Less than five months after submitting plans to redevelop the former Cadbury office on St Kilda Road into a luxury apartment tower, development giant <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/dexus-property-group">Dexus</a>&nbsp;has been given ministerial approval to push on with the project.

Apartments.com.au <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/vic/first-look-dexus-joins-st-kilda-road-apartment-ranks-with-gateway-tower-proposal">revealed the plans in October last year</a>.

The approved project will see the 19-storey office building at 636 St Kilda Road replaced with a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bates-smart">Bates Smart</a>-designed tower delivering more than 400 new apartments at the prominent intersection of St Kilda Road and Queens Road.&nbsp;

The design responds to the site’s gateway position at St Kilda Junction, with Bates Smart describing the tower as a “refined and sculptural built form that mediates between the scale of St Kilda Road and Queens Road,” reinforcing a civic presence at the key intersection.&nbsp;

<img alt="First look: Dexus joins St Kilda Road apartment ranks with gateway tower proposal" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-10-06%20at%2012.52.37%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=Tq3yyOWe0e0klvy5j4TIjiZT7yd3f1Xk" />

The development will comprise 402 apartments, including 40 studios, 87 one-bedroom, 203 two-bedroom, and 66 three-bedroom residences, alongside six penthouses. The project will also incorporate active frontages, new pedestrian through-links and a landscape strategy designed to integrate with the boulevard character of St Kilda Road.&nbsp;

Public realm improvements form part of the approved scheme, including a 138 square metre linear park, extensive landscaping and approximately 188 metres of active street frontage intended to improve permeability and safety at ground level. Four basement levels will provide 449 car spaces and 120 bicycle spaces.&nbsp;

The project includes a $9.6 million contribution to the Social Housing Growth Fund, equivalent to three per cent of the project’s estimated development cost, supporting broader affordable housing initiatives across Victoria.&nbsp;

<img alt="First look: Dexus joins St Kilda Road apartment ranks with gateway tower proposal" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/St%20kilda%20rd%20site.png?VersionId=m_ZioKYhwkvekE3ZUF6y7bz.5_5yFPnZ" />

Wholesale Australian Property Fund (DWAPF) Fund Manager Chris Davitt said the residences are intended to appeal to a broad mix of buyers seeking proximity to the CBD and surrounding amenities.

“We’re excited about the potential of the project to contribute new residential supply to one of Melbourne’s most sought-after areas,” Davitt previously said. “The landmark site at 636 St Kilda Road is at the gateway to Melbourne’s CBD, offering sweeping views and exceptional connectivity.”&nbsp;

The site’s three street frontages, St Kilda Road, Queens Road and Queens Lane, allow for generous setbacks and a flexible built form, while its proximity to the ANZAC Station tram-rail interchange and the St Kilda Road cycling corridor positions it within one of Melbourne’s most connected inner-city precincts.&nbsp;

St Kilda Road has become one of Melbourne’s most active apartment corridors in recent years, with projects such as Victoriana, The Muse and St Boulevard already completed overlooking Albert Park Lake, while Gamuda Land continues construction on Fareham and several other developments are planned nearby.&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

Dexus secures ministerial approval for St Kilda Road apartment tower

Just a few months after launching to the market,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gold-partners-australia">Gold Partners Australia</a>&nbsp;has sold 75 per cent of the apartments at&nbsp;Harmony on Broadbeach, its debut Gold Coast apartment development.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/harmony-on-broadbeach-2797-gold-coast-highway-broadbeach-qld-4218">Harmony on Broadbeach</a>, which will rise 33 storeys on the corner of First Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway about 400 metres from the beach, will deliver a collection of two and three-bedroom apartments designed to appeal to a mix of local owner-occupiers, interstate buyers, and investors seeking newer stock in the tightly held Broadbeach market.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dbi">DBI Architects</a>, Harmony will home just over 100 apartments, with a typical floorplate limited to four apartments per level. The configuration allows for larger layouts and greater privacy compared to many higher-density coastal towers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113098 project_image_fid=355608]

The residences comprise generous two and three-bedroom apartments with open-plan living areas, large balconies and floor-to-ceiling glazing designed to maximise natural light and capture views across the ocean, hinterland and Broadbeach skyline. Interiors feature natural stone benchtops, engineered timber flooring and Miele appliances, with finishes intended to reflect the coastal character of the surrounding area.&nbsp;

Amenities are centred on a dedicated wellness offering, including a 20-metre swimming pool, spa, sauna, gymnasium and yoga lawn, alongside communal lounges, private dining areas and outdoor barbecue spaces for residents. The building will also include a hospitality venue at street level, activating the ground plane along the Gold Coast Highway.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113098 project_image_fid=355611]

Olympus Property Group is handling sales for the development. Director Deanna Lockett said the project has resonated with a wide buyer pool drawn to the combination of location and pricing.

