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

<html><body>
The Victorian Liberal Party has sold its Melbourne CBD headquarters. 
Colliers International Melbourne City Sales team of Daniel Wolman, Matt Stagg and Oliver Hay secured $37.1 million after over 110 genuine enquiries and received 10 strong and reputable bids.
There were $30 million plus hopes for the six-level, blue-chip building on Exhibition Street.
It was sold by the cash-strapped Liberals who took out a $2 million mortgage against the building after their jailed, former state director Damien Mantach stole $1.5 million from the party.
The rentals within the building were earning $1.3 million in rent in 2018 compared to $810,000 in 2016.
<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
Known as Centenary Hall and built in 1935, the six-level 104 Exhibition Street building was acquired at auction by Vapold Pty Ltd, a Liberal Party vehicle, for $576,000 in 1976.
The circumstances of the party's purchase led to an inquiry after it was sold by the Hamer Liberal Government.
The inquiry cleared the Liberal Party and the Government of any impropriety.
The building has 2,550 square metres of space.
</div>
<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
The Liberal Party occupies a whole floor in the building while level four has been home to the famed Tolarno Galleries, founded by George and Mirka Mora in the 1960s.
</div>
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

104 Exhibition Street, Melbourne sold by the Victorian Liberal Party

<html><body>
The Victorian Liberal Party is selling its Melbourne CBD headquarters.
There's $30 million plus hopes for the six-level, blue-chip building on Exhibition Street.
It is being sold by the cash-strapped Liberals who took out a $2 million mortgage against the building after their jailed, former state director Damien Mantach stole $1.5 million from the party.
The rentals within the building were earning $1.3 million in rent in 2018 compared to $810,000 in 2016.
<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
Known as Centenary Hall and built in 1935, the six-level 104 Exhibition Street building was acquired at auction by Vapold Pty Ltd, a Liberal Party vehicle, for $576,000 in 1976.
The circumstances of the party's purchase led to an inquiry after it was sold by the Hamer Liberal Government.
The inquiry cleared the Liberal Party and the Government of any impropriety.
The building has 2,550 square metres of space.
</div>
<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
The Liberal Party occupies a whole floor in the building while level four has been home to the famed Tolarno Galleries, founded by George and Mirka Mora in the 1960s.
</div>
</body></html>

104 Exhibition Street, Melbourne listed by the Victorian Liberal Party

<html><body>
Rolex, the Swiss watchmaker, have emerged as the buyer of the Victorian Liberal Party Melbourne CBD headquarters. 
Colliers International Melbourne City Sales team of Daniel Wolman, Matt Stagg and Oliver Hay secured $37.1 million after over 110 genuine enquiries and received 10 strong and reputable bids.
There were $30 million plus hopes for the six-level, blue-chip building on Exhibition Street.
It was sold by the cash-strapped Liberals who took out a $2 million mortgage against the building after their jailed, former state director Damien Mantach stole $1.5 million from the party.
The rentals within the building were earning $1.3 million in rent in 2018 compared to $810,000 in 2016.
<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
Known as Centenary Hall and built in 1935, the six-level 104 Exhibition Street building was acquired at auction by Vapold Pty Ltd, a Liberal Party vehicle, for $576,000 in 1976.
The circumstances of the party's purchase led to an inquiry after it was sold by the Hamer Liberal Government.
The inquiry cleared the Liberal Party and the Government of any impropriety.
The building has 2,550 square metres of space.
</div>
<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
The Liberal Party occupies a whole floor in the building while level four has been home to the famed Tolarno Galleries, founded by George and Mirka Mora in the 1960s.
</div>
</body></html>

Rolex buy 104 Exhibition Street, Melbourne from the Victorian Liberal Party (2)

<html><body>
Apartments.com.au was in attendance yesterday as ISPT Property's $150 million mixed-use tower at 271 Spring Street achieved a key milestone, with a topping out ceremony held on the roof to celebrate the occasion.

<a href="/news/probuild-and-ispt-break-ground-on-australian-unitys-new-spring-street-hq">Probuild broke ground</a> on the 16-storey tower in mid-2017, with the topping out of the core occurring in an impressive 14 months, and completion slated for mid-2019.

The development has been designed by John Wardle Architects in collaboration with heritage architect Bruce Trethowan to ensure the careful integration of two historical buildings as part of the 15,600 sqm A-Grade office development for Australian Unity.

