Abadeen has released the whole-floor penthouse crowning its recently completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/park-residences-cremorne-2-sutherland-street-cremorne-nsw-2090">Park Residences</a> development in Cremorne, bringing the near-300 sqm residence to market for the first time.

Occupying the entire top floor of the boutique Lower North Shore development, the penthouse includes 221 sqm of internal living and a 74 sqm wraparound terrace, with a prized north-facing aspect taking in views across Middle Harbour.

The residence has been completed and fully furnished following a collaboration between Abadeen Executive Chairman Justin Brown and internationally recognised interior designer Jack Freeman, Founder and Managing Director of FREEMAN &amp; CO.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen">Abadeen</a> and Freeman approached the penthouse as a finished home, sourcing furniture, artwork, lighting and objects from Australia and overseas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378718]

Pieces from Parisian design house Pierre Augustin Rose sit alongside contemporary artworks and bespoke lighting, with Freeman drawing on recent visits to PAD Paris and Salone del Mobile Milano for the final collection.

Brown said the aim was to create a penthouse that felt more like a large-scale private home than a traditional apartment.

"The experience begins the moment the lift doors open. You're welcomed into an elegant dining room before the home opens into an extraordinary living space framed by sun-drenched harbour views.

"Every time someone walks through the front door they pause. It's not just the view, it's the incredible sense of space, the warmth created by the northern sunlight that fills the interiors, and the way every room connects so effortlessly.

"It has all the proportions of a luxury home, while delivering the effortless lifestyle and personalised experience of living in a world-class six-star hotel, combined with the simplicity and convenience of apartment living."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378713]

A secure lift provides exclusive access to the penthouse level, opening to a dedicated arrival foyer and dining area before the residence expands into its main living and entertaining spaces.

Floor-to-ceiling glazing runs across the northern side of the home, connecting the interiors with the terrace and Middle Harbour outlook.

The penthouse also features a fireplace and substantial chef's kitchen, while the wraparound terrace has been designed to accommodate both everyday outdoor living and larger-scale entertaining.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378720]

Freeman said the interiors had been deliberately kept restrained to complement the scale, natural light and outlook already established by the architecture.

"The penthouse is a serene study in quiet luxury," Freeman said.

"The interior pairs soft, sculptural forms with warm timber, pale stone and a restrained neutral palette. Curated artwork and metallic accents add depth, while abundant natural light creates a calm, effortlessly refined atmosphere. In my world, less is always more."

Freeman said the approach was centred around collecting individual pieces rather than simply decorating the apartment.

"Every material, every object and every piece of furniture has been curated with intention. I am a true believer in collecting versus decorating.

"The architecture already provided extraordinary natural light, remarkable volume and an uninterrupted connection to Middle Harbour. Our role was to complement those qualities with unique one-of-a-kind pieces of fine art and collectible design sourced from recent travels around the world."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378694]

Among the collection are solid bronze sculptures by Lorenzo Quinn, alongside a curated crystalware collection and pieces sourced from international design fairs.

Park Residences sits opposite Cammeray Golf Club, Cammeray Croquet Club and Grand Slam Tennis Cammeray, around 300 metres from Neutral Bay Village and its established collection of restaurants, cafés and retail.

Brown said the combination of a whole-floor floorplan, northern aspect and proximity to Neutral Bay was becoming increasingly difficult to find on the Lower North Shore.

"Completed whole-floor penthouses with a sun-drenched north-facing aspect and sweeping Middle Harbour views are exceptionally rare," Brown said.

"Add a quiet position opposite golf, croquet and tennis facilities, a level walk to Neutral Bay Village and only minutes to the CBD, and you have a lifestyle that's incredibly difficult to replicate.

"This is a home that offers the privacy and generosity of a luxury residence together with the convenience of one of Sydney's best-connected harbourside locations."

The penthouse will be exclusively marketed by SRM Residential.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=114246]

Joel Robinson

Abadeen unveils penthouse at Park Residences in Cremorne

New Brisbane developer Dalcott has unveiled Marrone, the first of three residential projects it is planning in and around Browning Street in South Brisbane.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marrone-south-brisbane-39-browning-street-south-brisbane-qld-4101">Marrone</a> will comprise 97 predominantly two- and three-bedroom apartments, with larger residences aimed squarely at the owner-occupier market.

The project will sit in a quiet pocket of South Brisbane between South Bank and West End, close to the restaurants, cultural attractions and riverfront amenity that have driven the suburb's continued transformation.

Dalcott is targeting buyers looking for more space and amenity than has traditionally been offered in the inner-city apartment market, particularly downsizers and professionals wanting to remain close to the city.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149951 project_image_fid=377072]

Resident facilities will be concentrated around an extensive rooftop amenity offering, including a swimming pool, spa, infrared sauna, warm and cold magnesium plunge pools, private lounge, dining room and outdoor entertaining areas.

Dalcott Managing Director Lachlan Cottee said South Brisbane's combination of lifestyle, connectivity and established character had been central to the approach to Marrone.

“South Brisbane offers a combination of lifestyle, connectivity and character that’s difficult to replicate elsewhere in Brisbane,” Cottee said.

“Our focus has been on creating homes that feel connected to that environment while providing the level of design, functionality and quality that today's owner-occupiers expect.”

The residences will feature an expressive material palette. Italian Calacatta Viola marble, known for its deep burgundy veining, will be paired with aged brass tapware, Chestnut engineered timber flooring and Tuscan Oak joinery.

<img alt="Marrone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b8d833da-3b30-496a-ae30-07bdff371b50" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%2010.52.35%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=P6DAgOfaQzIXljKKK5j3e5NhWtrHIu9G" />

Bathrooms will feature Nara Japanese ceramics and glass bricks, while clay, walnut and brass lighting will be used throughout the apartments.

Dalcott has appointed Realm Projects, led by Managing Director Shane Foley, to handle sales and marketing following previous sold-out collaborations between the groups.

Foley said the Brisbane apartment buyer had become increasingly focused on the quality of the home itself rather than simply securing an inner-city address.

“We expect to see strong demand from buyers who still want all the advantages of inner-city living but aren’t prepared to compromise on the quality of their home,” Foley said.

“Many will be downsizers looking to leave behind the maintenance of a traditional family home without giving up the space they enjoy, while others are likely to be professionals wanting a residence that reflects the way they live today.”

