Local developer Harridan is seeking to turn its Woolloongabba apartment project into the first stage of a broader transformation of Burke Street, using a new 16-storey mixed-use building to establish a greener pedestrian connection toward the rapidly evolving Boggo Road transport and knowledge precinct.

The South East Queensland developer has filed plans for 154 apartments on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-burke-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">southern side of Burke Street</a>, where its proposal has been designed alongside a wider vision by LatStudios for the street.

That vision positions the southern side of Burke Street for buildings of 15 storeys and above, while envisaging lower-rise development of up to five storeys on the northern side to transition into Woolloongabba's existing character housing. It also proposes wider pedestrian verges, deep planting, new street trees and upgrades to the pedestrian approach to Boggo Road Station.

The Harridan development itself has been designed by Brisbane-based Arqus Design and will comprise 154 apartments across 16 storeys. The mix is weighted heavily toward two-bedroom apartments, with 121 proposed alongside 10 one-bedroom and 23 three-bedroom residences. There will typically be around 14 units per floor.

A lower-ground car park and three podium levels will accommodate 156 resident parking spaces, along with visitor and commercial parking. There will also be 154 resident bicycle spaces and 40 visitor bicycle parks.

&nbsp;

Harridan is a family-owned developer and part of the Holmwood Highgate Group, with more than three decades of development activity across South East Queensland. Its portfolio spans residential, commercial and industrial property, with current residential projects including Riverbank on Byron in Bulimba, Esperance Residences in Carina and The Precinct at Kinross Road in Thornlands.

Wooloongabba has been popular for apartment developers, particularly since the announcement of the 2032 Summer Olympics games in Brisbane.

While there have been a lot of development applications, it has failed to materialize into real supply.&nbsp;

Sarazin has been the major player in the area. They are under construction at Murcia Residences, on the fringe of East Brisbane and Woolloongabba. They have just launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-stanley-residences-woolloongabba-8-trafalgar-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">The Stanley Residences</a>, in Woolloongabba on Trafalagar Street. They also have Nuage coming soon on the nearby <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nuage-woolloongabba-14-wellington-road-woolloongabba-qld-4102">Wellington Road</a>.

Joel Robinson

First look: Harridan plans Burke Street transformation beside Boggo Road transport hub

IN BRIEF

<ul>
	<li>
	Just three double-storey Sky Homes sit at the top of The Waterline, each with its own private marina berth and rooftop terrace.
	</li>
	<li>
	Construction on The Waterline is complete, with the first residents expected to move in from mid-October.
	</li>
	<li>
	Sky Homes range from 282 sqm to 367 sqm and are priced from $3.65 million.
	</li>
</ul>

<hr />
Lewis Land has opened the first completed sky home for inspection at Harbour Shores, giving buyers their first opportunity to step inside one of just three double-storey residences crowning The Waterline.

Each sky home comes with its own private marina berth, rooftop terrace and Broadwater views, combining the scale of a larger home with direct access to the boating lifestyle that underpins the wider <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/harbour-shores-biggera-waters-564-oxley-drive-biggera-waters-qld-4216">Harbour Shores</a> masterplan.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=366708]

Lewis Land Head of Development Michael Long said the inclusion of a berth with every Sky Home had become increasingly valuable as marina access across the Gold Coast tightened.

“Marina berths are becoming increasingly difficult to secure across the Gold Coast, so including one with every Sky Home makes this a genuinely rare offering,” Long said.

“The private 70-berth marina will accommodate boats up to 12 metres in length and is positioned just 2.5 kilometres from the Broadwater, placing the open ocean only 15 minutes away.

“Being able to step out of your home onto your boat is a rare luxury, and it’s something residents here can look forward to when it opens later this year.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=366709]

The display opening comes as construction completes on The Waterline, with the first residents expected to move in from mid-October.

The three Sky Homes range from 282 sqm to 367 sqm and each feature three bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living zones, expansive kitchens with butler's pantries and large balconies taking in the Broadwater outlook.

Each residence also has three secure basement car spaces and additional storage.

“This is the first opportunity the Gold Coast has had to step into Harbour Shores and see, touch and feel what we’re bringing to life here,” Long said.

“There are only three Sky Homes within The Waterline, ranging in size from 282sqm to 367sqm, with each residence featuring three large bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living zones, expansive custom-built kitchens with butler’s pantry, and large balconies capturing Broadwater views.”

<img alt="Harbour Shores" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bab65e10-4fab-45e1-92d8-fc56e2ab98ff" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%202.00.16%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=XT8q76LsPkw3cYTsvN3JfFDaPLud90PN" />

Residents of The Waterline will have access to a private pool, along with Harbour Shores' wider collection of amenity including a lagoon pool, social clubhouse, tennis court, gym, yoga facilities and sauna.

Lewis Land partnered with Studio Collective to furnish the completed display, with the interiors designed to demonstrate how the residences could function as permanent homes rather than simply as show apartments.

Studio Collective Director Melissa Park said the surrounding waterways informed the interiors, but in a more restrained way than a traditional coastal scheme.

“We drew inspiration from the canals and coastal surrounds, but our approach was to interpret that subtly through layered materials and a grounded palette of earthy tones, rather than literal coastal references,” Park said.

“We introduced hero moments of green and teal to reference the surrounding waterways, while mirrored elements help reflect natural light.

“The result is a residence that feels elevated yet comfortable, somewhere buyers can genuinely imagine themselves living, entertaining and unwinding.”

Sky Homes are priced from $3.65 million.

Lewis Land is also offering private marina berths with The Residences, its limited collection of three and four-bedroom villas positioned directly along the Harbour Shores waterfront boardwalk.

Three-bedroom villas are priced from $2.99 million, while four-bedroom residences start from $3.19 million.

Harbour Shores is being marketed by Colliers International.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113271]

Lewis Land opens sky home display as The Waterline completes at Harbour Shores

St Vincent de Paul Society Housing Australia has filed plans for a major mixed-use housing precinct on the southern edge of the North Sydney CBD, adding another significant proposal to a pocket around North Sydn​ey Station that is quickly becoming one of the LGA's busiest development zones.

