<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/collingwood-vic-3066">Collingwood</a>’s northern edge continues to sharpen its reputation as one of Melbourne’s most compelling cultural precincts, where established creative institutions, leading hospitality, and independent fashion converge within a tightly held inner-city neighbourhood.

Set within this evolving pocket, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/derby-street-by-milieu-collingwood-4-derby-street-collingwood-vic-3066">Derby Street by Milieu</a> draws on a location that balances proximity to some of the inner north’s most influential destinations with the quieter, tree-lined character that defines the streets edging East Melbourne. Positioned just moments from both Smith and Gertrude Streets, the address sits on the periphery of Collingwood’s cultural core, offering immediate access without the intensity of its busiest frontages.&nbsp;

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Gertrude Street, in particular, anchors the area’s identity as a destination for Melbourne’s leading food, art and fashion. Within a short walk, venues such as Marion, Cutler &amp; Co, IDES and the Builders Arms Hotel define a tightly curated dining scene with enduring citywide appeal, complemented by a strong fashion and retail presence including Havn, Le Labo and a selection of independent boutiques.

Nearby, institutions such as the Australian Print Workshop and Collingwood Yards sustain a constant rhythm of exhibitions, performances and creative output, embedding art and culture into the everyday fabric of the neighbourhood.

Smith Street, running parallel, extends this offering with a broader mix of hospitality and nightlife, maintaining its status as one of Melbourne’s most active inner-urban strips.

Beyond these high-energy streets, the immediate surrounds shift in tone. Derby Street and its neighbouring blocks are defined by low-rise heritage terraces, mature trees and a settled residential character. Fitzroy Gardens and Carlton Gardens are both within walking distance, alongside the Royal Exhibition Building and Melbourne Museum, bringing together green space and cultural landmarks within minutes of home.

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Connectivity remains a key advantage. The CBD sits within easy reach, accessible by tram along Smith Street in around 20 minutes, while also remaining close enough to walk or cycle, supported by the inner north’s established bike network.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/milieu-property">Milieu</a>’s long-standing connection to Collingwood underpins the project’s approach. With a portfolio that includes multiple nearby developments across Bedford, Peel and Napier Streets, the developer brings a sustained understanding of the area’s character and evolution. Derby Street continues this trajectory as a collaboration with award-winning Melbourne-based <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/studio-bright">Studio Bright</a>, marking the practice’s first multi-residential project in the inner north and reflecting a shared focus on design integrity and contextual response.&nbsp;

Balancing connection to the neighbourhood with a sense of seclusion and refuge, Derby Street by Milieu embodies a level of care and craft typically reserved for single residential projects. Comprising 22 residences across six storeys, with two to four-bedroom configurations priced from $1.15 million, the project is currently under construction with completion expected in late 2027.&nbsp;

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Joel Robinson

Derby Street by Milieu, at the top end of Collingwood

A rare new apartment development in the Blue Mountains is the latest in a string of State Significant Development Applications submitted through the New South Wales Government's Housing Delivery Authority.

A total of 270 apartments are being proposed for the 1.16-hectare site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/blue-mountains-alpine-retreat-142-150-narrow-neck-road-katoomba-nsw-2780">142–150 Narrow Neck Road in Katoomba</a>, a parcel of land adjoining the former Katoomba Golf Course. The site was acquired for $3.85 million in 2021 by private developer VDM Prime.

The apartments, comprising a mix of serviced apartments, affordable housing, and traditional build-to-sell product, will be spread across eight low-rise buildings, along with a separate building for a new restaurant, arranged around a green spine that leads to a central park.

<img alt="Katoomba" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ee9a2072-f465-44f1-9076-80c9c8ecca02" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-22%20at%209.20.21%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4bT0vQ7j_syl65wcrJmHGm3m5pTvwrY_" />

The Urban Design Report by Atlas Urban says the vision is to create a "contemporary mountain precinct that is responsive to its escarpment landscape, heritage character, and community context."

"The development responds to the current housing supply and affordability challenges identified under the NSW Housing Delivery Authority (HDA), providing a balanced mix of standard, affordable, and short-stay accommodation," the report noted.

"By introducing a variety of dwelling types and tenures, the proposal supports intergenerational living, local workforce retention, and greater housing choice within an area constrained by topography, heritage, and environmental protections."

Of the 270 units proposed, 52 will be serviced apartments. The remainder will comprise 54 studios, 121 one-bedroom units, 39 two-bedroom apartments, and four three- to four-bedroom residences.

<img alt="Katoomba" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f704508d-1bdf-4170-955d-0256652402a7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-22%20at%209.56.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=TzarHMO4gTOsblCqsbJQkvMqWj9nu2Au" />

The Design Report, by VDM Prime and appointed architect Antoniades Architects, noted that the design seeks to "provide a built form outcome that is highly considered, respectful and contextually fitting, whilst contributing positively to an evolving precinct."

"The site offers three frontages and the opportunity to provide a meaningful interface with the public domain environment. the design has a sympathetic response to streetscape and the green open space that surrounds the site."

The report states that the buildings are broken up to establish an appropriate bulk and scale, emphasised through height and setback strategies and defined through articulation that supports the transition of precinct granularity. It also notes that a central communal open space is established through the site to enhance the social dynamic and access to amenity, including natural ventilation and light to the apartments. The east and west frontages receive solar access during the morning and afternoon, whilst maximising views to the green open space.

The site adjoins the recently completed Yarrabee Katoomba development, comprising 24 duplexes that were completed last year and sold through McGrath Projects.

