Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FH_1EzB-1vs?si=XScVlP1ERsTDJoME" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356818]

After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356828]

Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

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The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356829]

Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351104]

Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351102]

Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

Joel Robinson

From ONE to ERA: Why buyers are choosing GWH again in Newcastle West

Virgate Property Group is preparing to commence construction of Verdé, its new apartment development in Melbourne's Arts Precinct at Southbank, following a strong run of sales that has seen more than half of the project's 173 apartments secured.

Verdé has attracted a broad mix of first home buyers, owner-occupiers upgrading from nearby inner-city suburbs and investors, with younger owner-occupier couples aged between 28 and 45 accounting for the strongest enquiry. Many are already living in Southbank, South Melbourne, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and the CBD.

"Verdé is located in one of the most desirable pockets of southern Melbourne," Blair Property Group Director Darren Blair, who is managing sales at Verdé, said.

"It's within walking distance of the Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and Southbank's restaurants and retail. It's a great lifestyle location with strong amenity and liveability, which made it a very attractive choice for the project."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372549]

Virgate was already familiar with the precinct, having previously delivered the successful Domain House development in neighbouring South Melbourne. That experience gave the developer confidence to acquire the Coventry Street site and continue expanding its presence in Melbourne's inner south.

"We had been keeping an eye on the site and the broader precinct for a few months before deciding to move forward with the acquisition," Virgate said.

The project was ultimately secured in 2020 following feasibility studies, planning assessments and due diligence, with the brief centred on delivering "a high-quality, considered design that feels both refined and fit for purpose."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=314259]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, Verdé comprises 173 one, two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $599,000. The architecture is distinguished by a faceted glass façade that responds to both the site's outlook and Melbourne's changing light conditions.

According to Bruce Henderson Architects, the coloured glazing gives the building a distinctive identity while also providing privacy and solar shading, with residences oriented to capture views across the bay, city skyline and surrounding parklands.

Inside, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> has created interiors focused on natural light, efficient planning and enduring materials. Apartments feature engineered oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, floor-to-ceiling glazing and SMEG appliances, while a restrained material palette aims to complement the expansive outlooks rather than compete with them.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372550]

Resident amenity has also been designed around everyday functionality rather than occasional use. Facilities include a concierge-serviced lobby, residents' lounge with fireplace, library and co-working space, gym, terrace garden with barbecue facilities, ground-floor café, and package delivery management.

The project's location continues to be one of its strongest drawcards. Positioned on Coventry Street, Verdé sits within walking distance of the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park Lake, while Southbank's dining precinct, Sturt Street trams and the new ANZAC Station are all nearby. The surrounding education catchment also includes Melbourne Grammar, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School and several major university campuses.

The sales team says buyers have responded particularly well to the combination of location, design quality and long-term liveability.

"They're responding really positively to the quality of the design, premium resident amenities and the uninterrupted views. Many also appreciate the location and how connected it is to everything they need."

The ability to secure stamp duty savings before completion has also been a key factor for purchasers, alongside the opportunity to personalise finishes ahead of settlement.

With construction set to commence soon and more than half the apartments already sold, Verdé enters its next phase as one of the Arts Precinct's more established apartment developments, offering remaining buyers an opportunity to secure a residence before construction advances further. Expected completion is scheduled for late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4661]

Virgate's Verdé Southbank moves toward construction as sales fly past halfway stage

Downsizer-focused apartment development Kooyongkoot in Hawthorn has been recognised at the 2026 Better Future Melbourne Design Awards, taking home Gold and Silver awards in two categories.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a>, currently being delivered by developer PQD and designed by Cera Stribley, received Gold in the Interior Design – Proposed category and Silver in the Architecture – Proposed category.

The dual recognition reflects the design approach behind the boutique development on prestigious Kooyongkoot Road, where the focus has been on creating homes for downsizers seeking the space, quality and functionality of a detached house within a low-rise apartment building.

Rather than maximising apartment numbers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pqd">PQD</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> limited the development to just 18 residences, allowing for larger floorplans, greater privacy, generous landscaping and expansive communal spaces.&nbsp;The majority of the apartments also benefit from corner aspects, allowing for dual sources of natural light.

Now around 70 per cent complete and on track for completion in November 2026, Kooyongkoot will comprise a mix of garden residences, ter​race apartments, sub-penthouses, and is crowned by two half-floor penthouses with direct lift access and private rooftop terraces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355297]

The Silver Award for Architecture recognised the way the building responds to its prominent corner position at the ent​rance to Hawthorn's Scotch Hill precinct, one of Melbourne's most established residential neighbourhoods.

Rather than competing with the grand homes that line Kooyongkoot Road, the architectural approach focused on restraint and longevity, using curved brickwork, generous landscaping and carefully considered proportions to integrate with the existing streetscape.

"The form feels fluid and timeless, as though shaped by the landscape itself – architecture that belongs, rather than competes," said Chris Stribley, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Cera Stribley.