The State Significant Development Application covers a 5,990 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/1-19-mackenzie-street-lavender-bay-nsw-2060">1-19 MacKenzie Street and 211 Blues Point Road in Lavender Bay</a>, immediately south of Nor​th Sydney Station and between the commercial core and the lower-rise Lavender Bay Heritage Conservation Area.

Designed by Wardle, the proposal would deliver a new residential tower comprising 88 build-to-sell apartments and 19 affordable apartments, alongside a separate co-living building with 57 rooms and a building manager's studio.

It would also see the significant restoration and upgrade of St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, the adaptive reuse of the former school building, new parish facilities, retail, a new public square and around 1,000 sqm of publicly accessible open space.

<img alt="Vinnies North Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d5dd7f87-a617-463e-b577-17541e01f0e9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.10.13%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4R8TsFN3P_LrrXO2HswTOIrx2blil8lh" />

The project is seeking a concurrent rezoning of the site to R4 High Density Residential and an increase in the maximum building height to allow a tower reaching RL120, or up to 20 storeys. The proposal was progressed through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

The build-to-sell component will be weighted toward larger apartments, with just six one-bedroom apartments compared with 31 two-beds, 43 three-beds and eight four-bedroom residences.

The 19 affordable apartments will comprise two studios, 15 one-bedroom apartments and two two-bedroom apartments, taking the total apartment component to 107 residences before the 58 co-living rooms are included.

<img alt="Vnnies" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7d568ca5-cb90-4e18-96c6-d9795dba0c56" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.10.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=GY2R5M9VtQh0EKy1vajaea19PSLOPuRD" />

Wardle's design for the Vinnies site has sought to negotiate that emerging high-rise context while retaining the lower-scale character of MacKenzie Street and the adjoining heritage conservation area.

The main building adopts a three-storey podium and tower arrangement, with the podium aligned to the ridgeline and front setback of St Francis Xavier Church.&nbsp;Wardle has designed the podium with colonnades, seating, recessed entries and active ground-floor frontages, with sandstone-toned precast concrete and face brick referencing the materiality of the existing church.

The tower then steps back eight metres to the south and six metres to the north before rising in a sculpted form comprising four interlocking quadrants. Wardle has also introduced rounded forms and chamfered corners to reduce the tower's perceived bulk and improve view sharing with neighbouring development sites.

Resident facilities and outdoor areas are planned at the separation between the podium and tower at Level 3, oriented toward Sydney Harbour and the CBD skyline.

The tower itself will feature a glass reinforced concrete facade, with recessed balconies and deep reveals used both to provide shading and privacy and frame views toward the harbour and city. The lower levels take a different architectural approach, using brick and sandstone-toned finishes intended to establish a stronger relationship with St Francis Xavier Church. The Church itself will be conserved and upgraded for its continued use, while the former school building will be adaptively reused as part of the co-living component.

<img alt="Lavendar Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d4418ad-90aa-4d49-af93-c80b140aea80" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.09.47%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Kv4gzbsACaGvZSRuaqcfGC54jEJRXIDJ" />

&nbsp;

The proposal adds to an increasingly concentrated pipeline of residential development around Blue Street, MacKenzie Street and Lavender Bay.

Just west of the site, Central Element lodged plans earlier this year for one of the most significant residential developments proposed in Lavender Bay in recent years.

Central Element's SJB-designed scheme at 64-66 Lavender Street and 3-7 Middlemiss Street would deliver 163 apartments across two towers rising 23 and 32 storeys, replacing five existing apartment buildings containing 32 homes. The project also forms part of the Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-central-element-reveals-lavender-bay-apartment-plans?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">First look: Central Element reveals Lavender Bay apartment plans</a>

Immediately around North Sy​dney Station, another two significant proposals have emerged at 5 and 15 Blue Street.

Zurich Australian Insurance Properties is seeking to adaptively reuse its longstanding commercial building at 5 Blue Street, directly above North Sydney Station, rather than demolishing the structure.

Its SSDA proposes converting the building into a 14-storey mixed-use development with 62 apartments and 86 co-living rooms, together with ground-floor retail and a major refurbishment of Blue Street Plaza. The application is currently at the Response to Submissions stage.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-zurich-targets-north-sydney-office-conversion-with-148-unit-proposal-above-metro-station">First look: Zurich targets North Sydney office conversion with 148-unit proposal above Metro station</a>

&nbsp;

First look: Vinnies files for 20-storey Lavender Bay apartment tower as North Sydney housing pocket heats up

When the opportunity arose for South Australian developer Palumbo to return to Kent Town, where it had previously delivered East Park Apartments and the East 
Rundle Apartments, it wasn't one the longstanding developer-builder was going to pass up.

The decision was quickly vindicated, with more than 30 apartments sold within the first month of launching <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/royal-apartments-kent-town-2-8-north-terrace-kent-town-sa-5067">Royal Apartments</a> to the market.

The 206-apartment development, which will bring significant new supply to Adelaide's tightly held eastern city fringe, also gives <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/palumbo">Palumbo</a> the opportunity to bring new life to one of Kent Town's most recognisable watering holes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376073]

Royal Apartments incorporates the historic Royal Hotel, a venue Palumbo Managing Director Daniel Palumbo said has a longstanding connection with the local community.

"Everyone in the area has history with the Royal Hotel," Palumbo told Apartments.com.au.

"It was quite an active pub and social gathering place for locals. We want to bring it back to its former glory."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376072]

The wider development will comprise two residential towers alongside the restored hotel, sitting on North Terrace opposite the Adelaide Park Lands.

For Palumbo, the project also marks a return to familiar territory.

The developer completed East Park Apartments next door more than a decade ago and jumped at the opportunity to develop in Kent Town again when the Royal Hotel site became available.

"The opportunity emerged, and we moved to secure the site," Palumbo said.

"We were approached by the previous landowner, who said they had extensive commitments in Sydney and weren't in a position to deliver the project.

"We took over the site and within six months recut the design scheme to be more in keeping with the type of development we want to bring to Adelaide.

"Now we're on the market and those changes have really resonated with local buyers."

That has translated into a strong start to sales, with 33 apartments transacting in the project's first 35 days.