The relatively new Housing Delivery Authority pathway established by the NSW Government allows developers to submit State Significant Development Applications through a fast-tracked state process, effectively reducing reliance on local council approval pathways and aiming to accelerate housing delivery across New South Wales.

First look: Nearly 300 apartments pitched on former Katoomba golf course site

In Melbourne’s established inner east, the qualities that define a traditional house, width, height, and access to open ground, are increasingly difficult to replicate in new residential developments. Larger landholdings are scarce, and with them, the ability to create apartments that extend beyond compact, internalised layouts.&nbsp;

In <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/kew-vic-3101">Kew</a>, where the residential fabric is shaped by generous setbacks and mature tree canopies, that tension is especially visible.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ricdanic-investments-pty-ltd">Ricdanic</a>&nbsp;is bringing forward a boutique collection of just 13 residences across two buildings at 9–11 Wimba Avenue, Kew. Comprising six homes at No.9 and seven at No.11, the project sits on a quiet, tree-lined street just off Cotham Road.&nbsp;

Each apartment has been planned with a level of independence more commonly associated with standalone dwellings, balancing privacy with the efficiencies of apartment living.

Architect Chris Idle, who has been practising for over two decades, says projects like this don’t come along often.

“There are very few opportunities to do these kinds of developments in leafy, established suburbs,” he explains. “To get this level of amenity, natural light, and architectural freedom in such a setting is extremely rare.”

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The internal planning begins with width. Living areas extend beyond five metres, allowing furniture, circulation, and glazing to sit comfortably within the same zone without compression. Ceiling heights shift from three metres through to five metres in select areas, changing the sense of scale as you move through the apartment. These proportions are paired with double-glazed windows and fully electric systems, balancing volume with performance, supported by a 7.2 NatHERS energy rating.&nbsp;

From the main living space, the apartments open directly outward. Large sliding doors connect to private gardens averaging 125 square metres, with some residences also incorporating balconies of around 60 square metres. Rather than acting as secondary outdoor zones, these areas sit flush with the internal floor level, extending the usable footprint of the home and allowing for multiple modes of use, whether for quiet daily routines or larger gatherings.&nbsp;

The landscape, led by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/john-patrick-landscape-architects">John Patrick</a>, reinforces this relationship. Across the site, 23 different plant species have been introduced, including a mix of native and established varieties, arranged to maintain privacy while preserving sightlines and light access. Gardens are not treated as decorative buffers but as functional extensions of the apartments, shaped to accommodate movement, seating, and informal use over time.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140755 project_image_fid=366265]

Architecturally, the project draws from Kew’s historic residential language. Handmade bricks by Krause define the exterior, grounding the buildings within the material palette of the suburb, while interior finishes, stone, timber flooring, and restrained detailing, continue this approach internally. Architect Chris Idle describes the intent as long-term rather than stylistic: “We wanted it to feel timeless.”&nbsp;

This emphasis on durability extends to how the buildings are accessed and secured. Entry is managed through keyless systems, with a double-gated basement incorporating number plate recognition for vehicle access. Each residence is paired with a private lock-up garage accommodating two to three cars, alongside storage, while all entry points are monitored continuously. These measures sit alongside EV readiness and fully electric infrastructure, aligning the project’s operational systems with its long-term design outlook.&nbsp;

The setting remains central to how the development is experienced. Located within walking distance of Kew Junction and close to established schools including Carey Grammar and Xavier College, the address benefits from existing infrastructure while maintaining a residential quietness that is increasingly difficult to find at this scale.&nbsp;

Construction is being delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/sinjen">Sinjen</a>, with a 10-year structural guarantee, with completion targeted for mid-2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=140755]

Inside Wimba Ave, Kew’s garden-scale residences designed for space and permanence

High-end Sydney developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen-group">Abadeen</a> has secured approval for one of its latest Mosman projects, one of the first developments approved by Mosman Council under the NSW Government’s Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy.

The approval represents an important step in delivering well-considered housing next to established village locations on Sydney’s Lower North Shore, in line with the intent of the Low and Mid-Rise zoning framework. 
&nbsp; 
There are currently 13 other sites lodged within Mosman Council under the policy, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/27-29-heydon-street-mosman-nsw-2088">Heydon Street</a> among the first to receive development consent. 
&nbsp; 
Abadeen Founder and Executive Chairman Justin Brown said the project reflects a considered and appropriate response to its planning context. 
&nbsp; 
“This approval demonstrates how carefully considered, design-led development can align with the objectives of the Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy," Brown said.

"The scheme has been designed to respond sensitively to its village setting, with a built form, scale and level of amenity appropriate to its local context. The determination reflects a balanced and considered planning outcome, with Council recognising the capacity for this site to accommodate additional housing within a well-located and established precinct.”

<img alt="Abadeen secures first approval under low and mid-rise housing policy for Heydon Street, Mosman" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="92811ce3-02e8-44fc-996e-c61ae039bd3e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Heydon%20Street%20Aerial.jpg?VersionId=ZHJVuWQT64QcdrFJx963pFWFzTX7lI2I" />

The Heydon Street approval followed extensive consultation with Mosman Council, with Abadeen working closely with Council throughout the assessment process.