According to ISPT CEO Daryl Browning, the addition of 271 Spring Street will complete ISPT’s long-term vision for the Lonsdale precinct. 

271 Spring Street adjoins ISPT's other office towers - Casselden Place and The Urban Workshop -  which are located in one of Melbourne’s most historical precincts.

An onsite four month archaeological dig prior to construction unearthed 40,000 artefacts. 

<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/271_topping_out_ceremony_sep18.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Photos taken by Urban.com.au during the topping out ceremony at 271 Spring Street. "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="253" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/271_topping_out_ceremony_sep18.jpg?itok=ZPKg2cIR" title="Photos taken by Urban.com.au during the topping out ceremony at 271 Spring Street. " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Photos taken by Apartments.com.au during the topping out ceremony at 271 Spring Street.</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
It’s been a fantastic construction period at 271 Spring Street to date. We’ve managed 10 weeks of archaeology works, built between two Citipower HV easements – we’ve also built over two live underground rail tunnels that form part of Melbourne’s city loop.

There’s not many buildings in Melbourne on top of an underground rail system. This location meant we needed to deliver a highly complex light-weight steel structure, consisting of raked feature elements and significant transfer structures to achieve the architectural vision for the project. It’s a very robust structure but light enough to not disturb the city loop below.

Probuild will now be focusing on completing an intricate façade that features 7m x 3.7m fins, and the internal fitout works for anchor tenant Australian Unity.

- Luke Stambolis, Probuild’s Victorian Managing Director
</blockquote>

The topping out of 271 Spring Street follows hot on the heels of Probuild's handover of 456 apartments within the Avant development for World Class Global, a milestone achieved three months ahead of schedule.

Probuild's delivery team for Avant was led by a young female project manager, Lorien Dalmau, who has amassed more than a decade’s experience in construction under her belt.  

Probuild’s Victorian Managing Director, Luke Stambolis expressed how proud he was of Lorien's efforts in her first stint as a project manager, and noted that she was "the only woman in Melbourne managing a 50+ storey apartment tower in the CBD right now and to top it off she’s only in her mid-30s."

Designed by Elenberg Fraser, the 167m high tower features 18,500 sqm of distinctive façade comprising custom coloured glazing and feature fins, directly procured by Probuild from premium suppliers in China.

<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/avant_at_handover.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Probuild has also recently handed over Avant to World Class Global. Image: Probuild"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="773" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/avant_at_handover.jpg?itok=_Fb_2jAC" title="Probuild has also recently handed over Avant to World Class Global. Image: Probuild" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Probuild has also recently handed over Avant to World Class Global. Image: Probuild</figcaption></figure>Probuild's other big build in the northern reaches of the Melbourne CBD is the 270m high Aurora Melbourne Central. The 90-storey tower's floor plate and safety screening has recently been reconfigured from a 'butterfly' geometry to a 'heart' shape for its final ascent. 

Meanwhile, the core has reached the nominal height of 260m above street level, with a further three rises before it tops out in the next month.

Looking west and Probuild's two key Spencer Street builds - West Side Place and 311 Spencer Street progress - are also making rapid progress as highlighted in the supplied aerial below. Further, Probuild notes the achievement of a key milestone for Tower 1's core, while Tower 2 edges ahead.

<blockquote>
We recently achieved a key milestone at Melbourne's West Side Place, with the successful assembly of both parts of the split core system for Tower 1. The upper portion of the core is now making its way above the boundary hoarding line, currently sitting at ground level. The floor slabs have also progressed at a rapid rate with ground level currently being being constructed. 

The jump form on Tower 2 is currently sitting at Level 6 and floor slabs are complete up to Level 1 with the first set of perimeter protection screens now installed. The structure team is now focused on design and planning for the upcoming challenges involving the multi-strand post tension transfer slabs on Level 4 and 5, and the core changeover works on Level 8.

The latest progress at West Side Place demonstrates our capabilities managing sophisticated designs and complex major projects. 

