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.

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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

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Lifestyle clothing brand Mister Zimi has taken a lease of an office and warehouse facility at Prahran in Melbourne’s inner east.
Teska Carson’s Jack Kelliher, who brokered the 3-7 Walker Street deal, with Luke Bisset, said the two level, 880 square metre, premises was let at $160,000 per annum net.
It was on a five year term with a five year option.
He said the property offered a very flexible premises in a sought after inner city location.
"This was a great opportunity to secure a unique and very functional property in a prime location just off Chapel Street in the heart of Prahran and within walking distance of public transport and a range of lifestyle amenities,’’ Mr Kelliher said.
He said the tenant was attracted to the utility and adaptability of the two level space in a location which offered accessibility and close proximity to all necessary services and amenities as well as clients and staff.
The lessor is a Melbourne based private investor. 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Mister Zimi clothing brand takes Prahran lease

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A converted Carlton converted church has been sold by Scott McElroy and Will Caldwell from Hockingstuart who had it listed with $3.5 million hopes.
Positioned on one of Carlton's best tree-line streets,<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-carlton-127956134" target="_blank"> the 96 Drummond Street house </a>comes with three double bedrooms.
It has open plan lounge/living and separate large entry foyer.
It last sold at $1.55 million in 2006.
<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/2018/5/15/96%20drummon%20st%202.jpg" alt="">
The courtyard garden leads to a double lock-up garage with a one bedroom loft apartment with bathroom and kitchenette.
It is within walking distance from the Exhibition Gardens, Melbourne Uni and RMIT, major hospitals and CBD.
<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/2018/6/4/CARLTON%201.jpg" alt="">
The residence came with an initial $3 million to $3.25 million price guide. The sale price has not been revealed.
<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/2018/6/4/CARLTON%202.jpg" alt="">
 The suburb's median house price sits on $1.47 million, according to CoreLogic.  
 
 
<div> </div>
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Converted Carlton church trophy home offering sold

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<h2>Comment</h2>

Apparently, 9 minutes will be shaved off the time to travel from Pakenham and the City when the Monash Freeway expands, yet again.

“The [Monash] freeway will be widened between Warrigal Road and Eastlink and between Clyde Road and Cardinia Road, cutting an estimated nine minutes off a peak-hour trip between Pakenham and the city,” according to a joint federal and state government media release.

The language might resonate with some voters but there comes a point where you have to call out rubbish.

Pakenham has a population of just under 50,000.  It's no small fringe suburb by any stretch of the imagination, but it also has an even better way of travelling "to the city", it's called a train.

The Monash Freeway might give Pakenham-dwellers a traffic-light-free journey to the city (at very least, to Montague Street or Kings Way) but not everyone in Pakenham is travelling to the city, nor is everyone who lives in any suburb between Pakenham and inner Melbourne travelling to the city. 

Huge amounts of traffic enter and exit the freeway between the aforementioned endpoints every day so why the focus on the extreme fringe to the centre of the city?

Central Melbourne does not need more cars funnelled into it.  I repeat, central Melbourne does not need more cars.  It is the one place which is incredibly accessible via the public transport network from any point in the metropolitan area and the one place where space is at such a premium that there are far more worthy land-uses than car parking.

The language that governments use when describing mega-road projects is understandable and calibrated to address specific interests - if its a new road, there will be time travel benefits and an upgrade will most likely 'appear' to fix things. 

Time savings are easily digestible and resonate but in the case of making trips from the outer suburbs to the city faster, the problem that permeates elsewhere - people believe its best to drive to the city when there are good alternatives - and those alternatives, the train network at the very least, is seeing improvements at the same time.

The Pakenham and Cranbourne lines are seeing major upgrades - tomorrow, Monday the 18th, there will be no level crossing between Dandenong and the City which removes the train and car conflicts, station facilities have been rebuilt and over the medium term a new signalling system and new route will allow even more trains to run on the corridor.

There might be some travel time benefits - a few minutes here, a few minutes there - when the new fleet of trains takes over total operations on the Pakenham/Cranbourne line, ditto when the route is altered to only stop at the new ANZAC station before getting to Town Hall/Flinders Street, but there could be more.