The judging submission also highlighted practical innovations throughout the building, including lift cores servicing only nine homes each, a central landscaped lightcourt designed to bring daylight and ventilation into the building, and fully enclosed private storage rooms with lighting, power and shelving to better accommodate residents transitioning from larger family homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355293]

The Gold Award for Interior Design recognised the project's focus on long-term liveability rather than display-home aesthetics.

According to the awards submission, the interiors were designed from the inside out, prioritising how homes would function over decades of daily use through generous proportions, practical storage, durable natural materials and flexible layouts.

The specification includes natural stone throughout, upgraded acoustic glazing, V-ZUG appliances and fully enclosed storage rooms, alongside an amenity offering focused on wellness, entertainment and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Residents will have access to a gym and yoga studio, a wellness centre featuring traditional and infrared saunas, a cold therapy shower and treatment room, as well as a residents' lounge and golf simulator/cinema room for entertainment.&nbsp;Kooyongkoot has also considered the everyday convenience of its residents by offering a private carwash and pet wash facilities on site as well as dedicated parcel lockers and oversized fully enclosed storage rooms.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355303]

The project's attention to detail has already resonated with buyers. Earlier this year, Kooyongkoot recorded one of Boroondara's highest apartment sales when an $8 million penthouse was purchased by a Melbourne CEO downsizing from a nearby family home.

"Every detail feels deliberate, from the overall design down to the smallest touches," the purchaser said.

"The level of quality and refinement is exceptional, but what really sold it was how liveable it felt... It felt like a place where everything had been considered, not just a luxury building."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355304]

Sustainability also formed a key part of both award submissions. Kooyongkoot is targeting a minimum 7.5-star NatHERS rating across all residences, supported by passive design principles, high-performance glazing, EV charging infrastructure, water reuse systems and a wellness model focused on lower-energy dry facilities rather than pools and large wet areas.

Located within walking distance of Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College, Koo​yong Lawn Tennis Club, Aubur​n Village and Camberwell Junction, Kooyongkoot continues to target owner-occupiers looking to remain in Melbourne's inner east without compromising on space or quality. A limited selection of two, three and four-bedroom residences remains available, with prices starting from $1.9 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102717]

Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=372394]

Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=953]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=925]

Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=5374]

The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Rainbow Bay apartment doubles in price since off the plan sale during pandemic

Hotels

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Mere weeks ago Urban covered VCAT's decision to approve <a href="/news/160-whitehorse-roads-approval-pushes-blackburns-apartment-pipeline-toward-1000">development plans for 160 Whitehorse Road</a>.

Blackburn's largest development to date was given the green light after a planning push eventually secured the right to create a mixed-use project across the 8,767 square metre site. As many as 263 apartments are now approved for the development designed by Taouk Architects which was anointed Blackburn Place.

The development though has now been listed for sale with CBRE City Sales handling the process, providing Melbourne developers with the opportunity to nab one of the east's largest approved scheme in recent times. 

With Box Hill coming off the boil (in line with the trending decline of large-scale projects across the city), the Taouk Architects-designed 160 Whitehorse Road does discern itself due to its size and location.

<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_17.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Prospective views. Image: CBRE City Sales"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="384" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image29_17.jpg?itok=UYB9gcKs" title="Prospective views. Image: CBRE City Sales" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Prospective views. Image: CBRE City Sales</figcaption></figure>Initial plans for the site attempted to realise a greater return of apartments, with buildings spanning 14, 10, 10 and 8 storeys as originally submitted. Those plans have been tempered with the VCAT-approved outcome seeing a more modest built form and apartment numbers reduced from 394 to 263.

CBRE note that the site's planning approval includes four buildings between 6 and 8 levels, plus 3,663 square metres of commercial space.

Having sold for $18 million to an Asian-backed developer three years ago, 160 Whitehorse Road's price history has seen steady growth. Previous campaigns saw the site sell for $11.36 million in 2010, $3.25 million in 1986 and $1.3 million in 1980.

<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/image30_14.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="160 Whitehorse Road. Image: Taouk Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="218" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image30_14.jpg?itok=dW28oq2e" title="160 Whitehorse Road. Image: Taouk Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>160 Whitehorse Road. Image: Taouk Architects</figcaption></figure>The size and staggered delivery schedule of 160 Whitehorse Road is in stark contrast to various other approved permits that have been 'flipped' in Melbourne's east over recent months. Two recent permitted Doncaster sites were a step down in size relative to 160 Whitehorse Road. 

7 Williamsons Road is currently for sale and sees 68 predominantly 2 and 3 bedroom apartments approved within a ClarkeHopkinsClarke-designed building. The 1,064 square metre site is in close proximity to Nicson Property Group's approved hotel scheme for 810 Elgar Road.

That site saw a Kyriacou Architects-designed hotel scheme offered for sale. The 993 square metre site came with approval in place for 102 suites over 8 levels, and if acted upon would become Doncaster Hill's first dedicated hotel.