- Probuild
</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/probuild_spencer.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Two sites, three towers, eight cranes. Image: Probuild"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="719" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/probuild_spencer.png?itok=qnTMfCpu" title="Two sites, three towers, eight cranes. Image: Probuild" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Two sites, three towers, eight cranes. Image: Probuild</figcaption></figure>
</body></html>

Laurence Dragomir

Probuild tops out at 271 Spring Street

<html><body>
National dwelling values have dropped for the 11th consecutive month, according to CoreLogic's latest Home Value Index results. 
There were falls across five of Australia's eight capital cities, with only Canberra, Darwin and Adelaide showing improvement.
Over the quarter, Melbourne has been hit the hardest, seeing dwelling price falls of two percent, the weakest rolling quarterly result since the three months ending January 2012.
Dwelling values in the Victorian capital dropped 0.6 percent in August, the worst performing capital along with Perth.
Sydney's 0.3 percent drop in August saw its quarterly values drop 1.2 percent, taking its annual change to dwelling values down 5.6 percent. 
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/8/31/CL-Index.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/8/31/CL-Index.jpg" alt="">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Since peaking in September last year, dwelling values have been consistently tracking lower, down a cumulative 2.2 percent through to the end of August.
</div>
</div>
CoreLogic head of research Tim Lawless said, “Weaker housing market conditions can be tied back to a variety of factors, foremost of which is the tighter credit environment which has slowed market activity, especially amongst investors.
"Fewer active buyers has led to higher inventory levels and reduced competition in the market.
"Collectively, these factors have been compounded by affordability challenges, reduced foreign investment and a rise in housing supply.” 
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/8/31/value-change.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/8/31/value-change.jpg" alt=""> 
 
<div class="page" title="Page 1"> </div>
</body></html>

jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Melbourne property values hit by highest quarterly downturn: CoreLogic

<html><body>
<a href="/news/urban-land-institute-invites-ideas-for-north-west-corner-of-melbourne-cbd">As covered on Urban.com.au last week</a>, the Urban Land Institute is now accepting entries in the 2018 ULI Australia Urban Innovation Ideas Competition which is seeking innovative ideas to reinvigorate the north-west corner of the Melbourne CBD.

The ULI's Executive Director David McCracken spoke to Apartments.com.au, providing insight into the competition and the benefits of young people getting involved in planning.

Apartments.com.au: What do you look for when selecting sites for ULI Urban Innovation Ideas competitions?

David McCracken: The Competition sites we select are less about the specific place but more to act as a catalyst or a canvas for expansive thinking and innovative thought, in the context of a real or perceived urban challenge.

The sites selected previously – George St in Sydney – a linear space in the CBD becoming car free and public, but perhaps without the character elements to stimulate it, and in 2016 – Centennial Place – a poorly used green knuckle between the CBD and vibrant Valley district in Brisbane – offer challenges for intervention that change the way these spaces may connect with their city context.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/uli_image_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The site of the 2018 ULI Australia Urban Innovation Ideas Competition. Image: ULI"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="385" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/uli_image_1.jpg?itok=65K-ywNB" title="The site of the 2018 ULI Australia Urban Innovation Ideas Competition. Image: ULI" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The site of the 2018 ULI Australia Urban Innovation Ideas Competition. Image: ULI</figcaption></figure>In Melbourne this year, the site has been recognised as part of the CBD that perhaps does not live up to the image of Melbourne - vibrant, active, attractive and communal. We are seeking ideas that may not directly solve that challenge, but that, if implemented will add identity engagement and momentum to this part of the city fabric, and as an outcome, add value to those who live, work and visit the area.

U: What is different about the younger generation compared to older generations when it comes to urban planning and enhancing cities?

DM: What I have witnessed is perhaps a greater social conscience in the urban outcomes that shape our cities. There is a sense that what has gone before has not always delivered and that wider and more diverse voices need to be listened to as we plan our cities. ‘Green’, ‘active’, and ‘programmed’ are buzzwords perhaps more to the older generations and now taken as ‘business as usual’ for those with a younger perspective.

However, with the advent of social media, Pinterest and the like, we see the colour of our cities in more graphic detail and perhaps we don't experience and understand the grain and pulse of cities as much anymore. Our experiences are often quick and superficial rather than longer, deeper and more considered as they may have been in the past. The urban planning and development of our cities shapes the long-term impact and image of that city and we must understand that decisions made are there forever – timeliness over timeframe, authenticity over fashion.

U: What is the benefit of generating ideas from people outside of the sector?

DM: Our cities are shared by a great diversity of people and by giving a voice to all those who experience, contribute to and shape our cities, you reach a far better understanding of how to synthesise what is relevant and impactful.

For me, the skill in great design is not just the innovation or the idea – it’s how it responds to a need, desire or challenge in its own urban context or community.

