The Victorian Government has secured the passage of the Building Legislation and Treasury Legislation (Tax Relief) Amendment Bill 2026, introducing a suite of reforms aimed at improving consumer protection and confidence in the apartment market.

Resilience Insurance, Australia’s leading Latent Defects Insurance (LDI) provider, has welcomed the move.

The LDI elements of the Bill passed with bipartisan support and now moves to the Legislative Council where debate and passage are expected later this month. It represents a significant milestone in the national shift toward stronger, longer-term protection for apartment buyers.&nbsp;

The reform would deliver practical benefits across the housing system. Apartment owners will have stronger protection if major defects emerge, developers and builders will have a clearer quality framework to work within, and the State will reduce the risk of serious building failures becoming a long-term financial and social burden for households, communities and government.&nbsp;

LDI helps support apartment delivery while providing stronger protection for buyers and encouraging better construction outcomes.&nbsp;

Resilience LDI provides apartment owners with 10 years of insurance-backed cover for major structural defects from completion, with direct claim access to the insurer. This means owners are not required to first pursue developers or builders through costly legal action before accessing protection.&nbsp;

Resilience Insurance has been operating in Australia since 2022 and has already insured hundreds of development projects covering many thousands of apartments across Australia.&nbsp;

At approximately 1.8 per cent of build cost, it is a cost-competitive alternative to the traditional two per cent Strata Bond, bond while delivering significantly broader and longer protection.&nbsp;

“The Victorian Lower House vote shows that reforms like this succeed when they are practical, evidence-based and supported by industry," says Corey Nugent, CEO of Resilience Insurance.

"Victoria is moving quickly on a reform that will make a real difference for apartment buyers, while supporting better building outcomes and greater confidence in apartment delivery.

“This is step one. We look forward to the Bill completing its passage through the Legislative Council and to working with government and industry to implement the framework effectively.”&nbsp;

Fast Facts: What is Resilience LDI?&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Resilience Latent Defects Insurance (LDI): Covers major structural defects for 10 years from completion.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Consumer-first: Direct claim access, no need for lengthy legal action.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Cost advantage: At approximately 1.8% of build cost, LDI is typically priced below the traditional 2% Strata Bond while offering broader protection.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Market leader: Resilience Insurance is the first approved LDI provider in NSW.</li>
</ul>

The Building Legislation and Treasury Legislation (Tax Relief) Amendment Bill 2026 has passed the Victorian Lower House, putting Victoria on track to become the first state to legislate an industry workable LDI framework as a formal alternative to the Strata Building bond. 

Joel Robinson

10-year Latent Defects Insurance for new apartment buyers set to land in Victoria

Just a few months after acquiring a prime Broadbeach site on the corner of First Avenue and Surf Parade, family-run developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/raptis">Raptis</a> has filed fresh plans for a new apartment development.

Raptis is seeking to deliver a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/17-19-first-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4217">29-storey tower with 73 apartments</a> on the 818 sqm site. It will be the developer's seventh project in the suburb, as they are approaching completion of The Sterling on George Avenue.

There will be a pool, barbecue and outdoor dining area, residents lounge and dining, sauna and steam room, gym, and a Yoga and Pilates studio.

<img alt="Raptis" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b554da3f-7344-49aa-b1c9-44cf459af0d7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-05%20at%2010.41.45%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=zzjWu1iO1wnuYv4EV4fyOyf5nSXjGYut" />

Raptis Joint Managing Director, Evan Raptis, says they remain&nbsp;committed to developing quality infill sites across the Gold Coast in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

"This project continues our long track record of delivery in Broadbeach, and we look forward to bringing another premium development to this thriving precinct."

