<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/aura-by-aqualand-north-sydney-168-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">AURA</a>&nbsp;doesn’t just rise over North Sydney, it redefines it. Now in its final release, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aqualand-australia">Aqualand</a>’s $1 billion architectural statement is not just complete, but already reshaping the way people live, connect and dine in this rapidly evolving harbourside CBD.

Positioned beside the new Victoria Cross Metro Station and boasting panoramic views across Sydney Harbour, Aura’s 386 residences crown a mixed-use precinct designed with unapologetic ambition. The curvaceous sandstone-inspired form by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a>, paired with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/richards-stanisich">Richard Stanisich</a>’s understated interiors, sets a design tone that’s both monumental and intimate.

At its peak, literally, the two penthouses so spectacular they command their own names; La Davina and Il Magnate. The residents are spread across the&nbsp;entire top floor, offering what many consider the most refined residences ever built in North Sydney. Designed by Richard and Kirsten Stanisich, each four-bedroom home is meticulously crafted to evoke calm, space, and permanence.&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VB70993aG-I?si=adRBlXQliYmYvaSz" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

The kitchens are fully wrapped in natural stone, with integrated Gaggenau appliances, Sub-Zero fridges, concealed sculleries, and even a zip hydro tap delivering boiling, chilled and sparkling water on demand. A linear stone fireplace anchors the open-plan living space, dividing lounge and dining zones with quiet sophistication.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=292861]

The master suite, meanwhile, feels more like a private retreat, complete with a custom stone makeup vanity, walk-through dressing area, and spa-inspired ensuite with heated stone floors, a freestanding Villeroy &amp; Boch tub, and timber veneer joinery throughout.

Kirsten Stanisich, Director of Richards Stanisich, said the penthouses offer incredible scale reflective of a single residence.&nbsp;

“We sought inspiration for these remarkable residences from the classic top-floor Parisian apartment," Stanisich said.

"We looked at what made these French apartments so elegant and found it really came down to their scale. It was ultimately this generosity of space that we used for the AURA penthouses, where we’ve designed considered rooms with deep large-scale proportions."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=310337]

Everyday living at Aura feels no less elevated. A dedicated 24-hour concierge, Technogym fitness centre, sky dining terraces, and a resort-style pool serve a lifestyle designed to rival luxury hotels.

At street level, Aqualand’s own hospitality arm, Etymon Projects, curates a precinct of LA-style bistros, Japanese fine dining, and local wine bars, all seamlessly integrated into the building’s sculptural podium.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=310337]

This final chapter, aptly dubbed The Finale, is more than a sales phase, it’s an invitation to two of the most exclusive apartments ever to be built in North Sydney.

With limited residences remaining, buyers can access curated incentives including stamp duty rebates, rental guarantees, legal fee coverage, and even $20,000 towards dining within the precinct.

From generous one-bedders to The Icons, two singular penthouses priced well into prestige territory, Aura’s offerings reflect a scale and calibre rarely seen in urban Sydney. And with move-in now immediate, this is no longer a promise of future luxury. It’s happening.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=30959]

Staff Writer

Aqualand unveils penthouse collection at AURA By Aqualand in North Sydney

There’s no sign of the development wave that began several years ago slowing along Old Burleigh Road.

Around 10 new apartment developments are either underway or preparing to launch along the 800-metre strip stretching from the southern edge of Surfers Paradise towards the heart of Broadbeach, collectively adding just shy of 1,000 new apartments to the beachfront corridor.

The latest plans propose a further 30 apartments to replace an original six-unit walk-up on a 658 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/20a-old-burleigh-road-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">20A Old Burleigh Road</a>. The 14-storey building has been designed by Ferro Chow Architecture, which recently joined the Elevation Architecture Group.

The developer behind the project is Geoffrey Booth, whose Future Liv In has focused on delivering rental accommodation across regional Australia.

<img alt="Old Burleigh Road" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="99d393e7-d404-43bc-80cb-6255c39b83d6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-01-05%20at%2012.28.44%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ZFT8F3mOny4M4ut.kFF3woC9WH9oR5gT" />

The Old Burleigh Road development will comprise 18 two-bedroom apartments, 10 three-bedroom apartments, and a single four-bedroom residence occupying the entirety of level 12. Above, the building will be crowned by a two-storey penthouse with its own private lift, several multi-purpose rooms, and two rooftop terraces — one featuring a puppy lawn and spa, the other offering a private swimming pool, sunset deck, and built-in barbecue.

Resident amenities will be located on the second level and include a pool with adjoining spa, cabana, and pool deck, along with an indoor residents’ lounge featuring a bar and an alfresco barbecue kitchen.

In the architectural statement submitted by Elevation Architecture, the project is referred to as “UMI”, which the firm says has been “inspired by the majestic hinterlands and shaped by the coastal climate”.

“It is an exemplar of how community living can still feel at one with nature, breathable, and deeply connected in place,” the architects noted.

They added that the site benefits from established building separation to adjoining towers, helping to maintain privacy, sunlight, and residential amenity, while still offering direct beach access within an urban setting.

“Drawing inspiration from the Gold Coast hinterlands and the region’s natural landscape, the podium and tower detail highlights the contrasting elements of treetop green and cliff-face peach. The vibrant texture and materiality shaped by time has a richness in depth and character.”

<img alt="Old Burleigh Road" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b3d6c923-a0ab-4d74-86da-177313447e8e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-01-05%20at%2012.28.38%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=i2fygmoVQM6hWpbATTAW_yTitoMTrnI1" />

Old Burleigh Road has become a hotspot for developers, with the three-tower Jewel development kickstarting a wave of projects up and down the strip when it was completed in 2020.

Currently under construction and approaching completion is <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/faro-broadbeach-123-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">FARO Broadbeach</a> by 5Point and Bottega, 21 large-scale half- and full-floor apartments. 5Point is also behind the recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/lumara-108-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">Lumara</a>, another 37 apartments to add to the pipeline.

Luxury builder GRAYA is progressing construction on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/enclave-by-graya-118-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">Enclave</a>, its first Gold Coast tower, while Polycell remains the most active developer on the street. They are preparing to launch <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/sandpiper-broadbeach-155-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">Sandpiper</a>, a 50-storey redevelopment of the former Sandpiper Holiday Resort that will deliver around 200 apartments alongside extensive resident amenity. The group also has another 130-apartment project approved nearby, as does <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/dvb-approved-for-second-broadbeach-apartment-development">Dean Gallagher’s DVB Projects</a>.

