A subtropical pair of residential towers are in planning for a key South Brisbane site neighbouring the iconic Expo ’88 Skyneedle, with new documents revealing a vertically layered vision designed to respond to the precinct’s evolving high-density character.

The proposal has been lodged by&nbsp;Darveniza Group, which is also is behind the 400-apartment Station Quarter precinct in Alderley.

Darveniza Group, led by Jane Darveniza, the Brisbane-based investor and Queensland rich-lister and widow of the late property magnate Bojan Darveniza, is seeking approval for a mixed-use project encompassing 204 apartments, ground-level retail, food and drink tenancies, and office space across two architecturally integrated towers at 37–39 Manning Street.

Occupying an 1,822 sqm site, the proposed towers would rise above a sculptural podium base, with a recessed landscaped centre, rooftop communal areas, and a total of 220 car parks and 256 bicycle bays. The apartment mix spans one- to five-bedroom dwellings, with a design emphasis on generous balconies, cross-ventilation, and climate-responsive materials.

<img alt="First look: Twin towers proposed for Manning Street site beside Skyneedle" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="42c1f501-2afd-440b-af49-67c257123ea7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Manning%20podium.png?VersionId=KFlksfWzmDRD.VIYxd_1q3VAel.nN3TH" />

“The development is conceived as two slender twin buildings that meet at a lushly landscaped central recess,” the Finegrain design report states. “The façade is highly articulated with the plan form stepping back and forth to reduce visual bulk and maximise internal occupants’ access to natural light and air”.

A hallmark of the proposal is its integration of greenery, both visually and functionally. Around 77 per cent of the site’s green plot ratio is delivered through vertical planting spines, a green podium wall, and rooftop amenity. Ground-level deep planting and landscaped communal zones aim to create a shaded, walkable interface along Manning Street.

“The stepped plan form introduces variation in balcony setbacks and enclosed apartment areas, enriching both the façade expression and the resident experience,” the design team notes. “At ground and podium levels, this stepping also enhances permeability, maximising pedestrian view lines to the neighbouring Skyneedle and reinforcing a strong sense of local identity”.

<img alt="First look: Twin towers proposed for Manning Street site beside Skyneedle" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b3f26dfc-6b93-465c-9ffb-0a2530372a23" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Manning%20site.png?VersionId=JflvKdqDxcaHTFbb9HL5TwoiRgeQ2LqA" />

The site directly adjoins the heritage-listed Skyneedle at 35 Manning Street, an enduring legacy of World Expo ’88. The accompanying heritage impact report by Pendergast Architects contends that the proposal has been carefully conceived to protect the cultural significance and landmark visibility of the structure.

“The design provides setbacks, tower separation and podium articulation to maintain the visibility and landmark role of the adjoining Skyneedle,” the report states. “The significance of the Skyneedle lies principally in its landmark visibility and cultural symbolism, rather than in detailed fabric or architectural setting”.

The proposal sits within the Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct, under Brisbane’s TLPI 02/2023, where revised planning controls support high-density, mixed-use development integrated with subtropical design and increased public realm contributions.

Finegrain’s design reflects this intent, drawing cues from the site's adjacency to Musgrave Park, the subtropical landscape of South Brisbane, and cultural landmarks such as QPAC and South Bank.

Joel Robinson

Twin green towers proposed for Manning Street, South Brisbane site beside Skyneedle

A first-of-its-kind culinary precinct is coming to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melrose-park-nsw-2114">Melrose Park</a>, inspired by global street-food flavours and best-in-class restaurants and entertainment.

Deicorp’s emerging mid-city precinct, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/melrose-central-melrose-park-33-hope-street-melrose-park-nsw-2114">Melrose Central</a>, will become the go-to precinct within the wider Melrose Park community, and at its heart, a first-of-its-kind culinary precinct that brings the buzz of Asia’s most iconic food streets to life.

Spanning more than 4,700 sqm, Melrose Central street food precinct is inspired by the energy and vibrant flavours of street-food neighbourhoods from Hong Kong and Tokyo to Seoul and Singapore.

This new destination will be over three times the size of existing offerings like Burwood Chinatown or Westfield Chatswood’s Hawker Lane, positioning Melrose Central as a must-visit dining hub for all of Sydney.