The approved scheme comprises 27 residences, with only four per floor, creating a low-density living environment. The building will include four half-floor penthouses designed to capture views across Middle Harbour, Sydney Harbour and the surrounding district.&nbsp;

The project is expected to appeal to downsizers and owner-occupiers seeking house-like proportions, privacy and local convenience. There will be north-facing Middle Harbour views from the second level upward. It is also just a flat 100-metre walk to Bridgepoint Shopping Centre, which will appeal to owner-occupiers and in particular downsizers.

Two-bedroom residences are expected to be priced from $1.99 million when sales launch later this year. 
&nbsp; 
Joe Tack, CEO at Abadeen, said the outcome reflects both the quality of the site and the broader need for well-located housing. 
&nbsp; 
“This is a highly considered site within a highly established local setting, offering elevated views and strong connectivity. The project has been designed to respond to that context, delivering a scale and quality of housing aligned with both the planning framework and evolving market demand.” 
&nbsp; 
“This approval is particularly significant in the context of Mosman, where new housing supply has historically been limited. While it represents the first approval of this scale in Mosman to be achieved in over 50 years, it is importantly located within a well-established residential location, in close proximity to the established commercial amenity of Spit Road and Mosman Village. It reflects strong confidence in Abadeen’s approach to design, delivery and community integration, while contributing to the delivery of much-needed housing in a highly constrained market.”

Abadeen has an established track record across Sydney’s Lower North Shore, with recent completions including KOYO in Crows Nest and ENSO in Neutral Bay.

In Mosman, Abadeen recently completed The Hampden, with Mosman Residences on the corner of Spit Road and Clifford Street scheduled for completion later this year. Construction has also commenced at Burran Residences, comprising three full-floor ultra-premium homes positioned just 50 metres from Balmoral Beach, with residences expected to achieve prices in excess of $20 million. Two further projects are also progressing through planning within the local government area.

Abadeen secures first approval under low and mid-rise housing policy for Heydon Street, Mosman apartment development

Apartment developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/martello">Martello™</a> is one of the latest entrants to the Gold Coast development market, with its debut project set to be one of the most boutique offerings on Chevron Island in recent years.

Martello has unveiled <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/aere-chevron-island-18-20-mawarra-street-chevron-island-qld-4217">Aere Chevron Island</a>, a collection of 33 large-scale two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments across an 18-storey building on Mawarra Street.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143932 project_image_fid=367517]

The developer has placed a strong emphasis on wellness, briefing architecture firm Raunik Design to embed this philosophy into the project. It is a direction <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/martello">Martello™</a> plans to carry through its future developments along the coast.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/martello">Martello™</a> has positioned Aere as a continuation of its human-centric development approach, with a focus extending beyond amenity to the fundamentals of layout, natural light, and spatial planning. Promax Construction has already been appointed to deliver the project, with construction expected to commence in the coming months as part of the group’s broader expansion into South East Queensland.

Rising above the low-rise fabric of Chevron Island, Aere’s design emphasises generous internal proportions and uninterrupted outlooks, with residences oriented to capture coastal, skyline, and waterway views. Interiors prioritise open-plan living, with large-format glazing and carefully considered transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143932 project_image_fid=367508]

The upper levels are dedicated to larger-format homes, including four-bedroom residences designed as half-floor offerings. These layouts prioritise separation between living and sleeping zones, along with increased privacy and storage, features more commonly associated with detached housing than traditional apartment product.

Aere’s private resident amenity spaces centre on wellness. A rooftop level will incorporate a heated swimming pool, sauna and spa, alongside a residents’ lounge, dining areas and barbecue spaces, while additional shared facilities throughout the building include a gym and yoga area.

The inclusion of both social and quieter retreat spaces reflects a broader shift in higher-end apartment design on the Gold Coast, where developers are increasingly responding to owner-occupier demand for buildings that support long-term living rather than short-stay use.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143932 project_image_fid=367814]

Aere is positioned within walking distance of Chevron Island’s village centre along Thomas Drive, as well as the HOTA cultural precinct via the Green Bridge, connecting residents to parklands, galleries, and event spaces.

For <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/martello">Martello™</a>, Aere represents the first in a series of planned Gold Coast developments, with the group also exploring opportunities in other coastal precincts, including Kirra and Palm Beach.

The move north comes as sustained population growth and infrastructure investment continue to reshape South East Queensland, with developers increasingly targeting boutique, design-led projects in established lifestyle pockets. Aere’s relatively small scale and emphasis on spatial quality position it within this emerging segment of the market.

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Martello™ enters Gold Coast market with wellness-led Chevron Island development Aere

Pace Development Group

2022 was an uncertain year in the property industry, as aggressive interest rate hikes by the Reserve Bank saw sentiment drop drastically, along with prospective buyers' budgets.

But award-winning developer Pace Development Group pushed on with a number of projects, and they're commitment to launching in what many felt was a tricky period has paid off in spades.

Ash Bramich, Sales and Marketing Director at Pace, said that there’s no point waiting around for the market to correct itself and bottom. 
 
“As long as developers are confident their product matches extensive research on the expected buyer demographic, then you’ve got to take the opportunity to get it in front of those buyers,” Bramich told Urban.

"Buyer demand has still very much been there.

"If you’re delivering a product which is what consumers are looking for, in quality suburbs, then you’ll achieve sales.

"We launched two projects [The Darley on Flemington Racecourse and Pace 3058 - Coburg] despite the headwinds in the property market, and now we're in a position to begin construction."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24822 project_image_fid=254342]

There’s also the case of the issues surrounding demand v supply. Because of the lack of product on the market, Bramich says that, despite consumer sentiment taking a hit, there were still considerably more buyers out there than what was on the market.