Joel Robinson

First look: Old Burleigh Road apartment development wave continues

Sunshine Coast developer Habitat Development Group continues to position itself as one of the region’s largest new apartment developers.

Its latest project is in Maroochydore, where it is currently delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-millwell-2-millwell-road-east-maroochydore-qld-4558">The Millwell</a>. Adjacent to the new 53-hectare Maroochydore City Centre project, Habitat is planning a further 180 apartments on a 3,468 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/132-136-aerodrome-road-maroochydore-qld-4558">132–136 Aerodrome Road</a>. The site was purchased with approval for a smaller 13-storey, 103-unit building.

Habitat will demolish the two existing retail centres, currently home to the Salvation Army Family Store and Neighbours Aid, and replace them with an 18-storey building featuring the significant rooftop amenities that have become a hallmark of Habitat developments in recent years. The rooftop will include both indoor and outdoor spaces, anchored by an infinity swimming pool.

<img alt="Maroochydore" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ad434d07-666b-4614-b33e-530ad6a2d261" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-01-05%20at%2010.12.33%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=7pyLsPWKQuwv0us3_v.9DmbzEc2VZe9Z" />

There will be a mix of one- to four-bedroom apartments.

The Development Assessment Report, submitted to the Sunshine Coast Council, says the proposal&nbsp;is not speculative, but a response to both zoning intent and demonstrated housing need.

“The proposed development represents an appropriate and logical intensification of the site, consistent with the planning framework and the intended urban outcomes for the locality.”

Across the Sunshine Coast, councils are increasingly scrutinising not just height or yield, but whether new projects genuinely align with the long-term structure plans underpinning growth corridors. The&nbsp;ASTP Planning Report&nbsp;reinforces the approach, noting that the project has been shaped around site responsiveness rather than generic typology.

“The development has been designed to respond to the physical constraints and opportunities of the site, while delivering a high-quality residential outcome that integrates with the existing and emerging urban context.”

<img alt="Habitat" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3a03fc54-4ca5-4868-88d0-eeced70604e2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-01-05%20at%2010.12.28%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=1pkK3lJrrZjkghTLBReM2zatcas4Nc4B" />

In mid-2025, Habitat, a developer that also builds its own projects, commenced construction on The Millwell, located just over one kilometre from the new proposal. The Millwell will comprise more than 200 apartments across two eight-storey buildings.

Habitat also has two projects on Lake Kawana in Birtinya: <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/st-clair-birtinya-930-931-waterside-retreat-birtinya-qld-4575">St Clair</a>, a 200-unit, two-building development launched last year and set to welcome buyers this year; and Esperance, a 175-apartment project currently progressing through the development approval process.

First look: Habitat continues to bolster Sunshine Coast apartment pipeline with Maroochydore development plans

John Camilleri, the breeder of legendary racehorse Winx, is set to deliver a landmark two-tower beachfront development that would redefine the Surfers Paradise skyline.

Camilleri, who spent around $100 million acquiring development sites across the Gold Coast in 2025, has lodged plans for two new towers on the dress-circle stretch of Garfield Terrace, just two days before Christmas.

In assembling the site, Camilleri's Celestino Developments has effectively acquired the 71 Garfield project by Iris Capital and AALTO by Weiya Holdings, creating an unrivalled <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/63-79-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">4,000 sqm beachfront holding along Garfield Terrace</a>.

The proposal comprises two residential towers of 55 and 48 storeys, linked by a dramatic skybridge which will home “exclusive VIP and wellness amenities.”

In total, the development would deliver 275 two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments across the two towers, rising above a shared landscaped podium that incorporates a central green space and a beachfront swimming pool stretching more than 90 metres.

<img alt="DBI" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="097900f3-6bef-4919-b168-b08f2f762876" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-30%20at%209.37.58%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=et0SpmcvaPPVrexI_zWi46BVFtZBxAzx" />

Architecture firm DBI, in documents submitted to Gold Coast City Council, said the project at 63–79 Garfield Terrace would “establish a new benchmark for beachfront residential living on the Gold Coast.”

"The project occupies a rare, uninterrupted oceanfront site and has been shaped by a design philosophy that merges architectural elegance with environmental responsiveness and a carefully curated lifestyle experience. Together, the 48-storey North Tower and 55-storey South Tower form a distinctive twin-tower composition whose dynamic silhouette will make a significant contribution to the Surfers Paradise skyline."

DBI said the architectural language draws inspiration from the fluidity and movement of the coastal landscape.

"Each tower is defined by organic, curving forms and continuous balcony ribbons that wrap the buildings, providing deep shading, enhancing environmental performance, and reinforcing the rhythmic, sculptural expression of the façade. These balcony forms also reduce the apparent mass of the towers while maintaining strong visual continuity from podium to summit. Sculpted reflective downturns run along the western spine of both towers, shifting and lifting as they extend upwards to frame service zones and open eastward to maximise ocean views."

<img alt="Garfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a2a00ce3-a0e9-45d6-b4b5-b7baed592ac5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-30%20at%209.53.40%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=DnruWV1dhLrtXOeElwekyd7vPq2gw55t" />

The project’s most striking feature is the skybridge at level 45, which will house executive lounges, formal dining spaces, wellness facilities and panoramic ocean-facing views.

“The skybridge enhances the identity of the development, promotes social interaction, and delivers a lifestyle experience not found elsewhere on the Gold Coast,” DBI added.

The podium will host an extensive suite of recreational amenities, including resident lounges, private dining rooms, a large open green lawn, and the signature 90-metre pool stretching along the beachfront. The pool is divided into lap, lounge and children’s zones.

The southern end of the podium will accommodate additional wellness facilities, including a gymnasium, plunge pools, treatment rooms and a dedicated yoga lawn.

<img alt="Garfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ee1b4f25-231f-4804-83b1-a573a1481962" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-30%20at%209.55.47%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=zObzIA3D5w7EwqPsHjr2pKrA4vbB28zL" />

There will be 127 apartments in the North Tower and 148 in the South Tower, including multiple penthouses, while the Enderley Avenue and Oceanway frontages will be activated by a series of food and beverage tenancies.

Camilleri emerged as the most active site acquirer on the Gold Coast in 2025. He spent just over $30 million acquiring Pacific Point, a 10-level Surfers Paradise apartment block and an adjoining three-level duplex, from fellow racing identity and Aquis billionaire Tony Fung. Plans are now underway for a 93-apartment, 40-storey tower on the 1,682 sqm site.

He also paid $53.65 million for the 1,500 sqm Garfield Terrace site previously marketed as AALTO by Weiya Holdings, before acquiring the adjoining parcel from hotel billionaire Sam Arnaout’s Iris Capital, the developer behind V&amp;A Broadbeach.

