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Fresh off completing its mixed-use Malvern project Malvern Collective, Kokoda Property Group has acquired a prime site on Richmond's Bridge Road.

They are planning a mid-rise residential development with&nbsp;integrated wellness amenities and a vibrant ground-floor retail and dining offering.

The site, at&nbsp;487–495 Bridge Road, spans&nbsp;1,650 sqm with 50 metres of dual frontage across Bridge Road and Palmer Street. It is currently leased to Adairs, and has a large retail building and 20 onsite car parks.
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<section data-element_type="section" data-id="534a164">
Kokoda Property Group’s acquisition forms part of a broader phase of growth in Melbourne, building on momentum from the completion of Malvern Collective and the recent purchase of a Burnley Street site for the developer’s first commercial project.&nbsp;

Mark Stevens, Kokoda Property Group’s Founder and Managing Director, said that the company’s Bridge Road site acquisition signals confidence in a city that is re-accelerating.

“Melbourne is regaining momentum,"&nbsp;Stevens said.

"After a cautious period post-COVID, we’re seeing buyer sentiment stabilise and capital leaning back into well-located, quality projects. Victoria now benefits from deep builder capacity and competitive delivery pricing, creating a rare opportunity to bring design-led inner-city developments to market without compromising on craftsmanship.

“Richmond ticks all the boxes for us – connectivity, culture and everyday amenity – making Bridge Road the perfect address for an amenity-rich, multi-use development."

Envisioned as an “urban lantern” the building will bring a distinctive new presence to Bridge Road with a sculptural retail frontage, designed to honour the street’s heritage character while contributing to its renewal.

Stevens said the acquisition reflects the developer’s commitment to design-led addresses in Melbourne’s inner city.

“Drawing on Richmond’s rich heritage and dynamic character, we’ve envisioned a contemporary building that respects the past while elevating the way people live today. With dual frontages, curated ground-floor spaces, and a focus on wellness, this project will contribute to the neighbourhood’s evolution, appealing to both downsizers and a new generation of professionals.”

Kokoda Property will now progress concept design ahead of a future planning process.
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Mark Stevens, Kokoda Property Group’s Founder and Managing Director, said that the company’s Bridge Road site acquisition signals confidence in a city that is re-accelerating

Joel Robinson

First look: Kokoda secures Richmond site for new apartment development

Gold Coast developer Drew Group is fast approaching sell-out at its Main Beach apartment development, Lagoon Main Beach.

In the last nine months, Drew Group and sales partner Pezet Matheson have secured 31 sales totalling over $75 million, as the two-tower development advances towards completion under the expert eye of Hutchinson Builders.

“Today's buyers are more discerning than ever," Drew Group Managing Director Jon Drew says.

"It's essential to provide something truly unique that sets a development apart, and we believe Lagoon has achieved just that."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108747 project_image_fid=193023]

Just over 50 per cent of recent&nbsp;sales have been to local buyers, reflecting the deep trust and connection within the Gold Coast community that Drew Group has developed over the years.

Demand has been particularly robust at the top end, with two of the three exclusive penthouses already sold, alongside five sub-penthouses. Only seven apartments remain in Lagoon's Signature Series — one&nbsp;penthouse and six sub-penthouses.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108747 project_image_fid=284864]

Drew Group has also removed the much-maligned sunset clause from all contracts at Lagoon. The sunset clause — although rarely invoked, yet on occasion known to have been — allows developers to take back contracts on apartments should the building not be completed within the timeframe specified in the contract.

Pezet Matheson Co-Director Jayde Pezet says the fact Lagoon is&nbsp;within a year of completion, and has no sunset clause in contracts, provides certainty to buyers.

"This is paramount in the current market," Pezet says.

Drew Group has committed to providing the highest level of security inclusions — none more impressive than the Ubiquity Access Control System, a cutting-edge facial recognition technology that is one of the most state-of-the-art keyless entry systems on the market.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108747 project_image_fid=190743]

One of the biggest drawcards to Lagoon has been the size of the apartments.

"It is unlikely that any future new development in Main Beach will be able to offer such spacious living at this price point," Drew says.

