South East Queensland developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Group</a> has commenced construction on its $240 million Flourish <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/symphony-south-brisbane-21-23-cordelia-street-south-brisbane-qld-4101">Symphony</a>, its debut Brisbane apartment development.

They've already sold 86 of the 134 apartments, around $134 million worth of sales.&nbsp;

Sherpa Group, headed by property industry veteran Christie Leet, has tapped into the much-needed affordable residential model at a time when apartment prices have grown exponentially across the region.

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“We are so pleased to officially be breaking ground at Symphony after such an extraordinary run of sales, demonstrating the demand for high-quality, affordable apartments in the southeast Queensland apartment sector,” Leet said.&nbsp;

Symphony will deliver 138 apartments across 27 levels, offering a vast array of spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom residences.

Sales were largely driven by local Brisbane buyers who accounted for 45 per cent of the purchases, SEQ buyers made up a further 35 per cent, as well as first home buyers who made up 12 per cent of the total.

“It’s been fantastic to see so many locals and first-home buyers at Symphony – that’s what Flourish is about, giving the community a real opportunity to secure a home," Leet added.

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Residents will have access to the renowned Flourish rooftop, which showcases a wellness and recreation area spanning more than 1,400 sqm across two levels, with all amenities designed to foster community, connection and wellbeing among residents.

The rooftop will showcase a heated pool, steam room, saunas, and hot and cold plunge pools; work from home spaces, private treatment room, pool deck cabanas and private outdoor BBQ areas.

There will also be a private dining room and residents’ lounge, a fully equipped gym and yoga studio, and panoramic views of the Brisbane skyline and Mt Coot-tha.

The start of construction follows closely behind Sherpa’s successful run in Palm Beach, with Flourish Amargo 85% sold, and Flourish Oasis now launched to market.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7574 project_image_fid=351653]

“We hope to carry the strong momentum from our Flourish Palm Beach projects, as we step into our Brisbane chapter,” Leet said

“Flourish is truly about delivering attainable, lifestyle-focused apartments, and we are thrilled to Symphony resonate with so many buyers in Brisbane.”

Located at 21–23 Cordelia Street, Symphony is strategically positioned at the junction of South Bank, West End, and Fish Lane, at the heart of Brisbane’s entertainment, dining and leisure precinct. The location also offers exceptional walkability to QPAC, galleries, riverside parklands, the CBD, major universities, hospitals, and transport hubs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7574 project_image_fid=5155]

Sherpa have teamed up with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/lps-group">LPS Group</a> to deliver Symphony, which is expected to be completed in Q3 2028.

Sherpa Group has been among the most prolific developers on the Gold Coast in recent years, undertaking 15 projects since 2018. The company now has seven projects in Palm Beach, with four of them under the Flourish brand that is delivering affordable beachside luxury for one of the most undersupplied markets on the Gold Coast.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7574]

Joel Robinson

Sherpa Group breaks ground on $240 million Symphony apartment development in Brisbane

Construction is underway at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/kings-lane-south-kingsville-50-58-new-street-south-kingsville-vic-3015">Kings Lane</a>, a boutique townhouse development by local developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/blue-run">Blue Run</a> in Melbourne’s inner-west suburb of South Kingsville, with completion targeted for Q3 2026.

The 25-residence project is taking shape at 56 New Street, responding to sustained demand for low-density, family-oriented housing in established inner-urban locations where standalone homes have increasingly moved out of reach.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145042 project_image_fid=355141]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, Kings Lane comprises a mix of three and four-bedroom townhouses, all-electric and arranged to prioritise privacy, internal space, and long-term liveability. The homes are priced from $995,000, positioning the project among a shrinking cohort of new-build townhouses within eight kilometres of the Melbourne CBD.&nbsp;

The architecture and interiors reflect Rothelowman’s focus on practical, enduring design. Kitchens are configured as central living spaces with porcelain benchtops, Fisher &amp; Paykel appliances, and generous island benches, while bathrooms and ensuites incorporate skylights, double vanities, and full-sized baths. Across the homes, layouts emphasise efficient circulation and clearly defined living and sleeping zones.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145042 project_image_fid=355144]

Sustainability has been embedded into the project’s construction and performance profile. Each residence is fully electric, supported by rooftop solar, double glazing, and water-sensitive urban design measures. The development will achieve a 7-Star NatHERS rating, with EV charging provisions included to support future household needs.

Landscape design by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/john-patrick-landscape-architects">John Patrick Landscape Architects</a> introduces private courtyards and shared green spaces, using layered planting and native species to enhance privacy while reinforcing a sense of neighbourhood connection.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145042 project_image_fid=355140]

Kings Lane is located just off Blackshaws Road, within walking distance of the Vernon Street shopping strip and the emerging Union Quarter retail precinct. Broader amenity is provided by nearby centres including Altona Gate, Yarraville Square, and Williamstown’s retail strip, while Edwards Reserve and Newport Lakes offer accessible green space.

