Brisbane-based developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/red-co">Red &amp; Co</a> has made a striking debut on the Gold Coast, officially unveiling its $250 million COMO development in Varsity Lakes, a lifestyle-driven residential project anchored by an extensive rooftop wellness and activity precinct.

Having recently launched to market, construction has already been fast-tracked by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/5point-projects">5Point Projects</a>, ensuring momentum continues on what is set to become a landmark residential address for the growing Varsity Lakes community.

Located at 22 Lake Street, Varsity Lakes, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/como-varsity-lakes-22-lake-street-varsity-lakes-qld-4227">COMO</a> will comprise 156 apartments across 16 levels, comprising one-, two- and three-bedroom residences designed for modern living. However, it is the project’s rooftop amenity offering that sets COMO apart.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363510]

Designed as a dedicated wellness and recreation hub, the rooftop will feature a 25-metre lap pool, fully equipped gymnasium, and multiple pickleball and paddleball courts - amenities rarely seen in boutique apartment projects.

Residents will also have access to a sauna and plunge baths, while landscaped gardens and relaxation zones will provide tranquil spaces overlooking sweeping panoramic views across the Gold Coast skyline.

The rooftop precinct has been designed to function as the social and wellness heart of the development, encouraging residents to embrace an active, balanced lifestyle within their own building.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363512]

Red &amp; Co director David Laverty said the amenity offering was central to the project’s design from the outset.

“Amenities were at the forefront of our decisions,” Laverty said.

“Buyers today are looking for more than just an apartment - they want a lifestyle that promotes health, connection and balance.

“The rooftop at COMO has been designed to be the epicentre of that lifestyle, with a suite of wellness and recreation facilities that are quite unique for a boutique development of this scale.”

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363514]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, the residences prioritise liveability, featuring spacious layouts, 2.7-metre ceilings and high-quality finishes throughout.

The development sits beside Bond University, placing residents within walking distance of education, retail and dining options within the vibrant Varsity Lakes precinct, including Robina Town Centre, Varsity Lakes Train Station and a range of leading schools.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363511]

Laverty said the location was a key driver behind Red &amp; Co’s decision to bring the project to the Gold Coast.

“<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/varsity-lakes-qld-4227">Varsity Lakes</a> was a clear choice for us to invest in as it’s a lifestyle hub that seamlessly blends lakeside living with urbanity,” he said.&nbsp;

“Como will capitalize on this great location, delivering a project that not only creates premium homes, but a lifestyle defined by community, wellbeing, and connectivity.”

Red &amp; Co has delivered more than 500 apartments and townhouses across 26 projects in Brisbane in recent years, with COMO marking the company’s first major Gold Coast development.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135546]

Joel Robinson

Red & Co unveils amenity-rich Como development in Varsity Lakes

Gold Coast developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/big-projects">Big Projects</a> has secured approval for its second Mermaid Beach project.

The developer, currently selling <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-frederick-mermaid-beach-2265-gold-coast-highway-mermaid-beach-qld-4218">The Frederick in Nobby Beach</a>, has secured approval for its next project just 1.5 kilomnetres up the road.

The new development, dubbed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/glenelg-residences-2462-2472-gold-coast-highway-mermaid-beach-qld-4218">Glenelg Residences</a>, has been designed by BDA Architecture and&nbsp;will have just under 100 apartments across an 11-storey building&nbsp;at 2462–2472 Gold Coast Highway, on the corner of Glenelg Avenue just under 300m from the future Mermaid Beach Light Rail stop.

The apartments, a mix of two- and three-bedrooms, will sit above a retail-focused ground plane and under extensive rooftop resident amenities.

<img alt="Exclusive: Big Projects plot Mermaid Beach apartment development, Glenelg Residences" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screen%20Shot%202024-06-11%20at%209.55.04%20am.png?VersionId=z6NV4izeuvhBSSVlY6vK6TPO1LxrFeaG" />

BDA said in its planning submission that the project is intended to support the area’s transition toward higher-density, mixed-use living. “This project offers the opportunity to generate appropriate higher-intensity development within the future Light Rail corridor of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/mermaid-beach-qld-4218">Mermaid Beach</a>,” the submission noted.

At ground level, Glenelg Residences will include eight retail tenancies designed to activate the street frontage, complemented by a basement bar offering an additional hospitality element. Above, residents will have access to a rooftop amenity deck featuring an infinity pool, hot and cold plunge spas, day beds, and barbecue facilities.

The architectural approach adopts a restrained material palette of brick, textured concrete, and integrated landscaping, with cantilevered concrete frames and cascading planting intended to soften the built form. BDA described the design as aiming to create “a memorable sculptural mid-rise mixed-use building” that responds to both its coastal setting and urban context.

<img alt="Exclusive: Big Projects plot Mermaid Beach apartment development, Glenelg Residences" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202024-06-11%20at%209.55.45%20am.png?VersionId=cpjIVBqcT_sujmo2UMWkVyLcQ7WGJHaQ" />

The approval comes as the City of Gold Coast continues to plan for significant population growth, with regional targets requiring more than 100,000 new high-density dwellings by 2046.

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Big Projects, led by Matthew and John Barrett, is part of a growing cohort of developers that deliver construction in-house, providing a high level of confidence to prospective purchasers.
</section>

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150260]

Big Projects secures approval for Glenelg Residences in Mermaid Beach

Sherpa Group is ramping up its investment in the southern Gold Coast by lodging a development application for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-viver-87-griffith-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Flourish Viveré</a>, a new $350 million project in Coolangatta.

The move comes after the group’s $27 million acquisition of the 2,029 sqm site on the corner of Griffith and Warner Street, last year.

They will develop 194 apartments across a 26-storey tower, which will become Sherpa’s largest project to date.

Viveré will be the next chapter in the Flourish story, following closely behind Amargo, Oasis, and the Avenues in Palm Beach, as well as Symphony in Brisbane, all designed to deliver affordable housing in lifestyle-rich locations, giving locals a real chance to secure a residence close to the beachfront.

The HAL Architect-designed project will offer a diverse range of residences, from one-, two, and three- bedroom apartments to the premium Canopy range to luxury penthouses.

