Enfield may be home to fewer than 3,000 residents, but its prime location between Strathfield and Burwood has cemented its status as one of the Inner West’s hidden gems.

The suburb offers a village-style lifestyle with an abundance of cafés, restaurants, and boutique shops, staples of Inner West living.

At the last census, there were only around 300 apartments in the suburb. Fewer than a handful of new apartment developments have been delivered in recent years, but none are as well positioned as The Carlyle, just a three-minute walk to Henley Park, arguably one of the best parks in the area.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-carlyle-enfield-164-liverpool-rd-enfield-nsw-2136">The Carlyle</a> will comprise 32 one- and two-bedroom apartments, a mix rarely seen in the new development market across Sydney.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148733 project_image_fid=6667]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/ray-white-projects-western-sydney">Ray White Projects WS</a>&nbsp;is fielding enquiry from several buyer types.

"First home buyers are realising this is the best time to get into the market," says Mark Bernberg, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/ray-white-projects-western-sydney">Ray White Projects WS</a>&nbsp;Managing Director.

"There are now several government incentives assisting first home buyers to get onto the property ladder. The recent announcement to waive lender's mortgage insurance for those with low deposits puts tens of thousands back in their pockets. Pair that with stamp duty savings in the new apartment space, and there has never been a better time to be a first home buyer in the off the plan apartment market."

Bernberg has also seen a re-emergence of investors, attracted to the low supply of apartments in Enfield and the suburb's lifestyle, while also being on the fringe of Burwood, which is set to undergo a huge transformation with its recent rezoning around the new metro station.

"That will bring a wealth of new retail and amenity to the area, which tends to drive prices higher," Bernberg says.

"Rents are at record highs, and with interest rates coming down from the highs earlier this year, investment apartments are starting to stack up again financially."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148733 project_image_fid=6665]

The Carlyle apartments will sit above doorstep amenity, with a two-level retail podium incorporated into the striking building. The retail component will include a new ground-floor café facing Carlyle Street.

Two-bedroom apartments range from 67 sqm to 83 sqm internally, with some of the larger residences on the top level featuring expansive wraparound balconies. These layouts are designed to enhance seamless indoor-outdoor living, maximising natural light and views.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148733 project_image_fid=6666]

The Carlyle's proximity to Henley Park is one of its biggest drawcards. The 13-hectare park includes multiple sports fields, two fenced playgrounds designed for various age groups, and Enfield Aquatic Centre, complete with Olympic-sized swimming pool.

The Carlyle is on track to welcome residents in early 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6667]

Joel Robinson

The Carlyle in Enfield launches to undersupplied Inner West market

A new Metro stop, a thriving café scene, and proximity to village-style retail have cemented St Leonards as one of the Lower North Shore’s most sought-after suburbs for new development.

Among those seizing the opportunity is Sekisui House Australia, which has chosen this prized pocket, in the St Leonards South precinct, for its first-ever inner-city apartment project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/waterstone-st-leonards-24-berry-road-st-leonards-nsw-2065">Waterstone</a>.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134191 project_image_fid=230]

Set for completion in the summer of 2027, Waterstone comprises 207 apartments across five buildings, designed to look south back to the&nbsp;Sydney&nbsp;CBD.&nbsp;The new project offers residents the rare balance of connected urban living and tranquil green surrounds.

Just moments from home lies Smoothey Park, a blend of natural bushland and manicured parkland. It forms part of the Wollstonecraft cluster of reserves, including Gore Cove, Badangi Reserve, and Berry Island, all offering peaceful escapes on the Harbour’s edge.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KCD5mtyKBjc?si=DcC6Koxg6shdDFzq" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

When it comes to lifestyle, St Leonards and its neighbouring suburbs, Crows Nest, Waverton, Greenwich, and Wollstonecraft, deliver an endless array of cafés, restaurants, and boutique retailers. Nearby Mall 88, only 650 metres from Waterstone, adds convenience with over 30 specialty stores.

Connectivity is another major drawcard. The new Crows Nest Metro Station is just one kilometre away, while St Leonards Train Station is a short seven-minute walk. For a more scenic commute, the Greenwich Point Wharf ferry reaches Circular Quay in under 30 minutes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134191 project_image_fid=351953]

For peace of mind, Royal North Shore Hospital, one of Sydney’s most prominent medical hubs, sits just 650 metres away, making Waterstone ideal for healthcare professionals or residents seeking easy access to world-class medical facilities.

Perfectly positioned on the fringe of vibrant activity yet embraced by parkland serenity, Waterstone offers the best of both worlds in Sydney’s evolving Lower North Shore.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134191]

Urban Editorial

Nature and connection define life at Waterstone in emerging St Leonards South precinct

A new collection of residences is now available at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/sol-by-walker-maroochydore-first-avenue-maroochydore-qld-4558">SOL by Walker</a>, the residential development that continues to take shape within the Maroochydore City Centre.

