<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/aura-by-aqualand-north-sydney-168-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">Aura by Aqualand</a> has entered its final chapter with a limited release of its last available residences, alongside a lifestyle incentives package for both owner-occupiers and investors.

The landmark $1 billion mixed-use development, now complete and move-in ready, has become a focal point in the suburb’s shift toward a more connected and design-conscious urban centre.&nbsp;

Located at 168 Walker Street, adjacent to the new Victoria Cross Metro Station, Aura has already drawn recognition at the 2025 Asia Pacific International Property Awards, where it was named Australia’s Best Residential High Rise.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=292861]

In what <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aqualand-australia">Aqualand</a> is calling The Finale, the developer is offering a limited-time curated lifestyle incentives package, which may includes:

<ul>
	<li>2.5% deposit option</li>
	<li>Stamp duty rate cover</li>
	<li>2% mortgage cover</li>
	<li>Two years’ strata levy cover</li>
	<li>5% rental guarantee</li>
	<li>Up to $20,000 toward Etymon dining</li>
	<li>Space Furniture styling package</li>
	<li>Legal fees covered up to $3,300</li>
	<li>Complimentary white glove relocation service</li>
	<li>Black Key concierge membership</li>
</ul>

The final residences span a mix of oversized one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, with prices starting from $1.9 million. The release also introduces The Icons: two exclusive penthouses that crown the 29-level building.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=292863]

AURA by Aqualand comprises a total of 386 apartments above a landscaped retail and dining podium, designed in collaboration with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> and interior designer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/richards-stanisich">Richard Stanisich</a>.&nbsp;

Its curved sandstone-inspired form and activated ground plane have redefined <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/north-sydney-nsw-2060">North Sydney</a>’s urban identity, introducing new hospitality destinations including a providore, café, wine bar, and Japanese restaurant.

The hourglass-shaped tower has been conceived as four interlinked volumes, and includes a resident amenity level at its sculpted ‘waist’ on level nine.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=292897]

Positioned adjacent to the new Victoria Cross Metro Station, AURA stands at the centre of North Sydney’s transformation into a high-amenity, connected urban hub.

The final release follows AURA’s completion earlier this year, with residents now moved in and enjoying amenities including a 24-hour concierge, wellness room, Technogym-equipped fitness studio, and sky terrace dining spaces.

AURA’s final release marks the closing chapter in one of Sydney’s most transformative residential developments.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=30959]

Staff Writer

Aqualand unveils final release at AURA, North Sydney, with exclusive buyer incentives

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-regent-fitzroy-340-fitzroy-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">The Regent</a> in Fitzroy, future residents aren’t simply choosing a home; they’re shaping one that reflects who they are and how they live.

Melbourne-based interior design studio <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/studio-tate">Studio Tate</a>, led by Alex Hopkins, has partnered with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sma-projects">SMA Projects</a> to offer something rare in apartment living — the opportunity to collaborate directly on the design of their new home and create a place that truly feels like their own.

Set on the historic site of the former Regent Theatre at 340 Fitzroy Street, moments from Johnston and Brunswick Streets, the nine-storey development reimagines Fitzroy’s heritage through contemporary design by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hayball">Hayball</a> and Studio Tate — creating a future <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/fitzroy-vic-3065">Fitzroy</a> classic, inspired by the past and designed for contemporary life.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24824 project_image_fid=304611]

Studio Tate’s personalised interiors begin with two distinct palettes: the light and timeless Classic Collection, and the moodier Arthouse Collection.&nbsp;

Within these foundations, buyers are invited to co-author their home, customising everything from finishes and joinery to reconfigured layouts in consultation with the Studio Tate team.

From there, residents can refine finishes, adjust layouts, and add details that reflect their lifestyle, aesthetic, and daily rituals — from subtle changes like repositioning a kitchen sink to more ambitious transformations.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24824 project_image_fid=304607]

One buyer, an architect, worked with Studio Tate to merge a two-bedroom layout into a spacious one-bedroom home, creating a larger kitchen and living area designed for entertaining.

This level of collaboration is almost unheard of in off-the-plan developments, where efficiency often takes precedence over individuality. For Studio Tate, it’s not a novelty but an extension of their philosophy — to design homes that are intelligent, responsive, and genuinely personal.