First look exclusive: Billionaire Winx breeder’s bold two-tower Surfers Paradise play with 45th-storey skybridge

The Melbourne-based HLA Group is the latest developer to expand into South East Queensland, lodging plans for a unique mixed-use short-term accomodation and apartment building in Taringa, with the building design inspired by the Glasswing Butterfly.

The development application for 10 Morrow Street seeks approval for a total of 232 dwellings, comprising 116 residential apartments and 116 short-stay accommodation units. The build-to-sell residential component is made up of 31 one-bedroom apartments, 67 two-bedroom apartments, 17 three-bedroom apartments, and a single four-bedroom apartment, offering a diverse mix aimed at singles, couples, families, and downsizers.

<img alt="Taringa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="33913cd4-9839-4456-b325-d35b3f8b4694" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.40.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=sLvc7jUrYzDwqPDZBPrXTosKHDSp.qrt" />

Designed by Ellivo Architects, the tower takes strong inspiration from nature, with the architectural language driven by one of Queensland’s most delicate species. As described in the planning documents submitted to Brisbane City Council, Ellivo Architects state the design is “inspired by the elegance of the Glasswing butterfly," and mirrors the graceful sweep of its wings, a form that feels light, fluid, and alive.

“Lush subtropical greenery is throughtfull woven throughout, transforming the building into a sanctuary in the heart of the city.”

The proposal positions the building as more than a conventional residential tower, with Ellivo Architects describing 10 Morrow Street as “an urban oasis that blends short term accomodation with residential living. A destination for rest, relaxation, and renewal.”

<img alt="Taringa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="84e9a0ff-464e-4973-bffe-5d5a8fe9f087" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.40.32%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=dhX9eVgUaQE2TvCzJPhF8N8_hzYSKpyK" />

Formally, the building’s massing and floorplate are directly shaped by its butterfly inspiration. Ellivo explain that, “adopting the wings of the Glasswing Butterfly, the tower's plan is divided into four distinct quadrants, each shaped to mirror the wing's segmented geometry and taking the slender ‘veins’ up the facade of the tower.”

"This approach results in a sculpted tower form with articulated façades and a strong vertical expression."

<img alt="Taringa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5947011d-ff6c-4a57-bdc1-9072a472a79c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.40.29%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=nnGqd4WCZM8AOJZY.c3u49BO4LurKRhb" />

The Assessment Report by Human Habitats said the 19-storey tower capitalises on its strategic connectivity and prominence at the entrance of Taringa Village and adjoining the Taringa Station.

"The proposal offers a significant revitalisation of the subject site that integrates architectural excellence, innovation, and sustainable design to directly address long-standing connectivity and safety challenges, housing supply , and diversity together with enhanced streetscape activation and convenient access to major transport corridors."

HLA Group Australia is registered to South Yarra and is currently delivering Adamson No.5, just 15 luxury apartments that start from around $2 million.&nbsp;

The Butterfly Effect: Glasswing butterfly inspires Taringa apartment development

Little Projects

The Melbourne-based developer Little Projects has redesigned its Broadbeach apartment tower Aperture, which had been knocked back at council.

Now seeking the sell the high-end project on a prime Broadbeach address at 20 Mary Avenue, on the border of the Broadbeach State School, Little Projects have had Plus remodel the luxury tower which had initially been designed by Elenberg Fraser. They've cut it in half from its 34 levels to just 17, and created a more curved facade.

<img alt="The new tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2bab4377-6eb1-4739-ae76-0cae96462655" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202022-10-18%20at%208.46.01%20am.png?VersionId=ncLyeEvmWBG7NpCI5vbRiqHwbpgBteQi" />

It will still be as high-end as it was previously, just with fewer levels and apartments. Instead of 29 full floor and double-storey apartments, it will now be 17 full-floor apartments across 18 levels.

Level one will still home the resident facilities. There will be a pool, spa, barbecue area, and a gym with sauna and steam room.

From levels two to 18 will be 17 full-floor apartments, with three bedrooms each across its 158 sqm floorplate. There will be a further 13 sqm of balcony.&nbsp;

<img alt="Aperture" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7c0d810-e9e2-4a0b-a067-0bff1a219ad0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Aperture.jpg?VersionId=qKgruOANowoiDwi13BEtM5.JQiH6Hxhv" />

The new plans for 20 Mary Avenue, left and right, and the former plans, centre

Despite Little Projects highlighting the former plans met a number of criteria, being code assessable under the Planning Scheme and being in a High Residential Density Zone Code, the plans were still rejected. The council suggested "the proposal does not meet the light rail urban renewal overlay code, high density residential zone code, and aspects of the high-rise accomodation design code and general provisions code."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Site amalgamation specialists and development site sellers GV Property Group have expressions of interest for 20 Mary Avenue.&nbsp;

Little Projects, headed by Paris Lechte and Leighton Pyke, have had success in Broadbeach before, selling out their nearby development Signature before it was completed.

They also have a development application sitting nearby for another high-end tower at 118 Old Burleigh Road. Expected to be in a joint venture with fellow Melbourne developer R.Corp, they are wanting to develop 33 apartments across&nbsp;37 levels on the corner of Old Burleigh Road and Australia Avenue.

<img alt="One Australia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="67df3858-f5a5-4bf8-8a1a-14aba589e11f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202022-10-18%20at%209.22.32%20am.png?VersionId=9ToZ2k3HNZ4xvIe2m5ISWSUCW5hgg_lr" />

It will tower over the neighbouring Ocean Royale and Boulevard Tower, which are 16 and 17 levels respectively. They are also more focused on short-term accomodation apartments, whereas the new project, dubbed One Australia, will be another by Little Projects targeting the high-end owner-occupier.

DKO Architecture has put forward the designs for the slender tower, which will have full floor apartments, with 218 sqm of living space, from level two to level 33. Above will be a three-level penthouse with its own rooftop pool.

The new building will still be as high-end as it was previously, just with fewer levels and apartments

First look: Little Projects redesign luxury Broadbeach tower to meet council pushback

The Melbourne-based Little Projects is set for its third Gold Coast apartment development.

Having secured all of the sales in their one per floor tower Aperture in Broadbeach following the sell out of Signature, Little Projects, led by Leighton Pyke, are sticking to Broadbeach.