At the turn of 2018, Mont Albert's 813-823 Whitehorse Road was offered for sale by Doyen Tower Pty Ltd; its 89 apartments are within a crystalline Bruce Henderson Architects-designed 16 level 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/image32_16.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Mont Albert and Doncaster Hill have provided opportunity during 2018"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="237" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image32_16.jpg?itok=mCQaguTl" title="Mont Albert and Doncaster Hill have provided opportunity during 2018" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Mont Albert and Doncaster Hill have provided opportunity during 2018</figcaption></figure>
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silvermb

Melbourne's east throws up a sizeable residential opportunity

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A planning application is in play for the home of the Melbourne Theosophical Society on Russell Street.

Melbourne City Council received the application earlier this year for 124-130 Russell Street which would see the existing building make way for a thirteen-storey hotel above two basement levels. The existing structure dates back to 1923 but was marketed during 2017 as having no heritage protections.

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/classic-russell-street-freehold-hits-market-after-45-years-nick-peden">Savills handled the sale</a> which saw the approximately 520 square metre site sell for approximately $23 million.

Beyond the initial submission, a change of application has been noted for the intended development via Council's planning register. The pending development marries with architecture firm Buchan recently publishing imagery of a hotel scheme across the site which would account for all traces of the existing building.

<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/image60_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Buchan Group's take on the expected Russell Street development"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="475" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image60_2.jpg?itok=j7gqBelE" title="Buchan Group's take on the expected Russell Street development" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Buchan's take on the expected Russell Street development</figcaption></figure>Buchan has accredited the project to developer LongRiver Group who are themselves pursuing another hotel development in Box Hill. <a href="/news/vcat-rules-in-favour-of-two-major-melbourne-developments">Highlighted by Urban earlier this week</a>, that project will involve an outer eastern suburban presence for DoubleTree by Hilton brand.

The 200 room Box Hill project at 874-878 Whitehorse Road was also designed by  Buchan.

Should Buchan's scheme for the Russell Street site be that which has gone to planning, it will be a far cry from their design created for Box Hill. 124-130 Russell Street has been earmarked as a micro hotel by the architecture practice, who enlisted Tokyo-based architecture firm Nikken Sekkei to collaborate on the project's design.

Buchan describes the project as follows:

<blockquote>
130 Russell Street will challenge the current market offering by creating a unique product when built.

The design features well-thought out, efficiently planned Japanese style guest rooms. These link with generous communal spaces based on Melbourne’s renowned food and beverage offers.

A joint project between Buchan and our alliance partner Nikken Sekkei, 130 Russell Street reflects a meeting of the Eastern and Western minds. It showcases Japanese innovation, attention to detail, and craftsmanship coupled with Australian efficiency, experience and quality of life.

The boutique hotel features small rooms, balanced with big public spaces. It includes modern restaurants and bars, basement nightclub and a rooftop bar with unhindered city views, designed for social travellers.

It is a literal example of the ‘living like a local’ trend. This interprets where an apartment is often a place to sleep, and the public spaces are where one spends the majority of their time. 

Currently, the trend in other major urban centres, the introduction of the micro hotel concept to Melbourne will further strengthen Melbourne’s reputation as a world-class, cosmopolitan city.
</blockquote>

Whatever form the Russell Street development takes, it will be inserting itself into an increasingly active development market.

The generally excellent performance of hotels across Melbourne's CBD has prompted many developers to turn their attention to hotel development in favour of residential pursuits. 124-130 Russell Street is the fourteenth current hotel development noted within The Urban Project Database.

Of the fourteen, only three are under construction, suggesting that the bulk of Melbourne's CBD hotel development will transpire over coming years.

Lead image: Savills
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Russell Street's Theosophical Society building sees new hotel application

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VCAT has handed down decisions in recent weeks regarding two major developments in Melbourne's suburbs.

Last week the tribunal ruled on a proposal for Brunswick's 8 Ballarat Street. The Plus Architecture-designed apartment building included 147 apartments and 158 car parking spaces as originally submitted; apartments in the 8 level proposal are split between 50 single bedroom and 97 double bedroom options.

Developer 8 Ballarat Street Pty Ltd challenged Moreland City Council's conditions for the substantial development, one of which would have seen the top two floors sheared off the design.

In light of amended plans amended plans prepared by Plus Architecture, the full 8 level form was given the green light, albeit with reworked setbacks across upper levels. 

Now approved, 8 Ballarat Street joins the hundreds of additionally approved apartments across a gamut of residential projects that have yet to be delivered across Brunswick. VCAT's decision may also influence future intentions for the adjoining 10 Ballarat Street which was offered for sale during 2017.

Across a 4,247 square metre land plot, the site's sale was handled by Colliers and came with indicative design also spanning 8 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/image3ballarat.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="8 Ballarat Street alongside a conceptual 10 Ballarat Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="205" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image3ballarat.jpg?itok=ilsbYmh-" title="8 Ballarat Street alongside a conceptual 10 Ballarat Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>8 Ballarat Street alongside a conceptual 10 Ballarat Street</figcaption></figure>Meanwhile, VCAT last month also ruled in favour of a major stand-alone Box Hill hotel development.