<img alt="Vivere" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c85f5a7e-a22f-4745-8def-400adb3c0b35" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-15%20at%209.53.43%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=OY.chur3BPExn1exQ2q8clHqWnW_CaBi" />

“The Gold Coast is undergoing a period of immense growth, with more people drawn to the incredible 
lifestyle that’s available, leading to strong growth in property prices,” said Christie Leet, founder of Sherpa 
Group.

“Our goal at Sherpa is to ensure locals are not priced out of the market in prime locations, which is why we 
created the Flourish collection.

“Flourish Vivere will form the next chapter in our portfolio, and we are so excited to be lodging the DA, marking our first project in Coolangatta.”

A signature of the Flourish developments is the communal rooftop. Flourish Vivere will showcase a private resident’s lounge, outdoor dining with barbecues and pizza ovens, heated pool, fully-equipped gym, and a wellness centre with sauna and steam room.

<img alt="Vivere" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c09372cc-aae6-4458-af2e-f291bd19a5e5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-15%20at%209.53.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Sc_RLXl5jiff.tnadogXjQJ_WIpDjf3p" />

The project is strategically located to offer a walkable lifestyle, with the Strand shopping centre, cafes, restaurants, shops and the beach, all just a short stroll away.

“We have meticulously planned Vivere to build on the Flourish legacy, creating a truly special project,”&nbsp;Leet added.

“Wellness, lifestyle and community are at the forefront of every decision we make, and that has not 
changed for Vivere.”

With the DA now lodged with the Gold Coast City Council, Sherpa has moved quickly to secure LPS Group as the builder, offering buyers a level of certainty that is rarely seen in today’s market.

Sherpa has delivered 16 residential projects over the past seven years with a pipeline of $1 billion, with more under construction.

Sherpa takes Flourish brand to Coolangatta, lays plans for Flourish Vivere 

S&amp;S Projects is boosting its investment at Rainbow Bay to more than $1 billion after the prolific Gold Coast developer acquired a new site for $20.25 million and immediately laid plans for a new luxury apartment project in the sought-after precinct.

The site, which is the company’s fifth acquisition at Rainbow Bay in the past four years, will be home to the company’s largest project to date after delivering 3 sold-out projects and construction progresses on Radia worth a combined $215m. 
S&amp;S Projects is currently finalising plans for its latest strategic acquisition, a 1,518 sqm site located 209-213 Boundary Street in Coolangatta, with a development application expected to be lodged within weeks.

The luxury residential development will build on the company’s highly successful projects at Rainbow Bay, comprising Flow, Awaken, Esprit and Radia, with Radia currently under construction by Hutchinson Builders.

“We have been unflinching in our commitment to Rainbow Bay and the transformation we have helped drive in this incredible part of the Gold Coast, which is among the city’s most desirable residential locations,” said S&amp;S Projects founder and director Paul Gedoun.

“Our fifth project will reflect the best of what we have done so far to create a lifestyle precinct that is second to none.”

The latest development, which has yet to be named, is proposed to accommodate 88 luxury apartments in a design that will immerse residents in a unique wellness lifestyle that expands on the legacy of S&amp;S Project’s earlier developments at Rainbow Bay.

The development will feature an expansive rooftop garden and wellness centre with a resort- style pool, among a host of lifestyle amenities planned for residents.

“Rainbow Bay, with its beautiful, protected beach and alongside one of the world’s best surf breaks at Snapper Rocks, is the natural wellness heartland of the Gold Coast,” said Gedoun.

“We are taking every advantage to create a truly unique rooftop wellness experience with a natural feel for residents, offering stone features throughout and an underlying theme that emulates a botanical garden.”

The latest acquisition comes as S&amp;S Projects is at the completion of Esprit and construction continues on Radia, which are part of their significant portfolio undertaken by the company at Rainbow Bay since 2022.

The $215 million Radia, which comprises 38 apartments, is currently the flagship development by S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay which is expected to be completed in 2027.

Jayde Pezet, of Pezet Matheson, which has managed sales and marketing for S&amp;S Projects across their Gold Coast portfolio, emphasised the developer’s commitment to continuous improvement and excellence.

“S&amp;S Projects continue to elevate the benchmark of luxury with each development," Pezet said.

“We have worked with S&amp;amp;S on their 4 other projects in Rainbow Bay and their approach reflects a team that is constantly learning, refining, and pushing the standard higher.

“Their hyper-local knowledge and deep expertise within the luxury property sector are what truly set them apart, allowing them to deliver projects that feel both globally sophisticated and authentically connected to their coastal environment”

S&amp;S Projects plans to officially launch its latest project at Rainbow Bay in the second half of this year.

“As we embark on our largest project yet, we have pulled out all stops to create another landmark development that truly reflects the relaxed southern Gold Coast lifestyle,” Gedoun added.

S&S buys $20m Rainbow Bay site for fifth beachside apartment project

Japandi, an emerging design trend that combines Scandinavian functionality with Japanese rustic minimalism, remains relatively untested in Australia’s residential development market.

As developers look to differentiate their projects and offer something distinct to buyers, Brisbane-based developer Lantona has embraced the hybrid style for its recently launched Toowong apartment project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/koya-residences-6-josling-street-toowong-qld-4066">Koya Residences</a>, with early response to the design proving positive.

Lantona entrusted Red Door Architecture and interiors practice Luma Design Co with delivering the Japandi brief. The approach blends Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian functionality, emphasising warm, restrained interiors, natural materials and clean lines. Drawing on the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi (beauty in imperfection) and the Scandinavian principle of hygge (comfort and cosiness), it creates serene, uncluttered and sustainable living environments.

These design principles are expressed throughout the Josling Street development, both in its exterior form and across the 40 one-, two- and three-bedroom residences within.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150787 project_image_fid=366229]

Koya reflects a deliberately scaled approach, with the five-storey form designed to align with the surrounding residential streetscape rather than dominate it.

“Koya is conceived as a building that sits comfortably within its surroundings. Every decision, from material selection to spatial planning, has been guided by long-term liveability and enduring relevance,” the developer said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150787 project_image_fid=366243]

Positioned within an established inner-west neighbourhood, the development sits near riverfront parklands and the Bicentennial Bikeway, while remaining within walking distance of Toowong Village and multiple public transport options connecting to the CBD, St Lucia and West End.

Lantona said the location was central to the project’s conception, pointing to Toowong’s balance of green space, transport access and proximity to major education institutions.