They&#39;ve filed plans, in a joint venture with the fellow Melbourne-based developer R.Corp,&nbsp;for another high-end&nbsp;tower at 118 Old Burleigh Road, with 33 apartments across the 37 levels&nbsp;on the corner of Old Burleigh Road and Australia Avenue. It will tower over the neighbouring Ocean Royale and Boulevard Tower, which are 16 and 17 levels respectively. They are also more focused on short-term accomodation apartments, whereas the new project, dubbed One Australia, will be another by Little Projects targeting the high-end owner-occupier.

<a href="/new-apartments/enclave-by-graya-118-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach"><img alt="" height="788" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-07-14_at_10.55.16_am.png" width="1126" /></a>

DKO Architecture has put forward the designs for the slender tower, which will have full floor apartments, with 218 sqm of living space, from level two to level 33. Above will be a three-level penthouse with its own rooftop pool.

In their design statement, DKO noted they were&nbsp;inspired by two main concepts.

&quot;The first one is the idea of le estate or the Italian summer - the ideas of relaxation, inspiration and escape,&quot; DKO wrote in their submission to the Gold Coast City Council.

They said Italians pretty much own the concept of a long summer.&nbsp;

&quot;It is a tradition that is absorbed by its people.

&quot;August is the &ldquo;off&rsquo; month par excellence, especially in the days surrounding Ferragosto, a public holiday that takes place on 15 August.

<a href="/new-apartments/enclave-by-graya-118-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach"><img alt="" height="804" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-07-14_at_10.54.59_am.png" width="916" /></a>

&quot;For two to three weeks, the country shuts shop: companies stop operating while employees escape to the beach.

&quot;Cities become ghost towns while seaside resorts bustle at a laid-back pace.&quot;

DKO said the&nbsp;second concept draws on a strong modernist language and tradition, which is historically related to a strong European, and Italian, architectural tradition, and also closely linked to a sense of classical and timeless proportions and architectural detailing and language.

&quot;The building is conceptualised as a tripartite structure, a piece of paradise suspended between the context of sand and sea, and the sky which floats above in the shape of a tower,&quot; DKO added.

The extensive amenity is located on the first level above the podium.

&quot;It is envisioned as a place of escape from daily life, a suspended place of peace and quiet,&quot; DKO say.

The communal zone is book-ended by a pool towards the ocean end and an indoor/outdoor exercise zone towards Old Burleigh Road. In between, there are a series of smaller spaces including a co-work zone, residents lounge and a tucked away outdoor room which is elevated and provides views over the entire communal zone as well as views along Old Burleigh Road.

<a href="/new-apartments/enclave-by-graya-118-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach"><img alt="" height="754" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-07-14_at_10.54.27_am.png" width="846" /></a>

Broadbeach is one of the most popular suburbs for both developers and buyers in 2022. A number of Queensland&#39;s most high profile developers have lodged plans for both high and low density towers,

Mosaic has just filed plans for their first tower, and recently secured a second site around the corner for another project expected to launch this year. Anthony Quinn, in a joint venture with Glenvill, filed for an owner-occupier focused tower a few doors down on Old Burleigh Road, and while Morris Property Group have a few high and low density projects on the horizon in the suburb.

Little Projects secured the 690 sqm site through GV Property Group&#39;s Antonio Mercuri and Luke Reaby, who got the owners of the two-storey walk-up, around 40 years old, to band together the sell the prime site.&nbsp;

GV&nbsp;had over eight offers for the site from both local and interstate developers.

&quot;It&#39;s a complex site that was best suited to veteran developers and ones with local knowledge and experience,&quot; Reaby says.

&quot;The architecture and design has capitalised on the&nbsp;expansive&nbsp;43m frontage down Australia Avenue - taking advantage of the views of the water.&quot;

&quot;The shape of the site lends itself to a very unique design where each full floor apartment provides nearly 360 degrees of facade.&quot;

Reaby notes there are no beachfront&nbsp;projects in Broadbeach that aren&#39;t sold out and One Australia fills a much needed demand.

They've filed plans for another high-end tower at 118 Old Burleigh Road, with 33 apartments across the 37 levels on the corner of Old Burleigh Road and Australia Avenue

First look exclusive: Little Projects set for third Broadbeach apartment development with R.Corp joint venture

The Melbourne-based Little Projects has sought to meet the ever-growing demand for high-end apartments at their latest Gold Coast apartment development, Aperture.

The Broadbeach tower will be home to just 29 apartments across its 35 levels&nbsp;when it is completed in mid-2023, with buyers already showing interest due to the&nbsp;200 sqm plus of living space across each apartment.

Leighton Pyke, director at Little Projects, said that after the sell-out success of Signature around the corner, the team wanted to create something a little different.

&quot;Signature was obviously higher density with 245 apartments, a project of that scale takes considerably longer to move,&quot; Pyke said.

&quot;We saw there was a good level of demand for that larger product and wanted to take something to the high-end owner-occupier market quickly to try and meet that demand.&quot;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108327 project_image_fid=181290]

Pyke and the Little Projects&nbsp;team engaged the Melbourne-based architect, Elenberg Fraser, to create the 120 metre tower, having worked with them previously on the design phase of a development of around 1000 apartments in Fisher​mans Bend in Melbourne.

It&#39;s only the second time the architecture firm has designed an apartment project on the Gold Coast. The only other is the mixed-use hotel and apartment development Mondrian at Burleigh Heads, currently in market.

&quot;We wanted to put a slightly different spin on what the Gold Coast usually offers - giving it an injection of an outside perspective,&quot; Pyke says.&nbsp;

&quot;Their involvement certainly sets us apart, potentially bringing a few new ideas to the Gold Coast.&quot;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108327 project_image_fid=181281]

Pyke says there&#39;s already been a big wave of Sydney residents enquiring on Aperture.

With house prices rocketing in the Harbour capital, some downsizers and retirees are happy to take advantage of current market conditions and cash in on&nbsp;their longtime family homes and buy something smaller as a city base, freeing up money to secure a more expensive holiday home that they will spend a significant amount of time at.

Pyke however added that the same sentiment is felt with the local market, where there&#39;s also windfall house sales.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108327 project_image_fid=181283]

House prices in Broadbeach - Burleigh experienced the highest annual growth in the Gold Coast in the 12 months to August 2021, with gains of over&nbsp;38&nbsp;per cent, according to data from the data-driven buyer&rsquo;s agency, InvestorKit.

Apartments in the same area&nbsp;grew by 15.7 per cent over the same period.

&quot;It&#39;s speeding up that transition to downsize, which is why we are seeing huge levels of owner-occupiers wanting to buy something that might be toward that higher price point.&quot;

Pyke says the team have a firm belief in the longevity of the Gold Coast apartment market, and are working towards securing more development sites heading in to 2022.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=108327]

"We wanted to put a slightly different spin on what the Gold Coast usually offers - giving it an injection of an outside perspective,".