Through the competition, the challenge is not only to solve the particular design issue or place issue at hand, but to promote new alternate ways of thinking. Along with traditional civic and municipal planning, these may improve the character and experience of the site area and ultimately its social, economic and environmental value.

U: What are the biggest issues facing Australian cities that you hope young people and their ideas can address in current and future competitions?

DM: The ULI Urban Innovation Competition is a forum for ideas – conceptual thinking around ideas that may stimulate new urban interventions and promote alternate ways of thinking in our cities.

The competition provides a forum for young professionals from multiple disciplines to come together and share ideas and approaches to key urban challenges in our cities.

The issue or challenge we are addressing is to engage young people in the urban debate, to share a variety of ideas with today’s decision makers, opportunities and alternatives to ensure that what has been done before is not what has to be done tomorrow. Through the competition, and the debates we engage around it, we try to teach or mentor competitors and their peer groups while helping them become better decision makers for tomorrow.

Entries in the 2018 ULI Australia Urban Innovation Ideas Competition close Monday 10 September.
</body></html>

ULI's David McCracken on the 2018 Urban Innovation Ideas Competition

<html><body>
Last week's announcement of the <a href="/news/victorian-government-unveils-suburban-rail-loop-election-proposal">$50 billion, 90-kilometre long Suburban Rail Loop</a> by the Victorian State Government, has generated a flurry of opinion and counter-opinion.

As a Sydneysider, I thought I’d offer my view from outside your Melbourne bubble.

A key question is: What does the Suburban Rail Loop signal about the future of Melbourne, assuming it is built over the next 30 years?

Despite the obvious pre-election timing, this is an uncannily forward-looking plan with a range of city-shaping implications.

Firstly, there is a strong connection to existing planning strategy in that it reinforces current efforts to focus housing, jobs and additional quality of life opportunities around prominent middle-ring centres.

The idea is, of course, that this provides more ‘work and play’ options within range of more people all over the metro area. It also gives more shape to Melbourne’s relatively flat, low-density suburban sprawl. Youch.

With or without the Suburban Rail Loop, you’re already on this path: the NEICs (National Employment and Innovation Centres) and <a href="/news/top-20-melbourne-suburbs-with-the-largest-development-pipeline">fully stocked apartment supply</a> around suburban centres attest to this.

Basically, it looks like your Great Big City Centre - the hub of the Melbourne metro area - is getting meatier middle-ring satellites with a broader range of activities, jobs and housing - the spokes of this big hub. This is a fairly classic urban shape - a big centre orbited by suburban nodes which balance the centre’s mass, connected to it by a radial mass transit system.

Here steps into this picture the Suburban Rail Loop, cutting an arc across these radial lines and stringing together these newly-boosted suburban centres. By connecting these ‘spokes’, the rail loop forms the rim of the wheel and so better distributes passenger loads across the rail system, reducing CBD transfers and enabling cross-town trips.

With the Suburban Rail Loop, Melburnians can orbit their Great Big City Centre using mass transit, passing through a series of walkable and built up suburban nodes.

It forms a metropolitan transit grid - a metropolitan-scale ‘metro’ of sorts... About that ‘metro’: 

<h2>METRO RAIL, COMMUTER RAIL &amp; THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT</h2>

Metros rely on an interwoven network of lines to enable point to point journeys.

In contrast, Melbourne’s rail system resembles a traditional commuter rail system; its lines are arranged radially around the Great Big City Centre, shuttling large loads of people in and out.

Although Melbourne does have some large-ish suburban nodes on these radial lines, such as Box Hill, South Yarra, Caulfield, Dandenong and Footscray, it largely follows this pattern.

If you live along a line that suburban centre is on, that’s fine, but for all other journeys, the only realistic option is to drive or be driven.

<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/melbourne-rail-network-with-srl-web-1_-_by_philip_mallis.png" rel="gallery-all" title=" maps.philipmallis.com "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="300" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/melbourne-rail-network-with-srl-web-1_-_by_philip_mallis.png?itok=Xc7aLLKI" title=" maps.philipmallis.com " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>This diagram by Philip Mallis shows the effect of the Suburban Rail Loop on Melbourne's radial train system. Source: maps.philipmallis.com </figcaption></figure>On top of this, post-war car-oriented growth means many suburban centres aren’t even on a train line. Chadstone, Doncaster and Monash University in Clayton spring to mind.

The Suburban Rail Loop then breaks with Melbourne’s traditional metropolitan form.

