Perth’s new apartment market recorded its strongest quarter of sales since Q4 2021, with 412 apartments sold in Q1 2026 and a record quarterly sold value of $537 million, according to Urbis’ latest Apartment Essentials results.

Urbis said the March quarter result reflects strong, highly product‑specific demand across both ends of the market, from more attainable projects delivering at scale, through to premium stock being absorbed by equity‑rich downsizers.&nbsp;

David Cresp, Partner at Urbis, said the key story in Perth is not demand, it is the market’s ability to convert demand into delivered housing.&nbsp;

“This is the strongest sales quarter since Q4 2021, and it reinforces that demand in Perth is real and it’s local,” David Cresp said. “But the task now is delivery, turning that demand into projects that can actually be built and completed.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110291 project_image_fid=302785]

<h2>Affordable product leads, premium demand remains resilient</h2>

Sales in Q1 were led by more affordable projects, with The Boulevard (SKS Group) recording 115 sales in the quarter, the presentation noting this is only the second time a single project has surpassed 100 quarterly sales. The project was able to offer more affordable housing product right next to a train station.&nbsp;

Palmyra West (Finbar) also delivered strong results with 28 sales in Q1, following 84 sales in Q4, with an average price of under $800,000, underscoring depth of demand for well‑located, attainable new stock.&nbsp;

At the premium end, Urbis said downsizer demand is continuing, with the results highlighting Romeo (Applecross, Finbar) recording 75 sales and reaching almost 50% sold in one quarter.

Jual (Shenton Park, Celsius Property) also posted a strong quarter with 28 sales, reaching 39% sold in one quarter.

Urbis noted that Perth apartment demand is not speculative, not investor‑led, and not uniform, describing it as localised, often equity‑driven and highly product‑specific, a pattern reflected in the polarisation between strong “attainable” performers and premium downsizer product.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148957 project_image_fid=364102]

<h2>Prices underpinned by costs, and the delivery risk is growing</h2>

Urbis said pricing pressure is cost not demand‑driven: construction costs and delivery risk are now a central constraint, with the results noting build costs remain elevated and volatile, and that energy, fuel and labour uncertainty weigh on feasibility.

David Cresp said a growing challenge for private Build‑to‑Sell developers is simply securing a builder in the current environment.

“Developers are really feeling the pressure from a building market that was operating at capacity and securing a builder is challenging,” David Cresp said, adding that even where a builder can be secured, “trying to get to the price that makes the development financially viable is incredibly challenging in the current market.”&nbsp;

Urbis’ broader WA commentary also notes that industry remains at or above capacity with lot and housing creation, and that many builders are limiting new sales to manage stretched workforces and fixed‑price contract pressures, conditions that flow directly into apartment feasibility and delivery timing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108869 project_image_fid=317905]

<h2>Supply: improving later, but still constrained, and Perth lags eastern benchmarks</h2>

While near‑term supply remains constrained, Urbis’ forecast shows completions lifting “Supply is forecast to be back above 1,500 apartments per annum for the first time since 2019”, with 1,775 completions forecast for 2026, and volumes remaining above that level over the following years.&nbsp;

Looking further ahead, completions are forecast to reach 2,500 in 2028, with the report noting 32% of that total is social/affordable, reflecting the role of government‑supported delivery in rebuilding the pipeline.&nbsp;

However, Urbis said Perth remains behind comparable markets on pipeline scale. In a national comparison of projects under construction, the report shows under construction Perth Build‑to‑Sell (BTS) at 3,446 apartments versus the Gold Coast at 7,922. Mr Cresp said “The challenge for Perth is how to we grow the delivery pipeline”.

Urbis’ conclusion is that Perth’s market is increasingly defined by product discipline and delivery certainty, with the research identifying “delivery certainty is key” and calling out builder risk and procurement models as core success factors, alongside “timing and staging”.&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

Perth apartment sales hit strongest pace since late 2021 as builder capacity tightens

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sammut-developments">Sammut Group</a> has secured development approval for its latest Brisbane apartment project, marking the Sydney developer’s next step in expanding its Queensland pipeline following the success of its debut Gold Coast development, Coast.

The approved project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/44-glen-road-toowong-qld-4066">44 Glen Road, </a><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a> will deliver a 15-storey riverfront apartment building with 42 residences, significantly increasing the scale of the site’s previous approval for a smaller luxury scheme. Designed by Bureau^proberts, the development will comprise a mix of predominantly four-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments positioned to maximise Brisbane River and city views.