"Today's buyers are more discerning than ever, carefully evaluating amenities like gyms, spas, workspaces, and beach lockers, along with quality finishes. It's essential to provide something truly unique that sets a development apart, and we believe Lagoon has achieved just that."

Lagoon is set to complete construction in mid-2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108747]

Lagoon Main Beach approaches sell-out as local buyers drive $75m in sales

National apartment developer Abadeen has topped out its debut Gold Coast apartment project,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/villea-palm-beach-26-mawarra-street-palm-beach-qld-4221">Villea Palm Beach</a>.

Buyers will move into the $120 million development in early 2026, with builder Emicon now focusing its attention towards the fitout stage of the apartments.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen-group">Abadeen</a>’s Executive Chairman and Founder, Justin Brown, said topping out at Villea represented an exciting step forward for the company’s national growth and the delivery of a benchmark coastal development.

“Villea Palm Beach represents everything Abadeen stands for — design-led living, premium quality, and the convenience we are bringing for residents to feel part of a perfect beachside community," Brown said.

"It is a particularly special project for us, being our first with spectacular ocean views, just metres from the water and with the addition of ground-floor retail. To reach the top floor is a proud moment, and I am incredibly proud of the Abadeen and Emicon teams for the way they are bringing this project to life for future residents.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106840 project_image_fid=336444]

Pierre Saab, Director of builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/emicon">Emicon</a>, said topping out was an exciting milestone and the team is now focused on interiors and detailing.

“This is a fantastic milestone to reach. With the final roof pour complete, we’ve moved into the fit-out stage where the detailing will truly bring Villea to life,"&nbsp;Saab said.

"Standing on the top floor, the team was struck by the stunning 180-degree views of the ocean and all that <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a> has to offer — a daily reminder of the exceptional lifestyle this project will deliver.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106840 project_image_fid=336441]

Nick Clydsdale, Director of SRQ, who is managing sales and marketing for Villea, said the milestone marks the next phase of the sales campaign.

“With construction now at its highest point, we are excited to kick start the next phase of the campaign off the back of strong sales momentum driven by the local market,"&nbsp;Clydsdale said.

"Villea is a prized offering in the popular suburb of Palm Beach— ideally suited to owner-occupiers and downsizers seeking a convenient and beautiful coastal lifestyle. At the same time, with forecasts pointing to further price growth across the Gold Coast in 2025, Villea offers investors the opportunity to enter early in the upswing cycle."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106840 project_image_fid=336442]

&nbsp;

Designed by acclaimed architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA</a>, Villea comprises 69 two- and three-bedroom residences with light-filled layouts, premium finishes including timber flooring, Fisher &amp; Paykel appliances, and high-performance glazing to maximise comfort.

Many residences capture ocean views, while all benefiting from generous open plan designs and access to shared amenities like a&nbsp;pool, gym, barbecue facilities, and outdoor entertaining spaces, all just 400m from the beach.

A ground floor retail leasing campaign is also underway, with Abadeen set to handpick a curated mix of tenants to enhance the experience for both residents and the wider community.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=106840]

Abadeen tops out Villea Palm Beach

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has officially unveiled its vision for a landmark development in Little Bay.

The vertically integrated developer-builder is set to launch <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE</a>, a collection of low-rise buildings designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hill-thalis-architecture-urban-projects-pty-ltd">Hill Thalis Architects</a>, comprising 94 apartments.

Targeted at local downsizers, upgraders, nature lovers, and golf enthusiasts, ESTE offers close proximity to Kamay-Botany Bay National Park, Little Bay Beach, and the renowned St Michael’s Golf Club — widely considered one of New South Wales’ top courses.

Many of the apartments, with interiors by Richard Stanisich, boast uninterrupted ocean views — a rare offering in Sydney.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=210130]

Residents will enjoy exclusive access to a private rooftop amenity level featuring a heated infinity pool, a fitness centre equipped with the latest TechnoGym technology, and a sauna.

Urban Property Group has taken a careful and considered approach to the design and planning stages, ensuring ESTE delivers an architecturally appropriate and sensitive addition to a suburb that rarely sees new development.