LongRiver Group can now make good on the prospect of delivering a DoubleTree by Hlton onsite. The Buchan Group's design sees a woven facade over the tower's 25 levels. Expected within the tower are 200 rooms according to Development and Project Manager APP.

VCAT for their part noted that Whitehorse City Council did not object to this proposal on the basis of the appropriateness of the land use, but on grounds relating to the appropriate level of car parking required to service the project.

With conditions ruled upon, the design at 874-878 Whitehorse Road can join LongRiver Group's other Box Hill tower, namely <a href="/buildings/east-central-tower-820-whitehorse-road-box-hill">East Central Tower</a> at 820 Whitehorse Road.

<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/image4_20.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Buchan Group's woven facade across 874-878 Whitehorse Road"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="290" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image4_20.jpg?itok=VyzZ_wmV" title="Buchan Group's woven facade across 874-878 Whitehorse Road" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Buchan Group's woven facade across 874-878 Whitehorse Road</figcaption></figure>
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VCAT rules in favour of two major Melbourne developments

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Last week alone three new hotels were confirmed for Melbourne, adding to the seemingly unrelenting boom in hotel development which has and will continue to deliver thousands of new rooms/suites citywide.

Competition between design practices and developers to attract these new hotel operators is intense, and much along the lines of Melbourne's residential market, the competition and desire to discern one development from another has seen hotel design taken strides forward in terms of sophistication.

DKO Architecture is currently enjoying immense success in hotel design, not only locally but on a pan-Asian scale. Of the three hotels revealed last week, DKO is responsible for designing Hyatt Place Melbourne Springvale.

<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/image211_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="DKO Architecture's newly unveiled Springvale influence"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="481" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image211_0.jpg?itok=7mEUKAOn" title="DKO Architecture's newly unveiled Springvale influence" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>DKO Architecture's newly unveiled Springvale influence</figcaption></figure>On the intersection of Springvale, Centre and Dandenong Roads, and situated within the Monash Employment and Innovation Cluster, Hyatt Place Melbourne Springvale will see a 200-key hotel completed by 2020. DKO Architecture's Springvale project is in addition to two Marriott hotels and two boutique hotels under their design control.

Their gaggle of Melbourne hotel projects, which includes a forthcoming Southbank announcement, is in addition to a strong current catalogue of 4-star hotels designs throughout South East Asia and New Zealand.

DKO Architecture have noted that the ability to swiftly adapt to changing user preferences has seen their work in the hotel design field bloom. Their response has been to take a bolder stance regarding hotel design, whilst also "acknowledging and anticipating future design trends in the hotel market."

One such trend has been the rise of the Chinese tourist which continues to propel visitor numbers, whilst also changing the nature of hotel design; DKO Architecture note that a greater emphasis is now placed on food and beverage offerings. In a broader sense, the practice notes that "hotel design trends evolving to become more personalised, connected, and flexible enough to address different cultures with growing tourism."

<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/fourpoint_dko-24645_preview.jpeg" rel="gallery-all" title="Four Points by Sheraton Melbourne Docklands"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/fourpoint_dko-24645_preview.jpeg?itok=Afa_bNrB" title="Four Points by Sheraton Melbourne Docklands" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Four Points by Sheraton Melbourne Docklands</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
Hotels are incredibly complex buildings as there are so many different components: back of house, front of house, restaurants and bars (that often need to be used in different ways throughout the day). Therefore flexibility of space becomes increasingly important in addressing the needs of different tourism markets such as the Chinese.

Why do we have so much Hotel work? We understand that from a design point of view, the hotel in Docklands needs to feel different to a hotel in South Yarra and through Sydney.

At DKO we have a lot of apartment projects which has translated to apartment/hotels in a single project with serviced apartments. But more and more this is translating to stand alone hotels with increased tourism.
<cite>DKO Architecture’s Principal, Koos de Keijzer</cite>
</blockquote>

The aforementioned food and beverage offerings are pivotal as around 50% of hotel revenue currently being generated is via food and beverage offerings, with predictions seeing that figure rise to 80% by 2020.

Fewer guests are choosing to work in their rooms, leaning toward communal spaces which in part has led to the mushrooming of ancillary revenues. 

<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/image171.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Four Points by Sheraton Melbourne Docklands"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="869" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image171.jpg?itok=K-53BLp5" title="Four Points by Sheraton Melbourne Docklands" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Four Points by Sheraton Melbourne Docklands</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
This trend assists with the rising food and beverage revenue. 
From a design perspective, we need to be mindful as to the flexibility of the space. For example, the breakfast space is often hidden away following service then goes into a la carte. Food and Beverage will help create identity for a venue.

It has it owns story, its own aesthetic.
<cite>Michael Drescher, DKO Interior Design Director</cite>
</blockquote>

Hotels have also strayed away from "template-style design" to be more reflective of their locations. 

