more new apartment plans for the sought-after boulevard.

Wing Tai Asia has lodged plans for a major residential tower at 464-466 St Kilda Road, replacing the former VACC House with an 18-storey mixed-use development designed around a retained heritage podium and a sculpted contemporary tower.

The proposal, prepared under Victoria’s Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway, would deliver 325 apartments and ground-floor retail across the prominent 4,653 sqm boulevard site in Melbourne’s St Kilda Road North Precinct.

The project centres on the adaptive reuse of the site’s heritage-listed VACC Building, an eight-storey office designed by Bernard Evans that has occupied the address for decades. Planning documents state the development would involve “carefully dismantling and conserving off-site the original metal fabric of the podium visible from St Kilda Road,” before reinstating it as the defining frontage of the new scheme.

Above the restored podium, Wing Tai is proposing a curvilinear residential tower. The scheme includes 172 one-bedroom apartments, 63 two-bedroom apartments, 66 three-bedroom apartments, and 24 four-bedroom apartments, alongside two ground-floor food and beverage tenancies fronting St Kilda Road.

The tower has been designed with substantial articulation and variable setbacks to minimise perceived bulk and maintain view corridors along the boulevard. Urbis, which prepared the planning report, said the design “has been significantly articulated through a curvilinear design” with “an interplay with materials, façade expression and depth” to create visual separation and visual interest.

The proposal also includes 254 basement car spaces, landscaped pedestrian links connecting St Kilda Road and Queens Lane, and a biophilic landscape strategy featuring canopy trees, raised planters, cascading greenery and a glass oculus pool overlooking the eastern frontage.

Planning documents confirm the $270.1 million development will contribute 3 per cent of project costs to the Social Housing Growth Fund as part of the application process.

Wing Tai acquired the St Kilda Road property in 2018 alongside Abacus Property Group for $95.38 million, before later consolidating ownership of the site. The property previously served as the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce headquarters for around 60 years.

The transformation of the St Kilda Rd boulevard is already beginning to materialise, with a number of high-profile projects recently completed, launched, or approaching launch as developers continue to back the long-term appeal of the precinct.

Among the most notable recent completions is Louise by Samuel Property Group, just off the strip on Queens Lane, the same pocket Hirsch &amp; Faigen recently launched The Queensbury. Mirvac is too on the same street with The Albertine, which is approaching completion.

Dexus recently secured approval for its slice of St Kilda Road, while Gurner also has approved plans for the precinct.

Joel Robinson

Wing Tai unveils 325-apartment St Kilda Road tower on former VACC House site

Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> is the latest to jump into St Leonards booming Transport Oriented Development precinct.

The developer, which has previously delivered Sapphire by the Gardens apartment development in Melbourne, identified the Atchison Street site in 2023. It filed a Scoping Report around 12 months ago, and now has revealed the designs for the new&nbsp;40-storey mixed-use tower.

The State Significant Development Application covers <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/projects/14650/summary">20-22 Atchison Street</a>, a 1,374 sqm site positioned between St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the project would deliver 181 apartments, above a four-storey commercial podium, five basement levels, and new public domain works along Mitchell Street. The apartment mix comprises 35 one-bedroom apartments, 39 one-bedroom-plus-study apartments, 85 two-bedroom apartments, and 22 three-bedroom residences.

The proposal has been lodged as a shop-top housing development under the NSW Government’s TOD planning pathway, which allows increased density around key transport infrastructure. The site sits within the recently rezoned Crows Nest Accelerated TOD Precinct.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b799673d-48e2-46b0-801a-0e33a9330100" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20site.png?VersionId=dPh0UfwfaHpbFL1R7H1cbZNbIW0CHbCC" />

SP Setia acquired the Atchison Street site as part of its continued expansion into the Australian apartment market. In comments made to City &amp; Country (The Edge Malaysia) in 2023, SP Setia President and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai described the acquisition as “a strategic move” aligned with the group’s post-pandemic market recovery strategy.

“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.

The tower has been designed as a slender vertical form rising from a mixed-use podium, with COX Architecture positioning the development as a response to the evolving St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline.

“The purpose of the project is to facilitate the delivery of high-quality housing at a strategically located site and deliver a built tower outcome that is consistent with the desired future character of St Leonards and aligns with the TOD controls,” the design report stated.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a85eee-76f7-436c-a6da-73ba827b9b13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20entry.png?VersionId=dA9jHGPMcm.dDbwk4QfxqWiY5bfh3UVt" />

The podium would incorporate retail uses fronting Atchison Street, commercial tenancies, landscaped communal areas, and pedestrian improvements along Mitchell Street. Vehicle access and loading would be consolidated via Atchison Lane.