Transport connectivity remains a key drawcard, with Spotswood Station within walking distance and the West Gate Freeway only a short drive away. Recent major infrastructure upgrades associated with the West Gate Tunnel project have further improved access to the CBD and Melbourne Airport.&nbsp;

With construction now underway and delivery forecast for Q3 2026, Kings Lane adds to a limited pipeline of new townhouse supply in the inner-west.

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Construction underway at Blue Run’s Kings Lane townhouse project in South Kingsville

Developer Polycell has commenced the sales campaign for its highly-anticipated redevelopment of the Sandpiper Resort in Broadbeach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/sandpiper-broadbeach-155-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">Sandpiper</a>, a new 51-storey tower on Old Burleigh Road, is yet to officially launch to the public, but&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/motiv">MOTIV</a>&nbsp;have already secured over $300 million in sales through its pre-market coming soon campaign.

Nearly 100 of the 204 apartments have been snapped up in the space of four weeks.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149910 project_image_fid=360186]

“We’ve seen strong early momentum for Sandpiper through a highly curated, VIP-only campaign, well ahead of the full public launch,” said Carly Cottam, Director at MOTIV.

“That response speaks to the depth of demand we’re seeing from design-literate buyers who are actively seeking a more refined coastal lifestyle in Broadbeach.”&nbsp;

The interest to date has come from a mix of downsizers, interstate lifestyle buyers from NSW and Victoria, and short-term investors seeking flexible, well-appointed holiday homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149910 project_image_fid=360185]

Rising just shy of 200 metres above Old Burleigh Road, Sandpiper comprises 204 two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments, as well as an exclusive range of half and full floor residences from levels 42 and above.

Residences are offered across two distinct tiers: the Classic Residences, which deliver resort-style living with curated services and Level 4 amenity access; and the Private Residences, located from Level 26 upward, offering elevated finishes and exclusive access to two more levels of wellness retreat.&nbsp;

Buyers will have the option of&nbsp;two light palettes (white or green stone) and one dark palette (black stone), along with premium inclusions such as optional ZipTap systems and timber flooring upgrades. Upper level residences benefit from full stone benchtops and enhanced detailing, reinforcing the project’s commitment to understated elegance.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149910 project_image_fid=360200]

A major point of difference for Sandpiper lies in its wellness and lifestyle amenity, designed to rival top-tier branded residences, without the hotel badge. All residents will have access to the Level 4 retreat, which includes a magnesium lagoon pool, gym, yoga room, steam and sauna, hot and cold plunge pools, treatment suites, BBQ areas, indoor and outdoor lounges, private dining and games rooms.

Above, the Residents’ Club, exclusive to Private Residence owners, spans two entire levels and features another pool, further wellness zones, a zen garden, personal training gym, office suites, cinema, music studio, library, club lounge and multiple entertaining spaces.

Further reinforcing this sense of exclusivity, Sandpiper has been thoughtfully designed with separate entrances, lobbies and lift cores for the Classic and Private Residences, ensuring privacy for the upper residence-only levels and a seamless arrival experience.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149910 project_image_fid=360190]

“This momentum builds on the proven success of The Rochester Broadbeach, which continues to progress ahead of programme,” Cottam added.

“That delivery performance has been critical in reinforcing buyer confidence and further cements Polycell’s strength as both developer and builder in this market.”&nbsp;

With demolition underway and development approval secured, Sandpiper is on track to commence main construction in late July 2026, following the completion of demolition. Final completion of the project is forecast for July 2030.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149910]

Expression of interest begins at Sandpiper Broadbeach as demolition of former holiday resort begins

The 10-year Latent Defects Insurance (LDI) policy, now one of the most important considerations on an off-the-plan apartment buyer’s checklist, has expanded its growing presence to another Sydney suburb.

Norwest-based developer Haitchin Group has secured the policy through Resilience Insurance for its recently launched Hornsby project, Habitat. The cover will protect the development’s 67 apartment owners against structural and waterproofing defects that may arise within the first 10 years after completion.

Located just 200 metres from Westfield Hornsby, Habitat will also include two retail tenancies and 15 commercial suites, creating additional opportunities for investors and owner-occupiers while contributing to the vibrancy of the surrounding precinct.

Read more: <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/what-is-latent-defects-insurance-and-is-it-bringing-confidence-to-the-off-the-plan-apartment-market">What is Latent Defects Insurance and is it bringing confidence to the off the plan apartment market?</a>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6784 project_image_fid=360113]

PRD Norwest Director David Inkster, who is managing sales for Habitat, said today’s buyers are seeking certainty and quality above all else.

“Location, reliable delivery teams and confidence in the finished product are paramount,” Inkster said.

“Buyers want proximity to retail, transport and green space, and reassurance that both the developer and builder have proven track records.”

He added that initiatives such as Latent Defects Insurance are playing an increasingly important role in restoring confidence among both owner-occupiers and investors by mitigating concerns around major structural issues.