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Designed by Anthony Ho of Basalt Studio, this street food concept blurs the lines between culinary theatre, art, and entertainment, offering an immersive experience. Neon-lit laneways thread between open kitchens and live grill stations, while murals, interactive displays, and light installations will bring the precinct to life, trading until late, a first for the area.

“We’ve imagined our street food concept as a graduated evolution of everything people love about Burwood Chinatown, East Village and Regent Place, elevated by the immersive artistry creating a city-style dining offer,” said Bilinda Turner, Head of Retail at Deicorp.

“By curating the very best tenants from across Australia, we’re creating a fit-for-purpose town centre for 2025 and beyond. It’s something that people truly haven’t seen before."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134220 project_image_fid=352610]

Melrose Central is far more than a food precinct. Spanning 30,000 sqm across four levels, the shopping centre will be home to approximately 100 retailers, providing a total lifestyle offering from morning until late evening.

Fresh food offerings span a brand new Coles Supermarket, Local Grocer, Korean Supermarket, Bakery and boutique fresh food, as well as a Dan Murphy's, while health needs are covered from a pharmacy, medical centre and allied health. Fitness and wellbeing take centre stage from a dedicated wellbeing hub that includes pilates, recovery, Infrared saunas and a gym, to name a few.

Variety stores will feature throughout, as well as personal care offerings from nail salons to hairdressers, as well as a dedicated early-learning centre on level 1.

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Situated above the retail precinct will be 495 Turner Studio-designed apartments that open onto 6,000 sqm of lush podium gardens and rooftop terraces.

Located just six kilometres east of Parramatta’s CBD and 15km from Sydney CBD, Melrose Central forms the retail and lifestyle heart of Melrose Park, an urban-renewal precinct that is set to deliver more than 11,000 homes, 22,000 new residents, and 50,000 sqm of park and open space.

A dedicated stop on Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 will arrive at the precinct’s Hope Street entrance, and the forthcoming Parramatta Gateway Bridge will link directly to Sydney Olympic Park and Wentworth Point.&nbsp;

Supported by a 10-minute drive, this growing catchment of 200,000 people, which is projected to grow to 279,000 by 2026, and an average household income above the Greater Sydney average, Melrose Central embodies Deicorp’s vision for transport-oriented, community-focused placemaking.&nbsp;

Melrose Central street food precinct and the wider Melrose Central retail town centre are both slated to open in mid-2026.

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Melrose Central: First-of-its-kind culinary precinct coming to Sydney’s West

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sekisui-house-australia">Sekisui House Australia</a> has unveiled the fifth and final stage of its $1 billion Norwest community, The Orchards.

The final stage, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/zeste-at-the-orchards-norwest-104-fairway-drive-norwest-nsw-2153">Zeste</a>, will deliver 209 apartments across two distinctive buildings, Essence and Eden. The 135 apartments in Essence will be the first to be released to the market, which will bring to an end the decade-long vision to create a&nbsp;neighbourhood defined by design excellence, sustainability, and community engagement.

&nbsp;

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David Lee, Sales Manager at Sekisui House Australia said, Zeste's oversized living spaces and diverse apartment mix, which includes the introduction of&nbsp;Breezeway Sky Homes for the first time, deliver a unique lifestyle offering.

Early purchasers will benefit from exclusive VIP pricing as well as the choice of one premium upgrade, which Lee says is a "thank you" for their commitment to the project.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150510 project_image_fid=351876]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, Zeste embodies Sekisui House’s global design philosophy of creating harmony between people, homes and nature. Principal Ben Pomroy explained that Zeste is about living within the landscape.

“With two large courtyards, the lagoon pool precinct for the wider community and a central courtyard with pavilion exclusively for Zeste residents, the architecture frames an experience of living in a park," Pomroy said.

“Over 50 per cent of the site is landscaped, ensuring a deep connection to nature at every stage of daily life. The buildings are designed as a collection of smaller, finer-grain forms, with over 85% of apartments enjoying dual aspects.

“The focus on natural ventilation, generous layouts and communal interaction creates a residential environment that is both sustainable and socially connected.”

&nbsp;

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Natalie Shalala, a member of Rothelowman’s interiors team said they reimagined the former site’s Orchard homestead with a contemporary twist. &nbsp;

“The design draws on the nostalgia of the past orchard – timber floors, the warmth of a fireplace, the rituals of the homestead and reinvents them for modern apartment living,"&nbsp;Shalala said.