“<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a> combines river access, walkability, immediate CBD connection and a strong educational presence. That balance made it the obvious setting for Koya.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150787 project_image_fid=366230]

Communal amenity is concentrated on the rooftop, where a shared retreat will include a pool, dining areas and outdoor spaces oriented towards neighbourhood and city views. The design allows for both private use and small gatherings, extending the living environment beyond individual apartments.

Koya enters the market at a time when smaller-scale developments are becoming less common in established suburbs, with many recent projects in the suburb shooting for the sky.

In a nod of confidence,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/brisbane-builders">Brisbane Builders</a>&nbsp;has already commenced construction on the building, which is slated for completion in early 2027. Keenan &amp; Byrne is marketing Koya.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150787]

Japandi-inspired Koya Residences launch in Toowong

Kavellaris Urban Design

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The swirl of development activity in Footscray has found another gear as new projects are submitted for approval, or are on the verge of beginning construction.

Two separate planning applications have been advertised by Maribyrnong City Council; their subsequent addition to the Apartments.com.au Project Database has seen the overall number of apartment developments within Footscray in development swell to 40. These 40 projects represent approximately 7,350 new dwellings for postcode 3011.

Latest to the database is a proposal spanning multiple residential lots across 108-120 Cowper Street and 10 Parker Street, Footscray. FJP PTY LTD and RLWL PTY LTD hope to secure approval for the  2,414 square metre corner site.

Proposed is a five storey building of 68 apartments designed by Turco and Associates. 7 x 1 bedroom apartments, 57 x 2 bedroom apartments and 4 x 3 bedroom apartments constitute the living mix, with a café and basement parking for 69 vehicles also present.

Outdoor seating is associated with the café whilst a large landscaped atrium at the centre of the development adds to the project's amenity.

<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_19.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A new Cowper Street interpretation. Planning image: Turco and Associates"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="268" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image9_19.jpg?itok=IN1e73_b" title="A new Cowper Street interpretation. Planning image: Turco and Associates" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A new Cowper Street interpretation. Image: Turco and Associates</figcaption></figure>Keystone Property Group also has another Footscray apartment project at planning, this time adjoining their near complete development at 90 Buckley Street.

The vacant block at 94-104 Buckley Street has been earmarked for a 10 storey mixed-use building comprising 4 retail tenancies over 326 square metres and 121 residential apartments. Holding a build value of $24 million, the project encompasses a 2,770 square metre tract of land which backs onto the Footscray rail corridor.

The apartment mix sees 44 x 1 bedroom, 73 x 2 bedroom and 4 x 3 bedroom apartments. 130 car spaces and 70 bicycle spaces, a swimming pool, seating areas and BBQ facilities are provided within the scheme created by Kavellaris Urban Design.

<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/image8bark.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Buckley Street continues to garner residential attention. Planning image: KUD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image8bark.jpg?itok=kURUXoSm" title="Buckley Street continues to garner residential attention. Planning image: KUD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Buckley Street continues to garner residential attention. Planning image: KUD</figcaption></figure>Nearby and construction starts are on the agenda within Footscray's Joseph Road Precinct, as two more projects prepare to break ground within the formerly industrial precinct which spans 7 hectares.

Stage One of Growland's Victoria Square project is at tender and is expected to carry a build value in excess of $100 million. Towers 3 and 4 of the six tower project will be constructed along with the podium building for a grand sum of 455 apartments and 8 commercial tenancies.

11 apartments are through the podium, whilst Tower 3 accommodates 276 apartments and Tower 4 houses 168.

Directly east of Victoria Square, Blue Earth Group have moved to initiate works at <a href="/buildings/boat-house-2-joseph-road-footscray">2 Hopkins Street</a>, with a piling rig indicating construction should begin shortly. River One and Boat House are the initial two releases within the development, consisting of hundreds of new apartments on the banks of the Maribyrnong River.

If history repeats itself, Hamilton Marino Builders will construct Blue Earth Group's multi-tower project.

<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/image4vicsqu.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Victoria Square above Footscray. Image: Growland"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="222" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image4vicsqu.jpg?itok=EXrktRoy" title="Victoria Square above Footscray. Image: Growland" width="580"></a>

<figcaption><a href="/buildings/victoria-square-8-hopkins-street-footscray">Victoria Square</a> above Footscray. Image: Growland</figcaption></figure>
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silvermb

Footscray's churning apartment pipeline reaches 40 separate projects

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Growland has sought to increase the size of all bar one of the six tower than constitutes their <a href="/buildings/victoria-square-8-hopkins-street-footscray">Victoria Square development</a>.

Hand in hand with the developer revealing it had <a href="https://urban.melbourne/development/2017/09/12/growland-aims-local-buyers-victoria-squares-second-stage-launched">effectively sold out the Footscray project's first tower release</a> during September, a revised planning application was put before Maribyrnong City Council seeking to add between 4-5 levels across five separate buildings. The revised application also sees a near fourfold increase in commercial space across the development.

Currently, Growland are pursuing sales for Victoria Square's most recently released tower which has been dubbed VS02.

<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/image1kud.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A new Dynon Road perspective. Planning image: KUD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image1kud.jpg?itok=hHKeQXZh" title="A new Dynon Road perspective. Planning image: KUD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A new Dynon Road perspective. Image: Scharp</figcaption></figure>Under plans currently on display with Maribyrnong City Council, the tallest tower across the development would increase from 24 to 28 levels. It along with the adjoining and unchanged 24 level building constitute Stage 1 of Victoria Square, and are defined by their white horizontal exterior.

The remaining four towers across Stages 2 and 3 are all earmarked for an additional five levels of apartment living. Stage 2's blue-glazed towers front Hopkins Street whilst the development's envisaged final release includes twin 19 level towers across the site's northern perimeter.

An increase in office space from 887sqm to 3,164sqm across Stage 2 is a concession to the objectives within the Footscray Metropolitan Activity Centre framework, which seeks a diversified land use within the wider Joseph Road Precinct.

All in all Victoria Square's final outcome would see as many as 1,066 apartments delivered, plus the aforementioned 3,164sqm of office space and over 2,700sqm of retail space spread across 20 separate retail tenancies. 