The 5,100 apartments launched for sale across Melbourne in 2022 was the lowest number of launches recorded over the past decade, almost -80 per cent lower than the peak levels during 2014 and 2015, analysis by consultancy firm Charter Keck Cramer found.

Also at decade lows was the total number of apartments which began construction in 2022. Just 5,200 apartments started construction, -77 per cent lower than the 2015 peak of 22,500 apartments.

By generating sales last year,&nbsp; Pace have now started construction on both their Flemington and Coburg projects, which allows the team to offer greater buyer confidence during the sales process.

"We can now communicate to buyers two things; a clear sign the project is going ahead with works already underway, and a more accurate completion date of the build."

The Darley, which will comprise 313 apartments and is over 60 per cent sold, is forecast to complete construction by early-2025. Pace 3058 - Coburg has sold over 60 per cent of its 312 apartments. That's expected to be completed by mid-2024.

<img alt="The Darley Pace" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e0681786-d13f-45d2-92bb-133f0771e13a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-03-14%20at%201.58.21%20pm.png?VersionId=TutHEmqnKBTJVHs34RoCzYqdT12Mv1EE" />The Darley on Flemington Racecourse. Image supplied

Bramich says he's never seen a market with such contrarian views.

"There's a lot of cyclical factors that are quite contrary and conflicting at the moment," Bramich says.

"On one side of the coin, you've got the headline issues around consumer confidence, increasing rates, cost of construction and difficult to predict completion timelines. On the other side however, unemployment is at record lows, immigration is going up and is forecasted to soar, particularly in Melbourne, and there's huge undersupply of apartments which always drives prices up," Bramich says.

Melbourne's population is forecasted to grow by 89,000 people in FY 2023, around 105,000 in FY 2024, and 101,000 in FY 2025, according to Plan Melbourne 2017-2050.

Charter Keck Kramer found that around 13,500 apartments need to be built each year in Melbourne to support the population growth. There were just 6,300 apartments completed in 2022 in Metro Melbourne, across 94 projects.

Bramich says inevitably the lack of supply will drive prices higher over the short term, and that will become long term if construction doesn't meet the forecasted population growth.

While interest rates have pinched the budgets of young professionals and investors, Bramich is seeing high demand from the downsizer demographic.

"There's a huge cohort of owner-occupiers with little debt or no mortgage, who are still ready to execute if there's product that ticks their boxes," Bramich says.

That's the target market for their upcoming Fitzroy project, Fabbrica, which Bramich expects will lure those empty nesters wanting to move back to a more active area.

Pace have geared Fabbrica toward this demographic, with larger than standard floor plans on offer, as well as double garage, large balconies, and high ceilings.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;one-bedroom apartments range from 52 sqm to 65 sqm, while two-bedroom&nbsp;apartments start from around 90 sqm and go up to 120 sqm. The three-beds range from&nbsp;130 sqm to 250 sqm.

SJB Architects will restore the current buildings on the corner of Johnston and Gore streets, which were selling for the first time in five decades when Pace snapped up the site. In keeping with the signature streetscape of Fitzroy, the facades will be restored to their original brick finish.

"We've already been seeing a lot of enquiry from those blue ribbon suburbs like Armadale, Kew, Malvern, the suburbs which are more geared to grand family homes.

"For these buyers, their kids have headed off to university or are now young professionals, and they can cash out their homes for anywhere between $4 million and $10 million, and are wanting to spend between $3 million and $5 million on an apartment in a 'cooler' suburb.

"They want to immerse themselves in a suburb which is more reflective of culture, with arts, cafes, and local restaurants."

Bramich says Fitzroy and Collingwood are probably two of the strongest suburbs to sell projects in.

"Buyers want heritage facades, light industrial features, tree lined streets, all of the characteristics Fitzroy and Collingwood are well known for. Most importantly it’s about being back in the buzz of a suburb they’ve not lived in since their 20s or 30s.

"There's a cohort of people who don't need to be sold on the area, they're simply just waiting for the appropriate product."

Expecting a big year in the markets, Pace also have 90 apartments soon to launch in Sunshine North, part of their riverside and lakeside masterplan where there's limited townhouses remaining. Bramich says the apartments will be more geared toward the first home buyer demographic.

Toward the end of the year Pace will launch Pace Brunswick, around 90 apartments fronting the popular Lygon Street, next to Methven Park. That will have one, two, and three-bedroom apartments.

Always looking forward, Pace are currently working with the Frankston City Council on their proposed plans down on the Mornington Peninsula&nbsp;located beachside of the Nepean Highway.

They're wanting to create a mixed-use residential and lifestyle precinct, bringing a high-level of retail and dining experiences to the suburb, set underneath around 200 apartments. Pace always put a large focus on amenity. They have plans for a 25 metre rooftop pool with sweeping views across Port Phillip&nbsp;Bay, a cinema, and a&nbsp;health and wellness area.

Ash Bramich, Sales and Marketing Director at Pace, said that there’s no point waiting around for the market to correct itself and bottom.


Pace take advantage of demand v supply in 2022 and kick off construction in Flemington and Coburg

Pace Development Group has started 2022 with a foothold at the Mornington Peninsula&rsquo;s gateway, after the developer purchased a mixed-use site in the rapidly evolving City of Frankston for $16 million.

The 3274 sqm beachside site, located at 438-444 Nepean Hwy, was previously the location of Frankston Cinemas before becoming a vacant land parcel ripe for redevelopment.