“We have created two tonal palettes, one with pale honey undertones and another with a soft blush inspired by nectar. A highlight feature is the cathedral glass light box, a bespoke design element that re-interprets the classic lantern. It is both beautiful and functional, tying kitchen and bathroom spaces together in a way that feels entirely unique."

Shalala said the&nbsp;day-to-day liveability has been carefully considered, with abundant storage solutions, butler’s pantries, bike storage and joinery designed to simplify routines and enhance comfort.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150510 project_image_fid=352090]

Apartments in Zeste start from $715,000 for one-bedrooms and extend through to expansive three-bedroom Sky Homes priced from $2.25 million. Floorplans range from 59 sqm to 144sqm.

The mix in Essence comprises 41 one-bedroom, seven one-bedroom + Max space, 39 two-bedroom, 40 two-bedroom Breezeway Sky Homes (24 of which include additional Max spaces), and eight three-bedroom residences.&nbsp;

Max spaces are integrated into select residences, offering a flexible room that can be tailored to individual needs, ideal as a home office, children’s play area, or additional storage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150510 project_image_fid=351881]

Zeste continues Sekisui House Australia’s partnership with Altogether Group, providing sustainable water, power and data services to residents. Passive design strategies include cross-ventilation, deep landscaping and water features that encourage evaporative cooling, aligning with The Orchards long-term environmental goals.&nbsp;

Construction is set to commence on the Zeste buildings in early 2026, with completion anticipated in late 2027 to early 2028.&nbsp;

More than 850 apartments have been sold across the masterplan, contributing to The Orchards community of 1,300 apartments when complete.

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Sekisui House Australia launches Zeste, the final stage of its $1 billion Norwest masterplan

A significant addition to the Bella Vista Station Precinct is in the pipeline, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/landen-property">Landen</a> formally lodging a State Significant Development Application for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/40-memorial-avenue-bella-vista-40-memorial-avenue-nsw-2153">new apartment community on Memorial Avenue</a>.

Positioned beside the Elizabeth Macarthur Creek corridor, the project is among the first major transit-oriented residential proposals within the Metro precinct.

The masterplan, designed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/turner-studio">Turner Architects</a>,&nbsp;outlines a four-stage delivery, comprising four buildings between four and fifteen storeys, and includes a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, alongside a limited selection of four-bedroom penthouses and terraces.

The project places a strong emphasis on housing diversity and liveability, with apartment sizes ranging from 50 to 180 sqm. The first stage will deliver 213 dwellings, followed by 231 in the second stage. Construction is expected to commence in 2026, pending approvals.

<img alt="Bella Vista Apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bb3d84b1-d2df-4e26-915a-31b27faf9b1a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/View02_01-scaled.jpg?VersionId=Gb0AUtZ3VXsLxrqUaw_AwT_vcBwQ_FJu" />

As the first transit-oriented development (TOD) in the precinct, Landen’s Bella Vista community has been designed to align closely with the surrounding Metro infrastructure. The proposal integrates new pedestrian and cycling paths, a new bridge over Elizabeth Macarthur Creek, and direct access to Bella Vista Metro Station.

Lush communal amenities are also central to the design. 'The Grove' and the 'Garden Link' will create landscaped community areas that reflect the area's agricultural heritage and provide direct access to the creekside.&nbsp;

The ‘Garden Patio’ is conceived as a multi-use indoor-outdoor facility offering a gym, study nooks, and communal lounge spaces.&nbsp;Rooftop terraces across the buildings will offer views to the Blue Mountains and Parramatta skyline.

<img alt="Bella Vista Apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="778da409-d5cf-4e7d-9ba9-0c36990bf0b4" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/landen-bella-property-image.jpg?VersionId=ukPpmVcHF71xRc7U3MUT5rtGwOsntMMz" />

Landen’s Head of Property, Shane Harding, said the proposal highlights the developer’s precinct-scale ambition.

“As the first TOD proposal in Bella Vista, it highlights Landen’s ability to pioneer precinct-scale projects, integrate housing with infrastructure, and deliver outcomes that align with government priorities,” Harding told the Daily Telegraph.

The project arrives at a time of rapid growth in Western Sydney, with Bella Vista alone forecast to more than double in population by 2046. The development’s location, between the Bella Vista and Kellyville Metro stations, positions it as a connected lifestyle hub for families, professionals and downsizers seeking access to transport, schools, and employment centres.