Read more: <a href="https://industry.apartments.com.au/updates/resilience-latent-defect-insurance-protection-runs-hot-in-new-south-wales">Resilience Latent Defect Insurance protection runs hot in New South Wales</a>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6784 project_image_fid=199386]

The development team is pitching Hornsby as a "compelling investment destination", underpinned by strong fundamentals, excellent infrastructure connectivity and a resilient rental market.

With strong rail access, proximity to major retail and employment hubs, and sustained demand from professionals, downsizers and essential workers, Hornsby offers investors an attractive balance of affordability, yield stability and long-term capital growth potential.

Habitat is the first new-build residential development to come to the local market in more than seven years. The undersupply of new housing, particularly three-bedroom apartments, will likely see Habitat's apartments perform well into the future.

“Off-the-plan investors are showing renewed confidence, supported by improving economic conditions and a greater willingness to commit when the right product is offered in the right location," Inkster added.

“The off-the-plan apartment market in Sydney is not just surviving, it’s adapting and evolving in response to buyer needs, setting the stage for a promising revival.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6784 project_image_fid=360123]

Haitchin Group General Manager Rob Tasevski said the vision with Habitat is to deliver a residential address that combines world-class architecture with interiors meticulously designed for owner-occupiers and downsizers, while also offering a compelling proposition for investors seeking stability and long-term value.

“Our previous masterplanned community, Infinity Park, set a new benchmark in the Hills District. With Habitat, we are proud to deliver the first development in Hornsby to offer Latent Defects Insurance, providing purchasers with an additional layer of confidence and security.”

Two-bedroom apartments with a car space are priced from $845,000.

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Hornsby becomes the latest suburb with new apartments backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy

Leading Australian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/homecorp">Homecorp</a> has officially kicked off construction on its $210 million Florence Residences, ushering in the Gold Coast’s next era of wellness-infused luxury as the city continues to top sales charts nationwide.&nbsp;

Rising 26-storeys above the Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach skylines, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/florence-residences-24-monte-carlo-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Florence Residences</a> will deliver 120 curated homes paired with a private residents’ only wellness club including a resort-style rooftop pool, hot and cold plunge pools, a spa retreat, contemporary gymnasium and a spacious yoga and Pilates studio.&nbsp;

The project is anticipated to complete in late 2027.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150414 project_image_fid=357947]

“This project was an opportunity to deliver something truly special for the Gold Coast," said Ron Bakir, Founder and CEO of Homecorp.

"We have listened and we have researched to develop a project that has been designed to meet a powerful shift in what buyers are craving around the world. The wellness residential market is one of Australia’s fastest-growing sectors and we wanted to deliver a place that feels like an escape from the everyday.

“Florence Residences is a community where architecture, lifestyle and wellness converge, designed as a home for the future, one that will truly stand the test of time. A place that can be passed down through generations, in a city where lifestyle never compromises. With construction underway, we mark not just the beginning of a build, but the start of a new era for our buyers, for Surfers Paradise and for the Gold Coast.”

Beyond each residence, the Eastern European-inspired project introduces a holistic lifestyle destination within one of the city’s most exclusive coastal and park-side enclaves, boasting social and community-focused spaces, including a resident-only lounge with private dining and a rooftop bar, premium outdoor entertaining areas, a striking hotel-style lobby lounge, generous bike parking and pet-friendly perks including a heated dog wash.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150414 project_image_fid=357946]

Mayor of the City of the Gold Coast, Councillor Tom Tate, said&nbsp;Florence Residences offers more variety of high-quality product for the Gold Coast, featuring a lot of rare wellness facilities for buyers chasing a lifestyle with a large focus on health.

"This project is one of the best to be bought to our skyline," Tate says.

"This city has something for everyone and in the lead up to the 2032 Olympics, projects like this are important to provide more homes for Gold Coasters."

Buyer demand on the Gold Coast remained exceptionally strong in the third quarter of 2025, with the region home to Australia’s highest-selling residential developments, including Homecorp’s $250 million Cienna Varsity Ridge Stage Two which led national results, selling out all 289 apartments and outperforming more than 161 developments across the country.

“The Gold Coast is truly growing and we have an opportunity to provide not only housing for local residents, but offer a lifestyle that you can’t find anywhere else," Gold Coast Councillor Darren Taylor says.

"From Surfers Paradise to the Gold Coast, those that call this area home are chasing a lifestyle that’s connected with access to the light rail and nestled between the gardens and the iconic coastline.

“Construction commencing at Florence Residences is really exciting for this city. Demand is continuing to soar across the Gold Coast, particularly in Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, and this is a project that is helping to meet that demand.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150414 project_image_fid=357950]

From coastal horizons to Hinterland contours and calm waterways, each residence is framed by a unique outlook that evokes a sense of calm, clarity and connection. Perfectly positioned, the project is just minutes from world-class dining, shopping and entertainment in Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise.

Florence Residences officially launched to the market in late 2025, with prices beginning from $1,249,000.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150414]

Homecorp commences construction on $210 million wellness-infused Florence Residences in Surfers Paradise

K2Ld Architects

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Melbourne-based Chapter Group has underlined its aggressive expansion plans by announcing the acquisition of four separate development sites.