Palumbo said the early purchaser profile had been consistent with the group's traditional focus on owner-occupiers rather than investor-led apartment stock.

"Local owner-occupiers have always been our market," he said.

"There are always some investors, but we've never developed what would be called traditional development stock. Owner-occupiers are very much our market."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376068]

The buyer mix has been diverse so far, with downsizers and younger professionals both accounting for a significant portion of early sales.

South Australia's current stamp duty settings, which allow&nbsp;eligible homeowners in South Australia aged 60 savings of up to $103,830 on stamp duty when they downsize to a new property valued at up to $2 million,&nbsp;have helped encourage downsizer activity, while younger buyers in their late 20s and early 30s have been attracted to the opportunity to live immediately outside the CBD while still being able to walk into the city.



Location has been a major part of the proposition for both buyer cohorts.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376075]

Royal Apartments sits on North Terrace directly opposite the Adelaide Park Lands, with residents able to walk through the parklands toward the East End, Rundle Street and Rundle Mall.

Apartments have been positioned to capture views across the parklands, Adelaide skyline, Botanic Gardens and Adelaide Hills.

Palumbo believes the scarcity of developable land along this section of the Park Lands makes the site particularly difficult to replicate.

"There's very few allotments on that side that can be developed," he said.

"If this location was in New York and you were sitting on Central Park, you'd be talking about a $60 million apartments."

Royal Apartments will offer a broad mix of residences, ranging from one-bedroom apartments through to four-bedroom sub-penthouses and penthouses.

Current listings include one-bedroom apartments from $680,000, while larger three and four-bedroom residences are priced around $2.5 million.

Residents will have access to a swimming pool, gym, barbecue and recreation areas, residents' lounge and dining space, and a communal deck.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376067]

The apartments will feature generous balconies, while secure parking, bicycle storage and storage cages will also be provided.

A porte-cochère-style arrival and drop-off area has also resonated with buyers, particularly those attracted to being able to walk into the CBD during the day while retaining secure vehicle access at home.

Palumbo is acting as developer, architect and builder on Royal Apartments, continuing the vertically integrated model it has used across its South Australian portfolio.

The group was also behind the $150 million Sofitel Adelaide, the 251-room five-star hotel and residential tower which opened in 2021.

Palumbo said Royal's launch had come at an interesting time for the broader Adelaide apartment market.

Buyer confidence had initially been impacted by uncertainty surrounding the Federal Budget and broader economic conditions, but Palumbo believes sentiment is beginning to improve against a backdrop of significant investment flowing into South Australia.

He pointed to increased activity across defence and resources, including Olympic Dam, as potential long-term drivers of the state's economy and housing market.

"Money is starting to flow into Adeliade, significant amounts as Adelaide bucks the trend of the rest of the country.," Palumbo said.

"There's a lot of activity in the economy over the next decade. I think more investment will come into this market."

Early works on Royal Apartments are expected to commence this year, with major construction activity and cranes anticipated on site from early next year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6109]

Palumbo's return to Kent Town strikes early chord with buyers

Go-to builder-developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/graya">GRAYA</a> is continuing to bulk out its already impressive and diverse apartment portfolio across South East Queensland. Their latest milestone is securing development approval for Silk, its boutique riverfront apartment development in St Lucia.

The approval clears&nbsp;the way for the team to begin construction planning for the 22-residence project.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/silk-st-lucia-16-18-sandford-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">Silk</a> will rise 15 levels from an 810 sqm site at 16-18 Sandford Street, occupying a prominent bend of the Brisbane River with a prized northern aspect across Orleigh Park toward the Brisbane CBD.

The approved scheme will comprise 16 split-floor and six full-floor residences, continuing GRAYA's move into larger-format apartment developments targeting Brisbane's prestige owner-occupier market.

The project has been designed around the site's broad river frontage and dual-direction views, with GRAYA prioritising larger residences, privacy and outlook over apartment yield.

<img alt="Silk St Lucia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aa5c2349-f96c-4914-a812-1f2cd6827af8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%208.25.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=WY0vEU_7vYjeRJKQHiCwFdMxu8PvFh52" />

GRAYA Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Rob Gray said the project had been shaped around local homeowners wanting to remain in St Lucia without maintaining a traditional family home.

"St Lucia is one of those suburbs people do not want to leave," Gray said.

"They know the river, the trees, UQ, the golf course, Toowong and Indooroopilly, and that familiarity is hard to replace.

"True riverfront opportunities here are exceptionally scarce. What we have designed at Silk is a way to stay in the suburb people love, with the scale and privacy of a private home and far less to maintain.

"This is not typical apartment product. It is a proper home on the river, and that is exactly what this market has been missing."

The approval comes as new apartment development continues to increase across the St Lucia and neighbouring Toowong corridor, although direct riverfront sites remain considerably more tightly held.

GRAYA Co-founder and Managing Director Andrew Gray said securing the approval had removed a significant element of development risk from Silk.

"Genuine riverfront sites of this quality in St Lucia are not something that comes up regularly," Gray said.

"The approval removes a substantial layer of execution risk, and the location underwrites demand in a way very few inner-city sites can.

"The fundamentals here are as strong as anything we have assessed in Brisbane."

<img alt="Silk St Lucia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d0f3d734-65e1-48e8-8ed3-2e0715ffcdd9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%208.25.56%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sOLSs_jdHkXLWbBKzRyayf5BfTb2vPsD" />

Silk will see GRAYA return to a stretch of the Brisbane River where it already has recent construction experience. The vertically integrated group recently completed ARC in neighbouring Toowong as builder for developer Spyre, delivering the riverfront project on a constrained site.

GRAYA will take a different role at Silk, controlling the project from design and development through construction and aftercare under its vertically integrated model.

The development will include a gym and resident leisure areas at ground level, integrated with the river's edge.

Silk joins a growing pipeline for GRAYA across Brisbane and the Gold Coast, which includes Enclave, The Gallery, Coral and Ripple.

