Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FH_1EzB-1vs?si=XScVlP1ERsTDJoME" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356818]

After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356828]

Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tsioMLcnjas?si=zq-ys3JuWpfa5hFv" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356829]

Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351104]

Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351102]

Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

Joel Robinson

From ONE to ERA: Why buyers are choosing GWH again in Newcastle West

Virgate Property Group is preparing to commence construction of Verdé, its new apartment development in Melbourne's Arts Precinct at Southbank, following a strong run of sales that has seen more than half of the project's 173 apartments secured.

Verdé has attracted a broad mix of first home buyers, owner-occupiers upgrading from nearby inner-city suburbs and investors, with younger owner-occupier couples aged between 28 and 45 accounting for the strongest enquiry. Many are already living in Southbank, South Melbourne, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and the CBD.

"Verdé is located in one of the most desirable pockets of southern Melbourne," Blair Property Group Director Darren Blair, who is managing sales at Verdé, said.

"It's within walking distance of the Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and Southbank's restaurants and retail. It's a great lifestyle location with strong amenity and liveability, which made it a very attractive choice for the project."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372549]

Virgate was already familiar with the precinct, having previously delivered the successful Domain House development in neighbouring South Melbourne. That experience gave the developer confidence to acquire the Coventry Street site and continue expanding its presence in Melbourne's inner south.

"We had been keeping an eye on the site and the broader precinct for a few months before deciding to move forward with the acquisition," Virgate said.

The project was ultimately secured in 2020 following feasibility studies, planning assessments and due diligence, with the brief centred on delivering "a high-quality, considered design that feels both refined and fit for purpose."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=314259]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, Verdé comprises 173 one, two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $599,000. The architecture is distinguished by a faceted glass façade that responds to both the site's outlook and Melbourne's changing light conditions.

According to Bruce Henderson Architects, the coloured glazing gives the building a distinctive identity while also providing privacy and solar shading, with residences oriented to capture views across the bay, city skyline and surrounding parklands.

Inside, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> has created interiors focused on natural light, efficient planning and enduring materials. Apartments feature engineered oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, floor-to-ceiling glazing and SMEG appliances, while a restrained material palette aims to complement the expansive outlooks rather than compete with them.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372550]

Resident amenity has also been designed around everyday functionality rather than occasional use. Facilities include a concierge-serviced lobby, residents' lounge with fireplace, library and co-working space, gym, terrace garden with barbecue facilities, ground-floor café, and package delivery management.

The project's location continues to be one of its strongest drawcards. Positioned on Coventry Street, Verdé sits within walking distance of the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park Lake, while Southbank's dining precinct, Sturt Street trams and the new ANZAC Station are all nearby. The surrounding education catchment also includes Melbourne Grammar, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School and several major university campuses.

The sales team says buyers have responded particularly well to the combination of location, design quality and long-term liveability.

"They're responding really positively to the quality of the design, premium resident amenities and the uninterrupted views. Many also appreciate the location and how connected it is to everything they need."

The ability to secure stamp duty savings before completion has also been a key factor for purchasers, alongside the opportunity to personalise finishes ahead of settlement.

With construction set to commence soon and more than half the apartments already sold, Verdé enters its next phase as one of the Arts Precinct's more established apartment developments, offering remaining buyers an opportunity to secure a residence before construction advances further. Expected completion is scheduled for late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4661]

Virgate's Verdé Southbank moves toward construction as sales fly past halfway stage

Downsizer-focused apartment development Kooyongkoot in Hawthorn has been recognised at the 2026 Better Future Melbourne Design Awards, taking home Gold and Silver awards in two categories.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a>, currently being delivered by developer PQD and designed by Cera Stribley, received Gold in the Interior Design – Proposed category and Silver in the Architecture – Proposed category.

The dual recognition reflects the design approach behind the boutique development on prestigious Kooyongkoot Road, where the focus has been on creating homes for downsizers seeking the space, quality and functionality of a detached house within a low-rise apartment building.

Rather than maximising apartment numbers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pqd">PQD</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> limited the development to just 18 residences, allowing for larger floorplans, greater privacy, generous landscaping and expansive communal spaces.&nbsp;The majority of the apartments also benefit from corner aspects, allowing for dual sources of natural light.

Now around 70 per cent complete and on track for completion in November 2026, Kooyongkoot will comprise a mix of garden residences, ter​race apartments, sub-penthouses, and is crowned by two half-floor penthouses with direct lift access and private rooftop terraces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355297]

The Silver Award for Architecture recognised the way the building responds to its prominent corner position at the ent​rance to Hawthorn's Scotch Hill precinct, one of Melbourne's most established residential neighbourhoods.