In light of the recent launch of the developer's super luxury <a href="/buildings/ukiyo-2-porter-street-prahran">Ukiyo Prahran</a> apartment project, Chapter Group's unveiling of the four new opportunities is a vote of confidence in Melbourne's apartment sector. Covering Fitzroy, Toorak, Windsor and Armadale, the new prospects carry a combined end value in excess of $400 million.

Fitzroy's 411-421 Smith Street shapes as the largest of the quartet, and will be developed in unison with Abacus Property Group and Crema Group.

The Smith Street holding is a renovated two-storey brick complex leased to Kathmandu &amp; Bellroy, with leases through to 2022. Expected is a mixed-use residential, commercial and retail development spanning the roughly 1,800 square metre site and holding an end value in the $100 million range.

<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/image68a.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="411-421 Smith Street. Image: TCI Teneketzis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="343" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image68a.jpg?itok=vI_ggWwo" title="411-421 Smith Street. Image: TCI Teneketzis" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>411-421 Smith Street. Image: TCI Teneketzis</figcaption></figure>Also on the agenda is a site on Toorak's Malvern Road. Having already partnered with developer Sin Heng Chan on <a href="/buildings/the-springfield-30-springfield-avenue-toorak">The Springfield</a> nearby, the duo have nabbed a 1,450 square metre site at 727-729 Malvern Road with intentions of creating 11 high-end apartments within a build valued at $12 million.

Further sites on Windsor's High Street and Armadale which both run in excess of 2,000 square metres in size are also in the developer's pocket.

According Chapter Group's media statement, the site purchases and intended developments are "congruent with Chapter Group’s vision of providing Melburnians with thoughtful homes that deliver design excellence, outstanding quality and unparalleled liveability. Chapter Group Director Dean Lefkos says " Our aim is to build high-quality projects in super prime locations that will provide residents with long-term gain, as opposed to projects and sites that will simply afford us short-term success.

These suburbs are recognised for their unparalleled lifestyle offering and demonstrated strength in capital growth year on year. Pricing expectations have also favoured within our parameters in recent months with vendors recognising the current environment and more prepared to agree to a reasonable deal."

The quartet of sites is also a boon for K2LD Architects; the practice is responsible for all of Chapter Group's projects to date, and have been nominated as architects for the above sites according to the developer's website.

<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/image70_12.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ukiyo Prahran hero perspective. Image: Chapter Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="338" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image70_12.jpg?itok=fxOFyLgD" title="Ukiyo Prahran hero perspective. Image: Chapter Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ukiyo Prahran hero perspective. Image: Chapter Group</figcaption></figure>In a further sign that Chapter Group is confident in the prospect's of Melbourne's high-end residential sector, Ukiyo Prahran is due to launch its sales campaign.

On the Porter Street, Percy Street and High Street corner, Ukiyo consists of 12 half and full floors apartments, with the top three levels of the ten level building earmarked as penthouses. Ukiyo holds an end value of $40 million and falls into a pocket of Prahran that is seeing a strong level of residential activity, with developers ITUM and SP Setia also pursuing current apartment developments.

Chapter Group's Prahran project also sees retail at ground level plus two full floors dedicated to commercial space.

Ukiyo's living options are split between  2, 3 and 4 bedroom configurations.

<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/image71_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ukiyo Prahran interior. Image: Chapter Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="323" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image71_8.jpg?itok=90O-nvFt" title="Ukiyo Prahran interior. Image: Chapter Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ukiyo Prahran interior. Image: Chapter Group</figcaption></figure>
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silvermb

Chapter Group launches Ukiyo Prahran, adds four new development sites to its portfolio

Burwood Highway&#39;s strengthening apartment market will soon be underscored by a new multi-level Quest Apartment Hotel development.

Crema Constructions has been anointed as the <a href="http://www.crema.com.au/project/quest-apartment-hotels/">builder of choice</a> for the project that has an estimated completion date of&nbsp;February 2019. At&nbsp;315-319 Burwood Highway, the K2LD Architects-designed Burwood East accommodation replaces an earlier purely residential design of roughly 100 apartments that was created by Plus Architecture for the site.

Developer&nbsp;OAM (Aust) Pty Ltd is backing the project that will now see&nbsp;91 Quest Apartments built across the expansive corner site.

<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/image40_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Site specific designs by Plus Architecture and K2LD Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="202" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image40_8.jpg?itok=wPH_ntoU" title="Site specific designs by Plus Architecture and K2LD Architects" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Site specific designs by Plus Architecture and K2LD Architects</figcaption>
</figure>

West of&nbsp;315-319 Burwood Highway lies&nbsp;Deakin University&#39;s Melbourne Burwood Campus and&nbsp;RSPCA Victoria, although Quest will likely be targeting the numerous suburban corporate offices within walking distance, headlined by&nbsp;Motorola Australia and Hewlett Packard.