Sammut Director Julian Sammut said the group had been actively searching Brisbane for several years before identifying Toowong as the right fit.

“Brisbane was the right step for Sammut,” Sammut said.

“With the success of Coast we thought we should definitely look to do more in Queensland alone. We then pushed up to look at Brisbane. We've been looking for I'd say two to three years actually and it was hard to find the right location.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.14%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=dYAVIL7qdcGA8ojvkslSrLjczXFejSSx" />

Sammut said suburbs including New Farm and Teneriffe were considered before the group ultimately focused on Toowong due to its strong downsizer demographic and limited supply of developable riverfront land.

The site was acquired off-market after what Sammut described as a lengthy negotiation and planning process, with the developer pursuing an uplift to the original approval.

“We are DA approved now which is very exciting,” Sammut said.

“We've had our change approval come through and we've obviously doubled the height, 15 storeys plus rooftop. We've got 42 amazing apartments that are going to be coming to market soon.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ohkRkY0dIZlqdfME2EZePsCQavRiBadE" />

Bureau^proberts said the design responds to Toowong’s evolving urban character, balancing contemporary apartment living with the area’s established residential identity.

“A place where traditional Queensland living has taken place for centuries; Toowong is seeing a shift of contemporary influence, commercial and retail hubs mixed with well-considered residential offerings – all the while maintaining its character and charm,” the architect noted in planning documents submitted to Brisbane City Council.

The architecture practice said the project’s form was shaped by its riverfront setting, flood considerations, neighbouring building scales, and view corridors.

“They said the mix of four and two-bedroom apartments capture the ‘fundamental qualities of Queenslander living,’ translated into the context of a contemporary subtropical building.”

The development sits just off Coronation Drive within walking distance of Toowong’s retail precinct and the upgraded Regatta ferry terminal, while also benefiting from proximity to the incoming green bridge connection to West End. Sammut said the accessibility and amenity offering were central to the site’s appeal.

The approval adds to growing residential activity along the Toowong riverfront, joining nearby projects including Consolidated Properties’ Monarch Residences and Spyre Group’s ARC Residences.

Sammut secures approval for debut Brisbane apartment development in Toowong

Developer Lanevick is heading back into Sydney’s apartment market after focusing more heavily on the luxury townhouse and terrace sector in recent years.

Lanevick, founded and directed by Steve Maroun, is expecting to receive approval in the coming months for a new apartment development in Gladesville, with the aim to launch it to the market later this year.

The 51-apartment project, designed by Studio Johnston, will comprise a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments positioned toward the Hunters Hill downsizer market.

“Traditionally it’s been difficult for people in that market to downsize because there just hasn’t been the right product available,” Maroun said.

“We’re targeting buyers who might have 30 to 40 per cent of their house value sitting in the bank after downsizing.

“They still want good spacious entertaining areas, they still want quality design, but they also want flexibility and the ability to enjoy life a bit more after working hard for a long time.”

The project sits near Boronia Park and within close proximity to the Parramatta River foreshore, an area Maroun says offers more of a Hunters Hill lifestyle than a traditional apartment precinct.

“From a lifestyle perspective, it’s really more Hunters Hill than Gladesville,” Maroun said. “You’re close to the foreshore, close to parklands, and still connected back into the village precinct.”

From level four and above, apartments will capture water views&nbsp;toward Sydney Harbour. Communal amenity will include rooftop entertaining areas, wellness spaces, and a gym tailored toward owner-occupier buyers.

“We’ve really designed these apartments around that buyer coming from the Hunters Hill LGA and what they’re actually looking for in their next chapter.”

The proposed development has also been designed to respond to the changing character of the broader Gladesville town centre, where a growing number of mixed-use and residential proposals are expected to emerge over the coming years.

“Gladesville presented a rare opportunity to deliver a genuinely design-led residential project within an evolving lifestyle precinct, just moments from the growing Gladesville town centre, and we’ve approached the project with a strong focus on architecture, liveability and long-term community value,” Maroun said.

Maroun said Lanevick saw a first-mover advantage within the precinct as planning controls continue to evolve to accommodate greater housing density.

“We think there’s a real opportunity there that hasn’t really been serviced properly yet,” he said.

“There’s going to be a broader evolution of the whole Gladesville village precinct over time, particularly with more activation and mixed-use outcomes.”