Residents would have access to more than 665 sqm of communal indoor and outdoor spaces, while the development proposes 96 parking spaces across five basement levels.

The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.

COX said the tower form responds directly to the emerging high-density character of the precinct while seeking to maximise solar access, cross ventilation, and outlook from apartments.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2163f85c-f63b-4be3-aafa-f8763976cec5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_5.png?VersionId=WiAmtIKJ6.ZQ41EtYEQ1fol7AeorKBlL" />

“The building is orientated towards north,” the Apartment Design Guide compliance report noted, adding that the tower’s slim form was driven by the constrained inner-urban site dimensions.

The design also incorporates landscaped setbacks and communal open space at podium level, intended to soften the interface with surrounding streets and improve pedestrian amenity.

The project adds to a growing wave of redevelopment proposals reshaping St Leonards and Crows Nest following the opening of the Sydney Metro City line and the NSW Government’s push for higher-density housing around major transport nodes.

Last week Stockland filed plans just down the road. They want to build a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">52-storey tower on Pacific Highway</a>.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower&nbsp;</a>

First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.

The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.

The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.

SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”

The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" />

The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.

A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.

Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" />

The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.

Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.

The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.

First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s latest tower at Wickham interchange

Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;

Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">premium site at 180 Macquarie Street</a> features uninterrupted river frontage in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held residential precincts.&nbsp;

The proposed development, currently under assessment with Brisbane City Council, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and will deliver a boutique collection of premium residences positioned specifically for owner occupiers and downsizers.&nbsp;

The residences are set to redefine luxury apartment living in the area, with a focus on architectural quality, refined finishes, landscape integration and elevated amenities including curated wellness facilities, resort-style pools and recreation spaces rarely seen in the local market.&nbsp;

Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;

Bottega House Managing Director Nick Malloch said the project reflects the group’s ambition to deliver a highly curated residential offering within one of Brisbane’s most tightly held precincts.&nbsp;

“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;

“Our vision from the outset was to create a boutique collection of residences that feel more like private homes than traditional apartments, with generous proportions, refined finishes and exceptional amenity throughout."

Malloch says there is a&nbsp;lack of premium owner-occupier stock of this quality in the market, particularly for downsizers wanting space, privacy and a true lifestyle offering without compromise.&nbsp;

"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.

“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]

Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]

Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.

The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]

More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.
</section>
</section>

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

Geelong

Melbourne is expected to see prices continue to rise as unmet future residential demand shifts to emerging areas around the CBD.

With an upswing expected later this year as investor interest in the Victorian property market rises, buyers who get in early will be rewarded with competitive prices on off-the-plan residences.

Urban takes a look at the top four Melbourne apartments marketed as investor-friendly properties.

1. R.Iconic, South Melbourne 
Developer: R.Corporation 
One-bedroom apartments from $506,500

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5234 project_image_fid=167355]

Set on a rare island site with prime park frontage, R.Iconic has been labelled a great investment opportunity by its developers.

Apartments at the South Melbourne building are guaranteed to secure five per cent net annual return for four years, thanks to its great location in a high-growth Melbourne precinct.

&ldquo;The Emergence of South Melbourne&rsquo;s Montague precinct provides a generational opportunity to secure a new CBD quality apartment at an exceptional price that simply can no longer be delivered in the CBD&rdquo;, the developers have said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5234 project_image_fid=84282]

Investors will also enjoy knowing that R.Iconic residences boast deposits as low as $20,000, making it easy to invest in a project redefining inner-city Melbourne living.

Expected to reach completion in mid-2022, the building showcases one, two and three-bedroom apartment configurations and 38 world-class resident-only amenities.

Focusing on natural surroundings, wellbeing, fitness, entertaining and technology, R.Iconic has double the amenities of any project of its type.

2. Hawthorn Park, Hawthorn East 
Developer: Dahua Group 
One-bedroom apartments from $609,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3730 project_image_fid=35252]

Hawthorn Park is a sophisticated residential mid-rise that is strategically located amongst Hawthorn East&rsquo;s several transport, education, lifestyle and amenity offerings.