Pending approval, the development is slated for completion in 2028.

Landen plans 444-apartment community in Bella Vista Metro zone

Developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/equicentia">Equicentia</a>, together with joint venture partners Wingala Capital and Monark Property Partners, has become the first in Manly to secure Resilience Insurance’s Latent Defects Insurance.

The trio has recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/de-ville-manly-11-victoria-parade-manly-nsw-2095">De Ville</a>, a new luxury project on a long-dormant yet prime site at 9–11 Victoria Parade, positioned between East Esplanade and South Steyne.

<img alt="De Ville" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b2639bb1-d72c-4f28-b4dc-33190655e147" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-10-12%20at%209.38.37%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=orUAk2m2tTKAAasLvZg0IaGQyDaZcKYI" />

The site was originally earmarked for a 26-apartment scheme, but following its $25 million acquisition of the near-1,200 sqm parcel, the development team opted for a more refined approach, reducing the yield to just 12 two- and three-bedroom residences across a six-level building.

Among them will be three full-floor penthouses boasting panoramic views across Manly Beach, North Harbour, and the city skyline. The apartments will sit above four ground-floor retail and commercial tenancies, designed to help activate Victoria Parade, an area long defined by its beachside character and interwar brick architecture.

<img alt="De Ville" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d6922f4a-21fb-4a07-8e40-241d594c2538" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/int3.jpg?VersionId=7U1Qw79_YT3bOZKr7.H03JHOFm3QVYlE" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/platform-architects">Platform Architects</a>, De Ville’s sculpted form takes cues from the ebb and flow of Manly’s dual waterfronts, the ocean to one side and the harbour to the other.&nbsp;

The architecture’s soft curvature and rhythmic vertical brickwork reflect the natural patterns of the tide, while a refined palette of Lohas brick, sandy render and glass detailing allows the building to harmonise with its coastal context.&nbsp; Cascading greenery and deep balconies bring texture and shadow to the facade, reinforcing the building’s connection to nature and the street.

Buyers have a choice of two different colour palettes, Taj Mahal and Brescia Green, each layering soft tones and organic finishes to capture the coastal light.

<img alt="De Ville" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="be78b114-88ed-4d33-a4ef-50e14d2f9064" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/int6a.jpg?VersionId=hBrZPvs1L2LwThSatcNMXTg0tltfEn4a" />

De Ville is the first development in Manly to fully protect its buyers with 10-year Latent Defects Insurance offered by Resilience Insurance.

The policy covers buyers for 10-years post-completion of the building, a first-resort cover again&nbsp;major structural or waterproofing defects.&nbsp;

Unlike traditional statutory warranties, which often require complex and lengthy claims processes, LDI ensures that if a covered defect arises, the insurer responds immediately - without the need to prove fault or pursue the builder or developer.

This new model of protection has been gaining traction among forward-thinking developers and financiers alike. For buyers, it offers tangible assurance of quality and accountability; for lenders and insurers, it reflects a measurable reduction in long-term risk.

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>

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Equicentia launches Manly's first new development with 10-year Latent Defects Insurance

mixed-use precincts

The former North Shore Gas Co. Office building is set to be conserved and readapted in Crows Nest.

The Double Bay-based developer&nbsp;PDS has filled plans for a $55 million project which will comprise a 14-level mixed-use building, with a two-storey commercial podium.

<a href="/new-apartments/290-pacific-highway-crows-nest"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-07-11_at_8.33.10_pm.png" width="822" /></a> 
Render of the proposed Pacific Highway mixed-use development in Crows Nest. Credit: Fuse Architecture

There will be 61 three and four-bedroom apartments planned on the&nbsp;290 Pacific Highway site, just up the road from PDS&#39;s The Wentworth.

The recently amalgamated lot has a primary frontage to the Pacific Highway with a rear address to Sinclair Street.

It is currently occupied by the local heritage listed Former North Shore Gas Co Office building and an existing two storey commercial building, with the latter secluded to be demolished in the process.

LFA Pacific prepared the urban design report for PDS, who engaged Fuse Architects to design the plans.