Currently, <a href="/developments/burwood-east-vic-3151">16 separate projects are sited upon Burwood Highway</a> within the Apartments.com.au Project Database, with further additions pending. All bar Quest&#39;s new endeavour are private residential apartments, amounting to some 738 new dwellings.

Despite the sizeable length of Burwood Highway, the vast majority of these 738 new dwellings are located within Burwood or Burwood East.

Latest to the&nbsp;Apartments.com.au Project Database is what shapes as the area&#39;s biggest proposal, at 380 Burwood Highway.

<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_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hayball's design for 380 Burwood Highway."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="346" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image41_5.jpg?itok=fjmy15Mv" title="Hayball's design for 380 Burwood Highway." width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Hayball&#39;s design for 380 Burwood Highway.</figcaption>
</figure>

Sought for the site is a&nbsp;ten level mixed-use building that would account for the well known China Bar Signature restaurant.

Designed by Hayball and submitted for planning during August of last year, the new 380 Burwood Highway would include 122 apartments, an education centre, various green/outdoor terraces, 1,405&nbsp;square metres of office space&nbsp;and 3,050 square metres of retail/restricted retail space.

China Bar Signature is slated to take up a first floor tenancy of 1,109 square metres in the new building.

Covering a triangular 5,047 square metre site,&nbsp;380 Burwood Highway would be the area&#39;s tallest building if approved.

Quest boosts an expanding Burwood Highway development scene

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When K2LD Architects were commissioned to design a new school in Bendigo they turned to the students for inspiration.  Armed with crayons, it wasn't long before the limitations of architecture and design were being tested with notions of space ships, floating desks and lickable wallpaper.

After a great deal of sketching, the children collectively decided that it was only fitting their new school, which is located on Maple Street in the Bendigo suburb of Golden Square, took inspiration from a tree house.

Golden Square Primary Principal Barry Goode says that "children are particularly sensitive to change, so we felt involving them in the process from the beginning would ease the transition and foster a sense of ownership over their new school". The new Golden Square Primary School is the result of merging to campuses on to a single site.

<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/golden_square_primary_094.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Golden Square Primary School in Bendigo - image supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/golden_square_primary_094.jpg?itok=ZMJ_uORu" title="Golden Square Primary School in Bendigo - image supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Golden Square Primary School in Bendigo - image supplied</figcaption></figure>The school consists of a central administration and specialist building which houses reception, office, art, library and staff facilities and is flanked by two double storey buildings in which a total of four classroom precincts are contained.  

The four classroom precincts are arranged around a central collaborative space with further staff resource and meeting rooms in each.

Owing to the size of the site, in order to merge the two campuses, a second storey had to be added to create more capacity.

K2LD Principal Tisha Lee said "the added height feeds into our tree house concept, allowing us to get creative with 'trunk' and 'canopy' inspired levels, whilst the withdrawal spaces offered an opportunity to create play 'cubby' spaces".

<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/golden_square_primary_061.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Golden Square Primary School in Bendigo - image supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/golden_square_primary_061.jpg?itok=JMDoVMR7" title="Golden Square Primary School in Bendigo - image supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Golden Square Primary School in Bendigo - image supplied</figcaption></figure>K2LD is gaining a greater presence on the Apartments.com.au Project Database yet in an interview with Apartments.com.au, Tisha Lee said that around 40% of K2LD's portfolio is made up of public school projects and that K2LD doesn't lock its staff into any type of project - they're exposed to all facets of work the firm takes on.

"It helps us feel real and allows us to engage with the community on a more personal level, the public sector work allows the staff to transpose aspects of the community into the private sector work" says Lee.

K2LD currently have <a href="/architects/k2ld-architects">four projects</a> on the Apartments.com.au database, one of which - 399 Little Lonsdale Street -  will be a hotel with Accor Group brands operating in the property, with onsite demolition for the tower recently completed.

<h2>Where is design headed for public schools?</h2>

No-one would argue that a school's primary purpose is to educate children, however Tisha Lee expects that in the many new schools that are to be built, as foreshadowed in the recent state budget, we will see increasingly diverse spaces added to them to cater for greater community needs, both inside and outside of normal school hours.

Outside of school hours, the new schools that are built may be used for adult education and learning, the performing arts, language education and perhaps even religious uses.

During the day, new schools may include spaces for stay-at-home parents who are looking to network with others; in a sense the design of new schools may witness a greater merging of the humble public school and community centres that are traditionally separate in middle suburbia.

This trend makes sense for new schools which have been mooted for medium and high-density areas of the city given that land is scarce and more expensive - Fishermans Bend, Arden-Macaulay and E-Gate would benefit from this school and greater community facility treatment.
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Alastair Taylor

Children at the heart of the school design process

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Recall last year that Apartments.com.au ran <a href="/news/5000-new-hotel-rooms-for-melbourne">dual pieces</a> highlighting the forthcoming wave of 5,000 plus new hotel suites located within City of Melbourne. With the majority of those rooms in planning at the time, these new suites were predominantly located within large scale mixed-use towers championed by developers with Asian-based expertise and finance.