According to the DHHS, apartments in Hawthorn East have registered median rental growth of 4.2% per annum for one-bedroom apartments in the ten-year period to March 2021, in spite of the continued impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

&ldquo;Looking forward, high demand driven by the catchment&rsquo;s proximity to education, transport and amenity, coupled with the ongoing growth of the renal market, is likely to attract market interest from interstate and overseas investors&rdquo;, the developers said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3730 project_image_fid=30658]

Residents will enjoy the property&rsquo;s landscaped green spaces and parks that feature fruit and vegetable gardens for dwellers to grow their own produce.

The project also features a sky boardwalk, splash pool, sky lounge, massage suites and fully-equipped gym.

3. Voyager, Docklands 
Developer: Mirvac 
Two-bedroom apartments from $706,500

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3494 project_image_fid=90814]

Docklands is continuing to develop as a place where people choose to live, work and visit, becoming the country&rsquo;s largest construction project.

Mirvac&rsquo;s Voyager at Yarra&rsquo;s Edge delivers a range of one, two and three-bedroom apartments across 43 levels.

According to the developers, &ldquo;[a]stute investors in Voyager will see opportunity in purchasing within the already established Yarra&rsquo;s Edge community.&rdquo;

Contemporary apartments and a number of resident-only amenities has encouraged investors to purchase into the development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3494 project_image_fid=89724]

Facilities include a resident sky deck, dining room and bar, hanging gardens, 270-degree skyline views and a cinema and karaoke room.

The rental market for Docklands is strong with median rents for two-bedroom apartments higher than across Greater Melbourne at $465 and $385 per week, respectively, according to SQM Research.

4. Ryrie Home, Geelong 
Developer: Franz&eacute; Developments 
One-bedroom apartments from $375,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559 project_image_fid=88241]

Although not in Melbourne, local and interstate investors are flocking to coastal investments thanks to a shift in lifestyle for many city-dwellers.

Population growth is always a key driver for increased demand in the residential market and thanks to a population growth forecast at 3.14 per cent per annum, the demand for housing in Geelong will yield consistent returns.

&ldquo;The median sale price for apartments in Geelong has grown significantly, on average 10 per cent per annum over three years, this suggests strong capital growth returns&rdquo;, the project marketing stated.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559 project_image_fid=88244]

As the fastest-growing regional city in Australia, Ryrie Home delivers investors the pleasure of owning a beautiful apartment for an affordable price.

Each apartment boasts secure basement car parking and storage units, as well as access to hotel amenities, commercial retail and views across Corio Bay and the Botanical Gardens.

Melbourne is expected to see prices continue to rise as unmet future residential demand shifts to emerging areas around the CBD

max.kwok_55688

The top four Melbourne apartments marketed as investor-friendly properties 

Plans to transform the &shy;Geelong saleyards into a new housing precinct for 1300 residents advanced this week when the city councillors adopted its saleyards precinct plan.

Medium and high-density residential projects will proceed at the Geelong saleyards which permanently closed to the sale of sheep and cattle in 2017 after a 70 per cent decline in numbers through the saleyards from 2000 to 2016.

The 149-year-old site will see apartment complexs up to six-storeys high, along with commercial and retail areas, and cultural and parks.

Aspects of the historic saleyards would be retained under the plan by City of Greater Geelong (CoGG).

The state planning minister will now prepare a planning scheme amendment to introduce development controls.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559 project_image_fid=88243]

The site is close to Central Geelong, the waterfront, the North Geelong train station and other transport links.

The evolution of Geelong gained momentum with the launch of Franz&eacute; Developments&rsquo; $150 million Geelong Quarter precinct in 2018.

It was described as the most significant mixed-use project on the Bellarine Peninsula in two decades.

Designed by Architectus, Geelong Quarter will be an active hub for 1,500 residents, workers and visitors each day on its 2022 completion.

The former Trans Otway bus depot at 44 Ryrie Street will see a $200 million transformation with the project within walking distance to Geelong train station, connecting Melbourne in about an hour..

The largest tower will contain a Holiday Inn &amp; Suites hotel and luxury owner-occupier apartments above, known as Ryrie Residences.

Marketing is currently underway on another offering, Ryrie Home, the residential apartment complex where many of the 109 one, two and three-bedroom apartments have views of Corio Bay.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559 project_image_fid=88244]

Paul Franz&eacute;, founder and managing director of Franz&eacute; Developments, noted on launch that over 5.3 million visitors came to Geelong annually and 2.2 million are overnight visitors.&nbsp;

&quot;The strong owner- occupier market, combined with the population boom, means there&rsquo;s demand to cater for visitors to the city, as well as residents and workers.&nbsp;

&quot;Geelong Quarter has been designed with this in mind, to cultivate significant activity that will add incredible value to the city.&rdquo;

The Geelong saleyards permanently closed to the sale of sheep and cattle in 2017

jchancellor

Residential scheme replacing saleyards to add to Geelong's transformation

First-home buyers in regional Victoria will cease receiving a $20,000 grant from July 1, 2021, when the First Home Owners Grant will halve to $10,000.