Its current owner, a private Melbourne developer, had held the site for two years before negotiating its sale to Pace in an off-market deal.

Pace will plan around 200 apartments, with a high level of&nbsp;amenity, including an infinity pool overlooking the bay,&nbsp;and ground floor retail.

Shane Wilkinson, Managing Director of Pace Development Group, said he has had his sights set on development opportunities within the Bayside locale for some time.

&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve always had a clear mandate to be ahead of the curve when it comes to choosing up-and-coming locations across Melbourne, and offering purchasers a lifestyle in those areas that is synonymous with the Pace standard,&rdquo;&nbsp;Wilkinson said.

&ldquo;What makes this site particularly exciting is the magnificent backdrop of Port Philip Bay which will offer the majority of apartments uninterrupted water views.

&ldquo;We are currently working through early concepting of a U-shaped building that will allow the maximum number of apartments to enjoy panoramic views of the bay.

&ldquo;Our design brief emphasises Pace&rsquo;s commitment to developing buildings that are truly iconic and timeless in their architectural language.&rdquo;

Ashley Bramich, Sales and Marketing Director at Pace, said Frankston had already benefitted from strong price growth in the last year, yet its ability to cater to a discerning downsizer market has been capped until now.

&ldquo;Downsizers across the Peninsula have had very limited off-the-plan opportunities that come close to their expectations on quality and location,&rdquo;&nbsp;Bramich said.

&ldquo;With the Peninsula&rsquo;s extraordinary price growth of 20% being driven by younger sea-changers, empty-nesters couldn&rsquo;t be in a more advantageous position to sell their sprawling family properties and downsize.

&ldquo;Our vision is to create a project that meets the needs of Peninsula downsizers by focusing on larger two- and three-bedroom apartments and high-end facilities like an infinity pool looking out to a water aspect, and extensive health and wellbeing amenities.

&ldquo;Frankston offers the best of a Bayside and Peninsula lifestyle, yet being only 45 minutes from Melbourne&rsquo;s CBD allows for great connectivity for working commuters.

&ldquo;We believe the Frankston and Mornington Peninsula apartment market is limited from a planning perspective and significantly undervalued. Developments with water views in Sydney, Perth and Brisbane are all selling at significant premiums to what has been achieved in comparable locations in Melbourne.

The developer is currently in consultation with two architectural firms to refine its scheme, aiming to commence the planning process shortly in order to launch an early sales campaign in 2023

Pace will plan around 200 apartments, with a high level of amenity, including an infinity pool overlooking the bay, and ground floor retail.

Pace set for Frankston, Mornington Peninsula apartment development

It was the third quarter of 2021 when the award-winning Melbourne developer, Pace Development Group,&nbsp;decided to convert their fourth building in their Pace of Blackburn development from office to residential.

The seven-level building, which became 90 apartments, is now over 70 per cent sold since launching mid last year in the midst of the rolling COVID lockdowns. The sales success&nbsp;follows sell outs of the first three buildings.

Pace&#39;s Sales and Marketing Director&nbsp;Ashley Bramich told Urban that it was a no brainer to pivot the fourth building from office to residential, given the demand the team were fielding&nbsp;from both first home buyers and downsizers.

&quot;We&#39;ve seen first home buyers drive back in to the market as the gap between both the apartment market and the housing market, and the off the plan apartment market and established apartment market, reaches record highs,&quot; Bramich said, adding that it&#39;s the other side of the coin for downsizers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7211 project_image_fid=158008]

&quot;Downsizers are in a position where they can sell their homes at a premium in the current market, move to a low maintenance, brand new apartment without diluting their lifestyle, and re-invest the rest of their sale in to super for retirement.

&quot;In a suburb where the median house price is $1 million, both first home buyers and downsizers have found great value in the each type of apartment, with one-bedders starting from&nbsp;$410,000, two-bed apartment from&nbsp;$540,000 and the larger three-bedroom apartments from $780,000.&quot;

The majority of interest has come from those already within close proximity to Blackburn, around three kilometres, however Bramich suggests first home buyers have come from slightly further afield, due to how connected Blackburn is as an area to the rest of Melbourne.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7211 project_image_fid=39986]

Two of the four of buildings at Pace of Blackburn will start settling in the next few months, with the final two buildings expected to be completed toward the end of 2022.

There are limited opportunities left for buyers in the last building, with just 29 apartments left. The mixed-use nature of the precinct has been a major drawcard for buyers, with street-level retail expecting cafes and convenience stores.&nbsp;Foodworks will be the&nbsp;anchor supermarket, while&nbsp;AK Skin Clinic, Talons Nails, a japanese restaurant from the team at Oushou, and The Studio Beans caf&eacute;, have all been confirmed as tenants, with more announcements to come soon.

Designed in collaboration between&nbsp;Ascui&nbsp;and Co. Architects, interior designer Adele Bates and MDG Landscape Architects, Pace of Blackburn also features extensive resident amenity, including&nbsp;an 18 metre lap pool, a children&#39;s splash pool, a gym, library with a fireplace, and a bookable&nbsp;meeting space and a private dining room with a full chefs kitchen.

There will be a&nbsp;concierge service, with cold room storage for the safe keeping of groceries.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=7211]

Ashley Bramich told Urban that it was a no brainer to pivot the fourth building from office to residential, given the demand the team were fielding from both first home buyers and downsizers.