All indicators since have suggested inner Melbourne is suffering from a shortage of hotel accommodation, with a <a href="http://www2.deloitte.com/au/en/pages/media-releases/articles/hotel-markets-push-further-into-record-territory-260215">2015 Deloitte report</a> on the state of the Australian Hotel sector showing Melbourne's occupancy rate has and continues to push well into the mid-90% range on peak nights. Coupled with a Deloitte forecast indicating Melbourne will nudge 90% average occupancy by 2017 and the time is ripe now for new hotel projects, particularly in Melbourne's CBD.

Enter Well Smart Investment Holdings who after recently gaining Ministerial approval for their new hotel accommodation project at 399 Little Lonsdale Street have unveiled Ibis and Novotel as key signatories to 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/image9_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="399 Little Lonsdale Street. Images courtesy k2LD Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="531" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image9_1.jpg?itok=4n6TzPBG" title="399 Little Lonsdale Street. Images courtesy k2LD Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>399 Little Lonsdale Street. Images courtesy k2LD Architects</figcaption></figure>Designed by CBD-based practice k2LD Architecture, 399 Little Lonsdale Street will stand as a 34 level, 125 metre tower located at the foot of Melbourne's retail precinct. Containing 478 hotel suites, the project will represent Melbourne's first dual hotel housed within the same building.

Ibis will account for 270 suites in a three-star configuration while Novotel will take the remaining 208 suites under their four-star operation.

Externally patterned glass with differing opacity to the eastern elevation will be the defining design feature while the western elevation will consist of patterned concrete, although an adjoining planning application will likely all but cover the wall. At ground level a landscaped laneway has been introduced that will connect with Hardware Lane while the podium will hold a bar, lounge, restaurant, gym and conference facilities.

<h2>Design nous</h2>

<blockquote>
We approached the design of the building differently, envisaging the built form as a fabric in which the stories and journeys of its transient inhabitants are interwoven with the urban cityscape.

With the building’s use as a dual hotel in mind, we were able to push the boundaries of design to create something that will become iconic in nature, just as the Westin and Sofitel have become iconic forms in Collins Street, we wanted to create a similar effect at 399 Little Lonsdale Street.
<cite>Tisha Lee, Principal, k2LD Architects</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image10_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Interior common area. Image courtesy k2LD Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="353" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image10_4.jpg?itok=eE75MVVd" title="Interior common area. Image courtesy k2LD Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Exterior terrace area. Image courtesy k2LD Architects</figcaption></figure><h2>The wider context</h2>

With <a href="http://melbourneairport.com.au/about-melbourne-airport/media/media-releases/melbourne-airports-august-passenger-traffic-results-1825">international arrivals</a> amounting to almost 750,000 passengers during August 2015, the robust year on year growth experienced by Melbourne has a flow-on effect into the hotel sector. 399 Little Lonsdale Street joins many a Melbourne project looking to service the expanding hotel room requirement.

Curiously though only one noteworthy hotel project is currently under construction within the CBD, namely QT Hotel which will add a further 182 suites. Docklands fares better with Peppers Docklands almost at completion while Four Points by Sheraton is heading skyward as part of the Marina Tower project.

Pending projects however read as a who's who of the hotel sector. Among the many contending chains seeking a Melbourne footprint Ritz-Carlton and Dorsett will preside in Far East Consortium's West Side Place project, PARKROYAL is awaiting commencement of their mixed-use tower in Docklands, Aloft Hotels will likely land at 380 Lonsdale Street while the largest of all proposals is headed by Crown and Schiavello.

Their 1 Queensbridge project is seeking 388 additional Crown-branded hotel suites in addition to private apartments within a 317 metre tower.
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New Ibis and Novotel hotels for Melbourne's CBD

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The latest entrant into the bustling Doncaster Hill apartment market has unveiled itself with Nest at the Hill due for its public launch in coming weeks. A collaboration between established Singaporean developer Sin Heng Chan and architecture firm K2LD, Nest at the Hill located at 642-654 Doncaster Road will deliver 249 apartments and four townhouses.

Split between 40 one-bedroom, 180 two-bedroom and 29 three-bedroom apartments, Nest at the Hill also holds 10 penthouse dwellings with private rooftop terraces. Designed with a 7.2 energy star rating, the project will target both high-end purchasers and investors with a manned concierge desk, hotel-style lobby, swimming pool and keyless entry included.

Located on the highest point of Doncaster Hill, Nest on the Hill is 18.9 kilometres to Melbourne's CBD and will hold sweeping views with separate north and south facing terraces available to all residences. Other project amenities include the aforementioned outdoor pool, gym and multi-purpose meetings/functions rooms.

