Roseville is poised for a wave of new apartment development following the NSW Government's rezoning of land around Roseville Station under its Transport Oriented Development program.

The new planning controls have unlocked significant development potential within walking distance of the station, with a number of sites expected to be amalgamated and redeveloped in the coming years as developers seek to take advantage of the increased density allowances.

One of the more restrained developments in the precinct, and set among the first to be delivered having commenced well before the recent changes, is Hyecorp's Juliet. The boutique apartment project is already well under construction and remains on track to welcome residents by the end of the year, offering a markedly different proposition to many of the larger-scale developments now likely to emerge across the suburb.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278194]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/juliet-roseville-64-pacific-highway-roseville-nsw-2069">Juliet</a> will comprise just&nbsp;34 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments opposite Roseville Station. For Hyecorp, which has delivered projects across Sydney's Lower North Shore for more than three decades, Roseville presented a rare opportunity to address a growing gap in the market.

"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/roseville-nsw-2069">Roseville</a> has long been one of the North Shore's most tightly held and desirable suburbs, offering a unique combination of village charm, established greenery, excellent transport connections, and proximity to some of Sydney's best schools and lifestyle amenities," Hyecorp said.

"We recognised a growing demand from local homeowners seeking to downsize without leaving the community they have built their lives around. The location presented a rare opportunity to create homes that cater specifically to that buyer profile."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278196]

The six-level development has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/pbd-architects">PBD Architects</a> as a collection of residences that feel more like homes than apartments. The brief centred generous floorplans, abundant natural light, quality finishes, and strong connections to outdoor space.

PBD Architects drew inspiration from Roseville's established garden suburb character, creating a building that sits comfortably within its surroundings rather than dominating them. The architecture incorporates natural materials, soft forms, layered landscaping, expansive balconies, and generous setbacks to strengthen the connection between residents and the suburb's leafy environment.

"The focus was on designing spacious, house-like residences for discerning owner-occupiers and downsizers who wanted to remain on the North Shore without compromising on comfort, privacy, or design," PBD said.&nbsp;

"Every apartment was to feel considered, timeless, and highly functional."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278195]

Inside, residences feature engineered timber flooring, stone kitchen benchtops and splashbacks, integrated Fisher &amp; Paykel appliances, ducted air conditioning, and large outdoor entertaining areas designed to take advantage of district and treetop views.

Residents will also have access to a rooftop barbecue and lounge area, alongside practical amenities including parcel lockers, EV charging capability, bicycle storage, a dog wash bay, and a basement car wash facility.

The majority of purchasers so far have been local owner-occupiers from Roseville, Lindfield, Chatswood, Killara, and the broader Upper North Shore, many of whom are transitioning from larger family homes.

"Buyers are looking for spacious, house-like apartments that allow them to downsize without feeling like they are sacrificing comfort or functionality," Hyecorp noted.

"They value large kitchens, generous living areas, ample storage, quality finishes, secure parking, lift access, and low-maintenance living."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278204]

Juliet sits directly opposite Roseville Train Station and within walking distance of Roseville Village, while Chatswood's retail and dining precinct is only minutes away. The development is also surrounded by some of Sydney's most established schools, including Roseville College, Ravenswood, Pymble Ladies' College, and Knox Grammar, as well as nearby parklands and golf courses.

Juliet is currently more than 75 per cent sold ahead of its anticipated completion in late 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7395]

Joel Robinson

Juliet to sit quietly amid Roseville apartment boom

Sherpa Property Group has unveiled the third instalment of its Flourish series, securing full approval for the two-tower, $500 million Flourish Soleira development in Palm Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-1150-1154-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a> will rise from a prominent site in the commercial heart of Palm Beach, the long-time home of Cash Converters and a range of local retailers.

The project will introduce a new retail and dining precinct at ground level, beneath 286 apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370959]

“We’re very committed to not only providing affordable residential offerings that are much needed in Palm Beach, but also delivering a vibrant new commercial heart that complements the extraordinary growth of the southern Gold Coast,” Sherpa Property Group founder Christie Leet said.

The development will sit under Sherpa's Flourish brand, which is aimed at providing a pathway into the beachside suburb for locals, first-home buyers and downsizers. In a move designed to assist first-home buyers entering the market, Sherpa has reserved all one and two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments exclusively for eligible first-home buyers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370964]

“Our vision through Flourish is to create a vibrant retail and lifestyle focal point within the Palm Beach centre zone, delivering thriving communities underpinned by lifestyle-rich locations,” Leet said.