If the Monash is getting an extra lane in each direction every 5-10 years, and now we're finally seeing a one or two generational leap in rail technology and operations on the Dandenong corridor, is it not time to deliver big travel time benefits for train users by adding more track and running permanent express services?

We've discussed many of the constraints of track expansion in Melbourne on Apartments.com.au before and at the city end it'll get expensive, but the East-West Link is expensive, the West Gate Tunnel is expensive, the North-East Link is expensive. 

Melbourne's South East is the only section of the metropolitan area that is set to continue greenfields development out to the growth boundary and will include two of the five National Employment and Innovation Clusters (Dandenong South and Monash) as well as continue to enjoy direct rail access to the major job cluster at the end of the Pakenham/Cranbourne line in the city.

Road projects seem to be at least partially justified because freight users require them - with employment set to concentrate in Monash in particular, don't the governments owe it to the future employees of central Melbourne, Monash and Dandenong to connect these areas with fast express train services?

Lead image credit: <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Monash_Fwy_W_from_Tooronga_peak.jpg">Wikipedia</a>.
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Alastair Taylor

Monash Freeway upgrades: 9 minutes of short-term congestion relief

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Five of the eight capital cities have positive in their industrial property market, according to valuation firm Herron Todd White's latest industrial property clock.
Melbourne is the strongest as it approaches the peak of the market, while industrial space in Sydney, Brisbane and Hobart is classed as a rising market.
Adelaide is starting to recover.
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/6/13/comm-prop-clock.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/2018/6/13/comm-prop-clock.jpg" alt="">
There's not great news for Canberra, which is in a declining market.
Perth and Darwin are at the bottom of the market.
The best performing areas are in country New South Wales, where Dubbo and Griffith markets are at their peak.
The Gold Coast is also at the peak of its industrial property market.
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Melbourne headlines strong industrial property markets across majority of capital cities: HTW

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Marketing continues on the newest Docklands development, which is being described as Melbourne's new home of five-star living.
The project is the first Marriott to be built in Australia in 20 years.
Gone are the pre-conceived fittings of Marriott's of the past. The carpets and clunky furniture has been replaced by sleek designer inclusions and clean timber flooring.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-docklands-127795066" target="_blank">Waterfront Way development</a> is wrapped in a translucent screen, with its curved glass facade providing views of the water and the city.
<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/2018/6/12/marriott4.jpg" alt="">
DKO Architecture are designing the building that will comprise 100 one to three-bedroom apartments above a rectangular hotel podium, which sprouts into two curved petal-shaped towers of 17 levels each.
There will be 200 rooms in total when it opens in 2020.
Crowning the project is a 28 metre wet edge resort-style rooftop infinity swimming pool and adjoining bar.
<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/2018/4/26/docklands%202.jpg" alt="">
On the ground level there will be another bar, a restaurant and a laneway cafe. 
Developed by Capital Alliance, Marriott Docklands is part of the $250 million mixed-use The Docklands project.
Castran Gilbert South Yarra agent Mark Forytarz is handling the marketing. Castran Gilbert have a <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/component/content/article?id=82173" target="_blank">free e-book on property investment insights in Melbourne.</a>
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Marriott Docklands on Waterfront Way, Melbourne's new home of five-star living

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Office space in Melbourne’s iconic Tea House has become available for lease for the first time in four years as a growing number of businesses look for unconventional work environments.
Savills Australia’s Mathew Kent has been appointed to lease the prominent building at 28 Clarendon Street, Southbank.
It is anticipating interest from traditional corporate tenants, and the IT, insurance, interior design and fringe-based service sectors wanting to be close to the CBD.
“The Tea House has not been available since 2014 and since that time, there has been a surge in co-working business models, suite strategies, and employers wanting non-conventional office space for their employees,” Kent said.
“We have seen increased demand from tenants wanting to offer their employees an industrial-style office environment with exposed brick, creative break-out areas and a high standard of amenity – criteria that the Tea House meets, with the added charm of its heritage history.”
The building’s five floors are available for lease, with areas ranging from 567 square metres to 2,875 square metres, with the top floor offering a vaulted exposed ceiling and amazing natural light,” Kent said.
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Built in the late 1880s, the Tea House is best known for its stunning red brick facade and historic features.
“The landlord is now undertaking a major refurbishment to ensure the building meets today’s contemporary standards,” Kent said.
The new design will incorporate new lifts, a new ceiling grid, new lighting and new floor coverings.
Kent said the prime Southbank location, opposite the Crown entertainment complex and adjacent the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, would be a key drawcard for prospective tenants.
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Tea time for new tenants at the Tea House