“Homes should evolve with the people who live in them,” says Alex Hopkins. “No two apartments at The Regent are the same, and that’s exactly how it should be.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24824 project_image_fid=304608]

The studio’s work centres on intelligent, responsive design that enhances how people live - an approach that has resulted in homes that feel personalised rather than prescribed.

SMA Projects Founder Martin Strode says the partnership reflects the developer’s belief that off-the-plan buyers deserve more meaningful choice.&nbsp;

SMA’s guiding philosophy, “If you haven’t found it, let’s create it for you,” has become central to The Regent’s appeal. Buyers who modify their layouts receive credits for unused fit-outs, allowing them to reinvest in other elements like upgraded appliances or bespoke finishes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24824 project_image_fid=304613]

Residents will also enjoy a collection of shared spaces that reflect the project’s attention to design, including a 315-square-metre rooftop terrace with dining and barbecue areas, a concierge, a guest suite, and a workshop and dog wash for everyday convenience.

The Regent will comprise 64 one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, with two-bedroom, two-bathroom residences starting from $699,000 and the penthouse selling at $8.5 million. Currently, off-the-plan apartment buyers in Victoria can purchase with no stamp duty for a limited time only.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=24824]

Curated for the way you live: Studio Tate brings personalised interiors to The Regent

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/callista-on-park-west-end-49-mollison-street-west-end-qld-4101">Callista on Park</a> marks the final chapter of West End's celebrated West Village precinct, emerging alongside the expansive green canopy of Mollison Park.&nbsp;

This new addition seamlessly integrates into a vibrant urban fabric where lush parklands, riverfront walkways, and a thriving retail and dining village come together within metres of home.

Residents will be immersed in one of Brisbane’s most walkable neighbourhoods. With a 99/100 walk score, West Village places daily conveniences and lifestyle luxuries on foot.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134800 project_image_fid=351537]

Woolworths, Harris Farm Markets, and a mix of retail and dining venues anchor the precinct, while boutiques like Mott and Mulberry and homewares from ZJOOSH offer an afternoon of leisurely discovery.

Everyday wellbeing is supported by a 24/7 Goodlife gym and a suite of health-focused operators including Soak Bathhouse, Next Medical Practice, Modern Dentistry, and Vitalign Chiropractor.

The broader <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/west-end-qld-4101">West End</a> district adds depth to this convenience. Boundary Street, just moments away, is a cultural corridor of indie retailers, acclaimed restaurants, and local institutions like the West End Markets, drawing residents into a weekly rhythm of fresh produce, global cuisine, and lively community exchange.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134800 project_image_fid=330231]

Just a five-minute walk from home, tranquil riverside paths shaded by jacarandas offer a leafy escape for rowers and morning walkers alike.

Art and performance are ever-present, with Metro Arts hosting regular exhibitions within the precinct and South Bank’s cultural quarter - home to QAGOMA, Queensland Performing Arts Centre, and the State Library - just 500 metres away.

Education and healthcare infrastructure are close at hand, with proximity to universities, elite schools, and medical centres enhancing the area's liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134800 project_image_fid=330222]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> and delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sekisui-house-australia">Sekisui House Australia</a>, Callista on Park also completes a decade-long transformation of the heritage-listed Peters Ice Cream Factory site.&nbsp;

The tower introduces 96 residences and an elevated rooftop conservatory complete with infinity pool, spa, private dining, and undulating gardens that echo the nearby parkland setting.

The Level 6 slab has just been poured at Callista on Park, with completion expected in late 2027. Three-bedroom residences are priced from $2.4 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134800]

Callista on Park completes West Village’s walkable, parkside vision

Challenging the trend of compact living, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-eighth-south-melbourne-22-kings-place-south-melbourne-vic-3205">The Eighth</a> delivers true house-like scale in a vertical format.

Positioned on the penultimate level of The Eighth, a newly completed development by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/crema-group">Projects by Crema</a>, the sub-penthouse offers more than just generous dimensions, it redefines what sub-penthouse living can look like in Melbourne’s Domain Precinct.

At 256 sqm, this residence exceeds the scale of most new apartments on the market. It provides the proportions of a freestanding home - three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a study, walk-in laundry, and a separate retreat - all within the security and convenience of a high-end vertical community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5345 project_image_fid=354144]

Its elevated corner position allows for uninterrupted, 270-degree views across the city skyline, Albert Park and the Botanic Garden, an outlook increasingly difficult to replicate in denser urban pockets. Full-height glazing frames these views throughout the home, anchoring each room to its setting.