The Venus Street proposal will include a commercial and retail component at ground level designed to contribute to that evolving streetscape activation.

“A big part of the thinking was how do you activate that area properly and create more vibrancy and amenity, which is what Hunters Hill has been looking for,” Maroun said.

Lanevick’s focus since 2020 has largely been on smaller-scale luxury townhouse and terrace developments. The developer recently completed Royale Randwick, also designed by Studio Johnston, where prices reached $3.65 million. The project was featured in the UDIA NSW 2026 Professional Development Prospectus and was also named a finalist for Development of the Year.

&nbsp;

Lanevick to cater for Hunters Hill downsizers with new Gladesville apartment development

Property developer One Living, backed by former Macquarie banker turned investment manager Chris Green’s investment firm, has unveiled plans to bring more institutional capital into housing to help address the national supply crisis.

The New York-based investor has focused his firm, GreenPoint Partners, on addressing the supply shortage hitting middle market housing in Australia.

It is backing the new One Living business to develop more than 1000 units along the eastern seaboard. The new firm is starting with a development on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, with around 140 apartments planned. They are eyeing off more sites across the city.

With cost pressures rising in the industry, One Living’s model is to be a vertically integrated developer-builder, so it can respond directly to the housing gap by removing the cost inefficiencies embedded in traditional residential delivery.

“We are building a platform designed to operate at scale and starting in a market where there’s a clear need for quality, attainable housing,” One Living joint managing director Joseph Scuderi said.

“It’s that missing middle – it’s that attainable end of housing… that’s what most Australians invest into and what Australians can actually afford.”

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="798dfa93-4941-4db6-a696-31e9dc18e81c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.31.50%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=mKBqi5C_DmeiXS.AtJkcR8LQIxqCqmFi" />

GreenPoint Partners brings years of experience assembling and scaling real estate operating businesses across major markets. And Green sees a big opportunity in Australia.

“For its size, sophistication and importance to the community, Australia’s living sector has remained largely under-institutionalised, which represents significant opportunity,” Green said. “GreenPoint identified that gap, assembled the right team, and is backing One Living to build a platform that is aligned to market needs.”

Green said being a builder-developer would give the company the capacity and flexibility it required to deliver reasonably-priced homes.

“We want it to be at that attainable level; not super high end luxury but at that attainable level,” he said.

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="74a5344a-4b26-4d4a-ada3-056b1220be77" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.32.15%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=vY8hXHO4reBMdO8ZXMWCNtGZJofUPQ3j" />

&nbsp;

One Living will undertake a component of affordable housing in its schemes, which it will own and operate, and it could also run build-to-rent on some sites.

Green praised local policy settings.

“The NSW government is being very supportive, strategic and pragmatic in terms of how do we generate more supply of housing,” he said. “We think it’s actually positive for development and the bit that’s been lacking at that attainable level is that it’s lots of relatively small private developers, whereas we want to create an institutional platform.”

One Living is also&nbsp;looking at high-density projects and could take on more institutional funding in the future.

“The way we will be able to achieve economies of scale is through size,” Green added.

One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition

It's been several years since there's been an opportunity to buy a brand new townhome in Melbourne's coastal suburb of Mordialloc. Even apartment developments in recent times have been few and far between in the area.

Local developer LDS Property identified the gap in new housing, securing a site on White Street, directly opposite&nbsp;Woodlands Golf Club Mordialloc. They've recently launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/wm-residences-mordialloc-102-white-street-mordialloc-vic-3195">WM Residences</a>, just 13 townhouses which they have already started building.

Projects by Buxton Director Heath Thompson, who is selling WM Residences, says the townhouses x that perfect middle ground be

"Mordialloc residents have had limited options to downsize within the suburb, often forcing them to look elsewhere despite long-standing ties to the area," Thompson says.

"With very little comparable new supply coming to market, projects like WM Residences are well placed, particularly as buyers look to capitalise on current conditions amid constrained supply."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6109]

The development, designed by regarded architecture firm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf</a>,&nbsp;adopts a deliberately restrained architectural approach, focusing on simplicity, durability and liveability rather than overt design gestures.

The boutique scale is central to the offering. With only 13 three-bedroom residences, each home is configured to prioritise functional layouts and everyday use, supported by private terraces and secure two-car garages.