<a href="/new-apartments/290-pacific-highway-crows-nest"><img alt="" height="1102" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-07-11_at_8.33.16_pm.png" width="820" /></a>

Render of the proposed Pacific Highway mixed-use development in Crows Nest. Credit: Fuse Architecture

&ldquo;The development proposal seeks to retain, conserve and adaptively re-use the Former Gas Company building as part of a new mixed-use building with a ground floor commercial podium and residential uses above,&rdquo; LFA said in their urban design report.

The site is situated in an urban block bound by Shirley Street to the north, Bruce Street to the south, the Pacific Highway to the east and Sinclair Street to the west.

The block forms part of the Five Ways intersection, where Pacific Highway, Shirley Road, Willoughby Road and Falcon Street converge, creating a local landmark that defines the southern gateway to the St Leonards, Crows Nest Precinct.

The site at 290 Pacific Highway, Crows Nest in the North Sydney Local Government Area is 1.5km north of North Sydney CBD, 850m south of St Leonards strategic centre and immediately south of Crows Nest Village

<a href="/new-apartments/290-pacific-highway-crows-nest"><img alt="" height="1318" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-07-11_at_8.34.04_pm.png" width="1960" /></a> 
Render of the proposed Pacific Highway mixed-use development in Crows Nest. Credit: Fuse Architecture

The site is approximately one kilometre from major public open space such as Brennan Park and Newlands Park, St Leonards Park, and St Thomas Rest. Smaller pocket parks such as the Hume Street Park, Ernest Place Park, and Sophia Street Park are located east of Pacific Highway, while Morton Lane Road Reserve off Sinclair Street is a landscaped walkway.

The design involves the reinstatement of key materials such as exterior masonry, terracotta tiles, pressed metal, stainless steel, and glass panelling.

<a href="/new-apartments/290-pacific-highway-crows-nest"><img alt="" height="1204" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-07-11_at_8.33.26_pm.png" width="970" /></a> 
Render of the proposed Pacific Highway mixed-use development in Crows Nest. Credit: Fuse Architecture

Glass is used for the remainder of the facade with a textured glass awning and pressed metal soffit to match the existing heritage pressed metal soffit pattern.

The existing facade is provided with powder coated metal profiles to match the existing awning and fluted glass as a key design motif for the front elevation where a curtain wall is proposed to the remainder of Pacific Highway frontage.

Incorporating a muted palette and lightweight materials, the upper residential levels highlight the heritage item, while inverted, fluted glass is used as a contemporary adaptation of the scalloped heritage facade.

There will be 61 three and four-bedroom apartments planned on the 290 Pacific Highway site, just up the road from PDS's The Wentworth


$55 million Crows Nest apartments to target the owner-occupier

Multi-billion-dollar developer Gurner has continued its expansion across the Australian residential market, securing its first South Australian site through a joint venture with Kennards Self Storage, the site&rsquo;s existing landholder.

When complete, the 1.7-hectare site at 237 Grote Street will comprise more than 750 residences with six-star amenity across four towers, a five-star hotel, over 15,000 sqm in retail and commercial space, an entertainment and recreation component and a public plaza, with an estimated end value of $1.25 billion.

With an estimated end value of $1.25 billion, the site will keep inline with the group&#39;s industry-leading Greener by Gurner initiative, making Gurner&#39;s first project in Adelaide carbon-neutral.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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It will also become the headquarters of Kennards in South Australia, complete with cutting-edge technological inclusions, retail stores, self-storage units, as well as enterprise and coworking spaces.

Part of the 1.7-hectare site is a 24,000 sqm six-level building originally constructed for Australia Post to sort and distribute mail near the CBD, but as letter volumes reduced, it was finally put on the market. &nbsp;

The strategic partnership between the two groups &ndash; the first of its kind in the self-storage space &ndash; will see Kennards repurpose the former Australia Post building into next-generation storage facility, which will be seamlessly integrated into the master plan.

Gurner CEO, Tim Gurner said the group will bring its vision to life for an iconic mixed-use, residential, self-storage and commercial office super-site across 11,000 sqm of prime development land.

&ldquo;This is an incredible site, and we could not be happier to be partnering with such iconic Australian success stories in Kennards and Sam, to bring a shared vision for the development to life &ndash; we&rsquo;ll be creating something very ambitious, something that hasn&rsquo;t been done before in this sector,&rdquo; he said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3530 project_image_fid=21377]

The announcement of the new project is a timely one for Adelaide, which was named the third-most liveable city in the world according to The Economist Intelligence Unit&rsquo;s Global Liveability Index for 2021, as CBD living, luxury property and amenity-rich projects continue to be favoured by owner occupiers and downsizers alike.