Designed by Miriam Fanning of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a>, the interiors prioritise durability and spatial clarity. Stone benchtops, cove lighting, custom joinery and a fireplace enrich the central living areas.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5345 project_image_fid=354159]

A Gaggenau kitchen with integrated Liebherr refrigeration and a full butler’s pantry supports serious home cooking and entertaining, while a wine cellar and media room add versatility.

Each bedroom features a tiled ensuite and bespoke robes, with the main suite offering privacy and corner views. Private lift access, ducted air conditioning, three side-by-side car parks and ample storage round out the functional offering.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5345 project_image_fid=354160]

Residents of The Eighth benefit from a cohesive lifestyle ecosystem. A rooftop pool and BBQ terrace, wellness facilities at EQ, and an Italian café downstairs all contribute to a vertically integrated community - balancing amenity with calm, day-to-day usability.

Located just off St Kilda Road and moments from ANZAC Station and The Tan, The Eighth provides immediate access to transport, green space and cultural institutions, while remaining quietly removed from the city’s pace.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5345 project_image_fid=354141]

Importantly, the building is complete. With just 36 apartments across 18 levels, The Eighth offers long-term privacy, minimal turnover, and immediate move-in certainty.&nbsp;

The sub-penthouse stands as one of the final, and most compelling, opportunities within this now-established address.

Taylor Dow of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/dow-real-estate">DOW Real Estate</a> is the exclusive selling agent for the sub-penthouse, and the remaining few apartments in The Eighth.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5345]

A rare South Melbourne sub-penthouse with room to move

Just weeks after launching to their latest new Melbourne apartment development to the market, national apartment developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen-group">Abadeen</a>&nbsp;has secured the sale of its sub-penthouse.

A local downsizer has spent $6.25 million on a sub-penthouse in The Parker, just 24 apartments on the the doorstep of Caulfield Park. The sale equated to $23,000 per sqm.

The buyer was drawn to the&nbsp;park-fronted lifestyle and panoramic city and bay views.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145454 project_image_fid=352395]

“The first sale at $6.25 million completely vindicated our decision to acquire the site and reimagine it for owner-occupiers,” said Andrew Leoncelli, Managing Director of Abadeen.

“We took what was originally conceived as a smaller apartment product and transformed it into something exceptional — larger homes of enduring quality and understated luxury.”

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145454 project_image_fid=352397]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-parker-on-caulfield-park-219-balaclava-road-caulfield-north-vic-3161">The Parker</a>&nbsp;has been designed by&nbsp;award-winning architecture firm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/powell-glenn">Powell &amp; Glenn</a> and will be enveloped in landscaping by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/acre">Acre</a>. It was the position within the context to the park that drove the design of the building, with 70 per cent of the apartments overlook the 28-hectare space complete with&nbsp;walking trails, ovals, and playgrounds.

“Caulfield Park isn’t a typical recreational space, it has a generosity and nuance in its layering of trees and light,” said Ed Glenn, Principal at Powell &amp; Glenn.

“Our aim was to create a building that feels grounded and connected, with spaces that open to the park and unfold with light. The architecture provides a sense of refuge and prospect, balancing intimate privacy with expansive views."

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145454 project_image_fid=352400]

The architecture is defined by sculptural columns that flare like tree trunks, cascading greenery by Acre that softens the façade, and interior spaces by Powell &amp; Glenn’s Clementine Jacobs that use stone, timber, and brass finishes designed to age beautifully over time.

“The Parker is about connection where the building meets the park, people meet nature, and elevated design meets everyday life,” said Brett Robinson, Creative Director of Acre.

“We’ve created lush, year-round gardens that drape the building, softening its form and bringing the outdoors in. Every balcony and outdoor space is treated as an intimate ‘room’ framed by planting, texture, and movement. Sustainability is about timelessness; using robust, natural materials and drought-tolerant plantings that endure.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145454 project_image_fid=353657]

The Parker is Abadeen's second Melbourne apartment development, following the successful Malea, on Central Park in Malvern, which recently completed its construction.

“The Parker offers something truly unique; design elegance, community connection, and green space at your door,” Leoncelli added.

“It’s the kind of place you dream about, then realise you can actually live in.”

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145454]

Joel Robinson

Abadeen launches The Parker in Caulfield North, secures $6.25 million sub-penthouse sale

Qualitas

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The redevelopment of the Jam Factory on Chapel Street will now include between 550 and 650 apartments after Gurner and Qualitas have bought into Newmark Capital’s $1.4 billion redevelopment.