The second release introduces 137 apartments to the market, adding to the growing community in what is set to become one of South East Queensland’s most significant urban renewal precincts. The new offering includes a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, alongside a limited number of terraces and penthouses designed to suit a range of lifestyle needs.

“SOL represents the beginning of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/maroochydore-qld-4558">Maroochydore</a>’s exciting next chapter, redefining expectations around life in this beautiful coastal city,” David Gallant, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/walker-corporation">Walker Corporation</a>, said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147777 project_image_fid=319853]

Located on South Sea Islander Way, SOL forms part of the broader vision to deliver a connected and vibrant city heart for the Sunshine Coast. Construction is already underway on the first 19-storey tower, with completion targeted for early 2028. The development is being delivered by Walker in collaboration with Sunshine Coast Council and SunCentral.

SOL’s second stage continues the project’s focus on high-quality apartment living, with access to a suite of resident-only amenities including a rooftop sky terrace, wellness retreat, co-working lounge, gym and landscaped garden spaces.

Interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> combine timeless design with natural materials, generous layouts and panoramic outlooks to the ocean, hinterland and river.&nbsp;

“SOL by Walker establishes a new standard in apartment quality, seamlessly integrating superior craftsmanship with unmatched design,” Danny Juric, Director at Plus Studio, said

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147777 project_image_fid=346899]

Apartments feature open-plan layouts with high ceilings and expansive glazing to enhance natural light and ventilation.&nbsp;

A warm, neutral palette ties together stone benchtops, brushed platinum accents, and sandstone-toned carpet, while large sliding doors connect living areas to generous outdoor spaces.&nbsp;

Kitchens are fitted with integrated Miele appliances, refined cabinetry and thoughtful storage, while bathrooms offer double vanities and oversized showers to balance function and comfort.

As part of the Sunshine Coast’s new CBD, residents will be within walking distance of local retail, dining and green space, with transport connections set to expand as the precinct grows. Once complete, Maroochydore City Centre is expected to deliver thousands of new homes as part of the region’s long-term housing strategy.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=147777]

Second release at SOL by Walker expands residential offering in Maroochydore City Centre

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mirvac">Mirvac</a> has marked the topping out of Prince &amp; Parade in Brunswick, celebrating the completion of the building’s highest point and a major step forward for one of the developer’s landmark Melbourne communities.

The milestone forms part of Mirvac’s strong construction momentum across Victoria, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/prince-parade-by-mirvac-brunswick-701-park-street-brunswick-vic-3056">Prince &amp; Parade</a> and The Albertine both recently reaching structural completion. Together, the two projects will deliver 265 new apartments, contributing to much-needed housing supply in Melbourne’s inner suburbs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4802 project_image_fid=3627]

Designed in collaboration with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bates-smart">Bates Smart</a>, Prince &amp; Parade continues a long-standing partnership that has delivered The Melburnian (2002) and The Eastbourne (2019).

The new <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/brunswick-vic-3056">Brunswick</a> address comprises a mix of one to four-bedroom residences complemented by extensive amenity, including a residents’ lounge, shared dining room and kitchen, library, yoga room, gym, and rooftop terrace, with landscaping by Jack Merlo and a concierge service.

Construction is rapidly transforming the site, with significant milestones achieved across two buildings, supported by 73 slab pours and six fully constructed building cores. Completion is expected in 2026.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4802 project_image_fid=269383]

Mirvac’s General Manager, Residential Development Victoria, Elysa Anderson said Prince &amp; Parade has been strongly received by buyers seeking quality design and trusted delivery.

“These communities have been well received, attracting strong interest from downsizers and professionals who value high-quality design, premium locations and the confidence of buying with Mirvac,” Anderson said.

Prince &amp; Parade has also achieved a record-breaking apartment sale in Brunswick, underscoring its design quality and market appeal.

“We’re incredibly proud to see Prince &amp; Parade set a new benchmark for Brunswick. This <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/vic/exclusive-mirvac-breaks-brunswick-record-with-prince-parade-sale">record-breaking sale</a> is a testament to Mirvac’s design excellence, quality craftsmanship, and our strong reputation for delivering high-quality residential communities across the country,” Anderson said.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4802]

Prince & Parade tops out in Brunswick as Mirvac marks dual Melbourne milestones

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mirvac">Mirvac</a> has celebrated the topping out of The Albertine, marking the completion of the 14-storey structure on the edge of Melbourne’s CBD and signalling strong progress across the developer’s Victorian pipeline.