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Sydney and Melbourne's house prices could slide by another 9 per cent in the event of Labor's planned property tax changes, according to property consultants.
RiskWise Property Research and Wargent Advisory suggest the impacts would vary around the country, hitting the most vulnerable areas including Darwin, Mackay, inner-city Perth and Townsville, which could suffer falls of up to 12 per cent.
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<div>Labor's long planned initiative would see negative gearing limited to new rental dwellings as well as a halving of the capital gains tax discount from 50 per cent to 25 per cent. 
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<div>It took the measures to the last election amid concerns about housing affordability.</div>
The RiskWise paper utilised Corelogic data to take local factors into account, including rates of unit development, construction, and the recent price falls.
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<div id="article-inline-ad">The shadow treasurer Chris Bowen recently shrugged off suggestions the changes be scrapped because prices are now falling making homes more affordable.</div>
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<div>Bowen said that the changes are about making long-term structural adjustments rather than addressing the short-term property cycle.</div>
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<div>Brisbane-based analyst Pete Wargent, who helped write the report, noted the slide by another nine per cent under Labor's planned property tax changes which would be the equivalent of borrowing costs rising by more than 20 per cent in the Sydney market.</div>
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"It would be a defacto tightening of financial conditions for households, with potential knock-on effects from that," he told The Australian Financial Review.
"While the stated intention of the policy was to cool housing markets – at the time in 2016 that was a hot political issue as in Sydney and Melbourne markets were running away – if you were to introduce it today, it would impact markets that are already struggling."
Modelling by the firms suggest the changes would be equivalent to a sudden 1.15 percentage point hike in interest rates.
Prices in NSW and Victoria for houses would drop by 9 per cent, followed by WA and the Northern Territory with 7 per cent declines, and 6 per cent in South Australia and the ACT. Tasmania's impact would be the least, falling 3 per cent. Unit prices would drop between 10 per cent and 2 per cent.
"The report concludes that while there would be some positive initial impacts on housing affordability, these would only be sustained in the largest capital cities if appropriate policies are implemented to encourage the supply of owner-occupier suitable housing in addition to investment units," the authors say.
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Wargent noted that Sydney and Melbourne's markets would likely find a new equilibrium within two years of the changes.
"Rental yields will come up and one way or another, investors will come back to the market," he said.
"So while prices would decline, it probably wouldn't be catastrophic because demand for housing is high."
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Melbourne prices could fall by 9 percent under Labor policies 

With Apartments.com.au&#39;s Project Database now being expanded to encompass all of Australia, and more national content appearing on the site, it seemed like a good opportunity to highlight the country&#39;s future top 10 tallest skyscrapers on the horizon, not including those already completed.

<h2>#1. Southbank by Beulah (Residential Tower) I Melbourne&nbsp;I 356.2M</h2>

Green Spine, know known as Soutbank by Beulah having been taken over by the Melbourne developer Beulah, will be&nbsp;designed by&nbsp;<a href="/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a>&nbsp;and is&nbsp;planned to be the tallest skyscraper in the Southern Hemisphere. The tower was the winner of <a href="/developers/beulah">Beulah International</a>&rsquo;s international competition for a $2 billion development in Melbourne&rsquo;s <a href="/new-apartments/southbank-vic-3006">Southbank</a>.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8804]

&nbsp;

<h2>#2. Magic Tower&nbsp;I Melbourne&nbsp;I 60- storeys&nbsp;I 330M</h2>

The Magic Tower is a slender skyscraper designed by <a href="/architects/decibel-architecture">Decibel Architecture</a> in partnership with Royal Society of Victoria. The residential tower will be located in the north eastern corner of Hoddle Grid.