<h2>Another thing about metros - they need a compatible urban environment.</h2>

Metros are too expensive to string through low-density environments.

Largely, they need to collect enough people on foot and deposit them at points across the network, again to destinations reachable on foot.

Melbourne’s Great Big City Centre is well-suited to walking with many destinations and an amenable environment, but most of the rest of the metro area requires road-dependent collection and distribution.

A built up, walkable urban environment is compatible with, and justifies the cost and capacity of, high-frequency rail service, but is incompatible with car-dependent transport.

<h2>Why is this?</h2>

Well, roads have a low capacity. They fall over when they are asked to carry lots of people to the same place at the same time.

They require a spread out urban environment to cater to dispersed trips. Think about the scale of ramps, carparks, and feeder roads required to serve your typical Westfield shopping centre, or the ramps and arterial roads to support a motorway. Contrast this to how many people cram into stairwells at Flinders St Station to access the platforms. Then, imagine if those people were all in cars with one or two people in them - you can barely fit a single car in one of these stairwells. People on foot, by contrast, are extremely space-efficient.

Roads are flexible, excelling at carrying distributed point to point trips, but are highly space inefficient with a low inbuilt capacity. 

A car-dependent environment must necessarily be spread out or else it overwhelms the roads that support it.

<blockquote>
The urban environment is shaped by transport, and transport shapes the urban environment. Simples.
</blockquote>

The Suburban Rail Loop, therefore, applies pressure on the places it serves to be more focused, with a range of activities and housing within walking distance, to justify its cost and capacity.

This signals a shift to a more 'Apartments.com.au' - at least a more urban ‘middle Melbourne’ complementing its Big Centre. Might this even put the brakes on your ever-spreading suburban footprint?

Looking to the future, perhaps <a href="/guides/weekly-podcast-episode-28-gogets-justin-passaportis-and-joshua-brydges">driverless cars</a> at each end of a person’s cross-town transit journey will vastly extend the catchment of these nodes.

<h2>SOME CAUTIONARY LESSONS FROM SYDNEY</h2>

From a Sydney point of view, there’s one last note I’d like to make:

By pre-emptively striking to secure a more Apartments.com.au, especially in the middle-ring, your city has more control and power over the resulting built environment once this direction matures.

Rail performs best when it is positioned at the heart or direct edge of a centre, plugged into its walkable streets, while arterial roads should skirt around centres at a respectful distance with link roads striking into edge-of-centre parking (much like a suburban shopping mall).

Sydney hasn’t managed this distinction very well.

<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_00511782.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title=" Posted with Permission from an Anonymous Source"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="580" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_00511782.jpg?itok=aPjVFxzt" title=" Posted with Permission from an Anonymous Source" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Strathfield in the middle ring of Sydney. Poorly managing densification results in poor outcomes like this. Source: Posted with Permission from an anonymous source.</figcaption></figure>A large part of Sydney’s middle-ring looks like this - a haphazard mess of roads, density and traffic - especially outside the posh bits of the city. 

We started densifying around suburban centres decades ago, but the process has been unstructured, haphazard and often vision-less.

<blockquote>
Dense places must be walkable and have regularly-used services set into this environment. Otherwise, people will opt to drive, and with so many cars hitting the road, road network quickly become overwhelmed. Then, you have the undesirable situation where particulate matter from constant traffic enters the lungs of the people that live within its catchment. It’s not a good combo. 
</blockquote>

This has happened in many parts of Sydney, especially outside the posh areas - reinforcing another Sydney specialty - spatial inequality - and it provides a cautionary tale of what not to do.

Your city, on the other hand, has a positive vision that, coupled with good urban design, might hopefully avoid your northern neighbour’s pitfalls.

Melbourne, with Metro 1 (and hopefully Metro 2) allowing very frequent radial train service, plus a frequent Suburban Rail Loop, will have the necessary infrastructure to support enriched clusters of activity and housing, knitted into a metropolitan transit grid.

The Suburban Rail Loop is ambitious but full of potential.

Well done to you Melbourne, you are now entering a higher orbit.
</body></html>

ModernBradfield

Does the Suburban Rail Loop Signal a More 'Urban.com.au'? 

<html><body>
<a href="/news/melbournes-collins-street-continues-to-soar-as-construction-heats-up">Urban.com.au recently highlighted</a> the development activity along Melbourne's Collins Street, in which it was noted that The Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) building at 60 Collins Street represented a significant redevelopment opportunity.