Ewert Leaf’s design response leans into a calm, neutral material palette. Interiors are defined by oak flooring, white walls and soft finishes, creating a consistent and understated backdrop. The approach avoids trend-driven detailing in favour of longevity, with an emphasis on natural light and spatial clarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6110]

Beyond aesthetics, the homes are designed to meet contemporary performance expectations. Each residence targets a minimum 6-star energy rating, incorporating double glazing, comprehensive insulation and all-electric Bosch appliances.

The project’s location supports a walkable coastal lifestyle, sitting within close proximity to Mordialloc’s foreshore, Main Street retail strip and the train station. Local cafés and dining venues, including Suburbia Deli and Hendriks Café, are within a short walk, reinforcing the area’s established neighbourhood character.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6116]

While <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/mordialloc-vic-3195">Mordialloc</a> is often defined by its beach and pier, the project taps into other areas of day to day living, offering easy access to local food, casual dining and transport, rather than positioning itself purely as a lifestyle retreat.

WM Residences reflects a continued trend across Melbourne’s coastal suburbs towards smaller-scale, design-led townhouse developments, particularly on infill sites where proximity to amenity is already established.

With construction commenced prior to its market entry, the project aligns with a growing preference among buyers for developments with visible progress and defined delivery timeframes.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134646]

WM Residences fills gap in Mordialloc townhouse market

MA Architects

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Montalto Properties is pushing ahead with its <a href="/buildings/parkside-by-the-river-2-ballarat-road-footscray">Parkside</a> residential project at 2b Ballarat Road in the burgeoning suburb of <a href="/new-apartments/footscray-vic-3011">Footscray</a>. Designed by <a href="/architects/ma-architects">MA Architects</a> the boutique development of 23 residences capitalises on never-to-be-built-out views over Flemington Racecourse and the Maribyrnong River. The five-storey development replaces an at grade car park and sits east of a series of walk up flats.

Due to the nature of its park side location - which unsurprisingly was the inspiration for the project name - the development has been designed 'in the round' according to MA Architects' Karen Alcock, who sat down with Apartments.com.au to discuss the design strategy behind Parkside. 

<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/5150_flemington_apartments_9302-yt_1029.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The view from the balcony across the Maribyrnong River. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/5150_flemington_apartments_9302-yt_1029.jpg?itok=zRJL7sld" title="The view from the balcony across the Maribyrnong River. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The view from the balcony across the Maribyrnong River. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure>Karen describes the site as a "bloody unique opportunity" and she would know, having spent the best part of the last 20 years working on multi-residential and award winning housing projects. Karen established MA Architects after 10 years as a co-director of Neometro Architects and brings a strong design focus to projects, ensuring the practice delivers something surprising and buildings which work, particularly at the ground level.

Karen says Parkside has been designed to open up to the north aspect, while its base is landscaped to soften the car park frontages with a pergola provided to the street, with practical experience dictating the use of wisteria and vines. At the same time Karen emphasises the importance of designing buildings which are still good to look at while the vegetation takes time to flourish. Projects which rely too much on vegetation to conceal poor architecture are still poor buildings, she argues.

In terms of the spatial planning of Parkside, the two and three-bedroom apartments have been located along the north, one-bedroom apartments to the south while a series of penthouses occupy the top floor above the three floors of typical apartments. Irrespective of size however, Karen says that the practice always approaches the design of apartments in the same manner they would approach the design of a house, that is with a sense of longevity so that it feels like somewhere you could live in for a long period.

Historically MAA-designed projects have also utilised outdoor blinds to balconies which are size appropriately and practical to use, and Parkside is no different. The practice's work has also traditionally featured kitchens and bathrooms which are interesting but simple, with Karen noting that houses are "more than just kitchens" and that it's crucial to "make sure the bones are right" ie providing a robust shell that requires little maintenance.

<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/1-5150_flemington_apartments_9302_kitchen_1114.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A typical kitchen at Parkside. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="290" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1-5150_flemington_apartments_9302_kitchen_1114.jpg?itok=eo0lox2U" title="A typical kitchen at Parkside. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A typical kitchen at Parkside. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure>During the early days of Neometro, they would often ask themselves the question "would you want to live here?" and this still resonates with the projects Karen and her team are working on today, and this ethos certainly informed the design of Parkside.