The milestone forms part of Mirvac’s $7.4 billion Victorian development portfolio, which includes both residential and mixed-use projects such as Prince &amp; Parade in Brunswick, which also reached its highest point recently, and Trielle at Yarra’s Edge, scheduled to top out in early 2026

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138659 project_image_fid=294831]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-albertine-by-mirvac-melbourne-31-queens-lane-melbourne-vic-3004">The Albertine</a> offers one to four-bedroom residences complemented by exclusive resident-only amenity, including The Circadian Club, a wellness centre with an indoor pool and spa, gym, yoga and Pilates studio, and sauna, as well as The Elysian Room, a private dining space on level 10 with sweeping views across Melbourne.

Since construction began in August last year, up to 240 workers have been on site daily, pouring 7,000 cubic metres of concrete across 72 pours and installing more than 1,000 tonnes of steel reinforcement to bring the project to this landmark moment.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138659 project_image_fid=4353]

Mirvac’s CEO, Development – Residential and Commercial Mixed Use, Stuart Penklis said the achievement highlights Mirvac’s design quality and sustained delivery across Melbourne.

“We are proud to be delivering The Albertine and Prince &amp; Parade, two projects that embody Mirvac’s design excellence, commitment to quality, and focus on creating homes that connect people to their communities," Penklis said.

"With cranes rising high across Melbourne, Mirvac’s residential pipeline is moving strongly, and these milestones are a testament to that momentum."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138659 project_image_fid=294826]

Penklis added that Mirvac’s growing portfolio demonstrates its commitment to providing diverse housing options across Victoria.

“We have recently opened our third build-to-rent community in Melbourne, LIV Albert at Brunswick, our fifth nationally, which together with our master-planned communities ensures that we are providing a full spectrum of housing options to Victorians.

Completion of The Albertine is expected in 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=138659]

The Albertine reaches its highest point on Melbourne’s city fringe

PDS Group

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The highly anticipated Aurora Melbourne Central has officially 'topped out' and claimed the title of Melbourne’s tallest building in the CBD.

Aurora’s developers UEM Sunrise and Australian Tier 1 contractor Probuild invited industry representatives and those involved in the significant project to celebrate with a topping out ceremony yesterday afternoon. Apartments.com.au was on hand for the event which took place at Aurora's summit.

<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/unnamed_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aurora Melbourne Central topping out ceremony"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="365" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/unnamed_0.jpg?itok=_N3MT7PL" title="Aurora Melbourne Central topping out ceremony" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aurora Melbourne Central topping out ceremony</figcaption></figure><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/unnamed_1_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ceremonial tree planting + speeches"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="246" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/unnamed_1_0.jpg?itok=9zqlgaeT" title="Ceremonial tree planting + speeches" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ceremonial tree planting + speeches</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
 ​​​ “Aurora Melbourne Central is UEM Sunrise’s flagship development in Australia, so it is a very important moment for us to see it structurally reach its peak. It is a testament to the work of all parties involved in the project, including our construction partner Probuild, that it has been so successful thus far, and it’s fantastic that we are able to celebrate this milestone together.”

- Anwar Syahrin Abdul Ajib, UEM Sunrise Managing Director
</blockquote>

Aurora Melbourne Central’s construction timeline has been able to facilitate a staggered opening schedule where residents will be able to move into the completed levels while construction safely continues above.

<blockquote>
“It is an absolute honour to be working with UEM Sunrise to deliver Aurora Melbourne Central, an icon in the Melbourne skyline. A building of this magnitude is truly world class, and at Aurora Melbourne Central we have been able to take advantage of the latest in construction innovations to ensure a seamless delivery across multiple stages.”

- Luke Stambolis, Probuild’s Victorian Managing Director
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/20190403_142315.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="773" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/20190403_142315.jpg?itok=TkSmMQ7A" width="580"></a></figure>The project has brought about 3000 jobs during construction, with 500 ongoing opportunities available and it is also the first residential development to have a direct underground link to the Melbourne Central Train Station.

<blockquote>
“Melbourne is renowned for our stunning city skyline and we now have an exciting new addition with Aurora Melbourne Central. This mixed-use development by UEM Sunrise and Probuild will see new residents and businesses move into the CBD and I look forward to welcoming them into our great city.”

- City of Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp
</blockquote>

An apartment in the new landmark building is highly sought after, and is currently 100% sold out, and achieved 95% of local and international sales within the first two weeks of launch.

Lead image credit: UEM Sunrise. (Left to right) Simon Gray, Probuild Group Managing Director | Sally Capp, City of Melbourne Lord Mayor | Christina Foo, UEM Sunrise Board of Directors | Mohamed Rastam Shahrom, UEM Sunrise Chief Financial Officer
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Olivia Round

Reaching new heights: Melbourne’s new tallest building ‘Aurora’ tops out

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JSK Group recently celebrated the 'topping out' of its Union Tower residential project at 296-300 Little Lonsdale Street at a ceremony attended by its project partners PDS Group, Watpac and RotheLowman.