&ldquo;The main focus of this city-changing site will be a transformative public realm, that will become a key attraction for Adelaide CBD,&rdquo; Gurner added.

While there is no permit in place on the site, which has three street frontages on Grote Street, Gouger Street and Blenheim Street, Kennards Self Storage CEO, Sam Kennard commented on the current zoning and planning controls, allowing Gurner and Kennards Self Storage to proceed with a transformative mixed-use development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5117 project_image_fid=165555]

&ldquo;Originally we had identified an opportunity to re-purpose the existing building into self-storage and planned to subdivide and sell the surplus land, but COVID allowed us the time to take pause and reflect, and we soon realised the site had the potential to become a city-shaping project,&rdquo; Kennard said.

A design competition is currently underway to appoint a lead architect, and the development application is expected to be lodged in late 2022.

The announcement of the new project is a timely one for Adelaide, which was named the third-most liveable city in the world according to The Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index for 2021.



alisonwarters@gmail.com

Gurner to develop Adelaide super site into $1.25 billion mixed-use precinct

The ASX-listed Woolworths Group, has lodged plans for a mixed-use redevelopment across Rangers Road in Neutral Bay.

The supermarket giant's development arm, Fabcot, has submitted the&nbsp;plans to reinvigorate the already existing retail space, along with an activated pedestrian laneway and plaza, as well as residential apartments.

The project&nbsp;will provide a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, starting from 65 sqm for the one-beds to the largest offering at 398 sqm, all adjoining to landscaped balconies.

<img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="1116" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-05-27_at_11.31.25_am.png" width="1578" /> 
Artist Impression, Central Plaza View. Credit:&nbsp;Ivolve Studios

Designed by renowned Sydney-based architects, Koichi Takada, the $6 million project will be visually connected to Military Road, with open corners to Rangers Road and a large open entry plaza.

The building form has been broken into distinct forms to break down the mass and create articulation between the podium, and upper floors.

The public plaza design plays an integral role in the precinct, with a highly active retail and dining, office and residential space existing throughout new green spaces, designed by Arcadia, as well as community facilities.

“The principal design approach was to create an intrinsic relationship between architecture and nature while promoting a variety of retail activation, integrated outdoor seating, and good pedestrian connectivity from Rangers Road to Yeo Street,” Koichi Takada Architects noted in their design application.

<img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="1120" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-05-27_at_11.31.43_am.png" width="1580" /> 
Artist Impression, Yeo Street Facade. Credit: Ivolve Studios

“The public plaza combines substantial planters to promote canopy trees growth as well as water fountains to promote children’s play.”

The architectural design incorporates façade planters to the setback and terrace floors, with a residential communal open space allocated on the rooftop with a plunge pool, seating, and barbecue facilities.

The feature façade concept integrates modular planters on slabs to provide both the commercial and residential residents a connection to landscape.

The perimeter retail to the plaza expresses a double height volume to enhance the layers of activation both at the ground floor and level one, with the site link visually connecting the plaza to Yeo Street, activating the side streets, while the anchor tenant, Woolworths, will ensure constant foot traffic across the ground floor.

The outdoor dining space will be covered and protected by the feature awning, allowing the spill out of retail and cafe tenants to engage with the public domain, while providing a protected path of travel for pedestrians.

The feature awning is supported with organic columns reminiscent of the branches of a tree, with greenery spilling over the awning effectively continuing the landscape character from the public domain up onto the building façade.

<img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="1118" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-05-27_at_11.32.09_am.png" width="1582" /> 
Artist Impression, View of Plaza. Credit: Ivolve Studios

“Inspired by the naturally occurring landscape character of Neutral Bay, the design integrates public activation with a natural and refined aesthetic, providing an activated, unique and integrated public domain.”

“The gentle curves of the sandstone gully’s and Angophora Trees that have existed in Neutral Bay’s natural context, inspired an architectural language that is organic, curved, and sophisticated. The natural facade ties into Neutral Bay’s past and aims to invigorate Rangers Road with community facilities and public domain activation.”