“There’s been nothing new come to the market in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/broadbeach-qld-4218">Broadbeach</a> at this price point for nearly a year,” Lockett said. “It hits the sweet spot of affordability, good sized apartments, in a great location.”&nbsp;

Broadbeach remains one of the Gold Coast’s most established lifestyle precincts, with residents within walking distance of the beach, dining along Surf Parade, Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, and the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre. The suburb has seen limited new apartment supply over the past year, contributing to strong early demand for Harmony.&nbsp;

Construction is due to commence in Q2 2026, with completion targeted for late 2028, as Gold Partners Australia expands into the Gold Coast market alongside its established pipeline in New South Wales.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113098]

Harmony on Broadbeach races to 75 per cent sold as Gold Partners Australia target construction commencement

Developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hirsch-faigen">Hirsch &amp; Faigen</a> is bringing some of the largest apartments ever delivered to the sought-after Domain Precinct, directly facing Albert Park Lake.

H&amp;F has recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-queensbury-melbourne-71-queens-road-melbourne-vic-3004">The Queensbury</a>, inspired by London’s Queens Club, the historic home of the prestigious Wimbledon, the world’s oldest tennis tournament. The opportunity for apartment buyers is as rare as securing a ticket to the finals at the All England Club, with the site being one of the very few remaining positions offering uninterrupted, never-to-be-built-out views across Albert Park Lake.

The building has been designed to maximise the unique nature of the site and its prominent parkside position. Architecture firm Forum has crafted a design that responds directly to its setting. Its façade is defined by strong vertical elements and expansive glazing, oriented to capture the unrepeatable views over Albert Park Lake, the city and the bay.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151832 project_image_fid=359764]

There will be 141 two- and three-bedroom apartments in The Queensbury, many of which have already been snapped up during the early marketing stage.

The apartments have been planned to maximise natural light and visual connection to the surrounding landscape. Living areas extend to private balconies, reinforcing the relationship between interior spaces and the lake or city beyond. Bedrooms are oriented to draw in daylight, while material selections focus on natural stone, porcelain tiles and brushed nickel fixtures.

Purchasers can choose between two interior schemes, Augusta and Ascot, which interpret neutral and earth-toned palettes across kitchens and bathrooms. Kitchens incorporate natural stone benchtops, integrated Miele appliances and panelled cabinetry, with detailing designed to balance durability and everyday functionality.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151832 project_image_fid=359771]

Much like the private clubs that define Wimbledon’s tradition and prestige, The Queensbury has been designed to embody an exclusive, club-style way of living.

Its resident amenities are curated to mirror the refined atmosphere of a members’ club, with spaces to gather, unwind and entertain, delivering an elevated lifestyle that feels both rare and enduring.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151832 project_image_fid=359772]

“The ground level is designed as an open lounge that brings the outdoors in,” says David Harrap, Director at Forum.

“The wellness centre is a sanctuary and spills out towards the garden, creating a sense of calm.”

The wellness centre comprises a fully equipped gym, spa, cold plunge pool and sauna. A resident lounge and dining space opens to an outdoor pickleball court, aligned with the sporting culture of London’s Queens Club and a first for a Melbourne multi-residential apartment development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151832 project_image_fid=359748]

While the proximity and orientation of the site and building are unmatched, future residents will also be within walking distance of ANZAC Station and multiple tram connections along St Kilda Road. The development is also close to the NGV, Arts Centre Melbourne and major sporting venues including the MCG and Rod Laver Arena.

St Kilda Beach, along with the hospitality venues that line the foreshore, is just over two kilometres from the front door.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151832 project_image_fid=359764]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hirsch-faigen">Hirsch &amp; Faigen</a> has been developing a mix of commercial and residential projects since it was founded in 2014 by Daniel Faigen and backed by Eddie Hirsch, co-founder of United Petroleum.

After recently launching its fourth Gold Coast project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hirsch-faigen">Hirsch &amp; Faigen</a> has also delivered local developments including Central Park in Box Hill and 107 Darling Road in Malvern East.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151832]

The Queensbury brings Wimbledon-inspired living to Albert Park Lake

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pdg-corporation">PDG Corporation</a> has been appointed by the Victorian Government and Development Victoria to transform a long-unused infrastructure site in Ivanhoe into a new residential precinct, delivering 275 homes alongside a 2,000 sqm public park.

The project will redevelop the former water tank site on Upper Heidelberg Road, which has been unused since 2004. The appointment follows an eight-year planning process and marks the start of detailed design, with a planning application expected to be lodged in mid-2026.

The redevelopment will introduce a new residential community in one of Melbourne’s established inner-north suburbs, with at least 10 per cent of the homes allocated as affordable housing. In addition to new housing supply, the project will expand local open space through the delivery of the public park, which will be accessible to the broader community.

PDG Managing Director and Founder Vince Giuliano said the partnership with Development Victoria presented an opportunity to deliver a housing outcome aligned with the character of the area.

“PDG is thrilled to partner with Development Victoria to bring new housing options to this popular part of Melbourne,” Giuliano said.

“This exceptional location offers a rare opportunity to create a vibrant, connected community, and we look forward to working closely with Development Victoria and other stakeholders to bring their vision to life.”

The Ivanhoe project continues PDG’s track record of delivering mixed-use and community-focused developments in Melbourne.

