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

MAB Corporation

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MAB has unveiled its vision for the completion of its NewQuay precinct, following State Government approval the NewQuay West Masterplan, which represents the final stages of the 14-hectare site. The endorsed plan features a 4,000 sqm linear park linking NewQuay's Central Park and the Ron Barassi Snr sports reserve at the western end of NewQuay, in addition to five new residential buildings. The AFL is expected to relocate to an adjacent waterfront site to facilitate the Marvel Stadium redevelopment in the coming years.

<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/newquay_aerial.png" rel="gallery-all" title="NewQuay aerial showing the approved Master Plan for NewQuay West in context. Image: MAB"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/newquay_aerial.png?itok=p5y7-5GP" title="NewQuay aerial showing the approved Master Plan for NewQuay West in context. Image: MAB" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>NewQuay aerial showing the approved Master Plan for NewQuay West in context. Image: MAB</figcaption></figure>Urban.com.au spoke to MAB General Manager - Residential, David Allt-Graham about the company's vision for the last piece of the NewQuay puzzle.

Urban.com.au: The NewQuay West Master Plan has undergone a number of iterations over the years - what were some of the key drivers behind the current Master Plan?

David Allt-Graham: The major driver has been the collaboration with Government to plan and deliver the Ron Barassi Snr Park and forge connections with the Linear Park to create a pedestrian ‘green-spine’ through the middle of NewQuay. 

U: The Master Plan allows for greater height than NewQuay East - was this in response to MAB providing land for the creation of Ron Barassi Snr oval?

DA-G: Early plans of the West had vague concepts for open space next to the Bolte Bridge but it was not big enough for playing fields. MAB has surrendered 1.7 Hectares of land to facilitate the creation of the Ron Barassi Snr Park and MAB’s remaining land will be more densely developed. 

U: With the latter buildings in NewQuay East and more recently with NewQuay Central, MAB has engaged a variety of architects to add diversity to the precinct - will this be the case for NewQuay West and what will the process be for selecting the architects? Design competition or yet to be determined?

DA-G: We are happy with the variety of design that is emerging in NewQuay and we feel that this has been well received by Melburnians.  The quality of architects in Victoria is exceptional and we like to work with locals.  We are currently working on concept designs for two new buildings, both with architects who are new to MAB and were selected because they were a strong fit with the brief.

<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/mabc9697_newquay_west_e01_precinct_view_from_water.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The approved Master Plan will add a further five buildings to NewQuay. Image: MAB "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mabc9697_newquay_west_e01_precinct_view_from_water.jpg?itok=_DUbvaa-" title="The approved Master Plan will add a further five buildings to NewQuay. Image: MAB " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The approved Master Plan will add a further five buildings to NewQuay. Image: MAB</figcaption></figure>U: When do you expect the first building at NewQuay West to be released to the market and how long do you anticipate the full completion of the NewQuay to take?

DA-G: Our current apartment project Escala is 70% sold and this is the final stage in the East of NewQuay.  The first NewQuay West project is likely to be released in early 2020, once we receive planning approval.  The final five residential stages are in the West and we expect that a new project will be released each year thereafter.

U: Any update on the status of 396 Docklands Drive and The Quarter?

DA-G: MAB continues to actively market this project and there are currently strong opportunities in the market for this project.  The site is 1 hectare which is increasingly rare and gives us great flexibility with tenants looking for large format floor plates.  Our Escala Workspaces are also being marketed and we expect that project will strengthen NewQuay’s credentials with prospective local businesses and tenants.
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Laurence Dragomir

MAB's David Allt-Graham on the vision for NewQuay West

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Following on from <a href="/news/escala-newquay-in-focus-part-one">yesterday's Q&amp;A with MAB's David Allt-Graham</a>, Apartments.com.au today discusses the design approach to Escala in NewQuay with Six Degrees Director Mark Healy and how the office's experience in the residential sector and within Melbourne's laneways, informed the key design drivers and composition of the project's architecture.

<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/escala-facade-1140x430.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Escala's podium will comprise a series of buildings, providing a fine grain approach to the streetscape. Image : Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="219" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/escala-facade-1140x430.jpg?itok=GFjFo7YJ" title="Escala's podium will comprise a series of buildings, providing a fine grain approach to the streetscape. Image : Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Escala's podium will comprise a series of buildings, providing a fine grain approach to the streetscape. Image : Supplied</figcaption></figure>Apartments.com.au: Escala represents Six Degrees jump into high-rise development. What was Six Degrees' approach for designing Escala and how did your experience working on more low-rise to mid-scale projects help inform the design of Escala? 