Plans were first submitted to Randwick City Council in late 2022, following concept approval from the NSW Government earlier that year.

Construction commenced in November 2024, with the project expected to top out in Q4 2025 and reach completion in Q3 2026.&nbsp;

Urban was one of the first developers in New South Wales to adopt the sought-after 10-year <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/resilience-latent-defects-insurance">Latent Defects Insurance policy from Resilience Insurance</a>. The policy — that can only be taken out by developers or builders and not by individual apartment buyers — covers any structural or waterproofing defects for a full 10 years post-completion, providing buyers with the most comprehensive protection available when purchasing off the plan.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/what-is-latent-defects-insurance-and-is-it-bringing-confidence-to-the-off-the-plan-apartment-market">What is Latent Defects Insurance and is it bringing confidence to the off the plan apartment market?</a>

SRM Residential will be launching ESTE in the coming months.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112343]

Urban Property Group unveils ESTE Little Bay apartments

For the first time, prospective off the plan apartment buyers in Sydney's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/homebush-nsw-2140">Homebush</a> can purchase with the confidence of a 10-year defect protection for their new apartment building.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bridge-road-residences-homebush-3-5-bridge-road-homebush-nsw-2140">Bridge Road Residences</a>, the latest development by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ventus-group">Ventus Group</a>, is the first new apartment complex in the area to offer the highly sought-after 10-year Latent Defects Insurance, provided by Resilience Insurance.

This policy, which applies to all 80 apartments in the new building on Bridge Road, covers homeowners against&nbsp;structural or design defects defects that may arise within the first 10 years after the building's completion. It can only be taken out by the developer or builder of the new development, and not by individual apartment owners.

Half of the apartments in the building have already been quickly snapped up. Buyers have been attracted by the insurance policy, along with the guarantee of a quality build, thanks to the insurance's Technical Inspection Service. This service involves third-party experts visiting the construction site at least once a month to ensure the building is being properly constructed, making defects highly unlikely.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6989 project_image_fid=2132]

Located on Bridge Road, the development offers a mix of apartment configurations, from studios to three-bedroom apartments.

Apartments have been designed&nbsp;by MX Architects with liveability in mind, featuring open-plan layouts, engineered timber floors, wool-blend carpet in bedrooms, and either ducted or split-system air conditioning depending on configuration.&nbsp;

Many apartments also include north-facing aspects or oversized balconies, enhancing natural light and outdoor usability.

The development includes landscaped communal gardens with a central lawn, shaded seating, and barbecue areas. A rooftop terrace offers views across the city and Sydney Olympic Park. These amenities are designed to provide outdoor spaces for both relaxation and socialising, without increasing maintenance burden.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6989 project_image_fid=2135]

Bridge Road Residences is less than 10 minutes’ walk from Homebush Station and close to major road links including the M4 and M8.&nbsp;

Residents will have immediate access to Rochester Street’s cafes, grocers, and restaurants, as well as retail and dining hubs at North Strathfield’s Bakehouse Quarter, Strathfield Plaza, and DFO Homebush.&nbsp;

The area is also well-served by schools and tertiary institutions, including Homebush Public School and the University of Sydney.

Construction is being led by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/one-way-dc">One Way Development &amp; Construction</a>. They are expecting to complete the build in Q3 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6989]

Bridge Road Residences brings 10-year defects guarantee to Homebush

Melbourne's Lanes

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Today we are looking at the sequel to the All Your Walls event held in both Hosier Lane and Rutledge Lane which commenced last month and had its culmination a few short days ago.  Part of the National Galley of Victoria's Melbourne Now exhibition which champions a wide array of art related events, a detailed summary of both event and initial works can be found by viewing the first Paint It Black article <a href="/news/paint-it-black-hosier-lane-reborn" target="_blank">here</a>.

Some readers will disagree with the notion that this is valuable art, yet in the general sense the area's greatest asset from Apartments.com.au's perspective is its ability to draw people in who interact with the artwork or with others.  Compare this with so many other morbid or underutilised laneways through Melbourne such as the nearby Oliver Lane and  the Hosier/Rutledge duo is equally about the social interaction, public benefit and activation of an otherwise dead space as it is the exceptional street art.  