The developer-builder has also recently lodged plans for its largest project to date, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-silo-19-chester-street-newstead-qld-4006">The Silo</a>, a proposed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/graya-buys-frasers-newstead-site-plans-the-silo-between-james-street-and-gasworks-precincts">$700 million mixed-use development</a> in Brisbane's James Street precinct.

Silk is expected to predominantly target local owner-occupiers and prestige buyers seeking a permanent riverfront home in Brisbane's inner west.

Registrations of interest are now open, with further details on the project and construction program to be released as it progresses.

<hr />
<h2>SILK PROJECT FACTS</h2>

Developer-builder: GRAYA

Project: Silk

Location: 16-18 Sandford Street, St Lucia

Apartments: 22

Built form: 15 levels

Site: 810 sqm riverfront holding

Mix: 16 split-floor and six full-floor residences

Status: Development approved

Next step: Construction planning underway

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152168]

GRAYA greenlit for riverfront St Lucia apartment development, Silk

GURNER

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The gradual transition of Smith Street's northern reaches to a higher density built form has seen another project join the queue.

Developer GURNER will know at the earliest by late next month whether its bid to transform Collingwood's 368-374 Smith Street has been successful. Designed by Warren and Mahoney, the residential development spans 9 storeys and sits behind a quartet of partially retained heritage buildings.

For Warren and Mahoney, the Smith Street design is their fourth high-density residential project of note in Melbourne, their third for GURNER, and their second in Collingwood.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image22_14.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Angelo Group's two Smith Street developments"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="394" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image22_14.jpg?itok=DP_Rj1jk" title="Angelo Group's two Smith Street developments" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Angelo Property Group's two Smith Street developments</figcaption></figure>The Apartments.com.au Project Database currently has 10 projects along Collingwood's Smith Street in active status, with the majority located north of Johnston Street. 

Angelo Property Group has a hand in two projects, with the Kennedy Nola-designed Haus Collingwood recently hitting completion. Huas' northern facade is finished in a Brutalist style, but the majority of people will view the modern podium complete with canvas awnings.

For their other Smith Street development, Angelo Property Group has utilised Cera Stribley Architects to transform 365 Smith Street. The adjoining historic brick facade of 377-379 Smith Street will incorporate into the development which is currently at sales, whilst the modern add-on structure will be replaced with what amounts to a triple height void.

Most intriguing, or disappointing depending upon the readers perspective, is SPEC Property's Trilby development which required the existing brick facade be demolished. Later in the project's construction phase, the facade will be rebuilt to better provide continuity along the historic streetscape.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_7807.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="SPEC Property's Trilby is a departure from the previous heritage facade"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="416" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_7807.jpg?itok=Xg5cEk-8" title="SPEC Property's Trilby is a departure from the previous heritage facade" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>SPEC Property's Trilby is a departure from the previous heritage facade</figcaption></figure>Among a number of other projects with the ability to redefine the area is 423-425 Smith Street, but perhaps more so in what was not delivered.

Kahlon Group were behind a recent planning application to add a John Davey Architects-designed multi-level extension to the rear of the site that would have added near on 10,000 square metres of creative office space.

As it is 423-425 Smith Street is nearing the end of its restoration, with no mid-rise commercial complex in sight; under the United Co name, the complex is now slated to open next month as a new coworking space.

The existing facade has for the most remained unchanged.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image21_15_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="423-425 Smith Street. Image: John Davey Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image21_15_0.jpg?itok=ySDO5hBg" title="423-425 Smith Street. Image: John Davey Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>423-425 Smith Street. Image: John Davey Architects</figcaption></figure>
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silvermb

Warren and Mahoney add to Smith Street's changing face

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The Gurner development of The Spanish Club in Fitzroy has now been approved by VCAT as a result of Supreme Court win earlier in the year.
There will be no changes to the original plans outlined that were denied by the VCAT earlier this year.
The decision has come two years after the project was first submitted for approval.
The proposal was first denied a permit at VCAT in May this year on a minor technicality surrounding a neighbouring property, despite the project having general support from VCAT.
Gurner then appealed the decision in the Supreme Court in June and later won the case due to the developer being “denied procedural fairness”, according to the judge.
The appeal allowed the developer the opportunity to re-submit the project to VCAT under a different panel, but not before GURNER™ held three mediation dates with council and neighbours in order to ensure all initial objections could be mitigated.
In what represents a full circle for the developer, the project was finally awarded a permit for 38 apartments over seven levels across the 787sqm site by VCAT with not a single change to its original plans, which include a new Spanish bar and restaurant and clubhouse facilities for The Spanish Club at ground level.
The project is being designed by Warren and Mahoney and will incorporate Spanish-inspired interiors that will be unlike anything on the market currently.
“This has been a long and difficult process but we are happy to be able to put it all behind us and move forward with our plans to reinvigorate The Spanish Club along with our original plans that we first submitted to VCAT two years ago,” said Tim Gurner, the company's founder and director.
“We are now preparing for an early 2018 launch. 
“Fitzroy is an area I feel so passionate about, we have been developing in this area for over ten years and have been working with some of Melbourne’s best restauranteurs and winemakers to not only develop quality apartments, but also to deliver world-class cafés, bars and restaurants at the ground level.  
Under the proposed agreement between The Spanish Club and Gurner, the developer was to absorb the Club’s debt and transfer ownership of that debt into the developer’s name to ensure that the banks could not pursue the Club for costs whilst the redevelopment was ongoing.
Established in 1969 along Fitzroy’s effervescent Johnston Street, The Spanish Club was founded by Padre Eduardo Sanchez, the Chaplin to the Spanish, who persuaded the Spanish government to partially assist in purchasing the building to serve as a social centre.
The club was originally called The Spanish Roman Catholic Mission, before later being renamed ‘Hogar Español’ meaning Spanish home.
The club quickly grew to become a home away from home for hundreds of Spanish immigrants settling in Australia in the late 50s and early 60s, and over the years it evolved to offer extensive social and education opportunities for the Spanish and wider community.
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Gurner development of Fitzroy's Spanish Club approved by VCAT