Rather than competing with the grand homes that line Kooyongkoot Road, the architectural approach focused on restraint and longevity, using curved brickwork, generous landscaping and carefully considered proportions to integrate with the existing streetscape.

"The form feels fluid and timeless, as though shaped by the landscape itself – architecture that belongs, rather than competes," said Chris Stribley, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Cera Stribley.

The judging submission also highlighted practical innovations throughout the building, including lift cores servicing only nine homes each, a central landscaped lightcourt designed to bring daylight and ventilation into the building, and fully enclosed private storage rooms with lighting, power and shelving to better accommodate residents transitioning from larger family homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355293]

The Gold Award for Interior Design recognised the project's focus on long-term liveability rather than display-home aesthetics.

According to the awards submission, the interiors were designed from the inside out, prioritising how homes would function over decades of daily use through generous proportions, practical storage, durable natural materials and flexible layouts.

The specification includes natural stone throughout, upgraded acoustic glazing, V-ZUG appliances and fully enclosed storage rooms, alongside an amenity offering focused on wellness, entertainment and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Residents will have access to a gym and yoga studio, a wellness centre featuring traditional and infrared saunas, a cold therapy shower and treatment room, as well as a residents' lounge and golf simulator/cinema room for entertainment.&nbsp;Kooyongkoot has also considered the everyday convenience of its residents by offering a private carwash and pet wash facilities on site as well as dedicated parcel lockers and oversized fully enclosed storage rooms.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355303]

The project's attention to detail has already resonated with buyers. Earlier this year, Kooyongkoot recorded one of Boroondara's highest apartment sales when an $8 million penthouse was purchased by a Melbourne CEO downsizing from a nearby family home.

"Every detail feels deliberate, from the overall design down to the smallest touches," the purchaser said.

"The level of quality and refinement is exceptional, but what really sold it was how liveable it felt... It felt like a place where everything had been considered, not just a luxury building."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355304]

Sustainability also formed a key part of both award submissions. Kooyongkoot is targeting a minimum 7.5-star NatHERS rating across all residences, supported by passive design principles, high-performance glazing, EV charging infrastructure, water reuse systems and a wellness model focused on lower-energy dry facilities rather than pools and large wet areas.

Located within walking distance of Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College, Koo​yong Lawn Tennis Club, Aubur​n Village and Camberwell Junction, Kooyongkoot continues to target owner-occupiers looking to remain in Melbourne's inner east without compromising on space or quality. A limited selection of two, three and four-bedroom residences remains available, with prices starting from $1.9 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102717]

Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=372394]

Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=953]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=925]

Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=5374]

The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Rainbow Bay apartment doubles in price since off the plan sale during pandemic

Melbourne CBD

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Mirvac Group has secured three new tenants at its A-grade office building at 90 Collins Street, Melbourne.
They take the building to 100 per cent leased. 
Click Energy has leased over 1,300 square metres for a five-year term.
An eight-year term has been secured with Merricks Capital for approximately 500 square metres.
A five-year term has been secured with McDonald Murholme for over 900 square metres. 
Mirvac’s Paul Bezzina said the building offers 21,000 square metres workspace over 21 levels along with luxury brand retailers on the ground floor and basement parking for 111 cars.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Mirvac's 90 Collins Street, Melbourne fully leased

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The Jackalope Group is eyeing its first inner city hotel at 175-181 Flinders Lane. 

Following on from Jackalope Mornington Peninsula which currently holds a swag domestic and international awards, the group is looking to rebirth the Maria George building on Flinders Lane. Headed by Melbourne-based entrepreneur Louis Li, "The Jackalope Group champions a conceptual approach to art, design, dining, and storytelling, delivering a delicate interplay between the ideal and the surreal."

It is this divergent approach which has facilitated a number of unique design features for the proposed mixed-use tower onsite; art, design, dining and storytelling will play a key role in the creation of Jackalope Flinders Lane.

Spanning a miserly 338 square metres, the site of the proposed hotel also maintains a frontage to Rutledge Lane to its rear. Dated 1911, the historically significant Maria George building is for now dedicated to retail, showroom and office accommodation.

<h2>Building programme</h2>

MARCH studio has taken on the challenge of creating a new purpose for the Maria George building.