Located on the north-east corner of Exhibition Street and Collins Street opposite QICGRE's 80 Collins development, the property has been listed for sale by the RBA - which is vacating the 16-storey building -  with a number of developers believed to have been circling.

<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/60_collins_street.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="60 Collins Street. Images: Real Commercial | Jaganol"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="420" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/60_collins_street.jpg?itok=_T6Yjc6t" title="60 Collins Street. Images: Real Commercial | Jaganol" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>60 Collins Street. Images: Real Commercial | Jaganol</figcaption></figure>To provide further context to the site, it is also covered by Heritage Overlay HO504 (Collins East Precinct) as it adjoins the heritage-listed Melville House (HO566) at 52-54 Collins Street. However, inclusion in the Heritage Overlay does not mean that a site cannot be redeveloped. When a permit for redevelopment is considered, heritage becomes a further consideration as part of the process.

Due to the site's location within this historically sensitive context, the design of any new structure(s) on the site becomes critical.

City of Melbourne's Amendment C258: Heritage Precincts Statements of Significance 2017 notes:

<blockquote>
Collins Street has often been identified as Melbourne’s leading street. This is due, in part, to the pleasant amenity and distinctive character of its eastern end. Its relative elevation and proximity to the Government Reserve and points of access to the City provided for its development as an elite locale.

Initially a prestige residential area, the Melbourne Club re-established itself here in 1857 and by the 1860s the medical profession had begun to congregate. By the turn of the century it was firmly established as a professional and artistic centre of Melbourne, with part of its fame due to its tree plantations in the French boulevard manner (hence the ‘Paris end’), which date from 1875.

A number of significant buildings come together in this precinct to form a series of prominent streetscapes. These include, at the western end, the Town Hall, Athenaeum, and Assembly Hall through to the Scots and Independent Churches, with the Regent Theatre through to the redeveloped T&amp;G building opposite.

The eastern end includes the early 19th century residential and artists’ studio buildings at the foot of No. One Collins, with the predominantly 20th century intact run to the north featuring Alcaston, Anzac Portland and Chanonry Houses, and Victor Horsley Chambers plus the nearby Melbourne Club.

At all times until the post 1939-45 war period, redevelopment took place in a quiet and restrained manner with an emphasis on dignity, harmony and compatibility with the intimate scale and pedestrian qualities of the street. These qualities are still embodied in significant remnant buildings and other artifacts, despite the intrusion of large developments.

The qualities of the street are also embodied in the social functions of the buildings which include elite smaller scale residential, religious, social, quality retailing and professional activities.

- Collins East Precinct, Statement of Significance (INCORPORATED DOCUMENT – CLAUSE 81 SCHEDULE Page 8)
</blockquote>

It goes on to list the following as key attributes of the Precinct:

<ul>
<li>The buildings remaining from before the Second World War.</li>
	<li>The boulevard quality of this end of Collins Street with street tree plantations and street furniture.</li>
	<li>A consistent height, scale, character and appearance of the remaining 19th and early 20th century buildings.</li>
	<li>The historic garden of the Melbourne Club</li>
</ul>
For the purposes of this study I have also included 100 Exhibition Street, which is currently occupied by a Mantra branded hotel. This was done to provide larger commercial floor plates, in addition to enhancing links through the site.

<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/60_collins_diagrams-site_context.png" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="431" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/60_collins_diagrams-site_context.png?itok=ZOFn7xXW" width="580"></a>

<figcaption> </figcaption></figure>The 60 Collins Street site alone has a footprint of 1,300sqm, whereas a minimum floor plate of 1,500sqm would be preferred. To achieve this with the application of setbacks based on the planning controls for the Capital City Zone, <a href="/news/bates-smarts-julian-anderson-discusses-commercial-development-feasibility-in-melbournes-central-city">a site of 3,000 sqm would be ideal</a>, however, the 60 Collins Street site benefits from a corner location so can rise 80m without setbacks.

Combining both 60 Collins Street and 100 Exhibition Street would create a development site of approx. 2,100 sqm.

The Victorian Liberal Party is also offloading the 6-storey Art Deco Centenary Hall at 104 Exhibition Street, completed in 1935 which is expected to fetch around $30m.

The site is covered by Heritage Overlay HO1028 and carries with it a 'Significant' grading due to its interiors, however it is not listed on the Victoria Heritage Register. It has not been included as part of the development study.