The hotel room/suite is also experiencing change with DKO Architecture noting that open bathrooms are on the outer, whilst flexibility is key to catering for differing cultural backgrounds. Hand in hand with flexibility is an increased design aesthetic, which in the case of DKO Architecture's recently completed Four Points by Sheraton Melbourne Docklands has resulted in a brooding design outcome.

<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/image167_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Docklands' Four Points by Sheraton interior"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="385" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image167_1.jpg?itok=MCGshUiB" title="Docklands' Four Points by Sheraton interior" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Docklands' Four Points by Sheraton interior</figcaption></figure>
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DKO Architecture on the changing face of hotel design

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InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG) last week announced plans for a dual-branded hotel as part of a $200 million redevelopment of The Walk Arcade.

The announcement was made at the 9th annual Australasian Hotel Industry Conference and Exhibition (AHICE) held in Melbourne and will see the Holiday Inn and Hotel Indigo brands occupy the development after IHG signed a long-term agreement with Singapore-based investor Hua Sin Tay's Focus Ventures.

Upon completion in 2022, the development will become the first Australian dual-branded hotel, consisting of 272 keys for Holiday Inn Melbourne Bourke Street Mall and a further 181 keys for Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins.

<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/duel-signing-render.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Holiday Inn and Hotel Indigo are coming to Bourke Street Mall. Images: AFR"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="471" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/duel-signing-render.jpg?itok=-LAA0oQs" title="Holiday Inn and Hotel Indigo are coming to Bourke Street Mall. Images: AFR" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Holiday Inn and Hotel Indigo are coming to Bourke Street Mall. Images: AFR</figcaption></figure>Onsite amenities will include Food and Beverage outlets, a gym, meeting spaces and a unique guest lobby and room experience for each brand.

Urban.com.au highlighted <a href="/news/updated-designs-for-the-walk-arcade-hotel-revealed">updated designs</a> for the Walk Arcade redevelopment earlier this year, after site owner Hua Sin Tay, submitted plans to redevelop The Walk Arcade which runs from Bourke Street Mall to Little Collins Street. The developer acquiried the site in 1993 for $18 million.  

The dual-branded property will be near IHG's new Holiday Inn Express slated to open on Little Collins Street in 2020.

<blockquote>
With such a large property and sought-after location, dual branding makes perfect sense. IHG has experience with dual branded properties in other markets, including the Hotel Indigo and Holiday Inn Express in Singapore Katong, and a dual-branded EVEN Hotel and Holiday Inn Express planned for Auckland in 2020.

We are excited to bring Hotel Indigo’s neighbourhood story and Holiday Inn’s Joy of Travel together to provide guests of all types with the experience that appeals to them. 
This long-term deal means Hotel Indigo and Holiday Inn will have presence in the heart of Melbourne CBD for many years to come.

- Abhijay Sandilya, IHG’s senior director of development 
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
Much consideration has been put into the plans to transform the property into an iconic Melbourne site that complements its strategic location. Together with our consultants, we have put forth a combined retail and hotel site plan that is able to attract top retailers from around the world. 
The new hotel/retail development is projected to attract over $100 million of annual spending by visitors and shoppers. In addition, it will create over 1,000 new direct jobs and 900 indirect jobs for the State. 

- Tony Tai, spokesperson for Focus Ventures Pty Ltd
</blockquote>

IHG has nearly 800,000 guest rooms and more than 5,300 hotels across nearly 100 countries. IHG's portfolio of brands, includes Candlewood Suites, Crowne Plaza, Even Hotels, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Hotel Indigo, Hualuxe, InterContinental, Kimpton Hotels and Resorts and Staybridge Suites.

Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins will become the second Hotel Indigo to open in Melbourne with Salta Properties developing a 170 room Hotel Indigo as part of their mixed-use development at 695-699 La Trobe Street in Docklands adjacent to Etihad Stadium and Harbour Esplanade.

<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/hotel_indigo_docklands.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Salta Properties' 695 LaTrobe Street project will also include the Hotel Indigo brand. Image: Salta Properties"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="362" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/hotel_indigo_docklands.jpg?itok=RJFY7caj" title="Salta Properties' 695 LaTrobe Street project will also include the Hotel Indigo brand. Image: Salta Properties" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Salta Properties' 695 LaTrobe Street project will also include the Hotel Indigo brand. Image: Salta Properties</figcaption></figure>No two Hotel Indigo properties are the same, with each drawing on the story of its local area to inspire every aspect of the hotel to help guests feel part of the destination.

That’s why Melbourne’s Little Collins Street is perfectly suited to showcase the story of Melbourne’s laneways. Holiday Inn Melbourne Bourke Street Mall will join the 16 Holiday Inn hotels operating across Australasia, including Holiday Inn Melbourne on Flinders.

Lead Image: CBD News
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Laurence Dragomir

Hotel Indigo and Holiday Inn to open in Walk Arcade redevelopment

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The decade-long bid to redevelop a vacant Downier Street site will come to fruition at the hand of <a href="/developers/little-projects-co">Little Projects</a>, with Hyatt Hotels Corporation signing on for their first Melbourne location.