Based upon Apartments.com.au's observations during the most recent visit to Hosier Lane and Rutledge Lane, the cross-section of onlookers were wide and varied in terms of both background and age.  Teenagers to 70 plus, tourists, photographers, artists, the odd website contributor and the plain inquisitive constituted an ever changing flow of people all with a common interest - the benefits of such a place and such an event as Paint Your Walls.

I'll draw the readers attention to the final image found in the slide show below bottom; produced by artist DEB is an image of Sree Ghanesh.  First appearing in 2010 the piece is somewhat of a survivor making it to 2013 where essentially all other pieces have been superseded many times over.  What's to say the this piece of art won't exist in 20 years time as an impressive figure of longevity surrounded by dynamic artworks?  It may gain heritage value in due course be recognised as being materially important to Melbourne. Fanciful possibly, unlikely yes, but this is the intrinsic value of the Hosier Lane/Rutledge Lane duo - unique, impressive and so Melbourne!

<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_0247.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Getting the lowdown on Hosier Lane"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_0247.jpg?itok=I8SDir_s" title="Getting the lowdown on Hosier Lane" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

Apartments.com.au wandered through the area during Sunday morning.  From high and low all angles were covered; click the images below to expand and above all else...enjoy!
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silvermb

Paint it Black - the sequel

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Parts of Melbourne's famous Hosier Lane and Rutledge Lane combination may have <a href="/news/after-the-blue-rutledge-lane" target="_blank">turned blue</a> during August, yet last weekend marked the first time both thoroughfares have been wiped clean so to speak, with a fresh start in mind.  A team of workers and artists applied a black undercoat to all areas with the intention of reserving plots for specific artists. Scissorlifts, traffic management and security all played their part as existing works were painted over, ready for the transformation that followed.

Labelled the 'All Your Walls' project, Hosier Lane's revamp is part of the <a href="http://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/whats-on/exhibitions/exhibitions/melbourne-now/explore/artists" target="_blank">Melbourne Now</a> exhibition championed by the National Gallery of Victoria which seeks "Engagement with artists and audiences, through ground-breaking artists projects, commissions for kids and families, architecture and design initiatives, and curatorial engagement with dance, performance, music and sound."

'All Your Walls' is a two part program where last weekend focused upon the higher areas of the buildings surrounding both lanes, while November 29th will see completion as lower levels are bought to life.

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/1_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/1_2.jpg?itok=2vlQ-lyE" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

Given the clean, vivid colours on show at present, the completed works toward the end of November will be a sight to behold.

See below progression images taken over a number of days - click for a larger view.
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Paint It Black - Hosier Lane reborn

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Rutledge Lane, one of Melbourne's premier graffiti art laneways branching off the more well known Hosier Lane was transformed last weekend, when Adrian Doyle of <a href="http://www.darkhorseexperiment.com/" target="_blank">Darkhorse Experiment</a> fame boldly replaced the Lane's striking graffiti with a simple baby blue covering, entitled Empty Nursery Blue. With the backing of Melbourne City Council everything from the walls, garbage bins and even the asphalt was covered in blue paint, with the past artworks adorning the Lane consigned to history.
Earlier this week the Sydney Morning Herald ran a <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/art-and-design/out-of-the-blue-street-artists-bold-statement-cops-a-spray-20130826-2smck" target="_blank">piece</a> which detailed Adrian Doyle's rationale behind the paint job, his expectations and the backlash from other artists.
While much artwork was lost, it created a blank canvas for Melburnians to work with, and like moths to a flame it didn't take long for street artwork to make a reappearance. Walking through this week, the laneway was full of graffiti artists, locals and tourists exploring the 'new' Rutledge Lane.
Below are some images I took on my journey through - click for a larger version.
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melbournee12