<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_18.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A new vista beckons for Footscray. Planning image: KUD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="361" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image4_18.jpg?itok=cFLr5PL8" title="A new vista beckons for Footscray. Planning image: KUD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A new vista beckons for Footscray. Image: Scharp</figcaption></figure>The project's exterior continues to evolve as well, as described by Kavellaris Urban Design within the planning documents:

"The three separate stages incorporate the swaying/shifting floor plates as a common architectural language but have differing material palettes. The central towers (stage 1) incorporate a solid expression of white concrete and perforated metal screens, whereas stage 2 and 3 (southern and northern respectively) incorporate a lighter reflective glass language.

Both stage 1 and 2 towers share a singular podium built form which incorporates a landscaped terrace at the roof level. The podium has been designed to capture the various curvilinear architectural expressions and explores suburban parks and public spaces typologies.:

Imagery created by design agency Scharp also points toward the impending bulk headed for the wider Joseph Road Precinct. Should it be approved, Victoria Square's tallest tower at 28 levels would still be shadowed by taller towers already approved for the urban renewal area.
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Growland pushes Footscray's Victoria Square to new heights

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On the back of selling 90% of apartments within the first Victoria Square tower, developer <a href="/developers/growland-group">Growland</a> has launched the second stage of the development located in <a href="/new-apartments/footscray-vic-3011">Footscray's</a> Joseph Road Precinct.

Growland will now pursue the local owner-occupier market even more vigorously in order to account for the bulk of the second tower's sales, having noted a decline in foreign buyer interest of late. The newly released tower has been dubbed VS02 and will include 168 apartments, spanning levels 4 to 21.

This refocusing on the local buyer has seen a diverse number of floorplates and design options made available across VS02; the strategy allows the tower to be an attractive option for as many potential buyers as possible. Growland has also begun single bedroom apartment internals within VS02 from 61sqm, a considerably large size in relation to many other Melbourne apartment projects.

<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/image17vic.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Victoria Square's second stage has been released"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="829" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image17vic.jpg?itok=6SDnjxee" title="Victoria Square's second stage has been released" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Victoria Square's second stage has been released</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
Interest from foreign buyers is slowing due to regulatory changes, so the market has adapted to meet the preferences of the local owner-occupier market, which is quickly gaining in strength. There are many aspects of a project that need special attention to cater to this demographic. Quality, diversity, and flexibility are crucial.

The scale of Victoria Square and VS02 means we can offer a significantly diverse range of residences. While Victoria Square is fantastic for young professionals, couples, and first-home buyers, there is a large range of larger apartments that are also perfect for young families.

This gives it a unique position in the market place: it will be a truly integrated community in Footscray.
<cite>Ronald Chan, CEO, Growland</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
The need to add a study or separate office to apartments has been superseded by the need for flexible work zones. We have integrated flexible nooks and activity spaces throughout the Victoria Square apartments so residents can use these for work, relaxation, or children can use them for homework,” says Kavellaris.

This has meant we can adapt the floorplates to house the bigger bedrooms and living spaces that are crucial to creating apartments that modern families can enjoy over a lifetime.
<cite>Billy Kavellaris, Managing Director, <a href="/architects/kavellaris-urban-design">Kavellaris Urban Design</a></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/image22_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Amenities on show within Victoria Square"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="461" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image22_9.jpg?itok=apD0YdRp" title="Amenities on show within Victoria Square" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Amenities on show within Victoria Square</figcaption></figure>VS02's greater design diversity includes three kitchen designs, two colour schemes and a wide array of floor plates. One, two, and three-bedroom apartments are available, and include flexible breakout zones in the living spaces.

Although part of a wider six tower development designed by Kavellaris Urban Design, VS02 will carry interior finishes independent to those of the first tower. On the amenities front, the entire development will include an Australian-first outdoor running track, fitness zones, split-level dining room and a Warde Street laneway retail hub.

The release of VS02 comes as Joseph Road Precinct begins to take shape with major projects either side of Victoria Square in development. 2 Hopkins Street has begun its sales campaign, while <a href="/buildings/riverina-22-hopkins-street-footscray">22 Hopkins Street's</a> first phase is well into construction.

Victoria Square at <a href="/buildings/victoria-square-8-hopkins-street-footscray">8 Hopkins Street</a> will be among the urban renewal area's largest developments, having been granted approval for 939 dwellings.
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Growland aims for local buyers as Victoria Square's second stage is launched

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Footscray is set to accommodate another massive apartment project within the Joseph Road Precinct Urban Renewal Area as developer Growland Group prepares to launch Joseph Place.

Set over a 13,500 square metre former Toyota dealership, the site is currently in the final stages of remediation with the beginnings of a display suite taking shape. It's purpose will be to woo prospective buyers for Joseph Place's apartments which number near on 1,000.

The $600 million mixed-use master planned urban village which is expected to house up to 3,000 residents eventually will consist of six buildings, in addition to amenities such as Melbourne’s first elevated Olympic-sized running track, podium-top gardens and amenities and a retail laneway linking Footscray to the Maribyrnong River.

<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/image45_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Joseph Place has gained a new exterior. Image: Growland Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="464" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image45_2.jpg?itok=yXeAn8AK" title="Joseph Place has gained a new exterior. Image: Growland Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Joseph Place has gained a new exterior. Image: Growland Group</figcaption></figure>4-8 Hopkins Street has been in the planning system since 2013 with Places Victoria initiating a master planned outcome for the site which along with neighbouring sites forms the backbone of Joseph Road Precinct. Kavellaris Urban Design has been working on Joseph Place as project lead for an extended period of time with State Goverment approval for the development in the offing.

In addition to the roughly 1,000 apartments, a hotel has also been mooted for Joseph Place. Ground level will see 30 retailers split over 4,000 square metres of retail space and public open spaces, with an emphasis on food-driven outlets, continuing the trend of popular eateries in and around the area.

<blockquote>
Joseph Place will elevate what’s on offer in Footscray, bringing its amenity in line with its inner city neighbours. The elevated Olympic-sized running track takes the idea of an apartment gym to the next level, encouraging health and wellbeing outdoors, but not out in the Melbourne traffic.

The aim is to do something different and bring to Footscray a new style of living that celebrates connection and resonates with Footscray’s existing multicultural heritage and established food scene.