Victorian Treasury officials confirmed the regional grant will go back to matching the $10,000 grant on offer for metropolitan first-home buyers.

Victorians buying or building a new home valued up to $750,000 are eligible for a First Home Owner Grant (FHOG).&nbsp;

It applies to buying an off-the-plan land and or a house and land building package.

The home must not have been previously sold or occupied to be eligible for the FHOG.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559 project_image_fid=88243]

More than one exemption, concession or reduction from stamp duty is available for property purchases in Victoria.

First-home buyer duty exemption or concession &ndash; a one-off duty exemption for a PPR valued up to $600,000, or a concession for a PPR with a dutiable value from $600,001 to $750,000.&nbsp;

This duty exemption/concession is separate and distinct from the First Home Owner Grant.&nbsp;

The grant is a payment made to you, whereas the first home buyer duty exemption/concession is a reduction in the amount of land transfer duty.

It has been a popular grant across the state.

&ldquo;Seventy-seven per cent of all Victorian first-home buyer transactions since March 2020 were properties under $600,000 and therefore no land transfer [stamp] duty was payable,&rdquo; the recent state budget papers said.

First-home buyers in regional Victoria will no longer receive a $20,000 grant after July 1, when the First Home Owners Grant will halve to $10,000

June 30, 2021 deadline for $20,000 first-home buyers grant in regional Victoria

If you&#39;re looking for an affordably priced home, without compromising on quality or style, Geelong Quarter&#39;s latest addition,&nbsp;Ryrie Home, is a truly unique find.

With exceptional design by&nbsp;Architectus&nbsp;and delivered by the innovative team at&nbsp;Franz&eacute; Developments, these apartments won&#39;t be on the market long.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559 project_image_fid=88242]

Offering a collection of one, two and three-bedroom residences, Ryrie Home puts the focus on what really matters, and joy in the simplest pleasures.

We recently spoke with Franz&eacute; Developments&rsquo; director Paul Franz&eacute; to discuss the project&rsquo;s high-quality apartments.

MK: What are the highlights of Ryrie Home and what is attracting buyers to the project?&nbsp;

PF: There&#39;s a number of features that have been attracting buyers to Ryrie Home and helping it stand out in the marketplace.

Firstly, the central location in the arts precinct of Geelong CBD has&nbsp;even very appealing, as has the Residents Rooftop and&nbsp;private dining room with views over the&nbsp;city and bay.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559 project_image_fid=88243]

The interior design of the apartments by&nbsp;Architectus, 2.85m high ceilings and the high-quality&nbsp;finishes and fixtures have also been a big drawcard.

MK: What was the design brief for Architectus?&nbsp;

PF: To create high quality, liveable apartments that will stand the test of time.&nbsp;

MK: Where have buyers come from, and who is the development appealing to?&nbsp;

PF: A lot of our buyers have come locally from Geelong. Ryrie Home is appealing to&nbsp;first home buyers and young&nbsp;professionals as well as investors, some of whom are planning to downsize into their apartment at a later date.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559 project_image_fid=88246]

MK: What else does the Geelong Quarter community offer residents?&nbsp;

PF: The Ryrie Home residents have access to a Residents Rooftop with BBQ&rsquo;s, generous gardens and lots of seating, and of course the Northern bay views.

There is also an internal dining room that can be booked by the residents to host larger dinners or parties. On the ground plane, there is an abundance of retail offerings which will include restaurants, cafes, wine bars and a&nbsp;Gelateria.&nbsp;

MK: Why did you choose Geelong? Does this area offer strong investment opportunities?&nbsp;

PF: Geelong is the fastest growing regional city in Australia and it&#39;s truly a city on the rise. It&rsquo;s the perfect place to invest.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559 project_image_fid=88249]

MK: Where is the current buyer enquiry coming from?&nbsp;

PF: The majority of our enquiry is from local buyers in Geelong and the surrounding region. We have also had a spike of enquiry lately from Melbourne residents looking for a sea change.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=5559]

Offering a collection of one, two and three-bedroom residences, Ryrie Home puts the focus on what really matters, and joy in the simplest pleasures

Everything a buyer needs to know about Ryrie Home at Geelong: Five minutes with Franzé Developments

Ryrie Home, the latest development from Franz&eacute; Developments, is set to deliver Geelong&rsquo;s first major hotel and apartment project in 20 years.