The high-quality retail with a focus on food and beverage offerings, activating the precinct with community amenity during both the night and day. &nbsp;

Woolworths Group to redevelop Neutral Bay site with residential apartments  

The Whitehorse City Council has approved <a href="/developers/vicinity-centres">Vicinity’s</a> $700 million plans to bring to life the first stage of its mixed-use precinct of <a href="/new-apartments/box-hill-central-17-21-market-street-box-hill">Box Hill Central</a>.

Part of a 10-year masterplan, the leading Australian retail property group will transform 5.5 hectares into a&nbsp;mixed-use and retail precinct, with the first stage at&nbsp;17-21 Market Street set to include an office tower, a new town square, and a residential tower which will deliver 366 apartments.

Vicinity’s Chief Development Officer, Carolyn Viney, said the proposed redevelopment of the Box Hill Central precinct will transform the heart of Box Hill into a new, world-class destination for Melbourne.

<a href="/new-apartments/box-hill-central-17-21-market-street-box-hill"><img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="4000" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/box-hill-central-vic-artist-s-impression-residential-tower.jpg" width="2668" /></a>

“Since plans were submitted, we have worked closely with Council, State Government and the community to ensure that design reflects the site’s rich history and responds to the community’s aspirations and preferences to live, work and play close to home," Viney said.

“Reaching this important milestone makes way for the first stage of development that will create a new east-west pedestrian connection through the town centre which will be complemented by a community plaza and Spanish-steps inspired amphitheatre, a new residential tower for more than 600 residents and commercial office space for 2,000 workers.&nbsp;

“This exciting project reflects our long-term confidence and investment in Box Hill’s future growth and builds on its existing strengths, including its longstanding reputation as a key destination to visit for fresh food and rich dining experiences.”

<a href="/new-apartments/box-hill-central-17-21-market-street-box-hill"><img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="630" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/box-hill-central-vic-artist-s-impression.jpg" width="970" /></a>

Box Hill Central is set to become one of <a href="/new-apartments/melbourne-vic-3000">Melbourne’s</a> largest private mixed-use developments, with the first stage expected to deliver more than 50,000 sqm of commercial office space, along with 3,350 sqm of new public space. &nbsp;

It will also create new walkways and roads to interconnect to the precinct’s transport, retail, and dining offerings.&nbsp;

Overall, Vicinity says the redevelopment is expected to deliver approximately 2,400 construction jobs during the building phase and more than 6,000 new jobs for the precinct upon completion.

The group commenced construction works at Box Hill Central back in 2021, revitalising one of Melbourne’s busiest shopping centres and transforming it into a fresh and modern market-leading destination.

Vicinity’s Chief Development Officer, Carolyn Viney, said the proposed redevelopment of the Box Hill Central precinct will transform the heart of Box Hill into a new, world-class destination for Melbourne.



Vicinity secures approval for first stage of Box Hill Central redevelopment

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Plans have been lodged to the City of Melbourne council to convert a North Melbourne warehouse in to a mixed-use building.

The $36 million development of the site at 287-313 Macaulay Road, in the Arden-Macauley Urban Renewal Area, will see a partial demolition of the current warehouse and the construction of a 12 levels building on top of two levels of basement parking.

It will have 120 apartments above podium office space and 2,048 sqm of ground floor retail.

<a href="/buildings/ada-toorak-1093-1099-malvern-road-toorak"><img alt="" height="1214" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/north_melbourne_plans_2.jpg" width="1200"></a> Source: Hayball Architects plans submitted to the City of Melbourne

Hayball Architects have designed the building which will consist of 12 one bedroom apartments, 78 two bedroom apartments, 29 three bedroom apartments and a four bedroom penthouse. There will be seven duplexes.

There will be 250 sqm of communal space, split between a 201 sqm communal terrace on level 1 and a 49 sqm communal sky garden on level nine. 

Residents will also have access to a cinema room which is part of the ground level clubhouse where there’s also a lounge and kitchen and dining space.

<a href="/buildings/ada-toorak-1093-1099-malvern-road-toorak"><img alt="" height="506" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/north_melbourne_plans_3.png" width="1200"></a> Source: Hayball Architects plans submitted to the City of Melbourne

The 1,920 sqm site last traded for $5.28 million in 2014.

The developer has opted for car share facilities rather than a designated car space per apartment.