<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/magic_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="If to be built Magic Tower will be the tallest tower for it's width in Melbourne. Image: Decibel Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="714" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/magic_11.jpg?itok=__Rf7Zwf" title="If to be built Magic Tower will be the tallest tower for it's width in Melbourne. Image: Decibel Architecture" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>If to be built Magic Tower will be the tallest tower for it&#39;s width in Melbourne. Image: Decibel Architecture</figcaption>
</figure>

&nbsp;

<h2>#3. Orion Towers (South Tower) |&nbsp;Gold Coast | 103-storeys | 328m</h2>

<figure>
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/orion_towers.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Orion Towers' South Tower would become the tallest in Australia. Image: Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/orion_towers.jpg?itok=rtzkSomr" style="width: 580px; height: 327px;" title="Orion Towers' South Tower would become the tallest in Australia. Image: Woods Bagot" /></a>

<figcaption>Orion Towers&#39; South Tower would become the tallest in Australia. Image: Woods Bagot</figcaption>
</figure>

The $1.2b twin-tower development in Surfers Paradise known as <a href="/new-apartments/south-beach-surfers-paradise-3006-surfers-paradise-boulevard-surfers-paradise">Orion Towers</a> will soar 103 storeys high for a total height of 328m, inching out Melbourne&#39;s One Queensbridge by 5m. The development will also feature Australia&rsquo;s highest observation restaurant on level 101 offering 360-degree views.

The tower is anticipated to be completed by 2027.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8887]

&nbsp;

<h2>#4. One Queensbridge |&nbsp;Melbourne | 90-storeys | 323m</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/qbt.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="One Queensbridge should it proceed, would eclipse Australia 108. Image: Schiavello"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/qbt.jpg?itok=DqCq-D0j" style="width: 580px; height: 396px;" title="One Queensbridge should it proceed, would eclipse Australia 108. Image: Schiavello" /></a>

<figcaption>One Queensbridge should it proceed, would eclipse Australia 108. Image: Schiavello</figcaption>
</figure>

<a href="/new-apartments/one-queensbridge-street-1-23-queensbridge-street-southbank">One Queensbridge</a> should it proceed, would eclipse Australia 108. It will be a JV between Crown Resorts and <a href="/developers/schiavello">Schiavello</a>. <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/business/companies/packer-s-plans-uncertain-on-australia-s-tallest-building-20180525-p4zhhz">The Age reported</a>&nbsp;in May of last year that as part of the approval, a deadline for February 2019 had been set to commence construction of the project.

The Wilkinson Eyre designed goliath is yet to commence, as it is currently undergoing construction delays due to being unable to obtain government approval for alterations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=245]

&nbsp;

<h2>#5. Australia 108 | Melbourne | 100-storeys | 317m</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/aus108_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Australia 108 races along to its title of Melbourne's tallest. Images (L-R): FK | Mark Baljak"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="265" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/aus108_1.jpg?itok=diMxAs9s" title="Australia 108 races along to its title of Melbourne's tallest. Images (L-R): FK | Mark Baljak" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Australia 108 races along to its title of Melbourne&#39;s tallest. Images (L-R): FK | Mark Baljak</figcaption>
</figure>

<a href="/buildings/australia-108-southbank-70-southbank-boulevard-southbank">Australia 108</a> is to rise opposite it&rsquo;s sister tower, Eureka.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=582]

This time last year, Australia 108&#39;s core reached level 60 with the floorplates well over the halfway mark. This also coincided with the first residents beginning to move in on levels 14 and 30 as part of the completion of stage 1.

The tower is still presently undergoing construction, with more residents being able to move in from 2020.

&nbsp;

<h2>#6. Spirit | Gold Coast | 89-storeys | 298m</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/spirit_gc.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Spirit on the Gold Coast will launch to the market next month. Image: Forise Holdings"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/spirit_gc.jpg?itok=BpZZiGBR" title="Spirit on the Gold Coast will launch to the market next month. Image: Forise Holdings" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Spirit on the Gold Coast will launch to the market next month. Image: Forise Holdings</figcaption>
</figure>

Designed by <a href="/architects/dbi">DBI Design</a> who have previously designed other notable towers on the Gold Coast such as Oracle, <a href="/buildings/jewel-residences-surfers-paradise-36-old-burleigh-road-surfers-paradise">Jewel</a>, SOUL Tower and The Wave, Spirit was to have been the tallest building to roof in Surfers Paradise prior to Orion Towers&#39; entry onto the list.