“Marrone responds directly to that demand, with generous floorplans, exceptional resident amenity and a location that places some of Brisbane’s best dining, entertainment and cultural attractions within walking distance.”

<img alt="Marrone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="61f7b22f-899e-4c0f-940a-7d3ab1bfb93a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%2010.52.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=PvN1JYxBgUpyCB7efKo52WGdSDs9nmim" />

Marrone will be the first project delivered as part of Dalcott's broader investment in the precinct.

It will be followed by La Terra, a boutique project comprising penthouse-style, single-level apartments on a northeast corner site with extensive resident amenity and city views.

Cottee said Marrone represented the first stage of the group's longer-term plans for the area.

Dalcott was established in 2025 by Lachlan Cottee and Ben Dalgliesh, combining development and construction capability under an integrated model and focusing on architecturally considered residential projects.

Marrone will initially be offered through a pre-release registration campaign ahead of its broader public launch.

Dalcott targets owner-occupiers with South Brisbane debut Marrone

Parnell Developments is the latest to seek significant uplift through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority on a Strathfield site previously approved for a much smaller apartment development.

Parnell has sought approval for a 32-storey mixed use tower across&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/7-lyons-street-strathfield-nsw-2135">3-7 Lyons Street and 18 Parnell Street</a>, a&nbsp;1,857 sqm site around 400 metres from Strathfield Station. The building would yield 160 apartments, 15 per cent of which will be dedicated affordable as per the government mandate for buildings seeking additional uplift.

Approved previously was a nine-storey building back in 2022 with just over 30 apartments. That approval came prior to the project being&nbsp;progressively reconsidered as planning policy shifted toward greater density around transport hubs.

<img alt="Strathfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c5af5281-a643-4eb2-b8c4-0081b59c04c7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.16.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=37bd3mI7rHNpThOV_75VO8xsGFwWOi1u" />

Turner has designed the latest building that would replace&nbsp;existing detached homes across the four lots.

The apartment mix comprises 22 one-bedroom apartments, 107 two-bedroom and two-bedroom-plus configurations, and 31 apartments with three or more bedrooms. The scheme also includes 203 car spaces across six basement levels and 58 bicycle spaces.

The proposal has been designed around a three-storey podium addressing Lyons Street, with the tower rising above and stepping toward its upper levels.

Turner said the podium was deliberately scaled to respond to the existing street, while the taller element has been designed as part of the emerging skyline anticipated around Strathfield Town Centre and the wider Homebush transport-oriented development precinct.

The Lyons Street frontage would have a more active, pedestrian-focused character, incorporating the commercial tenancy, landscaping and a brick-framed podium with an awning.

<img alt="Strathfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="14b20874-b8c3-4ac7-bc03-92be9a69fb78" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.17.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=av.9TxtqIRTC6v3PkSuu1rL9rreWoe2h" />

Parnell Street, which faces the railway corridor, has been given a different architectural treatment, with double-height breeze blocks, landscaping and communal areas used to soften the interface with the rail infrastructure.

The tower itself uses curved and recessed facade elements, with wave-like indentations across the northern elevation breaking the building into three vertical forms.

A palette of grey concrete, brick and breeze blocks is complemented by clay and terracotta accents, while the upper tower adopts a lighter expression through articulated slab edges, vertical fins and recessed glazing.

Residents would have access to 467 sqm of communal open space spread across three levels. The ground floor would accommodate the more active resident areas, including barbecue and group gathering spaces and an internal communal room capable of being used for working from home.

A more passive viewing deck is proposed at level three, overlooking the ground-level landscaping and neighbouring tennis courts, while a rooftop "sunset deck" at level 30 would provide another social and relaxation space.

<img alt="Parnell" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c3dce401-a80f-4682-8471-4caa01180880" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.17.34%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Xyo8JVqbOhSJXNy6Ih.1cHL.O6i0bGR." />

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Strathfield has been earmarked for substantial change through the Strathfield Town Centre planning work and the nearby Homebush TOD precinct.

Turner's report says the project has been designed to act as a transition between the existing low and mid-rise development surrounding the site and the taller built form expected to emerge across the town centre.

The proposal is being assessed as State Significant Development under the HDA pathway, alongside the concurrent request to amend the Burwood Local Environmental Plan.

First look: New apartment tower pitched for Strathfield Town Centre precinct

An $18 million penthouse has hit the market in Main Beach as construction tops out on La Mer, the $155 million apartment development rising just metres from the beach.

Spanning around 600 sqm across the top two levels of the 29-storey tower on Main Beach Parade, the four-bedroom penthouse is one of the latest eight-figure residences to test the upper end of the Gold Coast apartment market.

Its launch comes amid continued activity at the very top of the market, following the $30 million off-the-plan sale of a Burleigh Heads penthouse earlier this year, which surpassed the Gold Coast's previous $24 million apartment record set in 2023.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-mer-main-beach-3580-main-beach-parade-main-beach-qld-4217">La Mer penthouse</a> has been designed as a private residence in the sky, with 360-degree views spanning the ocean, Broadwater, hinterland and Gold Coast skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378731]

All four bedrooms have ensuites, while the ocean-facing master retreat occupies around half of the upper level and includes its own lounge, private balcony, two walk-in wardrobes and an oversized ensuite with a freestanding stone bath positioned to take in the views.

The residence also features a kitchen designed to accommodate a private chef, a 3.6-metre island bench, expansive butler's pantry, wine cellar and integrated bar.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378732]

A rooftop pool and substantial outdoor entertaining area with its own kitchen sit above the residence, while a grand staircase connects the two internal levels. The penthouse also has its own express lift.

OTP Group Director James Elliott, who is marketing La Mer, said the penthouse was expected to appeal to high-net-worth buyers seeking either a permanent Main Beach residence or Gold Coast holiday home.

“The La Mer penthouse represents exceptional value, considering its quality design, size, privacy and location, not to mention the 360-degree views capturing the beach and Gold Coast Broadwater,” Elliott said.

“We’re anticipating interest from high-net-worth individuals and couples seeking a residence or holiday home in the sought-after village enclave of Main Beach, taking advantage of the unprecedented growth underway in the area and neighbouring The Spit.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378736]

La Mer is being developed by developer-builder ODUS and Nazero, in partnership with funder Metrics Credit Partners.

ODUS Director Byron Sakha said topping out the tower had provided the opportunity to release the project's most significant residence.