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Victoria's planning minister Richard Wynne’s decision to shave two stories off a proposed 12-storey apartment tower project by BRW Rich Lister Tim Gurner in Melbourne's inner north has met with mixed reactions, even though the minister justified his stance.
The decision, made just days before a planning tribunal was to consider the project, was the talk of the room at a major Property Council of Australia address by Wynne on Wednesday, reported Fairfax Media.
Wynne this week imposed a height control of a maximum of 10 storeys, or 30 metres, on the North Fitzroy site where Gurner had already amended his original plan for a 16-storey tower with 470 apartments.
To a question from Property Council of Australia executive director (Victoria) Sally Capp on the move, Wynne said he felt justified by the local council’s initial planning for the site more than 10 years ago but which it failed to include into its planning rules.
The Yarra Council did not finishing structure planning for the site that was begun in 2008 but never submitted to the state planning department.
"There were these holes in the scheme. It was clear to me that I was not prepared to intervene unless the council had done the strategic work that would justify an intervention," Wynne said.
"The council officers' report clearly established the 10-level height was complementary to the height the council had agreed some years before for the Gas and Fuel site that is directly opposite.
"I thought that a 10-level development was reasonable."
Gurner has criticised the minister’s decision, calling it a politically motivated move. He said Wynne is under pressure in his inner-city seat of Richmond, where the Greens are gaining ground.
"I do not know of any other cases where a planning minister has got involved in a site-specific issue like this. It is as unheard of as it is not fair," Gurner said.
"Melbourne is in the middle of a housing affordability crisis and actions like this for political reasons are only going to make it worse."
Wynne held his seat by just 1.9 per cent from the Greens at the last state election and his decision could be a move to pacify Fitzroy North residents fighting the proposed apartment tower, reported The Age.
Gurner was cited by The Age as saying he would press on with the project despite Wynne having "intervened to satisfy NIMBY locals who pretend they care about affordable housing”.
Wynne said that residents had "made no secret of their concerns" about the project.
"We've struck a balance that caters for our growing population, while also addressing the views of hundreds of locals who objected to the scale of the original proposal," he said. "Good planning is about balancing the needs of existing residents and future residents."
Resident group Protect Fitzroy North had been campaigning for eight levels, saying 16 levels would have been a huge over-development of the site.
Architect, Koichi Takada initially proposed a cascading 16-storey development of about 550 apartments, covered in greenery inspired by the rice paddies of south-east Asia.  
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Victoria's planning minister defends decision to trim Gurner project

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The Victorian Planning Minister Richard Wynne has blocked a 16-storey $350 million apartment development in Fitzroy North proposed by BRW Rich Lister Tim Gurner.
It came ahead of Gurner reportedly thinking of lodging an amended 12-storey proposal for the 8500-square-metre former Gasworks site on Queens Parade.  
Gurner, who had previously threatened to pull out of Melbourne’s inner-city development market, now says he's preparing to fight this planning decision.
The Australian newspaper revealed recently that Gurner has been considering concentrating on the Western Australian residential market.
Gurner has faced stiff resistance from the City of Yarra’s Greens-dominated council and North Fitzroy residents.
The council asked Victorian Planning Minister Richard Wynne to intervene and force Gurner to cap his development at six storeys, while residents have called to have a four-level limit for all new buildings in the City of Yarra.
Gurner had previously said he would stop investing in the inner-city areas if the interim planning rules were enforced.
“We have a large number of sites within the City of Yarra currently and if these mandatory height controls are enacted not one of those sites would be or could be feasible to develop,” he told The Australian.
Mr Gurner said the costs to decontaminate some development sites were so large that higher density development was required to cover costs.
“If these changes are to be mandated, the site values will become absolutely worthless overnight,” he said earlier this year.
Gurner paid $40 million for the site last year and had initially proposed a cascading 16-storey development with over 470 apartments. 
This was rejected by the City of Yarra who referred the matter to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) in December with a hearing due to commence next week, with Gurner considering amendments with 135 fewer apartments and a height reduction to 37 metres from 53.7 metres.
The eleventh hour decision by Wynne to place an interim mandatory height control of a maximum of 10 storeys (30 metres) over the site means VCAT cannot grant a permit for any development that is higher. 
The Australian Financial Review advised today that "an incensed Mr Gurner" had spent $500,000 preparing for next week's VCAT hearing, and lashed out at the decision calling it a "joke" and said Mr Wynne had only intervened for "political reasons".
"The City of Yarra is the Planning Minister's own seat and it is no secret that he is right on the edge of holding power. He has clearly made a decision from a political perspective to try to win votes with no regard to fair and due process or strategic planning," Mr Gurner told The Australian Financial Review.
Despite the setback and his prior threats, he said he was more motivated than ever to ensure the project gets built.
Wynne holds the state seat of Richmond and will battle the Greens to retain the seat at next year's state elections.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Wynne imposes height restrictions on Gurner who feared "worthless overnight" intervention

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Early in the year Apartments.com.au highlighted a squad of <a href="/news/south-melbourne-a-magnet-for-new-residential-tower-applications">new residential towers looking to call South Melbourne home</a>. Fast forward and the considerably lengthy backlog of residential projects at planning within City of Port Phillip is a little lighter, with a number of earlier tower applications given the go-ahead.

A VCAT-issued permit for 2 Bowen Crescent was obtained by Wuzhong International last month, clearing the way for a 19 storey residential building for Chinese-backed outfit. The work of Plus Architecture, 2 Bowen Crescent holds 213 apartments across a 1,800sqm site.

The tower planning application was lodged during December 2015, and at the time included a healthy number of apartments in a single bedroom format. Property advisory and project management practice Gallagher Jeffs have indicated the project will proceed to sales mid this year.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/600600p450ednmain17plan_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="2 Bowen Crescent. Image: Gallagher Jeffs"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/600600p450ednmain17plan_0.jpg?itok=rA2tPVZ5" title="2 Bowen Crescent. Image: Gallagher Jeffs" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>2 Bowen Crescent. Image: Gallagher Jeffs</figcaption></figure>A few doors away, and Melbourne-based GURNER is all but ready to advance its 7 Bowen Crescent development to sales after gaining a VCAT-issued permit last year. Currently, the project has been noted as at appeal within City of Port Phillip's planning system, with the supplemental action taking place earlier this month.