The design features a dramatic wave across its facade similar to The Wave, but on a grander scale. The current proposal replaces an earlier scheme for Iluka Tower, following Forise Holdings purchase of the site in 2015.

This tower is in the early stages of construction.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8128]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=93998]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8843]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8887]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6207]

<h2>&nbsp;</h2>

<h2>#7. Cienna Square Tower II | Gold Coast | 88-storeys | 280m</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/cienna_square.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Cienna Square will be developed on the site of the former Regent Cinema. Image: DBI Design"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="580" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/cienna_square.jpg?itok=VhFJsHIh" title="Cienna Square will be developed on the site of the former Regent Cinema. Image: DBI Design" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Cienna Square will be developed on the site of the former Regent Cinema. Image: DBI Design</figcaption>
</figure>

Cienna Square will be developed on the site of the former Regent Cinema. DBI Design&#39;s second entry on the list is for a dual tower on the Southport site of the former Regent Cinema, which has remained empty since it was cleared to pave way for a now unbuilt scheme back in 1989.

Cienna Square received preliminary approval back in April 2016.

&nbsp;

<h2>#8. Crown Sydney Hotel &amp; Resort | Sydney | 75-storeys | 271m</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/crown_sydney.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Crown Sydney Hotel and Resort will be built within Barangaroo. Image: Wilkinson Eyre"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="395" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/crown_sydney.jpg?itok=rF1VRZYX" title="Crown Sydney Hotel and Resort will be built within Barangaroo. Image: Wilkinson Eyre" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Crown Sydney Hotel and Resort will be built within Barangaroo. Image: Wilkinson Eyre</figcaption>
</figure>

Crown Sydney Hotel and Resort will be built within Barangaroo.

Crown Resorts&#39; second tower on the list sees it once again collaborating with architects Wilkinson Eyre on what is set to become Sydney&#39;s tallest building, capping off the Barangaroo development.

The tower is expected to be completed in the first half of 2021.

&nbsp;

<h2>#9. Brisbane Skytower | Brisbane | 90-storeys | 270m</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/brisbane_skytower.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Brisbane's under construction Skytower. Image (L-R): Billbergia | Ozscrapers member fyturis "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="304" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/brisbane_skytower.jpg?itok=dsSud53R" title="Brisbane's under construction Skytower. Image (L-R): Billbergia | Ozscrapers member fyturis " width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Brisbane&#39;s under construction Skytower. Images (L-R): Billbergia | Ozscrapers member fyturis</figcaption>
</figure>

Brisbane&#39;s recently completed <a href="/buildings/brisbane-skytower-222-margaret-street-brisbane">Skytower</a>. <a href="/developers/billbergia">Billbergia</a> and <a href="/developers/amp-capital">AMP Capital&#39;s</a> joint venture project, Skytower is Brisbane&#39;s tallest tower and bookend the southern edge of the CBD, it is located directly opposite the Botanic Gardens.

New levels have just been completed on this tower and are now selling.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6199]

&nbsp;

<h2>#10. 240 Margaret Street |&nbsp;Brisbane | 87-storeys | 270m&nbsp;</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/240_margefrom-kp.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="240 Margaret with the neighouring U/C Skytower. Image: World Class Land"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="557" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/240_margefrom-kp.jpg?itok=bls0H2ab" title="240 Margaret with the neighouring U/C Skytower. Image: World Class Land" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>240 Margaret with the neighouring U/C Skytower. Image: World Class Land</figcaption>
</figure>

<a href="/new-apartments/240-margaret-street-brisbane">240 Margaret</a> with the neighbouring U/C Skytower. World Class Land&#39;s second entry on the list following its Australia 108 project will reach the same height as the neighbouring Skytower development. This is the maximum height allowed in Brisbane as a result of Brisbane Airport radar shadowing issues.