Parkside adds to Footscray's development pipeline, with the inner city suburb fast becoming a major metropolitan activity centre to cater for the predicted 40% growth Melbourne's west is expected to experience in the next 40 years. An interactive round up of development activity within Footscray is illustrated in Apartments.com.au's map below:

<iframe frameborder="0" height="420px" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/footscray-vic?embeddable=map" width="100%"></iframe>
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Laurence Dragomir

MA Architects' Karen Alcock discusses Parkside, Footscray

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Here at Apartments.com.au we aim to shine the spotlight on a variety of projects of distinct scale and programme, regardless of location. One such project that has piqued interest is Richmond's 45 Wangaratta Street; another joint collaboration between developer Beams Projects and MA Architects.

The 7-storey office development follows on from the duo's previous joint effort on the the now under construction Farmer Cutter &amp; Swan, also in Richmond, and the submission of an application for a high-end townhouse development on South Melbourne's Thistlethwaite Street.

According to Beams Projects, the development which will simply be known as 'Wangaratta Street' will become its new headquarters, taking advantage of the site's proximity to Richmond Station and Swan Street.

The design employs a restrained and minimalist quality that is balanced by its rich texture of off form concrete which is interrupted by staggered glazed apertures of varying proportions. The configuration is designed to create a sense of rhythm and movement across the facade, whilst also responding to its industrial context.

<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/screenshot_20180608-090206_instagram.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Wangaratta Street will form Beams Projects new HQ. Image: Gabriel Saunders"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="706" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/screenshot_20180608-090206_instagram.jpg?itok=SSHFuqBy" title="Wangaratta Street will form Beams Projects new HQ. Image: Gabriel Saunders" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Wangaratta Street will form Beams Projects new HQ. Image: Gabriel Saunders</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
This bold and contemporary concrete form reflects our architectural philosophy, our identity and captures our aspirations.

Designed in collaboration with MA Architects as a nod to Richmond's rich industrial backdrop, the building offers a distinctly architectural experience to inspire inhabitants and visitors.

Located next to Richmond Station and a short walk from Swan Street, the building will house 6 levels of contemporary office space above a neighbourhood coffee place.

- Beams Projects
</blockquote>

MA Architects have designed Wangarrata Street to respond to two different frontage conditions, while addressing the two different Design Development Overlays (DDO) which apply to the site. The subsequent design response involves the architects adopting two visually distinct massing strategies.

Along Wangaratta Street the higher built form oriented to the west is divided into three segments. Initially a 3-storey street wall which reinforces the predominant scale of the street walls within the streetscape, with a central 3-storey section setback above; the building capped off with a visually recessive upper storey.

Turning to the Botherambo Street frontage, the upper levels are consecutively setback at similar distances to reduce potential amenity impacts and building bulk to the adjoining residential neighbourhood.

A small café is being provided to the ground floor on the Wangaratta Street frontage with visual connection to the Tennyson Street pocket park which is slated for future expansion within the Richmond Station Precinct Structure Plan.

Additionally, the project features a basement level accommodating 12 car parks with car stackers as well as 27 bike spaces.

Beams Projects is accepting EOI's for tenants within the development via their <a href="http://beamsprojects.com.au/contact/">contact page</a>.
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Beams Project's latest Richmond gem seeking Expressions of Interest

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Following on from the launch of the first of two apartment buildings that constitutes the new Jewell Station, Apartments.com.au took the opportunity to pose a number of questions to Neometro Director James Tutton. Extensively covered by Apartments.com.au during its inception, Jewell Station Precinct is the latest tract of land seeded by VicTrack in order to create a mixed-use, people friendly development outcome. 

Enter Neometro who have taken the opportunity to show their wares; Jewell Station being the latest development for the B Corporation-certified developer which actively promotes <a href="/news/high-density-happiness-with-neometros-james-tutton-and-jeff-provan">High Density Happiness</a>.

The project's 1 and 2 bedroom apartments have been created within the context of community gardens, enhanced bike paths, outdoor performance areas, overhauled park space and public art - in line with the developers stance on integrated development.

BKK Architects created the overall precinct design, with placemaking a firm priority. Their northern apartment building along with MA Architects' southern apartment building (which is currently at sales) are tasked with producing a "more holistic approach to urban regeneration that builds upon the local character and delivers a benchmark solution for inner-city living."

Although coy about exact apartment sales to date, James Tutton states that the project has been exceptionally well received with sales outpacing expectations.

<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/jewell_arch_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Jewel Station's southern apartment building. Image: Neometro"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="350" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/jewell_arch_4.jpg?itok=mqWAplyb" title="Jewel Station's southern apartment building. Image: Neometro" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Jewell Station's southern apartment building. Image: Neometro</figcaption></figure>Apartments.com.au's chat with James Tutton on the ethos behind Jewell Station transpired as follows:

UM: What distinguishing features set the development aside from other nearby developments also at sales?