The announcement follows strong delivery momentum for Raptis, with The Sterling Broadbeach nearing completion and construction well underway on the final stage of the Waterpoint community adjacent to Harbour Town. The developer's continued investment in the Gold Coast reflects confidence in the region's apartment market fundamentals, underpinned by sustained Southeast Queensland population growth.&nbsp;

The outlook for the region is further bolstered by infrastructure investment tied to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, which is expected to drive continued economic and population growth across the SEQ corridor.&nbsp;

Subject to a favourable response from Gold Coast City Council, construction on the new First Avenue tower is targeted to commence before the end of 2026.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/it-s-all-in-the-family-four-decades-later-raptis-continues-to-shape-the-gold-coast-skyline">It’s all in the family: Four decades later, Raptis continues to shape the Gold Coast skyline</a>

Read more: <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/raptis-secures-prime-surf-parade-site-for-next-broadbeach-apartment-development">Raptis secures prime Surf Parade site for next Broadbeach apartment development</a> 
&nbsp;

Gold Coast developer brings seventh Broadbeach project to market, targeting construction commencement before year end

First look: Raptis lodges plans for new 29-storey Broadbeach tower 

Brisbane development veteran Kevin Seymour's Seymour Group is set to deepen its presence on one of Brisbane's most tightly held riverfront addresses, lodging revised plans for a luxury apartment development on Oxlade, just a few doors down from The Oxlade, which it completed in 2024.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/70-72-oxlade-drive-new-farm-qld-4005">new project at 70-72 Oxlade Drive</a>, directly north of The Oxlade, will have 27 apartments across a seven-storey building&nbsp;overlooking the Brisbane River and Merthyr Park. It's a revision from a 2021-approved design.

Designed by bureau^proberts, the project has evolved from the previously approved 26-apartment scheme, introducing an additional penthouse level while maintaining a low-density, boutique character. The development will comprise 26 three-bedroom apartments and a single four-bedroom penthouse, supported by two basement levels with 86 car spaces and 34 bicycle spaces.

The architectural response is centred around two distinct building forms separated by a landscaped open-air atrium.&nbsp;"This dual composition captures and embraces Brisbane’s subtropical environment whilst breaking down built form and scale," the submission to the Brisbane City Council noted.

<img alt="First look: Seymour Group returns to Oxlade Drive with revised riverfront apartment plans in New Farm" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c12d84d0-bc11-4067-b46f-5bd2d786a34d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/new%20farm%20landscape.png?VersionId=YEPc2k5CAdh6aAPlu4uVpgZadh4MEfRd" />

A defining feature of the design is a deep landscaped void running through the centre of the building, creating what bureau^proberts describes as a "natural ravine" that enhances airflow, daylight penetration and resident amenity. The design report notes that the separation of the two building volumes is intended to maximise natural light, cross-ventilation and outlook while strengthening connections to the surrounding riverfront setting.

Curved balcony edges, integrated planting and extensive landscaping throughout the façade reinforce the subtropical design approach. The building's façade is softened by elevated gardens and planter beds, creating a green edge that complements the established landscape character of Oxlade Drive and neighbouring Merthyr Park.

New Farm has become one of Brisbane's most sought-after suburbs for developers delivering premium downsizer-focused apartments.

GRAYA has been particularly active in the precinct, completing both Chalk and York in recent years, while construction of Moray House, being delivered for Spyre, is now nearing completion. Architect-turned-developer Joe Adsett recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/arcilla-new-farm-by-joe-adsett-28-maxwell-street-new-farm-qld-4005">Arcilla on Maxwell Street</a>, an exclusive collection of just nine apartments.

First look: Seymour Group returns to New Farm's Oxlade Drive with riverfront apartment plans

A new residential tower will be the first piece of a broader mixed-use precinct set to reshape a prominent Newcastle West site, with local developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> bringing its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/cambridge-quarter-newcastle-west-12-denison-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Cambridge Quarter</a> vision to market.

The first release, Tempo, will introduce 87 apartments across a 24-storey tower, marking Stage 1 of the residential component of a larger urban regeneration project planned for the western end of Newcastle's city centre, encompassing the former Cambridge Hotel site.

Positioned on Denison Street, Tempo has been designed as the inaugural building within Cambridge Quarter, a precinct that will ultimately combine apartments, retail activation and revitalised public spaces including the revamping of the Cambridge Hotel.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368853]

The tower will comprise a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, including layouts with multipurpose rooms, catering to a broad cross-section of owner-occupiers. Apartment sizes range from around 60 sqm to 192 sqm, with a number of residences oriented to capture views across Newcastle Harbour, the city skyline and coastline.