People want to interact with each other – it’s partly why cities are growing so rapidly and it informed how we approached the design of this site. We want this area to become a social, economic and residential hub on the city fringe that makes people’s lives better – and that’s achievable through a combination of great housing, world-class amenity and vibrant retail.
<cite>Kavellaris Urban Design director Billy Kavellaris</cite>
</blockquote>

Joseph Place will also likely include a rock climbing wall and theatre, with the array of amenities onsite possible due to the excessively large size of the 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/image42.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Podium top garden. Image: Growland Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image42.jpg?itok=Yt9u35_5" title="Podium top garden. Image: Growland Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Podium top garden. Image: Growland Group</figcaption></figure>In early design iterations Joseph Place was to have maintained <a href="/news/council-apprehensive-over-the-revamped-939-apartment-8-hopkins-street">an all glass exterior</a>, although new renders have seen the project's exterior change markedly in composition but not so in shape. Joseph Place's buildings will still carry an eye-catching undulating form.

Growland Group's advancement of Joseph Place comes as the expanding developer is working on further apartment projects in Moonee Ponds, St Kilda Road and Highett, with the latter <a href="/news/rothelowman-seeks-a-new-high-design-benchmark-of-highett">recently covered</a> by Apartments.com.au, although Joseph Place is expected to be the first project to launch sales.

<blockquote>
Footscray is currently in the midst of a demographic shift - attracting a new wave of students, young professionals and working families who are looking to reside in a well-connected community with easy access to transport services and state-of-the-art retail, dining and leisure facilities on their doorstep.

The inner west has been recognised as one of Melbourne’s most undervalued opportunities and is due for rapid growth over the next two to five years. The future growth potential of Footscray is huge and Joseph Place signals a renaissance in the area.
<cite>Growland CEO Stephen  Yau</cite>
</blockquote>

Pending approval the project's sales campaign will be launched in coming months with construction expected to begin in early 2017.
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Growland Group readies Joseph Place as Footscray's next super project

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Developer Growland Group are running with a recently unveiled project that may well set a new height benchmark for Melbourne's south-eastern corridor. 

St Kilda Road-based Growland Group initially turned to McBride Charles Ryan for their third Melbourne development, with initial concept renders showing dual residential towers of up to 23 levels with a typical burst of purple; a colour synonymous with the Prahran-based design practice.

With the Highett project now at planning, ROTHELOWAN have been installed as the preferred architect with the submitted scheme yet to be made public.

<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/image18_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="MCR and Golden Asset's take on Highett"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="349" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image18_6.jpg?itok=OyMdXoME" title="MCR and Golden Asset's take on Highett" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>MCR and Golden Asset's take on Highett</figcaption></figure>Growland Group's (formerly Golden Asset) website carries the following description:

<blockquote>
The Highett project is conveniently located on the north side of Southland Westfield Shopping Centre. Zoned for Mixed-Use and a land size of 4,000sqm, this residential development will become the tallest and most significant building within the area.

The interior design and its contemporary architecture will be designed by Melbourne’s most celebrated, multi-award winning architecture practices, McBride Charles Ryan Architects.
<cite><a href="http://www.goldenasset.com.au/projects/highett">Golden Asset project description: Highett</a></cite>
</blockquote>

Set on a plot of roughly 4,000sqm, the development may well absorb a vacant tract of land fronting Nepean Highway and Karen Street.

The Highett venture is third in line in terms of the developer's local pipeline. With 459 apartments under construction on Southbank, Footscray's 4 Hopkins Street is shaping as the next project to advance.

Within the Joseph Road Precinct, 4 Hopkins Street is a large 13,100sqm vacant site which Growland Group expect will yield in excess of 1,000 apartments, in addition to ground-level retail spaces and communal facilities/rooftop gardens. Project architect Kavellaris Urban Design has created a scheme with multiple buildings, which would likely be constructed over stages.

Dubbed Merchant Square, the project's signature would be a solid podium surface disrupted by louvers which would "create <a href="http://www.goldenasset.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Merchant-Square_Image001.jpg">low-rise silhouette shapes</a> that blur the between suburb and city in the Footscray area."

<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/image19_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Planning application image: Kavellaris Urban Design"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="672" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image19_7.jpg?itok=TWKrSttI" title="Planning application image: Kavellaris Urban Design" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>2015 planning application image: Kavellaris Urban Design</figcaption></figure>Growland Group's first Australian project, Marco Melbourne, continues to rise at pace on Southbank. Spread over 1,455sqm and located at 42-48 Balston Street, the site with permits in place was secured by the developer during 2013.

After a construction delay due to a tower crane failure during 2015, head contractor Crema Constructions has a 2016 completion date set for the project which will hold 459 apartments upon completion. With a value of $105 Million, Marco Melbourne is well on the way to topping out, with the taller of the two separate towers set to reach 40 storeys.

<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/image20_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Marco Melbourne. Images courtesy Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="431" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image20_2.jpg?itok=4rkvJfK9" title="Marco Melbourne. Images courtesy Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Marco Melbourne. Images courtesy Ryan Seychell</figcaption></figure>
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Growland Group assumes a greater presence across Melbourne

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Hot on the heels of the news that a further <a href="/news/gurners-1-warde-street-adds-to-joseph-road-precincts-momentum">380 apartments have been approved</a> within Footscray's Joseph Road Precinct, 8 Hopkins Street has re-emerged under the guidance of a new developer/architect combination.

After the site's sale via a public EOI campaign, St Kilda Road-based Golden Asset Group now maintains control over the 13,000sqm land holding, with Kavellaris Urban Design responsible for the redrawn plans which seeks approval for 939 apartments. Superseding the initial Hayball scheme with 795 apartments over one, two, three, loft, studio and townhouse options, the rejigged design calls for one and two bedroom dwellings to be progressively built over differing development stages.

In a report due to be tabled toward the end of July, Maribyrnong City Council's City Development Special Committee has been directed to rebuff the development in its current form, owing to a number of planning concerns.