The process for developing the envelope for the combined 60 Collins And 100 Exihibtion Streets is outlined in the diagrams in the slideshow below, however some key figures and features include;

<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/60_collins_diagrams_-_breakdown.png" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/60_collins_diagrams_-_breakdown.png?itok=IjvvUfSB" width="580"></a>

<figcaption> </figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>44-storeys/160m (to roof)</li>
	<li>Floor plates of 1,790sqm for lower 19-storey office levels = 32,220sqm GFA or approx. 25,800 sqm NLA</li>
	<li>Residential and hotel floor plates of 900 sqm across 25-storeys (or 20-storeys of office)</li>
	<li>This upper volume is limited to 50m in length to reduce massing and allow for the creation of a;</li>
	<li>North facing publically accessible landscaped rooftop terrace and bar, atop the streetwall </li>
	<li>Extension of McGraths Lane through to Collins Street</li>
	<li>Total Gross Floor Area: 54,720 sqm </li>
	<li>Plot ratio: 26:1 - this is achieved via new laneway, publically accessible rooftop and office and hotel use</li>
</ul>
Keep an eye out in coming weeks for a similar study on the 383 Latrobe Street site, which Mirvac recently purchased from Sterling Global, who had a permit for a Jean Nouvel designed tower.
</body></html>

Development Scenario: 60 Collins + 100 Exhibition Street, Melbourne

<html><body>
Century Group Aus has secured Australia's first St. Regis hotel at its $800m Flinders Bank development on the Yarra River.

The five star hotel brand's commitment to Flinders Bank will ensure residents benefit from exclusive access to the St. Regis' prestige club facilities.

With frontages to Spencer and Flinders Streets, the 33-storey tower will be the tallest of Flinders Bank's three buildings.

St. Regis Melbourne's 168 luxury guest rooms and suites will occupy levels 2 to 11, providing guests with panoramic views of the Yarra River or Melbourne skyline.

World-leading interior design studio, Chada has designed the interiors working closely with Fender Katsalidis Architects, who are responsible for the architectural design of Flinders Bank.

<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/century_group_aus_st_regis_bedroom_image_2._2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The hotel interiors have been designed by Chada. Image: Century Group "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="347" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/century_group_aus_st_regis_bedroom_image_2._2.jpg?itok=Do-jmYpI" title="The hotel interiors have been designed by Chada. Image: Century Group " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The hotel interiors have been designed by Chada. Image: Century Group Aus/ Floodslicer</figcaption></figure>St. Regis Melbourne will join, Flinders Banks' two other residential towers currently at sales and registration. The whole development is set to deliver 650 residences and 2,100 sqm of retail, on the gateway site opposite Batman Park previously occupied by the former Convention Centre.

Century Group Aus anticipates St. Regis Melbourne will become an instant and stylish icon on the skyline, and an integral part of a vibrant pedestrian precinct and plaza along Siddeley Street, upon completion in 2022. 

Construction on the whole Flinders Bank project is set to commence next year and will comprise the following:

<ul>
<li>Tower One: 26 levels with a ground + three-level podium. 190 apartments - located on the eastern side of the site bounded by Spencer Street.</li>
	<li>Tower Two / St. Regis Melbourne: 33 levels with a ground + four-level podium. 168 luxury hotel rooms and 237 premium apartments - located on the western side of the site bounded by Flinders Street.</li>
	<li>Tower Three: 26 levels with a ground + three-level podium - located on the western side of the site. Apartments mix and number of apartments to be determined.</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/the-st-melb.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="St. Regis Melbourne will occupy the corner of Spencer and Flinders Streets. Image: Century Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="493" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/the-st-melb.jpg?itok=YYYss2lw" title="St. Regis Melbourne will occupy the corner of Spencer and Flinders Streets. Image: Century Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>St. Regis Melbourne will occupy the corner of Spencer and Flinders Streets. Image: Century Group Aus / Floodslicer</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
This signing is an indication of the investment community’s confidence in the Australian market, where we are seeing a growing demand for premium lodgings.

The St. Regis Melbourne will be an outstanding addition to our strong and growing footprint in the region, where we are on track to boast the largest portfolio of upper upscale and luxury hotels and resorts, with two-thirds of the new supply pipeline.

- Richard Crawford, Senior Director of Hotel Development in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
We are honoured that Flinders Bank will be the address for one of the most exceptional hotel and hospitality experiences in Australia, through The St. Regis Melbourne.