GWH has emphasised liveability in the design, with open-plan layouts extending to generous balconies and terraces. Residents will have a choice of two interior palettes, while specifications include engineered stone benchtops, SMEG appliances, full-height bathroom tiling and secure building access. Premium upgrade packages will also be available.

Multiple rooftop resident retreats will provide communal outdoor space overlooking the harbour and city, offering an elevated amenity layer above the activity of the precinct below.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368851]

The broader Cambridge Quarter vision extends beyond the residential tower itself. Ground-level retail activation and landscaped public areas are planned throughout the precinct, creating a walkable neighbourhood environment connected to the surrounding renewal of Newcastle West. The Cambridge Hotel is also earmarked for future redevelopment into a family-friendly hospitality venue integrated with the new precinct.

The project is strategically positioned within walking distance of Newcastle Interchange, providing access to light rail, regional rail services and direct connections to Sydney. Residents will also be close to Honeysuckle, Newcastle Harbour and the city's beaches and coastal walkways.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368852]

For GWH, Cambridge Quarter represents one of its most significant Newcastle developments to date. The locally based developer, which has operated in the Hunter region since 1995, describes the project as a new chapter in the ongoing transformation of Newcastle West.

GWH Executive Director Jonathan Craig said the project had been shaped by a focus on creating lasting community connections.

"We take pride in creating places that last. Spaces where people feel connected, comfortable and a genuine sense of belonging," Craig said.

"Cambridge Quarter is something we are truly proud of, a place shaped by local knowledge, built with care and designed to be part of Newcastle's next chapter."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135876]

GWH unveils first release at landmark Cambridge Quarter precinct in Newcastle West

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ss-projects">S&amp;S Projects</a>,&nbsp;Rainbow Bay's busiest developer,&nbsp;has officially lodged plans for the largest development in its booming local portfolio, seeking approval for a further 88 apartments on Boundary Street.

The proposal&nbsp;at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">209–213 Boundary Street, Coolangatta</a>,&nbsp;marks the next chapter in the developer's transformation of the southern Gold Coast beachside precinct. It will be its fifth in the area, having already delivered Flow, Awaken and Esprit, while construction continues on the 38-apartment Radia. The new project would rise 57 metres above a consolidated 1,518 sqm site, on the same street as Radia and Esprit.

&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, the proposed development comprises 88 two and three-bedroom apartments across a contemporary podium-and-tower form that integrates extensive landscaping from street level through to the rooftop.

The tower would be delivered above a basement and multi-level podium accommodating resident and visitor parking, with the residential component commencing from level three. The design incorporates cascading planting throughout the façade, landscaped podium edges, and deep planting zones along the Boundary Street frontage.

<img alt="First look: S&amp;S Projects lodges plans for 88-apartment wellness tower at Coolangatta's Boundary Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="677e6615-b5c0-4b6c-b4f9-efb14fcde1a6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ss%20da%20pers.png?VersionId=YOnPKQm7IFXv0M5H326djEpxk80500Hi" />

A key feature of the development is its expansive rooftop wellness and recreation precinct. Plans reveal a resort-style pool deck, gymnasium, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, rooftop terraces, barbecue areas and landscaped relaxation spaces positioned to capture views across the southern Gold Coast coastline.

The rooftop wellness focus builds on the vision S&amp;S Projects first outlined when it acquired the site for $20.25 million last year.

"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," S&amp;S Projects founder and director Paul Gedoun said at the time.

The proposal seeks a 57-metre building height, representing a 50 per cent uplift on the site's mapped 38-metre height limit. Planning documents argue the additional height is consistent with recently approved and emerging towers in the immediate Boundary Street and Rainbow Bay precinct.

Urbis, acting as planning consultant, said the development would provide "88 dwellings, comprising a mix of two and three-bedroom apartments, contributing to housing choice and supply within an established medium to high-rise coastal urban neighbourhood."

The scheme has undergone extensive pre-lodgement consultation with the City of Gold Coast, with the design refined following feedback relating to architectural expression, landscaping, traffic access and podium treatment.