A 'destination' restaurant sits below the main entry/lobby area, followed by further restaurants in the immediate floors above. Over the lower floors, a sculpture will be incorporated into the facade.

Key to the hotel's public benefit credentials is the 'rain room' which will be accessed via Rutledge Lane. 

The balance of the tower sees 32 luxury accommodation suites and a built form capped by a cloud-shaped rooftop bar. All in all the proposal spans 16 levels or 60 metres above street level.

<h2>All about the cloud</h2>

Taking centre stage from a design perspective is the Cloud Bar. 10mm electropolished stainless steel wire is fashioned into a cloud shape and has the ability to take on the colour of the sky during sunrise, sunset etc, effectively camouflaging itself into the sky.

In a section of Melbourne's skyline which is framed by St Paul's Cathedral from various angles, the bar would bring a completely new design aspect. According to MARCH studio's urban design brief, The Cloud Bar will serve hotel guests during the day and the general public in the evenings.

<h2>Small hotel, big impact</h2>

Although Jackalope Flinders Lane's 32 suites are inconsequential in Melbourne's grander hotel accommodation boom, they are relevant in the immediate context. Steps away from the Adelphi Hotel and Westin Melbourne, the addition of Jackalope Flinders Lane would reinforce the immediate area's hotel credentials. 

An expected build area of 4,242 square metres over the 338 square metre site yields a plot ratio of 11.6.

Flinders Lane's perpetually strong dining and entertainment scene stands to be strengthened by Jackalope Flinders Lane. A restaurant space of 88 seats has been incorporated into the development, in addition to Flaggerdoot which will have the capacity for another 65 patrons; Flaggerdoot is the incumbent bar within Jackalope Mornington Peninsula.

<h2>Jackalope Flinders Lane development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Client: Jackalope Group</li>
	<li>Architect &amp; rendering: March Studio</li>
	<li>Development Management: Medley Property Group</li>
	<li>Town Planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>Heritage Consultant: Bryce Raworth</li>
	<li>Urban Design Consultant: Message Consultants</li>
	<li>Building Surveyor: Grimbos Building Surveyors</li>
	<li>Structural, Electrical &amp; Hydraulic Engineer: Wood and Grieve Engineers</li>
	<li>Waste Management: Irwin Consult</li>
	<li>Traffic Engineer: One Mile Grid</li>
	<li>Land Surveying: Calibre Consulting</li>
</ul>
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silvermb

Jackalope's ethereal entrance into the CBD hotel sector

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Little Lonsdale Street wouldn't immediately be considered Melbourne's most glamorous thoroughfare, but for the time being at least the street which spans the length of the CBD is attracting more than its fair share of high-end development and construction value.

Billions of dollars in fact, as seven major projects at various stages of construction are gradually changing the feel and composition of Little Lonsdale Street. The majority of these builds gained approval under previous planning regulations, turning Little Lonsdale Street into somewhat of a showcase of previous planning attitudes. 

Nonetheless construction marches on, with two vastly different projects currently bookending Little Lonsdale Street, and both under the guidance of Probuild.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image22_12.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Progress across Australian Unity and West Side Place"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="234" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image22_12.jpg?itok=FbLDfwor" title="Progress across Australian Unity and West Side Place" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Progress across Australian Unity and West Side Place</figcaption></figure>Intersecting Spring Street and Little Lonsdale, ISPT and Probuild are delivering 271 Spring Street, a $150 million mixed-use tower on the edge of the CBD. The 16-storey building has been designed by John Wardle Architects and will become the new headquarters for Australian Unity, which has agreed to a 15-year term over the entire 15,600sqm build. 

Conversely Probuild are also moving on the first stage of West Side Place at the opposite end of the city. In time the builder will deliver the first stage of the project, involving thousands of apartments and a Ritz-Carlton hotel.

At 81 and 64 levels, both towers will comfortably surpass the 200m mark, with the first phase of West Side Place scheduled for completion in 2022.

<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/image25_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Union Tower and 399 Little Lonsdale in view, along with the rear of 380 Lonsdale"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image25_10.jpg?itok=0SfWGDLF" title="Union Tower and 399 Little Lonsdale in view, along with the rear of 380 Lonsdale" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Union Tower and 399 Little Lonsdale in view, along with the rear of 380 Lonsdale</figcaption></figure>A trio of builds are most definitely changing the feel of Little Lonsdale Street west of Elizabeth Street.