Initially submitted with a heavier apartment count, 7 Bowen Crescent's internals have been rejigged to carry just over 120 apartments, with 64 noted as having three bedrooms. 

<blockquote>
Set to be one of Melbourne’s most iconic buildings set on a triangle site with uninterrupted views of Albert Park lake, the bay and Melbourne’s skyline, it will rival the best in the world.

A design collaboration between Elenberg Fraser and David Hicks will provide the market something never seen before!!!
<cite>GURNER</cite>
</blockquote>

Meanwhile another Asian developer is poised for success, as City of Port Phillip have issued a delegated notice of decision last month for 596 St Kilda Road; the final stage prior to a permit being issued.

Having landed at planning mid last year, Singaporean outfit Lian Beng Group are in the box seat to move ahead with the tower designed by Bates Smart. Included are 170 apartments, split between one and two bedroom options. The tower was designed as a mixture of vertical fins, protruding balconies and hanging greenery running the height of the tower.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image41_2_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="596 St Kilda Road. Planning image: Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="442" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image41_2_0.jpg?itok=Vjmur8I8" title="596 St Kilda Road. Planning image: Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>596 St Kilda Road. Planning image: Bates Smart</figcaption></figure>The trio above is in addition to Australian Unity's 114-130 Albert Road which was given the go-ahead late last year. Alterations and additions to the existing commercial building will see an adjoining 19 storey tower constructed.

The approval and pending redevelopment of the Albert Road property into an aged care and retirement development is in addition to Australian Unity squaring away and their new commercial home on Spring Street, with construction due to begin shortly.
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Multiple towers given the green light within Port Phillip

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Developer GURNER continues to rack up apartment projects within City of Yarra, with the latest an intended apartment development at 23-33 Johnston Street, Collingwood.

Although active across many of Melbourne's inner city suburbs, GURNER continues to cherry pick sites across City of Yarra, with the municipality a honey hole for the Prahran-based outfit. GURNER has also maintained its penchant for well-regarded architecture firms, utilising COX Architecture as the design lead for 23-33 Johnston Street.

COX Architecture joins the likes of Warren and Mahoney, Elenberg Fraser and Koichi Takada Architects as design outfits which have produced apartment schemes for the developer within City of Yarra. 

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image26_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Johnston Street as is. Planning image: COX Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="335" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image26_5.jpg?itok=6LfMy59B" title="Johnston Street as is. Planning image: COX Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Johnston Street as is. Planning image: COX Architecture</figcaption></figure>Urban.com.au's Project Database shows five active projects for GURNER within City of Yarra, headlined by <a href="/new-apartments/26-56-queens-parade-fitzroy-north">26-56 Queens Parade</a> which has garnered <a href="http://www.afr.com/real-estate/residential/vic/nimbyism-or-greed-development-battles-turn-nasty-20170116-gtsbnd">considerable media attention</a> in recent times.

GURNER's latest entrant at 23-33 Johnston Street encompasses four allotments over 1,873sqm. Located within the Johnston Street Activity Centre, 23-33 Johnston Street would overlook the adjoining Contemporary Arts Precinct which in times gone by, acted as a campus for education provider NMIT.

The recently submitted proposal seeks to replace an existing planning permit onsite for a six level student accommodation complex encompassing 189 student apartments.

Headline figures for the COX Architecture design sees a 12 level mixed use building comprising 154 apartments, dual ground floor food and drink retail outlets over 460sqm and car parking for 121 vehicles. 154 storage cages and 48 bikes are included, as is a landscaped roof garden on level 8.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image24john.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="23-33 Johnston Street. Planning image: COX Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="542" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image24john.jpg?itok=JG4fhfgz" title="23-33 Johnston Street. Planning image: COX Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>23-33 Johnston Street. Planning image: COX Architecture</figcaption></figure>The proposal will also maintain a considerable portion of the original building's frontage to Johnston Street, with the tower's curved facade taking its design impetus from the nearby Keith Haring mural.

23-33 Johnston Street aside, <a href="/buildings/victoria-vine-1-57-wellington-street-collingwood">1-35 Wellington Street</a> and the <a href="/buildings/the-spanish-club-57-61-johnston-street-fitzroy">Spanish Club's redevelopment</a> join 26-56 Queens Parade as projects that are at planning for the developer. Across these combined four projects currently at planning, roughly 570 apartments can be added to GURNER's pipeline. This number would have been far greater, but for the redesign of 26-56 Queens Parade which has seen the proposal lose as many as 120 apartments.

Other projects directly under the guidance of GURNER include <a href="/buildings/28-stanley-street-collingwood">28 Stanley Street</a> which is receiving its finishing touches and the freshly completed 107 Cambridge Street which has revamped part of the Foy &amp; Gibson Precinct to include 90 new apartments.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image29_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="107 Cambridge along with a render 26-56 Queens Parade. Image: Koichi Takada Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="242" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image29_9.jpg?itok=cVD1j_Fi" title="107 Cambridge along with a render 26-56 Queens Parade. Image: Koichi Takada Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>107 Cambridge along with the original 26-56 Queens Parade. Image: Koichi Takada Architects</figcaption></figure>
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GURNER's affinity with Yarra continues