Why Aperture, Broadbeach apartments are attracting the local and interstate buyer: Five minutes with Little Projects Director Leighton Pyke

The hotly anticipated Aperture, which will be one of the most high-end apartment developments&nbsp;in Broadbeach when completed in mid-2023, has officially launched to the market.

Following on from their successful first tower in Broadbeach, Signature, which sold out earlier this year, the Melbourne-based Little Projects took a different approach to&nbsp;Aperture, which refers to the opening of a lens&#39;s diaphragm through which light passes.

This time they&#39;re targeting the luxury owner-occupier, with every apartment on offer spanning a whole-level and offering over 200 sqm of internal and external space, enough space for a downsizer.

There are just 29 apartments across the 35 levels, with 26 full-floor apartments with three bedrooms, three bathrooms and three parking spaces. They start from $2.1 million, with every level of the 120 metre building offering uninterrupted ocean views from the balcony off the living area.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108327 project_image_fid=181282]

Floorplans for the double-storey sub penthouse and penthouse are still in the works, but they expect to have four bedrooms and four bathrooms each.&nbsp;

Elenberg Fraser, who has designed a number of developments&nbsp;in Melbourne, created the modernist-inspired apartment building, with hand-crafted materials and a minimalistic design featuring throughout. Gaggenau appliances and natural timber and stone have been used for the interiors, creating an extra level of luxury rarely seen in the market.

Leighton Pyke, Director of&nbsp;Little Projects Co, reckons&nbsp;the south end of Broadbeach is quite possibly the ultimate location to soak up the central coastal atmosphere.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108327 project_image_fid=181281]

&ldquo;It&rsquo;s part of a very tranquil enclave just a little bit away from the heart of the vibrant retail and dining precinct but within walking distance to all that Broadbeach has to offer, and only metres from the beach,&quot; Pyke says.

Pyke said they made a conscious effort to change the course from the high-density projects and instead offer full floor collection of apartments, offering enough space for the downsizer.

&ldquo;We put a lot of thought and energy into this project, alongside our talented team of architects, to come up with a design concept that blends with the superb location of the site.&rdquo;

&ldquo;With this project, we wanted to challenge expectations on how a luxury coastal residential collection should look and feel, so we devised a sub-tropical oasis that incorporates moody tone for an effortlessly luxe feel,&rdquo; Pyke said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108327 project_image_fid=181285]

KM Sales &amp; Marketing agent Todd Matheson is handling the market.

Aperture will feature a&nbsp;lap pool on the podium level, with hotel-like day beds at either end. The pool is flanked by a long pool deck, and an adjoining 20 sqm barbecue area with outdoor dining space. On this level is a gym with a steam room.

The project sits just minutes from the patrolled Kurrawa beach, and a short walk from the heart of Broadbeach&#39;s Oracle dining and retail precinct. 
 
[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=108327]

Elenberg Fraser, who has designed a number of developments in Melbourne, created the modernist-inspired apartment building

Little Projects Co launch Broadbeach apartment development, Aperture

The headline grabbing news from&nbsp;the Gold Coast in August was Gurner's $1.25 billion plans for a four-tower super development in Surfers Paradise.

There's further moves&nbsp;from the likes of Marquee Development Partners, the Brisbane-based Ention Properties, and the luxury local developer S&amp;S Projects.

Urban has wrapped up all of the movements across the Gold Coast over August.

<h2>Abadeen launch Villea, Palm Beach apartment development</h2>

<h2>[smartcode_project:default project_id=106840 project_image_fid=172253]</h2>

The Sydney-based developer, Abadeen Group, has officially launched&nbsp;its first Gold Coast project.

Abadeen, founded and run by property industry veteran&nbsp;Justin Brown, is behind the latest Palm Beach tower, Villea.

The 69-apartment tower at 26 Mawarra Street has one,&nbsp;two and three-bedroom apartments,&nbsp;designed for owner-occupier.

All of the one-bedroom apartments have already been snapped up pre-launch.

Villea offers&nbsp;a rare affordable entry point in Palm Beach, with current and future projects in the pipeline predominantly targeted at the luxury owner-occupier, many with prices starting from $2 million and up.

For more information, <a href="/news/qld/abadeen-launch-villea-palm-beach-apartment-development">click here</a>.

<h2>Last chance to buy a La Mer, Main Beach apartment as luxury owner-occupier demand continues on the Gold Coast</h2>

<h2>[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=171652]</h2>

The luxury owner-occupier boom covering the whole of the Gold Coast&nbsp;is seeing apartments in&nbsp;luxury towers snapped up and sold out in double-quick time.

The latest is La Mer, the 34-level Main Beach apartment project on at 3580&nbsp;Main Beach Parade

More than three quarters of the 29 apartments, developed&nbsp;by Polites Property Group in partnership with&nbsp;QNY Group, are already reserved, with the majority snapped up by locals.

The entry level three-bedroom apartments, which were priced at&nbsp;$2.35 million, have all been accounted for, with the remaining three-bed apartments now priced from $3.18&nbsp;million.

For more information, <a href="/news/qld/last-chance-to-buy-a-la-mer-main-beach-apartment-as-luxury-owner-occupier-demand-continues-on-the-gold-coast">click here</a>.

<h2>First look exclusive: Gurner reveals $1.25 billion, four-tower Surfers Paradise apartment development La Pelago</h2>

<img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="697" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/gurner_main.jpg" width="1200" />

The Melbourne-based developer&nbsp;Gurner, led by the high-profile developer&nbsp;Tim&nbsp;Gurner, has revealed its $1.25 billion plans for their&nbsp;Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise&nbsp;mega site.

The 11,000 plus sqm site at 108&nbsp;Ferny Avenue&nbsp;will be known as&nbsp;La Pelago, and will comprise four huge towers with nearly 1,000 apartments, around a quarter dedicated to a hotel.

Gurner&nbsp;swooped for their first residential development on the Gold Coast, and only their second in Queensland, following the collapse of&nbsp;Ralan, who had planned for two&nbsp;towers on the sprawling Budds Beach site.

La Pelago, likely named after the small commune in Italy,&nbsp;centralises on a private island theme, where&nbsp;each building is surrounded by over 9,000 sqm of amenity, lush tropical landscaping by SWA and pool-side water retreats, creating four private islands.

For more information, <a href="/news/qld/first-look-exclusive-gurner-reveals-1-25-billion-four-tower-surfers-paradise-apartment-development-la-pelago">click here</a>.