<h2>The revised 8 Hopkins Street in brief</h2>

<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/merchant-square_image003.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of the development. Image courtesy KUD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/merchant-square_image003.jpg?itok=Tlv1jDhQ" title="Artist's impression of the development. Image courtesy KUD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of the development. Image courtesy KUD</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Vacant island site of 13,100sqm</li>
	<li>Six building development over three stages</li>
	<li>10-24 levels with maximum height of 64.9 metres</li>
	<li>939 dwellings: 568 x 1BR and 371 x 2BR</li>
	<li>17 commercial tenancies with a total area of 3,592.5sqm</li>
	<li>690 car spaces, 320 bicycle spaces and 53 motorcycle spaces included</li>
	<li>Amenities including a gym, pool, running track and podium top terrace</li>
</ul>
<h2>An eventful planning history</h2>

The former Le Mans Toyota dealership is in the heart of Joseph Road Precinct, falling under the control of Places Victoria after the agency paid $21 million for the land asset. The Victorian Government's property development agency then went to planning with the aforementioned Hayball scheme in mind.

The application was first referred to Maribyrnong City Council during 2013 by the Minister for Planning, which envisaged eight buildings of up to 24 storeys. Coinciding with the assessment of the Hayball masterplan was a sales campaign which saw 8 Hopkins Road offloaded to an undisclosed buyer near the turn of 2014.

Golden Asset Group initiated demolition works onsite during early stages of 2015, with the bulk of all structures now non-existent. The Adjoining <a href="/buildings/riverina-22-hopkins-street-footscray">Riverina</a> project as the first development within Joseph Road Precinct to advance to sales, is set to proceed with construction tenders now current.

<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/image13_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The early masterplan design for 8 Hopkins Street. Image courtesy Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="318" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image13_2.jpg?itok=tMlTK0vw" title="The early masterplan design for 8 Hopkins Street. Image courtesy Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The early masterplan design for 8 Hopkins Street. Image courtesy Hayball</figcaption></figure><h2>Recommendation to the City Development Special Committee</h2>

Areas of concern as outlined within the Council report concerning 8 Hopkins Street:

<ul>
<li>The proposal lacks dwelling diversity (typology and size).</li>
	<li>The revised proposal shows little regard to Better Apartments Discussion Paper May 2015 as released by the Minister for Planning. It displays many flaws and issues affecting residential amenity.</li>
	<li>Proposal is yield driven and window dressed with superficial activation to disguise the shortcomings of a mass overdevelopment.</li>
	<li>All dwellings are too small and 25 per cent of dwellings are south facing.</li>
	<li>Building massing is poor, bulky podiums, blank frontages, landscaped podiums will suffer from induced winds.</li>
	<li>Visitor spaces are proposed to be shared by the retail spaces and will place further pressure on on-street parking demands.</li>
</ul>
Consequently the report recommends that the City Development Special Committee (read Maribyrnong City Council) advises the Minister for Planning that it objects to the revised 8 Hopkins Street proposal.

<h2>Consistency doesn't pay…</h2>

Within Maribyrnong City Council's analysis of 8 Hopkins Street is mention of the four approvals granted to date within Joseph Road Precinct, namely Riviera at 18-24 Hopkins Street, <a href="/new-apartments/12-moreland-street-footscray">10 Moreland Street</a>, <a href="/buildings/boat-house-2-joseph-road-footscray">2 Hopkins Street</a> and The Tannery at <a href="/new-apartments/footscray-vic-3011">4 Neilson Place</a>.

Including 8 Hopkins Street, Council is critical of the quintet in that none provide public, social or affordable housing options, little or no office space/meaningful employment generating uses and limited space allocated toward entertainment, recreational or community facilities. From the local council's perspective the same points of concern have arisen on every occasion.

Maribyrnong City Council have evidently been nothing if not consistent in their opposition to certain aspects of the proposals within Joseph Road Precinct to date. Ultimately though the final decision in determining whether 8 Hopkins Street is fit to join those projects already approved within the precinct lies with the Minister for Planning.

<h2>8 Hopkins Street planning team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Golden Asset Group</li>
	<li>Architect: Kavellaris Urban Design</li>
	<li>Landscape: Hansen Partnership</li>
	<li>Planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>Building Surveyor: PLP Building Surveyors</li>
	<li>Traffic: Cardno</li>
	<li>Structural Engineer: Robert Bird Group</li>
	<li>Services Engineer: ADP Consulting : Engineering</li>
	<li>Waste: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Wind Consultant: MEL Consultants</li>
</ul>
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Council apprehensive over the revamped 939-apartment 8 Hopkins Street

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Art meets architecture: it's a well worn line but also highly appropriate for one of Melbourne's most recent additions. The 2 Girls Building in Lithgow Street, Abbotsford is more a case of art becoming architecture with its distinctive facade merely the start of the building's story.

Billy Kavellaris of architecture firm Kavellaris Urban Design (KUD) was on hand to show Apartments.com.au through the newly completed apartment complex, which may just be headed for iconic status among Melbourne's other renowned built form.

The advent of the building's exterior is a story in itself, with developer Domain Hill approaching KUD to incorporate a small element of artist Samantha Everton's “Masquerade” photograph <a href="/news/2-girls-abbotsford-gains-its-facade">within the design of the building</a>. The two young girls featured in the artist's work happen to be the children of the developer. Little did the team at Domain Hill realise Billy Kavellaris had grander intentions, essentially morphing the image onto the buildings facade via the liberal use of DigiGlass and concrete panels set in purpose-build rubber mouldings.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_1793.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="2 Girls' entry passage adorned with art"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1793.jpg?itok=e0lrOMZl" title="2 Girls' entry passage adorned with art" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>2 Girls' entry passage adorned with art</figcaption></figure>As explained by Billy Kavellaris, architecture becomes photography, photography becomes architecture and the building becomes a hybrid urban built form completely unique to its surrounds. The theme continues internally with every common area featuring artwork of some description.

KUD and Samantha Everton worked closely to ensure a collaborative approach in the placement of varied art forms throughout the project's four levels, with photography the dominant medium. Corridors are exceptionally wide with minimalist white finishes; coupled with track lighting the spaces are full of purpose rather than simply being a transit space from A to B.

While the artworks were mounted upon the building's completion, they now fall under the control of the body corporate.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_1815_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artwork adorns all walls within the buildings common passages."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1815_0.jpg?itok=Qp5exKBQ" title="Artwork adorns all walls within the buildings common passages." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artwork to the fore.</figcaption></figure>As touched upon, there's a certain rawness to the finishes within the 2 Girls Building's circulation areas. The pared back palette generally consists of recycled timber, polished concrete, simple white finishes, glass and steel.