<img alt="S&amp;S" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a2d70fd-62ac-4b83-97c6-b798fc1243dd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-05%20at%209.16.31%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=yHmghUwKM3IVGpBktQU1mE.0Lpf3WimG" />

The architectural team is led by Brisbane-based Cottee Parker, one of Australia's most active residential design studios, with landscape architecture by Dunn + Moran. The consultant team also includes ADG Engineers, Windtech and Acoustic Works.

S&amp;S Projects has become one of the most influential private developers operating on the southern Gold Coast. Since entering Rainbow Bay in 2022, the company has assembled a portfolio exceeding $1 billion in end value, establishing itself as a key player in the area's evolution into a premium apartment destination. Pezet Matheson will again handle the sales for S&amp;S.

Coolangatta is entering another wave of apartment development, following the delivery of several prominent residential projects in recent years.

John Kearney's Immerse Projects will launch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kaiya-kirra-beach-5-haig-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Kaiya on Haig Street</a>&nbsp;soon, meanwhile, Palm Beach-based Sherpa Property Group is preparing to bring its debut Coolangatta development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-viver-87-griffith-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Flourish Viveré</a>, to market later this year, subject to approvals.

First look: S&S Projects proposes 88-apartment wellness tower at Coolangatta's Boundary Street

LAS Group

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LAS Group and Qualitas are pushing ahead with plans for their One Wellington project located on a 2,400 sqm at St Kilda Junction. The mixed-used development comprises a mix of retail and residential apartments across two towers of 26 and 10 levels respectively. 47 apartments will be accommodated within the podium, 27 apartments in the East Tower and 126 in the West Tower, designed by K.P.D.O.

Apartments.com.au spoke to LAS Group Managing Director Les Smith who provided valuable insight into the development and the company's motivations for purchasing the site and reworking the endorsed scheme to produce One Wellington.

Apartments.com.au: What was the appeal of the One Wellington site for LAS Group?

Les Smith: We’re always looking for great inner-city locations that are unique and special in a number of ways. When we found the site for One Wellington St Kilda, we went through an extensive research and design development phase, obsessing about every aspect of the project, from the site itself, to its historic and current day context and really, most importantly, how people could live there and use the space. So we had an idea of what we wanted to develop in this location, and this site provided the perfect place to do it.

Because of its unique positioning, the sweeping park, bay and city views at One Wellington St Kilda will never be built out. The site is surrounded by Melbourne’s most vibrant and lively neighbourhoods offering residents choice and connectivity.

We wanted to embrace the ‘multifaceted’ nature of the site, which sits at the edges of St Kilda, St Kilda East, Albert Park, Prahran and Windsor communities, which are all very different, despite being so close to each another.

We wanted to take that richness and extend it to the building itself to create something multifaceted, and suitable for a diverse group of residents.

We talk to people on the home hunt all the time, and so many say how frustrating it is looking for an apartment that doesn’t feel mass produced; that it’s a struggle to find something more to their taste.

So knowing that, and with the site we’d found, we started exploring other ways we could create real choice and flexibility in a home, including interiors that could be personalised, and amenities people wouldn’t necessarily have access to in a freestanding home.

U: The site had a permit for a multi-storey residential development. Was this a major factor in the acquisition of the site?

LS: It has some bearing on our decision, however the location was the real major factor.

<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/img89.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A previous scheme for the site. Planning Image: Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img89.jpg?itok=vfbbzYv1" title="A previous scheme for the site. Planning Image: Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A previous scheme for the site. Planning Image: Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure>U: Rather than proceed with the endorsed scheme, LAS Group instead chose to engage K.P.D.O. who you have previously collaborated with on the Fawkner Residences. What was the driver behind this?

LS: K.P.D.O. really understand what, from a design perspective, future residents of St Kilda want.

But they also design spaces based on how the resident is going to feel, rather than designing based on trends only. It means their designs are more interesting, often unexpected, and always thoroughly considered.

K.P.D.O. consider the location and neighbourhoods, and design spaces that compliment those inside and out.

At One Wellington, they have created an elegant building that will sit beautifully in a high-profile site, and they’ve also created intelligent, beautiful internal spaces for residents to enjoy.