“We’ve worked with internationally-recognised studio Sici Design on the penthouse interiors, with a focus on ensuring it isn’t luxury for luxury’s sake. Every element has been thoughtfully designed to enhance quality of life for those who call it home,” Sakha said.

“The views are the hero of virtually every space, but we’ve given equal attention to the fittings and finishes, so every detail exudes elegance and refinement.”

Sici Design Founder and Director Maria Papadopoulos said the extensive views became an integral part of the interior design rather than simply something the residence was designed around.

“The views weren't something we designed around, they became part of the design itself, with the true luxury of La Mer in its feeling of peace, calm and wellbeing,” Papadopoulos said.

“Luxury isn't defined by how something looks, but how it makes you feel, and we believe a luxurious home should be beautiful to live in, not stressful to maintain.”

The interiors combine Austral Dream Dolomite natural stone and travertine with timber flooring and a restrained coastal palette.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378734]

Designed by Plus Studio, La Mer is one of the more boutique additions to the rapidly changing Main Beach apartment market.

The tower comprises just 24 full-floor, three-bedroom plus multipurpose room apartments below the two-level penthouse, giving the project a considerably lower density than many of the larger towers being developed across the Gold Coast.

Residents will have access to a pool and spa, gym, sauna, barbecue facilities, private sun lounges, yoga lawn and outdoor beach shower.

The penthouse has been released as part of the final collection of residences at La Mer, with remaining apartments priced from $4.3 million.

Construction is expected to complete later this year, with a fully furnished display apartment now open on level four.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=95606]

ODUS releases $18 million penthouse crowning La Mer Main Beach

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a> is preparing to commence construction on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke Street</a> this October, marking the next milestone for the Melbourne CBD development and its higher-end Eliza Collection.

Spanning levels 44 to 68 of the 68-storey <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>-designed tower, the Eliza Collection has been conceived as a lower-density offering within the broader development, with only five apartments on each floor, dedicated lift access and a collection of resident spaces reserved exclusively for Eliza Collection residents.

The Eliza Collection forms part of Far East Consortium's broader move toward larger-format residences at 640 Bourke Street, where the number of apartments was reduced from earlier plans as apartment sizes increased.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365685]

"What it's meant for 640 Bourke is we've actually reduced the number of apartments. We've increased the overall size of the apartments. We don't have any studios in here, and what that does for a project is it elevates it," Far East Consortium Director of Sales and Marketing Lauren Sheldon said.

Rothelowman Associate Jun Chang said the design process provided an opportunity to create more generous floorplans.

"We were given the opportunity to be more generous. The apartments became bigger and squarer than any other apartments which had been designed in the CBD before that."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=368869]

That thinking carries through to the Eliza Collection, where the residences have been designed around the space and functionality associated with a larger home, but positioned high above the centre of Melbourne.

Kitchens are equipped with Gaggenau appliances, a butler's pantry, temperature-controlled wine cabinet and sculptural pendant lighting, while engineered timber flooring, stone and porcelain finishes and custom cabinetry feature throughout the broader interiors.

Privacy and security are another point of distinction. Eliza Collection residents have dedicated lift access, while 640 Bourke Street will provide concierge services and secure resident parking. Short-stay accommodation, including Airbnb, will not be permitted within the development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365689]

Eliza Collection residents will also have exclusive access to selected amenity spaces across levels one and three of the restored Eliza Tinsley building. These include the Salon with grand piano, an art therapy room, private dining rooms and treatment rooms.

They sit within more than 3,000 sqm of amenity planned across 640 Bourke Street, alongside facilities including a pool, gym, whisky lounge and further social and wellness spaces.

The Eliza Tinsley building itself is central to the wider project's identity. Rather than treating the existing Eliza Tinsley façade as a separate element, Rothelowman used it as a starting point for the architecture of the new tower, with the historic building to accommodate the project's gallery and lobby.

"It's a significant asset and wants to be celebrated and experienced by all residents every single time they go in and out of the building," Rothelowman Principal Stuart Marsland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=368872]

The tower will rise behind the retained heritage building at 640 Bourke Street, placing residents within walking distance of Southern Cross Station, Flagstaff Gardens, Queen Victoria Market and the Docklands waterfront.

With construction scheduled to begin in October, Far East Consortium has established an onsite display gallery at 640 Bourke Street, including fully built apartments that allow the project's layouts, materials and finishes to be inspected at full scale.

A fully built Eliza Collection apartment is also available to view at the display suite by appointment ahead of the planned October construction commencement.

Eligible purchasers who buy before construction commences can secure the full available off-the-plan stamp duty savings, subject to eligibility and applicable conditions.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=509]

Far East Consortium brings Eliza Collection to 640 Bourke Street ahead of October construction start

North Melbourne

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A historic cable tram shed and workshop in North Melbourne that has been converted into a family home is for sale.
It was bought three years ago by car collector Chris Page because he wanted to grow his car collection.
He and his family moved from their Carlton home and renovated <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-north+melbourne-124078490" target="_blank">the historic 1918 building</a>.
It is a vast five bedroom home with a big garage downstairs as well as a street-facing mechanic business.
He hopes that another like-minded car enthusiast will secure the property.
The property first began as a cable tram shed in the 1920s before being converted into a tramways administration office and then finally into a Mediterranean grocer before being converted into the current home.
The reported asking price $5.5 million property includes the mechanic business space.
The business owner would be happy to stay if the new owner wishes.
The property is offered through Jellis Craig agents John Morello and Simon Mason
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Historic cable tram shed home conversion in North Melbourne for sale

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The period between local Council elections and year's end looks likely to throw up further key planning approvals, in light of four significant towers that are all but approved.

A Notice of Decision (NOD) has been issued for each of the projects during November, all but assuring they will gain final approval within weeks. Each planning application has been covered by Apartments.com.au over the course of the last year, with the quartet split between traditional residential apartment towers and student accommodation digs.

All in all, roughly 320 apartments and 1,000 student beds can be expected across the four projects.

<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/image35_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Box Hill can expect two new entrants. Images: Savills and Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="283" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image35_7.jpg?itok=D3A9CLQt" title="Box Hill can expect two new entrants. Images: Savills and Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Box Hill can expect two new entrants. Images: Savills and Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>Box Hill's apartment market will benefit from dual residential towers that have received a Notice of Decision.