<h2>Little Projects set for boutique Broadbeach apartment tower aimed at the luxury owner-occupier</h2>

<h2><img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="800" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/little_projects_broadbeach.jpg" width="1200" /></h2>

On the back of their successful sellout of their $200 million Signature Broadbeach, developer&nbsp;Little Projects&nbsp;Co are set for their second Gold Coast development, and it's just around the corner.

The new tower at 20 Mary Avenue in Broadbeach&nbsp;will be made up of just 29 full floor and double-storey apartments.

Designed for the owner-occupier by the award-winning architect&nbsp;Elenberg Fraser,&nbsp;each apartment will have at least three bedrooms, hand-crafted materials and a minimalistic design.

For more information, <a href="/news/qld/little-projects-set-for-boutique-broadbeach-apartment-tower-aperture-aimed-at-the-luxury-owner-occupier">click here</a>.

<h2>Chevron Island set for New York-inspired apartment tower Greenwich</h2>

<img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="568" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/ention_chevron_one.jpg" width="1200" />

The residential development of the in demand Surfers Paradise enclave&nbsp;Chevron Island&nbsp;is set to continue.

The Brisbane-focused Ention Properties are the latest developer to enter the Gold Coast market from the Queensland capital. They're set to develop a&nbsp;New York-inspired apartment project, dubbed Greenwich, a reflection of Manhattan's famous Flatiron building.

Ention have reduced the number of apartments from 48 to 46, and increase the height level to 15. It will be&nbsp;targeted at owner-occupiers, KM Sales and Marketing associate director Todd Matheson says.

For more information, <a href="/news/qld/chevron-island-set-for-new-york-inspired-apartment-tower-greenwich">click here</a>.

<h2>First look: Marquee Development Partners lodge plans for new Kirra Beach, Coolangatta apartments</h2>

<img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="624" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/musgrave_kirra_2.jpg" width="1200" />

Fresh off selling out their&nbsp;Kirra Beach&nbsp;apartment development SOL before it even hit the open market, the local Gold Coast developer Marquee Development Partners are on to their next project.

And it's literally just down the road&nbsp;at&nbsp;4 Musgrave Street, on the in-demand&nbsp;Kirra Beach&nbsp;in Coolangatta.

The Brisbane-based Ellivo Architects have drawn up the plans for the 14-level tower,&nbsp;which will home 39 apartments.

For more information, <a href="/news/qld/first-look-marquee-development-partners-lodge-plans-for-new-kirra-beach-coolangatta-apartments">click here</a>.

<h2>Esprit, S&amp;S Projects new Rainbow Bay, Coolangatta apartments to feature Gold Coast's first rooftop wellness centre</h2>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=172129]

The Gold Coast is set for its first ever residential rooftop wellness centre at Esprit, the new Rainbow Bay, Coolangatta apartment development by S&amp;S Projects.

Dubbed Club Esprit,&nbsp;the wellness rooftop will sit above&nbsp;97 apartments at 6432 Boundary Street, two interconnected buildings&nbsp;above Rainbow Bay Village. It's being dubbed as fit for purpose for an elite athlete.

Club Esprit will sit on the rooftop of the 11-level building. KMSM agent Jayde Pezet will handle the sales.

For more information, <a href="/news/qld/esprit-s-s-projects-new-rainbow-bay-coolangatta-apartments-to-feature-gold-coasts-first-rooftop-wellness-centre">click here</a>.

<h2>Marquee prepare launch for Palm Beach apartment development, Northshore</h2>

<img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="745" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/northshore_marquee.jpg" width="1200" />

The South East Queensland developer Marquee Development Partners are continuing to bulk up their apartment development pipeline, following the speed of their latest&nbsp;Kirra Beach.

Marquee's&nbsp;Kirra Beach&nbsp;apartment development SOL didn't even hit the market, selling out all 46 apartments in the in-demand&nbsp;Kirra Beach&nbsp;in just 10 days.

The development, which&nbsp;will go down as one of the Gold Coast's fastest sell-outs,&nbsp;was Marquee's eighth project, and they're set to launch their ninth.

For more information, <a href="/news/qld/marquee-prepare-launch-for-palm-beach-apartment-development-northshore">click here</a>.

<h2>Want to know what happened over the Gold Coast in July? <a href="/news/qld/gold-coast-apartment-insights-what-happened-on-the-gold-coast-in-july">Click here.</a></h2>

There's further news from Marquee Development Partners, the Brisbane-based Ention Properties, and the luxury local developer S&S Projects

Gold Coast insights: What happened on the Gold Coast over August?

On the back of their successful sellout of their $200 million Signature Broadbeach, developer Little Projects Co are set for their second Gold Coast development, and it&#39;s just around the corner.

The new tower, dubbed&nbsp;Aperture,&nbsp;at 20 Mary Avenue in Broadbeach,&nbsp;will be made up of just 29 full floor and double-storey apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108327 project_image_fid=181283]

Designed for the owner-occupier by the award-winning architect Elenberg Fraser,&nbsp;each apartment will have at least three bedrooms, hand-crafted materials and a minimalistic design.

Prices are set to range from $2 million to $7.75 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108327 project_image_fid=181290]

Leighton Pyke, Director of Little Projects, said the company was ecstatic to be delivering another premier project in a sought-after pocket of Broadbeach.

&ldquo;The south end of Broadbeach is quite possibly the ultimate location to soak up the central coastal atmosphere,&rdquo; Pyke said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108327 project_image_fid=181282]

&ldquo;It&rsquo;s part of a very tranquil enclave just a little bit away from the heart of the vibrant retail and dining precinct but within walking distance to all that Broadbeach has to offer, and only metres from the beach.&rdquo;

Pyke said they made a conscious effort to change the course from the high-density projects and instead offer full floor collection of apartments, offering enough space for the downsizer.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108327 project_image_fid=181285]

&ldquo;We put a lot of thought and energy into this project, alongside our talented team of architects, to come up with a design concept that blends with the superb location of the site.&rdquo;

&ldquo;With this project, we wanted to challenge expectations on how a luxury coastal residential collection should look and feel, so we devised a sub-tropical oasis that incorporates moody tone for an effortlessly luxe feel,&rdquo; Pyke said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108327 project_image_fid=181286]

Executive Director of KM Sales and Marketing, Jayde Pezet, said the project was poised to seize hold of a growing marketplace of affluent lifestyle seekers.

&ldquo;With overseas borders shut, we are continuing to witness interstate buyers flock to the Gold Coast in pursuit of a tropical retreat,&rdquo; Pezet said.