U: What was your brief to K.P.D.O?

LS: We find specific sites that we like and we spend a lot of time engaging with our design teams to get the right outcome not just for future residences, but also the local community.

St Kilda Junction is a prominent site that’s very visible in the skyline so we spent a lot of time thinking about how we build it externally.

We wanted to create a building that would have a conversation with its neighbour, The ICON, rather than compete with it.

Putting a brightly coloured building would have been too loud, so we wanted to put something that was also colourful, but in a more subtle way.

U: What are some of the challenges associated with developing on a site bordered by busy vehicular thoroughfares? 

LS: There were no real issues. Nelson Street provides great access – it is the back door of the development with car park entry. As a developer, I’d rather be constructing here over some of the constrained sites in other CBD or inner-city locations.

U: Who is the target market for One Wellington?

LS: One Wellington St Kilda is for home buyers who want to reconnect with and immerse themselves in the vibrancy of inner city living. It ticks all the boxes for home buyers who value choice, personalisation and connectivity.

That’s why we’ve designed the building and interiors in a way that purchasers can really personalise their new home to their personality, lifestyle, style and taste. Not only can residents personalise the interiors of their apartments, the building’s flexible design principle makes it easy to combine apartments across most levels of the building, providing even more choice.

We want home buyers to become far more involved in the design of their apartments and buying a home at One Wellington means purchasers will have access to an incredible, award-winning design team at K.P.D.O. that most people don’t have the funds to access.  

We want people to come and tell us what they want, not ask what we have. If you’re a family with three teenagers, we can give you a four-bedroom plan with two living areas. If you’re a couple who likes to entertain, we can give you indulgent living spaces. 

We understand that many first home buyers are entering the market much later and so they have established careers and a bigger budget than younger first home buyers. They are also more discerning in their tastes and want to express their personality, style and taste in their home.

We are also seeing downsizers who want to reconnect with the vibrancy of St Kilda. A big drawcard for them is the expansive Albert Park Lake across the road as well as the incredible park, bay and city views that can never be built out. One Wellington boasts the best apartment views in Melbourne.

<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/gs-kpdo-st-kilda-road-1-exterior-hero-1250px.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="One Wellington will provide the entry statement into St Kilda. Image: Gabriel Saunders"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="580" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/gs-kpdo-st-kilda-road-1-exterior-hero-1250px.jpg?itok=RyOFzB8C" title="One Wellington will provide the entry statement into St Kilda. Image: Gabriel Saunders" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>One Wellington will provide the entry statement into St Kilda. Image: Gabriel Saunders</figcaption></figure>U: The site isn't short on amenity for residents as it's located in close proximity to Albert Park, Fitzroy Street and the St Kilda foreshore, while also being a short tram ride away from the Melbourne CBD.  Do you expect this will be a big appeal to prospective buyers?

LS: Yes. More and more people are taking advantage of the lifestyle benefits that come with inner city apartment living.

We have seen an increasing popularity of apartment living, not just for young couples, professionals and families, but also the downsizers so there is a greater demand for residences that are functional, practical, sustainable and truly liveable. 

Aside from the connected, multifaceted location, and access to local amenities and facilities like the pool, gym, cinema and concierge, an apartment at One Wellington is going to feel like a home, not just a carbon copy of every other apartment in the building.

Of course it makes it challenging for us to offer so much choice in an apartment – but we genuinely think it’s the right thing to do for people buying into a community like this. Personalisation is beyond a trend – it is going to become instrumental to all residential apartments.

We’ve really thought about that aspect of One Wellington, making sure the connection between home and the surrounding neighbourhoods would be seamless.

It might sound trite, but we’ve thought about the liveability of each space, each room, and each individual, whether you’re driving, walking or cycling to and from home.

It’s the considered, small moments that matter – we’re thinking of liveability as the new luxury.

---------------

Check out Apartments.com.au tomorrow for our interview with K.P.D.O Director and Architect Stephen Javens.