9-11 Prospect Street is the tallest of the quartet, with Artisan Architects designing the 26 level apartment tower that will hold just shy of 200 apartments. Owner Box Hill Investments (Vic) Pty Ltd has recently listed the 1,475sqm development site with Savills, with the expectation that the plot, which is surrounded by some of the suburb's largest towers, will be snapped up quickly by an established developer.

Over Whitehorse Road, and Melstone Wellington Pty Ltd is also in luck with the entity's 16-22 Wellington Road site also receiving the tick from City of Whitehorse.

Designed by Elenberg Fraser, 16-22 Wellington Road entered planning as a 14 level apartment tower containing 133 dwellings.

Covering a 1,700sqm site, 16-22 Wellington Road continues to add to the area's appeal with developers. Wedged between Whitehorse Road and Box Hill Hospital, Wellington Road has been subject to increased construction activity of late, and will in time see the arrival of taller residential towers, including 16-22 Wellington Road, <a href="/new-apartments/5-9-wellington-road-box-hill">5-9 Wellington Road</a> and <a href="/buildings/whitehorse-trio-845-851-whitehorse-road-box-hill">845-851 Whitehorse Road</a> which shares a Wellington Road frontage.

<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/image28_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The inner city student accommodation additions. Images: Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="371" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image28_6.jpg?itok=hjn-Ci3L" title="The inner city student accommodation additions. Images: Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The inner city student accommodation additions. Images: Hayball</figcaption></figure>Carlton and North Melbourne will also receive a boost, with separate Hayball-designed student accommodation projects receiving a Notice of Decision in recent days.

Haymarket roundabout is the setting for 1 Flemington Road which at planning weighed in at 22 levels. The tower's distinctive wave facade will mask near on 400 student beds for Brisbane-based outfit Blue Sky Funds.

It along with <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">42-50 La Trobe Street</a> represents Blue Sky Funds' dual-pronged push into the Melbourne student accommodation sector. Incidentally 42-50 La Trobe Street bares a striking resemblance to the other student accommodation tower to has been given the nod, namely 599-605 Swanston Street, Carlton.

It at planning included 628 beds over 20 levels, for provider Urbanest. 599-605 Swanston Street joins a fellow Carlton and CBD outlet in representing Urbanest's Melbourne locations.

Both student accommodation applications were subject to changes post their initial submission, with final design renders yet to be made public.
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silvermb

Four significant projects receive the NOD

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The price point most active in Melbourne’s north is $700,000 to $1.2 million, according to Herron Todd White’s (HTW) latest monthly market report.
The property advisory firm says that this price point is especially active in inner suburbs such as Brunswick, Northcote, Thornbury, Preston and Coburg. This price point is popular in properties within close proximity of the CBD.
A suburb that continues to be one of the most dynamic in Melbourne’s north is Northcote. It has had a quarterly median house price change of 18.2%. This can be explained by the suburb’s proximity to the CBD, its public transport connections, trendy bars, cafes and live music venues.
Northcote has also experienced a number of high end sales including <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-northcote-123254290" target="_blank">25 Simpson Street, Northcote</a> (pictured above), sold for $2.34 million in August 2016.
One of the slowest and least active suburbs in Melbourne’s north is Broadmeadows, highlighted by its median house price of $390,000 and quarterly growth of 2.2%.
Broadmeadows has also had less than 30 sales within the suburb in the last quarter (source: REIV, 2016), the valuation firm noted.
It suggested a possible reason for this small amount of activity was the huge supply of affordable, newly constructed homes in Melbourne’s outer north suburbs such as Craigieburn and Greenvale.
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Northcote reigns as the most dynamic property market in Melbourne's north: HTW

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Yesterday's release of the Melbourne Metro Rail project business case has prompted us to take a closer look at Arden-Macaulay and with the ground work laid during 2012 paving the way for intensive urban renewal within the area, the urban regeneration precinct which consumes a fair amount of North Melbourne is beginning to see a slow yet steady stream of higher density residential development.

<blockquote>
The Arden-Macaulay structure plan encapsulated strategies and actions relating to land use including the delivery of new and improved open spaces and attractive and safe streetscapes. It also contains actions relating to transport, community infrastructure and sustainable infrastructure.

Arden-Macaulay offers a key opportunity to provide for sustainable growth that can achieve positive community outcomes. The Arden-Macaulay Structure Plan provides a long term vision and strategy to sustainably manage the renewal of the area.
<cite>City of Melbourne</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image19_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="MCC's precinct map with superimposed markers indicating current development"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="495" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image19_5.jpg?itok=amjMkpIO" title="MCC's precinct map with superimposed markers indicating current development" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>MCC's precinct map with superimposed markers indicating current development</figcaption></figure>With the structure plan as a backdrop and a number of large projects such as Accord Property Group's 88 Laurens and HWD Australia's Gramercy Parks yet to be revealed, Arden-Macaulay's current development activity is essentially limited to two pockets. The precinct's southern tip within West Melbourne sees Journal and Wallace under construction while Cbus Property's Volaire has just commenced its sales campaign.

It is the heart of the renewal zone within North Melbourne that throws up a surprise. With such a large area set aside for renewal it is perhaps unexpected that development within North Melbourne is limited to a small pocket principally surrounding the corner of Haines Street and Shiel Street with the exception being 101-117 Canning Street.

<blockquote>
The Victorian Government and Local Government identified Arden-Macaulay Precinct as a key urban renewal site that could catalyse a new CBD-fringe mixed-use office precinct with a potential to accommodate 25,000 residents and in excess of 43,000 jobs.

Critically, the area is in close proximity to existing CBD employment and markets, particularly in Parkville, promoting the benefits of agglomeration essential to knowledge-based industries. The core Arden Precinct, in the southern part of the site, is particularly well suited to accommodating a major employment hub, with a large parcel of government-owned land.

Without a significant expansion to public transport access, making Arden accessible to broader metropolitan labour catchments, the area could still offer the opportunity for significant residential development, but the opportunity to support employment growth would be lost
<cite>Melbourne Metro Rail project <a href="http://mmrailproject.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/40677/MM-Business-Case-Feb-2016-Vol-1.pdf">business case</a>, pages 59 and 60</cite>
</blockquote>

Below is an overview of the current state of play for the crop of North Melbourne projects found within Arden-Macaulay:

<h2>Arden Gardens</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/image18_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Arden Gardens. Image courtesy CBD Development Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="426" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image18_5.jpg?itok=ds3m54qV" title="Arden Gardens. Image courtesy CBD Development Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Arden Gardens. Image courtesy CBD Development Group</figcaption></figure>CBD Development Group look set to launch this sizeable project located at 101-117 Canning Street, with site demolition underway. Offloaded by Woolworths during 2014, the pending development will feature roughly 300 apartments and 600 car spaces atop extensive ground floor retail offerings.