The development will deliver a landmark Holiday Inn tower, 16 luxury apartments at&nbsp;Ryrie Residences, and a separate 11-storey tower,&nbsp;Ryrie Home.

Ryrie&nbsp;Home encapsulates timeless style, giving you the perfect canvas to make your new home your own in Geelong.

We recently spoke with the&nbsp;principal architect Oliver Mayger at&nbsp;Architectus to discuss the luxury development.

MK: How many residential projects have Architectus done in Victoria?

OM: Nationally we have completed approximately 25.&nbsp;The residential sector in Victoria is relatively new, with focused growth over the past six years.&nbsp;

In Victoria, we have completed three, currently have three&nbsp;under construction, and 18 in the&nbsp;design&nbsp;stage.

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MK: What spoke to you about Ryrie Home in particular?

OM: Primarily the opportunity to propose a higher density living typology outside of the City of Melbourne, and to create a new mixed-use precinct, and public realm, which keyed into and capitalised on Geelong&rsquo;s Cultural Precinct.

MK: What was the brief from Franz&eacute; Developments for the mixed-use development?

OM: A contemporary Architectural response, providing diverse living typology&rsquo;s from one to four-bedroom apartments and a new hotel, all capitalising on the stunning views across Corio Bay and the Botanical Gardens

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MK: Where did you take your inspiration from?&nbsp;

OM: Geelong is a city with a rich heritage of prominent buildings that mark the corner of intersections and are recognisable meeting points. These buildings define the structure of the central city grid and are typically characterised with increased height, a chamfered corner to the building mass and a canopy at street level.

The repurposing of this site is another example of Geelong&rsquo;s transition from a primarily agricultural and manufacturing base to a centre for services and innovation. The site&rsquo;s vision is to embrace and support this new direction whilst celebrating what Geelong was built on.

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The material choices and fa&ccedil;ade articulation are a nod to the strength and robustness that define Geelong&rsquo;s character and its legacy of craftsmanship and quality.

Ryrie Home has drawn upon the history of Geelong and its architectural vernacular. The robust materiality and strong compositional order of the brick woolstore are defining markers of the city character and are considered through our podium scale and design. &nbsp;

Automotive production underpinned Geelong&rsquo;s economy for almost 90 years, with the first Model T rolling out of an improvised wool storage warehouse in 1925. That history has left a legacy of metal manufacturing and craftsmanship that is reflected in the upper levels of the proposal.

MK: How important is the choice of materials in a project such as this?

OM: Critical, our work is always aspiring to be contextual and of its place.&nbsp; The study of materials and textures and neighbourhood scale within the precinct and the city of Geelong informed a material palette and strategy for addressing all components of the building.

An authoritative and restrained grid is articulated on every fa&ccedil;ade in various but consistent compositional forms. This element assists in referencing the central Geelong building street wall presence.&nbsp;

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The formal motive and materiality of the street wall creates a composition that is considerate of a human experience of its scale. The hand-laid brick element also binds the different programs together and creates a notion of material consistency in the proposed building.

MK: Which part of the project are you most looking forward to seeing when completed?

OM: We have created a new public connection through our site from Ryrie Street to Cuzens Place, driving our built form response and allowing us to activate these resulting laneways and edges with commercial retail and F&amp;B spaces aswell as the hotel and residential lobbies. &nbsp;

This new lane connects visually with the existing connections through to Johnstone Park and reinforces the pedestrian connectivity through to the foreshore.&nbsp;

We are keen to see these spaces activated and hope they enable additional pedestrian connections from our site to the south through to Fenwick Place and Little Ryrie Street

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"Ryrie Home has drawn upon the history of Geelong and its architectural vernacular. The robust materiality and strong compositional order of the brick woolstore are defining markers of the city character and are considered through our podium scale and design"

The design details: Architectus discuss the design principles of Ryrie Home at Geelong

Ryrie Home is the most recent mixed-use project delivered by Victorian developer Franz&eacute; Developments.

Having officially broken ground in April, the tower is on its way to become Geelong&rsquo;s first major hotel and apartment project in 20 years.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559 project_image_fid=88241]

Geelong is the fastest growing regional city in Australia, driven by employment opportunities, education, infrastructure and its coastal lifestyle.