For more information visit www.onewellington.com or click on the <a href="/new-apartments/1-wellington-street-st-kilda">One Wellington Project Page</a>.
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Laurence Dragomir

LAS Group's Les Smith discusses One Wellington

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Icon Co. signage has appeared on two irregular Melbourne developments with the builder pursuing the conversion of two former commercial buildings into high end apartments and an apartment hotel. Conversions of existing structures have historically been a none too common occurrence in Melbourne relative to new build projects.

Developer LAS Group and project partner Qualitas have awarded Icon the $85 million task of converting the former Fawkner Business Centre offices at 499 St Kilda Road into The Fawkner; a parkside apartment development with an end value of $300 million.

Dated 1973, the existing structure will be retained, with all internals and existing facade currently being stripped away.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image6_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Early demolition works and the intended result. Image: KPDO"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="265" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image6_6.jpg?itok=91BaJwkE" title="Early demolition works and the intended result. Image: KPDO" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Early demolition works and the intended result. Image: KPDO</figcaption></figure>The conversion of the former office building will allow for lofty ceilings and large floorplates with design firm K.P.D.O. responsible for creating more than 60 different apartment layouts over nineteen levels.

<blockquote>
An industry leader with 19 years of experience and proven capabilities in commercial and residential construction and development, we believe Icon Co. is best placed to realise the site’s potential and deliver our vision for an unparalleled premium residential offering that showcases the best of apartment living,
<cite>Les Smith, Managing Director, LAS Group</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
This is a significant project for Qualitas, and we needed an experienced contractor who was willing to ‘roll up their sleeves’ to help us unlock the puzzle of the adaptive reuse of the existing building. Icon Co. worked in partnership with us to achieve that outcome, and their recent partnership with Kajima Corporation of Japan provides significant balance sheet strength in support of the project.
<cite>Mark Fischer, Managing Director, Principal Investments at Qualitas</cite>
</blockquote>

The Fawkner amenities include an infinity pool atop the level seven podium, a health and wellness centre, open air courtyard, gymnasium, lounge areas, business facilities, theatre and cellar. Working collaboratively with the client and design team Icon Co. expect the project which is 80% sold to reach completion during mid 2017.

Also on Icon Co.'s agenda is the conversion of nearby 14 Queens Road. Comparatively more advanced than the Fawkner, the Queens Road build which is currently little more than a shell will see the delivery of private apartments and a Tyrian-branded serviced apartment hotel.

<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/image7arthur.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Arthur with test pod and the rendered finish. Image: Hallmarc"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="270" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image7arthur.jpg?itok=9Gab8v6B" title="The Arthur with test pod and the rendered finish. Image: Hallmarc" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Arthur with test pod and the rendered finish. Image: Hallmarc</figcaption></figure>Developer Hallmarc is behind the mixed-use project which they reportedly purchased for $13 million during February 2013.

Set on a 2,326sqm site Arthur will include near on 100 apartments and Melboune's second Tyrian Serviced Apartments behind the existing 4.5 star Fitzroy location. Included within the build is a rooftop pool, dining, entertaining and fitness facilities.

The addition of the above two projects swells Icon Co.’s current Victorian build portfolio to well in excess of $500 million, with 2016 likely to see the company deliver $1,557 million worth of projects across three states.

Icon Co.'s largest current Melbourne project is Southbank's Shadow Play with the fledgling build valued at $126 million and set to add another 494 apartments upon its expected May 2018 completion date.
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silvermb

Icon Co. snare two unique apartment builds

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Australian based real estate investment manager Qualitas recently announced the acquisition of the Fawkner Centre at 499 St Kilda Road, in a move that will see the site redeveloped into high-end apartments. In a joint venture with LAS Group, the $300 million project dubbed ‘The Fawkner’ will transform the former commercial building into 253 apartments providing direct access to Fawkner Park, while offering expansive views to Port Phillip Bay and Albert Park.

The project initially began life under the stewardship of joint partners LAS Group and Malaysian developer IGB Corporation. After gaining approval during 2014 for an Elenberg Fraser rebirth accommodating 245 apartments, the project has since been reconfigured by Kerry Phelan and her design team at K.P.D.O.

The residential conversion will see all internals stripped before being reconfigured to one, two and three-bedroom apartments featuring five-star, hotel-like amenity. Capping the project will be a new reflective glazed facade.