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Hotel and resort operator Mantra Group has paid a record $28 million for management rights for about 1,000 off the plan apartments coming up in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley.
The three-tower precinct is being built by Tim Gurner's firm Gurner and will be christened FV by Peppers, marking the entry later this year of Mantra's luxury Peppers brand in Brisbane, according to a report in The Australian Financial Review.
The FV deal was negotiated by Trudy Crooks and Tim Crooks of Resort Brokers Australia. "We can confirm the deal for the management rights to FV is the biggest ever transacted off-the-plan," she was cited as saying by the AFR.
The previous highest price secured for Queensland management rights is believed to be the $20 million paid by Mantra in 2015 to manage about 160 holiday apartments, restaurants and amenities at Surfers Paradise high-rise Soul under the Peppers brand.
Gurner said as a Peppers-branded residence, FV would offer residents the services akin to a luxury international hotel.
"Although we had a number of offers from competing international groups at higher levels, we felt the balance sheet, strength and resources behind the Peppers brand and Mantra Group business would deliver the outcome we insist on for such a large and iconic project," Gurner said.
More than 80 percent of the 970 apartment in FV have been sold to investors. Amenities include pools, private spa areas, a gymnasium, private dining and moonlight cinema areas. 
At about $28,000 per apartment, the FV deal sets a new benchmark in Brisbane management rights with previous similar deals being struck at rates of between $12,000 – $20,000 per apartment.
Resort Brokers Australia’s Crooks said having the backing of Mantra and the Peppers brand would be vital for FV apartment owners "in a competitive rental market".
FV by Peppers will be Mantra's largest property in Australia and its second largest globally, after the 1,176-room Ala Moana Hotel in Hawaii.
"FV presents us with an excellent opportunity to secure a presence of scale and quality in a prominent location and grow our permanent rental business, with potential short-term accommodation opportunities also foreseeable," said Mantra Group CEO Bob East.
In August last year, Mantra acquired the management rights to nearly 800 apartments on the Gold Coast in a deal with the Raptis Group, having pulled out of an earlier deal to manage about 1,500 apartments across seven towers developed by Metro Property Development.
Two of the FV towers are due for completion in the third quarter of the year with the third tower now under construction and due for completion in 2019.
Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the arrival of Mantra's Peppers brand would be "another exciting boost for the local economy".
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Mantra pays record $28 million for management rights to Gurner's FV in Brisbane

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The apartment developer Gurner has taken the unusual step to announce it has repaid $130 million in construction loans to banks after his two recent apartment projects were well settled in the week leading up to Christmas.
The projects included Ikebana (pictured above) in West Melbourne, that comprises 241 apartments and ground floor retail with a total construction debt of $90 million financed through NAB.
There was also 107 Cambridge Street in Collingwood consisting of 91 apartments plus ground floor retail, with debt totalling just over $40 million with ANZ. 
The projects saw strong settlements from both local and foreign purchasers, and all apartments leased prior to settlement, going against the market chatter about settlement issues and oversupply.
Both projects commenced settlement the week before Christmas – traditionally a difficult time of year for the property market.
By Christmas Eve, 107 Cambridge Street was fully settled, while Ikebana had reached over 90 percent settlement totalling over 215 apartments.
Founder and director Tim Gurner, pictured below, said while 107 Cambridge had zero foreign sales, 45 percent of the apartments at Ikebana were sold to FIRB purchasers. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/02/03/TimGurner.jpg" alt="">
He said the risk of settlement defaults was low due to the quality of the agents and buyers in the project and the increasing percentage of FIRB buyers who settled with cash or other means of financing in lieu of the Australian banks’ support. 
“The specific agents that we use are the best in the business and have been selling internationally for over 15 years, so they know their clients inside and out.  It is the smaller, new agents without a solid reputation that appear to be having issues,” Gurner said.
“Unfortunately the minority of small, dodgy agents have cast a shadow over the industry and scared the banks, however, the majority of the big international agencies we use have been around for 15 to 20 years and know much more about the Chinese market, the economy and the buyers than the banks or us.
“Absolutely there has been a move towards overseas and private institutions filling the funding gap the Australian banks have left behind. There really was no other choice when 80% of the finance market disappears overnight,” he said. 
Major banks had tightened lending to foreigners and investors in 2016 to curb the rapid growth in property values.
“I was initially wary of the rumours around settlement issues and the constant negative press, so we did spend more time and resources focusing on our buyers and the settlement and valuation process to ensure we could mitigate as much risk as possible,” he said.
“Interestingly, we have found a substantial number of purchasers at Ikebana settling with cash – over 35 percent - which is much more than any other project we’ve sold to date. Previously we saw cash settlements in the realm of five to ten percent.” 
He said the market had become more competitive and difficult due to changing regulations and planning policies which would test developers. 
“Considering the success of Ikebana and 107 Cambridge Street which were our first true settlement tests after the changes in foreign lending were announced, I’m confident if developers work hard with purchasers and find alternative funding options, buyers will get through this period unscathed.” 
Gurner said his company had several new projects which are expected to launch and find success in 2017. 
He had a piece of advice for developers. “It is however critical that developers take heed of the change in finance conditions as it is very real,” he said. 
“The main difference for us now is the time it is taking people to get finance approved, valuations completed and then settlement locked in… the days of swiftly preparing projects for settlement are well and truly behind us.” 
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Ikebana, Melbourne developer Gurner repays $130 million in construction loans after foreign sales successes

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Little more than a week after <a href="/news/clifton-hill-in-for-a-dose-of-the-high-life-with-17-levels-planned">unveiling plans for Queens Parade's first high-rise</a>, Apartments.com.au can report on a second intended tower expected to grace the thoroughfare.

Prevalent local developer Gurner has gone to planning with a substantial proposal for 26-56 Queens Parade, seeking approval for a 16 level apartment tower over what is now a low-rise commercial premises.

476 dwellings are called for over the 8,500sqm site which is close to both Alexandra Parade and Brunswick Street. Purchased off-market by Gurner during January for in excess of $40 million, the estimated cost of the project is nominated as $85 million.

Sited with City of Yarra’s Gasworks Precinct, the current building is highly recognisable due to its pink façade, and holds a 120m frontage to Queens Parade.

It's been reported that Gurner has approached one international and three Australian architecture firms in a competitive design process with an aim of delivering a high quality built form outcome onsite. Which architect has the task of delivering the design remains to be seen.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/ftznorth.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The site in question. Image: GURNER"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="266" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ftznorth.jpg?itok=RECS0DCE" title="The site in question. Image: GURNER" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The site in question. Image: GURNER</figcaption></figure>Factoring in those projects at planning or with planning approval, and apartment living is set to take hold along Queens Parade. Gurner, Salta Properties, Wulff Projects and TLC Aged care as noteworthy developers active along Queens Parade, with as many as 1,000 new dwellings in the pipeline.

Nearby and the sizeable former 4-hectare Gasworks site is <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/business/property/fitzroy-gasworks-back-in-play-20160426-gof0pl">speculated to be heading toward development</a>, with Places Victoria looking to facilitate change over the underutilised land.