After the Blue - Rutledge Lane

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Another installment today in a series of urban street art tours, this time focusing on Little Smith Street Fitzroy. As is generally the way, stumbling into an area unintentionally can often lead to interesting results as seen in the article slideshow.  Little Smith Street as per the image below seems like a typical laneway, yet devote the time to walk its length and a myriad of street art works are there to be viewed adding to an otherwise uneventful walk.
Laneways such as Little Smith Street may not be the most visible or popular topic on Melburnians minds yet it's little gems such as these that add to the urban experience and the fabric of a suburb; and that's why UrbanMelbourne.info will always find interest in areas such as this.
<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_7013.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Little Smith Street from the south"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_7013.jpg?itok=21z5-1JT" title="Little Smith Street from the south" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
No doubt by now many of these have faded into obscurity or have been replaced by new works. If for no other reason it gives UrbanMelbourne.info a reason to visit the area once more down the track.  Enjoy the photo set below captured earlier this year.
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Little Smith Street, big style

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So the half year has come and gone, an opportune moment then to take a brief look at what Hosier Lane and Rutledge Lane have thrown up during the first half of 2013. Ever changing, most of the images through the area live a short life, superseded by new and interesting artworks on a regular basis.

For what it's worth, this piece below is my standout. Appearing in June it's subtle yet with a detail that allows her eyes to seemingly follow the viewer - great stuff!

<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_4889.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Sitting comfortably within its confines"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_4889.jpg?itok=xM1kjYDN" title="Sitting comfortably within its confines" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
<figcaption>Sitting comfortably within its confines</figcaption></figure>Enjoy the images below of Hosier and Rutledge Lane's, and the many people who frequent them.
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Hosier Lane: half yearly snapshot

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Considered one of the longest continuous Chinese settlements anywhere in the western world, Melbourne's Chinatown has a lot to offer those who meander through. Quoting <a href="http://chinatownmelbourne.com.au" target="_blank">chinatownmelbourne.com.au</a> "It was the discovery of gold in 1851 which attracted Chinese immigration to Victoria on a large scale. Ships sailed to Australia from Hong Kong with their cargo of men who had come in search of the “New Gold Mountain”. The small but burgeoning Chinese community in Little Bourke Street provided for all the needs of the diggers – lodgings en route to the goldfields, food, equipment and medicine."
Running east-west along Little Bourke between Exhibition Street and Swanston Street, the area spawns a number of laneways, in and of themselves well worth viewing; eateries, street art, the Chinese Museum, hidden bars and much more. 
Here's a collection of photos I took during my recent visit to the precinct.
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Photographic Tour of Chinatown

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Blender Lane and its artwork is the most visible legacy of a concept first created by celebrated street artist Adrian Doyle during the year 2000. While an extensive rundown of <a href="http://www.theblenderstudios.com/" target="_blank">Blender Studios</a> can be found here, the practice's aim is simple - "Blender has become more of an art complex and ideas factory where nearly anything goes. It is self-sustainable and tries to bring art to everyone."
To that end  Blender Lane off 110 Franklin St, Melbourne now pays homage to Blender Studios with a body of work from a variety of artists that is regularly changing. Whilst art installation such as those below appear occasionally, Blender Lane is best known for its free-hand paintings.
<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/Image1_13.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Images © theblenderstudios.com"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image1_13.jpg?itok=0mNnP9oo" title="Images © theblenderstudios.com" typeof="Image"></a>
Having never heard of Blender Lane until earlier this year I paid the Lane a visit recently, with camera in tow.
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Blender Lane artwork

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Welcome to the first of what will become regular updates dedicated to one of Melbourne's tourist and cultural attractions, the artwork of Hosier Lane. Bound by Flinders St and Flinders Lane, Hosier Lane and adjoining Rutledge Lane are home to an ever dynamic and ecclectic body of street art, but for those not aware of this cobbled jem an apt description can be found at <a href="http://lanewaymagazine.com.au/hosier-lane/" target="_blank">Laneway Magazine</a>.
Whilst only taking in the final weeks of 2012, Apartments.com.au hopes the images below will go some distance in wetting the appetite of the reader, and rest assured subsequent updates will be comprehensive. Enjoy
 
 
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