This theme continues within the living spaces with apartments spread over level 1 while levels 2 and 3 are dedicated toward loft style dwellings. A stair within each loft leads to individual expansive rooftop living spaces. Larger on average than most apartments in the market, their size and composition is a reflection upon the niche sought for the project; owner-occupiers with a keen sense of place and quality.

Billy Kavellaris explains that given every effort was exerted to bring as much character and livability to the building, there was an associated premium placed on apartment pricing. Any apprehensions were dispelled with the uptake of apartments rapid and a reflection of the unique product the development team had brought to market.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_1810_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Inside a split level dwelling"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1810_0.jpg?itok=OP-j9Snd" title="Inside a split level dwelling" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Inside a split level loft</figcaption></figure><h2>Comment</h2>

I recall building a case for why Brunswick's <a href="http://www.smallgiants.com.au/a-new-eco-village-is-born-the-commons-is-complete/">The Commons</a> was the most impressive apartment project completed in recent times. 2 Girls Building sits comfortably alongside The Commons, both stellar examples of how to create impressive low-rise apartment developments that interact with their surrounds.

While The Commons arguable has more tricks internally, 2 Girls Building's exterior is sheer magnificence, a real stand out from the pack. I can only hope that at some point it's added to the <a href="/tag/open-house-melbourne">Open House Melbourne</a> roster.

Quizzing Billy Kavellaris as to what's next on KUD's radar, the former Kinnears factory in Footscray is set to host multiple residential towers in a large-scale project for the practice, while another project of State significance is also due to be revealed later in the year. Watch this space!

For further images of 2 Girls Building, see <a href="http://kud.com.au/2-girls-building/">KUD's website</a> featuring photography taken by Peter Clarke, to which the lead image of this article is attributed to.
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In focus: 2 Girls building, Abbotsford

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First there was the Sky Park Tower proposal with its five level park at the tower's summit. Then came a protracted Council and VCAT process which ultimately saw approval for a redesigned proposal. A few short months ago proponents Shanygi Group listed for sale 17-23 Wills Street as a prime development site with permit in place, and now after years of maneuvering Wills Place is finally slated to begin its apartment sales campaign next month.

Wills Place as it is will be known has had a very public profile since it's inception, with the peak of public interest and debate surrounding the proposal's desire to build to its northern boundary, effectively dimming the adjoining 'light shaft' of the Wills Court development. In order to negate the possibility of plunging the adjoining building's balconies into perpetual darkness, 17-23 Wills Street received setbacks and a colourful new facade to boot.

The proposal and its VCAT success were <a href="/news/seeing-the-light-the-revised-17-23-wills-street-development">covered in depth</a> on Apartments.com.au during November 2013.

<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/kud001-v01c-a-940px-copy.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hero perspective of Wills Place. Image courtesy KUD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/kud001-v01c-a-940px-copy.jpg?itok=GXYtgvtA" title="Hero perspective of Wills Place. Image courtesy KUD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hero perspective of Wills Place. Image courtesy KUD</figcaption></figure>Subject to a variety of different configurations in the past including a hotel component, Wills Place will now deliver 200 apartments above the retained Art Deco podium. Gone is the Sky Park in favour of a more traditional tower format, albeit with a vibrant exterior which will set the tower apart from its immediate neighbours.

The latest of a string of apartment tower developments in the north-west corner of Melbourne's CBD, Wills Place follows the recently completed Istana and Grand 8 apartment projects. <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">386-412 William Street</a> and the adjoining Victoria Market dual residential tower scheme look set to be the next residential projects of note in the popular pocket.

<h2>Kavellaris Urban design on Wills Place</h2>

<blockquote>
The Wills tower is a departure from the typical extruded plan typology. Our objective for this project was to design an alternative vertical building form from a series of stacked floor plates expressed as individual volumes, as opposed to one large extruded volume with a repetition of window and balcony expressions. The result is a highly articulated rectilinear building that is expressed and narrated horizontally. The penetrations and balconies are intergrated within each volume which creates the architectural syntax.
<cite>Kavellaris Urban Design</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/wills-tower_image005.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The retained Art Deco facade. Image courtesy KUD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/wills-tower_image005.jpg?itok=CDHhvXes" title="The retained Art Deco facade. Image courtesy KUD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The retained Art Deco facade. Image courtesy KUD</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
A beautiful 1930’s Art Deco building covers the entire footprint of the small site which we retained and integrated as part of our design response. The tower building is inserted within the envelope of the Deco building and sits on a series of large columns that penetrate through and beyond the existing building thereby creating a complete separation between the old and new.
<cite>Kavellaris Urban Design</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Shangyi Property increase their presence</h2>

<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/image88_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Spectrum as rendered and under construction. Render courtesy KUD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="295" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image88_0.jpg?itok=YRlcRT6Y" title="Spectrum as rendered and under construction. Render courtesy KUD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Spectrum as rendered and under construction. Render courtesy KUD</figcaption></figure>One of the pioneering Chinese developers which entered the Australian market in 2008, Shangyi Group completed their first Melbourne project during 2011 - an eight level apartment block dubbed 'Sunshine' in North Melbourne. With a focus on residential projects the developer currently has <a href="/new-apartments/box-hill-vic-3128">Spectrum Apartments</a> under construction in Box Hill.

While Spectrum and Wills Place carry the same architect and the same penchant for exterior colour, Shangyi Group are also behind a current townhouse project in Doncaster, and are due to follow with another project in Box Hill shortly. Located on Wellington Road and within an area experiencing intense urban regeneration, it's expected Shangyi Group's new project will be in the vicinity of six levels.
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Shanygi Group's Wills Place headed for a sales launch

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Apartments.com.au relishes the prospect of highlighting projects which depart form the sometimes monotonous nature of contemporary apartment design. 2 Girls Buildings in Abbotsford is such a building.

Located at 11-19 Lithgow Street, Abbotsford opposite Abbotsford Primary School, <a href="http://www.2girlsbuilding.com.au/">2 Girls Building</a> represents the joint efforts of developer Domain Hill Property Group, architects Kavellaris Urban Design and local artist Samantha Everton.

The end result is a dynamic apartment building that melds external and internal spaces to create a sizeable piece of art.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_1687.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Yet to be completed"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1687.jpg?itok=0Ge_kHgL" title="Yet to be completed" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Works still continue on the intricate facade</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
A fusion of high-art photography and architecture, the impressive project sets to redefine and innovate inner city contemporary living. The majority of the Masquerade image will be transparently infused within the glass, a highly reflective medium that fluidly converses with and reflects its surroundings. The rest will sinuously merge into the building being embossed within the concrete.