The tower has been granted development approval.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6227]

Laurence Dragomir

Top 10 (Future) Tallest Buildings in Australia

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A four level freestanding CBD retail building situated in the heart of Melbourne’s Chinatown Precinct has been sold at $6.3 million.
It was last traded for $2.7 millionin 2013 when bought by Little Laneway Property Group - owned by shoe retailer Peter Wittner and My Size fashion mavens Robyn and Andrew Nissen.
<a href="https://www.commercialrealestate.com.au/property/11-heffernan-lane-melbourne-vic-3000-2014313075" target="_blank">Positioned at 11 Heffernan Lane</a>, it is in Melbourne CBD’s retail core located between Swanston and Russell Streets.
The building was built in 1891 for solicitor M Mornane as a four level brick warehouse.
It was then occupied by the Wing Ching café in 1892 run by Ah Gee.
It now trades as a the GT Internet Game Club.
The lane was named in 1857 after Rolly Heffernan, owner of the Melbourne Hotel in Lonsdale Street.
It was home to several Chinese restaurants in the early 1900s.
It offered with an eight year net lease returning $213,075 per annum with 4% fixed annual rental increases. 
The price reflected a sharp yield of 3.3 per cent through CBRE and Morley Commercial.
Set on a 440 square metre block, the building is surrounded by major shopping centres and transport nodes including QV Complex, Emporium Melbourne, Melbourne Central, Mid City Centre and Target Centre. 
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Four storey Chinatown, Melbourne retail building sold

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Melbourne City Council earlier this week presided over a Melbourne Planning Scheme Amendment to apply an interim heritage overlay at 263-267 William Street. The move is in response to an application to develop a tower atop what is currently the Metropolitan Hotel.

During October last year an application covering the watering hole was lodged with the intentions of creating a commercial office tower atop the hotel. The application's status in now on hold, although plans for the tower may well proceed in time.

Mirroring a number of developments across the CBD in particular, the Metropolitan Hotel was identified as having individual heritage significance via City of Melbourne reviews, yet carries no heritage overlay.

Within the Report to the Future Melbourne (Heritage) Committee, heritage consultants Context cited the building as "having local historical and social significance to the City of Melbourne as ‘a representative example of a corner hotel building from the interwar period’ and in terms of use and typology is becoming rare in the central city."

Councillor Rohan Leppert noted that "Heritage Overlay" won't stop a tower, but could give the pub a lot more breathing space and some more dignity as a heritage building."

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image58_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Peddle Thorp's take on a reworked Metropolitan Hotel "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="676" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image58_6.jpg?itok=EyV5KQnC" title="Peddle Thorp's take on a reworked Metropolitan Hotel " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Peddle Thorp's take on a reworked Metropolitan Hotel</figcaption></figure>Architecture firm Peddle Thorp's initial design sought the partial demolition and construction of an office tower above the hotel. Spanning approximately 80 metres the tower holds 16 levels of dedicated commercial office space with a single basement level and a reinstated hotel at ground level.

Should the tower proceed it is possible that a setback to William Street will be included as part of a redesign.

The Metropolitan Hotel last changed hands in 2016 when CBRE City Sales were appointed to move the site; it subsequently <a href="https://www.cbre.com.au/about/media-center/04122016c">sold for $8.61 million to a local investor</a>. According to CBRE City Sales the sale reflected a yield of 2.38% - the strongest ever received for a Melbourne CBD pub.

The bid to redevelop the Metropolitan Hotel brings it into line with a number of historically significant buildings around the CBD and Southbank that are subject to development.

Urban.com.au recently covered the <a href="/news/russell-streets-theosophical-society-building-sees-new-hotel-application">intended demolition of the Melbourne Theosophical Society</a> at 124-130 Russell Street; another historic building that has no present heritage protection. Also last week Melbourne City council voted in favour of the <a href="/news/a-reworked-super-southbank-development-edges-closer-to-approval">partial demolition and subsequent tower</a> behind the Robur Tea Company building at 87-127 Queensbridge Street.

Other notably historic buildings subject to development include the former Great Western Hotel at 204 King Street and 244-248 Flinders Street which is awaiting a VCAT hearing.

Lead image: metropolitan.melbourne
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