Pace enjoy success after office to apartment pivot at Pace of Blackburn project

The latest apartment project by the award-winning developer,&nbsp;Pace Development Group,&nbsp;is set to invigorate a prominent corner site in&nbsp;Blackburn in Melbourne&#39;s east.

Designed in collaboration between Ascui and Co. Architects, interior designer Adele Bates and MDG Landscape Architects, Pace of Blackburn will see four buildings of modern apartments rise from Whitehorse Road, ideally located in close proximity to both transport and surrounding greenery.

There will be street-level retail at the foot of the development, as well as extensive resident amenity.

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Priced from $395,000, Urban has had a look at the development in more detail, and highlighted its key features.

1. Location

The corner site fronting Whi​tehorse Road and Railway Road puts residents in the heart of Blackburn, within walking distance to local amenity and extensive transport links connecting to the city.

Pace of Blackburn is just&nbsp;25 minutes to the CBD with frequent trains and buses. The bus routes 271 and 279 run near the development, and Blackburn train station is just a 10-minute walk.

There&#39;s nearby medical services and health and fitness centres. Investors are likely to see a decent uptake from students, with the development located just five kilometres from Deakin University. There are three other universities within an 11 kilometre radius.

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Pace of Blackburn does not only boast its own landscaped gardens and indoor pool but is close to one of Melbourne&rsquo;s largest pockets of greenery, Blackburn Lake Sanctuary.

Local residents can cycle or walk the network of trails that wind through 30-hectares of natural bushland and enjoy the peace that comes from sharing the space with local wildlife.

2. Amenity

Residents at Pace of Blackburn will share a large resort-style pool area, with an 18 metre lap pool and a children&#39;s splash pool set in extensive landscaping.

There will be a&nbsp;concierge service, with cold room storage for the safe keeping of groceries.

Residents can book a meeting space, a private dining room with a full chefs kitchen. There&#39;s also a library with a fireplace.

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3. Convenience

Residents will have access to multiple retail spaces on ground level.

A prominent supermarket chain will feature as the flagship tenant within the precinct, with other retailers to include cafes, restaurants, beauty boutiques and specialty stores, providing the residents and Blackburn locals with an inner-city style of living.

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4. The Design

The trio of well regarded architects and designers, Ascui and Co. Architects, interior designer Adele Bates and MDG Landscape Architects, have come together to design every feature down to every detail.

The exterior architecture by Ascui &amp; Co. complements the leafy streetscape of Blackburn, with views framed by oversized windows and an external fa&ccedil;ade that features warm earthy tones alongside lush landscaping to complete the scene.

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5. The Developer

Pace is one of the most respected developers in the business, having delivered over 100&nbsp;projects over the last 19 years.

The team won&nbsp;the Master Builders Victoria award for Excellence in Construction - Highrise Buildings 2020 for their Abbotsford development, Pace of Abbotsford.

It was&nbsp;Pace&#39;s second consecutive win of the award, having won it in 2019 for their Collingwood project Pace of Collingwood, their 100th project.

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Urban takes a look at five reasons you should consider a home at the new development by Pace Development Group

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Five reasons why Pace of Blackburn apartments should be on a buyer's shortlist

Pace of Blackburn is the newest residential offering in Melbourne&rsquo;s premier suburb of Blackburn, boasting an exclusive collection of 289&nbsp;residences.

Developed by Pace Development Group, the one, two and three-bedroom residences lie within four distinct buildings&nbsp;on Whiteho​rse Road, welcoming and considered.

Designed by Ascui and Co. Architects and MDG Landscape Architects, the building&rsquo;s exteriors boast a seamless glazed fa&ccedil;ade with vertical fin elements and horizontal banding.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7211 project_image_fid=158008]

The apartments are designed with&nbsp;clean lines and subtle curves that complement its surroundings, punctuated by greenery and clever balcony designs.

Uniquely positioned, apartments at Pace of Blackburn offer views over the Dandenong Ranges to the east and views of the&nbsp;city&nbsp;to the west.

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The interiors are designed by Adele Bates, featuring striking bronze accents, artistic herringbone tiling, marble and mirrors.

A grand lobby is kitted out with a concierge that will collect your deliveries and store your groceries in its cool room, and a communal meeting room that serves as an extension of your home and office.

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The development provides a new level of lifestyle with considered shared facilities. The four towers meet on a centralised podium that is home to a lap pool set amongst landscaped gardens.

&ldquo;Flanked by a wide sundeck and outdoor dining facilities, residents have room for parties or larger dinners with family and friends&rdquo;, Pace advise.

Pace of Blackburn also includes a communal lounge for entertaining, designed for lingering, with a gas fireplace, cosy nooks for reading or catching up over a coffee.

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Among its other features include a private dining room, secure basement parking and storage cages.

The development is expected to reach completion in late 2022.

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Developed by Pace Development Group, the one, two and three-bedroom residences lie within four distinct towers on Whitehorse Road, welcoming and considered

Apartments designed for entertaining: Introducing the new Blackburn apartment development, Pace of Blackburn

Pace of Blackburn, a new project delivered by Pace Development Group, offers a collection of one, two and three-bedroom apartments in a great location.

Blackburn is one of Melbourne&rsquo;s premier suburbs, delivering a selection of green spaces, caf&eacute;s and retail offerings.

Situated on Whiteho​rse Road, residents at Pace of Blackburn enjoy convenience and privacy with landscaping by MDG Landscape Architects that blend in with the leafy surrounds.

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Buyers can take comfort knowing a talented team of architects have designed their homes, boasting the design elements of Ascui and Co. Architects and interior designer Adele Bates.