There is something otherworldly about this project, as the image seamlessly embeds within the façade of the building and then transcends itself, extending out into three-dimension to light up its surroundings.
<cite>artistprofile.com.au</cite>
</blockquote>

Clearly the building's main feature is the DigiGlass facade which depicts Melbourne-based photographer Samantha Everton's Masquerade artwork. Coupled with patterned precast panels and a protruding lamp which doubles as a street light upon completion, 2 Girls Buildings distinguishes itself in terms of design.

According to the project website the artwork continues internally with the entry foyer and corridors lined with numerous artworks, acting as a gallery space of sorts. The project is limited to 15 apartments, each of which has also been adorned with artwork and unique fittings.

But until completion, the external facade fronting Lithgow Street is the champion element of the project.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_1688.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="No ordinary apartment facade"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1688.jpg?itok=EAn9Vf5H" title="No ordinary apartment facade" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>No ordinary apartment facade</figcaption></figure><h2>Comment</h2>

Last year Apartments.com.au nominated The Commons in Brunswick as the best all-round apartment development of 2013, which went on to recently scoop the Premiers Design Award for <a href="http://www.premiersdesignawards.org.au/2014/10/02/2014-premiers-design-award-winner-goes-to-innovative-and-sustainable-apartment-block-the-commons/">Innovative and Sustainable Apartment Design</a>. It won't be too far a stretch to suggest that 2 Girls Buildings will be front and center in the next round of Premiers Design Awards, and any other award for that matter.

Very few buildings have the ability to intrigue and stop pedestrians in their tracks; based on observations 2 Girls Building is certainly capable of doing so. Kudos to the development team headed by Domain Hill Property Group which chose an outcome less common (and more expensive to deliver).

I already consider 2 Girls Building to be in the top bracket of what Melbourne has to offer architecturally. More please!
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2 Girls Abbotsford gains its facade

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The Buckley is the newest landmark address in Melbourne's inner-west that is raising the bar for apartment living. Located in the heart of Footscray, one of Melbourne's most multicultural pockets, The Buckley offers designer living just five kilometres from the CBD.

The Buckley lies in a rich, diverse, and ever-evolving pocket of the city fringe. As a divider between Footscray and Seddon, the Buckley Street site sits in the middle of two distinct yet complimentary neighbourhoods. Footscray is a district cherished by food and market lovers from all over the city. The charming streets of neighbouring suburbs Seddon and Yarraville are dotted with boutiques, speciality shops, cafes, independent grocers, butchers and florists.

The Buckley marks the eighth development in Footscray for <a href="http://www.keystoneproperty.com.au/" target="_blank">Keystone Property Group</a>, who over the past decade have built a reputation for delivering quality projects in the Melbourne inner-city market.

"Finding the right location is imperative to a development's success," said Luke Daley, Director of Keystone Property Group. As a developer, when we buy well it translates into our customers buying well. Melbourne's inner west remains one of the cities most affordable inner-city areas for investment and The Buckley lies in one of its best pockets."

"Away from areas of prolific development and adjacent to the village-like streets of Seddon, it's the only place in Melbourne, if not Australia, where 5kms out of the CBD you can purchase seventy square meter, two bedroom apartments for $470,000", said Daley.

The project is the fourth that Keystone Property Group and Kavellaris Urban Design have worked on together. With a brief to create a development that mirrored the eclectic nature of the area, The Buckley is set to become a distinctive and memorable landmark building in the heart of Melbourne's inner-west.

<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/building-facade.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Street level perspective of The Buckley"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="390" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/building-facade.jpg?itok=ayj9cS9m" title="Street level perspective of The Buckley" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Street level perspective of The Buckley</figcaption></figure><a href="http://www.kud.com.au/" target="_blank">Kavellaris Urban Design</a>, the architect behind the development, is a Melbourne-based firm that have experience across retail, large-scale commercial projects and designs that have meaning and integrity at their core.

Billy Kavellaris, lead architect on the project, said; "The Buckley is a bold project with exciting alternating articulated geometries that hover over the main facade. Our objective was to create a dynamic presence to the street facade and continue this language throughout the project. We wanted to create large livable spaces with high ceilings and integrated quality finishes throughout the development. The dwellings enjoy large balconies and clever storage and study areas for contemporary urban living."

"We opted to use the interior styling services at <a href="http://www.scharp.com.au/" target="_blank">Scharp</a> because we really wanted to showcase the potential of the property to the purchaser and make our potential buyers sit up and take notice. It is crucial to the success of a development; without furniture an apartment is just a blank canvas." said Daley.

<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/designed-for-living.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A material palate of exposed concrete and timber floorboards"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="231" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/designed-for-living.jpg?itok=1czGxV8M" title="A material palate of exposed concrete and timber floorboards" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A material palate of exposed concrete and timber floorboards</figcaption></figure>"We began putting together the 3D renderings and hero images, and after a few weeks began to translate our colours that we used for the interior images into the branding and collateral layouts. When the campaign went live we took thirty-eight registrations of interest; with buyers being highly receptive to the location, price point and design."

Scharp is a talented team of service driven property-marketing specialists renowned for quality and best practice. Scharp collaborated with KUD and Keystone to bring the project to life through the branding design, artist's impressions, and portrayal of the lifestyle on offer.

Our first question was how we can make The Buckley stand out in a neighbourhood where numerous developments are vying for the same market?" said Malcolm Schapel, Managing Director, and Creative Director at Scharp.

Scharp drew inspiration from the dynamic locale and 'on the go' lifestyle of the developments target market. "Our photographer created portraits of the local businesses and people that are the lifeblood of Footscray," said Schapel.

By using the bold design and eclectic nature of the area, Scharp weaved a unique urban narrative that stood miles apart from its competitors. "The Buckley is an iconic part of the neighbourhood; we aimed to create a campaign around its strong selling points - the location's character and position right in the heart of Footscray."

Investors in the know have had special interest in The Buckley, due to the council's vision for Footscray as part of Melbourne 2030 plan. The development that is proposed for the area is predicted to kick-start significant population and value growth.
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