Mark Healy: Escala represents a new challenge for Six Degrees, but it is precisely our experience in low-rise and mid-scale projects that informed this project. Rather than approaching this as one high-rise project, we envisage it as a series of smaller buildings making up a community. For example, priority is given to the lived experience of the resident, rather than the view of the tower from a helicopter window – as is so often the case with high-rise development design. The bottom-up approach so clearly embraced at Escala is reflective of Six Degrees’ human-driven approach to design.  

UM: Why do you think MAB engaged Six Degrees for the project?

MH: As Melbourne’s first laneway bar, Meyers Place in many ways gave birth to the laneway culture this city knows and loves today. Six Degrees continues to design laneway projects all these years later, and I think MAB sought to bring the authenticity inherent in these spaces to NewQuay. When we designed Meyers Place, Melbourne’s CBD was not at all the vibrant place it is now, but having a long-term vision for what could be was crucial – and that’s how we approached this project.    

UM: One thing Docklands has been criticised for is that it lacks some of that finer grain quality of say parts of the CBD both in terms of how buildings are articulated and the tactile quality of them. Were Six Degrees conscious of this criticism and did you seek to address this in the design for Escala?

MH: It's a big ask when you're tasked to build a new high-density city building, on a piece of vacant land, with little heritage surrounds. So, we asked ourselves how we could introduce the best bits of the CBD –  like finer grain, scale and material diversity –  to speed up the sense of community and placemaking. Our use of handmade tiles, breezeblocks, delicate metals like bronze and stained glass embodies this, so too does the introduction of a Melbourne-scaled laneway at Escala.

UM: How does Escala respond to the buildings that are already there and what were some of the challenges and opportunities that you faced in an area that is still trying to find its identity? 

MH: Overcoming the cold, southerly winds that plague the Docklands was a challenge that we overcame by creating the intimate laneway buffeted from the breeze. When it came to responding to buildings already in place at NewQuay, we designed a T-shape tower as it maximises the northern light, city and water views, as well as creating more corner apartments.

We were conscious of a new supermarket soon to be built across the way from Escala, so the placement of the piazza deliberately provides interests along the path that people will use when they buy groceries. The movement of not just residents, but visitors and workers through the square will help generate activity and buzz in this area of NewQuay.

UM: And how much influence do you have in helping to shape the identity and character of the area through a single or this instance a collection of buildings?

MH: At Six Degrees we are firm believers that social life should generate what a building looks like. For example, we’re aware that many office workers venture to the city for drinks or coffee, so we designed the piazza with space for a buzzing north facing café to encourage people to stay in the precinct

UM: What do you consider to be the most critical aspect of Escala's design and what distinguishes it from some of the other buildings in Docklands?=

MH: The most symbolic aspect of Escala’s design is the piazza because it is a genuine public space not just for residents, but for the wider community to socialise. What also stands out about Escala is the significant amount of active street frontage. Even the car park entry is presented like a shop window, with bike racks making it feel like an inner-north bike shop – we’re highly conscious of activating every space.
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Escala NewQuay in Focus - Part Two

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Docklands may well stand to gain its most daring residential and commercial developments near simultaneously, as separate developers press ahead with their respective projects.

At NewQuay, <a href="/developers/mab-corporation">MAB Corporation</a> has officially ramped up the profile of its latest tower to grace the precinct. In conjunction with <a href="/architects/six-degrees-architects">Six Degree Architects</a>, the duo are launching <a href="/buildings/escala-newquay-381-docklands-drive-docklands">Escala</a> which will feature a number of unique design aspects.

The $130 million development consists of retail, hospitality, commercial and residential uses, with a nod toward Melbourne’s laneway and design culture apparent.

<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/image54_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hero perspective of Escala. Image: Six Degrees Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="622" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image54_6.jpg?itok=3KaEFdll" title="Hero perspective of Escala. Image: Six Degrees Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hero perspective of Escala. Image: Six Degrees Architects</figcaption></figure>The 20-level T-shaped building is split between a distinctive podium and tower elements. The liberal use of brick to the northern podium contradicts with Escala's other more contemporary podium aspects, whilst the tower is a mixture of gold facade, protruding balconies and stained glass equivalent facade treatment that frames the tower's common areas.