Adele Bates is a multi-disciplinary practice with an extensive portfolio of residential, multi-residential, hospitality, retail and commercial projects.

Each project represents the synthesis of aesthetic sensibility and practical objectives, considering everything from space planning to the most intimate of bespoke details.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7211 project_image_fid=158006]

Style, durability and heightened amenity come together at Pace of Blackburn.

&ldquo;Whether you prefer a palette that&rsquo;s light and bright or dark and moody you can be certain that our living areas are designed for exactly that &ndash; living&rdquo;, Pace Development Group says.

Each residence across the four distinct towers that form the development boast generous floorplans, flooded with natural light through balcony doors and large floor-to-ceiling windows.

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The home is uniquely positioned to enjoy views across all corners of Melbourne, with the Dandenong Ranges to the east and the sparkling city lights to the west.

Premium kitchens strike a balance between form and function, with Asko appliances, stone benchtops, custom joinery and a statement pendant light.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7211 project_image_fid=39987]

The two colour schemes offer a choice between navy cabinetry with grey stone benchtops or a light and spacious feel with a contemporary edge.

In the bathroom, sleek fittings are complemented by a suspended vanity and round washbasin to create a clean and balanced space, while bedrooms offer soft carpet, soothing colours and blackout blinds.

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The development provides a new level of lifestyle with considered shared facilities, including an 18-metre indoor pool, a centralised podium with landscaped gardens and a communal meeting room.

Other features include a separate children&rsquo;s pool, shared dining facilities, secure lobby and secure basement parking.

&nbsp;

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Buyers can take comfort knowing a talented team of architects have designed their homes, boasting the design elements of Ascui and Co. Architects and interior designer Adele Bates

Design details: The interior decisions by Adele Bates at Melbourne’s Pace of Blackburn apartment development

The Melbourne apartment developer Pace has seen a spike in sales and inquiries from first home buyers who are finding the established housing market too pricey.

Pace sales and marketing director Ashley Bramich said the developer had been averaging 19 sales a month at its 263-unit Pace of Blackburn project.

It compared with 13 sales before the pandemic at the 160 Whitehorse Road, Blackburn complex designed by Ascui &amp; Co Architects.

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The current prices start at $395,000 for one bedroom apartment, from $515,000 for two bedrooms and $805,000 for three bedroom apartments.

Its social media marketing references the impact of the pandemic.

"Overseas travel may be off the cards, but resort-style living? It’s yours for the taking with Pace of Blackburn set to feature a lavish outdoor pool deck complete with a children’s splash pool. Your daily errands will also be taken care of with a dedicated concierge, meaning you can relax and lap up the lifestyle," the social media posting said.

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Pace was also seeing 13 sales a month at its Sunshine North townhouse development, up from eight before the pandemic. During the long Melbourne lockdown, Pace was seeing its 360-degree video tours of its Sunshine North townhouses being viewed more than 100 times a week.&nbsp;

"At Sunshine we are building townhouses as quickly as we sell them," Pace founder Shane Wilkinson told The Australian Financial Review this week.

"Demand at the $600,000 to $800,000 price point is very strong. This is partly due to low rates, but also because the established market has become unaffordable." he said.

Pace, which Wilkinson founded in 1992, &nbsp;was now looking to acquire $100 million of new apartment sites.

Its latest acquisition was $11.25 million for a 2653 square metre parcel at 251 Lygon Street, in Brunswick East, where it hopes to develop about 80 apartments.

It creates a 500-unit pipeline across Coburg, Fitzroy and Brunswick East.&nbsp;

Its projects also include the Flemington site bought from the Victoria Racing Club at 550 Epsom Road, near Racecourse Road, in 2018.

Wilkinson said the developer had adopted an aggressive acquisition strategy after settling $120 million of sales in the past 12 months including its Pace of Ascot Vale apartment project along with several stages at its Sunshine townhouse project.

"Not all first home buyers are purchasing house and land [in the outer suburbs]. Many are buying [apartments] off-the-plan," Mr Bramich added.

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Melbourne developer Pace has been averaging 19 sales a month at its 263-unit Pace of Blackburn project

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As established property prices soar, Pace see uptick in Melbourne townhouse and off the plan apartment sales 

The Melbourne property developer Pace Development Group&nbsp;have won&nbsp;the Master Builders Victoria award for Excellence in Construction - Highrise Buildings 2020 for their Abbotsford development Pace of Abbotsford.

The 12 level tower was designed in collaboration with SJB Architects and pays homage to Abbotsford&rsquo;s rich industrial past through a thoughtful and relevant design response.

They restored the landmark 1923 St Crispin House fa&ccedil;ade to its former glory, which forms the street level of the building along with a Woolworths Metro and a Sparrows speciality wine store.

St Crispin House was named after the patron saint of shoemakers &ndash; a nod to its first tenants the Grimson Shoe Machinery Company. The Art Deco building is also a symbol of the wider history of shoemaking and related industrial operations throughout Abbotsford.

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Pace created a contemporary juxtaposition of modern apartments above the historic red-brick building. There are 133 loft-style apartments featuring four metre ceilings.

The rooftop infinity pool is the standout, with sweeping views across Melbourne. There&#39;s also a gym,&nbsp;BBQ and dining area and a resident library. On the fifth level is a garden terrace designed by Jack Merlo.

It&#39;s Pace&#39;s second consecutive win of the award, having won it in 2019 for their Collingwood project Pace of Collingwood, their 100th project.