“So far, Flourish has been an incredible success, and we hope to carry this momentum as we progress the next two Flourish projects in Palm Beach.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=371430]

Located across 1150-1164 Gold Coast Highway and 3 Sixth Avenue, the development will comprise two towers. The northern tower will deliver 154 apartments, while the southern tower will add a further 132 residences, helping address ongoing demand for new apartments in the tightly held coastal suburb.

Flourish Soleira will also feature the most extensive rooftop amenity offering ever delivered in Palm Beach.

The two towers will be connected by a skybridge, with residents gaining access to a rooftop recreation deck featuring a full-width swimming pool, hot and cold plunge pools, wellness spaces, a gymnasium, private dining facilities, massage treatment rooms, barbecue areas, a basketball court, golf simulator, indoor and outdoor dining spaces, sun lounges and extensive landscaping.

LPS Group is expected to start construction later this year.

Sherpa is already well advanced on construction of its debut Flourish project, Flourish Amargo, located just around the corner from Soleira. Meanwhile, Flourish Oasis, positioned opposite Amargo, recently commenced construction and has nearly sold out its collection of 47 apartments.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150017]

Sherpa unveils $500m mixed-use Palm Beach precinct, Flourish Soleira

Are mortgage holders set to get a reprieve from the RBA in 2026?

Big Four bank NAB believes so. They are now expecting the next move from the RBA to be a cut, rather than a hike, which they had pencilled in for August. They are unsure of the timing of the cut however, they note in their latest&nbsp;NAB Economics RBA Watch.

NAB Chief Economist, Dr Sally Auld, said recent data suggests the economy has lost momentum and the outlook for rates has shifted, noting that the broader economic backdrop has changed since earlier in the year.

“The next move in the cash rate is likely to be down, but the timing is uncertain," Dr Auld said.

"In February, growth was above trend, the economy was operating above capacity and there was uncertainty over the restrictiveness of rates. None of these conditions exist today,” she outlined.

Dr Auld said recent data pointed to softer momentum across the economy while acknowledging that at the same time, uncertainty remains a key feature of the outlook.

“Both Q1 GDP data and the NAB business survey suggest momentum in the economy has slowed, meaning that growth has likely peaked for the cycle. That said, we are cognisant there is still considerable uncertainty around the outlook, both with respect to activity and inflation.”

Dr Auld said inflation risks and labour market outcomes would be important to watch.

“On the prices side, we are still forecasting above target core inflation through to mid-2027. Margins will compress and weaker labour market outcomes are a risk.”

She said tighter financial conditions are expected to weigh on housing and activity.

“Tighter financial conditions will be reflected in a slowing in house price growth and housing credit growth. In summary, we have greater conviction that the next move in rates is down, but less conviction on the timing.”

Mortgage relief? NAB forecasts RBA rate cut, not hike, after softer economic conditions

A local downsizer has splashed $6.5 million on a penthouse in Perifa's Alex &amp; Willow development in Crows Nest. 
&nbsp; 
The purchaser sold their long-held family home in the area before embarking on a six-month search for the right apartment. After inspecting a range of options across the Lower North Shore, the buyer returned to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/alex-willow-crows-nest-82-90-alexander-street-crows-nest-nsw-2065">Alex &amp; Willow</a>. 
&nbsp; 
The buyer profile reflects the project’s broader purchaser mix. <a>Alex &amp; Willow</a> has attracted predominantly local downsizers looking to transition from larger homes without compromising on space or quality, alongside a smaller cohort of upsizers and investors drawn to the project’s location and design credentials. 
&nbsp; 
The milestone sale comes as the project, developed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/perifa">Perifa</a>&nbsp;and delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/versatile-made-construction">Versatile Construction</a>, both part of Versatile Group, reaches 60 per cent sold.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6680 project_image_fid=371325] 
&nbsp; 
Eddie Mansour, Managing Partner of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/ray-white-projects">Ray White Projects</a>, said the result demonstrates not only a headline price but also depth of demand. 
&nbsp; 
“This is an exceptional outcome and a clear reflection of sustained buyer demand for premium, well-located downsizer product,” Mansour said.