<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/image43.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Exterior perspectives. Image courtesy K2LD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="591" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image43.jpg?itok=qQEeenTX" title="Exterior perspectives. Image courtesy K2LD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Exterior perspectives. Image courtesy K2LD</figcaption></figure>In fitting with the project's unique moniker, internal apartment finishes have been dubbed ‘Light Dove’ and ‘Dark Owl’ relative to the respective colour schemes on offer. Obligatory for top-end developments, Nest on the Hill will feature Miele appliances, reconstructed stone benchtops and splashblacks and timber floors, in addition to LED and track lighting throughout the living areas. Bathrooms include Porcelain tiles, while bedrooms will be fitted with wool blend carpet.

Entry price into Nest on the Hill is $395,000 for a single bedroom apartment with 52sqm of internal space, while the largest non-penthouse apartment on offer is a three bedroom/two bathroom dwelling with 104sqm of internal space valued at $800,000.

Maximising the site's elevated position, ten penthouses will occupy top billing within the project. The average penthouse internal size comes in at 172.9sqm with the average price per penthouse at $1.631 million. As sales have yet to commence, the largest penthouse is still available with 367sqm of internal area, while terrace areas of up to 224sqm are also available. The premier penthouse caries a list price of a cool $2.188 million.

Currently an open air car park, the project will also activate Doncaster Road by way of 6 retail spaces present at ground level, including an expected cafe. Basement car and bicycle parking services the development, and includes 43 retail and visitor spaces.

With the display opening May 16th, construction commencement of Nest at the Hill is expected at the turn of 2016.

<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/image44.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Internal finish and lobby space. Image courtesy K2LD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="418" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image44.jpg?itok=Bm5ToV5h" title="Internal finish and lobby space. Image courtesy K2LD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Internal finish and lobby space. Image courtesy K2LD</figcaption></figure>The site in question has been subject to a number of design proposals over the best part of a decade, including an imaginative beehive-like design some years ago. Most recently Englehart sold the site with a permit for a Peddle Thorp-designed residential building containing 273 dwellings over twelve levels.

The design below has been supplanted by the current K2LD scheme. Nest at the Hill add's to K2LD's Melbourne portfolio which has expanded in recent times. The Singapore and Melbourne based practice also has four additional large-scale residential projects active in Melbourne, in addition to a sizeable Burwood Highway commercial 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/image2_211_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The superseded design. Image courtesy Peddle Thorp"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="314" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image2_211_1.jpg?itok=fMvLHavx" title="The superseded design. Image courtesy Peddle Thorp" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The superseded design. Image courtesy Peddle Thorp</figcaption></figure>Nest at the Hill joins a bevy of other residential projects jockeying for position at Doncaster Hill. The Apartments.com.au project database shows Nest at the Hill to be the 16th large-scale apartment project in postcode 3108.

Projects at construction include <a href="/buildings/83-on-tram-83-tram-road-doncaster">83 on Tram</a>, <a href="/buildings/panorama-101-tram-road-doncaster">Panorama</a>, Imperial Doncaster, <a href="/buildings/88-doncaster-hill-88-tram-road-doncaster">88 Doncaster Hill</a> and <a href="/buildings/pearl-1-grosvenor-street-doncaster">Pearl</a> while those at sales are <a href="/buildings/ellia-802-elgar-road-doncaster">Ellia</a>, <a href="/buildings/gardenhill-5-elgar-court-doncaster">Gardenhill</a> which incidentally has nearly sold out, <a href="/buildings/magnolia-doncaster-hill-22-hepburn-road-doncaster">Magnolia</a> and <a href="/buildings/8-hepburn-road-doncaster">8 Hepburn Road</a>. There are an additional six approved developments in and around Doncaster Hill.

Should all 17 projects come to fruition, the total number of apartments pumped into Doncaster Hill would be approximately 2050.
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Nest the latest at Doncaster Hill

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An existing development site has resurfaced seeking approval for a revised planning scheme that would inject a new 199 metre tower into central Melbourne, while also adding two new hotels into the rampant Melbourne market. Gone is the Peddle Thorp-designed 39 level apartment tower with 219 dwellings, replaced by a sleek 56 level tower comprising apartments and 447 new hotel suites.

Conceived for Melbourne-based <a href="http://riversideproperties.com.au/default.asp">Riverside Properties Pty Ltd</a>, 399 Little Lonsdale Street represents the second large-scale project designed by <a href="http://k2ld.com.au/home/">K2LD Architects</a> of late, following the recent planning submission for <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic">1-5 Queen Street</a>, also in Melbourne's CBD.

<h2>Project Summary</h2>

<ul>
<li>Revised plans submitted August 2014</li>
	<li>1,080sqm site currently a commercial car park and at grade space</li>
	<li>Approved 39 level design replaced by 56 level mixed-use tower at 199 metres in height</li>
	<li>A 4-star 207 bed hotel and a 3-star 240 bed hotel</li>
	<li>120 one and two bedroom apartments</li>
	<li>Provision for 90 car parking spaces</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image58k2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The revised tower at 200 metres. Image courtesy K2LD Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="855" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image58k2.jpg?itok=pK65x8AQ" title="The revised tower at 200 metres. Image courtesy K2LD Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The revised tower at 200 metres. Image courtesy K2LD Architects</figcaption></figure><h2>Ownership intrigue</h2>

Riverside Properties have had 399 Little Lonsdale <a href="http://riversideproperties.com.au/current-399.asp">listed upon their website</a> for many years, so much so it's still shown as an intended 20 level building carrying 130 student accommodation rooms. Upon approval of the more recent 39 level, Peddle Thorp designed tower, the site was <a href="http://www.commercialrealestate.com.au/property/2011027121/for-sale/vic/melbourne/development-land/retail?topspot=1">offered for sale via CBRE</a>.