The Gurner-Qualitas partnership will reportedly tip in about $75 million of equity.

The partnership will acquire part-ownership of the iconic site, with the project to be jointly developed with Newmark.

Construction is expected to be completed in 2025 if works start next year.

Chapel Street’s forlorn Jam Factory was acquired by Newmark, led by Chris Langford and Simon Morris, for about $165 million in 2015 from Challenger.

Newmark's sale will see less commercial office space, and a 170 room hotel, in the proposal that updates the 20,000 square metre mall at 500 Chapel Street.

Langford told Nine Entertainment the project would reinvigorate the Chapel Street precinct.

"We have a strong belief in the area and the economy,” he said.

Newmark will retain the retail centre and new office tower, while Gurner and Qualitas will acquire the hotel portion along with having a share in the profits and revenues stemming from the apartments sales.

Mark Fischer, the global head of real estate at Qualitas, told Nine the real estate fundamentals of the location were “indisputable”.

“The deal provides the opportunity to bring together great real estate, nimble large-scale capital, and market-leading development capabilities,” he said.

The latest residential projects on Chapel St include 661 Chapel with 116 one, two, three and four-bedroom residences across 30 floors at the Yarra River end of the strip.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=600]

Gamuda Land’s 661 Chapel Street enjoys views of the river and Melbourne CBD.

The architecture firm, Bird de la Coeur, designed the compex winning the 2019 Good Design Awards in the category of commercial and residential architectural design.
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The redevelopment of the forlorn Jam Factory on Chapel Street will now include between 550 and 650 apartments

jchancellor

Chapel Street gets fillip from Gurner with Jam Factor renaissance

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Real estate investment firm Qualitas has announced its acquisition of the Allied Pinnacle property portfolio for around $400 million. 
The portfolio comprises ten flour-milling and bakery operations across Australia. Allied Pinnacle will maintain full control of the operations at the sites through 30-year, triple-net leases.
Purchased from Allied Pinnacle, the portfolio is expected to provide a yield of 6%. The tenant has a 100-year trading history and is the largest supplier of flour for human consumption in Australia, with a market share of approximately 40% servicing major grocery retailers, industrial bakeries and over 2,000 independent bakeries nationally.
Mark Fischer, Managing Director, Principal Investments at Qualitas, said: “These properties represent core strategic assets of the tenant and provide a national network of irreplaceable production facilities that are critical to the nation’s food supply.TENAN
“The long-term leases provide operating certainty for the tenant and positive returns for investors, as the tenant has a long history and significant market share. The properties provide exposure to a resilient part of the food sector, with flour-based products making up over 20% of the Australian diet. The underlying real estate is predominantly urban infill land, with most sites in prime suburban locations of major cities.”
Mr Fischer said the properties have been placed into a wholesale vehicle, the Qualitas Food Infrastructure Fund. There has been strong investor support for the fund, predominantly from European and Asian pension and life insurance capital as well as domestic institutional investors, he said.
“This is a unique offering for investors, as it has elements consistent across real estate, infrastructure and agricultural investments, and brings benefits from each sector. Our thesisis that there is a developing universe of “cross-over” investors from each of those sectorswho are increasingly focused on what we call ‘soft infrastructure’.
“This delivers long-duration income without the regulatory risk that comes with hard infrastructure or the tenant demand vagaries of traditional real estate.
“Deals like this don’t come along often, so we’re really pleased that Qualitas was the successful bidder,” Mr Fischer said.
James Ajaka, Allied Pinnacle CEO, said: “We are very pleased to have sold these tenproperties to Qualitas. This partnership will allow us to maintain full operational control of ourbusiness, while Qualitas take ownership of a great suite of properties”.
An extensive sales process was run by CBRE and Charter Keck Cramer, with Arnold Bloch Leibler advising Qualitas on the acquisition and King &amp; Wood Mallesons advising the vendor. Minter Ellison advised Qualitas on the establishment of the Qualitas Food Infrastructure Fund.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Qualitas buys Allied Pinnacle property portfolio in $400 million deal

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Australian based real estate investment manager Qualitas recently announced the acquisition of the Fawkner Centre at 499 St Kilda Road, in a move that will see the site redeveloped into high-end apartments. In a joint venture with LAS Group, the $300 million project dubbed ‘The Fawkner’ will transform the former commercial building into 253 apartments providing direct access to Fawkner Park, while offering expansive views to Port Phillip Bay and Albert Park.