Union Tower and 399 Little Lonsdale Street deliver sheer vertical facades from street level spanning the best part of 40 levels, whilst demolition is progressing rapidly on <a href="/buildings/380-melbourne-380-lonsdale-street-melbourne">380 Lonsdale Street</a>. The rear of Brady Group's massive tower will stretch the best part of 220 metres above Little Lonsdale Street whilst the adjoining Timothy Lane will be extended to provide a typical Melbourne laneway outcome.

Close to 1,000 apartments and hundreds of new hotel suites are being constructed across this tightly spaced trio. Crema Constructions is accounting for 399 Little Lonsdale, Watpac is handling the $47 million build that is Union Tower whilst Brady Group will handle 380 Lonsdale internally via Brady Constructions.

<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_12.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Union Tower and the Little Lonsdale Street frontage for Brady's 380 Lonsdale"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="431" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image29_12.jpg?itok=QO4jd7e0" title="Union Tower and the Little Lonsdale Street frontage for Brady's 380 Lonsdale" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Union Tower and the Little Lonsdale Street frontage for Brady's 380 Lonsdale</figcaption></figure>As <a href="/news/wesley-place-begins-construction-as-com-planners-endorse-stage-two-of-the-project">outlined last week</a>, Wesley Place has begun construction with the initial tower and future commercial building both fronting Little Lonsdale Street. A sizeable landscaped courtyard will also spill onto Little Lonsdale Street, providing further permeability to Lonsdale Street and surrounding areas.

Flying under the radar and adjoining Wesley Place is Brady Group's commencement of 109-111 Little Lonsdale Street. A Peddle Thorp-designed tower will soon rise onsite, with the likelihood that it will become the CBD's second Brady Hotel outlet.

The pocket-sized tower will abut Regency Towers and is expected to rise 21 levels.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_2260.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="109-111 Little Lonsdale Street will become reality"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="365" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_2260.jpg?itok=L1w4v7xX" title="109-111 Little Lonsdale Street will become reality" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>109-111 Little Lonsdale Street will become reality</figcaption></figure>Whilst the current crop of projects settling upon Little Lonsdale Street number seven, a similar number of projects are in the pipeline.

<a href="/buildings/aspire-melbourne-301-king-st-melbourne">299 King Street</a>, a future tower at Upper West Side and <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">Victoria University's vertical campus</a> will all have frontage to Little Lonsdale Street, with VU Tower likely to reach construction first. The much hyped <a href="/new-apartments/crystal-gardens-276-russell-street-melbourne">Crystal Gardens</a> tower though remains somewhat of an enigma, whilst Brady Group continues to plot future towers along Little Lonsdale Street.

272-282 Queen Street and 278 Little Lonsdale Street are on the developer's books, with the latter gaining approval via VCAT for a 32 level tower spanning 105 metres earlier this year.

On its curent construction trajectory awathes of Little Lonsdale Street will be barely recognisable in a short few years time.
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Little Lonsdale big on construction

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Feuding Singaporean investors have joined forces to sell their neighbouring Melbourne development sites, just days after one of them pulled the plug on its proposed 71-storey Tower Melbourne skyscraper.
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Chip Eng Seng owns 150 Queen Street where legal action by his neighbour brought demolition of the existing building to a halt in 2013.
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CEL has ended its long-running dispute with neighbour, Colonial Range, a company controlled by the wealthy Singapore-based Chow family.
Now the two developers have joined forces to quietly offer their combined Queen Street sites for sale.
Their are reported $150 million to $200 million hopes for their combined blocks at 140 and 150 Queen Street and 27 McKillop Street that cover more than 2500 square metres
The Age reported there had been six legal cases played out in two Supreme Court appearances, a Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal case, several Building Appeal Board sittings and a formal complaint to Victoria's ombudsman.
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Backroom negotiations in Singapore between Chip Eng Seng and the Chows cleared the way for the site offering.
The landholdings are being marketed off market through Colliers International.
CEL Australia is rescinding the contracts on the Tower Melbourne (pictured above) with some 556 plus buyers.
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CEL Australia had previously advised its first priority "has always been to deliver Tower Melbourne in line with its vision for the project, and as such, has done everything within its legal power to try to reach a resolution."
Regrettably, it has become increasingly apparent that there is still no resolution in sight, and with further proceedings still pending, Tower Melbourne in its current form is no longer viable for CEL Australia to develop, it advised last week.
CEL Australia retains projects, Williamsons Estate Townhouses and Willow Apartments in Doncaster, which are well under construction with settlements to occur in late 2017/early 2018. 
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Feuding Singaporean developers combine in surprise Melbourne site offering