The $45m project which comprises 165 apartments across 35 levels and has been designed by architects RotheLowman, represents JSK Group's first Australian development.

In light of the project's success, JSK Group plans to accelerate its investment into the Australian property market by expanding its portfolio nationally. According to JSK Group this is in response to growing demand from buyers from Asia, who are increasingly shifting their focus away from European markets to Australian shores.

The development posed a number of logistical challenges for the project team, not least of which is the 400 sqm site's constrained footprint impacting on the ability to access to the site for the delivery and transport of materials, and mobility of construction vehicles and machinery within a busy city environment.

With the topping out ceremony done and dusted project manager PDS Group's attention turns towards the pending completion of construction and settling the apartments, which are now 100% sold.

Union Tower joins the nearby 399 Little Lonsdale Street, which is nearing completion and will inject 478 3 and 4 star hotel rooms for Ibis and Novotel respectively, into an area that has seen intense development activity over the last 5 years.

<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/39551656161_2a2a6241d1_k.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Union Tower has topped out with installation of facade progressing. Image: Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/39551656161_2a2a6241d1_k.jpg?itok=coGjAlLS" title="Union Tower has topped out with installation of facade progressing. Image: Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Union Tower has topped out with installation of facade progressing. Image: Ryan Seychell</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
Union Tower has been fantastic. It’s going well. We pretty much sold out in the first two to three months of commencing our sales campaign, and construction is on track.  The building is looking great, and we are delighted to have marked our first topping out with our team of local consultants.

We will be investing more resources into the Australian market, as we feel Europe is unstable due to Brexit and, accordingly, has seen a reduction in pricing for apartments in London. Prices, of course, are still very expensive because of the limited space in London however we tend to find that our buyers, especially from Asia, are shifting their focus away from Europe and returning to Australia and Asia. So that is where we will focus our resources into 2018.

We have built houses, townhouses and apartments in Malaysia and in China, however this will be the first time we have ventured into townhouses and houses in Australia.  We are looking forward to offering a new range of products

- Sean Wong, JSK Melbourne based Director
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
Meeting complex challenges and delivering innovative outcomes for our clients is a skill our dedicated team bring to every project, and Union Tower has been no exception. I commend the Watpac team for their ability to reach this milestone on schedule, while successfully managing the physical and logistical challenges presented by working in a constrained inner-city site.

Now that the structure is complete, we look forward to continuing our high standard of work to deliver this exceptional project for JSK Group later this year.

- Nick Pavlovic, Watpac Construction Victorian State Manager
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
Working with JSK Group on its first Australian development has been very successful for both of companies.  A strong working relationship has delivered a successful project. Union Tower is an elegant glass building designed in the round and delivers high quality apartments, many of which are corner located. We look forward to completing the project now that structural top out has been successfully achieved on time by Watpac.

- Shane Rothe, Founding Principal RotheLowman
</blockquote>
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Laurence Dragomir

Union Tower the latest project to top out

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South Yarra's latest residential addition is rapidly approaching completion, and to mark the occasion Apartments.com.au was guided through Noir by developer Dahua Group.

Under the guidance of head contractor Hacer Group, Noir's construction has moved at breakneck speed, so much so Dahua Group asserts it has risen in record-breaking time. The project, on Garden Street, has advanced from its ground level slab to completion in only eight months.

Noir's final slab was poured during April, followed in August by a traditional topping out ceremony. 

The rapid acceleration through the concrete structure can be attributed to the tower's simple square floorplate, combined with the brisk work of concrete structure specialists I&amp;D Group.

<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_1887.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Noir South Yarra is approaching completion"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="781" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1887.jpg?itok=aCVGsnHr" title="Noir South Yarra is approaching completion" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Noir South Yarra is approaching completion</figcaption></figure>Fast forward to Apartments.com.au's visit earlier this month and Noir's exterior is all but complete. The building carries a trademark CHT Architects finish which consists of predominantly black and white interlocking geometric shapes; this finish is prevalent across numerous CHT Architects projects such as <a href="http://chtarchitects.com.au/projects-3/multiresidential/ebony-apartments-camberwell/">Ebony Apartments</a>, <a href="http://chtarchitects.com.au/projects-3/evita-maroondah-highway/">Evita</a> and the award-winning <a href="http://chtarchitects.com.au/projects-3/multiresidential/the-maze-apartments/">Maze Apartments</a> in Richmond.

Residents will get to see the building up close soon enough, with settlement approaching and many of its residents able to move in before Christmas 2017.