“We’re seeing a consistent pattern of local homeowners selling family residences and reinvesting into high-quality apartments that allow them to remain within their community. Alex &amp; Willow has resonated strongly with this group because it offers genuine scale, thoughtful design and immediate proximity to the village.” 
&nbsp; 
The sale reflects a broader and consistent trend of local downsizers actively seeking high-quality, low-maintenance residences close to established village centres. Agents report that demand for this product type has remained resilient, particularly where developments offer a rare combination of scale, design quality and walkable amenity. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
Fabrizio Perilli, Managing Director of Perifa and Versatile Group, said the sale marks a defining moment for the project. 
&nbsp; 
“The penthouse sale is a strong endorsement of the quality we have delivered, alongside our partners, and the clear demand from local downsizers for premium, boutique residences in this location,” Perilli said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
“Most importantly, we’re proud to see the Alex &amp; Willow community beginning to take shape. As we move closer to completion, we’re looking forward to welcoming residents and seeing the project come to life.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6680 project_image_fid=338516] 
&nbsp; 
Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/nettletontribe">Nettleton Tribe</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/richards-stanisich">Richards Stanisich</a>, Alex &amp; Willow is a boutique collection of generously sized two- and three-bedroom residences in the heart of Crows Nest village.&nbsp;

Completion is slated for early 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6680]

Alex & Willow, Crows Nest penthouse sells off the plan for $6.5 million

Fresh from launching the first stage of its Wollongong precinct, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/keira-place-wollongong-120-122-smith-street-wollongong-nsw-2500">Keira Place</a>, builder-developer Urban Property Group has unveiled plans for the next phase of the masterplanned community.

Now on public exhibition through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority pathway is a State Significant Development Application for a further 657 homes on the prominent gateway site opposite Beaton Park.

The proposal comprises three buildings, including two build-to-sell towers rising 25 and 30 storeys, delivering 391 apartments, alongside a 12-storey co-living building with 266 residences, making it one of the largest co-living proposals currently planned in regional New South Wales.

Of the apartments proposed in the build-to-sell towers, the majority, 310, are two-bedroom dwellings. The balance comprises 44 one-bedroom apartments and 37 three-bedroom residences. Apartment sizes range from around 50 sqm for one-bedroom homes to approximately 90 sqm for three-bedroom apartments.

<img alt="Smith St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="19347059-1612-41a0-9c74-b86a657237f8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-10%20at%2010.02.18%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sWXnaCcA.cIC6N8YT1dg5pJ2e1V3Z6z7" />

The submission says the proposal has evolved significantly from its original Housing Delivery Authority application following extensive consultation with the State Design Review Panel and Wollongong City Council.

The final scheme has been designed to align with the emerging vision for the Flinders Street Precinct, an area identified by Council as a future high-density mixed-use neighbourhood capable of accommodating substantial housing growth close to transport, employment and community infrastructure.

According to the design report prepared by COX Architecture, the development aims to "deliver a built outcome consistent with the future character of the Wollongong CBD while responding to the site's unique constraints and opportunities."

"Our vision for the next phase of the site evolution in Wollongong is grounded in three design pillars that guide the design response: place, natural environment and celebration," COX said.

"Inspired by its surroundings and grounded in the stories of place on Wodi Wodi Country, the design proposal acknowledges the established character of its setting while creating a unique and timeless identity that sits harmoniously within it.

"The design proposal responds to its specific site conditions, acknowledging the vegetation, climate, wind conditions and solar access of the site."

The architecture responds directly to the site's position between Wollongong's urban core and its natural landscape setting.

COX identified views towards Mount Keira and the Illawarra Escarpment as defining features of the site, while the upper levels of the towers will also capture expansive views across the city and out to the Pacific Ocean.

The design team has positioned the tallest buildings closer to the rail corridor, where overshadowing impacts can be better managed while establishing a landmark built form on the northern approach into the city.

<img alt="Smith St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="79580d5b-500c-4ebf-9629-797146a4a694" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-10%20at%209.51.59%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=WbTB1EKSG.KDfsfz0F3wp1QVa2oCMGR5" />

Urban Property Group secured the 11,000 sqm Smith Street site in 2022 and has since progressed plans for the broader Keira Place precinct.

Construction recently commenced on the first stage of Keira Place, which will deliver 150 apartments across two residential buildings, including 27 affordable housing apartments and 18 specialist disability accommodation dwellings, alongside activated ground-floor retail and commercial space.

Urban Co-CEO Patrick Elias said the commencement of construction marked a significant milestone for Wollongong and reflected the developer's long-term commitment to regional cities.

"Today's groundbreaking is about turning approvals into homes and moving quickly to deliver much-needed housing in Wollongong's city centre," Elias said.

"Keira Place will provide a diverse mix of homes close to jobs, transport and services, while setting a high benchmark for quality, durability and consumer protection."

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/groundbreaking-marks-start-of-construction-at-keira-place-in-wollongong-cbd">Groundbreaking marks start of construction at Keira Place in Wollongong CBD</a>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Urban Property Group unveils trio of towers for next stage of new Wollongong precinct, Keira Place

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7211 project_image_fid=158010]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7211 project_image_fid=158009]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7211 project_image_fid=158010]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7211 project_image_fid=39986]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7211 project_image_fid=144443]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7211 project_image_fid=158008]

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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