Woolworths have reserved 4,350sqm on a 20 year lease with another 1,500sqm of retail allowable within the Buchan Group-designed project.

<h2>3 Shiel Street</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/image8_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Knight Frank's render associated with the sales campaign"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="346" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image8_6.jpg?itok=gmwQi10L" title="Knight Frank's render associated with the sales campaign" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Knight Frank's render associated with the sales campaign</figcaption></figure>Spec Property have chosen to sell their permitted site with Knight Frank handling the sales campaign. Set over 1,300sqm and holding 38 metres of street frontage the scheme consists of 21 single bedroom apartments, 42 double and 2 triple bedroom dwellings.

Rising up to 9 levels to the rear of the site, 3 Shiel Street is notionally ready to go should the site be bought by a developer with intentions to deliver the project immediately.

<h2>1 Shiel Street, North Melbourne</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/img_0555.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="1 Shiel Street under construction"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_0555.jpg?itok=ZlqFn3bF" title="1 Shiel Street under construction" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>1 Shiel Street under construction</figcaption></figure>MAVGroup has begun construction on this residential development without the usual pre-sales campaign. The Fender Katsalidis-designed project is expected to house 34 apartments over six levels upon completion.

With a site area of 674sqm, the project had initially sought to be taller but was brought to its current level as the planning process transpired.

<h2>104 Haines Street</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/home-external.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="REVEL's Haines Street project"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="517" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/home-external.jpg?itok=NJ8_2b-6" title="REVEL's Haines Street project" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>REVEL's Haines Street project</figcaption></figure>The only project at marketing, Revel Development Group's residential pursuit dubbed Reflections holds 143 dwellings over 13 levels. The work of Plus Architecture, Reflections which takes its name from the highly reflective facade which is set to adorn the buildings lower levels.

At 143 dwellings it is second to Arden Gardens in terms of approved apartment numbers for a given project.

<h2>114-116 Haines Street</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/capture-v11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="114-116 Haines Street. Image courtesy Kyriacou Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="570" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/capture-v11.jpg?itok=wBA7a6-P" title="114-116 Haines Street. Image courtesy Kyriacou Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>114-116 Haines Street. Image courtesy Kyriacou Architects</figcaption></figure>Melbourne Acquisitions has this Friday pencilled in for an onsite auction of 114-116 Haines Street. Approval is in place for 27 apartments over 10 levels plus basement capacity for 18 vehicles.

The 476sqm plot is sandwiched in between 104 Haines Street and the current planning application at 36-58 Macaulay Road below.

<h2>36-58 Macaulay Road</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/download.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artisan Architects' impression of 36 Macaulay Road"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="371" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/download.jpg?itok=ZMoh9pNU" title="Artisan Architects' impression of 36 Macaulay Road" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artisan Architects' impression of 36-58 Macaulay Road</figcaption></figure>The latest entrant into the precinct is a scheme by Artisan Architects for Platinum Taxis Holdings Pty Ltd which calls for dual residential buildings abutting 114-116 Haines Street. Addressed 36-58 Macaulay Road, the project would see 177 apartments created within 10 and 13 storey buildings.

According to Artisan Architects the project includes the retention and refurbishment of the former Melbourne Omnibus Company Stables and its surrounding walls, a new community hall and a new public space.
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The current state of play within Arden-Macaulay

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Flemington Road is set to receive another substantial apartment tower, adding to the emerging cluster of residential projects that are taking shape along boulevard.

Property syndication and investment manager Oliver Hume Property Funds is driving the development, which will be known as The Principal. Located at 69 Flemington Road, The Principal joins another nearby Oliver Hume project dubbed Nord at 81 Flemington Road which is well into construction.

The Principal will replace a low-rise commercial building currently across the 1,042sqm site, which also fronts Villiers Street.

<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/flemingtonrd01-99f017e00f_1_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The approved scheme for 67-73 Flemington Road. Image courtesy David Watson Architect"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="348" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/flemingtonrd01-99f017e00f_1_0.jpg?itok=YZkfO3CH" title="The approved scheme for 67-73 Flemington Road. Image courtesy David Watson Architect" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The approved scheme for 67-73 Flemington Road. Image courtesy David Watson Architect</figcaption></figure>67-73 Flemington Road was <a href="/news/flemington-roads-apartment-surge-gains-momentum">highlighted by Urban.com.au last year</a> as a project on behalf of Obiter Investments Pty Ltd which was listed as the proponent at the time. Lodged with Melbourne City Council during August 2014, the application gained final approval only last month.

Designed by David Watson Architects, the development carried a nominal value of $40 million and featured 165 apartments (82 x 1BR, 80 x 2BR, and 3 x 3BR) within a 15/16 levels tower reaching 50.29 metres. 115 car parking spaces and 100 bicycle spaces were included over both basement and lower ground levels.

While it is possible that design changes have been made to the initial scheme, The Principal will still contain 162 one, two and three bedroom apartments and two penthouses over 15 levels according to the project website.

<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/image52_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Apartments are making their mark along Flemington Road"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="321" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image52_0.jpg?itok=VmoOO-zK" title="Apartments are making their mark along Flemington Road" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Apartments are making their mark along Flemington Road</figcaption></figure>The Principal's 164 dwellings will join a handful of new apartment projects fronting Flemington Road. Currently there is in excess of 700 apartments under construction over three separate developments, namely <a href="/buildings/north-19-flemington-road-north-melbourne">North</a>, <a href="/buildings/nord-melbourne-81-flemington-road-north-melbourne">Nord</a> and <a href="/buildings/helio-91-flemington-road-north-melbourne">Helio</a>.

Incidentally should The Principal remain true to the above render, it will become the fifth apartment project to front Flemington Road with a black glazed exterior, resulting in a decidedly brooding entry point to Carlton and Melbourne's CBD from the North West.