As Dahua Group's first Melbourne site acquisition post their office being established locally in 2014, Noir's pending completion is a milestone project for the developer and its Project Manager for apartment developments in Australia, PDS Group. At the peak of Melbourne's apartment boom, dwellings within the project sold out promptly.

<blockquote>
We’re delighted to have reached this milestone and thank our partners, particularly Hacer, for getting us to this stage ahead of schedule.

PDS Group is proud to have partnered successfully with Dahua Group for Noir and we are looking forward to Noir welcoming its first residents in the coming weeks and Dahua Group’s next Melbourne project Hawthorn Park.

Dahua Group  and PDS Group wish to thank our partners for their innovation and hard work to date

- Andrew Fortey, Managing Director of PDS Group
</blockquote>

91 residential apartments are located above 6 ground floor tenancies for restaurants and/or retail.1, 2 and 3 bedroom configurations were offered, although a top floor apartment was combined to deliver a massive dwelling looking over Melbourne's skyline.

<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_1891_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Professional photographers get to work on a completed apartment"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="305" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1891_0.jpg?itok=jEkCLeQm" title="Professional photographers get to work on a completed apartment" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Professional photographers get to work on a completed apartment</figcaption></figure>At the time of Apartments.com.au's visit, two apartments were fully completed and styled with DOMO furniture packages. Seen above is a glimpse of a completed single bedroom apartment going through its marketing paces.

DOMO's furnishings were offered across Noir, with certain buyers electing to purchase a combined apartment and furniture package. The synergy will continue with DOMO set to anchor a major Camberwell Road tenancy in Dahua Group upcoming development dubbed Hawthorn Park at 33 Camberwell Road, Hawthorn East.

That project will include hundreds of apartments and townhouses, and is a major aspect in Dahua Group's Australian portfolio which is valued at $4.5 billion across 13 projects, with a development pipeline stretching to 2030.

Noir has an end value of $60 million. 

<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_1893.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Uninterrupted and impressive sight lines"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="310" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1893.jpg?itok=Nx1KeBXb" title="Uninterrupted and impressive sight lines" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Uninterrupted and impressive sight lines</figcaption></figure>
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silvermb

A look inside Noir as the project races toward completion

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The successful relationship between developer, architect and development/project manager rolls on with the emergence of plans for 15-27 Wreckyn Street.

With Mammoth Empire Holdings securing the site post an expression of interest campaign dating back to July 2014 which was handled by CBRE City Sales, plans for the North Melbourne site have been lodged two years later. Called for over the 2,271sqm are 191 dwellings, by way of apartments and a solitary townhouse.

Hayball are once more the architect of choice with PDS Group returning as project manager. Wreckyn Street shapes as Mammoth Empire Holdings' third Melbourne apartment development.

Formerly owned by Lort Smith veterinarian hospital, the T-shaped land holding maintains 130m of frontage to four separate street addresses.

<h2>15-27 Wreckyn Street aplication summary</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image18_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Wreckyn Street perspective. Planning image: Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="416" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image18_10.jpg?itok=WZxTHOFz" title="Wreckyn Street perspective. Planning image: Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Wreckyn Street perspective. Planning image: Hayball</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Application lodged July 2016</li>
	<li>Current use: vacant site post demolition </li>
	<li>Proposed: 11 level residential building at 33.9m in height</li>
	<li>191 dwellings: 1 x 2BR townhouse, 104 x 1BR, 85 x 2BR, 1 x 3BR</li>
	<li>71sqm retail space to Wreckyn and Vale intersection</li>
	<li>115 vehicle bays and 1119 bicycle bays within 3 basement levels</li>
	<li>Level 4 communal terrace at 151sqm &amp; level 8 communal lounge/terrace at 255sqm</li>
</ul>
With immediate buildings ranging between 5-6 levels, 15-27 Wreckyn Street is larger, although in the wider precinct context there are height precedents including the recently completed 33 Flemington Road at 18 levels.

The project's Urban Context Analysis report has identified the balance of the Lort Smith Animal Hospital as a prime development capable of handling multiple development outcomes on a similar scale to 15-27 Wreckyn Street. On the same block AZX Group are in control of <a href="/new-apartments/68-courtney-street-north-melbourne">68-74 Courtney Place</a> which involves another Hayball-designed apartment complex of 74 dwellings over 5 levels, raising the propects of the block bound by Wreckyn and Villers becoming a predominantly high density enclave.

15-27 Wreckyn Street itself will be finished off in a variety of brick patterned finishes with the hit and miss format prominent. Perforated metal screens, zinc cladding and brick snap precast panels will also be present over the project's exterior.