Urban chats with a local first home buyer, who has recently secured their first property at the luxury project, which was listed as Urban&#39;s most popular investor project for Q1 2021.

MK: What made you decide to buy off-the-plan rather than an existing dwelling?

FBH: The government grants on offer as well as the price certainty of buying off the plan. I&rsquo;ve wasted too much time researching and inspecting established properties and then being blown out of the water at auction!

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559 project_image_fid=88245]

MK: Which apartment configuration did you opt for, and what led you to narrow down your decision to the apartment you have purchased?

FHB: I opted for a one-bedroom apartment with the easterly aspect! It enjoys views over the city and towards the bay aswell as the morning sun.

MK: Were you already looking for property when you discovered Ryrie Home?

FHB: Yes, I have been looking around the Geelong area for the best part of a year.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559 project_image_fid=88244]

MK: Did you have a set of criteria that your first home had to meet?

FBH: I wanted a property in a convenient location with a good clean layout and high-quality design.

MK: What do you love most about what Ryrie Home has to offer residents?

FHB: The Residents Rooftop area and the ground level retail amenity. It&rsquo;s going to be a great place to host a BBQ on a warm summers night.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559 project_image_fid=88243]

MK: What was it like negotiating with the sales agent and the team at Franz&eacute; Developments?

FBH: The sales agents were great to deal with. Very knowledgeable and helpful. It was actually a fun experience learning more about the project and selecting the perfect apartment for me!

MK: Is this your first property purchase? How did you find the due diligence research and purchase process?

FBH: Yes, it was my first purchase. The sales agents at the display suite gave us lots of information and we found the internet a great source of information too.

Lots of helpful websites to help refine our search which ultimately led to our decision to buy at Ryrie Home.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559 project_image_fid=88248]

MK: What advice would you have for other first home buyers?

FBH: Do your homework and find an agent that genuinely wants to help you make the right decision.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=5559]

First home buyers at Ryrie Home purchased an off-the-plan property after wasting too much time inspecting established homes only to be “blown out of the water at auction”


Why I purchased: Local first home buyers secure an apartment at Geelong's Ryrie Home development

Ryrie Home is the latest development from Franz&eacute; Developments.

The mixed-use development, which broke ground earlier this year, is set to deliver Geelong&rsquo;s first major hotel and apartment project in 20 years.

Designed by&nbsp;Architectus,&nbsp;Ryrie&nbsp;Home will deliver a landmark Holiday Inn tower, 16 luxury apartments at&nbsp;Ryrie&nbsp;Residences, and a separate 11-storey tower,&nbsp;Ryrie&nbsp;Home.

As <a href="/news/vic/urbans-most-popular-vic-apartments-for-investors-in-q1-2021" target="_blank">Urban&#39;s most popular investor project for Q1 2021</a>, it&#39;s more than just the location&nbsp;that stands out. But with prices starting as low as $350,000, its both affordable and appealing.

Ryrie Home has been so popular with investors&nbsp;likely due to them eyeing its huge potential to downsize later in life.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559 project_image_fid=88241]

Geelong is well-known and much loved for its big city feel, without the congestion. Affectionately called G-Town, everything is within easy reach, so you can spend more time doing the things you love, be it sports, shopping, or exploring the caf&eacute;s and diverse eateries.

Situated at 44 Ryrie Street, Ryrie Home holds a prime position in the center of Geelong a short walk from the acclaimed Geelong Gallery.

Placed on a main thoroughfare the development is 5 minute walk from shopping centres,&nbsp;boutiques and a number of dining establishments.

<a href="/buildings/ryrie-home-geelong-44-ryrie-street-geelong"><img alt="" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/geelong.png" /></a>

Slightly beyond those is a Cinema and the MoPa Museum. And further afield&nbsp;are acclaimed dining institutions like&nbsp;Restaurant IGNI and the&nbsp;Empire Grill

Try taking the bike for a ride along the Geelong waterfront and experience the beaches and Royal Geelong Yacht Club, or enjoy an evening out by the water at bars like the Sailors Rest or Edge Geelong.

If you are looking for an exercise alternative to the nearby Fitness First, there is always Johnston Park

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559 project_image_fid=88245]

The project features exposed concrete ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows, merging a minimalist aesthetic with a sense of modern luxury in the bayside location.

Every&nbsp;home in the development features&nbsp;a private balcony where you can enjoy the panoramic bay views and alfresco dining year-round.