&ldquo;With the development set just moments from the beachfront, and the retail and dining options essentially at its doorstep, it will be the ultimate home for buyers seeking coastal convenience.&rdquo;

About the developer

Little Projects Co is an award-winning Melbourne based developer specialising premium residential, commercial, land subdivision, aviation and industrial developments.

Its debut project into the Gold Coast market, Signature Broadbeach, is due for completion in 2022.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=108327]

The new tower at 20 Mary Avenue in Broadbeach will be made up of just 29 full floor and double-storey apartments

Little Projects set for boutique Broadbeach apartment tower Aperture, aimed at the luxury owner-occupier

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Little Projects continues to reinvent its place in the local and national residential market.

Focused for the bulk of its history on high density apartment projects, the developer has now reaffirmed its push into new markets and new development typologies. Apartment developments have been supplemented by aviation, hotel, student accommodation and boutique townhouse pursuits.

On the approval of a maiden townhouse project, Little Projects' Construction Director Paris Lechte took time out to chat with Apartments.com.au, regarding the firm's diversification and expectations for the Melbourne and national residential market.

The discussion transpired as follows:

Apartments.com.au: Can you outline the shift in market (or company) fundamentals that has seen Little Projects pursue a more diversified development portfolio?

Paris Lechte: We’ve been consistently building on the strength and track record of our development history, expanding our portfolio into complementary sectors in which our residential expertise is incredibly lucrative. With changes to stamp duty, lending, foreign tax and more, the residential market (in particular the high-density space) was somewhat compromised and the student accommodation, hotels, commercial and industrial sectors became more attractive to us.

These sectors have always been in our periphery, so when the market shifted we were ready to take advantage of new opportunities and had actively sought to balance our existing residential operations with our new Hyatt Centric and Melbourne University projects.

To continue our work in the residential space, we knew it meant our product needed to change in line with the market. The removal of investors from the medium to high-density space caused us to refocus our attention on smaller-scale, townhouse developments.

Our newest townhouse projects in Glen Iris and Brighton have been created purely with local owner-occupiers in mind.

<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/image232.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="ADDARC's take on Little Projects' new Brighton development"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="348" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image232.jpg?itok=Msa44GXp" title="ADDARC's take on Little Projects' new Brighton development" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>ADDARC's take on Little Projects' new Brighton development</figcaption></figure>U: ADDARC have been utilised for the first time by Little Projects - how was the design firm appointed to the Brighton townhouse project?

PL: ADDARC is the brainchild of Rohan Appel, who has worked with Little on previous projects during his time at SJB.

We were impressed by ADDARC’s early work and have always maintained an interest in their projects. When Brighton came about, we already knew ADDARC’s design sensibility and approach would be perfectly suited to the higher-end homes we were envisaging.

U: How difficult is it to source appropriate townhouse sites currently?

PL: At the moment, townhouse sites are the most difficult to procure. Demand for this type of property is higher than ever, especially in established suburbs like Brighton and Glen Iris, where land is more tightly held and appropriate sites are few and far between.

The sites that do exist are met with fierce competition as developers vie for the opportunity to capitalise on this demand.

As a result, we’ve become more direct in our acquisition approach and are actively pursuing joint ventures with landowners. In opening ourselves up to partnerships like this and empowering private landowners to realise the value of their blocks, we are quickly building a pipeline of sites primed for townhouse development.

U: Speaking of joint ventures with landowners, was the Prahran site in planning one such example and what features will define that project?

PL: Yes. Prahran is a JV with the landowner.

It's designed with sensitivity to the adjoining park in mind, Plus Architecture’s response features a sloping façade to Grattan Street. This prevents any overshadowing of Grattan Gardens and creates a visual spectacle that can be appreciated by locals and residents alike.

<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/sig.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Signature Broadbeach is headed for construction"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/sig.jpg?itok=c6jiEmJL" title="Signature Broadbeach is headed for construction" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Signature Broadbeach is headed for construction</figcaption></figure>U: How have sales progressed at Signature Broadbeach to this point?

PL: Very well, in fact Signature Broadbeach was the best-selling project on the Gold Coast for Q1 2018.

With over 100 sales complete, we will be going to construction tender in the next few months and aim to start construction in early 2019.

U: Will there be further expansion into non-Victorian residential markets?

PL: While our core residential focus has always been the Victorian market, we continue to monitor New South Wales and Queensland and wouldn’t hesitate to explore other options there if the numbers stacked up the way they did for Signature Broadbeach.

U: And finally, where do you see the Melbourne residential market heading over the next 2 or 3 years? Is there a swing back to investor grade stock and larger developments on the horizon, or will owner occupier developments remain strong?

PL: I foresee the continued dominance of owner occupier developments, with townhouse products and medium-density projects in established suburbs being the strongest performers. Melbourne’s south-east will remain popular and I see demand and competition for homes and sites in this area increasing.

The reality is that Melbourne’s population growth and migration will necessitate higher-density development and as demand builds for apartments and projects of scale again, the investor market will return. I believe we’re still 12 months off seeing a recovery.

Until then and for the short to medium term, owner occupiers will be the main target market. Being more environmentally aware, we’re finding these buyers respond to developments that meet their evolved needs and extend beyond basic financial and lifestyle considerations to sustainability and brand credibility.

They want to know that the values of who they’re buying from are aligned with their own principles.
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silvermb

A discussion with Little Projects' Construction Director Paris Lechte

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The completion of Dux Richmond Hill in recent days has added further weight to the strip's diversification away from being predominantly a retail zone.

In recent years Apartments.com.au has looked at the strip's retail woes, <a href="/expert-insights/buying/will-free-parking-save-bridge-road">potential solutions in fixing the faltering strip</a> and its <a href="https://urban.melbourne/planning/2015/05/06/bridge-roads-apartment-transformation-gathers-pace">drift toward apartment development</a>. Dux Richmond Hill at 153-177 Bridge Road has added a further 175 apartments, placing it as Bridge road's second largest apartment development delivered.

Developer Little Projects is mindful of the apartment wave that is providing Bridge road with a fundamental shift in how the strip is perceived.

<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/image192.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Dux Richmond Hill by Little Projects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="361" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image192.jpg?itok=lNzF__Wx" title="The Dux Richmond Hill by Little Projects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Dux Richmond Hill by Little Projects</figcaption></figure>On the occasion of Dux Richmond Hill's completion Little Projects Development Director Leighton Pyke provided the following commentary regarding Bridge Road:

<blockquote>
New apartment buildings like Dux Richmond Hill are the catalysts for change we need to resurrect shopping strips like Bridge Road and give new purpose to its retail operations.