Above a new piazza, Escala will include various format apartments, lofts and three-level home-offices.

On the apartment options, MAB Corporation's General Manager of Residential David Allt-Graham stated the following on the array of living choices within Escala:

<blockquote>
We expect the variety of apartment sizes and shapes, not to mention the inherent flexibility of the loft and SoHo offerings, to appeal to young Gen Y’s and millennials that often work from home. 

Thanks largely to digital transformation and tech-savvy millennials, flexible working arrangements are becoming the norm for most Australian businesses, and we were keen to offer a practical and inspiring place for people to live and work.

However, we also feel the scale of the loft offering will attract young families seeking spacious inner city living. The mezzanine can be an elevated children’s play area and the living spaces are generous for hosting friends and extended family.

As our 13th boutique apartment complex in NewQuay, we’ve learnt a great deal about apartment living.  Undoubtedly, Escala is our most diverse and sophisticated project to date.
</blockquote>

Stay tuned for Apartments.com.au's chat with Mark Healy from Six Degrees Architects on the design merits of Escala.

<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/image55_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Escala's entrance lobby. Image: Six Degrees Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image55_7.jpg?itok=x0WUXsu0" title="Escala's entrance lobby. Image: Six Degrees Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Escala's entrance lobby. Image: Six Degrees Architects</figcaption></figure>A short distance away <a href="/new-apartments/docklands-vic-3008">Docklands</a>' second highly impressive design is set to become reality.

<a href="/developers/poly-global">Poly Australia</a> has indicated that they intend to press on with facilitating construction of <a href="/developments/docklands-vic-3008">1000 La Trobe street</a> regardless of whether or not the commercial tower has an anchor tenant in place. Initially slated to start construction toward the end of 2018, Poly Australia will move ahead with delivering the project.

During December the developer was successful in gaining a two-year permit extension to develop a 24-storey A-Grade office tower containing 31,500 square metres of floor space.

<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/image48_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="1000 La Trobe Street's angular expression. Image: Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="262" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image48_11.jpg?itok=Tl_5wnB_" title="1000 La Trobe Street's angular expression. Image: Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>1000 La Trobe Street's angular expression. Image: Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure>1000 La Trobe Street was designed by <a href="/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> a number of years ago and is defined by its angular, articulated facade which is a far departure from the squat, squared and simple designs that are indicative of the vast majority of commercial docklands buildings.

The tower spans a 5,135sqm site and has an 85 metre frontage to La Trobe Street.

On the design Poly Victoria Executive Director Steve Wang said:

<blockquote>
1000 La Trobe Street will be Poly Australia’s first commercial building in Victoria, and as such we intend to ensure that it will become one of Docklands’ most impressive buildings, both visually and environmentally.

Overlooking the Yarra River and the city skyline, we look forward to developing a world-class building that everyone within the Melbourne business district can be proud of.
</blockquote>
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silvermb

A double design delight for Docklands

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The City of Melbourne earlier this week agreed to provide conditional support for MAB Corporation's NewQuay West Development Plan via its Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee. The revised development plan prepared by DKO Architecture and Aspect Studios was driven by the development of the Ron Barassi Senior Park which necessitated a revisiting of the precinct layout and urban structure.

The area identified as NewQuay West is located to the west of the recently completed Marina Tower and encompasses Ron Barassi Snr Park while being bordered by Docklands Drive and the Docklands FIlm Studios to the north, Bolte Bridge to the west and Victoria Harbour to the south.

<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/20170721_135715_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The view from Ron Barassi Snr Park towards Marina Tower will change with the development of NewQuay West."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="437" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/20170721_135715_1.jpg?itok=c27W2i_w" title="The view from Ron Barassi Snr Park towards Marina Tower will change with the development of NewQuay West." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The view from Ron Barassi Snr Park towards Marina Tower will change with the development of NewQuay West.</figcaption></figure>The 2017 Development Plan has been reconfigured to address Ron Barassi Snr Park, with a series of design principles developed which provide clear direction to ensure a considered approach to the interface of built form to the public realm including the waterfront promenade. 

One of the biggest alterations to the Development Plan has been the layout and type of future built form within the precinct.  Initially proposed as a mix of low-rise linear buildings along the waterfront and high-rise to the rear along Docklands Drive, the new plan proposes five mid to high-rise apartment buildings atop podiums positioned either side of a proposed linear park and an extension of Docklands Drive.