The 109 residence mixed use tower draws on its Geelong Quarter location part of the fastest growing regional city in Australia.



jordan_55689

Walking tour: What's within walking distance from Geelong's Ryrie Home apartments?

Victorian developer Franz&eacute; Developments has officially broken ground at their Geelong Quarter development, set to deliver Geelong&rsquo;s first major hotel and apartment project in 20 years.

The development, which broke ground on Wednesday, will deliver a landmark Holiday Inn tower, 16 luxury apartments at Ryrie Residences, and a separate 11-storey tower, Ryrie Home.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559]

Designed by Architectus, Ryrie Home encapsulates timeless style, giving you the perfect canvas to make your new home your own in Geelong.

Geelong is the fastest growing regional city in Australia, driven by employment opportunities, education, infrastructure and its coastal lifestyle.

&ldquo;Life is simpler in Geelong&rdquo;, the project marketing reads. &ldquo;You can take your time, and have everything you need for the way you want to live.&rdquo;

All homes at Ryrie Home feature a private balcony where you can enjoy the panoramic bay views and alfresco dining year-round.

<a href="/buildings/ryrie-home-geelong-44-ryrie-street-geelong"><img alt="" height="5529" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/geelong-quarter-44-ryrie-street-geelong-39bfcf2a4e4c879d068aec6f67c34916_0.jpg" width="5026" /></a>

The project features exposed concrete ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows, merging a minimalist aesthetic with a sense of modern luxury in the bayside location.

The median sale price for apartments in Geelong has grown significantly, on average 10 per cent per annum over three years, suggesting strong capital growth returns for investors and owner-occupiers alike.

Boasting the perfect balance of lifestyle and opportunity, the development is located within walking distance to a selection of eateries and is situated nearby the Geelong train station.

<a href="/buildings/ryrie-home-geelong-44-ryrie-street-geelong"><img alt="" height="4784" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/geelong-quarter-44-ryrie-street-geelong-7a2d09ff003d91982e5f40427c457856.jpg" width="8210" /></a>

Ryrie Home offers a unique opportunity to enter a developing market, with an entry price at just $375,000 for a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment.

The project is expected to be completed in 2022.

The Victorian developer has officially broken ground at their Geelong Quarter development on Wednesday, set to deliver Geelong’s first major hotel and apartment project in 20 years

Franzé Developments break ground at mixed-use Geelong project, Ryrie Home

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Offering world-class bay views, outstanding amenity and in-house facilities including a gymnasium, landscaped BBQ area and resident’s lounge, Miramar will be a fantastic place to call home. 

The building facade consists of large areas of glazing to make the most of both the bay and city views and fill living spaces with natural light. The elegant lines and uncomplicated form combine to create a remarkable building that will remain an icon for Geelong for many years to come.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5557]

Superior finishes, top of the range inclusions and contemporary styling make Miramar a pleasure to come home to, now and into the future.

<figure><a href="/buildings/miramar-geelong-18-20-cavendish-street-geelong"><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/miramar-geelong-18-20-cavendish-street-geelong-78b29ce3740fe33005d20cbf93d96f30.jpg?itok=Fqnll879" style="width: 580px; height: 287px;"></a></figure>Careful attention to detail is evident throughout, with opulent finishes such as stone bench tops and the use of natural materials including timber and stone.

Fisher and Paykel appliances including fully-integrated dishwasher, touch control ceramic cooktops and a concealed rangehood come as standard. A stylish black tectonite sink by Franke also brings a unique point of difference to the kitchen.

<figure><a href="/buildings/miramar-geelong-18-20-cavendish-street-geelong"><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/miramar-geelong-18-20-cavendish-street-geelong-e6b128785d505f3419fc860daa39d2f4.jpg?itok=5pLKihQO" style="width: 580px; height: 356px;"></a></figure>Entertain blissfully in your spacious open plan living area, awash with natural light. And at night, gaze upon the ocean views where the calm gentility of the waves create a relaxing backdrop to your living spaces.

Whether it’s the short walk to the local cafe for lunch or the convenience of having Geelong’s best shopping on your doorstep, there’s just so much to love about living in the heart of Central Geelong.