Little Projects' intentions for a hotel development onsite were flagged last month, although the developer was reluctant to name the operator subject to agreements being finalised. Hyatt Centric Melbourne will include 278 guestrooms and suites, and is anticipated to be open for business during 2020.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation's take up of the Downie Street project continues the unparalleled flow of new hotel brands and capacity into <a href="/new-apartments/melbourne-vic">Melbourne's CBD</a>; this week IHG has also confirmed a new dual presence Holiday Inn and Hotel Indigo for a pending Bourke Street development.

Little Projects secured the Downie Street site during mid 2017 after the 1,187 square metre site had been offered for sale with a permit in place for a 30-storey <a href="/architects/peddle-thorp-architects">Peddle Thorp</a>-designed apartment tower of 255 apartments. Over a decade ago the site was intended to be home to Archer Apartments, a 35-storey building designed by <a href="/architects/edgard-pirrotta-architects">Edgard Pirrotta Architects</a>.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image168_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Archer. Image: Edgard Pirrotta Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="425" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image168_1.jpg?itok=xOtZ8plp" title="The Archer. Image: Edgard Pirrotta Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Archer. Image: Edgard Pirrotta Architects</figcaption></figure>Although marketing began for that project, it never came to fruition.

After their purchase, Little Projects took the approved scheme back to planning with the intent of adding another hotel to Melbourne's burgeoning hotel sector. The amended design was given the green light last month and will adhere to the previously approved development envelope championed by Peddle Thorp Architects, although the newly reworked design is credited to <a href="/architects/architectus">Architectus</a>.

For Hyatt Hotels Corporation the Downie Street project adds to the existing Melbourne portfolio.

Hyatt Centric will supplement long-established outlets Park Hyatt Melbourne and Grand Hyatt Melbourne, plus Hyatt Place at <a href="/new-apartments/essendon-fields-vic-3041">Essendon Fields</a>. The latter $60 million project was completed during 2017 and remains Australia's sole Hyatt Place.

On the agreement with Hyatt Hotels Corporation and the renaissance of Melbourne CBD's western precinct, Little Projects head Paul Little stated:

<blockquote>
Finally, we have our answer to the Paris-end of Collins Street; what we have long seen as the developing end of the city is now presenting as a rival precinct in its own right. We are in the early stages of this change in perception and appreciation for an area of Melbourne that is only really just starting to unlock its potential.

Our Hyatt Centric Hotel brings together the existing advantages of a location that provides just enough breathing space from the city’s central business district, yet makes no sacrifices on amenities or hospitality offerings and boasts a culture unlike anything this city has ever known.

Couple the appetite for a more youthful hotel offering with a brand like Hyatt Centric and a location like Downie Street and the opportunity becomes evident.
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image167_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hobart's Hyatt Centric. Image: Hotel Management"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="811" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image167_0.jpg?itok=utBy27dg" title="Hobart's Hyatt Centric. Image: Hotel Management" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hobart's Hyatt Centric. Image: Hotel Management</figcaption></figure>The Downie Street presence will be the second Hyatt Centric for Australia after Hyatt Hotels and Resorts last year formalised a deal to launch the brand in Hobart.

Backed by Elizabeth Tasmania Pty Ltd, that project will see a 20 storey tower delivered with 221-guestrooms set over 17 levels in addition to a restaurant, bar/lounge and meeting facilities over lower floors.

Local firm JAWS Architects were appointed for the design, alongside Sydney-based Dreamtime Australia Design who was charged with the project's interior design.

With Hutchinson Builders are taking on the Hobart built, a contractor for Melbourne's Downie Street has yet to be announced although Little Projects expect site works to <a href="https://www.littleprojects.com.au/2018/04/23/downie-paul-little-gets-green-light-30-storey-melbourne-cbd-hotel/">begin this month</a>.
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Little Projects lands Hyatt Centric for Downie Street

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The push to develop a major Mascot site is gaining momentum as developer Savelle seeks renewed approval for a mixed-use project.

Bayside Council fielded a development application for 5-11 Ewan Street &amp; 342 King Street, Mascot during March. The latest plans come on the back two separate approvals for the site granted during 2012 and 2015, with the current application adjusting the project's intended uses.

Gone is a sizeable serviced apartment component, with Savelle instead favouring 187 dedicated hotel rooms and suites. New to the project is the inclusion of 12,192 square metres of commercial office space.

Located in the southern reaches of the Mascot Station Town Centre Precinct, the sprawling 10,590 square metre site is already under construction with contractor Taylor <a href="http://taylorau.com.au/projects/king-street-carpark-mascot/">undertaking the project's initial phase</a>. Taylor's role is a design and construct program which will see the delivery of 750 parking bays 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/image27_15.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Phase One is at construction. Image: Taylor"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="229" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image27_15.jpg?itok=EVYo0W-N" title="Phase One is at construction. Image: Taylor" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Phase One is at construction. Image: Taylor</figcaption></figure>5-11 Ewan Street's proximity to Sydney Airport is set to see it become the area's largest off-airport car park upon completion, accommodating 1,610 vehicles with the balance to be built during the second phase of construction.