What we are seeing is a role reversal with residential now driving and attracting retail rather than it simply being a case of activity zones dictating development. There is genuine opportunity to be realised as new developments return foot traffic to strips that have long been starved of new blood.

Rather than trying to return them to their former glory, we should be driving the evolution of prime shopping strips like Bridge Road, Richmond, Fitzroy Street, St Kilda and Chapel St, South Yarra and reappropriating them for a new generation of residents.
</blockquote>

Little Projects notes that Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show that over 4,100 apartments have been built through established retail strips in Collingwood, Fitzroy, Northcote and Richmond since 2012, leading to a 5.5 per cent increase in the number of businesses trading along these strips.

Little Projects cite a further 3,600 apartments set for completion across these four locations by December 2020, which will further amplify the trend.

Leighton Pyke also provided comment on the type of retail tenancy supporting these new apartment developments:

<blockquote>
Yes, there is an undeniable shift in offering that needs to take place if we are to bring back beloved locations like Bridge Road but what’s exciting about this is the rich opportunities to be found here for those retailers who provide well-balanced food and service offerings that are tailored to suit the local audience

The feedback we have received is that the Dux Richmond Hill’s retail spaces are more adaptable than the traditional narrow Victorian terraces of Bridge Road, which are limiting in terms of their potential for fitouts and adaptive reuses.
</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/273_20-12-2017_3343.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="SJB's Richmond Plaza design"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="341" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/273_20-12-2017_3343.jpg?itok=s4kRiVW2" title="SJB's Richmond Plaza design" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>SJB's Richmond Plaza design</figcaption></figure>For Bridge Road specifically, there remains a solid pipeline of apartments in waiting. With Dux Richmond Hill complete, next to the construction starting line is <a href="/buildings/lanbruk-apartments-79-bridge-road-richmond">Lanbruk Serviced Apartments</a> at 79 Bridge Road.

Builder Minicon is charged with delivering the serviced apartment complex which will join Cobild's 10 level <a href="/buildings/frame-19-21-judd-street-richmond">Frame Apartments</a> at construction and the soon to be restarted <a href="/buildings/herbert-king-172-lennox-street-richmond">Herbert King</a>. The latter two projects are mere metres from Bridge Road.

A sweep of the Apartments.com.au Project Database shows hundreds of new apartments earmarked for Bridge Road across a further 10 developments.

Largest of these is Coles Group and Gresham Property Funds Management's approved development of <a href="/buildings/261-271-bridge-road-richmond">Richmond Plaza</a> which includes a slab of retail space and 300 plus apartments over 12 levels. Project architect notes the project's end value at $250 million.
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Bridge Road's latest development complete, what next for the rising apartment strip

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

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What's in a tower, or two? Last Friday Little Projects received planning approval for a twin tower scheme nestled in behind Yarra's Edge, that the developer believes will act as an entrance point to Lorimer Precinct within Fishermans Bend. Initially submitted as a 74 level tower with provisions for public space and a tram line through the site, the scheme was subsequently scaled downwards resulting in two towers of 47 and 49 storeys.

85-93 Lorimer Street will see the delivery of 940 apartments, marginally more than was sought within the initial scheme. Lower levels within the approved Elenberg Fraser-designed complex will house 778 car parks and 400 bicycle bays, retail spaces and a gym - all within a podium heavy with exterior greenery.

2,100 square metres has been designated onsite as a public park, naturally garnering strong support from both the State Government and City of Melbourne.

Valued at $200 million, 85-93 Lorimer Street is the latest apartment scheme approval for Fishermans Bend, which according to the State Government brings the total value of inner-city developments approved by the Andrews Labor Government to over $3 billion. Under Planning Minister Richard Wynne's tenure in excess of 3,300 apartments within Fishermans Bend have gained approval, equating to in excess of $800 million worth of investment.

<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/lorimer_lowres-1art.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The approved 85-93 Lorimer Street. Image courtesy Little Projects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="698" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/lorimer_lowres-1art.jpg?itok=830l0vb8" title="The approved 85-93 Lorimer Street. Image courtesy Little Projects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The approved 85-93 Lorimer Street. Image courtesy Little Projects</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
This development reflects our vision for the future of Fishermans Bend, offering open space and well-designed apartments close to transport and services.

We encourage innovative developers to put forward projects which we can be proud of decades after construction.
<cite>Richard Wynne, Minister for Planning</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
​The re-submission of our plans for the South Wharf site has given us the ability to design a development that will contribute to Melbourne’s dynamic skyline.

We’ve identified South Wharf as a key area with potential for growth, as it is evident that Melbournians enjoy living on the fringe of the CBD, with immediate access to the best cultural and lifestyle precincts, including Melbourne’s new financial district, which is only 1km away. Through this project, and its thoughtful design considerations, the team at Elenberg Fraser and Little Projects has a unique opportunity and responsibility to shape and elevate the liveability of this city for future generations.

The oval-shaped towers maximise the amount of natural light entering the apartments’ interiors and bring spectacular bay and city views inside.
<cite>Michael Fox, Managing Director, Little Projects</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Comment</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/lorimer.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The original Lorimer Street proposal. Image courtesy Elenberg fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="273" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/lorimer.jpg?itok=uQXgmfTD" title="The original Lorimer Street proposal. Image courtesy Elenberg fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The original Lorimer Street proposal. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>In a broader sense the aversion to height within certain pockets of Fishermans Bend by the current State Government is something which serves no great purpose in my eyes. There are limited and appropriate areas such as Lorimer Precinct where height limits shouldn't apply.

The blanket 40 level height limit over areas of Fishermans Bend if sustained over the long term will result in a rather contrived outcome where every building will essentially be built to 120 metres; it's a matter of aesthetics more than anything but a forest of towers all terminating at the same height lacks an organic feel or natural progression that the CBD for instance maintains.

Site specific now, and I can't see why two towers over one taller tower has been lauded as a "refined" or superior outcome. The original plan for a 74 level building <a href="http://www.docklandsnews.com.au/editions/article/concerns-remain-over-fishermans-bend_10824/">sparked concerns</a> from surrounding residents, why? 85-93 Lorimer Street is located to the south of Yarra's Edge and therefore holds no overshadowing concerns. Whether a tower is 49, 74 or 100 levels is effectively irrelevant, but apparently the taller the tower, the higher the Yarra's Edge residents insecurities seem to sprout.

In fact the only consequence I can see of having two towers as opposed to one is that more future residents of 85-93 Lorimer Street will have direct lines of sight into existing apartments within Yarra's Edge, go figure…
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