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Delayed demolition works in the Melbourne CBD after an objection by the owner, have triggered the sales of 556 off the plan apartment buyers being cancelled by its Singapore-based developer.
Developer Chip Eng Seng bought a commercial tower at 150 Queen Street in 2011 with plans for a 71 storey project, known as Tower Melbourne.
It has become one of the first cancelled buildings in Melbourne, with the group now considering its options for the thwarted site.
The decision, announced to the stock exchange in Singapore, comes amid the broader local concerns about the mooted outlook for apartment market oversupply.
Demolition works on the original building have stalled since 2013 after an objection by the owner of an adjoining property at 140 Queen Street worried the demolition might damage its property.
Chip Eng Seng said the legal cases “may still take a considerable period of time” and it was “not possible for the company to ascertain when they can be resolved” nor when demolition could restart.
The group could not meet its deadline to register the plan of subdivision due to the delay, so advised the appropriate course was to terminate all sales contracts.
Some 579 units had been sold, but some buyers had already cancelled their contracts due to the delay.
Some 556 contracts remained with full buyers’ deposits set to be repaid in full with any interest accrued.
Construction of Melbourne’s envisaged highest residential tower was due to start in 2013 with an expected completion date of late 2016.
The CEL development was to come with a 25-metre pool, spa, sauna, steam room and a gym.
One-bedroom apartments in Tower Melbourne had a starting price of $381,000.
Two-bedroom apartments start from $492,000 and three-bedroom apartments start from $763,000.
The skyscraper had been designed by local architects Elenberg Fraser.
“Tower Melbourne is a city defining project,” says Callum Fraser, principal of Elenberg Fraser said at the time of its launch.
“If you take a high-rise tower and add a twist, we have a continuously evolving form and the result is a luxurious living sculpture,” he said.
Property Observer first <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/singapore-developer-cheeky-for-selling-unapproved-melbourne-cbd-high-rise-project-off-the-plan-lord-mayor/2012101657194">reported on the problematic development in October </a>2012 when the Singapore developer was selling apartments, despite not yet receiving planning approval from then Victoria Planning Minister Matthew Guy.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Tower Melbourne stuck in demolition dispute, so 556 off the plan contracts cancelled

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An office building with ground floor retail in Melbourne’s Dockland has been listed.
The <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-vic-docklands-501131087" target="_blank">800 Collins Street</a> asset is a modern A-Grade building which is fully occupied and includes tenants such as retail giant Myer and Latitude Financial Services (formerly GE Money) who have entered into a 10-year lease. 
Savills Investment Management (on behalf of one of their global mandates) and Australian Prime Property Fund Commercial, managed by Lendlease Investment Management, are collectively selling their 100% interest in the asset.
The property could fetch around $270 million, according to The Australian.
The building incorporates ground floor retail shops and 10 upper levels of office space with two levels of parking. 
The marketing is being done by Savills Australia’s Ian Hetherington, Simon Fenn and Ben Azar along with JLL’s Langton McHarg and Paul Kempton. The building is for sale via an expressions of interest campaign ending November 1.
Built in 2010, the building comprises 28,619 sqm of office space, 873.4 sqm of retail space and total capacity equalling 29,492.6 sqm with expansive floorplates of circa 2,900sqm.
The complex serves as the ­National Support Office for Myers.
The A-Grade building has a 5 star NABERS rating.
It is connected directly to the Melbourne CBD, Southern Cross and Flinders Street rail stations.  
“The Melbourne office market is rated by JLL in the top two best performing office destinations in the world making Melbourne office assets very attractive in comparison to other office markets,” said JLL’s Langton McHarg.
“Over the last two years Melbourne has continued to increase its relevance on the global investment stage and is forecast to become Australia’s largest city by 2030. It is experiencing a phase of extraordinary positivity due to its strong economy, infrastructure and culture that is extending across all of its property markets.” 
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According to Ian Hetherington of Savills, the Docklands precinct has emerged as an important commercial location. 
“800 Collins Street will attract the focus of investors globally and we are anticipating very strong interest in this asset, particularly because of its prominent Collins Street location and desirable building features” he said.  
Vacancy rates are about 1 per cent at present and the area is popular with tenants in the banking, finance and insurance sectors due to the larger floor plates and ‘campus style’ buildings, he added.
An upgrade of the lobby and end of trip facilities is currently underway. 
According to the Property Council of Australia (PCA) as at July, 2017, the total amount of office stock recorded in the Melbourne CBD was circa 4.5 million square metres. The Docklands precinct has some 19.8 per cent of the total CBD stock. Since its inception in 2004, about 900,000 square metres of office space has been developed in the precinct, which is now home to several of Australia’s leading corporates. 
 