Future apartment projects set to grace Flemington Road include the recently sold <a href="/developments/north-melbourne-vic-3051">3-5 Bedford Place</a> and an adjoining 1200sqm site on the Haymarket roundabout which is now with Fortius and Melbourne architecture firm Metier3.
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The Principal: Flemington Road's latest addition

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The past fortnight has brought a number of high profile approvals which have been placed firmly in the public eye, but what of the lesser known planning applications that have been given or are poised to receive the green?

85-93 Lorimer Street, 1 Warde Street and Avant at 54-64 A'Beckett street have all had their time in the sun owing to their sizeable nature, with the three projects combining to add as many as 1,780 apartments to the Melbourne skyline. Avant in particular is set to make a striking addition to the northern end of the CBD due to it's reddish-pink exterior, carrying an expected $500 million development tag along the way.

There has also been a wave of other approvals of late, all of which will add to the city's development pipeline. In a variety of locations, some of the more notable developments to gain approval include:

<h2>3 Shiel Street, North Melbourne</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/1018_3-5_shielst_tp_-_3d_view_-_view_01_-_shiel_st.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="3 Shiel street has been given the green light. Image courtesy SPEC Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="321" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1018_3-5_shielst_tp_-_3d_view_-_view_01_-_shiel_st.jpg?itok=YJ6c1Xfe" title="3 Shiel street has been given the green light. Image courtesy SPEC Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>3 Shiel street has been given the green light. Image courtesy SPEC Property</figcaption></figure>SPEC Property have secured a permit for a project dubbed The Shiel Apartments at 3 Shiel Street, North Melbourne. Melbourne City Council saw fit to provide a permit for the 65-apartment project earlier this month.

The Shiel Street development is notable in that it along with a handful of other projects sited on Shiel Street and the adjoining Haines Street represent the vanguard push of residential developers into the Arden-Macaulay Precinct; a large tract of North Melbourne and Kensington slated to become a high density residential zone.

<h2>20-22 Queens Road and 74 Eastern Road</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/image34_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Queens Road and Eastern Road"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="295" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image34_3.jpg?itok=19_PZJCm" title="Queens Road and Eastern Road" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Queens Road and Eastern Road</figcaption></figure>VCAT have ruled on both these projects which fell under the jurisdiction of Port Phillip City Council. Respective developers JD Group and GURNER are now free to pursue their approved schemes as they see fit.

20-22 Queens Road is the larger of the two developments at 17 levels, consuming a 4,598 sqm site and holding 269 dwellings. Both projects are at the foot of Albert Park, with 20-22 Queens Road set to enjoy unencumbered views.

<h2>6-10 Keele Street, Collingwood</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/image296.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="SJB's Keele Street design"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="330" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image296.jpg?itok=eHEkmgkP" title="SJB's Keele Street design" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>SJB's Keele Street design</figcaption></figure>Keele Street comes into focus as the latest project for local developer Pirovich. Submitted during late 2014, the SJB-designed project has gained approval according to Yarra City Council. With a determination dated June 25th, the 55-apartment project over a 930sqm block has a nominal value of $12 million and looks set to join the multitude of apartments projects within postcode 3066.

<h2>Incoming</h2>

Two high-profile projects are also set to gain approval in the not-too-distant future. A planning officer's report set to be tabled before Monash City Council on July 28th recommends the approval of The Glen redevelopment at 227 Springvale Road. Initially submitted with 515 apartments over three buildings, a variety of conditions have been suggested, chief of which is the reduction of the 'Signature Tower' from 86 metres to 63.7 metres in height.

<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/about-header-2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of the revamped Royal Womens Hospital"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="329" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/about-header-2.jpg?itok=bJA6Ih-7" title="Artist's impression of the revamped Royal Womens Hospital" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of the Royal Women's Hospital first stage</figcaption></figure>July 28th also looms as the date where <a href="http://www.carltonconnect.com.au/">Carlton Connect</a> will formally be adopted by Melbourne City Council. The project involves rezoning the former Royal Women’s Hospital to allow for a comprehensive redevelopment yielding three buildings which are expected to accommodate Australia’s premier innovation precinct.

Melbourne University will anchor the redevelopment which will seek to deepen the application of knowledge throughout the Australian economy according to the project's website.
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Poised and primed: key developments gain approval

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PDG Corporation and Spec Property have seized upon the success of their current North Melbourne projects by each proposing separate additional apartment developments within the suburb. Far from the soaring towers of Melbourne's CBD, the proposed developments are comparatively modest, yet point to the underlying strength of North Melbourne as a desired suburb for both developers and buyers seeking to avoid postcode 3000.

Lodged with City of Melbourne in recent weeks, both designs are the result of developer affiliated architecture practices, further bolstering the growing trend amongst well established local developers of internalising the project design process.

<h2>135-139 Arden Street</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/image69_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Images courtesy Disegno Australia"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="508" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image69_2.jpg?itok=fAedpK5O" title="Images courtesy Disegno Australia" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Images courtesy Disegno Australia</figcaption></figure>Located on a corner site, PDG Corporation's latest project also shares frontage with Abbotsford Street. A creation of Disegno Australia, 135-139 Arden Street seeks to replace a former service station with a four and five level L-shaped apartment building containing 92 dwellings. One, two and three bedroom options are included within the project, as is a communal roof terrace with landscaping and garden plots for residents.

The highly articulated facade sits above two basement levels catering for vehicle and bicycle parking, while the residential lobby faces Abbotsford Street. Applied over the facade will be a a translucent 'tree' graphic which is designed to cast a silhouette shadow onto the developments balconies and apartment interiors, while also providing a degree of privacy to residents.

<blockquote>
The building is architecturally designed to a high standard, will be constructed of high quality materials and will be a positive addition to this highly visible comer. The development provides a high level of internal amenity to all apartments, with adequate on site car parking, generous bicycle parking and communal garden area provided within the development.

It is submitted that the development's height, form and appearance, furthers the strategic objectives for the North and West area of Melbourne and, on the basis of the foregoing considerations, the application is worthy of a planning permit.
<cite>SJB Planning, associated planning report</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>3 Shiel Street</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/image72.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy Inhabit Design"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="300" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image72.jpg?itok=6jHaoS84" title="Image courtesy Inhabit Design" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy Inhabit Design</figcaption></figure>Conceived by Inhabit Design, 3 Shiel Street consists of two residential buildings of up to ten levels, with a total of 65 dwellings included. One, two and three bedroom dwellings are included within the proposal.