The layout and location of public realm including public open space provision and the southern pedestrian promenade have also been amended with the linear park acting as an extension of the existing park delivered as part of The Merchant and Townhouse developments.

<blockquote>
The NewQuay West Development Plan will deliver an urban waterfront precinct that, while being an extension of existing development further to the east, will create a new and diverse character in the remaining parts of the NewQuay precinct.

The urban structure has been underpinned by the creation of public open space networks extending through the length of the precinct. The open space network is largely defined by the waterfront promenade and marinas and the Ron Barassi Senior Park and Linear Park corridor.

Subsequently, the built form typology, siting and design will be in a large part driven by ensuring an appropriate response to these public spaces and in particular the amenity of Ron Barassi Senior Park and Linear Park. 

- Urban Design Statement, NewQuay West Development Plan 2017
</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/nov17_fmc2_agenda_item_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Indicative render of NewQuay West. Image: Development Plan 2017"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="247" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/nov17_fmc2_agenda_item_6.jpg?itok=c-mfAigI" title="Indicative render of NewQuay West. Image: Development Plan 2017" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Indicative render of NewQuay West. Image: Development Plan 2017</figcaption></figure>The revised Development Plan establishes a series of parameters for tower and podium heights which are listed below.

<ul>
<li>Lot B 120m</li>
	<li>Lot C 120m</li>
	<li>Lot D 95m</li>
	<li>Lot G 75m</li>
	<li>Lot H 75m</li>
</ul>
Podium Heights:

<ul>
<li>Linear Park 20m (4-6 Levels)</li>
	<li>Ron Barassi Senior Park 25m (6-8 Levels)</li>
	<li>Promenade 23m (5-7 Levels)</li>
	<li>Docklands Drive 25m (6-8 Levels)</li>
</ul>
In addition to the information above, the Development Plan also suggests potential options for tower footprints and forms to encourage and facilitate diversity in built form outcomes rather than a generic approach. Similar to DKO's master plan for NewQuay Central, the NewQuay West Development Plan suggests different architects for each building to further provide a visual distinction between each building.

<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/tower_types_nqw.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Suggested tower form options within NewQuay West. Image: Development Plan 2017"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="504" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/tower_types_nqw.png?itok=uQL0tFd6" title="Suggested tower form options within NewQuay West. Image: Development Plan 2017" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Suggested tower form options within NewQuay West. Image: Development Plan 2017</figcaption></figure>Pending Ministerial approval MAB Corporation will likely turn its attention to NewQuay West following completion of Elm and Stone, and the Six Degrees-designed Lot 5 at 375-381 Docklands Drive.

This will essentially complete the NewQuay precinct, save for a wedge of land which has not been included within the NewQuay West Development Plan, but is the likely landing area for a future bridge connection to Victoria Harbour.

 
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MAB Corporation's NewQuay West a step closer

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The wheels are turning on a variety of projects at MAB Corporation's NewQuay precinct, with their latest release racking up some impressive numbers..

Urban.com.au recently took the opportunity to interview MAB Corporation's General Manager of Residential, David Allt-Graham regarding their twin-towered Elm &amp; Stone project, in addition to the company's plans for the balance of the site. Located at 395 Docklands Drive, Elm &amp; Stone is the work of DKO Architecture. 

With a slant toward young professionals, Elm &amp; Stone offers a selection of loft apartments in the heart of Docklands and has been designed to appeal/cater toward the needs of a younger generation. MAB Corporation will also develop 221 suites within the golden tinged towers for Ascott Limited and the Qatari Investment Authority, which will be operated under the Quest Apartment Hotels banner.

Quest NewQuay is due to commence construction early next year and open during 2019. It will be the largest hotel in the Quest network, offering studio, one and two bedroom apartments, as well as facilities such as conference rooms, a business lounge, gymnasium and an outdoor terrace.

<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/elm_and_stone_brooklyn_loft.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Elm &amp; Stone's 'Brooklyn' loft apartment. Image courtesy MAB"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="397" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/elm_and_stone_brooklyn_loft.jpg?itok=QY8EUQJ1" title="Elm &amp; Stone's 'Brooklyn' loft apartment. Image courtesy MAB" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Elm &amp; Stone's 'Brooklyn' loft apartment. Image courtesy MAB</figcaption></figure>The conversation transpired as follows:

Urban.com.au: What features aside from the loft format define youthful preferences, and how are they applied to Elm &amp; Stone?