<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_7659.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Empire continues to make rapid progression at the top end of Elizabeth Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_7659.jpg?itok=mxzJUYTw" title="Empire continues to make rapid progression at the top end of Elizabeth Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Empire continues to make rapid progression at the top end of Elizabeth Street</figcaption></figure>Should Mammoth Empire's Wreckyn Street proposal proceed as planned, the Malaysian-based developer would take its Melbourne development catalogue to in excess of 1,150 dwellings.

One of the early high-profile Asian-based entrants into Melbourne's property scene over recent years, Mammoth Empire has mirrored a number of its competitors by seeking a smaller development opportunities post a big entrance within Melbourne's CBD. That came by way of MY80 on Elizabeth and A'Beckett which produced 487 apartments.

Second in line was Empire on the corresponding corner to MY80, which involves 474 apartments. At the hand of head contractor Probuild, Empire is rapidly taking its place in the crowded northern CBD area, leaving Wreckyn Street as Mammoth Empire's next Melbourne play.
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Mammoth Empire seeks approval for a third Melbourne development

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A groundbreaking ceremony yesterday officially kicked off proceedings for works on <a href="/buildings/aurora-melbourne-central-224-la-trobe-street-melbourne">Aurora Melbourne Central</a> which will in time become the tallest building within the CBD. Developer <a href="/developers/uem-sunrise">UEM Sunrise's</a> CEO and COO Commercial were in attendance, as were representatives from the project's architects <a href="/architects/fraser-partners-0">Elenberg Fraser</a>, head contractor <a href="/builders/probuild">Probuild</a> and project manager PDS Group.

Hosted on level 5 of the soon to be demolished car park structure onsite, the event celebrated construction officially commencing on the 92 level tower with an associated upgrade to Melbourne Central train station attached.

The near sold out project will also rejuvenate the laneway running between La Trobe Street and Little La Trobe Street, with new retail spaces on the cards. A new station entrance will link Little La Trobe Street with Melbourne Central train station which is expected to see movements through the station grow to 21.5 million per annum by 2031 according to Public Transport Victoria.

<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/group_photo.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The official turning of the first sod, albeit in a car park"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="383" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/group_photo.jpg?itok=VOslly1s" title="The official turning of the first sod, albeit in a car park" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The official turning of the first sod, albeit in the car park</figcaption></figure><h2>UEM Sunrise delighted with their flagship project</h2>

<blockquote>
Today marks an important milestone for us as we are here to celebrate the official ground breaking for Aurora Melbourne Central. From the beginning our intention has always been to develop a premium project for Melbourne that will certainly make a statement.

As our flagship development in Melbourne we believe it will create a new focal point for the Central Business District with enhanced access and connectivity to Melbourne Central Station from La Trobe Street with new escalators and lifts creating a new direct underground connection.

We’re proud to have sold 941 apartments with 95% sales achieved worldwide within two months, making it our most successful development yet.
<cite>Anwar Syarhin Abdul Ajib, CEO and Managing Director, UEM Sunrise</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image10_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aurora's latest rendering depicting the giant tower in situ. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="521" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image10_3.jpg?itok=YL6ePOPT" title="Aurora's latest rendering depicting the giant tower in situ. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aurora's latest rendering depicting the giant tower in situ. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure><h2>Callum Fraser on Aurora's design</h2>

<blockquote>
1000 apartments that sit atop a train station represents a good model for high density urban development.

The tower’s design is based on the national flower of Malaysia – the hibiscus with the tower unfolding from the hibiscus’s organic form, imbuing and celebrating a cultural understanding in a design that is unashamedly modern. The curved geometry responds to its context by opening up views of the city and its stepped form creates a unique silhouette on Melbourne’s skyline.

The project seeks to activate and invigorate the north of the CBD, adding to its urban fabric and taking advantage of proximity to RMIT, the markets and the ability to connect directly to Melbourne Central as a shopping and transport hub. It wasn’t so long ago that the CBD used to stop at La Trobe Street.
<cite>Callum Fraser, Director, Elenberg Fraser</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Probuild: from the subway to the sky</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/21930478040_f50e06be90_b.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Onsite demolition works are underway. Image courtesy Oh Yes Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/21930478040_f50e06be90_b.jpg?itok=-OqT4PZJ" title="Onsite demolition works are underway. Image courtesy Oh Yes Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Onsite demolition works are underway. Image courtesy Oh Yes Melbourne</figcaption></figure>Probuild’s Group Managing Director Simon Gray was on hand, providing an overview of the pre-planning required to bring Aurora Melbourne Central to fruition. Months of detailed analysis and planning were required to merely arrive at this point given the complexities involved with building the tallest and most significant development within the CBD.