Flinders Bank will offer the pinnacle of luxury experiences for guests as well as residents. With its breathtaking views of the Yarra River, resort style amenity and landmark architecture, Flinders Bank will be a fitting gateway into the world’s most liveable city.

The way we live is changing, and today we want all of life’s luxuries and necessities on our doorstep. To cater for these new urban lifestyles, we wanted to offer our residents some of the most generous, thoughtful and well-designed amenity in Melbourne. We want Flinders Bank to be a haven and a home for all that our residents enjoy.

- Connie Wu, Executive Director Century Group Aus 
</blockquote>

 

 
</body></html>

Century Group lands Australia's first St. Regis at Flinders Bank

<html><body>
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Local developer Century Group Aus has secured Australia’s first hotel under the renowned luxury St. Regis Hotels &amp; Resorts brand to open at Flinders Bank in the CBD.
The 168 hotel rooms with interiors from world-leading hotel design studio Chada will overlook either the Yarra River of the city skyline.
There will be a number of speciality suites, supposedly fit for presidents, sheiks and other VVIPs (a very very important person!)
It is set for completion in 2022, with construction to begin next year.
St. Regis, owned by Marriott International, is one of the world’s most revered and prestigious hotel brands and is known for the legendary St. Regis butler service, which provides each guest with highly attentive personal service, and for its refined food and beverage experiences.
It was born out of New York City where St. Regis pioneered the Bloody Mary.
St. Regis operates luxury getaways in some of the world’s most enticing locations including Bora Bora, Bali, Mauritius and the Maldives.
The St. Regis Melbourne will offer the best in guest experiences, which can include anything from drinks upon arrival to unpacking services.
It will feature in Tower Two of the $800 million triple tower Flinders Bank project, which will transform the city’s former Convention Centre site into a luxury destination, comprising 650 apartments, 168 five-star hotel rooms and 2,100 sqm of retail.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/8/29/REGIS2.jpg" alt="">
Designed by Fender Katsalidis Architects, it will also have a pedestrian precinct and plaza to Siddeley Street, to feature art elements, contributing to the city’s established cultural scene.
Richard Crawford, Mariott's senior director of hotel development in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, said luxury hotel demand in Melbourne was strong.
“This signing is an indication of the investment community’s confidence in the Australian market, where we are seeing a growing demand for premium lodgings,” he said. 
“The St. Regis Melbourne will be an outstanding addition to our strong and growing footprint in the region, where we are on track to boast the largest portfolio of upper upscale and luxury hotels and resorts, with two-thirds of the new supply pipeline.” 
The project’s first two towers have commenced selling, with strong interest among owner occupiers drawn to Flinders Bank’s never-to-be-built-out views that overlook the Yarra River and the view down to Port Phillip Bay.
Century Group Aus executive director Connie Wu said that the fact St. Regis had selected Melbourne as its first Australian location was testament to its status as the world’s most liveable city. 
“We are honoured that Flinders Bank will be the address for one of the most exceptional hotel and hospitality experiences in Australia, through The St. Regis Melbourne,” she said. 
“Flinders Bank will offer the pinnacle of luxury experiences for guests as well as residents. With its breathtaking views of the Yarra River, resort style amenity and landmark architecture, Flinders Bank will be a fitting gateway into the world’s most liveable city.”
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="page" title="Page 2">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Residents of Tower Two, which will house The St. Regis Melbourne, will have an opportunity to enjoy the luxury brand’s pool, sauna and sundeck by purchasing a Marriott Club membership. 
This is in addition to a number of exclusive residential amenities including a gym, lounge and wine room.
Residents of Tower One also have access to their own separate lifestyle facilities including a gym, pool and wine room.
“The way we live is changing, and today we want all of life’s luxuries and necessities on our doorstep," Wu said.
"To cater for these new urban lifestyles, we wanted to offer our residents some of the most generous, thoughtful and well-designed amenity in Melbourne. We want Flinders Bank to be a haven and a home for all that our residents enjoy."
St. Regis Hotels &amp; Resorts is one of the world’s fastest growing luxury brands, more than doubling its footprint in recent years. There are currently more than 40 St. Regis branded hotels open worldwide. 
The St. Regis Melbourne will be set within the 33 levels of Flinders Bank’s second tower, with hotel rooms planned for levels 2 to 11. Residential apartments will comprise the remainder of the building. 
 
</div>
</div>
</div>
</body></html>

Melbourne

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Melbourne

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News