David Allt-Graham: Flexibility is the key to creating apartments that adjust to our evolving lifestyle. Young professionals want flexible spaces to suit a range of furniture sizes and configurations. Flexible interior colour palettes allow residents to use their imagination and create their own distinctive style. 

The interiors are contemporary yet timeless. They feature concrete ceilings, strip and track lighting creating ambience throughout, clever storage solutions and integrated appliances which enhance the minimalist and clean design.  Planter boxes have been included on some balconies creating the ideal environment to grow herbs or add colour with floral arrangements.

Bedrooms have additional Juliet balconies with sliding doors that can be opened to the morning sun and fresh harbour breeze.

The amenities at Elm &amp; Stone foster a sense of community for young residents, including a zen-garden, outdoor pool with barbeque and dining facilities, gymnasium as well as a ground floor lobby and library. Health and wellbeing is a major priority for younger buyers so it was a significant priority for MAB too.

UM: Will hotelier Quest be occupying the southern or northern building, and will private residences and Quest guests use common facilities? What communal facilities are on offer?

DA-G: Quest will be occupying the southern building, the serviced apartments will be completely separate from the private residences, including the entrances and communal facilities.

Elm &amp; Stone’s communal facilities include:

<ul>
<li>A garden on level 4 with a water feature and plenty of plants such as Chinese Elm trees. This has been designed to be a passive space for residents to unwind, read a book or relax.</li>
	<li>On level 6 there is an outdoor pool deck and dining facilities (BBQ, tables etc), which is a more active space for residents where they can enjoy the uninterrupted northern sun. However, if residents wish to swim laps indoors, Elm &amp; Stone will offer reciprocal rights to the development next door which will have an indoor pool (it is yet to be built).</li>
	<li>The ground floor lobby has a gymnasium, open staircase and a library. These visually-connected spaces aim to create a sense of activity and energy as soon as residents walk into the building.</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/mabc8986_elm_stone_ea01_pool.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Elm &amp; Stone rooftop podium pool. Image courtesy MAB Corporation"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="340" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mabc8986_elm_stone_ea01_pool.jpg?itok=Q9oaTYLr" title="Elm &amp; Stone rooftop podium pool. Image courtesy MAB Corporation" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Elm &amp; Stone rooftop podium pool. Image courtesy MAB Corporation</figcaption></figure>UM: What percentage of dwellings are dedicated to lofts and are they found over the building's lower levels?

DA-G: Lofts occupy 22 percent of the building, and are located on the bottom six levels of the building, with 17 levels in total.

UM: How has buyer interest/sales progressed to date and what colour scheme/options have proven most popular? 

DA-G: It has become a bit of a trademark of MAB to offer a selection of different schemes instead of the traditional ‘light’ and ‘dark’ options. Buyers appreciate having choice when it comes to style and interior design.

At Elm &amp; Stone, the Upper East Side theme has overwhelmingly been the most popular (80% of buyers). Upper East Side is fresh and breezy with a focus on natural light. It includes clean lines of white metal, timber joinery and gold metallic highlights. This palette is versatile, created to adapt to various current and future design trends.

Buyers have also lent towards the Soho design, which is more sophisticated with darker tones, or Brooklyn, which is a bit more eclectic with stainless steel benchtops. 

Almost 40 percent of stock is sold. To date, we’ve sold 16 of the 31 lofts, all three townhouses and 36 of the 123 apartments.

UM: What does MAB have planned for The Quarter? Will it remain commercial or are MAB exploring other uses?

DA-G: The Quarter is still in planning, however MAB is currently working towards the site being a mixed commercial and retail site. MAB’s vision for NewQuay is to be a truly mixed-use precinct, one that people can live, work, shop and play; The Quarter will be an important addition in helping MAB to achieve this.

UM: Banksia appears to be making good progress - when does MAB anticipate completion?

DA-G: Banksia is tracking well and is on schedule for completion by the end of 2017 along with NewQuay Central Park.

UM: Is there a general timeline for NewQuay West to begin and can any further info on the precinct be divulged? 

DA-G: We have submitted a Development Plan application for NewQuay West and will proceed with a planning application after the Development Plan is approved.