During Aurora Melbourne Central's 48 month construction program thousands workers will be employed on the project, with 500 on site during its peak. 3,600 concrete trucks will filter through the site over life of the build, while 20 lifts and a 1,487 step stair well will service the building upon completion.

The largest apartment tower build undertaken by Probuild to date, Aurora’s shape presents a “unique challenge.” Designed to sway up to 500mm in gusty conditions, the exterior will also feature 2.1 kilometres of coloured LED lighting.

Probuild will deliver the tower over stages; the first of which is due toward the end of 2017, with full completion expected in the third quarter of 2019.
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The CBD's tallest building officially begins construction

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<blockquote>
We get really obsessed with height - we can have great towers and bad towers, we need to shift the discussion more toward the quality of development.
<cite>Leanne Hodyl, <a href="/news/public-forum-city-in-crisis">IMPA's 'City in Crisis?' forum</a></cite>
</blockquote>

This interesting quote appeared in <a href="/expert-insights/buying/25-000sqm-threshold-yes-it-is-time-to-review-it">Alastair's article</a> on Monday, which delved into who should maintain planning authority over Melbourne. The notion of shifting focus more toward quality of development rather than height is a noble one, but it's simply not that straight forward.

A counter argument could be found in comments made during the recent Meinhardt tall towers seminar in which Meinhardt's Jon Brock essentially stated that people don't really care how tall a tower is beyond a certain point, tall is tall but what matters most is what occurs at street level. A vibrant, user friendly, interesting and varied street frontage is in fact the key to a development's quality.

A prime example of this has surfaced with PDS Group recently releasing a handful of high resolution images for 380 Lonsdale Street for which they will act as Project Manager and Superintendent.

<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/229.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's perspective from Lonsdale Street. Image courtesy PDS Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="909" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/229.jpg?itok=hCsmuD6b" title="Artist's perspective from Lonsdale Street. Image courtesy PDS Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's perspective from Lonsdale Street. Image courtesy PDS Group</figcaption></figure>So which is it? Height or quality? 380 Lonsdale Street proves in its most recent version you can have both. The Elenberg Fraser-designed tower may well stand at 217 metres when realised which is approximately 55 metres higher than the initial Spowers design.

Below is a comparison between the two designs highlighting the all-important ground level which shows the current Elenberg Fraser design to hold a higher level of interest, activity and greenery. Active glass frontages and green planters seek to replace uniform composite panels; both shroud above ground car parking yet one does so in a more aesthetically pleasing fashion.

There's no intended slight against Spowers, their version after all gained approval via the State Government, but there's little doubt that Elenberg Fraser's provides a heightened quality to the public domain.

<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/image4380.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Images courtesy PDS Group and spowers"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="590" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image4380.jpg?itok=HdyQcqKp" title="Images courtesy PDS Group and spowers" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Images courtesy PDS Group and Spowers</figcaption></figure>380 Lonsdale Street in its current form goes to show that the questions of height and quality aren't bound together in an inverse relationship. They are separate issues and should be treated as such.

Railing against buildings purely for their height serves no purpose to my way of thinking. Asking for alterations and/or rejecting planning applications based more so upon what they deliver or fail to deliver to the streetscape, or indeed what they replace is of more relevance than any question over height.
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Quality development begins at street level

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Project manager <a href="http://www.pdsgroup.com.au/">PDS Group</a> yesterday announced that one of Melbourne's largest residential buildings has been given the green light to proceed. 224-252 La Trobe Street Melbourne will now head to sales under the moniker Aurora Melbourne Central.

Designed by Elenberg Fraser, the scheme was initially referred to as "<a href="/news/the-answer-224-252-la-trobe-street-melbourne">The Answer</a>" within early planning documents, relating to the all-encompassing nature of the design. Changes ensued in line with planning authority recommendations which resulted in a leaner tower with increased setbacks and an altogether more curvaceous form.

<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/image55.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aurora Melbourne Central"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="860" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image55.jpg?itok=XiKp9Qt_" title="Aurora Melbourne Central" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aurora Melbourne Central</figcaption></figure>The latest figures as released by PDS Group see 941 residential apartments and 208 serviced apartments within the 92 level structure which differs to the 88 levels initially called for. Podium levels will house a minimum of 300 car parking spaces and 781 bike spaces, in addition to commercial office space.

Aurora Melbourne Central will also connect to the north exit of Melbourne Central Train Station, a scenario which <a href="/news/changes-afoot-for-224-252-la-trobe-street">was explored in detail</a> previously.