<blockquote>
The buildings are highly articulated and fenestrated and have been designed to respond to the fall of the land. Providing separate built forms provides for a break through the site and enables a creative landscape architecture design that provides an attractive communal open space.

Materials and finishes are of a high quality and include face brickwork to the Shiel Street facade, interspersed with timber cladding, screen walls, precast concrete and glazing.
<cite>Ratio Consultants, associated planning report</cite>
</blockquote>

3 Shiel Street joins a growing number of planned and approved residential developments on the cusp of the Arden-Macaulay Precinct within North Melbourne which is slated for intensive regeneration. The Shiel Street - Haines Street combination also sees <a href="/new-apartments/reflections-108-haines-street-north-melbourne">104-112 Haines Street</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/north-melbourne-vic-3051">1 Shiel Street</a> and <a href="/new-apartments/gardiner-on-the-park-116-haines-street-north-melbourne">114-116 Haines Street</a> present on the Apartments.com.au database.

Together these four projects have the potential to add 270 plus apartments into what was previously a low-rise area.

<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/image68_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Helio with Ryan and Leveson"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="315" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image68_2.jpg?itok=0s7ctwQI" title="Helio with Ryan and Leveson" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Helio with Ryan &amp; Leveson</figcaption></figure>Of both developers current builds, Spec Property's <a href="/buildings/helio-91-flemington-road-north-melbourne">Helio</a> complex fronting Flemington Road has emerged above ground while PDG Corporation's <a href="/buildings/ryan-leveson-68-leveson-street-north-melbourne">Ryan &amp; Leveson</a> is nearing practical completion under the guidance of Hamilton Marino builders.
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PDG Corporation and Spec Property double up in North Melbourne

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Flemington Road has provided an interesting and nonuniform entry point for many a visitor to Melbourne for many a decade. A mixture of low and high-rise buildings spanning many eras and many uses are present on the strip which was once the premier entry point to Melbourne from Adelaide and in more recent times to Melbourne's CBD from Tullamarine Airport.

As with many other parts of Melbourne, Flemington Road and the immediate back blocks are being driven to change by developers seeking prime sites within close proximity to the CBD. Where retail space, offices, medical centres, warehousing and light industry defined Flemington Road and surrounds for generations, the southern side of Flemington Road is now almost exclusively being developed as high-rise apartment blocks.

<h2>The current Flemington Road crop</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/image30.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Calling Flemington Road home"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="509" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image30.jpg?itok=rxiyftah" title="Calling Flemington Road home" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Calling Flemington Road home</figcaption></figure>Three apartment developments have recently sold well and have found themselves at similar stages of construction. Helio and Nord are a matter of doors apart and are at both at the bulk excavation and wall retention stage.

United Asia Group's North apartment complex was <a href="/news/uag-unveils-north-33-flemington-road">first revealed</a> on Apartments.com.au during September last year. The largest of all Flemington Road apartment developments, the tower opposite the new Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre will soon appear above ground and will eventually hold 454 apartments.

Although not on the strip, a gaze east along Flemington Road will soon enough include one of the more conspicuous apartment developments in the area. The distinctive green facade of Royal Elizabeth is the work of Elenberg Fraser and PDG Corporation. With the majority of its apartments accounted for the undulating building will soon start construction, providing a highly visible built form bookend to Flemington Road.

<h2>A new entrant</h2>

The most recent project seeking approval is 67-73 Flemington Road which is currently under assessment with City of Melbourne. Sharing the intersection with Villers Street, the project would replace an exsting low-rise commercial building with a part 15/16 level apartment complex.

Interestingly enough David Watson Architects list the project with a completion date of 2016 on their website - best hustle along.

<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/flemingtonrd01-99f017e00f_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="67-73 Flemington Road. Image © David Watson Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="348" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/flemingtonrd01-99f017e00f_1.jpg?itok=1EWLbRxi" title="67-73 Flemington Road. Image © David Watson Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>67-73 Flemington Road. Image © David Watson Architects</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Proponent: Obiter Investments Pty Ltd.</li>
	<li>Architect: David Watson Architects.</li>
	<li>Nominal project cost: $40 million.</li>
	<li>15/16 levels at 50.29 metres over a 1,042sqm site.</li>
	<li>165 apartments - 82 x 1BR, 80 x 2BR, and 3 x 3BR.</li>
	<li>115 car parking spaces and 100 bicycle spaces over four basement/lower ground levels.</li>
	<li>280sqm retail space at ground floor level.</li>
	<li>Landscaped communal roof top terrace.</li>
</ul>
<h2>The sum of all parts</h2>

In recent years notable projects such <a href="http://ckarchitects.com.au/Commercial/commercial-the-george">George</a> and <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://www.everbrightgroup.com.au/index.php?s=/index/estate_nr/id/20">Villiers Apartments</a> led the push to a higher-density Flemington Road, between them adding 334 apartments to the area, some of which are student dwellings. The under construction <a href="/buildings/helio-91-flemington-road-north-melbourne">Helio</a>, <a href="/buildings/nord-melbourne-81-flemington-road-north-melbourne">Nord</a> and <a href="/buildings/north-19-flemington-road-north-melbourne">North</a> are in the process of adding 710 additional apartments directly to Flemington Road with 67-73 Flemington Road waiting in the wings.

Push back a block or two from Flemington Road and North Melbourne is gripped by multiple apartment projects from planning through to construction such as <a href="/new-apartments/20-24-vale-street-north-melbourne">20-24 Vale Street</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/68-courtney-street-north-melbourne">68-74 Courtney Street</a>, 101 Canning Street and <a href="/buildings/33-north-33-racecourse-road-north-melbourne">Moments</a>. The next major project looks to be Mammoth Empire's Wreckyn Street in North Melbourne which word has it will accommodate in excess of 120 apartments.

<h2>Comment</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/img_4727.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Gone with the... excavator"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_4727.jpg?itok=SydYrEkB" title="Gone with the... excavator" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Gone with the... excavator</figcaption></figure>The image above taken earlier in 2014 symbolises the change sweeping Flemington Road. Quaint dwellings are under increasing pressure to meet their end as prime sites at both the eastern and western end of Flemington Road are eyed for residential redevelopment. The above cottage has since made way for Helio Apartments and bit by bit the loss of a certain amount of character in the area advances.