Design practice Vanovac Tuon Architects are driving the project, providing active uses to either frontage with the car park structure mid-site. The northern frontage to King Street will include the bulk of the project's size, amenities and services; they include meeting rooms, a break-out area, gym, hotel and commercial lobby/reception areas and a cafe.

The smaller southern aspect fronting Ewan Street includes retail tenancies at ground level with office space above. A new auditorium is also included under the latest plans, primarily allocated to hotel use; it will have a capacity of 500 seats. 

Australian Nursing &amp; Midwifery Federation New South Wales signage appears across the commercial component of the development, suggesting that the body may absorb an amount of space within the development.

<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/image30_12.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="ANMF signage is atop the commercial component. Planning image: VT Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="388" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image30_12.jpg?itok=HC14ADnS" title="ANMF signage is atop the commercial component. Planning image: VT Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>ANMF signage is atop the commercial component. Planning image: VT Architects</figcaption></figure>Developer, architect and builder are active elsewhere within Mascot, as evidenced by 338 King Street on the adjoining lot. Savelle and Vanovac Tuon Architects teamed to create the 12 level building dubbed King Apartments which allows buyers the option of sole private retention, short term leasing or dual key operation.

Taylor meanwhile is at the tail end of construction of Goodman Group's Connect Corporate mixed-use development nearby.

After building the initial two stages, Taylor is nearing completion of the 9 level building that includes office space supplemented by retail and showroom tenancies. Additional office space and a Pullman Hotel with 229 rooms were included in the first two stages of Connect Corporate.

Savelle's intended hotel along with a string of recently completed hotel developments within Mascot are aimed at absorbing the latent demand for short term accommodation in close proximity to Sydney Airport.

<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/image33_13.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="King Apartments. Image: Savelle"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="407" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image33_13.jpg?itok=HQfQekwJ" title="King Apartments. Image: Savelle" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>King Apartments. Image: Savelle</figcaption></figure>
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Savelle supersize their Mascot mixed-use development

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Another of Melbourne's expansive list of hotel and serviced apartment developments has reached completion.

Located at the western end of the expanded Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre precinct, the $150 million Novotel Melbourne South Wharf is now open for business. The distinct golden-clad tower is 26 storeys high and accommodates 347 guestrooms and suites.

Its design is a collaborative effort with Woods Bagot and NH Architecture accounting for the overall form, whilst Woods Bagot and Fender Katsalidis divided interior design duties.

<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/p4041404.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Novotel Melbourne South Wharf upon completion. Image: Redden"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/p4041404.jpg?itok=TE_B-ZOL" title="Novotel Melbourne South Wharf upon completion. Image: Redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Novotel Melbourne South Wharf upon completion. Image: Redden</figcaption></figure>Delivered by Probuild, multinational hotel group AccorHotels which operates the Novotel brand was quick to point out the hotel's new features at handover. Hotel General Manager Glen Erickson said "Novotel Melbourne South Wharf is redefining the four-star hotel experience by providing an exceptional level of amenity, along with the most stringent customer service standards.

Our location also brings together unrivalled access to modern conferencing and events facilities, with the energy and atmosphere of a dynamic, city-fringe precinct rich in history."

<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/image4_19.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Novotel Melbourne South Wharf's bar scene. Image: Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image4_19.jpg?itok=OWYMf_Ee" title="Novotel Melbourne South Wharf's bar scene. Image: Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Novotel Melbourne South Wharf's bar scene. Image: Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure>The completion of Novotel Melbourne South Wharf diminishes by one the number of active hotel or serviced apartment developments currently being tracked by Apartments.com.au. Of the 38 still in development, another has flouted its design credentials.

Developer Capital Alliance has released new imagery of the first Marriott to be built in Australia in 20 years.

In conjunction with DKO Architecture, Capital Alliance intend for Marriott Docklands to be a showcase of contemporary hotel design. Reflective of current trends, the development is a step away from a previous generation of hotel design in that many features considered to be the norm have been superseded.

<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/image5_15.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Marriott's intended poolside bar. Image: Capital Alliance"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="384" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image5_15.jpg?itok=WT9yzArH" title="The Marriott's intended poolside bar. Image: Capital Alliance" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Marriott's intended poolside bar. Image: Capital Alliance</figcaption></figure>The development team is positioning the new Marriott as "showcasing a design that boldly illustrates the evolution of the traditional five-star hotel for a new generation of traveller who lives, works and plays much differently." Carpet, branding and desks are on the outer with timber flooring, beds sitting atop frames and exposed joinery included.

In many ways, the new Marriott Docklands interior design mirrors the latest in luxury apartments trends, and employs a higher degree of communal spaces. The 200 rooms are supplemented by a 28-metre rooftop infinity pool and adjoining bar, a ground-level bar, restaurant and cafe, all of which are open to hotel guests, residents and the public.