The development of the Western Precinct has commenced with construction of the Ron Barassi Senior Reserve, and will be progressively developed until 2025. More details will be available once the Development Precinct is approved.
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Elm & Stone plus what lies ahead for MAB at NewQuay

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Earmarked from the outset as a stand-out design, MAB Corporation's 429-437 Docklands Drive is poised to receive planning approval from City of Melbourne. Surfacing during 2013 as a <a href="/news/the-quays-to-success">crescent-shaped hotel</a>, MAB Corporation has elected to proceed with a purely residential tower on a sizeable development plot which was formerly part of Waterfront City.

The McBride Charles Ryan-designed residential tower is set to be joined by an expansive public park as was first mooted during MAB Corporation's purchase of the land some years ago. While discussions between Places Victoria, City of Melbourne and the development team predated the November 2014 planning application submission, a recommendation of approval included within a report will be assessed by the Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee who sit this evening.

<h2>429-437 Docklands Drive, Docklands application summary</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/image29.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The porposed eastern elevation. Image courtesy MCR"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="390" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image29.jpg?itok=R_8QrW5y" title="The porposed eastern elevation. Image courtesy MCR" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The porposed eastern elevation. Image courtesy MCR</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Lot C Newquay Promenade: 8,549sqm site</li>
	<li>17 level residential building at 68.8 metres in height</li>
	<li>118 apartments: 1/2/3/4 bedroom options</li>
	<li>Provision for 63 car parking and 42 bicycle spaces</li>
	<li>Additional car spaces and bicycle bays also located within adjoining 'Promenade' development</li>
	<li>Urban park atop basement car parking</li>
	<li>GFA: 15,187sqm</li>
	<li>​Rooftop amenities</li>
	<li>Cafe spaces at ground level</li>
</ul>
The development will hold a mixture of living options, seemingly with a slant toward the higher-end purchaser. 26 one bedroom apartments are included, as are 68 two bedroom and 19 three bedroom apartments. Somewhat unusually three four bedroom apartments are designed into the higher levels of the building while two four bedroom apartments will occupy the highest habitable floor; each approximately holding 335sqm of internal area.

<blockquote>
Building C is envisaged as an iconic building within a prominent location of New Quay Central. The built form of the proposed building has been the subject of much discussion and the current form is considered to be one of high design integrity that will make a positive contribution to the precinct.

The building is proposed to be in an egg shaped form which is different to the rectangular form shown in the development plan. This form has resulted in a reduction in width and an increase in the overall height to maintain a gross floor area consistent with that anticipated in the DP. Although the height has increased the slender, narrower footprint allows for wider view cones in and around the proposed tower, including to Victoria Harbour.
<cite>Report to the Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee</cite>
</blockquote>

Above the ground level colonnade, 429-437 Docklands Drive's exterior will be draped in a 'lattice work' finish consisting of white aluminium panels arranged to provide an elliptical pattern over the tower. The remainder of the exterior will consist primarily of black aluminium finishes coupled with grey tinted glass.

<h2>Central Park</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/image28_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Expected view from Central Park. Image courtesy MCR"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="397" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image28_0.jpg?itok=xYcN9pH6" title="Expected view from Central Park. Image courtesy MCR" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Expected view from Central Park. Image courtesy MCR</figcaption></figure>Encompassing a greater area than just the tower's footprint, 429-437 Docklands Drive will see an elongated basement/services level under what will become yet another park for Docklands. Dubbed 'Central Park' and covering approximately 2,000sqm, the majority of the park will be accounted for by open lawn.

In addition to expected art installations, the park will include rain gardens, native plant species plus feature garden beds. Subject to further design, 'Central Park' would be delivered in conjunction with the tower component.

<blockquote>
The Urban Park has been designed in a manner that will provide an inviting, highly adaptable area of public open space that will be able to be utilised for community events while also providing smaller spaces that can accommodate community events such as markets and art exhibitions. The park will achieve the objective of providing a focal point for New Quay Central that is pedestrian in scale.
<cite>Report to the Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee</cite>
</blockquote>

With construction commenced on the adjoining Promenade and Aqui residential towers, 429-437 Docklands Drive and <a href="/buildings/elm-stone-387-docklands-drive-docklands">387-395 Docklands </a><a href="/buildings/elm-stone-387-docklands-drive-docklands">Drive</a> shape as MAB Corporation's next residential releases within their NewQuay precinct. To date eight residential towers have been completed by MAB Corporation since construction of NewQuay's initial buildings began in the early 2000s.
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