The project initially began life under the stewardship of joint partners LAS Group and Malaysian developer IGB Corporation. After gaining approval during 2014 for an Elenberg Fraser rebirth accommodating 245 apartments, the project has since been reconfigured by Kerry Phelan and her design team at K.P.D.O.

The residential conversion will see all internals stripped before being reconfigured to one, two and three-bedroom apartments featuring five-star, hotel-like amenity. Capping the project will be a new reflective glazed facade.

<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/aerial_upd3_reduced.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="499 St Kilda Road aerial. Image courtesy Qualitas"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/aerial_upd3_reduced.jpg?itok=Qgj2_WQj" title="499 St Kilda Road aerial. Image courtesy Qualitas" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>499 St Kilda Road aerial. Image courtesy Qualitas</figcaption></figure>According to Qualitas Managing Director – Real Estate Principal Investments, Mark Fischer, The Fawkner is largely driven by a desire to cater to the owner-occupier and downsizer market who appreciate generously sized apartments with excellent amenity and a standard of finish that is expected of St Kilda Road apartment developments.

<blockquote>
The focus for both ourselves when we became involved and LAS Group was that this is somewhat an irreplaceable location and a rather unique opportunity to have residential connected directly to Fawkner Park. Ideally the purchaser profile for a project like this is going to be someone very discerning, someone who has lived in quite a nice family home and is seeking a very clever and intelligent floor plan and strong level of finishes in the project.

So we spent significant time reworking the floor plans again, and that’s really where K.P.D.O came into the project initially, as an interiors firm but I think the value Kerry and her team have added to the project is outstanding. The floor plans are to a level now where purchasers will see them as a high levels will see them as a high level, quality product as opposed to the more traditional cookie cutter apartment floor plans that are out there.

K.P.D.O is not solely an interiors practice, they are a strong, bespoke architectural firm, and they had some fantastic ideas on the development of the façade. Obviously we’re going through a conversion of an existing office building to high end residential so you really need something to be done with the façade to tie in with what we’re trying to achieve in terms of product quality.
<cite>Mark Fischer</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/image154.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Elenberg Fraser's scheme to that of K.P.D.O.'s"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="243" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image154.jpg?itok=QEkS6Ef9" title="Elenberg Fraser's scheme to that of K.P.D.O.'s" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Elenberg Fraser's scheme to that of K.P.D.O.'s</figcaption></figure>The façade design developed by K.P.D.O. plays on the concept of reflectivity drawing on its park setting, while allowing for a different visual experience from various angles around the site. The location and views on offer essentially dictated that the project had to deliver a quality product to prospective purchases, as development sites bordering significant parks are becoming increasingly scarce.

<blockquote>
On a global scale, there are very limited opportunities to live directly within and amongst a mature parkland such as Fawkner Park. There are only a handful of examples in other global cities such as London, New York and Tokyo of premium residential buildings being on a parkside location, so this project has unparalleled attributes.

As the project is an existing office structure, we are able to retain the high ceilings and the building has been re-designed to deliver larger apartments, offering  purchasers an opportunity to consolidate apartments

This project is an example of how ageing office buildings along St Kilda Road can be converted into market-leading residential developments – the market has talked for a while about office-to-residential conversions, however this will be one of the first examples to launch in the market in recent times, and certainly the first of this scale, making it a unique offering
<cite>Mark Fischer</cite>
</blockquote>

Resident facilities will include an impressive porte-cochere from St Kilda Road, 24-hour concierge service for residents, wine room and cellar, theatre, swimming pool, gymnasium, steam and massage rooms, children’s play spaces and communal meeting areas.

The project is currently in what Fischer describes as a “coming soon” phase and there is currently a display gallery available by appointment for VIP’s allowing potential purchasers to take in the views. The project will be officially launched to the market in the coming months and represents the second venture between Qualitas and LAS Group in recent times, following the recent completion of the Summerhill Shopping Centre in Melbourne's north. The Fawkner will further solidify this relationship.
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Laurence Dragomir

Qualitas and K.P.D.O. provide The Fawkner with added impetus

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With a total site area of 13,390sqm in their keeping, Leighton Properties have chosen to divide the prized Readings Moonee Ponds site into separate development parcels, the first of which has recently been lodged with City of Moonee Valley. Highlighted by Apartments.com.au during May 2013, the then sales campaign included an <a href="/news/finally-readings-moonee-ponds-for-sale">indicative development scheme of 30 levels</a>.