Marriott International senior director development for the Australia-Pacific region Richard Crawford reinforces the design path taken by the development team. "We’ve reinvented the hotel room as we’ve found that hotel guests don’t use desks in hotel rooms, preferring to lounge on beds or sofas or work in well-designed communal spaces with a relaxed atmosphere.

Our guests do have a strong appreciation of great design and want to stay in high-end hotels that are luxurious while also reflecting the unique character of their location."

Part of a wider mixed-use development, Marriott Docklands is expected to begin construction this year with an eye toward a late 2020 completion date.

<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/image6_19.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rendered aspect of Marriott docklands' entrance. Image: Capital Alliance"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="338" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image6_19.jpg?itok=0UpUos6U" title="Rendered aspect of Marriott docklands' entrance. Image: Capital Alliance" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rendered aspect of Marriott docklands' entrance. Image: Capital Alliance</figcaption></figure>
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Two new Melbourne hotels flaunt their design credentials

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Coral Sea Resort, one of the tourist destinations at Airlie Beach, has been listed for sale.
CBRE Hotels have been appointed to market the four-star resort on behalf of Sydney-based owner Darrol Norman. 
The 25 Ocean View Avenue holding comprises 60 large guest suites, with a total inventory of 73 keys in the resort letting pool, conference and function facilities, tour desk, gazebo, private jetty, and the Clipper Restaurant and Lounge.
CBRE Queensland Director Paul Fraser said the asset has been held by the same owner for over 20 years.
"The family has now decided to divest their prized asset to focus on retirement," Fraser said.
"This is a quality hotel which presents exceptionally well, having been maintained with constant capital expenditure.
"The resort has an unrivalled location, positioned on a 7,521 square metre ocean front site between the CBD and Abell Point Marina and offering spectacular views over the Coral Sea coastline.
"It is arguably the best site in the Airlie Beach region," Fraser added.
Offers for the Coral Sea Resort close April 12.
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Coral Sea Resort at Airlie Beach listed for sale

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Monash City Council has provided Salta's latest pursuit within their Nexus Corporate mixed-use precinct a Notice of Decision to Grant a Planning Permit, with final approval little more than a formality. Last month Apartments.com.au <a href="/news/salta-pursues-mulgraves-first-hotel">outlined</a> the mixed-use proposal at 12 Nexus Court, which now stands to become Mulgrave's tallest building.

Indicative renders suggest that Tribe Hotel Group may have earmarked Salta Properties' intended Mulgrave mixed-use development as their second Melbourne port of call.

<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/image92_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="12 Nexus Court in full. Planning image: Gray Puksand / Technē"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="684" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image92_3.jpg?itok=68C163kW" title="12 Nexus Court in full. Planning image: Gray Puksand / Technē" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>12 Nexus Court in full. Planning image: Gray Puksand / Technē</figcaption></figure>139 residential hotel rooms are expected within the 'pod' aspect of the building designed jointly between Gray Puksand and Technē.

The application documents presented for approval sees the building sporting Tribe signage on the distinctive bronze hotel component, although no agreement between either developer or hotel operator has been publicly announced.

<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/image93_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="12 Nexus Court rendered in place alongside the Monash. Planning image: Gray Puksand / Technē"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="371" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image93_5.jpg?itok=_Z5_pknh" title="12 Nexus Court rendered in place alongside the Monash. Planning image: Gray Puksand / Technē" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>12 Nexus Court rendered in place alongside the Monash. Planning image: Gray Puksand / Technē</figcaption></figure>What isn't in doubt is Tribe Hotel Group nominating Collingwood as their first Melbourne location.

Earlier this year the relatively new yet bullish hotel operator entered into a joint partnership with Salta Properties and Victor Smorgon Group, with an eye toward <a href="https://www.traveldailynews.asia/tribe-hotel-group-acquires-property-site-from-peregrine-pro">developing 60 Langridge Street</a>. Fellow developer Peregrine Projects divested itself of the 1,056 square metre Collingwood site late last year, which formed part of a larger land holding.

Colliers agent Guy Wells said the following of the Tribe Collingwood project:

<blockquote>
Given the surrounding lifestyle amenity of Smith and Gertrude Streets and the ongoing office development in the area, with over 30,000m2 of office to be developed in the short to medium term, Collingwood has been sought after by numerous hotel developers and operators.

A Tribe hotel will work seamlessly with the growing corporate and existing leisure market in the Collingwood area.
</blockquote>

The Collingwood, and potentially Mulgrave Tribe Hotel locations follow on from the operator's first Australian property in Perth which opened during June last year, and includes 126 hotel rooms across 7 levels. Tribe Hotel Group's expansion plans have reportedly seen the operator acquire sites in Hobart and Adelaide as well.

<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/a20170817121120.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="60 Langridge Street has been hived off a larger development site. Image: CRE"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/a20170817121120.jpg?itok=k-V_d00X" title="60 Langridge Street has been hived off a larger development site. Image: CRE" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>60 Langridge Street has been hived off a larger development site. Image: CRE</figcaption></figure>
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