Which is not to say development is necessarily a bad outcome. Prime real estate so close to the CBD and opposite multiple medical and educational institutions was bound to become a high-density enclave at some point. The demolition of low-rise commercial buildings for apartments near the Haymarket roundabout was a lay down misère but will friction arise when more of the above dwellings are called on to make way for apartment projects.

Howls of discontent haven't exactly emanated from the area, even from local residents group 3051 Integrated.
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Flemington Road's apartment surge gains momentum

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It's not every day an inner city island site of over 8,000 square metres with a 20 year pre-commitment from one of Australia's largest retailers is offered for sale. Earlier this month site proponent Woolworths listed for sale with CBRE 101-117 Canning Street, North Melbourne.
Covered extensively throughout the media, Woolworths battle to win approval for the site culminated in success at VCAT during May 2013. Much to the chagrin of local action groups such as RAID/3051 Integrated who voiced concerns over height, scale, traffic and liquor availability, VCAT ruled to uphold the Planning Minister's initial approval of the project.
<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/main_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Marketing material for the site in question"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/main_0.jpg?itok=h_Ges8U3" title="Marketing material for the site in question" width="580"></a>
In its report, VCAT remarked:
<blockquote>
	On many levels this proposal will ‘lead the way’ in terms of the urban renewal that is sought in this precinct, in a manner that achieves a high level of architectural merit and urban design outcomes.
	We find that the overwhelming opportunity that this site presents to achieve a substantial intensification of development in a location which is extremely well serviced, must be given greater weight than any desire to achieve a development that respects the existing scale of development in the surrounding neighbourhood.
</blockquote>
Designed by Buchan Group, 101-117 Canning Street features:
<ul>
<li>
		Two residential towers of 10 &amp; 16 levels or 36 &amp; 54 metres in height</li>
	<li>
		304 apartments in total</li>
	<li>
		611 car parking spaces</li>
	<li>
		5,860sqm of retail space</li>
	<li>
		4,350sqm Woolworths on a 20 year lease</li>
	<li>
		staged development potential</li>
</ul>
<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/image2solo.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Buchan Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image2solo.jpg?itok=cH8UTYCf" title="Image © Buchan Group" width="580"></a>
101-117 Canning Street is for now North Melbourne's largest development site until <a href="http://www.gramercyparks.com.au/" target="_blank">Gramercy Parks</a> by HWD Australia is formalised. Masterplanned by Plus Architecture, the Gramercy Parks project will carry "6 buildings with over 700 residences and a fabulous collection of shops, cafes, restaurants, in addition to a school, childcare and medical centre, eco-gymnasium, community centre and offices." A tower of 30 levels is expected for the site.
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Woolies North Melbourne site for sale

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The sign on the door may say "display suite closed" but one glance through the window sees a display fully fitted and ready for business. Covering the addresses 19-35 Flemington Road, the former motorcycle and auto repair venue was purchased early 2012 by expanding Melbourne-based property developer <a href="http://www.uaggroup.com.au/" target="_blank">UAG Holdings</a> with notions of a development approaching an end value of approximately $200 million in mind.

Consequently the planning process has run its course to the point where Apartments.com.au has been watching the display come together, carrying signage for one of Australia's largest builders, Probuild, during the process which may well indicate the impending project has a chosen builder in place.

<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_8192.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="North display suite entry"><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_8192.jpg?itok=1w8-UDn_" title="North display suite entry" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

September 2012 saw UAG along with prominent Melbourne firm <a href="http://www.sjb.com.au/" target="_blank">SJB Architects</a> deliver an initial planning application. At 13 levels to its highest point the scheme was to carry 400 apartments and 344 associated car parking spaces. 123 bike spaces were to be incorporated as was 4,655sqm of retail space over a site with a land area of 4,061sqm. Site dimensions see a 50m frontage to Flemington Road and 70m to the perpendicular Blackwood Road.

To be included were 166 one bed options, 171 two bedroom apartments and a further 56 two bedroom plus study apartments. Although the initial design seemed somewhat heavy with precast balconies and stubby at 13 levels, a revised planning application was submitted during June this year. With the precast exterior banished, a new contemporary, sleek, curved glass facade will face Flemington Road, seemingly drawing the best elements from a previous SJB design -<a href="http://www.sjb.com.au/projects/a-place-to-live" target="_blank"> A Place To Live</a> in Richmond.

Covered by the City North Structure Plan, an overlay implemented by the City of Melbourne to facilitate/guide intensive redevelopment, it seems North's project team have utilised the structure plan by extending the height of the western flank to 19 levels or approximately 60m in height. The resultant tower form is of a more elegant nature and visually in balance with the remainder of the complex while retaining a similar number of apartments to the original scheme.

Upon completion North will join a growing number of high quality contemporary towers within close proximity to the Haymarket Roundabout. The near future will likely see <a href="/news/the-ecstacy-of-bronze-690-708-elizabeth-street-melbourne" target="_blank">690-708 Elizabeth Street</a> and <a href="/news/planning-application-5-bedford-place-north-melbourne" target="_blank">5 Bedford Place</a> join the now under construction <a href="http://www.vcccproject.vic.gov.au/" target="_blank">Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre</a> and existing <a href="http://www.dcwc.com.au/cms-projects/education/project-economics-commerce-building.phps" target="_blank">Melbourne University Economics &amp; Commerce Building</a> in turning the tired area into a high quality, high-rise entry point for Melbourne's CBD.

<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_8216mkdf.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Display suite model "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_8216mkdf.jpg?itok=dEQCXvID" title="Display suite model " typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

Going by images available via North's website, internal apartment finishes will be available in either a light or dark motif. Seen below is an example of what is the darker finish, epitomized by the caliginous floorboards, kitchenette, cabinetry and tiling and contrasted by timber clad over the external spaces - a nice touch and an impressive view as well!

North's foyer will feature a lounge area with a sculpture that bares an uncanny resemblance to the work of <a href="http://dionhorstmans.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Dion Horstmans</a>; suspended from the ceiling the piece is sure to be a project highlight. North's residential amenity offerings will include an external lap pool, podium landscaping and deck - images of which can be seen by clicking the links at the bottom of the article.

<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/north-apartments-gallery-002.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A typical internal as taken from the project website"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/north-apartments-gallery-002.jpg?itok=xczBU8x8" title="A typical internal as taken from the project website" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

North will have its public launch shortly with further information to follow.

Project website: <a href="http://north-melbourne.com/">http://north-melbourne.com/</a>
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