The only recent apartment development of note to grace Queens Parade is Graphite at 58 Queens Parade. Developed by BPM, Graphite was completed during 2015 and sees 46 apartments over 5 levels.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image58_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Spanish Club's intended transformatiom. Image: Warren and Mahoney"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="406" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image58_2.jpg?itok=c5CD1MFb" title="Spanish Club's intended transformatiom. Image: Warren and Mahoney" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Spanish Club's intended transformation. Image: Warren and Mahoney</figcaption></figure>26-56 Queens Parade's 476 dwellings are in addition to Gurner's seven projects found within the Apartments.com.au Project Database, which amount to some 670 apartments.

Of those, 375 apartments are under construction by way of 107 Cambridge Street, Ikebana and 24-28 Stanley Street. 74 Eastern Road is awaiting construction after a successful sales campaign while 278-282 Kings Way, 7 Bowen Crescent and The Spanish Club at 57-61 Johnston Street are also at planning.

Gurner was also tied to <a href="https://developmentsites.melbourne/footscray/1-warde-street">1 Warde Street, Footscray</a> with the site which carries approval for 388 apartments now offered for sale with CBRE City Sales.
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Doubling up on Queens Parade as Gurner seeks approval for 476 dwellings

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White-hot developer GURNER has continued Footscray's apartment march by gaining approval for a twin tower development capable of accommodating between 350-380 apartments. Estimated at over $200 million in value, <a href="/buildings/liberty-one-1-warde-street-footscray">1 Warde Street</a> is another joint effort between GURNER and the irrepressible Elenberg Fraser.

Submitted for assessment during July 2012, the project which sits within Footscray's Joseph Road Precinct has been subject to a very lengthy approvals process which has seen the initial design consisting of 19 and 26 level buildings adjusted to carry dual 25 level towers. Consequently the apartment yield has increased from an initial 311 to as many as 380 within the approved version, with 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments expected.

With such a long lead in time prior to approval GURNER has stated they expect to reflect the low cost of site purchase (relative to today's robust market) via highly competitive apartment pricing at the time of the project's release.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image1warde.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Initial and approved schemes. Images courtesy Elenberg Fraser &amp; GURNER"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="367" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image1warde.jpg?itok=W1LnwV_K" title="Initial and approved schemes. Images courtesy Elenberg Fraser &amp; GURNER" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Initial and approved 1 Warde Street designs. Images courtesy Elenberg Fraser &amp; GURNER</figcaption></figure>Dubbed Romeo and Juliet on GURNER's website, 1 Warde Street will hold 4,000sqm's of retail space at ground level, in part servicing the wider Joseph Road Precinct precinct which is expected to see thousands of apartments constructed.

<h2>Tim Gurner's take</h2>

<blockquote>
The site was purchased over four years ago when prices were siting below long-term averages so we are now able to pass this on to purchasers by delivering a project that will rival our crowning ‘FV’ project in Brisbane at prices that sit under market rates, ensuring our clients enjoy long term capital gains.

This regeneration precinct in Footscray is the perfect opportunity to breathe new life into a former industrial precinct and create a thriving residential, retail and cultural hub within five kilometres of the CBD. People who buy into the early stages of new precincts such as this one, tend to do incredibly well as they buy against the market trends and then see a large upswing when the precinct really starts to take shape.

We saw it with Port Melbourne and Richmond’s former industrial precincts which have now been transformed into luxury apartment pockets so I believe Joseph Road will be another example where people will kick themselves down the track if they don’t get in early.

Having just received planning approval from the State Government we will now move into the early design stages and we hope to bring this project to market in early 2016. We are excited to bring this project to the market as soon as possible; I’m happy to see there are other developers already in the market there as the activity will help put this precinct on the map.

There has been talk that this precinct may become over populated with new developments however we see it no differently to opening an Italian restaurant or cafe on Lygon Street - as long as you ensure you are delivering the best possible coffee or product in the market at a competitive price, it is sure to be a success.
<cite>Tim Gurner</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>On a wider note</h2>

1 Warde Street is the latest development to enter the GURNER stable, which includes <a href="/buildings/107-cambridge-street-collingwood">107 Cambridge Street</a> and <a href="/buildings/28-stanley-street-collingwood">28 Stanley Street</a> (both of which have sold out prior to construction) and the recently announced apartment conversion of 57 Johnston Street, Fitzroy. In addition <a href="/buildings/74-eastern-road-south-melbourne">74 Eastern Road</a> and <a href="/new-apartments/278-282-kings-way-south-melbourne">278-282 Kings Way</a> shape as forthcoming projects.

With sales of 1 Warde Street expected to hit sales at the beginning of 2016, the interceding period will see GURNER and Elenberg Fraser embark upon an expanded design process prior to the project's launch. Incidentally Warde Street also caps off a successful fortnight for Elenberg Fraser, with planning approval also secured for two additional projects. <a href="/developments/docklands-vic-3008">85-93 Lorimer Street</a> and <a href="/buildings/avant-60-abeckett-street-melbourne">Avant</a> within Melbourne's CBD are also the handy work of the Queen Street-based architecture practice.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_3578.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Joseph Road Precinct set to rise"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="257" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_3578.jpg?itok=M-t40ddz" title="Joseph Road Precinct set to rise" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Joseph Road Precinct set to rise</figcaption></figure>The approval of 1 Warde Street is also another shot of momentum for Joseph Road Precinct, with 2015 a year of excel for the designated urban renewal area. In addition to GURNER's Warde Street approval, AZX Group's <a href="/buildings/riverina-22-hopkins-street-footscray">Riverina</a> has sold strongly, with a construction tender now open on the first phase of the 968-apartment project.

Joining the above two developments is <a href="/new-apartments/footscray-vic-3011">The Tannery</a> which is slated for a construction start as of late 2015 while directly opposite Joseph street Precinct another large project is on the verge of commencing sales. The Riverside located at <a href="/buildings/the-riverside-1-moreland-street-footscray">1 Moreland Street</a> is set to carry in excess of 200 apartments, with an onsite display suite nearing completion.​
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