<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/aerial_upd3_reduced.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="499 St Kilda Road aerial. Image courtesy Qualitas"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/aerial_upd3_reduced.jpg?itok=Qgj2_WQj" title="499 St Kilda Road aerial. Image courtesy Qualitas" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>499 St Kilda Road aerial. Image courtesy Qualitas</figcaption></figure>According to Qualitas Managing Director – Real Estate Principal Investments, Mark Fischer, The Fawkner is largely driven by a desire to cater to the owner-occupier and downsizer market who appreciate generously sized apartments with excellent amenity and a standard of finish that is expected of St Kilda Road apartment developments.

<blockquote>
The focus for both ourselves when we became involved and LAS Group was that this is somewhat an irreplaceable location and a rather unique opportunity to have residential connected directly to Fawkner Park. Ideally the purchaser profile for a project like this is going to be someone very discerning, someone who has lived in quite a nice family home and is seeking a very clever and intelligent floor plan and strong level of finishes in the project.

So we spent significant time reworking the floor plans again, and that’s really where K.P.D.O came into the project initially, as an interiors firm but I think the value Kerry and her team have added to the project is outstanding. The floor plans are to a level now where purchasers will see them as a high levels will see them as a high level, quality product as opposed to the more traditional cookie cutter apartment floor plans that are out there.

K.P.D.O is not solely an interiors practice, they are a strong, bespoke architectural firm, and they had some fantastic ideas on the development of the façade. Obviously we’re going through a conversion of an existing office building to high end residential so you really need something to be done with the façade to tie in with what we’re trying to achieve in terms of product quality.
<cite>Mark Fischer</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/image154.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Elenberg Fraser's scheme to that of K.P.D.O.'s"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="243" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image154.jpg?itok=QEkS6Ef9" title="Elenberg Fraser's scheme to that of K.P.D.O.'s" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Elenberg Fraser's scheme to that of K.P.D.O.'s</figcaption></figure>The façade design developed by K.P.D.O. plays on the concept of reflectivity drawing on its park setting, while allowing for a different visual experience from various angles around the site. The location and views on offer essentially dictated that the project had to deliver a quality product to prospective purchases, as development sites bordering significant parks are becoming increasingly scarce.

<blockquote>
On a global scale, there are very limited opportunities to live directly within and amongst a mature parkland such as Fawkner Park. There are only a handful of examples in other global cities such as London, New York and Tokyo of premium residential buildings being on a parkside location, so this project has unparalleled attributes.

As the project is an existing office structure, we are able to retain the high ceilings and the building has been re-designed to deliver larger apartments, offering  purchasers an opportunity to consolidate apartments

This project is an example of how ageing office buildings along St Kilda Road can be converted into market-leading residential developments – the market has talked for a while about office-to-residential conversions, however this will be one of the first examples to launch in the market in recent times, and certainly the first of this scale, making it a unique offering
<cite>Mark Fischer</cite>
</blockquote>

Resident facilities will include an impressive porte-cochere from St Kilda Road, 24-hour concierge service for residents, wine room and cellar, theatre, swimming pool, gymnasium, steam and massage rooms, children’s play spaces and communal meeting areas.

The project is currently in what Fischer describes as a “coming soon” phase and there is currently a display gallery available by appointment for VIP’s allowing potential purchasers to take in the views. The project will be officially launched to the market in the coming months and represents the second venture between Qualitas and LAS Group in recent times, following the recent completion of the Summerhill Shopping Centre in Melbourne's north. The Fawkner will further solidify this relationship.
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Qualitas and K.P.D.O. provide The Fawkner with added impetus