 
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

800 Collins Street listed for sale

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A standalone building in Melbourne’s CBD has changed hands for circa $5.5 million. 
The <a href="https://www.onthehouse.com.au/10090904/422-428_queen_st_melbourne_vic_3000" target="_blank">422-428 Queen Street</a> property is on a 236 sqm peninsula site and comprises a ground floor café and level one office space. It has an area of 550 sqm.
The price tag reflected a building rate of around $10,000 per sqm. 
The deal was brokered by Fitzroys’ Rob Harrington and Louis Christou of Christou &amp; Co.
The agents said the site offered long-term investment and development potential, owing to its position opposite the iconic Queen Victoria Market and three street frontages, including to Franklin Street. 
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Melbourne CBD building sold for $5.5 million: Fitzroys

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The Victorian government’s Department of Justice &amp; Regulation (DOJR) and Carlton Justice Service Centre are moving into Melbourne CBD’s 50 Franklin Street office building, the former headquarters of Qantas.
The government entities have committed to lease the entire office building in a move that will strategically position them closer to the heart of the city’s legal precinct.
While not giving out the exact leasing figure, Colliers International’s Edward Knowles, who negotiated the 10-year lease, said it was in the low-mid $500 gross per sqm range.
The new tenancy will see Carlton Justice Service Centre relocate from 444 Swanston Street.
The deal follows Colliers International’s sale of the building to listed Singapore-based property company, Lian Beng Group, late last year for more than $51 million.
Earlier this year, Lian Beng sold the historic Newspaper House on Collins Street for $35 million to Malaysian conglomerate Oriental Holdings Berhad.
About the recent government tenancy, Knowles said <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-vic-melbourne-502372342" target="_blank">50 Franklin Street</a> was vacated by call centre operator Salmat in February.
“To then re-lease the whole building in this timeframe attests to the current strength of the Melbourne office leasing market,” he said.
Knowles said the DOJR had committed to a long-term lease of the entire asset, which is approximately 11,500 sqm of net lettable area.
“The proximity to Melbourne’s legal precinct was another appealing factor,” he said.
“It is understood the new tenant will increase the base building’s NABERS energy rating from 1.5 stars to three-plus stars throughout the tenancy term.
 
 
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Victoria's justice department moves into former Qantas building 

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Danish jewellery retailer Pandora has leased an entire building on Melbourne's Bourke Street Mall in probably the biggest retail leasing deal in the Melbourne CBD so far this year.
The deal for <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/property-360/property/280-282-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000/" target="_blank">280-282 Bourke Street Mall</a> was worth nearly $1 million in annual rent. The Pandora deal highlighted the trend of retailers looking to build a strong retail network in the CBD with the company already having a shop nearby on Little Collins Street and a third store within a three block radius.
Pandora will replace US retailer Nine West at the building. The fashion retailer Zara is the neighbour.
Pandora has leased the building in a seven-year deal. However, the retailer will use only the 90 square metre ground floor space for retail, implying that the effective retail rent rate is more than $11,000 per sqm, according to The Australian Financial Review.
The remaining floors of the five-level building will be utilised for storage or other non-retail uses. The building has been owned by the Snowden family since 2004.
The deal was brokered by CBRE who advised there were no vacancies on Bourke Street Mall, which is home to flagship department stores for Myer, David Jones and H&amp;M.
 
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Pandora leases on Bourke Street Mall with $1 million deal

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The Blue Lady Tattoo Parlour will be carving tattoos from its new leased space in the Melbourne CBD.
The leased space is on the first level of <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-vic-melbourne-501367339" target="_blank">67-73 Hardware Lane</a>. It spans 102 sqm.
The three-year lease with options for two further three-year options commenced at an annual rental of $55,000 plus GST.
The shop is operating with seven artists working on a seven-day a week opening basis from 11.30 until 8 pm.
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The deal was negotiated by Gray Johnson agent Rory White.
The tenancy offer was inclusive of an introductory two months rent-free period.
“Hardware Lane is noted for its restaurant and bar outlets close to major city legal and business offices so this tenancy adds a new service dimension to an activity precinct,” White said.
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