Subsequently parent company Leighton Holdings was revealed as the buyer and approximately a year later have presented in conjunction with project partner Qualitas a planning submission with the intent of delivering a substantial apartment project.

<h2>Application summary</h2>

<ul>
<li>Stage 1 development: 40 Hall Street, Moonee Ponds</li>
	<li>Current site use: at grade car park (formerly Moonee Ponds Market)</li>
	<li>Application for development lodged September 2014</li>
	<li>15 levels @ 49.2 metres</li>
	<li>Site area: 2,388sqm</li>
	<li>162 apartments (1/2 bedroom) &amp; 2 retail tenancies over 437sqm</li>
	<li>137 car spaces &amp; 70 bicycle spaces</li>
</ul>
<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/image3hall.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of 40 Hall Street . Image © Plus"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="773" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image3hall.jpg?itok=1hqoX-oL" title="Artist's impression of 40 Hall Street. Image © Plus" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of 40 Hall Street . Image © Plus</figcaption></figure><h2>Design impetus</h2>

Plus Architecture have employed a gentle undulating facade over the tower with a variety of materials on display. Differing glaze colours are joined by metal cladding, masonry and applied finishes (assumed precast) to create the external look.

<blockquote>
The articulation of the building envelope is both unifying and highly adaptive. The design presents a singular bold expression to Hall Street, providing the relatively short building the required gravitas to anchor the future precinct in a clear and calm manner .

The design considerations have resulted in a unique and contemporary design response that will contribute significantly to this streetscape and the overall centre. The development displays a high amount of glazing, including a mixture of tinted glazing and glass balustrades. The proposal will incorporate quality materials and finishes, including a mix of applied light and dark colours to respond to the highly innovative architectural design of the overall building.
<cite>Plus Architecture: planning application design statement</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Communal focus</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Expected ground level layout. Image © Oculus"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="481" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image8.jpg?itok=eECzrxOl" title="Expected ground level layout. Image © Oculus" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Expected ground level thoroughfare. Image © Oculus</figcaption></figure>Consisting of recycled brick and concrete pavers, 40 Hall Street seeks a new north-south pedestrian link with a likely future extension through to Homer Street. Beyond ground, a 482sqm resident's communal garden is included over the mezzanine level whilst level 5 also carries a communal terrace complete with mature trees.

A 147sqm roof garden is proposed to supplement the indoor/outdoor rooftop communal terrace area. Included is a kitchen, dining area and lounge space whilst the external area holds a BBQ and dining/entertaining space. It's envisaged an easily reconfigured terrace could also hold an outdoor cinema with the CBD as a backdrop.

<h2>One of many</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/image2_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Readings overview with 40 Hall Street in red. Image courtesy Urbis planning report"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="371" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image2_0.jpg?itok=wM5hu9tv" title="Readings overview with 40 Hall Street in red. Image courtesy Urbis planning report" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Readings overview with 40 Hall Street in red. Image © Urbis</figcaption></figure>Prior to 40 Hall Street's submission, City of Moonee Valley had indicated that 17 levels was an appropriate outcome of the Readings site. With scope for an additional four or five apartment towers onsite and the nearby Moonee Valley Racecourse seeking 25 level towers as part of its redevelopment, it remains to be seen whether Leighton will push for future towers in the 25-30 level vicinity.

In the wider context Urbis' 40 Hall Street planning report states "Moonee Ponds is expected to undergo a shift in character to a taller, higher density precinct. There are also a number of new developments under construction or approved in the wider area." Indeed Moonee Ponds continues on an upward trajectory in terms of apartment development.

Currently three separate apartment buildings fronting Moore Street are under construction whilst The Montgomery and MOPO are both at sales, yielding a combined 178 apartments. Other projects currently of note within the Moonee Ponds Activity Centre include the 10 level 6-14 Young Street and Moloney Group's 33 Hall Street at 14 levels.

<h2>40 Hall Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Leighton Properties / Qualitas</li>
	<li>Architect: Plus Architecture</li>
	<li>Planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>Transport: GTA Consultants</li>
	<li>Landscape: Oculus</li>
	<li>Sustainability: Lucid Consulting Australia</li>
	<li>Waste Management: Leigh Design</li>
</ul>
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