<h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
PDS Group is exceptionally proud of the team who have worked meticulously over the past 11 months to ensure the project was brought to market in accordance with world class design and our client’s expectations
<cite>Andrew Fortey, PDS Group Director</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
The tower's elegant tapering curves revolve seamlessly around its axial symmetry. Its complexity and beauty are created through rigorous geometric exploration of repetition and transition.
<cite>Callum Fraser, Architect</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image57.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="What's in a logo - Aurora Melbourne Central"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="275" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image57.jpg?itok=7UHGKlTu" title="What's in a logo - Aurora Melbourne Central" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>What's in a logo - Aurora Melbourne Central</figcaption></figure>Aurora Melbourne Central's developer UEM Sunrise also has planning consent for another nearby project, <a href="/buildings/conservatory-9-23-mackenzie-street-melbourne">Conservatory</a>. Together these two projects spearhead the push into the Australian market by the leading Malaysian property developer.

Marketing for Aurora Melbourne Central will begin in Melbourne shortly.
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The answer becomes Aurora Melbourne Central upon approval

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PDS Group believe it to be the only relationship of its kind and scale in existence within the Australian property development sphere. Following Malaysian developer Mammoth Empire's entrance into the local market, they promptly locked away the Melbourne-based multi-disciplinary property firm to cover all aspects of their local venture.

PDS Group Managing Director Andrew Fortey explained that all aspects literally means all aspects - from solely representing Mammoth Empire's interests in Melbourne through to determining project participants, marketing budgets and distribution, project management onto coordinating buyer settlement. In effect PDS Group offered a "One-stop shop" solution for the newly completed MY80 apartment project.

<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/melbourne-sunset-second-star.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="MY80 midway through construction. Image © benwesleyphotography.com"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/melbourne-sunset-second-star.jpg?itok=m69Mlq_6" title="MY80 midway through construction. Image © benwesleyphotography.com" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>MY80 midway through construction. Image © benwesleyphotography.com</figcaption></figure><h2>Inside the newly completed MY80</h2>

​Designed by Southbank-based architects Hayball, the internals hold a feel synonymous with the prolific architecture firm. In line with the tower's exterior, the foyer, passages and communal areas are crisp, clean and modern without being ostentatious.

The A'Beckett Street entrance is defined by a perforated metal screen punctuated by strip lighting while the separate Elizabeth Street entrance carries the almost trademark Hayball textured/ruffled precast panel finish. MY80 Assistant Project Manager Mitesh Achari explained the dual entrances were the result of initially intending to hold a separate serviced apartment component within the tower. Ultimately further apartments were added into the podium and lower levels in lieu of the serviced apartment component.

The 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments within MY80 are supported by dual communal areas, with level 1 consisting of pool and sauna, cinema, residents lounge, external terrace and business centre. Perhaps the best feature of level 1, and a feature that should be more commonly implemented is the external terrace perched above A'Beckett Street and Elizabeth Street. The open terrace provides a point of interest back from street level while also giving the user an active muse to gaze upon.

Level 53 holds the rooftop sky lounge with impressive if not time-limited views (owing to future surrounding developments) over a 180 degree arc. Furnished by Doherty Design Studio, splashes of colour cut through the charcoal and reclaimed timber finishes throughout the sky lounge which includes a kitchen, external terrace and sizeable fireplace.

<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_0031_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Level 53 sky lounge stylings"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_0031_0.jpg?itok=HyrdIpL4" title="Level 53 sky lounge stylings" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Level 53 sky lounge stylings</figcaption></figure>Despite initial forecasts of roughly a thirty five month build time, MY80 was completed over a 28 month period. PDS Group in conjunction with head contractor Probuild refined the build process both pre and during construction to allow for maximum possible efficiency. Commencing in March 2012, practical completion was achieved mid-August 2014.

<h2>Continuing success</h2>

Looking ahead PDS Group will continue the fruitful relationship with Mammoth Empire as construction of the Malaysian developers second project, <a href="/buildings/empire-melbourne-398-elizabeth-street-melbourne">Empire</a> draws near. Directly opposite MY80, Empire has already notched up near in excess of 400 sales of the 474 apartments on offer within the 181 metre project.

Preliminary planning and design works have also been set in motion for Mammoth Empire's third Melbourne project located at 15-27 Wreckyn Street. PDS Group will once again act as superintendent, development and project manager for the upcoming Hayball-designed residential project which will yield in the vicinity of some 150 apartments.

Elsewhere, PDS Group have a number of high-profile projects under their guidance, with <a href="/buildings/marco-42-48-balston-street-southbank">Marco Melbourne</a>, <a href="/buildings/claremont-manor-7-claremont-street-south-yarra">Claremont Manor</a> and <a href="/buildings/560-flinders-street-melbourne">560 Flinders Street</a> approaching construction start. Also stay tuned for a pending announcement regarding one of Melbourne's more recognisable redevelopments, details of which will be announced by PDS Group shortly.

See below the set of images taken during our recent visit to MY80.
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