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St. Kilda Road has gone about transforming itself from a commercial hub into a haven for upmarket apartments for some time now, morphing from a dead after hours office precinct into an affluent residential boulevard.
A new proposal for the Fawkner Centre at 499 St. Kilda Road continues this trend, with intentions to convert the dated commercial tower into a rejuvenated 19 level residential complex.  Currently the Fawkner Centre stands at 18 levels and ulilises approximately half the 6,050 square metre site with 20,000sqm of office space and five retail tenancies the headline figures.
<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/1178.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Fawkner Centre. Image courtesy Lemon Baxter"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1178.jpg?itok=sQRkaZIr" title="The Fawkner Centre. Image courtesy Lemon Baxter" width="580"></a>
After purchasing the site during 2012, local developer <a href="http://www.lasgroup.com.au/" target="_blank">LAS Group</a> now aims to transform the complex into 19 levels of apartments whilst also expanding the smaller podium building toward St. Kilda Road. Within this new scheme, residential facilities are principally located atop the podium building, whilst double storey dwellings will be included amongst the anticipated 245 apartments available.
Level 19 will house outdoor facilities for the associated penthouses below while the aforementioned residents facilities include a lounge, communal garden, sauna and steam room, yoga facilities, gym as well as an indoor pool and external sundeck. A total of 245 apartments with a variety of layouts will be developed in the project in conjunction with 293 car parks, 19 tandem car parks and 270 bike spaces.
3020.5 square metres of new area will be built, complementing the refurbishment however there are no plans to include retail space into the reincarnated structure. Along the St. Kilda Road frontage the proposal aims to develop a new identity for the building with the lanning application stating that the construction of an additional 7 levels to that side of the building will help change the “face” of the structure from its current bland office exterior to that of a dymanic residential building.
In addition to augmenting the original structure, the St. Kilda Road interface will be revamped via a new drop off zone in conjunction with a new mirrored canopy which will greet residents as they enter the building, creating a distinctive entrance for the revamped tower.  Reconnecting the building with its surrounds is one of the key areas project architect <a href="http://elenbergfraser.com/" target="_blank">Elenberg Fraser</a> and landscape design firm <a href="http://www.oculus.info/">Oculus</a> have focused on, with high attention to detail given to revitalising the connections between building adjoining enviorns.
<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_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Expected Fawkner Park interface. Image © Fender Katsalidis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="234" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image10_8.jpg?itok=ihExiN3M" title="Expected Fawkner Park interface. Image © Fender Katsalidis" width="580"></a>
At present, the Fawkner Park interface includes a large at grade car park against the boundary.  Through the introduction of initiatives such as soft articulated fencing and landscaping, a stepped landscaped façade to the ground and first floor of the building and planter boxes at ground level with vertical batten fencing, the design team have aimed to “soften” the building.  By creating a visual link more in keeping with the qualities of the park, the designers intent to “reactivate and reinstate the visual relationship between the building and Fawkner Park.”
In keeping with the “greening” of the site, the vehicular access way between St. Kilda Road and Fawkner Park will be eliminated, transforming it into a pedestrian link with a green edge being planted along the passageway.
Through the courtyards at ground level, pergola like structures are incorporated which are designed to provide privacy from level 1 as well as promote the landscaping to flourish and spread in a natural fashion.  Enhanced connections with Fawkner Park and private access for residents aims to promote use to the park.
<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_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="499 St Kilda Road's enhanced facade. Images © Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="322" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image13_10.jpg?itok=APrxG8qZ" title="499 St Kilda Road's enhanced facade. Images © Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>
As a refurbishment rather than new build, certain constraints were considered by Elenberg Fraser to ensure the new design would not affect the structural integrity of the existing building, in particular the existing structural spandrels which constitute the façade.
By remodelling and recladding the spandrels in a way that gradually transitions vertically and horizontally along the building’s elevation, they have been able to develop an appealing solution to the dated concrete façade which exists at present.  By having the spandrels transition horizontally, the appearance of the building is altered dramatically without stripping the existing original form.
Furthermore, a secondary level of articulation has been introduced to the façade, with a shifting pattern developed that is able to further enhance the elevation by the creation of a three-dimensional like illusion. The carved spandrels are planned to be reclad in a silver metal, with surrounding aspects painted a dark colour to allow the spandrels to highlight the architectural statement across the façade.
Either side of the main facades will be given a dark curtain wall combined with metallic trims as a way to “provide an anchor to the building’s form and complement the rest of the building”.
Having been with state planning body DTPLI for a number of months, 499 St Kilda Road's future will become clear soon enough with a decision on approval likely in the short to medium term.
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