Pace Development Group latest development is Pace of Blackburn, where the final stage is now on market.

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Pace Development Group win Master Builders Victoria award for Pace of Abbotsford

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The long-running bid to redevelop Abbotsford's historic St Crispin House has found a resolution, with Pace Development Group granted the right to deliver 133 apartments over 12 levels.

In conjunction with SJB Architects, Pace Development Group have refined the design for the development to a point where it was considered an acceptable outcome. Well before Pace assumed control of the site during 2015, St Crispin House was subject to development overtones, with an earlier application seeking a 17 storey high-rise outcome.

The newly approved envelope will see a mid-rise apartment building rising from behind the Art Deco-styled facade which will be restored. The site's history dates back to the early 1920's when it was utilised as a boot making factory.

<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/image45_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Pace of Abbotsford. Image: PACE Development Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="673" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image45_6.jpg?itok=dWf-cdSp" title="Pace of Abbotsford. Image: PACE Development Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Pace of Abbotsford. Image: Pace Development Group</figcaption></figure>Pace of Abbotsford, as it will be known, is expected to begin construction later this year; sales of the one, two and three bedroom apartments are expected to begin during October, with construction earmarked for November. Completion is expected during mid-2019.

Within the associated media release, Pace's Planning and Design Manager Michael Holah made note of Johnston's Street gradual transformation, as an increased number of higher density projects take their place within Abbotsford.

Apartments.com.au's Project Database shows Pace of Abbotsford is joined by five additional projects along the Abbotsford stretch of Johnston Street which have yet to become reality. Combined there is scope to add approximately 250 apartments and 40 serviced apartments to the area which has traditionally been low-rise.

<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_6973.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Pace of Collingwood under construction"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="414" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_6973.jpg?itok=8Gr5rcGk" title="Pace of Collingwood under construction" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Pace of Collingwood under construction</figcaption></figure>Pace of Abbotsford is also another notch in the developer's push into City of Yarra; three of Pace's seven current projects within the municipality.

Nearly, Pace of Collingwood has commenced construction proper, with Pace's in-house construction team set to oversee proceedings. 79 apartments are to be delivered within the predominantly brick snap finished building, which accounts for a 1139sqm corner site on Welington Street and Langridge Street.

Diagonally opposite, Pace is also pursuing a development albeit with a commercial outcome. Last week Apartments.com.au highlighted the <a href="/news/spowers-adds-to-the-collingwood-development-blitz">slim-form, Spowers-designed commercial building</a> which if approved will mark Pace Development Group's first foray into purely commercial development.
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Pace of Abbotsford gains approval and eyes a 2017 construction start

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PACE Development Group have pushed further into the suburban apartment market. Adding to their already impressive list of residential apartment projects is news that the firm will be involved in two new developments.

Whilst the wraps are due to come off a significant project in Melbourne's South East in which PACE will be a development partner, there's no mistaking their newest development at 554-558 High Street Road, Mount Waverley.

PACE as developer is seeking approval for 90 dwellings across the Mount Waverley site, replacing two low-rise brick commercial buildings which themselves form part of the Syndal Activity Centre along Blackburn Road. Staggered to a height of 8 levels, 554-558 High Street Road has been designed by Cera Stribley Architects.

Two basement levels and three ground floor tenancies form the balance of the development, with one space earmarked as a medical centre. Above, a mixture of one, two and three bedroom apartments are expected, ranging between 50sqm and 129sqm respectively.

<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/image116_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="High Street Road perspective. Planning mage: Cera Stribley"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="294" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image116_1.jpg?itok=U5GeEyUk" title="High Street Road perspective. Planning mage: Cera Stribley" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>High Street Road perspective. Planning mage: Cera Stribley</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The proposal is broken up into three distinct blocks - The Podium that addresses High Street Road and the rear carpark and recreational reserve, The Sandwich, which creates an immediate layer and The Crown, that floats above.

The primary design element is the grid. A simple yet powerful architectural expression that provides a balanced and subtle design response. This well refined expression ensures the building co-exists within its surroundings without trying to be overly striking, attention seeking or iconic.
<cite>Design Statement: Cera Stribley Architects</cite>
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The site in question covers 2,619sqm and has a 61.5 metre frontage to High Street Road. According to plans advertised with City of Monash, the project's complexion will be a mixture of glazing and metal cladding. Bronze, pale grey charcoal and white elements will define the building's look.

Cera Stribley Architects are also the design force behind another PACE development under construction, namely Pace of Northcote.

<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_9054.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Making way for Pace of Doncaster East"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="361" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_9054.jpg?itok=aHyVHrx1" title="Making way for Pace of Doncaster East" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Making way for Pace of Doncaster East</figcaption></figure>PACE Development Group's stable of current projects has expanded into virgin suburbs in recent times.

Mount Waverley joins Collingwood, Abbotsford, Doncaster East, Brunswick and Northcote as suburbs in which PACE has a current development interest. All six current projects also represent PACE's first foray into the respective suburbs, and a marked departure from the inner South East where PACE effectively served its development and construction apprenticeship.

With the recent commencement of works at Pace of Doncaster East, this brings to four the number of PACE projects under construction. The remaining projects at construction include Pace of Collingwood, Pace of Northcote and 808 Sydney Road.

<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_9847.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Looming large over Sydney Road"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="395" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_9847.jpg?itok=Y3lIQ-kw" title="Looming large over Sydney Road" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Looming large over Sydney Road</figcaption></figure>
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