PDG has just sought to upscale its plans for its prime Southbank site on Queens Bridge Street. They are seeking to developer 637 apartments across a 71-storey tower.

PDG appointed to develop Ivanhoe water tank site by Development Victoria

National developer Fortis has received development approval for Crest &amp; Walker, its Newstead apartment development on Kyabra Street.

Construction by Binah is expected to commence on the 20-storey, Bureau^Proberts-designed building soon. There will be 65 two- and three-bedroom apartments on offer, starting at $1.8 million.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a> marks the fourth active development to be delivered by Fortis in Brisbane, following River House, now nearing completion, a residential project in New Farm, and a mixed-use development in Hamilton. Several additional projects remain in the pipeline as the development manager continues to grow its footprint across South-East Queensland.

&nbsp;

Dan Boman, General Manager – Development, Queensland, said the continued expansion in Brisbane projects managed by Fortis reflects the company’s commitment to design-led development and thoughtful placemaking.

“We’re proud to be strengthening our presence in Brisbane with Crest &amp; Walker, particularly in such lifestyle destination as Newstead," Bonman says.

"Every Fortis project is shaped by its context, and we approach each one with the respect and care it deserves."

Bonman believes Crest &amp; Walker will&nbsp;attract a discerning buyer who values design, thoughtful amenity and a lifestyle that captures the best of contemporary Brisbane.

"Our focus is always on creating places that feel connected to their neighbourhood and elevate the everyday experience for residents. Newstead continues to evolve as one of Brisbane’s most sought-after urban communities, and Crest &amp; Walker reflects our ambition to contribute meaningfully to that story."

&nbsp;

The building’s design features a contemporary brick podium softened by vertical greenery, creating a distinctive architectural expression within the Newstead streetscape. Positioned between Gasworks and James Street, the project sits within one of Brisbane’s most coveted lifestyle precincts, surrounded by dining, retail and cultural destinations.

A communal rooftop will feature a sun lounge and pool, BBQ facilities and a sauna, all set against panoramic views across Newstead and the Brisbane CBD.

Slaite Projects will handle the sales campaign, which will kick off in May.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145922]

Fortis to launch Crest & Walker, Newstead following development approval

Quotes

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I received a call from a novice property developer the other day and thought I'd share his dilemma.
He'd purchased a duplex site and had just received a set of plans and had a builder quote on the plans. He couldn't understand why there was so much allowed for in "site works". 
I looked over his quote for him and could see that his builder hadn't itemised out many costs. Our builder's quote or tender has about 75 itemised inclusions.
I explained to the caller that there was probably a lot of items included in his "site costs".  
Site works cover a few different things. Some builder's refer to them a pre-construction works or simply excavation works.
After the site is pegged out by the surveyor, excavation will start. If the site is relatively flat, this may just involve a 'site scrape' which will remove the top layer of grass and bushes. If there are trees on the  site, the excavator can sometimes knock them down or you may need to have these cut down and removed before the excavator comes to site. If so, make sure you leave about a meter or so of the tree stump above the ground the excavator will be able to pull up the root systems. All this vegetation has to be disposed on, so land with a lot of bush and trees is more expensive to prepare as disposal of debris will depend on the dump truck's load size or weight.
If the site is sloping then there will be much more work required to cut the site. There will be excess soil to remove. This is included in "site works". Mostly there is a Provisional Allowance for this work which means you may pay more or less than the allowance, so it's important you have a builder who is experienced and accurate with their allowances. The builder Property Bloom uses is often giving credits for these works as I would rather have them over allow than under allow.
So back to my caller… I advised him to ask his builder to break down the costs for him that were included as "site costs" that way he could more clearly see what was included and understand the process.
This leads me to site selection and comparing development sites.
Last week we took a client with us to inspect two dual occupancy sites that we were told would be coming onto the market shortly. They were in the same suburb but different locations. The suburb profile really stacked up, a high proportion of owner occupiers, good sales references for comparable properties, lots of government and council spending on infrastructure and community services and high rental demand.
The two lots were pretty similar in size, both large enough for a dual occupancy development but there was one major difference. One lot had about a 3m fall from the rear to the front and the other lot had a very slight fall to the rear boundary.
The two lots were the same price. The lot with the 3m fall was in a slightly better location, closer to community facilities in the area and our client said our client liked that land better than the other.
However, after walking over both sites, I explained our choice was the other lot. This was because of the savings on site costs. The slight fall to the rear did not worry me as the sewer and drainage systems were already in place there. The fact that this land would need less cut, less spoil removed and most importantly very little retaining was why I liked it so much.
The land with a 3m fall to the street would require more cut and fill work, perhaps even the use of dropped edge beam slabs and also retaining walls. Unfortunately, these works add no intrinsic value to your development. You won't get any more rent or a better sales price if you have high retaining walls, in fact higher walls can detract from the appearance of the private open spaces.
So choose your site wisely and ensure your builder has a good track record with estimating the allowance required for site works.
Jo Chivers is Chief Executive Officer of property development project managers <a href="https://www.propertybloom.com.au/about" target="_blank">Property Bloom</a>.
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