JT: At Jewell Station we’re bringing together distinctive design, sustainability and community infrastructure to create a New Urban Village. It’s about shaping a sense of place that supports the wellbeing of those who live in the apartments as well as in the broader community.

Jewell Station is truly a collective endeavour that integrates apartment living with social infrastructure. New bike paths, communal gardens, public arts and events programs, a rejuvenated local park, cafés, independent retail and meditation spaces, are the foundations on which a new creative community will be built.

The project is also intended to leave a lasting design legacy and the commitment to creativity, subtlety and integrity at every stage of the design process also sets this development apart. We worked with Clare Cousins Architects to bring that side of the project to life but we’re also collaborating with our long-time community partners, including urban farming group 3000acres who has established community gardens, Melbourne art consultancy Utopian Slumps who has commissioned a public art piece for the precinct, and speciality coffee trader Phase One Coffee (formerly Place Holder) who has opened a new café onsite.

UM: What values are Neometro trying to promote via the development?

JT: To us, a home is much more than four walls and a roof. Building spaces that promote creative and connected communities is at the core of our values.

At Jewell Station we’ve taken into account the physical attributes of apartments that support ‘High Density Happiness’, such as sound insulation and natural light, as well as the external environment, where we’ve prioritised pedestrians and cyclists over cars and created beautiful green spaces for people to enjoy.

Having community infrastructure has a positive impact on the physical and emotional wellbeing of people. The community infrastructure however needs to be something whereby people can either opt in or out. What we have done at Jewell Station is not create a situation where people have to share laundries or are forced into that co-habitation, but rather they can choose to use community gardens or meditate in the outdoor leisure space and that ability to decide for themselves has a major impact on their well being.

And of course you also look at lighting, security, walkability and proximity to retail, education and transport. They're all factors that contribute to physical and mental wellbeing in terms of people's living environment.

<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/jewell_arch_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Upfield Bike Path will also be upgraded. Image: Neometro"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="350" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/jewell_arch_5.jpg?itok=gZMtSfzp" title="Upfield Bike Path will also be upgraded. Image: Neometro" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Upfield Bike Path will also be upgraded. Image: Neometro</figcaption></figure>UM: How will the surrounding community benefit from the development of Jewell Station?

JT: Jewell Station will revitalise Brunswick and serve not only as a transport hub but also as a cultural heart within the suburb. The surrounding community will benefit from social infrastructure such as new bike paths, communal gardens, public arts and events programs, a rejuvenated local park, cafes, and independent retail and meditation spaces.

The revitalisation has already begun, even though we are yet to begin building the Barkly apartments. Rather than leaving the land vacant in the lead up to construction, we’ve created an onsite display that doubles as a meeting space, bringing the community together for talks, workshops, performances and installations.

UM: Has the process (dealing with VicTrack) been markedly different to the normal planning process?

JT: Prior to engaging Neometro, VicTrack had extensive engagement with council and this meant there was clarity around what could and could not be done with the site. This enabled a positive outcome with the subsequent planning application.

Another distinctive feature was the high degree of community and stakeholder engagement that VicTrack had initiated prior to appointing Neometro. This helped to smooth the process of taking the scheme back to the community for feedback, prior to the planning application being lodged. This smooth process led to a successful application with zero objections and no need to go to VCAT.

UM: Would Neometro repeat the Jewell Station model if given the opportunity to do so elsewhere?

JT: Absolutely. The process has resulted in a very positive, strong working relationship between Neometro and VicTrack. The New Urban Village concept incorporates the elements of design, environmental sustainability and community infrastructure that defines Neometro’s ethos of High Density Happiness.

The Jewell Station model is one that we are keen to apply to future key development sites.

<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/services_property_property_development.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A render of Jewell Station's much improved public forecourt"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="249" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/services_property_property_development.jpg?itok=sUCs1fRc" title="A render of Jewell Station's much improved public forecourt" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A render of Jewell Station's much improved public forecourt. Image: VicTrack</figcaption></figure>For the record, Hampton Station Precinct is next in line to receive an apartment and retail upgrade at the hands of VicTrack. Multiple residential building, improved public access, a reconfigured bus interchange and new commuter car parking are intended, as is a likely potential upgrade to the Hampton Station itself.
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