<a href="http://www.cbre.com.au/aboutus/mediacentre/mediaarchives/Pages/Sale-signals-ongoing-offshore-interest-in-Melbourne-development-opportunities.aspx">Heralded as sold</a> to a Singaporean-based investment firm entitled Well Smart Investment Holdings (Melb) Ltd, the current planning application form shows Well Smart Investment to be the applicant with the owner still listed as Riverside Properties Pty Ltd. Part of developer Clement Lee's Melbourne-based portfolio which includes, Riverlee, Asset1 and WTC Group, Riverside Properties Pty Ltd has apparently come full circle at 399 Little Lonsdale Street.

<h2>Design highlights</h2>

Headline changes to the approved development as taken from the Urbis planning report:

<ul>
<li>Changes from retail component at ground floor, to hotel and residential entrance/lobby with concierge.</li>
	<li>Car parking removed from the podium levels to within the basement with car stackers. Hotel and apartment facilities will now activate the podium levels above.</li>
	<li>Removal of all borrowed light from residential apartments.</li>
	<li>Inclusion of a 3 and 4 star hotel providing 447 rooms.</li>
	<li>Decrease in number of residential apartments to 120 one and two bedroom apartments.</li>
	<li>Increase in floor to ceiling heights to improve amenity of rooms and apartments.</li>
	<li>Increase in average apartment size</li>
	<li>Activation of Findlay Lane</li>
</ul>
With increased height the most noticeable change, 399 Little Lonsdale Street also receives a new external skin to all aspects, comprising angulated façade panels which disturbs the otherwise smooth external finish. This random angulation over certain panels will cast differing shadows over the facade providing the tower with a dynamic aspect.

Much emphasis has been placed upon the ground level sphere in the revised planning report with a host of changes included in order to improve podium activation and the public experience. As mentioned the above ground car park allotment has been relocated to a basement facility while hotel suites and apartments will now activate the podium levels above ground.

Podium edges remain activated with hotel facilities and the concierge area creating increased people circulation over the previous scheme, while Finlay Alley will benefit from increased foot traffic as a secondary passageway.

<h2>From the ground up</h2>

<ul>
<li>G - Dual entrances for residential and hotel guests, services, vehicle access to rear of building</li>
	<li>L1 - gym and offices</li>
	<li>L2 - conference facilities</li>
	<li>L3 - restaurant and bar with associated kitchen, meeting rooms and waiting lounge</li>
	<li>L4 - reception for hotel components</li>
	<li>L5-17 - 3 Star hotel suites</li>
	<li>L18 - plant &amp; 3 Star hotel suites</li>
	<li>L19-38 - apartments</li>
	<li>L39 - plant and 4 Star hotel suites</li>
	<li>L40-54 - 4 Star hotel suites</li>
	<li>L55 - 4 Star hotel suites, bar &amp; lounge</li>
	<li>L56 - plant</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/399ltlpt.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The 39 level approved scheme. Image courtesy CBRE"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/399ltlpt.jpg?itok=APXOUHDh" title="The 39 level approved scheme. Image courtesy CBRE" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The 39 level superseded scheme. Image courtesy CBRE</figcaption></figure>Should 399 Little Lonsdale Street eventually gain approval it wouldn't necessarily seem out of place as the adjoining property at <a href="/new-townhouses/272-queen-street-melbourne">272 Queen Street</a> currently holds planning approval for a 210 metre mixed-use tower, although that site has been offered for sale for some time.

In its current form Clement Lee's Riverside Properties Pty Ltd may seek construction for 399 Little Lonsdale Street soon after approval. Another of Mr. Lee's recent developments at 206 A'Beckett Street in the northern reaches of the CBD delivered 278 studio apartments and suites under the newly formed <a href="http://www.pegasussuites.com.au/">Pegasus Apart’Hotel</a> brand.

Considering the relatively low number of apartments located within the revised 399 Little Lonsdale scheme and the possibility that another Pegasus Apart'Hotel may account for one of the two hotel sections, the revised design could in theory gain the necessary pre-commitments to proceed to construction shortly after approval.

<h2>Development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Well Smart Investment Holdings (Melb) Ltd on behalf of Riverside Properties Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>Architect: K2LD Architects</li>
	<li>Traffic: Salt3</li>
	<li>Wind Impact Advice: MEL Consultants</li>
	<li>Waste Management Plan: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>ESD: WSP Sustainable Management Plan</li>
</ul>
Lead image courtesy CBRE.
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