<figure><a href="/buildings/miramar-geelong-18-20-cavendish-street-geelong"><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/miramar-geelong-18-20-cavendish-street-geelong-cc69f412bc676e8d36862c7a109d83be.jpg?itok=gq4iauLW" style="width: 580px; height: 287px;"></a></figure>Miramar is within walking distance of Deakin University, Geelong Station, Westfield Shopping Centre and the Geelong CBD, and only one hour on the train to Melbourne.
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The building facade consists of large areas of glazing to make the most of both the bay and city views and fill living spaces with natural light.

urban.com.au

Why Miramar Geelong ticks waterfront and city living boxes for first home buyers

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Australia’s regional market has seen significant increase in dwelling values over the year, according to the recent CoreLogic Pain and Gain report.

While coastal regions in commutable distance from the CBD have traditionally seen strong growth rates, some regions farther interstate are also on the uptick.

“Part of this high capital growth across tree change areas may be due to the relative affordability of more remote areas in regional Australia, enhanced by the normalisation of remote work through COVID-19”, the report read.

Ballarat saw the highest growth rate of SA4 markets in regional Victoria over 2020, with values increasing 6.5 per cent in value.

However, Ballarat saw an increase in the rate of loss-making sales, with a marginal 10 basis point increase.

<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/screen_shot_2021-01-19_at_6.47.19_pm.png" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="271" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2021-01-19_at_6.47.19_pm.png?itok=pIpJ0QWR" width="580"></a>

Across the major non-coastal regions, 5.1 per cent of observed resales sold for a nominal loss, down from 5.8 per cent in the previous quarter.

<h2>Coastal regional markets increase the rate of profit-making sales</h2>

Each of the nine major coastal regional markets analysed in the report saw an increase in the rate of profit-making sales over the September quarter.

Over the quarter, six of the regions recorded a rate of profit-making sales over 95 per cent.

These were Geelong, Illawarra, the Mid North Coast, the Newcastle Lake Macquarie region, the Richmond Tweed region and the Sunshine Coast.

“The Sunshine Coast reached a historic level of profitability, with 96.4 per cent of properties selling for a nominal gain compared with the previous sale.” The report stated.

Sunshine Coast saw a median profit of $195,000 over the quarter, based on a relatively low hold period of 6.7 years.

Geelong remained the most profitable of the major regional coastal markets, with 98.6 per cent of properties selling at a profit.

<h2>Here are three regional properties on the market right now</h2>

1. <a href="/buildings/miramar-geelong-18-20-cavendish-street-geelong">Miramar Geelong</a> 
Address: 18-20 Cavendish Street, Geelong VIC 3220

<a href="/buildings/miramar-geelong-18-20-cavendish-street-geelong"><img alt="" height="854" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/miramar-geelong-18-20-cavendish-street-geelong-7ae30a2e629749d48d93296a3e843cb4.jpg" width="1600"></a>

Delivered by Morris Property Group, Miramar offers world-class bay views, outstanding amenity and in-house facilities including a gymnasium, landscaped barbeque area and resident’s lounge. 

Miramar will be Geelong's tallest residential tower, consisting of one, two and three-bedroom homes just metres from the foreshore.  
 

2. <a href="/buildings/highpoint-2-charles-street-charlestown">Highpoint</a>, Charlestown 
Address: 2 Charles Street, Charlestown NSW 2290

<a href="/buildings/highpoint-2-charles-street-charlestown"><img alt="" height="678" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/highpoint-2-charles-street-charlestown-0ff115c5e73c90a662ea4f9845863ce5.jpg" width="1199"></a>

Considered one of the nation’s most consistent markets, Charlestown boasts some of the region’s best medical and financial facilities as well as the region’s biggest shopping and entertainment precincts.

GWH's Highpoint project offers the perfect mix of location, convenience, features, price and design, with apartments in two and three-bedroom configurations still available. The residence features a terrace garden, entertainment and barbeque area on the level three podium.  
 

3. <a href="/buildings/aura-terraces-new-road-caloundra-west" target="_blank">Aura Terraces</a>, Caloundra West 
Address: New Road, Caloundra West QLD 4551 
Three-bedroom townhouses from $433,900

<a href="/buildings/aura-terraces-new-road-caloundra-west"><img alt="" height="900" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/aura-terraces-new-road-caloundra-west-85e021043d2e61f2cf6f094575f8dbaf_0.jpg" width="1200"></a>

Located in a high and expanding employment area, Aura is only a short drive to the beautiful beaches of Caloundra and is set to become the Sunshine Coast's largest employment generator. 

In the next five years, construction will be completed on the city centre and people’s place, with amenities including 10 parks, sports fields, a Southbank style lagoon, dining precinct and major retailers.
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While coastal regions in commutable distance from the CBD have traditionally seen strong growth rates, some regions farther interstate are also on the uptick

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