“Data shows that car ownership in the suburb of North Melbourne is low and a significant number of apartments do not own a car and the average ownership for larger dwellings is only one vehicle,” the assessment by Traffix Group noted.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=92806]

“This is reflective of how accessible the site is and demonstrates how suitable the site is for strategic developments that seek to further reduce the reliance on private motor vehicle.”

As an average rate, the proposal includes a provision of 0.73 spaces per apartment and there are in the order of 30% of apartments proposed without parking. 
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Hayball Architects have designed the building which will consist of 12 one bedroom apartments, 78 two bedroom apartments, 29 three bedroom apartments and a four bedroom penthouse.



Find out which Melbourne suburb is set for a new $36 million mixed-use development

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GURNER and Wingate have announced they intend developing a 13,000 sqm Budds Beach, Gold Coast site which had previously been earmarked as Ralan’s Sapphire project.

It will be a $600m mixed-use inland precinct at 112 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise.

The proposal is for a multi-tower offering with high-end residential, family-focused resort living, hotel, retail and hospitality and potentially build to rent apartments.

The site is currently permitted for 999 apartments over 90 levels, so the new scheme will result in a reduction of apartments from Ralan to around 600 offerings over a series of stages.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515]

Wingate was Ralan’s main finance partner until Ralan collapsed in 2019 with $560 million debts.

The rectangular site bordered by the Ferny, Norfolk, Pine, Oak avenues will be GURNER’s third Queensland project after the developer completed its $500m FV project in 2019. 

The developer also announced a <a href="/news/gurner-submits-60-million-port-douglas-development-plans-for-the-creation-hotel-and-residence">project for Port Douglas</a>.

“We have been looking at the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast for a considerable amount of time, but we wanted to find a site that would allow us to do something really special and not just ‘another tower’ on the Gold Coast,” said founder and director, Tim Gurner.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=84861]

“I believe the Gold Coast is about to have its largest market run in history as Australians realise just how spectacular our eastern seaboard coastline is, and are more motivated than ever before to invest and live in a coastal destination.

Wingate managing director of property, Mark Harrison said the joint venture presented "deep alignment of interests" between the two entities.

“This latest venture will allow Wingate to build upon our significant track record of funding more than $12 billion of property over the past decade,” he said.

Another Ralan Surfers Paradise project, Ruby, which included the Paradise Resort, was acquired by hotelier Jerry Schwartz in late 2019.
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The Gold Coast site had previously been earmarked as Ralan’s Sapphire project.



jchancellor

Gurner to create $600 million mixed-use tower in Surfers Paradise

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COVID-19 has encouraged discussion about the way we live, how we interact with others, and what's important to us in our day-to-day lives.

Recently I caught up with <a href="/architects/clarke-hopkins-clarke-0">Clarke Hopkins Clarke's</a> Jordan Curran over Zoom to find out how the practice is responding to the pandemic and what which key learnings will influence their mixed-use precinct designs moving forward.

As a Partner at CHC, Jordan has spent years cultivating thriving mixed-use communities across Australia. In this interview, Jordan shares some valuable insight into the ways architects and developers can create meaningful communities which will enhance the way we live, as well as some of the main benefits of buying into a master-planned community. 

Watch the interview:

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RO5qCrltYZw" width="660"></iframe>

Topics discussed:

00:22 - Given the current pandemic, what learnings have Clarke Hopkins Clarke taken from the situation that will shape the way you design communities in future?

02:54 - How can architects and developers provide residents with a better quality of life through the design of their home and the surrounding neighbourhood?

07:06 - A study by the Danish architect, Professor Jan Gehl, found that COVID-19 encouraged people in four European cities to visit areas with existing public facilities, but they were less likely to travel to the CBD. Do you feel that Australia caters well to a similar demand for local infrastructure or is there room for improvement? 

08:31 - What public space typologies have the most positive impacts on a person's quality of life?

09:40 - What's your process for ensuring a mixed-use precinct is well-integrated within the existing community?

11:34 - What types of new community spaces are you looking to develop within your masterplans in future?

14:02 - What are some of the benefits of buying into a mixed-use precinct that property seekers might not know about? 

Watch next: <a href="/news/clarkehopkinsclarkes-dean-landy-comments-on-the-value-of-employment-hubs-within-our-neighbourhoods">ClarkeHopkinsClarke's Dean Landy comments on the value of employment hubs within our neighbourhoods</a> 
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